Editing Fëanor (section)

=== Silmarils ===

{{further|Silmarils}}

Fëanor, "in the greatest of his achievements, captured the light of the [[Two Trees]] to make the three [[Silmaril]]s, also called the Great Jewels, though they were not mere glittering stones, they were alive, imperishable, and sacred."<ref name="Of the Silmarils" group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1977}}, Chapter 7, "Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor"</ref> Even the [[Vala (Middle-earth)|Valar]] with their godlike powers could not copy them. In fact, Fëanor himself could not copy them, as part of his essence goes into their making. Their worth is close to infinite, as they are unique and irreplaceable. The Vala "[[Varda (Middle-earth)|Varda]] hallowed the Silmarils so that thereafter no mortal flesh, nor hands unclean, nor anything of evil will might touch them, for it would be scorched and withered."<ref name="Of the Silmarils" group=T/>

Fëanor prizes the Silmarils, and grows suspicious of the Valar and [[Elves in Middle-earth|Elves]] who he believes covet them. The Vala [[Melkor]], recently released from imprisonment and now residing in [[Valinor]], sees an opportunity to sow dissent among the Noldor. Fëanor refuses to communicate with Melkor, but is still caught in his plot. Fëanor angrily warns Fingolfin not to spread lies, and threatens to kill him. As punishment, the Valar exile Fëanor to his remote home Formenos for twelve years. Finwë too withdraws to Formenos.<ref name="Of the Silmarils" group=T/>

The Valar learn that Melkor is manipulating Fëanor, and send one of their number, [[Tulkas]], to capture Melkor, but he has already escaped. Fëanor wisely realises that Melkor's goal is to obtain the Silmarils, "and he shut the doors of his house in the face of the mightiest of all the dwellers in [[Eä]]."<ref name="Of the Silmarils" group=T/> The Valar invite Fëanor and Fingolfin to Valinor to make peace. Fingolfin offers a hand to his half-brother, recognising Fëanor's place as the eldest. Fëanor accepts, but soon Melkor and [[Ungoliant]] destroy The Two Trees,<ref name="Of the Darkening of Valinor" group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1977}}, ch. 8, "Of the Darkening of Valinor"</ref> leaving the Silmarils as the only surviving light of the Trees. The Valar ask Fëanor to give them up so that they can restore the Trees. Fëanor replies: "It may be that I can unlock my jewels, but never again shall I make their like; and if I must break them, I shall break my heart."<ref name="Of the Flight of the Noldor" group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1977}}, Chapter 9, "Of the Flight of the Noldor"</ref> He refuses to give up the Silmarils of his own free will. Messengers from Formenos tell him that Melkor has killed Finwë and stolen the Silmarils. [[Yavanna]] is thus unable to heal the Two Trees.<ref name="Of the Flight of the Noldor" group=T/>

For this deed, Fëanor names Melkor "Morgoth", "Black Enemy".<ref name="Of the Flight of the Noldor" group=T/> Fëanor rails against the Great Enemy, blaming the Valar for Morgoth's deeds.<ref name="Of the Flight of the Noldor" group="T"/> He gives a speech in the Elvish city of Tirion, persuading most of his people to return to [[Middle-earth]] to avenge Finwë and free themselves from the Valar. Together with his seven sons, they swear the Oath of Fëanor:<ref name="Of the Flight of the Noldor" group="T"/>

{{blockquote|text=They swore an oath which none shall break, and none should take, by the name even of Ilúvatar, calling the Everlasting Dark upon them if they kept it not... ...vowing to pursue with vengeance and hatred to the ends of the World Vala, Demon, Elf or Man as yet unborn or any creature, great or small, good or evil, that time should bring forth unto the end of days, whoso should hold or take or keep a Silmaril from their possession.}}