When the fellowship is trying to decide which way to take the ring, they have to choose between the cruel mountains of Caradhras, and the long dark tunnels of Moria. Neither way is safe, but they are forced to make a hasty decision before they have really considered their options, because they are spotted by the Crebain of Dunland, the flying spies who report their whereabouts to Saruman. They flee up the mountain, which throws snow and boulders and all kinds of malice at them so they are forced to turn back and attempt to solve the riddle of the gate into the tunnels so that they may enter.