Fëanor
(Summaries of The Silmarillion: Quenta Silmarillion)

Greetings again, wanderers!

After I had finished my last tale, a few Noldo children came up to me and asked why there were no longer with the Valar. The story of that begins and ends with them, and mind you, it is not always very joyeous.

Finwë, High King of the Noldor had taken Muriel to be his wife and from their love sprung Curufinwë, which his mother gave the name Fëanor, Spirit of Fire. As his mother passed away shortly after his birth, all of Finwë love went to his only son. Fëanor became the most skilled of the Noldor, and devised to make the most beautiful gems ever seen. He wed the daughter of a great smith, dear to Aulë, of which he learnt much of metal and stone. Seven sons came from their union, which will play a great role later.

Finwë, deprived of joy since the death of his wife, married another: Indis of the Vanyar. Two sons she had: Fingolfin and Finar. Fëanor held no love to either of them, and a breach came in the house of Finwë.

Alas, now the time came to pass that Melkor, whom is forever remembered as "Morgoth", called thus first by Fëanor and meaning: The Foe of the World, pleaded for pardon after three Ages, and this was granted. Melkor hated most the Eldar, yet feigned love for them and sought their friendship. He could not deceive the Vanyar and took little heed to the Teleri, yet the Noldor took delight in the new skills they saw.

At this time, Fëanor made his greatest work: three great jewels, their inner fire made from the blended light from the Trees of Valinor. They are called the Silmarils, hallowed by Varda, spouse of Manwë, so no evil nor unclean hands would touch them unharmed. Melkor lusted for these and ever more cunningly sought for listening ears. These he told of the Coming of Men that would inherit Arda, as the Eldar were trapped in Valinor.

Slowly yet surely, the Noldor yearned for freedom and this flame was the most fierce in the heart of Fëanor. He locked the Silmarils away often, only showing them to his father and his sons. Yet more pride and anger awakened: weapons and armour were crafted, and Fëanor began to speak openly of rebellion. The sons of Indis sought counsel with Finwë, and upon seeing them, Finwë's elder son raised his sword against Fingolfin.

The Valar were dismayed by this open rebellion and breaking of peace, and brought Fëanor before them. Here the malice of Melkor was revealed, and Tulkas sought for him in vain. Yet still Fëanor was to be punished, and he was banned twelve years from Tirion, the kingdom of the Noldor, and then only if he were to be released by another. Fingolfin stepped forward, making a promise to release his brother.

Fëanor and his sons left Tirion and made Formenos, where a hoard of weapons and jewels were kept. Finwë joined him out of love, and Fingolfin ruled the Noldor. Once Melkor came to Formeros and tried to sway Fëanor, yet hate was high in his heart, and he cursed Melkor and bade him to be gone.

After this, Melkor left Valinor and the Valar sought in vain. Doubt of what evil was to come now lie in Aman, and there was few joy.

Aye... Morgoth caused many troubles to us and the Valar, and this was not the last of it. Soon will the wise Noldo seek revenge against this enemy, by leaving the immortal realms and unfortunatly they commit one of their most evil deeds. *Sigh*, but that is another tale.

This feature was written by Naga.