The Silmarillion

When Fëanor burns his ships, the Orcs spot the flames, as do the “watchers of Morgoth” (50). Fëanor and his people pass into the land of Hithlum and arrive at a lake, Mithrim, where they make camp. Melkor’s forces attack before the encampment is set up but are defeated by the Noldor. Fëanor chases down the enemy back to Angband but is consumed by “the flame of his own wrath” (50) and finds himself separated from his forces; the Balrogs notice and attack. Fëanor is surrounded and, though he fights well, is struck down by Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs. At the last moment, Fëanor’s sons arrive and chase away the Balrogs. The injured Fëanor is carried to Mithrim but tells them to stop; he knows he is going to die. Looking over all of Middle-earth, he calls on his sons to avenge their father. Fëanor dies, his body turning straight to ash.

The Noldor meet with the local Grey Elves and learn of the power of Thingol. An emissary of Melkor offers them a peace deal that includes the return of one Silmaril. Maedhros, Fëanor’s son, convinces his brothers to accept the deal and to betray Melkor when convenient.