What Gandalf Says To The Balrog In Lord Of The Rings (Meaning Explained)

Gandalf facing the Balrog in the Mines of Moria is one of the most intense and memorable scenes from The Lord of the Rings, and there’s a reason it has become so quotable. Whether fans are referring to J.R.R. Tolkien’s book or Peter Jackson’s movie adaptations, the line “You shall not pass!” — changed slightly from the source material’s “You cannot pass” — stands out as one of the best Lord of the Rings quotes out there. Of course, that’s not the only thing Gandalf says to the Balrog before it drags him into the depths of Moria.

Gandalf’s dramatic speech raises the tensions as he draws on his magic to hold the Balrog off. However, some of his phrasing may prove perplexing for more casual Lord of the Rings fans — and perhaps even those versed in the source material. While the message behind “You cannot pass!” is clear enough, Gandalf’s comments about “the Secret Fire” and “Flame of Udûn” have deeper meanings related to Tolkien’s lore. The Lord of the Rings movies don’t offer direct explanations for these lines, but one can find answers by consulting the author’s writings.

“You Cannot Pass!” Serves A Greater Purpose In The LOTR Books & Movies

It’s More Than Just An Iconic Line

“You cannot pass” is changed to the iconic and instantly recognizable “You shall not pass!” in Jackson’s Fellowship of the Ring movie, but Gandalf uses both lines to similar effect. Their inclusion goes beyond giving the Istar something memorable and powerful to say. The fact that he repeats this same line multiple times throughout his speech proves as much, giving it a greater purpose within the context of the scene. Read Gandalf’s full quote to the Balrog below:

“‘You cannot pass,’ he said. The orcs stood still, and a dead silence fell. ‘I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn. Go back to the Shadow! You cannot pass.’”

As Lord of the Rings screenwriter Philippa Boyens told Jake’s Takes, Gandalf’s “You shall not pass” line becomes something of “an incantation” when brought to life on-screen. And it reads that way in Tolkien’s text, too, indicating that he’s calling upon a massive amount of power to keep Durin’s Bane at bay. It conveys the energy of this scene impressively, building the momentum each time Gandalf utters it. Of course, it also captures the Istar’s determination to ensure the Balrog does not, in fact, pass. That’s why the final delivery in the movie is so much louder and more commanding.

Why Gandalf Describes Himself As A “Servant Of The Secret Fire”

Gandalf Is Referencing His Connection To Eru Ilúvatar

After Gandalf’s first delivery of “You cannot pass,” he tells the Balrog that he’s a “servant of the Secret Fire,” though he doesn’t elaborate on what this means. In Tolkien’s Middle-earth, the Secret Fire — also dubbed “the Flame Imperishable” — refers to the power of creation wielded by The Lord of the Rings’ version of god, Eru Ilúvatar. When Gandalf says this line, he’s referencing his connection to Eru Ilúvatar, who is the one who created the Ainur (a group that encompasses both the Maiar and the Valar).

Gandalf serves the light and Eru Ilúvatar, as he’s one of the Istar that the Valar sent to Middle-earth to stop Sauron’s darkness from spreading. While the Balrog isn’t directly associated with Sauron, Durin’s Bane is an extension of the darkness Gandalf is meant to fight against. His line about serving the Secret Fire is a reminder of that. The Rings of Power season 2 sees Gandalf mentioning the Secret Fire again, so it’s possible the Amazon show will expand on this Lord of the Rings line further.

The “Flame Of Anor” Also Ties Gandalf To The Light

Anor Means “Sun” In Elvish

In addition to highlighting his allegiance to the Secret Fire, Gandalf claims to wield the “flame of Anor” while shouting at the Balrog. The meaning behind this part of his speech is a bit hazy, as Tolkien doesn’t dig into what the “flame of Anor” is. However, “Anor” translates to “Sun” in Elvish, and that provides two possible explanations. This could be yet another declaration of loyalty to the Valar, who created the Sun, and this makes sense given where this statement falls. It’s in the same line that mentions the Secret Fire, which is similarly related to Gandalf’s mission.

By calling upon the flame of Anor, Gandalf could be invoking the light that he fights for in order to fend off Middle-earth’s creatures of darkness. However, Fandom.com posits another possible explanation: that Gandalf is referring to Narya, the Ring of Power he carries, which also happens to be the Ring of Fire. This could be the flame of Anor Gandalf is talking about, though it’s unclear why he’d announce the ring’s presence or call it by another name. More likely, the flame of Anor stands for the forces of light that Gandalf represents and draws strength from.

The “Flame Of Udûn” Is A Reference To Morgoth

Udûn Was One Of Morgoth’s Most Powerful Strongholds

Gandalf also calls the Balrog “Flame of Udûn” while informing the creature that the darkness will not save him. His sentiment that “the darkness will not avail you” is clear, as he understands that goodness and light will triumph. However, Gandalf refers to a very specific darkness when mentioning Udûn. Udûn is one of the most powerful strongholds in Lord of the Rings, and it’s associated with Tolkien’s original villain, Morgoth. Also known as ​Utumno, Udûn is Morgoth’s first fortress, which he operated from during the First Age of Middle-earth.

Calling Durin’s Bane the Flame of Udûn is a means of declaring the creature’s allegiance to the dark forces of Middle-earth, directly opposing Gandalf’s servant of the Secret Fire title. It goes beyond that, however, as Balrogs are also Maiar who were corrupted by Morgoth. Given that Morgoth is responsible for the Balrog’s existence, this line recognizes where Durin’s Bane came from. And in doing so, it leads perfectly into Gandalf’s next command.

What Gandalf Means By “Go Back To The Shadow”

Gandalf tells the Balrog to “go back to the Shadow” right before his final “You cannot pass,“, and it’s another straightforward command — though on the heels of the wizard’s Morgoth reference, it’s even more ruthless. As CBR notes, Gandalf is telling the Balrog to go back where it came from, banishing it to the darkness once more. But the reminder that it’s a creature of Morgoth adds another layer to this sentiment. If Durin’s Bane doesn’t back down, it will end up just like its former master.

Morgoth is defeated during the First Age, well before The Lord of the Rings, so Gandalf is reminding the Balrog what becomes of evil forces in Middle-earth. Unfortunately, the creature doesn’t heed his warning, and it results in Gandalf defeating him on the peak of Silvertine. The Istar returns as Gandalf the White afterward, but this speech marks an epic send-off for Gandalf the Grey.

Source: Jake’s Takes, Fandom.com, CBR