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Old 06-23-2003, 11:54 AM   #4
Legolas
A Northern Soul
 
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Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Valinor
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What I'm basically wondering is if anyone thinks that perhaps by the Silmarils and other jewel-making, Feanor was attempting to deal with and embody his immortality?
This could very well be the case. I think it also might have been that the Silmarils would be his "companions" forever - something that he could keep with them to the very ends of Arda that would never wither, rust, or decompose. There are some other important considerations: a) the Silmarils were of his own making. Just as Morgoth thought he would be a better creator than Eru, just as Saruman thought he would be a better Dark Lord than Saruon, Feanor thought he would be a better craftsman than any who came before him. He was probably grinning from ear to ear when his Silmarils were complete - he had made the most beautiful jewels ever seen, and, as you say, jewels that had the potential to last forever with him. One would think he'd like to show them off in arrogance, but his arrogance so far as to deem others unworthy of seeing them (and perhaps fearful of their wild jealousy). b) The Silmarils would stay with him until the End (so he thought, which he tried to ensure by cursing any evil persons who would touch them). That would not talk back him, get angry with him, or leave him when he threw a temper tantrum. Keeping three jewels for best friends is much easier than keeping three elves for best friends. For someone so hot-headed, I imagine this was important.

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So, perhaps Feanor tried to change this by making the Silmarils and his other jewels?
I think so - he could've chosen anything to make, but he chose jewels. Not only for their beauty, but for their longevity as well. You're right on track, Beleth. Hope this has been coherent - somehow I missed this thread earlier.

[ June 23, 2003: Message edited by: Legolas ]
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