Would Feanor or His Sons Kill for a Silmaril? A Page from the Oath

Welcome to a deep dive into one of the most fiercely guarded treasures in the history of Middle-earth: the Silmarils. In this article, we explore whether the Sons of Feanor, particularly the famed Elven jewel-smith, would resort to killing one who handled a Silmaril without surrendering it.

The Oath of Feanor, inscribed in the Quenya language, is a solemn pledge that binds the great grandson of the powerful F?anor. This oath, solemnly sworn to the Vala Manw?, outlines the conditions under which teachers and friends alike can become enemies. Let’s break down the nuances of the obligation and the potential consequences.

The Oath of Feanor: A Binding Promise

According to Morgoth’s Ring, the actual wording of the Oath of Feanor is as follows:

“Be he foe or friend be he foul or cleann, brood of Morgoth or bright ValanElda or Maia or AftercomernMan yet unborn upon Middle-earth, neither law nor love nor league of swords, dread nor danger, not Doom itself, shall defend him from Fanor and Fanor’s kin, whoso hideth or hoardeth or in hand taketh, finding keepeth or afar casteth, a Silmaril. This swear we all: death we will deal him ere Days ending, woe unto worlds end! Our word hear thou, Er? Allfather! To the everlasting Darkness doom us if our deed faileth. On the holy mountain hear in witness, and our vow remember, Manw? and Varda!”

This vow is unambiguous in its implications: anyone who possesses or tries to hide, hoard, take, find, or dispose of a Silmaril in a way that it cannot be recovered is under a sentence of death. The wording, meticulously crafted, leaves no room for ambiguity. In particular, the phrase 'finding keepeth' is alarming, as it suggests that merely holding a Silmaril can make one a target for execution.

Interpreting the Oath: A Legal and Philosophical Perspective

At first glance, the oath seems to be a condemnation of anyone who does anything with a Silmaril, especially Feanor’s kin. However, the key to this oath lies in the act of keeping. F?anor and his sons would not need to slay someone for merely handling a Silmaril, as long as the person was willing to return it. The real threat lies in the act of withholding or concealing the Silmaril.

For instance, consider this scenario: if someone found a Silmaril and was willing to return it, the oath would not compel Feanor or his sons to act. They are only bound to kill someone if that person keeps the Silmaril, thus defying the oath.

Force of Will and Feanor’s Sons

However, the question remains: would Feanor or his sons kill for a Silmaril if the holder refused to part with it? Yes, they absolutely would.

From a historical perspective, the Sons of Feanor are famously ruthless and driven by their unwavering loyalty to F?anor’s memory. They embody the spirit of the Oath, making killing for a Silmaril a virtue, not a crime. If someone held on to a Silmaril, the Sons of Feanor would not hesitate to claim it by any means necessary, regardless of the consequences.

Breaking it Down by Individual Sons

Maedhros: The eldest son, Maedhros, was known for his balanced approach. He would first try to peacefully negotiate, then resort to violence if necessary. He was the epitome of diplomacy and war, always aiming to find a way to resolve conflicts without outright murder. If negotiations failed and the situation escalated, he would fight fiercely but not as bloodthirsty as his brothers.

Curufin, Caranthir, and Celegorm (The Three C’s): These three brothers, as described by Tolkien, were especially ruthless. Celegorm, in particular, is mentioned as a lethal character, known for his criminal antics and lack of mercy. His raw ambition and fervent hatred for all who opposed his family would result in immediate, violent action. Curufin, while still savage, was seen as a more calculated and inventive brother. Caranthir was the most hostile and cholerical, embodying the very essence of the Oath's zeal.

Final Considerations

Though not all levied the utmost severity, each of Feanor’s sons would undoubtedly regard the Silmaril with utmost importance and would not allow anyone to detain it. The Oath and the Sons of Feanor, driven by unyielding determination, would see this as their solemn duty, even if it meant killing to fulfill that duty.

In conclusion, the Sons of Feanor would indeed kill for a Silmaril, but usually after making every effort to prevent it from occurring. They will not kill those who wish to relinquish the Silmaril, as the obligation only applies to those who keep it. The question is thus not whether they would kill, but in what kind of extreme circumstances they would deem it necessary. Their unwavering resolve to uphold the Oath is one of the most ironic and tragic elements of Tolkien’s mythology.