Guide to The Silmarillion: Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor (Ch. 7)

Chapter Seven: Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor

“For Fëanor began to love the Silmarils with a greedy love, and grudged the sight of them to all save his father and his seven sons; he seldom remembered now that the light within them was not his own."

The Silmarils

Fëanor made, in secret, the Silmarils: three jewels which contained the light of the Two Trees of Valinor. The heart of Fëanor was bound to the Silmarils, and Melkor lusted for them.

The Unrest of the Noldor

Melkor conspired to destroy Fëanor and end the friendship between the Elves and the Valar. He turned the Sons of Finwë against one another, whispering lies about the Valar, men, and each other. He also convinced them to begin making weapons. The Noldor became proud, jealous, and suspicious.

Finwë summoned his kindred to discuss the unrest. Fingolfin urged his father to denounce Fëanor’s rebellious words and plans, but Fëanor accused Fingolfin of trying to usurp him. Fëanor drew his sword upon his half-brother, and with that, the Unrest of the Noldor was no longer hidden.

The Exile of Fëanor 

The Valar brought Fëanor before the Ring of Doom, and he was sentenced to 12 years in exile. Fëanor left Tirion, and the Silmarils were locked away. After a time, Melkor came to Fëanor and offered to help him — in a thinly veiled attempt to gain the Silmarils. However, Fëanor refused him, and Melkor fled. The Valar searched but were unable to find him.