Brotherhood and Blame: Exploring Fëanor’s Pride, Impulsiveness, and the Power of Honest Friendship
There are so many incredible themes that J. R. R. Tolkien wrote into The Silmarillion. One such theme is that of friendship. I always say we should never judge someone by their worst moment. Olwë‘s rebuke of Fëanor reflected a deep understanding of true friendship. By saying, “We renounce no friendship. But it may be the part of a friend to rebuke a friend’s folly,” Olwë, the King of the Teleri, was rebuking Fëanor for his reckless behavior and obsession with the Silmarils. Olwë emphasized that genuine friends do not abandon each other in times of mistake or folly.
Fëanor’s intense desire to reclaim and possess the Silmarils (jewel-stones created by Fëanor that contain the light of the Two Trees). These led him to betray his oath and forge alliances with Morgoth, the dark enemy. His obsessive pursuit caused strife among the Elves, led to wars, and resulted in tragedy for many involved.
Olwë’s rebuke reflects a concern about Fëanor’s pride, impulsiveness, and the destructive consequences of his actions. Despite his disapproval, Olwë’s words also reveal a sense of brotherhood and the understanding that, even amidst disagreement, friendship entails honest and loving confrontation. This underscores the theme that true friendship involves guiding one another toward better choices, even if it means risking conflict or discomfort.
Part of caring and supporting is to honestly and kindly point out errors or misguided actions. This act of rebuke is motivated by concern and a desire for the other’s growth, showing that true friendship involves both love and honesty. So, Olwë is implying that even if he disagrees with or disapproves of Fëanor’s choices, he still considers him a friend and believes that sometimes friends must speak difficult truths to help one another.
Finding Fulfillment: The Power of Living with Purpose and Passion
Finding our purpose in life is deeply connected to the idea that meaningful actions and pursuits bring us a sense of fulfillment and peace. J. R. R. Tolkien used the theme of purpose in a lot of his writing. I have blogged about this most recently in Leading With Purpose and Leading With Love, Friendship, Purpose and Conviction. Then in The Silmarillion he had Fëanor say: “For the less even as for the greater there is some deed that he may accomplish but once only; and in that deed his heart shall rest.” The Fëanor quote highlighted the idea that each person has unique, singular deeds. These are usually moments or actions that only that person can perform and which define them and their purpose.
For Fëanor, a character known for his passionate spirit and exceptional craftsmanship, this meant that certain actions or creations are so personal and profound that once they are accomplished, they bring a sense of fulfillment and peace to one’s heart. It emphasized the importance of dedicating oneself fully to those unique moments or deeds that truly resonate with one’s essence, understanding that such significant acts are rare and ultimately bring lasting satisfaction.
When we discover what truly resonates with our inner self, dedicating ourselves fully to those passions or goals gives our lives a sense of direction, significance, and purpose. These purpose-driven moments become rare treasures, leaving a lasting impact on our well-being and happiness. Ultimately, aligning with our purpose helps us experience life’s moments more profoundly, fostering inner contentment and a sense of completeness
Truth and Consequences
I loved this statement from my reading in The Silmarillion today: “Long was he at work, and slow at first and barren was his labour. But he that sows lies in the end shall not lack of a harvest, and soon he may rest from toil indeed while others reap and sow in his stead” (emphasis added by me). At first I really had to think about what J. R. R. Tolkien was wanting us to reflect on here. It made me wonder how a person that sows lies has a harvest, but while pondering this I realized the sower of lies does reap what they sow. The statement from The Silmarillion reflects on the nature of actions, particularly those rooted in dishonesty or deception.
It suggests that lying or deceit may initially seem insignificant or easy, but ultimately, there are consequences. “He that sows lies” will inevitably face a harvest of those falsehoods. Over time, this can lead to a form of rest or peace for the deceiver, yet this peace is illusory, as others will eventually reap the results of the lies. The passage emphasizes the idea that dishonest actions can produce a harvest, either of trouble or consequences, and underscores the importance of integrity and truthfulness in our dealings.
The Allure Of Superficial Rewards
In his 1951 letter to Milton Waldman, included as part of The Silmarillion, J. R. R. Tolkien said, “Reward on earth is more dangerous for men than punishment!” This comment really stood out to me. It also stood out that he made this a part of his sub-creation of Middle-earth. This reflected his perspective on the allure of worldly success and material rewards. In his letter to Waldman, Tolkien was suggesting that the desire for earthly rewards, such as fame, riches, or status, can be more perilous because it can lead us away from true values, morals, and spiritual fulfillment.
While punishment might serve as a deterrent or correction, the pursuit of superficial rewards can deceive and corrupt an our character, fostering greed, pride, and complacency. Tolkien warned, as we can see in some of the characters of The Lord of the Rings, that the temptations of worldly gain can be more insidious and damaging than punishment because they can subtly lead people astray from a meaningful and morally upright life.
Being Vulnerable
Gandalf’s words at the end of J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Return of the King carry a deep and comforting message. When he said, “Go in peace! I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are an evil” (p. 155), he was acknowledging to Sam, Merry, and Pippin as they said goodbye to Frodo, that tears and grief are natural responses to loss and change. Tears reflect the love and care we feel for others, or just our emotional state at the time. Gandalf recognized that mourning is part of healing and that crying can be a gift. It’s really an expression of the heart’s depth. His words gently reminded us that sadness has a place in our lives and that through our tears, we honor what we have lost and find a path toward acceptance and peace.
As a believer that vulnerability is one of the most underused and underdeveloped leadership attributes, we must recognize our own and others’ emotions. Crying can be a moment of vulnerability that resonates deeply with others. I have blogged about crying before in Tears Give The Courage To Suffer. Emotional transparency fosters trust and authenticity. In my new book, Mere Leadership, I said, “Vulnerability allows leaders to connect with others on a human level, fostering trust and open communication. By acknowledging their limitations and mistakes, leaders create an environment where followers feel safe to express their own vulnerabilities” (p. 72). This is all about understanding ourselves as well as others.
Gandalf was showing his strong emotional validation by recognizing, understanding, and accepting Sam, Merry, and Pippin’s emotional experience in that moment of saying goodbye to Frodo. We can validate emotions by acknowledging both the feeling someone has and the situation that triggered it.
Frodo and Cincinnatus: Heroes of Humility and Service Beyond Glory
Yesterday when I wrote Leading Like Frodo: Frodo’s Quiet Withdrawal considering Frodo’s completion of the quest and fading from the public’s eye, I couldn’t help but think about Cincinnatus. Cincinnatus did not want to lead for power, but to serve. He always returned to the farm after saving Rome twice. At the conclusion of all his service Cincinnatus just wanted to go back to his farm, where he milked his own cows and branded his own calves. He exemplified civic virtue. Cincinnatus accepted authority only when necessary and relinquished it promptly afterward. His leadership exemplified selfless service to the republic, emphasizing that true heroism involves duty without seeking personal glory.
Frodo Baggins, from J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, was a humble hobbit tasked with the enormous responsibility of carrying the One Ring to Mount Doom to destroy it. Frodo was persistent, brave, resilient, and humble. He embodied the virtue of service, willingly bearing a burden for the greater good. Frodo’s journey highlighted themes of sacrifice, perseverance, and humility. Despite the fame and power associated with the Ring, he remained modest and committed to his mission for the sake of others.
Both Frodo and Cincinnatus are archetypes of humble service and sacrifice. Frodo’s journey reflected individual perseverance in the face of great evil, while Cincinnatus’s story underscores civic responsibility and humility in leadership. Neither sought power or recognition; instead, they accepted their burdens out of duty and prioritized the common good. Their stories remind us that genuine heroism often resides in quiet dedication, perseverance through hardship, and humility. Frodo and Cincinnatus had values essential for a just and resilient society.
Leading Like Frodo: Frodo’s Quiet Withdrawal
In my reading of J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Return of the King yesterday, I came across a passage that I have never seen analyzed or discussed by Tolkien scholars. After having been told by the narrator that Frodo had resigned the office of Deputy Mayor at the Free Fair that Midsummer and given up his other civic duties in Hobbiton and the Shire, we are told by the narrator that, “Frodo dropped quietly out of all the doings of the Shire, and Sam was pained to notice how little honour he had in his own country. Few people knew or wanted to know about his deeds and adventures; their admiration and respect were given mostly to Mr. Meriadoc and Mr. Peregrin and (if Sam had known it) to himself. Also in the autumn there appeared a shadow of old troubles” (p. 152). This has always been an interesting subject to me; how people leave position of great responsibility and public respect.
Frodo’s quiet withdrawal from public life and his ultimately leaving his homeland reflected how acts of heroism or significant deeds may go unnoticed or unappreciated by one’s own community. It is also clear that Frodo was not seeking glory. Sam’s feelings of pain about all this stem from the realization that true nobility and worth are not always acknowledged publicly, especially in one’s own country. Instead, admiration tends to be directed toward more visible or socially prominent figures like Meriadoc and Peregrin, and even himself indirectly.
The mention of the “shadow of old troubles” in the autumn suggested that despite their successes, lingering challenges and darker times still cast a pall over the Shire, reminding us that the scars of past struggles and ongoing difficulties remain even after moments of heroism. Overall, the passage emphasized the value of humility, the often quiet nature of true heroism, and the persistence of trouble even after major conflicts have ended.
From Frodo’s experience, we can learn that even those who carry great responsibility may need time and space to heal. Honor isn’t solely about fulfilling external duties but also about recognizing one’s limits and caring for oneself so that one can ultimately contribute meaningfully. This part of The Return of the King made me consider that true integrity involves compassion towards oneself and understanding that sometimes stepping back is necessary for long-term strength and moral clarity.
Keeping Our Oaths
Throughout The Lord of the Rings, J. R. R. Tolkien emphasized the importance of honor, loyalty, and integrity when it comes to keeping one’s oaths. Through Gimli, we see a character that understands oaths, bonds, and promises. I like to call this walking the talk. I’ve written about this before in Walk The Talk! There is an incredible exchange between Gimli and Elrond that goes like this: “Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens,” said Gimli. “Maybe,” said Elrond, “but let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” “Yet sworn word may strengthen quaking heart,” said Gimli. “Or break it,” said Elrond. “Look not too far ahead!” Gimli is vowing to walk the talk.
Gimli’s unwavering commitment to his promises, through his oaths to his companions, illustrates that true bravery involves steadfastness and trustworthiness. Tolkien used Gimli’s character to show that upholding our oaths and promises is essential for maintaining personal integrity and fostering genuine bonds of friendship, trust, and respect. Do we do what we say we are going to do? It doesn’t seem people take this as serious as in the past. We need to get back to honoring our commitments. Always!
For example, I am excited to be going to lunch with a mentor from early in my career next week. What if the day before I get another opportunity and I decide to call my former mentor and cancel? This would not only disappoint him, it would be breaking an oath and be disrespectful. I realize things come up, but we need to do what we say we are going to do. In order to be trusted, we must walk the talk. Breaking a promise, commitment, or oath is a very serious thing and contaminates our relationships; eating away at trust.
Ultimately, Tolkien, through The Lord of the Rings, brilliantly suggested that keeping one’s vows reflects moral strength and contributes to the larger good, reinforcing the idea that honor is a vital virtue in both individual character and collective unity.
From Knowledge To Wisdom
In The Battle for Middle-earth: Tolkien’s Divine Design in The Lord of the Rings, Fleming Rutledge told us that, “The emphasis on understanding in Elrond’s second triad is especially notable. As we have already suggested in the Prologue, there is no instrument available to us greater than that of understanding—differentiated from Knowledge, which in Saruman’s context has a morally neutralized, harder sound” (p. 150). This is referring to Tolkien’s work in The Lord of the Rings. It is important for us, particularly in education, to remember this important distinction between understanding and knowledge. They are not synonymous.
In his works, Tolkien often portrayed knowledge as the accumulation of facts, lore, and history. These are the things we learn about the world or a subject. Understanding, on the other hand, involves perceiving the deeper meaning, context, and connections behind those facts. Understanding involves grasping the meaning, significance, and connections between pieces of knowledge. When we understand something, we can explain it in your own words, see how it relates to other concepts, and apply it to new situations.
In The Lord of the Rings,characters like Gandalf possess a wealth of knowledge about Middle-earth’s history, languages, and magic. However, it’s their understanding, like Gandalf’s grasp of the true nature of power and mercy, that guides their actions. Similarly, characters like Frodo gain understanding through experience, which helps them comprehend complex themes like sacrifice and friendship beyond mere facts.
Tolkien gives us the best examples of how knowledge is about “what is,” while understanding is about “why it matters” and “how it fits into the bigger picture.” This distinction highlights the importance of wisdom and insight, which go beyond simply knowing facts, to truly grasp the essence of life and moral choices.
Harnessing Knowledge for Positive Impact
It was said that Gollum’s, who was originally known as Sméagol in The Fellowship of the Ring, knowledge and possession of the Ring led him down a dark path. The narrator in The Fellowship of the Ring told us, “…and he put his knowledge to crooked and malicious uses” (p. 52). Leaders should be cautious about how power and knowledge are used. Ethical guiding principles are essential to prevent corruption. The Ring represented temptation that can corrupt even the most innocent. Leaders must be aware of temptations and resist shortcuts or unethical decisions that might seem beneficial in the short term but are harmful in the long run.
Gollum’s downfall illustrates how losing sight of integrity can lead to destructive behavior. We should prioritize honesty and moral values to maintain trust and uphold our responsibilities. Gollum’s internal conflict highlights the importance of self-awareness. As leaders we need to be self-aware of our motivations and biases to make wiser choices and avoid being led astray by negative influences.
It also said of Gollum that “The ring had given him power according to his stature” (p. 53) I believe Tolkien was suggesting that Gollum’s sense of power and influence was directly proportional to his own perception of importance or worth. The Ring amplified his personal attributes of obsession, desire, and cunning. This made him feel more significant than he actually was. It emphasized how Gollum’s sense of power was rooted in his obsession with the Ring (a possession), and how this “power” was a reflection of his inner character and psychological state rather than any true or substantial influence or authority. It highlighted that Gollum’s sense of power was self-made and internally driven, shaped by the Ring’s influence. Gollum’s story underscores the importance of ethical behavior, integrity, and self-awareness for effective and trustworthy leadership.
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