Kinslaying at Alqualondë, was a significant event in the history of Eldar. The first of its kind involved the Noldorin Elves of Fëanor and Teleri Elves, who were killed in the conflict. This event in Y.T. 1495 prohibited the Ñoldor from going back to Aman for ages.
Prelude
Feanor, a Nordorin Elf in compliance with his oath, wanted to leave Valinor and travel to Middle-Earth. Fëanor planned to take his sons and other Elves on a ship. However, there were no ships in Noldor's possession. So Feanor, along with his sons, sought the help of the Teleri of Alqualondë. Even upon consistent persuasion, Teleri was not ready to help Feanor. [1] Following the Valar's will, Teleri persuaded his friends to reconsider the decision and not leave Aman. Feanor, who was very stern in his judgment, was not willing to budge. This provoked the Teleri, who resisted Feanor's decision by shooting arrows and pelting rocks at the Noldor. Many of the Fëanor’s followers who already boarded the ships were thrown out. The Harbor was blocked for sailing.
The Battle
This transmuted into a bitter conflict between the Noldor and the Teleri. This evenly balanced battle was fought with swords and bows by the Noldor and Teleri, respectively [2] As the war progressed, Noldor was joined by Fingon and his subjects, the Fingolfins. Fingon wrongly interpreted the situation as a conflict started by Teleri under Valar's orders. He and his fellow men joined the battle and fought beside Noldor. Probably, Teleri escaped unharmed.
Consequences
At the end of the battle, many Teleri were killed. Most of the ships were seized and destroyed in the waters of the turbulent sea. The ships which sailed towards Middle-earth were cursed by Mandos. This conflict had terrible consequences in Middle-earth. When the news about the war reached the ears of Sindar, especially the ones belonging to Doriath, they withdrew their support towards the Ñoldor in their battle against Morgoth. Thingol, the king of Sindar, barred any Fëanor involved in the Kinslaying from entering his kingdom. Henceforth, the use of Quenya was forbidden in his realm.
Later Kinslayings
The second Kinslaying involved the killing of Dior Eluchíl by the Sons of Fëanor in The Silmarillion. Third Kinslaying, the final and the cruelest involved the assault of Elwing by the sons of Fëanor at the Mouth of Sirion and took place in FA 538.
References
Categories:
Conflicts of the Elder Days
Event
