- Before they reach the bridge, they are surrounded in the great hall of Dwarrowdelf by an entire horde of orcs.
- But behind them they hear a roar and see a glowing light. The orcs become frightened and scatter.
- Gandalf says that the creature approaching them is a Balrog, an ancient demon that is too great for them.
- They continue running for the bridge and, after some close calls with crumbling stairways and orc arrows, they make it to the bridge of Khazad-dum with the Balrog hot (very hot) in pursuit.
- Gandalf is the last to cross the bridge and pauses at its center to confront the Balrog. They clash in a struggle of magic and fire until the bridge crumbles under the Balrog's weight.
- But as it falls, its whip catches Gandalf and pulls him down into the depths with him.
- Gandalf's last words are, "Fly, you fools."