The Life of Fëanor | Tolkien Explained

[@NerdoftheRings]

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[@Ace-cr9qt]

I always just hate waiting for your video I love them

[@Ace-cr9qt]

Do the life of Irene foot

[@abdulmismail]

Thank you so much for theses videos. I'll throw a few pennies in your direction as soon as I get my finances sorted out. One quick question. What is the title of that music you play at the end of this video (and others).

[@igosolos2133]

If you go to 11:53 in the extended version of the Desolation of Smaug, while they are in Beorn's house. You can see the top of Gandalf's White Staff under his brown staff!! Was this a movie mistake??

[@brucewayne2558]

My question to you is, how in the H.E.- double hockey sticks was Ungoliant able to just get away with chilling out in Valinor. It seems like they would notice.

[@valentinkambushev4968]

I wish we could see Feanor's face when he saw Galadriel's gift to Gimli.

[@izzi7438]

Always pays to ask nicely 😁

[@valentinkambushev4968]

@@izzi7438 and when you are not the girl's uncle.

[@rule-of-three1483]

Nailed it. It would eat his shriveled soul.

[@sweeperboy]

Wow, outbid by a dwarf...

[@OrgusDin]

The Virgin Fëanor vs. the Chad Gimli.

[@GirlNextGondor]

Yay, a video on the True High King of the Noldor! One thing I find hilarious is how desperately Melkor and Feanor hate each other despite having parallel stories. Eldest son, jealous of his siblings, restless and driven by the desire to create new things no matter the cost, eventually spiralling into destructive madness out of jealousy and pride.... Maybe they should have started a support group (instead of a multi-generational continent-levelling war).

[@NerdoftheRings]

There are some very interesting parallels between them! Just too alike to get along I suppose!

[@BigChonk567]

Get Sauron in there and you can have "Dark Lord's Anonymous"

[@akeelyaqub2538]

They must have projected their own hate of themselves onto each other lol, though i dont think either of them hated themselves, especially morgoth, he would rate himself as 10 in every department if given the chance lol

[@TheFrodoBaggins33]

Idk if tolkien himself has said anything about it, but I'm sure the parallels are intentional, they definitely seem like foils for each other

[@louisdemm1758]

I cant hate Feanor. Dude was born with a fire so hot in his soul that when he died he literally burned away. The Flame Imperishable represents Illuvitar's gift of free will. It's no wonder why he was so out of control and rebellious. The fact he basically told Morgoth to get off his lawn when he visited him was hilarious to me. Only Feanor could talk to a Valar like that. 😂

[@ramondelgado4927]

To be fair , every single elve , men and dwarve in Arda gave the finger to the valar whenever they offer advice Tuor and Earendil are the only ones that ever listen to them , even the fucking wizards give them the finger and did whatever they wanted , no wonder they washed their hands and let Melkor do what he wanted with Arda

[@louisdemm1758]

@@ramondelgado4927 Feanor told the Valar off to their faces to be fair. Poor Manwe weeping on his throne. Been listening to the Silm recently and it's been a hoot. The early stuff was my favorite so far. The Noldor's exodus out of Valinor is fascinating. 😂

[@notyourdaddude1957]

@@ramondelgado4927 yeah but Feanor was the first to give them the finger

[@GrandMarshal888]

@@louisdemm1758 the part where you can handle even seeing me unchained😂. Manyous-babies will be weeping all right. not mou - its tou😭, i big ,you big ,you winnie .or so you think,idiots,thats what happens when you ve only seen all you ,you assumed,😒.

[@TheNuncFluens]

@@GrandMarshal888 wtf are you talking about?

[@jandopo1545]

To be fair to Fëanor, I also wonder why no one ever questioned the Valar complete incompetence in keeping Melkor at bay. In their own land, they allowed the Dark Lord to escape, wander around, destroy the Two Trees and even kill the High King of the Noldor! And they didn't even bother to pursue him!

[@luinnoc]

There's also the point that the Valar didn't seem to bother to pursue Morgoth when he escaped to Middle Earth. Basically they would let Morgoth enslave and torture all the free creatures that lived in Middle Earth, including the First (elves that still lived there) and all the second (the Men) Children of Iluvatar. Fëanor did many wrongs, but he was 100% right in pursuing and wanting to fight Morgoth. In a way, once Morgoth and Sauron are gone, it was also his victory.

[@nseven1117]

remember what happened at the Battle of the Powers, War of Wrath, and Beleriand? yeah... that's why

[@Lughrochben]

From what I understand, in the same way Morgoth could not comprehend good which lead to him not expecting the Valar to actually come to the aid during the 1st Age at all; it was the inverse for the Valar, specifically Manwe. Manwe couldn’t comprehend evil so took Morgoth’s apparent reconciliation at face value. There were some of the Valar who distrusted Morgoth regardless but Manwe was their king and had effectively pardoned the dark lord. Food for thought.

[@aesir1ases64]

@@black_forest_ Manwe def cared since the text said how sad he was by the downfall of the Noldor, but we also know that Manwe and Ulmo are the most loyal of the Ainur. So if Manwe did not act was because he believed Eru did not wished so. My theory is that Eru himself made Feanor the way he is (extremely OP) so trough his suffering the personal tragedies (death of parents) but also suffer from his personality (lack of humility and patience) that his life sets up the Noldor in Middle earth, which would eventually lead to Aragorn (descedant from the line of Feanor's brother) and the Fellowship saving middle earth from total evil and beginning the dominion of men, just like Eru predicted in the Ainulindale. I like to believe Feanor is a subtle chosen one (where the hero has to sacrifice himself/in this case he forfeits his heroism to become a villain and his evil deeds later lead to goodness) and the Noldor are "sacrificed" to eventually save the Men from Morgorh and Sauron. After all, if the Noldor never goes to Middle Earth, we can only assume Morgoth would reign supreme over this land and slave Men (and the other elves) while maintaining the silmarills to himself, just like Morgoth thought he would, but as Eru said, Morgoth's actions were all part of Eru's overall "masterplan", anf Morgoth's corruption of Feanor, eventually led to Morgoth's own final defeat.

[@mxu_medinx9709]

@@Lughrochben This is true. We're told that Manwe is incapable of understanding the evil of Melkor, and so, when he pleads to have redeemed himself, Manwe believes it. But among those that saw through the lies were Varda (Queen of the Valar, and wife of Manwe), Ulmo, and Tulkas. We're also told that, from the very beginning of time, Varda saw Melkor's malice, leading her to become the Vala he feared and hated the most.

[@techbuildz9418]

Feanor is such a amazing character, he is both arrogant, possesive and brave, the conflict of his character makes me love Tolkien Even more :)

[@Abad255]

Feanor is the best character of Legendarium. Exactly

[@norpriest521]

@@Abad255 Why there are LOTR movies but not a single Feanor movie?

[@Comet_373]

@Axeel Røynæ El Alam factsss that what I said, their both in my top 5 favorite characters in lotr and asoiaf

[@apollosungod2819]

Apparently Melkor served as a poisonous influence to further lure Faenor away from where he would normally be interested in being.

[@horticulturist2338]

I think my favorite Fëanor act was when he was first like, "Piss off Mandos" being completely unimpressed by his curse, and then tells the herald of the Valar to get fucked, and the dude just bows and gets out of his way as if one fully answered. Eru indeed made only a single elf in the history of the world with the power of Fëanor.

[@warlordofbritannia]

Feanor is that guy who’s really talented but won’t stop bragging about himself, causing everyone to hate him

[@annaroselarsen4218]

Awesome video !!!

[@bigbangrafa8435]

Feanor sounds like Anakin Skywalker - Thinks he is the center of the universe, but is far from being the embodiment of perfection he sees himself as. Both could have achieved greatness if not for the lack of humility, and both burned in death. At least Skywalker redeemed himself, while Feanor probably spent the rest of eternity on those cold halls, speaking gibberish about gems that he would never take back.

[@guilherme5094]

Exactly.

[@summerrose3368]

sounds like neebs xD

[@connielingus8385]

@@bigbangrafa8435 Comparing Silmarillion to SW Prequels. smh

[@Freshwater121]

Fëanor is why the actual title of The Silmarillion is “Elves Gone Wild”

[@marionbaggins]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@cicknobb5321]

😆😆😆

[@NeonGarlic]

That sounds like really NSFW which is very confusing since we're on the topic of Tolkien.

[@melonyfbb]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@gerillazack77]

It would be better the "Fallen Elves from heaven", lucifer is whut inspired Feanors rage...

[@iammaxhailme]

feanor basically telling melkor "gtfo my house" is pretty funny

[@ellesartelcontar153]

Feanor was mostly angry at Melkor because he killed his father. That thing alone, in addition to the fact that he stole his jewels as well, turned him to hatred. And while Valar offered Melkor a branch of peace and actually freed him to do whatever he wanted because they believed he would be turned back to Good, first major thing he has done was exactly the opposite. That is why Feanor was so frustrated, all the Gods of Middle Earth were there and basically did nothing to prevent that from happening. No wonder Noldor did not feel safe and wanted to take things into their own hands. The balls

[@theelectricprince8231]

When you put it into perspective, I sympathize with the Noldo. Why tf should they trust the Valar since they have proven to be so dumb

[@MenoftheWest]

"Eru Allfather! To the everlasting Darkness doom us if our deed faileth." An Elf doomed indeed. Great video brother!

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thanks so much, my friend!

[@blue_ex3852]

Love your channel mate

[@igosolos2133]

If you go to 11:53 in the extended version of the Desolation of Smaug, while they are in Beorn's house. You can see the top of Gandalf's White Staff under his brown staff!! Was this a movie mistake??

[@alexandrasimon7191]

I love that whole speech. Tolkien was a linguistic genius, its no surprise Feanor's character is so convincing at being one

[@hamishmitchell884]

I read The Silmarillion as a teenager and fell in love with all the amazing stories. I tried to get my friends to read it, but no one did. I was quite alone in my appreciation. Now though, all these years later I see that I'm not alone and likely never were. It's enough too bring a tear to my eyes. Thank you for your video and channel.

[@mawisback]

I feel you bro.

[@deathOfTheWinterMoon]

We relate

[@maxalvarez5223]

Likely never was***

[@luinnoc]

Say what you want about Fëanor, but he did pursue Morgoth and wanted to defeat the guy. Even if his reasons to do so were selfish, he was the one who first led the free people against the Dark Lord. That's definitely better than sitting on your immortal land doing nothing while the free creatures and the First and Second (Elves and Men) Children of Iluvatar are being killed, tortured and enslaved by Morgoth.

[@_Aemse]

yeah i feel like he would've won them over if he just cut out the whole blood oathe bit and weirded the whole vibe up lol

[@aurelian2668]

@@_Aemse if only he was a bit more sane and not crazy on taking back the silmarils then perhaps.

[@gandalfthechad]

He could have asked nicely

[@yosafatvalentinus3440]

That's why I hate gods in fiction. They always did nothing, and when the mortals defied them and try to fight, they cursed them. Like wtf.

[@michaelodonnell824]

The Valar from minute one, abandoned Middle Earth. They showed little to no care for any of the creatures living there. Melkor and Sauron were their responsibility and their Duty should have lead them to dealing with these two threats. Instead they remained safe in Valinor and left the Elves, Men and Dwarves die in their droves attempting to deal with the results of the incompetence of the Valar.

[@snehasischoudhury523]

Morgoth and Sauron catching up in the timeless void Sauron : I killed thousands, tortured hundreds, created Nazguls Uruk Hais and the One ring Morgoth : Kid, all i had to do was trim two trees

[@Fukei_Mono]

Morgoth: ........... And create mountain-sized flying, fire-breathing beasts. And flex on the Valar by turning the light of the Trees that I cut down into my crown jewels. And destroy the sun and moon that the gods made to replace the trees.

[@mayasho5917]

Fëanor's speech is the kind where, in hindsight, you know it's nothing but bad news but also one that, while you're listening to it, would absolutely compel you to join his cause. LOL. that's one hell of a charisma. wonderful video as always! ❤

[@NerdoftheRings]

Well said! Such an epic speech, even if it leads to a ton of tragedy!

[@docd2295]

Yes. His points make complete sense from their perspective, and seem right.

[@ofgondor5312]

Absolutely thrilling story. And to think, the butterfly effect of Feanor creating the Silmarils progressed naturally into the Lord of the Rings taking place. I love the depth of Tolkien's creation's history; one cohesive storyline (almost) where even the smallest detail has a cause and effect later on, chronologically, in the history. Absolutely love it. Keep up the great work! I feel like Amazon could take EACH of your videos and use them as a showrunner's guide to developing a 5-season-long show. That's how much detail there is and how well you make the story understandable. Great job. #FreeMorgoth

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thanks so much, OfGondor!

[@DummyThiccCheeseCake]

@@NerdoftheRings Your vids and the score by Clamavi De Profundis. It's a dream.

[@DestielEdits]

Yes #FreeMorgoth

[@TheCinderestBlockAround]

Fëanor is one of those elves I love and hate simultaneously. I remember reading the oath of Fëanor and setting the book down and going “Fëanor you jerk!” And everyone being confused. :) good Tolkien memories, despite being alone in my obsession. Watching these are a highlight, always.

[@NerdoftheRings]

Such a tough character, because he messes up so much stuff! However, his speech gives me goosebumps! So epic!

[@TheCinderestBlockAround]

@@NerdoftheRings it does, and it seems so fair and valiant until you look deeper. And then you realize that the people effected would be the whole world until the fall of Sauron himself. The ruin of Doriath out of all these things pains me the most, as fair and legendary as it was.

[@no_nameyouknow]

You were never alone, we were just separate. Now we have places to congregate.

[@TheCinderestBlockAround]

@@no_nameyouknow and it’s such an amazing thing!

[@johanlindgren5801]

Now this guy probably has the most fascinating backstory in the history in all of tolkien lore!

[@kevinkeegan4817]

Hey Nerd Of The Rings. I owe you a major debt of gratitude for making these videos. I've been going through a major wave of depression and your content is providing me with the best direction I could ask for. So, you have already made a massive difference in my life and I can't thank you enough.

[@NerdoftheRings]

Hey, Kevin. I’m so glad to hear that these videos are helping you in a difficult time. I hope you are able to bounce back and my prayers are with you, my friend. Tolkien’s world has always been a great place for me during times of trouble. ❤️

[@NerdoftheRings]

Hey, Kevin. I wasn’t sure how to reach out, but shoot me an email (in the about section here on the channel) to say hey!

[@joaquineastwood9484]

_Not just considered the greatest of the Noldor but the most mightiest in mind and body of all the Childrens of Illuvatar...._

[@Mornomgir]

Man imagine being in the halls of mandos that early..... like 3 people there.

[@ramondelgado4927]

Feanor: So , when can i go back to kick some dark lord butt Mandos: *Lowering his glasses and holding a list of all the shit he pulled* Bruh Nienna: *Rubbing her temples* Illuvatar give me patience Varda: *With her Sandal on hand* Come here you little shit Several Dozen Teleri Elves: *cracking their knuckles* Look what the Warg dragged in

[@charleslarrivee2908]

That must have been one magnificant speech to persuade Galadriel to march to Middle Earth. Especially after she perceived the darkness within Feanor and refused to give him her hair.

[@NerdoftheRings]

It says that Galadriel is also motivated by her own desire to have a realm of her own in Middle-earth, so it isn't entirely due to Feanor's words that she goes.

[@ImperatorCaracalla]

i love feanor i wish he didn't die so soon in the silmarillion. the first time i read it, i was struggling to get through the first chapters, the creation of arda and the music of the ainur. but when feanor was introduced, the book just started flowing and completely engulfed me. what a story and what a character.

[@xiakala7836]

Same for me! He is the reason I continued my Tolkien journey.

[@aesir1ases64]

agreed, the flight of the noldor is the best part of the book!

[@hadesunderworld4203]

He is a great character , but his brother and two nephews also have great stories . Fingolfin , his son Fingon and nephew Finrod .

[@NeedsContent]

I hope someday a mini-series can capture the beauty of The Silmarillion. Probably my favorite book of all time.

[@juliahenriques210]

A MINI series? It has at least fifty episodes in it, easily. Maybe more, if you start in Cuivienen. 1 for background, the decision to bring the elves in, the war on Utumno, and the coming of Oromë. 1 for the journey to Beleriand, 1 for Thingol & Melian and the crossing, 1 for the passage of time till the days of Fëanor. 2 for establishing the characters, 1 for the death of the trees, 1 for the strife between the Noldor and the Valar, 1 for the kinslaying, 1 for the journey, the curse of Mandos, and the burning of the ships. There you have it. 10 episodes already; season finale, if you will. See?

[@opplayer375]

Feanor amazes me ! His character is so unique and the role he kind of takes in the history of beleriand is burning 👌

[@opplayer375]

Brave and mighty , posessive ans persuasive

[@AMcGrath82]

I always felt Feanor was a tale of hubris. Feanor betrayed his own people and his own followers. For such a skilled character, he was also a terrible person.

[@izzi7438]

I love how Galadriel dismisses the heir of the Noldor when he asks for one, but when a Dwalf asks for one she's like "have 3 m8" 😂

[@samuellennon1984]

It's because the dwalves are naturally greedy and selfish, thanks to some of the Rings that Sauron gifted them. If Gimli had been any other Dwarf he would have asked for coin or gold as his gift from Galadriel, but all he asked for was a single hair from Galadriels head to remember her by. For the first time in millennia, a dwarf was selfless, and Galadriel saw that his heart was pure and kind and knee Gimli would be the one to lead his kind out of greed and into greatness once more. (And I assume she was flattered by him being so awe struck by her beauty too). And so she gave him not one hair but three, as he was the complete opposite of feanor.

[@Raz.C]

Don't forget, it's not some stranger asking her for a hair, it's her uncle.

[@zacharycollins9485]

Actually, Galadriel gave Gimli 3 of her hairs in remembrance of when Feanor asked her 3 times for a tress of her hair, and suspecting his ill intent, she thrice denied him. And - as you guys said earlier - because of Gimli's great honor and virtuous intent, she gave him 3 of her hairs. Score! 🤘

[@rootkite]

@@zacharycollins9485 Yes! Poetic justice from millennia ago; Tolkien is insightful and persevering in his peoples' and characters' (cosmic) quests to "redress wrongs", big and small, reverberating through the Ages like the Ainulindalë itself 🏵 Also, I've sometimes conjectured that Fëanor's body burns up because he somehow "evoked" Ilúvatar literally in his Oath, scorning even Manwë and the Valar, and that the Doom of Mandos affected his fëa/hroa in this unique way 🔥

[@Langstondennis]

bet Feanor is rolling in the Halls of Mandos 😅

[@AMcGrath82]

I actually consider Feanor to be Tolkien's cautionary tale against hero-worship of such folk -- those who believe their greatness excuses the terrible consequences of their misdeeds -- such as Gilgamesh.

[@zenocrate4040]

I think you are unto something - Tolkien was not fond of our all-too-common human proclivity for self-serving 'the end justifies the means' thinking. Your comment actually made me think of a line from one of his letters, no.332, where he reflects glumly on "this Fallen Kingdom of Arda, where the servants of Morgoth are worshipped."

[@Kreege]

Feanor did nothing wrong

[@SkywalkerSamadhi]

YYEESSSSS!! I've been waiting for a deep dive on Feanor for a long time. Idk if I would go so far as to say he's my favorite character in all of Tolkien's created works, but he's definitely one of the most interesting. I love that Tolkien used him (and Morgoth in the same way) to show that even if you're born with vast amounts of Power and Potential and Ability, it's not what is of the most importance at the end of the day. Feanor was widely acknowledged to be the most gifted Elf that ever walked in Arda, even by those who hated him. His ability and genius cannot be denied. He made so many great things and advanced knowledge in ways that even the Valar were amazed at. He made the Palantiri, and the Silmarils. His craftsmanship exceeded Saruman and even Sauron. But he was not without flaws. In fact, it seems that one of Tolkien's main themes in his work was the brighter the fire within, the larger the shadow that fire casts. That fire that was given to Feanor by his mother when he was born went on to create great things, yes.. but he caused just as much harm. There is a line that Tolkien wrote that I've always loved.. out of all the evil deeds that Morgoth committed, maybe the worst was the corruption of Feanor. Feanor being born with so much ability and genius ultimately comes to ruin because of his pride. Melkor being born with more Will and Strength than any of the other Valar ultimately comes to ruin because of his pride and desire to dominate all of Arda. The brighter the Fire, the darker the Shadow. Feanor hated Morgoth more than anyone else, but in the end he turned out to be Morgoths best tool of destruction. He did so much more to advance Morgoths goal than anyone else in the First Age.. even more than Sauron.

[@Enerdhil]

Well said! Apparently Balrogs are not the only ones who are wreathed in flame and shadow....

[@ipot399]

"He did so much more to advance Morgoths goal than anyone else in the First Age.. even more than Sauron." But he was also the impetus for the rebellion of the Noldor and actively fought and besieged Morgoth for centuries. If it wasn't for Feanor convincing the Noldor to return to Middle-Earth, they would have all been good little Finarfins sitting in Valinor singing praise to the Valar, meanwhile Morgoth would have had free reign to terrorize the Men, and Dwarves, and Moriquendi left behind.

[@Enerdhil]

@@ipot399 Maybe, but maybe the Valar intervene hundreds of years earlier.

[@aesir1ases64]

thats the best comment i have seen in a long time and your point about the fire and shadow makes a lot of sense!

[@JW-jd6sn]

The greatest elf to ever live. Imagine feanor in the war of the ring, the man would solo everything

[@AMcGrath82]

He was a terrible person though.

[@tommyjordan1988]

The Elf*

[@subliminalfalllenangel2108]

And when the Council demands him to destroy the ring, he would fall into the ring's temptation. The worst scenario possible. The most powerful Noldor elf wielding the One Ring and destroy lives out of spite and pride!

[@JW-jd6sn]

@@subliminalfalllenangel2108 Not exactly. Mighty beings like Feanor, Galadrial etc would be able to bend the ring to their own will. This was Sauron's biggest fear with Aragorn which led to him invading Gondor early.

[@taylorjaffe8299]

Now that you've done one on Feanor, could you please do one on his sons as well? Specifically Maedhros and Maglor.

[@dand4139]

Your videos opened my eyes to the Tolkien legendarium and above all else I was dying for a video on Fëanor! Great stuff!!!

[@jeremywrentzel]

This story in particular, and Feanor's addition to the Last Battle, breaking the Silmarils, allowing the Two Trees to be re-made, is the most epic and heart wrenching tale in Middle Earth.

[@anonymouspersonskissnowboa6678]

Cause they are all inferior beings lmao. Only he has the power over those valar and his low class half blood inter race scum siblings.

[@hazbojangles2681]

I think I’ve watched this video about 20 times. In front of family, friends and by myself. Even at 5am on a sleepless night. Great video Matt! It has introduced several people to Tolkien. I hope to one day be able to create content like you that brings new Tolkien fans. Thank you.

[@mattyismadness]

The tragedy of Feànor’s life and the trauma he suffered throughout. Possibly the most gifted of all the elves that ever existed! What a tragic but beautiful story - brought to life once again by @NerdoftheRings. Thank you, I’ve been looking forward to this one so much!

[@JustSnowglow]

I love the idea of Fëanor breaking the Silmarils in the end. I guess it's my craving for a happy ending for such a cool character.

[@sweeperboy]

Though it takes almost eternity for him to learn to swallow that vast pride and do the needful. Still, at least he will have redemption in the end :)

[@coopermitchell3990]

I love how in the Dagor Dagorath Feanor will have to break the silmarils. Just how in the end he’ll have to swallow his pride and destroy the thing he took and sacrificed so much to retrieve to restore order to the world is such a great piece of writing by Tolkien

[@Enerdhil]

That is if he actually does it. 😂 Remember, Feanor will still be bound to his oath. Hopefully, several ages in Mandos makes him more penitent and willing to ask the Valar for forgiveness when he is released.....

[@garmisra7841]

@@Enerdhil I thought the Oath was to pursue whoever had them. If he had them, I don't think his oath would constrain him from doing what he wanted with them.

[@Enerdhil]

@@garmisra7841 He has to BREAK THEM. Did you read the original post, which is correct? It could be like Frodo having to throw the Ring into the fire and not being able to do so.🤔

[@aesir1ases64]

I think by that time he would already repent and reedem himself by willingly destroying them, time cures all wounds, even for elves lol

[@bobo577]

⁠@@garmisra7841You are correct, The Oath says nothing about breaking the Silmarils, only that he and his sons would pursue the individual unto death if they withhold them. Feanor can destroy the Silmarils without breaking his oath as they are in his possession at the Dagor Dagorath. Whether he violated his oath in life is another matter.

[@FrodoFett]

The similarity of obsession that Feanor has for the Silmarils, and that later characters have with The One Ring is quite interesting.

[@SairinEarthsea]

And thorin and the arkenstone.

[@ChiaraSiasat]

Feänor was someone I have a love/relationship with. Love him for being such a great craftsman and making things such as the feanorean lamps and he honestly could have been a great King had he not become influenced in someway by the Maiar he despised. Then he just turned into the biggest jerk ever and swearing an oath to kill anyone who got in his way in his pursuit of regaining the Silmarils. The senseless killing of the Teleri just for their ships went way to far and burning them so the others couldn’t follow also pretty much sentencing some of his followers to their death crossing the Hellcaraxe because of the hatred he had for his step brother. Great Video Matt!

[@justinajostin9006]

Fingolfin could have turned back to Valinor but choose to cross the Ice. Also he claimed kingship over the Noldor. He's not Feanor's victim , he just made his shitty choices.

[@aurelian2668]

@@justinajostin9006 exactly. Never understood why fingolfin didnt build ships or something 🤦‍♂️

[@mensahkofisamuel5789]

Such a bold and fearless leader. He would be remembered through out the history of the Silmarils

[@DanSommerfield]

Possibly my favorite of all Tolkien characters! And I'd love to see two "what if's" on him: * What if Feanor had said "Yes" when asked to break the Silmarils? (Academic as it was because at this point Morgoth already had them). I tend to think of this as *the* key moment for Feanor. Everything else: the speech, the oath, the Kinslaying, the ship burning all flowed from this choice. * What if Feanor had somehow managed to reclaim the Silmarils from Morgoth (either by defeating him or by stealing them back ala Beren). Would they have burned him?

[@tonybaker1268]

The only thing that could get me to stop reading through the Nature of Middle Earth was a video about Fëanor.

[@NerdoftheRings]

Haha! I totally understand! At least after watching the vid, you can go back to reading Carl's great book!

[@alexp3462]

I think he could be classed as a sociopath. The kinslaying you could say was a rush of insanity, but the burning of the boats was pure, calculated, callousness.

[@Jasongy827]

So abrasive and arrogant to the point they will kill other elves to go pass the undying lands aman

[@connielingus8385]

Well you can't have those Noldors back down to Aman when you're trying to reclaim those sweet sweet Silmarilli. This is Normandy 1944 times 1000.

[@joonaskekoni2867]

@@Jasongy827 I think in Silmarillion, they first tried to push the elves to water, but after a while violence escalates. What I read is the the Noldor tried to use idimintation rather that violence to claim the boats. It is not said which party started killing, but the implication is that the Noldor are guilty as they had not right to steal the ships.

[@davidlundquist1979]

I think pretty much everything Feanor did after his father was killed could be classified under that "rush of insanity". Not only was he still grieving his father, but he was afraid that, even if the Noldor successfully defeated Morgoth and reclaimed the Silmarils, the other Valar would forcibly take them away anyway. Compounding that problem, Feanor doesn't seem to have had any actual friends he trusted. No best bud to say, "Whoah, calm down and think this over for a minute." His sons were completely loyal to him yes, but they were his kids, not peers. I'm not saying this excuses the terrible things he did, but it does make them more understandable. Feanor was making decisions based mainly on what he was afraid of, and fear never leads to rational choices.

[@alexp3462]

@@davidlundquist1979 Good points, but why did he have no friends that he trusted? To my eyes, because he saw others (other than Finwe) either as beneath him or as rivals. Relationships were to advance his own knowledge, not for the relationship itself. Finwe's murder definitely changed him, and for the worse, but he was exhibiting this kind of behaviour long before, and drawing his sword on Fingolfin is a direct precursor to the burning of the ships - he's a threat, not a brother. Morgoth targeted him because his mindset was vulnerable to this kind of thing, rather than vice versa. All of this says to me that he lacked true conscience and empathy, with the world revolving around himself and his creations.

[@helionus8539]

Man, Feanor speech hits hard. By the when you finished reading it, I was already inspired to make war with Morgoth myself

[@joeschmoe3665]

It's the classic call to adventure

[@Sir_Korey]

Fëanor was absolutely a favorite of the first age.

[@alphonsesenjutsu]

👑Fëanor and the Silmarils, Fëanor is my FAVORITE character from ALL Tolkien Books. He's the BEST, STRONGEST, GREATEST, MOST POWERFUL character (ELF) ever💯👑 A VERY complex and well-written character

[@aesir1ases64]

Agreed, he is much more complex than the average fan realizes, also prob the most important character in the series.

[@jeffreybogard2713]

Any time I see someone try to point out that Tolkien's stories are morally simple, I point to Feanor. Brilliant, badass, driven, wise, egotistical and ruinously megalomaniacal, Feanor was a very complex figure who's madness and brilliance echo throughout the ages. Even in LotR Feanor's choices and actions continuously aid and hinder the free people of Middle Earth, thousands of years after his death.

[@joeschmoe3665]

I think we all love him because he is the catalyst for the entire conflict without his exodus there would be no story and no great deeds only peaceful walks in paradise, his speech is the classic call to adventure

[@mooseclamps]

I feel like the story of Feanor is a great place to start for anyone who wants to start learning all the back lore to lotr. It touches on almost all the fundamentals of the tolkien universe while also providing an actual story to follow and keep rooted in

[@briangarrow448]

Hubris, and anger bring down the greatest of the great. How many tears have been shed in response to his decisions.

[@garmisra7841]

Tears unnumbered shall ye shed - Mandos

[@xavierperez6739]

I could just, spend my days watching your videos. Excellent content. Thank you again for making this.

[@Corristo89]

"The candle that burns twice as bright, burns half as long" I think this fits Feanor perfectly. A peerless master of any craft he pursued, brilliant and passionate, but also hotheaded, rebellious, prone to violence and extremely arrogant.

[@cicknobb5321]

Already taking info from the new book! Awesome video Nerd!

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thanks! Gotta throw in "Nature of Middle-earth" info when I can/notice it. haha. Still working my way through the book!

[@His_Name_Was_King]

Feanor did have a point there....I always thought the same thing about the Valars reluctance.

[@aesir1ases64]

Yeah, the valar are flawed and thats what makes them at the story even more cool to follow, they are not almighty perfect like Eru.

[@indio4-215]

One could say that Fëanor and Melkor have more in common with each other than anyone else since they are both very rebellious by nature due to their fiercely independent and individualistic personalities, are prideful and arrogant, both are exceptional craftsman, with the quote in the Ainulindalë chapter of the Silmarillion that states that Aulë was scarcely less skillful and knowledgeable than Melkor in that respect (I say this to highlight Melkor's great ability as an exemplary craftsman), are the greatest of their respective species, and in general, the massive impact and legacy that they both left on Arda, respectively, just to name a few examples (quite ironic since they both despised each other with a burning passion). And Fëanor was such an absolute badass that he would even have the guts to talk trash to Melkor by calling him "Jail-Crow of Mandos" before proceeding to slam the door in Melkor's face, defy the Valar and pursue Melkor, and then fight a group of Balrogs for hours on end before finally being done in by Gothmog. Afterwards, his fiery spirit was so all-consuming that it would even set his body aflame. I have a fondness for such characters since, for better or worse, they seek to forge their own path and to hell with everyone that say otherwise. It was almost as if Fëanor was defiance itself given physical form. Spirit of Fire indeed since that's what his name means in Quenya. "For Fëanor was made the mightiest in all parts of body and mind: in valour, in endurance, in beauty, in understanding, in skill, in strength, and subtlety alike: of all the Children of Ilúvatar, and a bright flame was in him". -- Quenta Silmarillion, "Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor". "He became of all the Noldor, then or after, the most subtle in mind and the most skilled in hand". -- Quenta Silmarillion, "Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor".

[@AnnaMarianne]

So, you like Byronic heroes. You have great taste, my friend.

[@indio4-215]

@@AnnaMarianne Indeed, such fascinating individuals to delve into and scrutinize. Especially when they possess the kind of fire and rebelliousness that Fëanor had, for better or worse.

[@berilsevvalbekret772]

Yep just wish the sociopath was a little bit less of a jerk. The bloodbath in Valinor was completely unnecessary.

[@indio4-215]

@@berilsevvalbekret772 Indeed as well. And the burning of the Teleri ships as well which Fëanor did out of calculated, spiteful callousness.

[@davidmeza993]

I'd love to hear your analysis of the metaphysics of fëa/spirit and ideas of how Manwe can put himself in the eagles, Sauron the ring, Feanor and his mother, etc

[@ecthelionofthefountain8267]

Loved this! Feanor is such a fascinating character. I love him and hate him at the same time! It really is interesting seeing parallels between Feanor and Melkor and the devastation that the oath caused which in a sense shows that even the elves had a fall.

[@vakhodavitashvili9803]

Fëanor reminds me of Tùrin (even though the latter had much more tragic story. They both wanted to avenge their fathers who they looked up to, they were both one of a kind among their kin in terms of power and charisma and they were enormously arrogant and ambitious. They wanted to free the world from Morgoth, but eventually tragically got played by him. With both characters I felt hate, pity but also huge admiration. RIP Fëanor, son of Finwë and Túrin, son of Húrin.

[@finalgirltia]

feanor telling melkor to get off his lawn is by far the funniest moment in the silm lmfao

[@girliealmighty]

I’d love to see you do videos on the Sons of Feanor and their travels!

[@komah7909]

If he gives the Silmarils to Yavanna after Dagor Dagorath than would that mean he’s redeemed? He did spend lord knows how long in the Halls of Mandos, even longer than any elf and maybe he used this time to reflect on his mistakes and, very possibly, be comforted by his own mother, Miriel. I’d like to think that she’s the key to Feanor’s redemption.

[@jessmith7324]

Not familiar with his step sisters. Too, I think he doesnt get enough credit either. He accurately predicted and chastized the valar for their inactivity to eevn allow themselves to be decived by morgoth and rule middle earth, and that they would eventually follow them. There's a note from either JRR or his son that Illuvatar was also not happy with the valar's indecsiion because it was a lack of faith in him that he would not stop Morgoth from fucking with his plans. Thats why i like feanor. He's a child who lost his mother, was pampered by his father, insanely gifted, loyal to only his father, arrogant, righteous, and prone to a mad rage which apparently runs in his family including his step family

[@foebus1864]

Every new video of yours is like a blessing from the Almighty Algorithm of Ilúvatar Keep up the good work man

[@NerdoftheRings]

Haha! Thanks so much, my friend!

[@GullibleTarget]

Nice one! Loved your Feänor voice work! It had some 'general Hux' quality to it. Really well done

[@bobankrsmanovic9398]

6:58 I also like the fact that Tolkien pointed out,: even it's not matter if Feanor gave Silmarils or not (they were already stolen), if he said yes, most probably, the fate of him and other Noldors would be different (brighter).

[@zone66]

can recommend the song of the band Blind Guardian - "Curse of Feanor" as well as the song "Noldor". Great lyrics to those stories of the book

[@manuela1986]

Ah yes, my favorite part of The Silmarilion, from his birth, through the exile and then death. Probably because I can still quite easily follow the story and characters and their relationships through those parts 😄 Nice reading on the speech part but I still cannot unhear Martin Shaw ♥️

[@Tilnaor]

ok, NOW I understand the greatness when Galadriel gave a tress of her hair to Gimli, a _dwarf_ while she denied that even to Feanor. Really the LoR just a bold scripted footnote to the Silmarillion

[@khaerulaminafdillah2966]

What do you mind ?

[@cleissonsarturi9984]

I had such an awesome surprise seeing one of my paintings in this video! I'm very happy, thanks!

[@NerdoftheRings]

❤️❤️❤️ Did I get the proper title and everything in the description? If not, please let me know so folks can find your great work!!

[@KororaPenguin]

I picture Fëanor and his sons, when they swear their oath, looking and sounding akin to how Artanis looked and sounded in her moment of temptation in Jackson's _Fellowship_ movie.

[@barnabyjones692]

Galadriel*

[@rajkomitic2589]

Mate, you are a national treasure. Great job! Just perfect with music, pictures... Just great!

[@thehighguarduk4820]

Fantastic video, really well discussed and explained about an incredible subject and character. Nicely done!

[@Seb4asti4n]

Fëanor is my number two favourite, a hair behind Fingolfin. I mean Fingolfin rode solo to Morgoth, wounded him for life and was literally mistaken as Oromë.

[@anonymouspersonskissnowboa6678]

Lmao only when the whole host of morgoth was gone from angband as his whole army always sweped into beleriand. Lmao your beta wuss cuck ran from feanor challenge to a duel and cried to valar like a beta cuck. Also morgoth did not even mistake him from orome. Don't get ahead of yourself there. It was the orcs who saw him ride his horse. Morgoth dare not even challenge feanor and had his whole host attack feanor alone and even then needed an ambush attack from behind. Also never did morgoth dare to go to feanor home to claim the gems as he waited till he was outstation to attack. Lmao both of your wuss would get owned on a 1v1 pvp with feanor.

[@coryluso941]

i feel like morgorths influence was a bit underplayed in this summary making feanor seem more like a greedy child rather than the greatest elf who ever lived

[@CelebrianUndomiel]

I agree, and the idea that he was “greedy” about the silmarils by locking them away, when in fact, they’re his own creation and he is not obliged to show them to anyone if he doesn’t want to?

[@bmabs35]

Yeah. Morgoth saw Fëanor's fiery spirit and took it as an opportunity to fill his head with lies and distrust and finally start his quest for revenge on the Valar.

[@glorfindel4945]

A very interesting deep dive in Fëanor's live and travels!

[@MrFantocan]

Feanor is great, he is not evil, just too proud and arrogant. Wich made him easy prey to Melkor.

[@KeppyKep]

Such an epic story. He burned so bright that even the Blessed Realm of Valinor could not contain the force of his spirit. I believe that regardless of Morgoth, Silmarils or oaths, he eventually would have left for the broader lands of Middle Earth.

[@RuudDevil]

Excellent narration, I love the effort you put into your videos. Keep it up!

[@belfastchild76]

1 of the best videos you have done so far.... thank you. Keep up the good work

[@untruelie2640]

It's perhaps important to keep in mind that the Noldor were banned from Aman and came under the doom of Mandos because of the kin-slaying at Alqualonde. Before that, the Valar would let them leave freely (although they were quite sad about it). Only the one's who refused to leave Tirion (about 1/10 of the Noldor) as well as the followers of Finarfin (who returned to Eldamar after Mandos had spoken to them) were permitted to stay in Aman.

[@tacosocks2576]

I appreciate the crap out of your effort to bring the legacy of this masterpiece to the public. Great channel.

[@GlorfindelofGondolin]

Nicely done video as always. Keep up the fantastic work.

[@alexandrasimon7191]

I've been waiting for this for so long!!! This channel is the best ❤️

[@richardlee3710]

Great summary of Feanor's career. One correction, based on the version in the 77 Silmarillion, the festival was held in the Halls of Manwe on Taniquetil and not Valmar. They were not near the Two Trees when they were attacked and witnessed the darkening from the heights as the land fell into shadow.

[@shehansenanayaka3046]

Elves one of my fav races alongside dwarves in Middle earth. Brilliant video. We always appreciate your time and hard work to make these videos. Love from Sri Lanka 🇱🇰🤝🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿.

[@jamiegregg9211]

cool vid Matt truly enjoyed it

[@Mike60606]

Feanor did nothing wrong. The greatest of all elves. Greater than most Maiar. Even Gandalf himself was in awe of Feanor's mind and power. Instead of hiding in Aman after the darkening of Valinor, Feanor chased Morgoth to the very gates of Angband. Angband, which makes Barad Dur look like a child's forgery. He fought long and undismayed, alone, against Gothmog the Lord of Balrogs, and the other Balrogs, and trolls, and orcs. Melkor hid from him, and in the end, the Valar did follow Feanor as he said they would.

[@mazharimam6827]

This is why I sing his praises and those of his seven brave sons. There were none like them among the Firstborn and never shall be again.

[@dlxmarks]

The complicated marital situation of Finwë, Míriel, and Indis would be a good short video subject. Míriel left her body and refused to return to it which is why Finwë took a second wife, perhaps the only time that occurred in Elvish history. It's one, but not the only, reason why Finwë was not allowed reincarnation after Míriel finally decided to re-enter her body; he would have two wives then. I wonder what happened with Nerdanel who was not only estranged from Feanor in life but now he's stuck in Mandos indefinitely in death. Since most of Feanor's married sons are probably in Mandos indefinitely as well for their crimes, their wives are in the same situation.

[@ananthshankar2929]

Your content is better than any other Tolkien content that I've seen on youtube. I'd love to hear how you'd structure and write a TV show set in the 2nd age -- and I think I'd like such a video more than any RoP episode.

[@juliahenriques210]

"He is considered the greatest jerk of all the Noldor..."

[@NerdoftheRings]

Haha! Truth.

[@juliahenriques210]

@@NerdoftheRings I didn't remember how much of a fascist Fëanor was in his speech. It's such a rare case of critique of politics in Tolkien's work. Tolkien was always smarter than most give him credit for.

[@untruelie2640]

I think his sons Celegorm and Curufin are at least in the Top 3 together with him.

[@therealelderking5830]

@@untruelie2640 Nah, Thingol deserves #3 at the least, assuming we’re taking all eves and not just the Noldor.

[@carlcat3944]

Always impressed by the quality of the videos. Good choice of pictures.

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thanks!

[@masqueradex1]

I never understand one thing: Melkor basically kills his father, destroy the trees, steals the Silmarils. What was expected from him. To sit idle and live forever in Valinor? Though I don't approve Teleri kinslaying and I cannot relate the motivation of Fëanor as a character, I also don't understand why Valar or Teleri is not helping him and Noldor, and give guidance. At least they could ferry them across. As Morgoth now is their common enemy. Just imagine if they did not went east like a vanguard force and fought all these years, it is real possibility that one day Morgoth could have invade the whole Valinor with his breeded armies made up from elves and men who were left alone in Beleriand.

[@romualdcaffeserre6230]

Melkor had Angbang, an army of balrog, hundreds of thousands of orcs, dragons, werewolves and evil spirit on his side. He was a god, plain and simple. The Valar knew perfectly well that the Noldor's attempt at taking down Morgoth was a suicide in disguise, and that many elves would die in a stupid attempt to kill the unkillable. When Faenor embarks the Noldor in his quest, the Valar are busy restauring the light of Valinor. Faenor frame this as the Valar being unwilling to go after Melkor, but that's a plain out lie. The initial plan of the Valar was to keep the elves in Valinor, away from harm, while they go after Melkor themselves. That plan never came to fruition because of the Noldor, because they killed their elven brothers in Teleri, commited theft and sacrilege on the holy land of Valinor. No fury like a god scorn

[@theelectricprince8231]

@@romualdcaffeserre6230 what bs. Fingolfin almost killed him (if him and Feanor fought Morgoth together, like how Gil Galad and Elendil fought and beat Sauron, they would have won ), plus the elves with their human allies almost won the battle of unnumbered tears if not for betrayal. The Valar are incompetent clowns (Morgoth is one of them), if the elves were united they would clapped Morgoths cheeks LOW DIFF. If the Noldor were more patient with the Telerri, they would have ALL had safe passage to Belleriand, had the assistance of king Thingol and clapped Morgoths cheeks easily. He would have no time to create his Dragons. Feanor just had to wait a bit, the Valar were dumb. In retrospect, the Last alliance of elves and men were far more competent and organized than the Valar and Noldor. I would put my money on the last alliance to actually win.

[@peterwilson6819]

Another amazing vid. You've made my day!

[@bigbangrafa8435]

Feanor sounds like Anakin Skywalker - Thinks he is the center of the universe, but is far from being the embodiment of perfection he sees himself as. Both could have achieved greatness if not for the lack of humility, and both burned for their sins. At least Skywalker redeemed himself, while Feanor probably spent the rest of eternity on those cold halls, speaking gibberish about gems that he would never take back.

[@anonymouspersonskissnowboa6678]

Lmao except they still need feanor help at the end of times to defeat morgoth and also his help to unmake the gems as valar are weak just like inferior inter race half blood siblings scums and other trash weak race are weak like the scum they are.

[@rafaelpereiradenovo]

By far your best video so far! Keep up the good work!👏👏👏

[@Enerdhil]

This video was a great breakdown of all the good and bad of Feanor. Everyone loves a story about someone who was evil becoming good and doing amazing good things. Feanor's story is exactly opposite of this. I honestly have no confidence he will break his own Silmarili when he is reembodied after the Dagor Dagorath. He is still bound to his oath when he comes back to Arda. Hopefully, several ages in Mandos has changed his thinking and causes him to repent of the Oath and ask the Valar for forgiveness. Otherwise, I would come up with a Plan B if I were Manwe. Nothing this dude ever did showed remorse for making that oath or for killing his kin.

[@TheFrodoBaggins33]

I love the themes tolkien weaves into his stories, how greed and obsession can lead to great destruction, how jealousy led to weapons being made etc

[@cicknobb5321]

It’s just like, if he hadn’t done enough already , he had to burn the ships…

[@IvorMektin1701]

Like Cortez in Mexico

[@garytwinem5275]

And Arthas in Warcraft 3.

[@sweeperboy]

It's quite an illogical act and shows the blindness he developed with his hatred of his half-brother. After all, these were the Noldor who listened to his speech and chose (however reluctantly) to leave Valinor to go with him back to Middle Earth and to contest with Morgoth. If he wasn't going to accept them, why only reject them at that point and not straight away?

[@untruelie2640]

@@sweeperboy Yes, it was pure hybris. Like the númenorian invasion of Aman, although being less desastrous.

[@anonymouspersonskissnowboa6678]

@@sweeperboy lmao his low class inferior inter race scum half blood did not want to leave anyway. So he let them go crawling back to the valar. Lmao after all that scum inter race loser cried to the valar when feanor challenged him to a duel instead of facing it like a man.

[@The_Bashar]

5:36 way to undersell how Melkor was unmasked. While I love and think of other Tolkien characters as interesting, Feanor is the most fascinating and accessible to me 😍.

[@mercianthane2503]

People that never read Tolkien's works: There are no morally greyish characters in Tolkien's novels. Me, who still remembers what an asshole Fëanor was: Oh boi...

[@Sgrunterundt]

And Thorin and Turin are not exactly pure black or pure white either.

[@mercianthane2503]

@@Sgrunterundt Especially Turin. Or someone like Eöl.

[@skytrailer2563]

I would love to listen to audio book of you reading the silmeril. I really do love all the voices you do and your narrating ☺️