Born to a lesser house of the Noldor in the Blessed Realm, during the Years of the Trees. He was among the hosts of Fëanor that returned east to Middle-earth, though he never took up the Oath and was not present during the first Kinslaying. Fincaen fought and survived many of the battles the Noldor faced in Beleriand, and was present when Gondolin fell to Morgoth's assault.

Fincaen had known love during the years between the Noldor's return to Middle-earth and the sinking of Beleriand. He was wed to a maiden named Morilindë, of both Noldor and Teleri lineage, though she was lost in the Fall of Gondolin before the two ever had children. She had called Fincaen Isílhisë, Moonmist, because of his eyes of a bright silver-blue that appear as moonlight illuminating the morning mists before dawn.

After the War of Wrath and the defeat of Morgoth, Fincaen journeyed east into Eriador, eventually settling in Imladris. He spent his early days there as a smith and craftsman, delighting in the knowledge and skills of his people before the onset of their strife. Fincaen joined the Last Alliance in the fight against Sauron, and in more recent years has acted as a defender of the realm, often meeting the forces of the Witch-King of Angmar in battle to repel their attacks on Imladris.

Fincaen is typically of a friendly mood, kind of heart and generous in the products of his craft. He has a deep love of music, and enjoys spending his leisure time listening to the minstrels of the Hidden Valley. His gentle disposition is swiftly moved to fierce anger and resolve when the peace of the land comes under threat, and his courage is never in short supply. At times, though, he finds himself gripped by deep sorrow, both for the downfall of his people as well as the loss of his childless wife.