Throughout the histories of Arda, obsidian (Q."Moricalca")—known to some as "mirrorstone" or "darkglass"—held a quiet yet persistent presence among the materials shaped by the hands of Elves, Dwarves, and Men. Though not as widely revered as mithril or as feared as morgul-steel, obsidian occupied a unique place in the lore and superstitions of Middle-earth.
Origins and Nature[]
Obsidian was a volcanic glass formed in regions where fire met stone with sudden violence. It was found in pockets beneath the Ephel Dúath, in the deep places of the Withered Heath, and most notably beneath Amon Lanc, where the Dwarves uncovered a rare red variant. This "crimson obsidian", streaked with iron and fire, was prized for its beauty and sharpness, though its origins later became entangled with darker tales following the rise of Dol Guldur. In its pure form, obsidian was neither enchanted nor inherently perilous. It bore no will, no malice, and no magic—only the silent memory of flame and pressure. The Vala Aulë, master of the earth’s shaping, was said to have delighted in its clarity and edge, and some Dwarven traditions held that obsidian contained echoes of his craft.
Cultural Uses and Beliefs[]
Among the Free Peoples, obsidian was used sparingly. Elves occasionally employed it in ornamentation, favoring its reflective qualities in ceremonial mirrors. Dwarves carved it into blades and chisels, appreciating its sharpness and durability. Gondorian scholars noted its presence in Haradrim amulets and tribal tools, often wrapped in cloth and treated with reverence. However, among the darker cults and the peoples of shadow, obsidian took on a more ominous role. In the waning centuries of the Third Age, certain sects referred to a particular black variant as Murzah (B.S."Black Glass") —a name whispered in fear and awe. Though geologically identical to common obsidian, Murzah was believed to be touched by Melkor’s stain, a corruption of basic matter. It was said to reflect not the face, but the soul; to whisper in dreams; to bind oaths in silence. Sorcerers used Black Mirrors of Murzah to visualize the Unseen, Houseless Wraiths and demons in dark ceremonies. These beliefs, however, were rooted more in superstition than in fact. No record from the Wise confirmed any inherent power in Murzah. Its reputation stemmed from its association with places of darkness—Angband, Dol Guldur, and the deep chasms of Mordor—rather than from any demonstrable enchantment.
See:
Main overview: Domain of the Lidless Eye Portal
Editorial Note: This entry contains speculative or fan-based material — such as fanon, fanfiction, or theory constructs — that may not be directly supported by canonical texts. Interpretations offered here are part of the NNCA’s speculative corpus and should not be mistaken for primary Tolkien sources.