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SWG News
New Challenge: Tengwar
Each day for thirty-six days, we feature a randomly chosen letter from the Tengwar as a prompt.
A Sense of History: Crossroads
In the ongoing series on towers in Tolkien's work, a thread runs through "The Lord of the Rings," revealing the divine assistance of Varda in the travails of the Fellowship.
Cultus Dispatches: Canon Deviations, Multifandoms, and Original Content
Tolkien Fanfiction Survey data gives some insight into what connections, if any, exist between fanfiction and original fiction.
New & Updated Fanworks
[Writing] Tengwar (working title) by cuarthol
For the Tengwar prompt challenge. To be updated as new prompts are completed.
Current up through 'Anca'
[Writing] I Stood Aside by Flora-lass
Maedhros' horror at the burning of the ships. Inspired by a painting (see notes).
[Reference] Thálatta! Thálatta! by Simon J. Cook
While he never climbs the stairs of this Elf-tower, in Lothlórien Frodo Baggins descends a flight of steps to look into Galadriel’s Mirror, wherein he first sees the sea. This post examines the view.
[Writing] Words of Wisdom by AdmirableMonster
One or more drabbles about Pengolodh and his babysitter Salgant.
[Writing] Les Mots de Sagesse by AdmirableMonster
Plusieurs petites histoires qui parle de Pengolodh et Salgant pendant des moments differents.
[Writing] "Tengwar" ficlets by chrissystriped
Fics written for the "Tengwar" challenge.
[Writing] Upon Cirith Thoronath by StarSpray
A horrid cacophony of cries erupts ahead of them, as orcs appear—up the cliff on hidden ledges, on the path, with bows and swords. And behind them rises a figure of darkness and flame. The heat rolls down the path over them, bringing the smell of burning flesh and bitter fear with it. Someone…
Current Challenge
Tengwar
A daily prompt of a Tengwar letter per day. Read more ...
Random Challenge
New in References
Thálatta! Thálatta! by Simon J. Cook
[]While he never climbs the stairs of this Elf-tower, in Lothlórien Frodo Baggins descends a flight of steps to look into Galadriel’s Mirror, wherein he first sees the sea. This post examines the view.
[]
With Gildor Inglorion we finally climb the stairs of Elostirion and look on the view, and what we see appears to reveal a hidden thread in the story of Frodo Baggins. This post reads two annotated translations of two Elvish songs to step through a crossroads in the narrative to arrive at the tower on the margin of the story, wherein is a stone that is a window onto Valinor.
Grief, Grieving, and Permission to Mourn in the "Quenta Silmarillion" by Dawn Walls-Thumma
[]In a book as full of death as the Quenta Silmarillion, grief and mourning are surprisingly absent. The characters who receive grief and mourning—and those who don't—appear to do so due to narrative bias. Grief and mourning (or a lack of them) serve to draw attention toward and away from objectionable actions committed by characters.
Beyond the Silmarillion
[Writing] Waybread (The Waybredlik) by Himring
[]Lembas speaks out.
[Series] Apr 1st Stories by Uvatha the Horseman
[]Once a year on April 1st, a canon character from LOTR or the Silmarillion gets pranked.
[Writing] Crossing Forest River by Dawn Felagund
[]Bilbo recounts, in verse, the attempt of Gandalf, Beorn, and him to cross the Forest River after the Battle of Five Armies. Written for the Hungarian Tolkien Society's 2024 Mailing Competition.
Around the World and Web
Monstrous May 2024
Monstrous May is a Tumblr event where, for each day of the month of May, there is a prompt involving and invoking the monstrous.
Fellowship of the Fics: Modern AU May
During May, Fellowship of the Fics offers modern AU prompt lists for setting, character occupation, and dialogue on Tumblr.
May challenge at tolkienshortfanworks
The May challenge has been posted to the tolkienshortfanworks community on Dreamwidth. Thematic challenge: name; formal challenge: acrostic. As usual, these can be filled independently and freely combined with other prompts such as the SWG challenges. New participants welcome!
May 2024 Calls for Papers
Conferences and publications that have open calls for papers in May 2024.
Angbang Week 2024
All new, unpublished fanworks about the Angbang (Melron) ship are welcome during this Tumblr event, running 6-12 May 2024.
Beyond the Silmarillion
Our Beyond the Silmarillion section exists for our creators to archive their non-Silmarillion fanworks. Works in this section are based on Tolkien's other texts or adaptations of Tolkien's writings. Find out more about eligibility to post in this section here.
[podfic] Of Perfect Make by Chestnut_pod, StarSpray
A letter comes to the Lonely Mountain from Bag End, requesting a large number of birthday gifts for Bilbo's upcoming eleventy-first birthday. The Mountain gets to work immediately.
| Canon Source: Hobbit, Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Glóin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 25 May 2023 | Updated on 25 May 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
[podfic] Bookkeeper by Chestnut_pod, StarSpray
Elanor sits down to make a copy of the Red Book.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Elanor Gardner |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 21 May 2023 | Updated on 21 May 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
The Isle of the Golden King by Chiara Cadrich
The specter of Numenor reappears from under the waves, for the time of a tale...
| Canon Source: Unfinished Tales |
| Major Characters: Ar-Pharazôn, Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Mystery | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 112 |
| Posted on 19 May 2023 | Updated on 19 May 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
[podfic] With What a Glory by Chestnut_pod, StarSpray
Goldberry has a song for each season.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Goldberry |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 19 May 2023 | Updated on 19 May 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
[podfic] As Though At Sea by Chestnut_pod
Lothíriel finds many things in Rohan unsettling, but none so much as her future sister-in-law.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Éowyn, Lothíriel |
| Major Relationships: Éowyn/Lothíriel |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 17 May 2023 | Updated on 17 May 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Wonder of the Neighborhood by StarSpray
"The little silver nut [Sam] planted in the Party Field where the tree had once been; and he wondered what would come of it...
"Spring surpassed his wildest hopes...In the Party Field a beautiful young sapling leaped up: it had silver bark and long leaves and burst into golden flowers in April. it was indeed a mallorn, and it was the wonder of the neighborhood. in after years, as it grew in grace and beauty, it was known far and wide and people would come long journeys to see it: the only mallorn west of the Mountains and east of the Sea, and one of the finest in the world."
- The Return of the King, "The Grey Havens"
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Fiber/Textile Art |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 17 May 2023 | Updated on 17 May 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
[podfic] Standing Together by Chestnut_pod
Nori's not really a protest sort of person. Dwalin, apparently, is.
| Canon Source: Hobbit |
| Major Characters: Dwalin, Nori |
| Major Relationships: Dwalin/Nori |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 15 May 2023 | Updated on 15 May 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
[podfic] Ink and Steel by Chestnut_pod
Dwalin has the mountains under her skin.
| Canon Source: Hobbit |
| Major Characters: Dwalin, Nori |
| Major Relationships: Dwalin & Nori |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 14 May 2023 | Updated on 14 May 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
[podfic] waving flares in the air by Chestnut_pod
The light enters the room before Éowyn does, a rolling dry heat with it; just enough warning for Faramir to close one book and open another. She enters hard on its heels. 'Hail, Steward, from the south fair tidings,' she says, pulling off her helm halfway through, so the words are muffled. 'I can’t stay long. I came to give you word of Harad and your brother.' (A Galadriel-accepts-the-ring AU.)
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Éowyn, Faramir |
| Major Relationships: Éowyn/Faramir |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 14 May 2023 | Updated on 14 May 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
[podfic] Light Words About Nothing, And Other Rare Pleasures of Life by Chestnut_pod
“We can’t all be as pleasant as hobbits,” Dis said. The hobbit in question tossed her head back, black curls bouncing and glinting in the late afternoon light, and laughed.
“You’ve met few hobbits then,” she replied, still smiling. “I’ve often thought we’re the most contentious race in all the lands.”
“You’ve met few dwarves then." Dis was rewarded with more laughter, and then all of a sudden, the hobbit was plopping herself down on the bench beside Dis, fishing out her own pipe.
Dis meets an unexpected companion as she waits in Rivendell.
| Canon Source: Hobbit |
| Major Characters: Belladonna Took Baggins, Dís |
| Major Relationships: Belladonna Took Baggins/Dís |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 11 May 2023 | Updated on 11 May 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Upon the Grass Untroubling by StarSpray
"It was often said (among other families) that long ago one of the Took ancestors must have taken a fairy wife. That was, of course, absurd, but..."
Faramund Took goes wandering through the South Downs, and comes back home with a rather unexpected bride.
| Canon Source: Hobbit, Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Hobbits |
| Major Relationships: Original Character/Original Character |
| Genres: Family, Fluff, Het | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 206 |
| Posted on 22 April 2023 | Updated on 22 April 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Divine Things Well Envelop'd by StarSpray
Legolas and Gimli pass through Fangorn Forest, and it isn't as bad as Gimli had expected.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Gimli, Legolas Greenleaf |
| Major Relationships: Gimli & Legolas |
| Genres: Ficlet, Fluff, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 923 |
| Posted on 3 April 2023 | Updated on 3 April 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Many Paths to Tread by Arveldis
Frodo had always been meant to leave the Shire.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Frodo, Merry |
| Major Relationships: Frodo Baggins & Merry |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 210 |
| Posted on 31 March 2023 | Updated on 31 March 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Éowyn - warrior & healer by daughterofshadows
Éowyn refuses to be a foot note in the history of men.
| Canon Source: Jackson Lord of the Rings (films), Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Éowyn |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 408 |
| Posted on 31 March 2023 | Updated on 31 March 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A Hidden Path by StarSpray
Roverandom set off at a trot over the road and into the fields beyond. He knew the meadows and fields surrounding his home quite well, of course, and had romped all over them with his boy and his brothers. But there was plenty of countryside beyond them, and, well, no time like the present for exploring!
| Canon Source: Roverandom, Smith of Wootton Major |
| Major Characters: Roverandom |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fluff, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 282 |
| Posted on 27 February 2023 | Updated on 27 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Smith’s Faery by Independence1776
A moodboard inspired by Faery.
| Canon Source: Smith of Wootton Major |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Moodboard/Collage |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 26 February 2023 | Updated on 26 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
here at journey's end by Arveldis
“How will you know when it’s time?” Frodo asked.
“When I have seen the wonders of Fangorn and Aglarond with Gimli, when my father’s people and I have made Ithilien the fairest garden in Gondor, and when my friends have passed beyond the circles of this world—then I will know that it is time,” Legolas said.
They stay for those they love.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Frodo, Legolas Greenleaf |
| Major Relationships: Frodo Baggins & Legolas Greenleaf |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 568 |
| Posted on 7 July 2022 | Updated on 26 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Elrohir/Lindir moodboard by Independence1776
An Elrohir/Lindir moodboard in memory of Keiliss, using one of her prompts from Ardor in August.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Elrohir, Lindir |
| Major Relationships: Elrohir/Lindir |
| Artwork Type: Moodboard/Collage |
| Genres: Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 22 February 2023 | Updated on 23 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Heavy of Heart by StarSpray
In the wilds, Aragorn dreams one last time of his mother.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Aragorn, Gilraen |
| Major Relationships: Aragorn & Gilraen |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 405 |
| Posted on 9 February 2023 | Updated on 9 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Pilgrim in the Woods by Rocky41_7
Gandalf first encounters the Elves of Mirkwood forest.
| Canon Source: Hobbit, Jackson Hobbit (films), Jackson Lord of the Rings (films), Lord of the Rings, Unfinished Tales |
| Major Characters: Unnamed Female Canon Character(s), Gandalf, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 798 |
| Posted on 9 February 2023 | Updated on 9 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Sunshine by chrissystriped
After Sauron's defeat and the return of the army to Minas Tirith, Éomer goes to see his sister and finds her changed.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Éomer, Éowyn |
| Major Relationships: Éomer & Éowyn |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 791 |
| Posted on 18 December 2022 | Updated on 31 December 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Old Swords by StarSpray
Elrond and Gandalf chat about Glamdring.
| Canon Source: Hobbit |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Gandalf |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 674 |
| Posted on 31 December 2022 | Updated on 31 December 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Another Kind of Fun by chrissystriped
Shagrat has had a bad day and needs to blow off some steam. He seeks out Gorbag to have some fun.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Gorbag, Shagrat |
| Major Relationships: Gorbag/Shagrat |
| Genres: Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 353 |
| Posted on 20 November 2022 | Updated on 11 December 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Jewel Out of Reach is Ever the Fairest by Rocky41_7
Dwarves love gems, and the Elvenking bears a crown of gold. Thorin only wishes Thror were willing to admire it from afar.
| Canon Source: Hobbit |
| Major Characters: Thorin Oakenshield, Thrain II, Thranduil, Thror |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 9, 370 |
| Posted on 13 November 2022 | Updated on 14 November 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
My Heart is with the Sea, my Heart is with You by chrissystriped
Círdan has known and loved the Wanderer since the first age.
When he hears of Gandalf's fall in Moria he resolves to find him and retrieve his body, if nothing else.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Círdan, Gandalf |
| Major Relationships: Círdan/Gandalf |
| Genres: Adventure, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 11, 801 |
| Posted on 30 August 2022 | Updated on 23 October 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
