Introduction

The Silmarils are among the most enigmatic and contested treasures in Tolkien's The Silmarillion. The power and mystery surrounding these jewels, especially their burning effect on those impure of heart, have fascinated scholars and readers alike. Did Feanor and his sons foresee the dire consequences of wielding these sacred but treacherous artifacts? If they did, why didn't they keep them hidden? This article explores the myriad reasons behind the apparent paradox.

Understanding the Silmarils

The creation of the Silmarils by Feanor is a testament to the craft and power of the Noldor elves. Eru, the One, bestowed them to the Valar for their exemplary craftsmanship. These jewels, imbued with incredible light, were intended to bring blessing and prosperity. However, their very beauty and power made them a target for evil forces.

The burning of the Silmarils on contact with evil was a truly divine intervention. The Valar made these jewels to protect them from the malevolent influence of Morgoth. As such, touching the Silmarils with anything impious would result in burning. Pure hearts, however, were immune to this dire fate.

Examples of Burnings by the Silmarils

Several instances highlight the burning nature of the Silmarils. Notably, Feanor himself, along with Beren, Thingol, Dior, Elwing, and Earendil, managed to hold the jewels without any harm. This was a testament to their purity of heart. Curiously, even Melkor's followers, who assassinated Thingol, were not burned, possibly due to their sincere belief in their cause. However, the burning effect was evident in the next generation.

Morgoth's wolf Carcharoth and Feanor's surviving sons, Maedhros and Maglor, were burned upon contact with the Silmarils. This burning was a result of not just the contamination of a tainted hand, but also as a consequence of Feanor's own oaths and the kinslayings that followed. Interestingly, even Morgoth, who wore these jewels upon an iron crown, was not immediately burned, indicating the complex nature of the burnings.

The Safety of the Silmarils

Feanor's obsession with the safety and security of the Silmarils fueled a great deal of tension. He became overly protective and refused to let anyone, even his family, see the jewels. His jealousy led to a fractious relationship with the Valar. As a result, the Silmarils were moved to the family home of Formenos. It was here that Melkor and Ungoliant found and stole the jewels, leading to the tragic loss of Father Finwe and confirming the evil nature of the Silmarils.

The burning of the Silmarils was a double-edged sword. While it was a powerful deterrent against corruption, it also ensured that only the family itself could ultimately suffer the consequences. Feanor himself was ultimately doomed to face the burnings, and it was only his sons Maedhros and Maglor who would bear the final brunt of the dire oaths he had sworn.

Conclusion

The question of whether Feanor and his sons anticipated the burning effects of the Silmarils is one that remains open for interpretation. Their actions and decisions, driven by jealousy and a deep-seated belief in the power of these jewels, ultimately led to their downfall. The tragic story of the Silmarils serves as a cautionary tale, underscoring the dangerous allure of power and the complex moral landscape of Middle-earth.