Guide to The Silmarillion: Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor (Ch. 6)

Chapter Six: Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor

“Now the Three Kindreds of the Eldar were gathered at last in Valinor, and Melkor was chained.”

As this chapter begins, the three kindreds of the Eldar are living together in Valinor. It is also in this time that the Noldor first invented letters. 

The Coming of Fëanor 

Finwë was wed to Míriel, and their son Fëanor was born. However, after the birth of Fëanor, Míriel languished and was unable to continue living. She went to Lórien to rest, and her spirit departed from her body and went to the Halls of Mandos. Finwë was grieved at the loss of his wife. Fëanor grew swiftly and was the most subtle in mind and skilled in hand of the Noldor. Fëanor devised letters that bear his name (Fëanorian letters), and was the first who discovered how to make gems. Fëanor was married to Nerdanel.

The Sons of Finwë 

Finwë took a second wife, Indis. They had two children: Fingolfin and Finarfin. Fëanor was not pleased with his father’s marriage and had little love for his stepmother or half-brothers. 

The Unchaining of Melkor

After completing his three ages in prison, Melkor sued for pardon before the Valar. Manwë granted him pardon, but Melkor was required to remain inside the gates of Valmar. After a while, Melkor was allowed to leave and roam freely. Melkor hated the Eldar, and so he feigned love for them, seeking out their friendship and plotting their downfall. He specifically targeted the Noldor.