Finwë: Difference between revisions

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| titles=[[King of the Noldor]]
| titles=[[King of the Noldor]]
| position=
| position=
| location=[[Tirion]]
| location=[[Cuiviénen]]</br>[[Tirion]]</br>[[Formenos]]
| affiliation=
| affiliation=
| language=[[Common Eldarin]] and [[Quenya]]
| language=[[Common Eldarin]]</br>[[Quenya]]
| birth=between {{YT|1050}} and {{YT|1102|n}}
| birth=between {{YT|1050}} and {{YT|1102|n}}
| birthlocation=[[Cuiviénen]]
| birthlocation=[[Cuiviénen]]
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| death={{YT|1495}}
| death={{YT|1495}}
| deathlocation=[[Formenos]]
| deathlocation=[[Formenos]]
| age=between 445/4,293 and 393/3,765 [[Years of the Sun|years]]
| age=between 445/c. 64,080 and 393/c. 56,592 [[Years of the Sun|years]]
| notablefor=
| notablefor=
| house=[[House of Finwë]]
| house=[[House of Finwë]]
| parentage=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| siblings=
| spouse=[[Míriel|Míriel Serindë]]</br>[[Indis]]
| spouse=[[Míriel]] (first wife)</br>[[Indis]] (second wife)
| children=[[Fëanor]] (by Míriel)</br>[[Findis]], [[Fingolfin]], [[Írimë]] and [[Finarfin]] (by Indis)
| children= - with '''Míriel'''</br>[[Fëanor]] (son)</br></br> - with '''Indis'''</br>[[Findis]] (daughter)</br>[[Fingolfin]] (son)</br>[[Lalwen]] (daughter)</br>[[Finarfin]] (son)
| gender=Male
| gender=Male
| height=
| height=
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| weapons=
| weapons=
| steed=
| steed=
}}{{Pronounce|Finwe Noldoran.mp3|Ardamir}}
}}
<center>{{quote|But Melkor was also there, and he came to the house of Fëanor and there he slew Finwë King of the Noldor before his doors, and spilled the first blood in the Blessed Realm; for Finwë alone had not fled from the horror of the Dark. |''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Flight of the Noldor]]}}</center>
<center>{{quote|But Melkor was also there, and he came to the house of Fëanor and there he slew Finwë King of the Noldor before his doors, and spilled the first blood in the Blessed Realm; for Finwë alone had not fled from the horror of the Dark.|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Flight of the Noldor]]}}</center>
'''Finwë''' ([[Quenya|Q]], pron. [[Noldorin|N]] {{IPA|[ˈfinwe]}}, [[Vanyarin|V]] {{IPA|[ˈɸinwe]}}) was the first [[King of the Noldor]], who led his people on the journey from Middle-earth to [[Valinor]] in the blessed realm of [[Aman]]. He was a great friend of [[Thingol|Elwë]], who would later become the [[King of Doriath]].


==History==
'''Finwë''' ([[Quenya|Q]], pron. [[Noldorin|NQ]] {{IPA|[ˈfinwe]}}, [[Vanyarin|VQ]] {{IPA|[ˈɸinwe]}}) was the first [[King of the Noldor]], who led his people on the journey from [[Middle-earth]] to [[Valinor]] in the blessed realm of [[Aman]]. He was a great friend of [[Thingol|Elwë Singollo]], who would later become the [[King of Doriath]].
===Life in Middle-earth===


== History ==
=== Life in Middle-earth ===
[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Cuiviénen.jpg|thumb|left|[[Jenny Dolfen]] - ''Cuiviénen'']]
The first [[Elves]] awoke in [[Middle-earth]] near the bay of the [[Sea of Helcar]], called [[Cuiviénen]], in {{YT|1050}}<ref name="Annals">{{MR|P2e}}, pp. 71-4</ref>. [[Oromë]], The Huntsman of the [[Valar]], while traveling near the [[Orocarni]] mountains, discovered the Elves and bonded friendship with their kin.
The first [[Elves]] awoke in [[Middle-earth]] near the bay of the [[Sea of Helcar]], called [[Cuiviénen]], in {{YT|1050}}<ref name="Annals">{{MR|P2e}}, pp. 71-4</ref>. [[Oromë]], The Huntsman of the [[Valar]], while traveling near the [[Orocarni]] mountains, discovered the Elves and bonded friendship with their kin.


Later, as the Valar decided to call the first Children of [[Ilúvatar]] in Valinor, regarding this call with suspicion, Oromë selected three elves to follow him into Aman and report back what they have seen, in the hopes that they could decimate the fears which were seeded into the hearts of the elves by [[Morgoth|Melkor]]. The three elven ambassadors were [[Ingwë]], Finwë and [[Thingol|Elwë]], who would later become kings of the three fractions into which the elven race was split.<ref name=S3>{{S|3}}</ref>
Later, as the Valar decided to summon the first [[Children of Ilúvatar]] to Valinor, regarding this call with suspicion, Oromë selected three elves to follow him into Aman and report back what they have seen, in the hopes that they could decimate the fears which were seeded into the hearts of the Elves by [[Morgoth|Melkor]]. The three Elven ambassadors were [[Ingwë]], Finwë and [[Thingol|Elwë]], who would later become kings of the three fractions into which the Elven race was split.<ref name=S3>{{S|3}}</ref>


Enamored by the wonders of Valinor, Finwë and his other two companions returned towards the Middle-earth and attempted to convince their respective peoples to follow them back into Aman. Those who agreed to follow Oromë received the name [[Eldar]]. Among them were Finwë's people, who would eventually become known as the [[Noldor]]. They later became students of [[Aulë]] the Smith.<ref name=S3/> Finwë's eldest son, [[Fëanor]], would become the greatest craftsman among the Elves of Valinor.<ref name=S5/>
Enamored by the wonders of Valinor, Finwë and his other two companions returned towards the Middle-earth and attempted to convince their respective peoples to follow them back into Aman. Those who agreed to follow Oromë received the name [[Eldar]]. Among them were Finwë's people, who would eventually become known as the [[Noldor]]. They later became students of [[Aulë]] the Smith.<ref name=S3/> Finwë's eldest son, [[Fëanor]], would become the greatest craftsman among the Elves of Valinor.<ref name=S5/>


===Life in Valinor ===
=== Life in Valinor ===
Upon arriving in the blessed realm of Aman, Finwë was troubled only by the separation from his friend [[Thingol|Elwë]] who chose to remain in [[Beleriand]]. The Noldor settled on the hill of [[Túna]], raised by the Noldor and, led by Finwë, they lived in the city of [[Tirion]], whom they shared with the [[Vanyar]]. It was during the building of Finwë's house that the masons found the earth-gems from which they crafted countless jewels to be given freely for the enrichment of Valinor. Later, Ingwë and his people left the city of Tirion and Finwë remained the only king to rule in Tirion.<ref name=S5>{{S|5}}</ref>


Upon arriving in the blessed realm of Aman, Finwë was troubled only by the separation from his friend [[Thingol|Elwë]] who chose to remain in [[Beleriand]]. The Noldor settled on the hill of [[Túna]], raised for them by the Valar and, led by Finwë, they lived in the city of [[Tirion]], whom they shared with the [[Vanyar]]. It was during the building of Finwë's house that the masons found the earth-gems from which they crafted countless jewels to be given freely for the enrichment of Valinor. Later, Ingwë and his people left the city of Tirion and Finwë remained the only king to rule in Tirion.<ref name=S5>{{S|5}}</ref>
==== Finwë and Míriel ====
[[Image:J.R.R. Tolkien - Finwe Heraldic Device.jpg|thumb|left|125px|Finwë's Heraldic Device]]
[[File:Steamey - Finwë Mourning Míriel.jpg|thumb|left|Steamey - ''Finwë mourning Míriel'']]
 
Finwë's first wife was [[Míriel|Míriel Þerindë]], skilled in all things that required fineness. From their love a son was born, [[Fëanor|Curufinwë Fëanáro]], who would later become known as Fëanor. As he was brought into the world, he depleted Míriel's strength and zest for life and she requested to be allowed to rest in the gardens of [[Irmo|Lórien]]. Finwë was deeply saddened by this event. He did not wish to leave the young child without a mother, nor did he want him to be their last. But as his wife explained that what would have nourished many children, was all invested in Fëanor, he had no other choice but to accept her request. And thus Míriel, with [[Manwë]]'s counsel, was placed asleep in Irmo's gardens. Her [[fëa]] eventually departed from her body and she became the first person to die in Aman.<ref name=S6>{{S|6}}</ref>
Finwë's first wife was [[Míriel|Míriel Serindë]], skilled in all things that required fineness. From their love a son was born, [[Fëanor|Curufinwë]], who would later become known as Fëanor. As he was brought into the world, he depleted Míriel's strength and zest for life and she requested to be allowed to rest in the gardens of [[Irmo|Lórien]]. Finwë was deeply saddened by this event. He did not wish to leave the young child without a mother, nor did he want him to be their last. But as his wife explained that what would have nourished many children, was all invested in Fëanor, he had no other choice but to accept her request. And thus Míriel, with [[Manwë]]'s counsel, was placed asleep in Irmo's gardens. Her [[fëa]] eventually departed from her body and she became the first person to die in Aman.<ref name=S6>{{S|6}}</ref>


This was a shocking event for all those present in Valinor, as never one of their own had died of free will. For some time, Finwë lived in sorrow and he often visited Míriel's body, but as his loneliness and lack of joy increased, he stopped seeing her altogether. His entire love now rested with his son, Fëanor, who grew up to be mighty and skilled in all things of hands and mind. He married [[Nerdanel]] and gave Finwë [[Sons of Fëanor|seven grandchildren]].
This was a shocking event for all those present in Valinor, as never one of their own had died of free will. For some time, Finwë lived in sorrow and he often visited Míriel's body, but as his loneliness and lack of joy increased, he stopped seeing her altogether. His entire love now rested with his son, Fëanor, who grew up to be mighty and skilled in all things of hands and mind. He married [[Nerdanel]] and gave Finwë [[Sons of Fëanor|seven grandchildren]].


But Finwë was not content in living alone and he sought to marry for the second time. His second wife was [[Indis|Indis the Fair]], a golden haired [[Vanya]], whom he loved and rejoiced in. She gave him two sons, [[Fingolfin]] and [[Finarfin]], and two daughters, [[Findis]] and [[Írimë]]<ref>{{PM|Shibboleth}}, ''The names of Finwë's descendants''</ref>. And though he was now blissful again, the shadow of Míriel never left the House, especially since Fëanor opposed his father's second marriage. The sons of Finwë never lived together and never shared close bonds. And after the later events surrounding the [[Silmarils]] many blamed Finwë and his desire to have a second wife for the dreadful courses of all those in the House. Most of these accusations had no ground, as Finwë had always loved his eldest son above all others, and the events surrounding his death would prove it.
But Finwë was not content in living alone and he sought to marry for the second time. His second wife was [[Indis|Indis the Fair]], a golden haired [[Vanya]], whom he loved and rejoiced in. She gave him two sons, [[Fingolfin]] and [[Finarfin]], and two daughters, [[Findis]] and [[Lalwen]]<ref>{{PM|Shibboleth}}, ''The names of Finwë's descendants''</ref>. And though he was now blissful again, the shadow of Míriel never left the House, especially since Fëanor opposed his father's second marriage. The sons of Finwë never lived together and never shared close bonds. And after the later events surrounding the [[Silmarils]] many blamed Finwë and his desire to have a second wife for the dreadful courses of all those in the House. Most of these accusations had no ground, as Finwë had always loved his eldest son above all others, and the events surrounding his death would prove it.


===Death===
==== The Unrest of the Noldor ====
After three ages of imprisonment, Melkor was released from the duress of [[Halls of Mandos|Mandos]] and, as he gained the trust of the Valar again, he was eventually allowed to roam freely in Valinor.<ref name=S6>{{S|6}}</ref> The treacherous Melkor lusted for the Silmarils, those three great jewels made by the hands of Fëanor, at the might of his skill, and ever he sought a way to steal them. He had sown such lies that all the Noldor began to strife, against themselves, against the other Elves and even against the Valar.
After three ages of imprisonment, Melkor was released from the duress of [[Halls of Mandos|Mandos]] and, as he gained the trust of the Valar again, he was eventually allowed to roam freely in Valinor.<ref name=S6>{{S|6}}</ref> The treacherous Melkor lusted for the Silmarils, those three great jewels made by the hands of Fëanor, at the might of his skill, and ever he sought a way to steal them. He had sown such lies that all the Noldor began to strife, against themselves, against the other Elves and even against the Valar.


The [[House of Finwë]] was no exception. There were already grounds of argument between his sons, and these events only served to deepen them. Finwë called a council and tried to moderate them. For the moment, his action seemed to be crowned with success, as Fingolfin bowed before Finwë and silenced the thoughts and arguments he had in regards to his eldest brother. Soon after that the Valar called Fëanor to answer for his words against them. The stem of the evil was exposed and Melkor's actions revealed. However, Fëanor too was sentenced to twelve years of exile, and he removed himself north, to the fortress of [[Formenos]]. Due to the great love he had for his eldest son, Finwë renounced his throne as the King of the Noldor and followed Fëanor into exile.<ref>{{S|Unrest}}</ref>
The [[House of Finwë]] was no exception. There were already grounds of argument between his sons, and these events only served to deepen them. Finwë called a council and tried to moderate them. For the moment, his action seemed to be crowned with success, as Fingolfin bowed before Finwë and silenced the thoughts and arguments he had in regards to his eldest brother. But Fëanor arrived just in time to see Fingolfin conspiring (as he thought) to steal the love of his father and the kingship of the Noldor. When Fingolfin was about to leave, Fëanor threatened him with a sword, saying that he will slay him if he would ever to find him "conspiring" against him. Soon after that the Valar called Fëanor to answer for his words against them and his brother. The stem of the evil was exposed and Melkor's actions revealed. However, Fëanor too was sentenced to twelve years of exile, and he removed himself north, to the fortress of [[Formenos]]. Due to the great love he had for his eldest son, Finwë renounced his throne as the King of the Noldor and followed Fëanor into exile.<ref>{{S|Unrest}}</ref>


In his fixation to have the Silmarils for himself, Melkor went as far as to claim them at the gates of Formenos. He was fiercely rejected by Fëanor, while Finwë sent messengers to Manwë. It was during a time of festival, that Melkor returned. All the people of Valinor were engaged in the festivities except Finwë, who, out of devotion for Fëanor and bitterness for his son's exile, chose to remain in Formenos, thus refusing to obey Manwë's call.<ref>{{S|Darkening}}</ref> After Melkor and [[Ungoliant]] destroyed the [[Two Trees of Valinor]], they headed towards Formenos. Alone Finwë had the courage to stand before the horror of the Darkness. There, before the doors of Formenos, the former King of the Noldor had been killed and the first blood was spilled in the realm of Aman. Melkor forcefully entered the fortress and stole the Silmarils, sending the blessed realm into darkness and motioning the Noldor to depart from Valinor.<ref>{{S|Flight}}</ref>
==== The Death of Finwë ====
[[File:Jenny Dolfen - The Darkening of Valinor.jpg|thumb|right|[[Jenny Dolfen]] - ''The Darkening of Valinor'']]
In his fixation to have the Silmarils for himself, Melkor went as far as to claim them at the gates of Formenos. He was fiercely rejected by Fëanor, while Finwë sent messengers to Manwë. It was during a time of festival, that Melkor returned. All the people of Valinor were engaged in the festivities except Finwë, who, out of devotion for Fëanor and bitterness for his son's exile, chose to remain in Formenos, thus refusing to obey Manwë's call.<ref>{{S|Darkening}}</ref> After [[Ungoliant]] destroyed the [[Two Trees of Valinor]], she and Melkor headed towards Formenos. Alone Finwë had the courage to stand before the horror of the Darkness. There, before the doors of Formenos, the former King of the Noldor had been killed and the first blood was spilled in the realm of Aman. Melkor forcefully entered the fortress and stole the Silmarils, sending the blessed realm into darkness and motioning the Noldor to depart from Valinor.<ref>{{S|Flight}}</ref>


==== Finwë and Míriel Reunited ====
After his death, Finwë dwelt for a time in the Halls of Mandos where he met Míriel, his first wife. Later, when the Valar agreed that Finwë should be brought back to life, he instead decided not to, thus giving Míriel a chance to be reincarnated.<ref>{{MR|P3II2}}, p. 207</ref>
After his death, Finwë dwelt for a time in the Halls of Mandos where he met Míriel, his first wife. Later, when the Valar agreed that Finwë should be brought back to life, he instead decided not to, thus giving Míriel a chance to be reincarnated.<ref>{{MR|P3II2}}, p. 207</ref>


==Etymology==
== Etymology ==
 
The name ''Finwë'' is said to be one of the oldest recorded names of the Eldar. It is not certain if ''Finwë'' had any clear meaning, but it can be analyzed as ''fin-'' (derived from [[Common Eldarin]] PHIN "hair") + ''[[-wë]]'' (suffix generally used for male names).<ref>{{PM|Shibboleth}}, p. 340</ref>
The name ''Finwë'' is said to be one of the oldest recorded names of the Eldar. It is not certain if ''Finwë'' had any clear meaning, but it can be analyzed as ''fin-'' (derived from [[Common Eldarin]] PHIN "hair") + ''[[-wë]]'' (suffix generally used for male names).<ref>{{PM|Shibboleth}}, p. 340</ref>


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== Genealogy ==
== Genealogy ==
Finwë had two wives. His first was [[Míriel]], who passed away soon after bearing their only child, [[Fëanor]]. His second wife was [[Indis]], of the [[Vanyar]], who bore him two sons: [[Fingolfin]] and [[Finarfin]], and two daughters: [[Findis]] and [[Írimë]].
<div style="overflow-x: scroll; overflow-y: hidden; border: 1px solid #AAAAAA; padding: 3px; background: #EEEEEE;">
 
<br>
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|.| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|-|.| | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | UNF |y| UNK | | ING | | | | |ING=[[Ingwë]]</br><small>''b. {{YT}}''</small>|UNK=''unknown<br/>mother''|UNF=''unknown<br/>father''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | UNF |y| UNK | | | ING | | | |ING=[[Ingwë]]</br><small>''b. {{YT}}''</small>|UNK=''unknown<br/>mother''|UNF=''unknown<br/>father''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | |}}
{{familytree | MÍR |y| FIN |y| IND | | | | CHI | | | | |FIN='''FINWË'''</br><small>''d. {{YT|1495}}''</small>|IND=[[Indis]]<br/><small>''b. {{YT}}''</small>|MÍR=[[Míriel]]</br><small>''d. {{YT|1170}}''</small>|CHI=''unknown<br/>children''}}
{{familytree | MÍR |y| FIN |y| IND | | | INW | | CHI | |FIN='''FINWË'''</br><small>''d. {{YT|1495}}''</small>|IND=[[Indis]]<br/><small>''b. {{YT}}''</small>|MÍR=[[Míriel]]</br><small>''d. {{YT|1170}}''</small>|CHI=''unknown<br/>children''|INW=[[Ingwion]]<br/><small>''b. {{YT}}''</small>}}
{{familytree | | | |!| | | |)|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree | | | |!| | | |)|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree | | | FËA | | FND | | FNG | | IRI | | FNR |FËA=[[Fëanor]]</br><small>''{{YT|1169}} - {{YT|1497|n}}''</small>|FND=[[Findis]]<br/><small>''b. {{YT}}''</small>|FNG=[[Fingolfin]]</br><small>''{{YT|1190}} - {{FA|456}}''</small>|IRI=[[Írimë]]<br/><small>''b. {{YT}}''</small>|FNR=[[Finarfin]]</br><small>''b. {{YT|1230}}''</small>}}
{{familytree | | | FËA | | FND | | FNG | | IRI | | FNR |FËA=[[Fëanor]]</br><small>''{{YT|1169}} - {{YT|1497|n}}''</small>|FND=[[Findis]]<br/><small>''b. {{YT}}''</small>|FNG=[[Fingolfin]]</br><small>''{{YT|1190}} - {{FA|456}}''</small>|IRI=[[Lalwen]]<br/><small>''b. {{YT}}''</small>|FNR=[[Finarfin]]</br><small>''b. {{YT|1230}}''</small>}}
{{familytree/end}}
{{familytree/end}}
<br>
</div>


== Other Versions of the Legendarium ==
== Other Versions of the Legendarium ==
In the first drafts of the genealogy, Finwë had four sons: the youngest was named ''[[Finrun]]'', but he was dropped after that, thus [[Finrod]] (later [[Finarfin]]) was Finwë's youngest son from then on.
In the first drafts of the genealogy, Finwë had four sons: the youngest was named ''[[Finrun]]'', but he was dropped after that, thus [[Finrod]] (later [[Finarfin]]) was Finwë's youngest son from then on.


In a later version Finwë had three daughters by [[Indis]], [[Findis]] (as their first child) [[Faniel]] (as their third), and [[Finvain]] (as their youngest).<ref>{{PM|XI}}, p. 359 note 26</ref> In yet later versions, Faniel was apparently dropped, while Findis and Finvain were kept. Finvain (renamed [[Írimë]]) was moved to after Fingolfin, thus Finarfin was once again the youngest child of Finwë.  
In a later version Finwë had three daughters by [[Indis]], [[Findis]] (as their first child) [[Faniel]] (as their third), and [[Finvain]] (as their youngest).<ref>{{PM|XI}}, p. 359 note 26</ref> In yet later versions, Faniel was apparently dropped, while Findis and Finvain were kept. Finvain (renamed [[Írimë]]) was moved to after Fingolfin, thus Finarfin was once again the youngest child of Finwë.
[[Image:J.R.R. Tolkien - Finwe Heraldic Device.jpg|thumb|center|Finwë's Heraldic Device]]


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[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:House of Finwë]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:House of Finwë]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Rulers]]
 
[[de:Finwe]]
[[de:Finwe]]
[[fi:Finwë]]
[[fi:Finwë]]
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/finwe]]
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/finwe]]

Revision as of 15:50, 5 October 2015

Finwë
Noldo
Kimberly - Finwe.jpg
"Finwe" by Kimberly
Biographical Information
Other namesÑoldóran
TitlesKing of the Noldor
LocationCuiviénen
Tirion
Formenos
LanguageCommon Eldarin
Quenya
Birthbetween Y.T. 1050 and 1102
Cuiviénen
RuleY.T. 1102 - 1495
DeathY.T. 1495 (aged between 445/c. 64,080 and 393/c. 56,592 years)
Formenos
Family
HouseHouse of Finwë
SpouseMíriel (first wife)
Indis (second wife)
Children- with Míriel
Fëanor (son)

- with Indis
Findis (daughter)
Fingolfin (son)
Lalwen (daughter)
Finarfin (son)
Physical Description
GenderMale
Hair colorBlack
Eye colorBright blue-grey[1]
GalleryImages of Finwë
"But Melkor was also there, and he came to the house of Fëanor and there he slew Finwë King of the Noldor before his doors, and spilled the first blood in the Blessed Realm; for Finwë alone had not fled from the horror of the Dark."
The Silmarillion, Of the Flight of the Noldor

Finwë (Q, pron. NQ [ˈfinwe], VQ [ˈɸinwe]) was the first King of the Noldor, who led his people on the journey from Middle-earth to Valinor in the blessed realm of Aman. He was a great friend of Elwë Singollo, who would later become the King of Doriath.

History

Life in Middle-earth

Jenny Dolfen - Cuiviénen

The first Elves awoke in Middle-earth near the bay of the Sea of Helcar, called Cuiviénen, in Y.T. 1050[2]. Oromë, The Huntsman of the Valar, while traveling near the Orocarni mountains, discovered the Elves and bonded friendship with their kin.

Later, as the Valar decided to summon the first Children of Ilúvatar to Valinor, regarding this call with suspicion, Oromë selected three elves to follow him into Aman and report back what they have seen, in the hopes that they could decimate the fears which were seeded into the hearts of the Elves by Melkor. The three Elven ambassadors were Ingwë, Finwë and Elwë, who would later become kings of the three fractions into which the Elven race was split.[3]

Enamored by the wonders of Valinor, Finwë and his other two companions returned towards the Middle-earth and attempted to convince their respective peoples to follow them back into Aman. Those who agreed to follow Oromë received the name Eldar. Among them were Finwë's people, who would eventually become known as the Noldor. They later became students of Aulë the Smith.[3] Finwë's eldest son, Fëanor, would become the greatest craftsman among the Elves of Valinor.[4]

Life in Valinor

Upon arriving in the blessed realm of Aman, Finwë was troubled only by the separation from his friend Elwë who chose to remain in Beleriand. The Noldor settled on the hill of Túna, raised by the Noldor and, led by Finwë, they lived in the city of Tirion, whom they shared with the Vanyar. It was during the building of Finwë's house that the masons found the earth-gems from which they crafted countless jewels to be given freely for the enrichment of Valinor. Later, Ingwë and his people left the city of Tirion and Finwë remained the only king to rule in Tirion.[4]

Finwë and Míriel

Steamey - Finwë mourning Míriel

Finwë's first wife was Míriel Þerindë, skilled in all things that required fineness. From their love a son was born, Curufinwë Fëanáro, who would later become known as Fëanor. As he was brought into the world, he depleted Míriel's strength and zest for life and she requested to be allowed to rest in the gardens of Lórien. Finwë was deeply saddened by this event. He did not wish to leave the young child without a mother, nor did he want him to be their last. But as his wife explained that what would have nourished many children, was all invested in Fëanor, he had no other choice but to accept her request. And thus Míriel, with Manwë's counsel, was placed asleep in Irmo's gardens. Her fëa eventually departed from her body and she became the first person to die in Aman.[5]

This was a shocking event for all those present in Valinor, as never one of their own had died of free will. For some time, Finwë lived in sorrow and he often visited Míriel's body, but as his loneliness and lack of joy increased, he stopped seeing her altogether. His entire love now rested with his son, Fëanor, who grew up to be mighty and skilled in all things of hands and mind. He married Nerdanel and gave Finwë seven grandchildren.

But Finwë was not content in living alone and he sought to marry for the second time. His second wife was Indis the Fair, a golden haired Vanya, whom he loved and rejoiced in. She gave him two sons, Fingolfin and Finarfin, and two daughters, Findis and Lalwen[6]. And though he was now blissful again, the shadow of Míriel never left the House, especially since Fëanor opposed his father's second marriage. The sons of Finwë never lived together and never shared close bonds. And after the later events surrounding the Silmarils many blamed Finwë and his desire to have a second wife for the dreadful courses of all those in the House. Most of these accusations had no ground, as Finwë had always loved his eldest son above all others, and the events surrounding his death would prove it.

The Unrest of the Noldor

After three ages of imprisonment, Melkor was released from the duress of Mandos and, as he gained the trust of the Valar again, he was eventually allowed to roam freely in Valinor.[5] The treacherous Melkor lusted for the Silmarils, those three great jewels made by the hands of Fëanor, at the might of his skill, and ever he sought a way to steal them. He had sown such lies that all the Noldor began to strife, against themselves, against the other Elves and even against the Valar.

The House of Finwë was no exception. There were already grounds of argument between his sons, and these events only served to deepen them. Finwë called a council and tried to moderate them. For the moment, his action seemed to be crowned with success, as Fingolfin bowed before Finwë and silenced the thoughts and arguments he had in regards to his eldest brother. But Fëanor arrived just in time to see Fingolfin conspiring (as he thought) to steal the love of his father and the kingship of the Noldor. When Fingolfin was about to leave, Fëanor threatened him with a sword, saying that he will slay him if he would ever to find him "conspiring" against him. Soon after that the Valar called Fëanor to answer for his words against them and his brother. The stem of the evil was exposed and Melkor's actions revealed. However, Fëanor too was sentenced to twelve years of exile, and he removed himself north, to the fortress of Formenos. Due to the great love he had for his eldest son, Finwë renounced his throne as the King of the Noldor and followed Fëanor into exile.[7]

The Death of Finwë

Jenny Dolfen - The Darkening of Valinor

In his fixation to have the Silmarils for himself, Melkor went as far as to claim them at the gates of Formenos. He was fiercely rejected by Fëanor, while Finwë sent messengers to Manwë. It was during a time of festival, that Melkor returned. All the people of Valinor were engaged in the festivities except Finwë, who, out of devotion for Fëanor and bitterness for his son's exile, chose to remain in Formenos, thus refusing to obey Manwë's call.[8] After Ungoliant destroyed the Two Trees of Valinor, she and Melkor headed towards Formenos. Alone Finwë had the courage to stand before the horror of the Darkness. There, before the doors of Formenos, the former King of the Noldor had been killed and the first blood was spilled in the realm of Aman. Melkor forcefully entered the fortress and stole the Silmarils, sending the blessed realm into darkness and motioning the Noldor to depart from Valinor.[9]

Finwë and Míriel Reunited

After his death, Finwë dwelt for a time in the Halls of Mandos where he met Míriel, his first wife. Later, when the Valar agreed that Finwë should be brought back to life, he instead decided not to, thus giving Míriel a chance to be reincarnated.[10]

Etymology

The name Finwë is said to be one of the oldest recorded names of the Eldar. It is not certain if Finwë had any clear meaning, but it can be analyzed as fin- (derived from Common Eldarin PHIN "hair") + -wë (suffix generally used for male names).[11]


The title Ñoldóran, "King of the Ñoldor", was an other recorded name of Finwë.[12] It is apparently a compound of Noldo and aran ("king").[13]

Genealogy

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
unknown
father
 
unknown
mother
 
 
Ingwë
b. Y.T.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Míriel
d. Y.T. 1170
 
FINWË
d. Y.T. 1495
 
Indis
b. Y.T.
 
 
Ingwion
b. Y.T.
 
unknown
children
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fëanor
Y.T. 1169 - 1497
 
Findis
b. Y.T.
 
Fingolfin
Y.T. 1190 - F.A. 456
 
Lalwen
b. Y.T.
 
Finarfin
b. Y.T. 1230

Other Versions of the Legendarium

In the first drafts of the genealogy, Finwë had four sons: the youngest was named Finrun, but he was dropped after that, thus Finrod (later Finarfin) was Finwë's youngest son from then on.

In a later version Finwë had three daughters by Indis, Findis (as their first child) Faniel (as their third), and Finvain (as their youngest).[14] In yet later versions, Faniel was apparently dropped, while Findis and Finvain were kept. Finvain (renamed Írimë) was moved to after Fingolfin, thus Finarfin was once again the youngest child of Finwë.

References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XI. The Shibboleth of Fëanor", p. 357, note 17
  2. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, "Part Two. The Annals of Aman: Second section of the Annals of Aman", pp. 71-4
  3. 3.0 3.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor"
  4. 4.0 4.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Eldamar and the Princes of the Eldalië"
  5. 5.0 5.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor"
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XI. The Shibboleth of Fëanor", The names of Finwë's descendants
  7. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor"
  8. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Darkening of Valinor"
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Flight of the Noldor"
  10. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, "Part Three. The Later Quenta Silmarillion: (II) The Second Phase: The Earliest Version of the Story of Finwë and Míriel", p. 207
  11. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XI. The Shibboleth of Fëanor", p. 340
  12. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XI. The Shibboleth of Fëanor", p. 343
  13. Helge Fauskanger, "Quettaparma Quenyallo", Ardalambion (accessed 28 March 2024)
  14. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XI. The Shibboleth of Fëanor", p. 359 note 26
Finwë
House of Finwë
Born: during the Years of the Trees Died: Y.T. 1495
None
Position created
King of the Noldor in Valinor
Y.T. 1102Y.T. 1495
Followed by:
Finarfin