Míriel

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This article is about Míriel, Queen of the Ñoldor. For the Queen of Númenor of the same name, see: Míriel Ar-Zimraphel

Míriel also known as Míriel Serindë was the first wife of Finwë, the High King of the Ñoldor and the mother of Fëanor. Miriel's hair was described as being silver in appearance, an unusual color for one of the Ñoldor. She was highly skilled in the art of weaving and needlework, probably nurtured by the Valier Vairë and thus was called Serindë, the broideress.

[edit] History

Míriel married Finwë sometime during the Noontide of Valinor and they lived in Tirion. They had one child a son Curufinwë, whom she called Fëanáro which means 'Spirit of Fire'. After giving birth to Fëanor she could no longer live and so wished to die, something which was impossible because, as an elf, she was immortal within Arda. Watched over by Irmo in Lórien, she laid down in his gardens where her fëa peacefully departed from her body, and she entered the Halls of Mandos: in essence she had died of free will. Her body was tended by the maidens of Estë and remained preserved. This was seen as a shocking event by the Valar, and eventually led to the second marriage of Finwë, and from there to the Rebellion of the Ñoldor and the First Kinslaying.

After Finwë had been killed, Míriel was granted permission to return to life, where she entered the service of Vairë, her task to weave all the deeds of the House of Finwë in the Tapestry of Time.

[edit] Etymology

Míriel means 'Jewel-woman' or perhaps 'Jewel-daughter' and the surnames Serindë 'broideress' and Þerindë 'needlewoman'.

[edit] References

• The Silmarillion pgs. 63-64
• The Complete Guide to Middle-earth
• The Peoples of Middle-earth, XI: The Shibboleth of Fëanor

[edit] The House of Fëanor

Finwë = Míriel   Mahtan
      |           |
    Fëanor = Nerdanel
           |
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      |        |       |          |         |       |      |
  Maedhros  Maglor  Celegorm  Caranthir  Curufin  Amrod  Amras 
                                            |  
                                       Celebrimbor