Mithril is the fictional metal mined in Moria in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth.
In Tolkien’s legendarium, mithril is a rare, valuable metal associated especially with the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm, the underground realm later known as Moria. Its name comes from Sindarin: mith means “grey” and ril means “glitter.” The metal is described as lighter than silver but stronger than steel, making it prized for weapons, armour, and objects of exceptional value.
Bilbo’s coat of mithril-mail is one of the best-known examples. Thorin gives it to Bilbo before the Battle of the Five Armies, and Bilbo later gives it to Frodo. The coat protects Frodo from a spear thrust in Moria and helps save his life.
Mithril is sometimes confused with ordinary silver because its appearance is bright and pale. Tolkien’s descriptions make it a distinct substance, not simply a poetic name for silver. Its growing scarcity also explains why the mines of Moria became economically and politically significant.