The Secret door is located somewhere Smaug would never fit. Thorin Oakenshield and the company he led to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from Smaug. The key hole would only be shown on the light of the full moon.
History[]
Creation[]
At some point, the Side-door was created during Thror's reign, with support of his son Thrain. Many figured it was meant to be used as means of escape in case of emergency.
Quest of Erebor[]
The Back Door’s dimensions were described on Thrór's Map as: "Five feet high the door and three may walk abreast." When Gandalf brought out the map at the unexpected party in Bilbo Baggins' home he also produced the small and curious silver key with a long barrel and intricate wards, which would open the door.
Rivendell[]
Elrond was given permission to examine Thrór's Map and discovered the moon-letters which revealed the method of opening the door. Elrond read them out as: "Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the key-hole."
The Last Light of Durin[]
When Bilbo and the Dwarves reached the Lonely Mountain they eventually found rough steps that led upwards to a little steep-walled bay above a cliff. In the back was a flat wall that rose as smooth and upright as masons' work. Although without any sign of a post or lintel or threshold, nor any sign of bar or bolt or key-hole, they knew that they had found the door. However, the Company began leaving, neglecting the thrush had to knock when the last light of Durin's day shined upon the keyhole. Bilbo tried calling them back, but the dwarves left, as Thorin begrudingly gave their hobbit companion the map and letting the key fall onto the ground.
Bilbo remained behind, remembering the entire prophecy, remembering the Thrush had to knock, as it did at that moment when the moonlight shone upon the keyhole. Bilbo called his friends back, and began to desperately search for the key. Howeveer, his foot ended up hitting the key, which nearly fell off the cliff. However, Thorin stepped on it before it fell and picked it up as the rest of the dwarves returned.
After Thorin turned the key in the hole the Dwarves pushed the door inward and the way into the mountain was opened. However, the company could not exit through the door a second time as they ran from Smaug and resolved to kill the dragon themselves. Its further fate is unknown.
Description[]
The door blended into the side of the wall on the outside; however, on the inside, the door's inscription above it, while a picture of the Arkenstone was carved into the side.
Visitors[]
- Balin
- Bifur
- Bilbo Baggins
- Bombur
- Dori
- Dwalin
- Glóin
- Nori
- Ori
- Thorin Oakenshield