Characters: Feanor

This is the second of my character profiles for important characters in Tolkien's The Silmarillion. Be advised, there are plot spoilers from the book in this article.

Feanor was a Noldorin elf of the House of Finwe, and was the half brother of Fingolfin and Finarfin, with whom he had a fractous relationship. Feanor's mother died giving birth to him. He was most famous among the Elves for his fiery spirit and for the three jewels he made - the Silmarils. They contained the light of the Two Trees of the Valar (this light was the light of the universe). He was a genius craftsman, and made many other gems and weapons.

When the Two Trees were destroyed by Melkor, the Silmarils contained the last of the light of the Trees. Unfortunately for all concerned, after the Trees were destroyed, Melkor stole the Silmarils from Feanor's home, killing his father Finwe. When the rest of the Valar refused to chase after Melkor to take the Silmarils back, Feanor revolted against them and left Valinor for Middle-Earth to pursue Melkor and the Silmarils. He took many of the Noldor with him, as they were persuaded by his powerful words. He, along with his seven sons swore an oath to pursue and if necessary, kill anyone who got in the way of them regaining the Silmarils. This oath was a source of great sorrow for the Noldor, as it betrayed them over and over.

On his way to Middle-Earth, Feanor and the Noldor (some unwittingly) killed many of the Teleri (another group of Elves) in order to use their ships to cross a body of water. After this, the Valar sent a messenger (possibly even the Vala Mandos himself) who spoke what is called "The Prophecy of the North," which is utterly chilling and promised great sorrow to the Noldor. Sadly, Feanor did not even repent of his arrogance there, yet pressed on. He used the stolen ships to cross the water, then burned them, betraying his half brother Fingolfin and the greater part of the Noldor to cross a treacherous strait - the Grinding Ice.

Upon his return to Middle-Earth, Melkor (whom Feanor named Morgoth) sent forth an army of Orcs. Feanor's forces broke through their lines. In a furious rage, Feanor pressed too far ahead of his host. He was eventually surrounded by Balrogs (yes there were many of the Balrogs) who wounded him mortally. His sons caught up to him before he died. However, before he perished he realized that no might of the Elves would overcome Morgoth. He bid his sons to fulfill their oath to reclaim the Silmarils, and his body turned to ash. Such was the fire of his spirit.

If this post inspires more questions about the book, please ask. 

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