The Silmarils

This is the tale of how the Silmarils came to be. "For Feanor, being come to his full might, was filled with a new thought, or it may be that some shadow of foreknowledge came to him of the doom that drew near; and he pondered how the light of the Trees, the glory of the Blessed Realm, might be preserved imperishable" (p. 67, The Silmarillion). Putting forth all his effort he made the Silmarils, the most renowned of all Elven works. Three jewels filled with the blended light of the Trees and it is said that not until the end of all things will it be known how he accomplished this.

All, including the Valar, in Aman were filled with awe at the beauty of the Silmarils. Varda hollowed the Silmarils so that any unclean hands or anything evil could not touch them without being scorched and withered. Mandos foretold the fate of Arda was locked inside these precious jewels. Melkor lusted after them. Melkor immediately plotted how he might destroy the friendship of the Elves and Valar. Long he labored in lies until they took root in listening ears. How true, as Tolkien writes, "...he that sows lies in the end shall not lack of a harvest, and soon he may rest from toil indeed while others reap and sow in his stead" (p. 68, The Silmarillion). Indeed as Satan is the father of lies in this world so it is with Melkor in Middle-earth.

The Noldor were most receptive to his lies being a proud people. Visions of distant lands to rule Melkor gave the Eldar and intimated the Valar kept them in Aman to prevent their conquests. It was Melkor who foretold the coming of Men and twisted the silence of the Valar as a thing evil. In fact some began to believe Manwe held the Elves captive so that Men might rule Middle-earth. After all Men may be easier to sway since they would be short-lived. Feanor most of all yearned for new lands and freedom. Reflection on this reading makes me think of my life; when I'm buying into the lies of this world or the Evil One focusing on the "freedom" they promise only to find, in reality, a bitter end. Feanor's pride grew greedily hoarding the Silmarils for himself. He showed them only to his father and seven sons. "He seldom remembered now that the light within them was not his own" (p. 69, The Silmarillion).

Fingolfin, Feanor's half-brother also grew proud and jealousy arose. Melkor planted lies that one brother sought to usurp the other rousing anger in both households. As tensions grew Melkor introduced the new art of weapon making. The Noldor began the smithy work, but Feanor being of upmost skill, created the most fell weapons for he and his sons. "Bitterly did Mahtan rue the day when he taught to the husband of Nerdanel all the lore of metalwork that he had learned of Aule" (p. 69, The Silmarillion). With weapon in hand Feanor began speaking openly against the Valar rallying fellow Noldor to escape the captivity of Valinor.

Finwe was troubled by his son's action and called counsel. Fingolfin implored his father to stay his half-brother. But alas, Feanor came also, in full battle gear hearing Fingolfin and supposing Melkor's lies to be truth drew his sword: "Get thee gone, and take thy due place" (p. 70, The Silmarillion). Fingolfin bowed to his father and leaves without a word. Feanor chases him down and presses the tip of his sword against his brothers chest and threatens death if he hears/sees this talk again. Many witnesses were present but Fingolfin again leaves without a word. He is showing amazing restraint!

The Valar were troubled and called Feanor to answer for his words and deeds. It was revealed that Melkor was behind the unrest (though the Noldor were arrogant and proud). Tulkos and Orome began to hunt Melkor but he went into hiding. Feanor was banished from his abode in the main city for 12 years to ponder his actions. After this time pardon would be offered if the offended would allow it. Now Fingolfin speaks, "I will release my brother" (p. 71, The Silmarillion); what mercy. This time Feanor spoke no words. To banishment he went with his seven sons and Finwe decided to leave with him because of his great love for his son. For years Melkor was unseen until he shows up at Feanor's door to spoke his anger and pride again. Melkor feigned safety for the Silmarils but Feanor immediately saw his lust for the jewels and his hate for Melkor began. Finwe alerted the Valar of Melkor's appearence but once again he escaped and left Valinor.

I love seeing these very human strengths and weaknesses being played out in the story: pride, jealousy, self-control, mercy. Middle-earth may have never existed but the themes Tolkien explores are very present in Earth today. Perhaps in this fantastical story we will learn ourselves in a way that allows us to bear our Ring, whatever it may be, with the persistance and endurance of one Frodo Baggins.

Middle-earth timeline: Age of the Two Trees

Today's reading comes from: The Silmarillion, pages 67-72