Maedhros | |
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Tolkien's legendarium character | |
Aliases | the Tall Nelyafinwë Maitimo Russandol |
Race | Elves |
Book(s) | The Silmarillion |
Maedhros (IPA: [ˈmaɛðros]) is a fictional character in J. R. R. Tolkien's legendarium. First introduced in The Silmarillion and later mentioned in Unfinished Tales and The Children of Húrin, he is one of the most enduring characters in The Silmarillion, and has been the subject of paintings by artists such as Jenny Dolfen and Alan Lee.
In the books, Maedhros was the first son of Fëanor, the creator of the Silmarils that were essential to the plot and the history of Middle-earth. Following his father in swearing to reclaim the Silmarils from anyone who took and kept them, he led the war against Morgoth, and brought eventual ruin upon himself and his brothers.
Little is mentioned about Maedhros's youth in The Silmarillion. Born to Fëanor and Nerdanel during the Years of the Trees in Aman, he was the eldest of their seven sons (his brothers were Maglor, Celegorm, Caranthir, Curufin, and twins Amras and Amrod). With their father, they often travelled far and wide in Valinor. During this time Maedhros befriended Fingon, son of Fingolfin, for whom Fëanor had no love.