Noldorin Elf, eldest son of Fëanor and the leader of the House in Middle-earth. Maedhros eagerly swore the Oath of Fëanor and returned to Middle-earth, but he was more temperate than his father and opposed the burning of the ships at Losgar. Soon after, Maedhros captured by treachery and hung by his right wrist from the face of Thangorodrim. He was rescued by Thorondor and his old friend Fingon, but he lost his hand. In gratitude for this deed and in atonement for the burning of the ships, Maedhros gave the overlordship of the Noldor to the House of Fingolfin.
For many years Maedhros dwelt at Himring, guarding the March of Maedhros and curbing the arrogant pride of his brother. A patient ruler and stronge warrior, Maedhros led the eastern forces in the Wars of Beleriand, winning a great victory in Dagor Aglareb and regrouping the eastern Noldor at Himring after Dagor Bragollach. About 472 Maedhros, strengthened by the Easterlings of Bór and heartened by the triumphs of Beren and Lúthien, formed the Union of Maedhros to assault Angband. But the Union was betrayed by the Easterlings of Ulfang, and after the Nirnaeth Arnoediad Maedhros fled to Ossiriand or Amon Ereb.
After the death of Beren and Lúthien, the Oath of Fëanor overcame Maedhros, and he participated in the sacks of Doriath and the Havens of Sirion. Although he repented his cruelties, he remained driven by the Oath. Finally, after the Great Battle, Maedhros persuaded Maglor to join him in stealing the Silmarils, and claimed one jewel as his own. Tormented by the pain of the jewel, which burned his hand, and by the knowledge of his moral decay, which had deprived him of his right to the Silmaril, Maedhros cast himself and the Silmaril into a fiery chasm.
Maedhros was tall and, after Maglor, the most temperate of the sons of Fëanor. But his spirit was fierce, especially after his torment on Thangorodrim, and the sword he wielded with his left hand, deadly.

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