Stair Falls

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Stair Falls is a fictional waterfall in The Lord of the Rings.

Stair Falls is a waterfall outside the West-gate of Moria. The Stair Falls were formed by Sirannon, the Gate-stream, which flowed from the valley in front of the West-gate and over a cliff about 30 feet high and then continued southwestward to join the Glanduin. There was a flight of stone steps carved into the cliff on the northern side of the falls, but the main path wound up the cliffside a bit north of the stairs. The Stair Falls were once strong and full. But the waterfall was cut off when the Sirannon was dammed, forming a pool where the Watcher in the Water lurked.

The Fellowship came to the cliff where the Stair Falls had been on January 13, 3019. Gandalf, Gimli, and Frodo climbed the Stair and discovered that the pool blocked their path. They returned down the Stair and used the main path up the cliff and around the pool.

It seems possible that after the War of the Ring, the Sirannon may have been unblocked and the Stair Falls may have flowed once more, but this is nowhere stated.

[edit] Sources

• The Fellowship of the Ring: "A Journey in the Dark," p. 314-16; "The Bridge of Khazad-dûm," p. 336-37