A grand old topic, brought up again and again...
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those who have seen the pure light of the trees crave for the gems not because of the jewels themselves, but because of what they are: the last preservation of unstained beauty in Middle-Earth (or Aman).
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I think, as to the nature of the Silmarils, I would have to agree mostly with Sharkű, that they are symbolic, rather than possessing an innate power of their own--they are a reflection and a microcosmic embodiment of the pure Light of the Trees. I think, rather, that it was Morgoth's concerted efforts against Fëanor that bore the rotten fruit of corruption that resonates through history. But...
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I dare say she might havebeen in for a suprise ,if Feanor's passion filled magic/co-creating had some how intermixed w/ the light of the jewels , had this light been able to revive the trees, the result could have been a subtle [or not so subtle] Feanorization of all of Valinor via the 24hour illunination process!
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I do find this concept interesting and evocative, since it is axiomatic to me that the Elves and the Valar themselves put a great deal of themselves into their creations; certainly there is a piece of Fëanor in each Silmaril in some sense, but I refuse to believe that that part would confer corruption on the work itself.
As for the Phial of Galadriel, I found another thread (also relatively old!) that suggests that Celebrimbor made the Phial for Galadriel. I have not been able to check this, but if it is mentioned in the UT, I'll sniff it out! The thread is rather short, but is here if you'd like to read it:
Topic: why did Celebrimbor allow Sauron?
Of course, there's also speculation on that thread that the Silmarils give off green or red, white and blue lights (it's Christmas in the House of Fëanor! Yipppeeeeeeee!!!!! String the Silmarils on the tree! ) Forgive me! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] Just an attack of "Sillymarillion Fever." BTW, lindil, I enjoyed your term "Fëanorization."
But now, what are we talking about? The Phial of Galadriel! That's it! I came upon a rather unusual article that addresses the significance and purpose of the Phial, and although I disagree with some of it, it was still worth reading to me, just for its far-out value! Here is the link:
Mystic alignment
It is entitled "Mystic alignment of the Two Trees, the Silmarils, the Three Rings & the Phial of Galadriel" Quite a mouthful and it even has a diagram that goes with it! An interesting exercise in drawing connections if you're interested!
The thing I wonder is how is the Light imprisoned inside the Phial? If it is caught in Galadriel's Mirror waters, how is it held? Perhaps the very nature of the waters themselves? A magical/chemical property invoked by Galadriel herself? Or has the Light been captured previously and then "set amidst the waters of my Fountain" as she tells Frodo when she is bestowing this gift upon him?
And a last note on the Silmarils, what is this
silima of which they are made? It sounds much like
silica, of which many terrestrial stones and gems consist. And the question of the Ages, why is Beren's hand not consumed by digestion inside the mad Wolf's stomach? Maybe, just as the Silmarils burn the hands of those unworthy to hold them, perhaps it coats, soothes and relieves the worthy hand of Beren! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]
Cheers,
Lyta
P.S. Thanks, Sharon, for drawing that parallel of Frodo and the Light of the Two Trees of Valinor, the purest Light of Arda! It is always good to know there are others on this forum who think as highly of Frodo as I do! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] You do have a gift for expression, especially when talking about Frodo, and it is always a joy to read your posts! (I cannot elaborate on it, because it was said so perfectly to begin with!)
[ August 05, 2003: Message edited by: Lyta_Underhill ]