January 11

Day 11

Basic Reading:

    The Silmarillion: Quenta Silmarillion, Chapter 6: Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor

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Supplementary Reading:

• Background:

  • Morgoth's Ring: Part Three, (II) The Second Phase, Laws and Customs Among the Eldar

  • The Peoples of Middle-Earth: Foreword 

  • The Peoples of Middle-Earth: Part Two, Section XI. The Shibboleth of Fëanor

  • The Lost Road: Part Two, Section V. The Lhammas, Chapters 4 and 5 (including corresponding Commentary)

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• Prior Versions:

  • Morgoth's Ring: Part Two: The Annals of Aman, Fourth section of the Annals of Aman, YT 1179 - 1410

  • Morgoth's Ring: Part Three, (II) The Second Phase, The Earliest Version of the Story of Finwë and Míriel

  • Morgoth's Ring: Part Three, (II) The Second Phase, Later Versions of the Story of Finwë and Míriel in the Quenta Silmarillion

  • Morgoth's Ring: Part Three, (II) The Second Phase, Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor

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Enrichment Activities:

• Maps: 

  • Arda: Aman

• Timeline: Years of the Trees 1400 - 1449

• Other: Investigate the similarities and differences between the Sarati (the script developed by Rúmil), the Tengwar of Fëanor, and the Cirth of the Sindar.

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Discussion Questions:

    1. What is Fëanor’s primary character trait? Is this a strength or a weakness?
    2. Do the Valar demonstrate wisdom or folly in their behavior towards Melkor?
    3. How do you respond to the death of Míriel?