The Quest for the Silmarils: The Sons of Feanor and Their Motivations

The quest to reclaim the Silmarils is a central theme in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion, a mythology rich in moral and ethical dilemmas. This article delves into the motivations of the Sons of Feanor, Esedrael, and Curufin, particularly focusing on their pursuit of these precious gems despite the obvious impossibility of their goal.

Origins of the Silmarils

Fe?nor, a renowned elven craftsman, created the Silmarils before Melkor was released from captivity. These gems were the pinnacle of elvish creation, not only for their unparalleled beauty but also for their unique characteristics. Fe?nor's creative pursuits stemmed from a deep artistic passion, as evidenced by his perfection in designing both Elvish script and the Palantiri.

Fe?nor's primary motivation was artistic; he found joy in creating beautiful and extraordinary objects. However, this drive for perfection also sparked his tragic path toward villainy. He took immense pride in the Silmarils and would wear them openly, demonstrating his belief in their worth, but it was also a manifestation of a budding resentment.

Esedrael's Drive for Artistic Fulfillment

Esedrael, one of the sons of Fe?nor, was driven by a relentless desire to create. His mind was tireless, constantly dreaming of new projects, which he would then set out to create with meticulous detail. The Silmarils were the ultimate expression of his artistic vision and his greatest achievement, a testament to his unwavering commitment to beauty and excellence.

Curufin's Complex Motivations

Curufin, another son of Fe?nor, was similarly passionate about his creative pursuits. However, his motivations were even more deeply rooted in personal grief. Unlike Esedrael, Curufin was motivated by a profound sense of loss and a desire to find a way to alleviate his pain.

Curufin mourned the loss of his father Fe?nor and his mother Miriel, the murder of Finw?, and the theft of the Silmarils. Despite being aware of the futility of their quest to reclaim the Silmarils, Curufin's grief drove him to push forward, even when logic might have dictated otherwise. His motivations were a mix of artistic pursuit and personal vengeance, fueled by a desire to make something beautiful and to seek justice for his family's tragic losses.

Melkor's Surprise and Fe?nor's Fatal Flaws

It was shocking to the Eldar that Melkor would destroy the Two Trees, Telperion and Laurelin, steal the Silmarils, and kill Finw?. Fe?nor's grief and resulting quest were further complicated by his complex feelings concerning his parents. He loved them deeply but also harbored anger and resentment, particularly towards his father for remarrying and having children with Indis, thus affronting his mother.

Fe?nor's grief and his inability to deal with his complex emotions led him to take an oath that was essentially a curse on himself and his sons, ultimately dooming their family to a quest that they believed was righteous but was marked by terrible atrocities. Fe?nor's motivations were rooted in madness and grief, and he saw the ends justifying the means, making him a fundamentally broken individual.

The Enduring Legacy of the Sons of Fe?nor

The pursuit of the Silmarils, led by the sons of Fe?nor, became a significant narrative in the legendarium. Their quest highlights the complexities of ambition, grief, and the tragic consequences of hubris. The story of the Silmarils remains a testament to the enduring power of art and the profound impact of personal and familial wounds.