Finarfin by AlystraeaArt on DeviantArt (original) (raw)

Boromir is described by Legolas in the lament as "the Fair", but there's no way he could be considered beautiful by elven standards. That has always led me to believe that "fair" means something more like "tasteful" or "elegant": someone who always looks good without showing off. I think that definition probably also makes sense when thinking about Finarfin verus Fëanor.

The text says that Fëanor occasionally wore all three Silmarils at the same time: which would definitely qualify as tacky even by Valinorean standards. Also he just generally had no sense of proportion, appropriateness or balance. So while he might have been naturally more handsome, the way Fëanor dressed would be more likely to offend people than attract them. This picture I think captures the kind of understated splendor that the word "fair" suggests. If you actually stop to think about it, Finarfin here is wearing more money than you've ever seen in your life: not only are those real emeralds in his crown, not only does his robe have gold thread, but the amount of rare minerals and perfumed oil in his hair must be obscene (there's no other way to keep wavy hair that long neat if it's worn loose). However, you wouldn't feel jealous or shabby standing next to him if your outfit wasn't as expensive.