The Silmarillion

by

J.R.R. Tolkien

The Silmarils Symbol Analysis

The Silmarils Symbol Icon

The Silmarils are three diamond-like jewels created by the elf Fëanor that contain the light of the Two Trees of Valinor. Though they’re indestructible and incorruptible, blessed by the Vala Varda to burn anything evil that touches them, they symbolize the evils of greed, malice, and possessiveness. The Silmarils are stolen and fought over for as long as they exist in Middle-earth. Their creator Fëanor initially wears them in Valinor, allowing the elves and Valar to see and enjoy them, but eventually becomes possessive and suspicious, locking them away. When Melkor steals them away to Middle-earth, Fëanor convinces his people the Noldor to follow him and reclaim the Silmarils. Fëanor and his sons are immoderate and obsessive; they murder fellow elves, steal ships, and swear an oath to pursue the Silmarils at any cost

Long after Fëanor’s death, a man named Beren steals one of the Silmarils from Melkor to give to the elf Thingol. Thingol, like Fëanor, becomes obsessed with the Silmaril, and defends it at the cost of his own life. Nearly everyone who carries the Silmaril meets a bloody end; battles rage and kingdoms fall as the sons of Fëanor try to reclaim it. The violence ends only when the Silmarils are removed from Middle-earth altogether. The Silmaril Beren stole is placed in the sky as a star, to be enjoyed by everyone. The other two Silmarils, taken from Melkor by the Valar, are stolen one last time in an attack by the two remaining sons of Fëanor. When the Silmarils burn them, they realize that their greed has led them to evil and that they have no claim on the jewels. They throw one Silmaril into the ocean and the other into a fiery pit. In this way, the Silmarils come to represent the futility of possessiveness—they’re out of Middle-earth’s reach forever, and no individual can own them.

The Silmarils Quotes in The Silmarillion

The The Silmarillion quotes below all refer to the symbol of The Silmarils. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Unity vs. Division Theme Icon
).
Chapter 7 Quotes

Thus ere the Valar were aware, the peace of Valinor was poisoned. The Noldor began to murmur against them, and many became filled with pride, forgetting how much of what they had and knew came to them in gift from the Valar. Fiercest burned the new flame of desire for freedom and wider realms in the eager heart of Fëanor; and Melkor laughed in his secrecy, for to that mark his lies had been addressed, hating Fëanor above all, and lusting ever for the Silmarils. But these he was not suffered to approach […] for Fëanor began to love the Silmarils with a greedy love, and grudged the sight of them to all save to his father and his seven sons; he seldom remembered now that the light within them was not his own.

Related Characters: Melkor/Morgoth, Fëanor, Finwë
Related Symbols: The Silmarils, Light
Page Number: 68-69
Explanation and Analysis:
Chapter 9 Quotes

Then perforce Morgoth surrendered to her the gems that he bore with him, one by one and grudgingly; and she devoured them, and their beauty perished from the world. Huger and darker yet grew Ungoliant, but her lust was unsated. ‘With one hand thou givest,’ she said; ‘with the left only. Open thy right hand.’

In his right hand Morgoth held close the Silmarils, and though they were locked in a crystal casket, they had begun to burn him, and his hand was clenched in pain; but he would not open it. ‘Nay!’ he said. ‘Thou has had thy due. For with my power that I put into thee thy work was accomplished. I need thee no more. These things thou shalt not have, nor see. I name them unto myself for ever.’

Related Characters: Melkor/Morgoth (speaker), Ungoliant (speaker), Fëanor
Related Symbols: The Silmarils, Darkness , Light
Page Number: 80
Explanation and Analysis:

Their Oath shall drive them, and yet betray them, and ever snatch away the very treasures that they have sworn to pursue. To evil end shall all things turn that they begin well; and by treason of kin unto kin, and the fear of treason, shall this come to pass. The Dispossessed shall they be for ever.

Ye have spilled the blood of your kindred unrighteously and have stained the land of Aman. For blood ye shall render blood, and beyond Aman ye shall dwell in Death’s shadow. For though Eru appointed you to die not in Eä, and no sickness may assail you, yet slain ye may be, and slain he shall be: by weapon and by torment and by grief; and your houseless spirits shall come then to Mandos.

Related Characters: Námo/Mandos (speaker), Ilúvatar, Fëanor
Related Symbols: The Silmarils, Darkness
Page Number: 88
Explanation and Analysis:
Chapter 11 Quotes

But at that last word of Fëanor: that at the least the Noldor should do deeds to live in song for ever, he raised his head, as one that hears a voice far off, and he said: ‘So shall it be! Dear-bought those songs shall be accounted, and yet shall be well-bought. For the price could be no other. Thus even as Eru spoke to us shall beauty not before conceived be brought into Eä, and evil yet be good to have been.’

But Mandos said: ‘And yet remain evil. To me shall Fëanor come soon.’

Related Characters: Manwë (speaker), Námo/Mandos (speaker), Ilúvatar, Fëanor
Related Symbols: The Silmarils
Page Number: 98
Explanation and Analysis:
Chapter 17 Quotes

Now the world runs on swiftly to great tidings. And one of Men, even of Bëor’s house, shall indeed come, and the Girdle of Melian shall not restrain him, for doom greater than my power shall send him; and the songs that shall spring from that coming shall endure when all Middle-earth has changed.

Related Characters: Melian (speaker), Beren, Bëor
Related Symbols: The Silmarils
Page Number: 144
Explanation and Analysis:
Chapter 19 Quotes

Farewell sweet earth and northern sky
for ever blest, since here did lie
and here with lissome limbs did run
beneath the Moon, beneath the Sun,
Lúthien Tinúviel
more fair than mortal tongue can tell.
Though all to ruin fell the world
and were dissolved and backward hurled
unmade into the old abyss,
yet were its making good, for this—
the dusk, the dawn, the earth, the sea—
that Lúthien for a time should be.

Related Characters: Beren (speaker), Ilúvatar, Melkor/Morgoth, Lúthien
Related Symbols: Light, The Silmarils
Page Number: 178
Explanation and Analysis:

Then Morgoth looking upon her beauty conceived in his thought an evil lust, and a design more dark than any that had yet come into his heart since he fled from Valinor. Thus he was beguiled by his own malice, for he watched her, leaving her free for a while, and taking secret pleasure in his thought. Then suddenly she eluded his sight, and out of the shadows began a song of such surpassing loveliness, and of such blinding power, that he listened perforce; and a blindness came upon him, as his eyes roamed to and fro, seeking her.

Related Characters: Melkor/Morgoth, Sauron, Lúthien, Beren, Finrod Felagund, Melian
Related Symbols: Darkness , The Silmarils
Page Number: 180
Explanation and Analysis:
Chapter 22 Quotes

But Thingol perceived their hearts, and saw well that desiring the Silmaril they sought but a pretext and fair cloak of their true intent; and in his wrath and pride he gave no heed to his peril but spoke to them in scorn, saying: ‘How do ye of uncouth race dare to demand aught of me, Elu Thingol, Lord of Beleriand, whole life began by the waters of Cuiviénen years uncounted ere the fathers of the stunted people awoke?’

Then the lust of the Dwarves was kindled to rage by the words of the King; and they rose up about him, and laid hands on him, and slew him as he stood.

Related Characters: Elwë/Thingol (speaker), Melkor/Morgoth, Lúthien, Beren
Related Symbols: The Silmarils
Page Number: 233
Explanation and Analysis:
Chapter 23 Quotes

Then Turgon pondered long the counsel of Ulmo, and there came into his mind the words that were spoken to him in Vinyamar: ‘Love not too well the work of thy hands and the devices of thy heart; and remember that the true hope of the Noldor lieth in the West, and cometh from the Sea.’ But Turgon was become proud, and Gondolin as beautiful as a memory of Elven Tirion, and he trusted still in his secret and impregnable strength, though even a Vala should gainsay it; and after the Nirnaeth Arnoediad the people of that city desired never again to mingle in the woes of Elves and Men without, nor to return through dread and danger into the West.

Related Characters: Melkor/Morgoth, Turgon, Tuor, Ulmo
Related Symbols: The Silmarils
Page Number: 240
Explanation and Analysis:
Chapter 24 Quotes

‘If it be truly the Silmaril which we saw cast into the sea that rises again by the power of the Valar, then let us be glad; for its glory is seen now by many, and is yet secure from all evil.’ Then the Elves looked up, and despaired no longer; but Morgoth was filled with doubt.

Related Characters: Maglor (speaker), Melkor/Morgoth, Fëanor, Eärendil, Elwing, Maedhros
Related Symbols: The Silmarils, Light
Page Number: 250
Explanation and Analysis:

But the jewel burned the hand of Maedhros in pain unbearable; and he perceived that it was as Eönwë had said, and that his right thereto had become void, and that the oath was vain. And being in anguish and despair he cast himself into a gaping chasm filled with fire, and so ended; and the Silmaril that he bore was taken into the bosom of the Earth.

Related Characters: Maedhros, Maglor, Eönwë
Related Symbols: The Silmarils
Page Number: 254
Explanation and Analysis:

Here ends the SILMARILLION. If it has passed from the high and the beautiful to darkness and ruin, that was of old the fate of Arda Marred; and if any change shall come and the Marring be amended, Manwë and Varda may know; but they have not revealed it, and it is not declared in the dooms of Mandos.

Related Characters: Ilúvatar, Manwë, Varda, Námo/Mandos
Related Symbols: Darkness , The Silmarils
Page Number: 255
Explanation and Analysis:
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The Silmarils Symbol Timeline in The Silmarillion

The timeline below shows where the symbol The Silmarils appears in The Silmarillion. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 7. Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor
Fate, Doom, and Free Will Theme Icon
...of the Trees of Valinor. Using all of his craft and skill, he creates the Silmarils. Though they look like clear diamonds, they’re completely unbreakable. Inside the jewels, Fëanor traps the... (full context)
Unity vs. Division Theme Icon
Pride and Arrogance Theme Icon
Greed, Jealousy, and Obsession Theme Icon
Inevitable Loss Theme Icon
Melkor, who craves to possess the Silmarils, works secretly to destroy Fëanor and ruin the relationship between the elves and the Valar.... (full context)
Unity vs. Division Theme Icon
Pride and Arrogance Theme Icon
Greed, Jealousy, and Obsession Theme Icon
Inevitable Loss Theme Icon
...influenced by the rumors and desires “freedom and wider realms.” He becomes greedy with the Silmarils, preventing others from seeing them and forgetting that their light doesn’t belong to him. Melkor... (full context)
Unity vs. Division Theme Icon
Pride and Arrogance Theme Icon
Greed, Jealousy, and Obsession Theme Icon
Inevitable Loss Theme Icon
...to Fëanor and attempts to befriend him by offering his aid and suggesting that the Silmarils aren’t safe in Formenos. Though Fëanor considers the offer, Melkor’s mention of the Silmarils convinces... (full context)
Chapter 9. Of the Flight of the Noldor
Pride and Arrogance Theme Icon
Greed, Jealousy, and Obsession Theme Icon
Inevitable Loss Theme Icon
...though she can’t remake the Trees, she can revive them with the light of Fëanor’s Silmarils. The Valar ask if he will give the Silmarils to Yavanna, but Aulë, who understands... (full context)
Pride and Arrogance Theme Icon
Greed, Jealousy, and Obsession Theme Icon
Inevitable Loss Theme Icon
...Trees, a messenger arrives to tell them that Melkor has killed Finwë and stolen the Silmarils. Fëanor curses Melkor and names him Morgoth, “the Black Foe of the World,” the name... (full context)
Greed, Jealousy, and Obsession Theme Icon
...Formenos. Reluctantly, Morgoth gives them to her to eat but refuses to give her the Silmarils, which have begun to burn his hand through their crystal box. (full context)
Pride and Arrogance Theme Icon
Greed, Jealousy, and Obsession Theme Icon
Inevitable Loss Theme Icon
Myth and Memory Theme Icon
...herself. Morgoth rebuilds his armies in Angband and forges himself a crown set with the Silmarils. His hands are permanently blackened from touching them. He’s filled with hate and devotes himself... (full context)
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Pride and Arrogance Theme Icon
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Finally, Fëanor promises that they will wage war on Morgoth until they reclaim the Silmarils. Then the Noldor alone will possess their light and be the rulers of Arda, above... (full context)
Unity vs. Division Theme Icon
Pride and Arrogance Theme Icon
Greed, Jealousy, and Obsession Theme Icon
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...grieved that the Noldor are leaving and refuse to help them. Their ships, like Fëanor’s Silmarils, are the creations of their hearts and not easy to give up. Fëanor decides to... (full context)
Chapter 11. Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor
Unity vs. Division Theme Icon
Pride and Arrogance Theme Icon
Greed, Jealousy, and Obsession Theme Icon
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...light of the Trees before they were touched by Ungoliant—that light exists only in the Silmarils. Morgoth hates the lights and sends spirits of shadow to attack Tilion, but Tilion defeats... (full context)
Chapter 13. Of the Return of the Noldor
Pride and Arrogance Theme Icon
Greed, Jealousy, and Obsession Theme Icon
Inevitable Loss Theme Icon
Morgoth sends messengers to Fëanor’s sons, announcing his surrender and offering to give up a Silmaril for peace. Maedhros suggests that they pretend to make a treaty with Morgoth and then... (full context)
Unity vs. Division Theme Icon
Fate, Doom, and Free Will Theme Icon
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Greed, Jealousy, and Obsession Theme Icon
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...kingship, though not all of his brothers approve. As Mandos foretold, the pursuit of the Silmarils causes Fëanor’s sons loss—the loss of their father and the loss of their kingship over... (full context)
Unity vs. Division Theme Icon
Inevitable Loss Theme Icon
...and Fingolfin drive them back. Still, the elves can’t breach Angband or take back the Silmarils. Morgoth begins kidnapping and corrupting elves, using them as his servants and spies. Morgoth tries... (full context)
Chapter 15. Of the Noldor in Beleriand
Unity vs. Division Theme Icon
Fate, Doom, and Free Will Theme Icon
Pride and Arrogance Theme Icon
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...on Morgoth and tells Melian about the kin-slaying at Alqualondë. Melian warns Thingol about the Silmarils and foretells that the world will be “broken in battles” before they’re recovered from Morgoth. (full context)
Chapter 19. Of Beren and Lúthien
Fate, Doom, and Free Will Theme Icon
Greed, Jealousy, and Obsession Theme Icon
Inevitable Loss Theme Icon
...but Thingol demands that Beren retrieve a treasure to win Lúthien—he must bring Thingol a Silmaril in his own hand. With that request, Thingol becomes ensnared in the curse of Mandos.... (full context)
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Fate, Doom, and Free Will Theme Icon
Greed, Jealousy, and Obsession Theme Icon
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Finrod explains that the Silmarils are cursed with Fëanor’s oath of hatred and anyone that tries to take them “moves... (full context)
Pride and Arrogance Theme Icon
Greed, Jealousy, and Obsession Theme Icon
...and begins to sing a song so lovely that Morgoth’s court falls asleep and the Silmarils in his crown suddenly blaze and weigh down his head. Lúthien throws her cloak of... (full context)
Fate, Doom, and Free Will Theme Icon
Greed, Jealousy, and Obsession Theme Icon
Beren cuts a Silmaril from the crown, then tries to take the other two as well. However, that isn’t... (full context)
Fate, Doom, and Free Will Theme Icon
Inevitable Loss Theme Icon
Beren holds up the Silmaril to ward him off as he charges them, but Carcharoth bites Beren’s hand off at... (full context)
Unity vs. Division Theme Icon
Fate, Doom, and Free Will Theme Icon
Inevitable Loss Theme Icon
Beren tells Thingol that his quest is fulfilled—a Silmaril is in his hand—and shows him his empty left hand and missing right hand. Finally,... (full context)
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Fate, Doom, and Free Will Theme Icon
Inevitable Loss Theme Icon
...for the third and final time, saying goodbye before he dies. Thingol’s guards cut the Silmaril from Carcharoth’s stomach and place it in Beren’s living left hand. Beren revives, hands the... (full context)
Chapter 20. Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad
Unity vs. Division Theme Icon
Pride and Arrogance Theme Icon
Greed, Jealousy, and Obsession Theme Icon
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...joins the union. Thingol also refuses to join, since the sons of Fëanor want his Silmaril. The dwarves aid Maedhros, as do Fingon and the houses of men. Though the united... (full context)
Chapter 22. Of the Ruin of Doriath
Fate, Doom, and Free Will Theme Icon
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Thingol decides that the Nauglamír should be remade and set with the Silmaril, which he thinks about incessantly and wants to carry with him. When the work is... (full context)
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...from Middle-earth back to Valinor. The dwarf army invades Doriath, kills Mablung, and steals the Silmaril. (full context)
Unity vs. Division Theme Icon
Greed, Jealousy, and Obsession Theme Icon
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...the Trees and not seen again. Beren kills the Lord of Nogrod and carries the Silmaril back to Lúthien. (full context)
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It’s said that Lúthien wearing the Silmaril is the greatest beauty ever seen outside of Valinor and that Tol Galen becomes fair... (full context)
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Rumor spreads among the elves of Beleriand that Dior now wears the Silmaril, and the sons of Fëanor plan to attack Doriath and reclaim it, though they didn’t... (full context)
Chapter 23. Of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin
Pride and Arrogance Theme Icon
Inevitable Loss Theme Icon
Morgoth believes that he’s finally triumphed over the Noldor and doesn’t regret his lost Silmaril. If he knows about the elves gathering at the mouth of the Sirion, he doesn’t... (full context)
Unity vs. Division Theme Icon
Pride and Arrogance Theme Icon
Greed, Jealousy, and Obsession Theme Icon
Myth and Memory Theme Icon
...that Manwë can’t act until the sons of Fëanor give up their claim on the Silmarils. When Tuor grows old, he builds a ship and sails away with Idril. Elven tradition... (full context)
Chapter 24. Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath
Pride and Arrogance Theme Icon
Greed, Jealousy, and Obsession Theme Icon
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...his oath begins to torment him, and he sends messages demanding that she return the Silmaril. She refuses, and the remaining sons of Fëanor attack and destroy the exiles of Gondolin... (full context)
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Fate, Doom, and Free Will Theme Icon
Ulmo carries Elwing out of the water and turns her into a bird with the Silmaril on her breast. She flies out to sea to find Eärendil and falls from the... (full context)
Unity vs. Division Theme Icon
Fate, Doom, and Free Will Theme Icon
Greed, Jealousy, and Obsession Theme Icon
...world to sail in the “oceans of heaven.” Eärendil sits at the helm with the Silmaril on his brow. It’s visible in the sky in the mornings or evenings as he... (full context)
Pride and Arrogance Theme Icon
Greed, Jealousy, and Obsession Theme Icon
Inevitable Loss Theme Icon
...imprisonment in Valinor. They use his crown to make a collar and give his two Silmarils to Eönwë to guard. Though Morgoth is powerless, the land is irrevocably changed by the... (full context)
Unity vs. Division Theme Icon
Fate, Doom, and Free Will Theme Icon
Greed, Jealousy, and Obsession Theme Icon
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...though they don’t want to, prepare to fulfill their oath, asking Eönwë to return the Silmarils. Eönwë answers that their crimes have invalidated their claim to the Silmarils, which will go... (full context)
Fate, Doom, and Free Will Theme Icon
Greed, Jealousy, and Obsession Theme Icon
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...concedes, and the brothers sneak into Eönwë’s camp, kill several guards, and each grab a Silmaril. When the camp wakes up and prepares to fight, Eönwë doesn’t allow anyone to kill... (full context)