Boromir: "Is it not a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt for so small a thing? So small a thing!" - J. R. R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring II:10 |
Silmaril | |
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300px A Silmaril | |
Statistics | |
Other names | The Great Jewels, Jewels of Fëanor, The Three Jewels |
Type | Jewels |
Effect(s) | contained the light of the Two Trees |
Creator | Fëanor |
Date created | Years of the Trees 1449-1450 |
Cost to buy | N/A |
Cost to sell | N/A |
The Silmarils or Silmarilli (S."Radiance of Pure Light"; Q. Ilumírë) were the three most wondrous jewels ever crafted in Arda, unparalleled in beauty, power, and sanctity. Forged by the hands of Fëanor, the greatest craftman of the Noldor, during the Years of the Trees in Valinor, the Silmarils captured the light of the Two Trees of Valinor, Telperion and Laurelin, preserving their radiance for all time. These jewels, made from the crystalline substance silima, of Fëanor's own devising, emitted an eternal light that no darkness could dim and no shadow could taint. Their splendor inspired awe and envy in all who beheld them, yet their hallowed nature rejected any unworthy touch, burning mortals and evil beings alike.
Description[]
Each Silmaril was a gem of incomparable beauty, surpassing even the most dazzling stars. Their inner light was a harmonious fusion of silver and gold, reflecting the mingling of Telperion's cool silver glow and Laurelin's warm golden radiance. The Silmarils were encased in silima, a crystalline substance so pure and resilient that no force in Arda could mar it.
The light of the Silmarils was not merely physical; it carried a spiritual quality, imbued with the sacred essence of the Two Trees. This light could pierce the deepest darkness and heal the most grievous wounds of spirit. It was said that to gaze upon a Silmaril was to glimpse a fragment of the Flame Imperishable, a spark of Eru Ilúvatar's creative power.
The Silmarils also possessed a profound moral aspect. They rejected the unworthy, burning the hands of the impure or evil-hearted. When Morgoth placed them upon his Iron Crown, they tormented him ceaselessly, a reminder of his fall from grace. Their power was so potent that even the most virtuous beings, including Manwë and Varda, dared not claim them without consent.
HIstory[]
Creation[]
The creation of the Silmarils was Fëanor's greatest achievement and the zenith of Noldorin craftsmanship. Inspired by the light of the Trees and, according to some tales, by the golden and silver hues of Galadriel's hair, Fëanor labored for decades to perfect his art. He gathered the rarest materials, including pearls from the Solosimpi, luminous phosphorescence from the foam of the seas, and opals shimmering with the half-light of stars.
Fëanor’s skill surpassed even that of Aulë, for he imbued the jewels with a living light, a feat no other craftsman could replicate. Yet the precise methods and lore of their making were a secret that Fëanor took to his grave, ensuring that no others could duplicate them.
The War of the Jewels[]
The Silmarils became the most coveted objects in Aman, and none desired them more than Melkor. After corrupting Fëanor with whispers of envy and distrust, Morgoth allied with Ungoliant to destroy the Two Trees. With their light extinguished, the Silmarils held the last remnant of their divine radiance. Morgoth slew Finwë, Fëanor's father, and stole the Silmarils, fleeing to Middle-earth. The jewels burned Morgoth's hands, but he placed them in his Iron Crown, where they tormented him even as they became symbols of his dominion in Angband.
Fëanor and his sons swore the Oath of Fëanor, vowing to reclaim the Silmarils at any cost. This oath led to the Kinslaying at Alqualondë, the exile of the Noldor, and Wars of Beleriand. For centuries, the Noldor waged war against Angband, Morgoth’s fortress in the north. Notable battles include the Dagor Aglareb ("Glorious Battle"), where the Noldor temporarily encircled Angband, and the Dagor Bragollach ("Battle of Sudden Flame"), which shattered the Siege of Angband. These battles led to massive losses and the deaths of many Noldorin leaders.
Eventually one Silmaril was wrested from Morgoth’s crown through the heroism of Beren Erchamion, a mortal man, and Lúthien Tinúviel, an Elf-maiden of unparalleled grace. Their quest, driven by Thingol’s demand for a Silmaril as the bride-price for Lúthien, became a legend of courage and love. With the aid of Lúthien’s enchantments and the betrayal of Morgoth’s servants, they reached Angband and cut a Silmaril from the crown. However, the jewel was swallowed by the great wolf Carcharoth. After a harrowing hunt, Carcharoth was slain, and the Silmaril was recovered, though at the cost of great suffering.
This Silmaril eventually passed to Dior Eluchil, Thingol’s heir, after the deaths of Beren and Lúthien. It became the cause of the Second Kinslaying when the Sons of Fëanor attacked Doriath to reclaim the jewel, leading to Dior’s death and the scattering of his people.
Fate of the Silmarils[]
At the end of the War of Wrath, the Valar defeated Morgoth, and the remaining Silmarils were taken from his crown. However, Maedhros and Maglor, the last surviving sons of Fëanor, stole them. Yet the jewels rejected their claim, burning their hands. In despair, Maedhros cast himself and his Silmaril into a fiery chasm, while Maglor threw his into the sea, leaving the third Silmaril in the sky as the Star of Eärendil, borne by Eärendil on his celestial voyage.
Thus, the Silmarils came to reside in the three elements of Arda: the earth, the sea, and the sky.
- The Silmaril of the Heavens: Worn by Eärendil upon his brow, it was set in the sky by the Valar, becoming the Evening Star, a beacon of hope for all Middle-earth.
- The Silmaril of the Earth: Claimed by Maedhros, who, unable to bear its burning, cast himself into a fiery chasm. It was said to lie deep beneath the earth, mingling with the fire at Arda’s core. Some scholars of the Fourth Age speculated that the Arkenstone of Erebor, described as a brilliant gem unmatched in beauty, might be a Silmaril that resurfaced after millennia. This theory remains unproven, as the Arkenstone was buried with Thorin Oakenshield, never to be seen again.
- The Silmaril of the Sea: Taken by Maglor, who hurled it into the ocean. Legends say its light can sometimes be glimpsed beneath the waves. During the Second Age, some Númenórean kings, most notably Tar-Minastir, sought the Silmarils, believing their light could restore Númenor’s fading glory. Stories tell of great ships sent to scour the seas for the gem Maglor cast away, but none succeeded.
Dagor Dagorath[]
According to prophecy, during the Dagor Dagorath (the Final Battle), the Silmarils will be recovered, and Fëanor himself will break them to release their light. This light will be used to rekindle the Two Trees of Valinor, heralding the renewal of Arda and an age of eternal peace.
Names[]
- Calaivorë
- Golodhvir
- Grashkûlum
- Ilumírë
- Jewels of Radiance
- Sigelmaerels
- Silevril
- Slmarilli
- Stars of the Earth
- Untouchable Gems