The Complex Love of Feanor: Did He Show His Sons Equally?

Lucy: In The Silmarillion, a rich tapestry of Noldorin history, the love and favoritism that Feanor, the renowned Noldorin smith, showed to his sons are often hotly debated. Did Feanor love all of his sons equally, or was he biased towards a particular one? Let's delve into the reasons behind his preferential behavior and explore his relationship with his sons, with a close look at Curufin and Maedhros.

Curufin: Feanor’s Favorite Son

Curufin, Feanor's 5th son, was often described as a favorite, especially due to his likeness to his father. This close physical resemblance was a significant factor. Ronald: Feanor was a narcissist, and having a son who looked like him would make him a perfect reflection of his own vanity. This self-aggrandizing trait would naturally draw him to Curufin.

Not only did Curufin resemble his father, but he also excelled in smithing, quickly mastering the art under Feanor's mentorship. This shared interest in blacksmithing and the many hours they spent together strengthened their bond significantly. Furthermore, Curufin was the only one among the sons who sired his own child, Celebrimbor, making him the first and only grandchild Feanor ever had. This unique familial connection added to his favoritism.

Skills and Interests

Curufin's talent in smithing stood out, setting him apart from his brothers. While Caranthir was a skilled blacksmith, he was better at the business side of the craft, whereas Curufin made raw and intuitive connections with his work. This unique ability and shared passion made their relationship even stronger. As EightySix noted, Curufin's skill and presence were unmatched, making him Feanor's apple of his eye.

Curufin's Spoiledness and Behavior

Curufin was also the most spoiled of the brothers, often showing his unwillingness to compromise, a trait that did not endear him to his father. His father's indulgence, evident in his complete lack of concern for 'no' as a response, speaks volumes about the depth of Curufin's special status. As Artwork observed, Feanor frequently showed his favoritism, often to the detriment of the other sons.

Feanor's Least Favourite: Maedhros

Maedhros, the oldest son, sometimes bore the brunt of Feanor's disfavor. Much theorized was the basis of this, with one of the key reasons attributed to personality differences. Ronald surmised that Feanor might have resented Maedhros due to his close association with the House of Fingolfin, especially through Fingon. Despite knowing his half-siblings were disdained, Maedhros's loyalty to Fingolfin could have felt like a betrayal to Feanor.

Feanor's resentment may have deepened because Maedhros bore a striking resemblance to his mother, further adding to the complexities of their relationship. Nonetheless, the distinction between favoritism and favoritism-based bias is crucial in understanding the dynamics of the Noldorin family.

Conclusion

The love and favoritism felt between Feanor and his sons were multifaceted, often driven by physical resemblance, shared interests, and unique talents. Curufin's status as Feanor's favorite son is undeniable, rooted in his physical appearance, smithing skills, and familial connection. However, the complex relationship between Feanor and Maedhros, marked by resentment and disillusionment, paints a more nuanced picture of this Noldorin father-son dynamic.

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Categories: Alyasha Fandom, The Silmarillion