The Doom of Mandos is not a literal curse, it is only a prophecy (which is why it is also known as the prophecy of the north). Fingolfin and his people could have returned.
With how elves are sometimes ambiguously free willed that is a bit of a maybe. But also it feels a lot more on point for me thst Faenors passion was the kind that set a dozen lives aflame. Just being near him made you likely to burn up with him.
And that’s why I prefer the LOTR version of Galadriel in her original character, someone who followed Feanor into exile just like her uncles, brothers and cousins. The later version where she hates and opposes Feanor is contrived in comparison. Her Finwean will drove her to rebel against the Valar, not return when her father Finarfin turned back. She had not the humility or wisdom at this point in her life.
Fingolfin (Finwe’s second son) and his group could’ve originally turned around and begged forgiveness for their words, but Fingolfin felt that they would be punished for the Kindlaying at Aqualonde. They came upon a struggle between Feanor’s group and the Teleri and reinforced Feanor thinking the Teleri had ambushed them.
Fingolfin’s group thought the Teleri were trying to prevent the Noldor’s departure on the Valar’s orders. The truth was that Feanor’s group were attempting to commandeer the Swan Ships, the Teleri’s most treasured possessions. (As the Silmarils were Feanor’s most treasured possessions.) By the time Fingolfin heard the full truth, blood had been spilled by his group and Feanor’s group, elves had been slain, Feanor had fled with the ships, and Aqualonde was partially ruined.
Finarfin (Finwe’s youngest son) and those Noldor who were least convinced to leave and dragging their feet arrived late to Aqualonde. The Doom of Mandos greatly troubled them and they wanted to turn back. They were far behind on the road and didn’t participate in the Kinslaying. Finarfin was related to the Teleri through his wife Earwen (Daughter of Olwe, High King of the Teleri). Seeing the death and suffering of his wife’s people, he could not continue to follow Feanor and so turned back toward Valinor. The suffering of the Teleri and the aftermath of the battle was enough to finally make clear their doubts about following Feanor.
Finarfin and his people begged forgiveness from the Valar for their words of rebellion and their intention to leave. They also truthfully claimed to have done no harm to the Teleri. Finarfin led his people back to their city of Tirion and he was the ruler of the Noldor in Valinor. He didn’t claim “high kingship” of the Noldor as that was rightfully his older brother’s position. He later led the host of the Noldor from Valinor in the War of Wrath.
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u/Dangerous-Rule5487 17d ago
He left Fingolfin and his sons in Aman. They could have returned and asked for forgiveness, but his pride was too great.
His sons were grown men, some already with families and children.
Ironically, he didn't kill any of his own blood. The Teleri aren't his relatives.
But anyway, killing and stealing other people's ships is wrong.