Cultus Dispatches: Revelations from Marquette's Fanzine Dataset
In September 2026, Marquette University released a dataset about their Tolkien fanzine collection. Analysis of the data reveals what these fanzines contained and show how pre-internet Tolkien fandom responded to the publication of "The Silmarillion."
SWG News
New Challenge: Unquote
Choose a prompt from our selection of misheard, miswritten, and misrepresented unquotes that are in no way part of the actual "Silmarillon."
Site Etiquette Update: Fandom and Money
We have updated our policy in our Site Etiquette around linking to sites that collect money.
Character of the Month: Eönwë
This month's biography focuses on Eönwë, who started with a variety of identities but settled into the role of Manwë's herald, exemplifying the values of strong leadership and justice.
New & Updated Fanworks
[Writing] The Day Transcending Night by StarSpray
The Rings have been forged. The armies of Mordor are marching into Eriador. Eregion burns.
Far away from it all, by the shores of the Sea, Celegorm remembers his name.
[Writing] Auld Acquaintance - Romantic Partners Version by Susana_R
Fingon clapped the stranger on the shoulder as he cheerfully informed Maedhros, "Fealasso here is the captain of your bodyguards. They will keep you safe during the community service you’ve volunteered to do in Alqualonde and Tol Eressea.”
Maedhros closed his eyes and pinched the…
[Writing] Auld Acquaintance - Platonic Best Friends Version by Susana_R
Fingon clapped the stranger on the shoulder as he cheerfully informed Maedhros, "Fealasso here is the captain of your bodyguards. They will keep you safe during the community service you’ve volunteered to do in Alqualonde and Tol Eressea.”
Maedhros closed his eyes and pinched the…
[Writing] silver and gold by sariane
There is nothing for Celebrimbor here in Nargothrond. No one foolish enough to befriend him, no one brave enough to forgive him after what happened in the passes, only the comfort of the warm forge-hall waiting for him.
Then Felagund opens his mouth to sing.
[Writing] A Great Madness of Lust by starshadeemily
A revealing dress and spiked drinks lead to Nolofinwe and Anaire leaving a party early.
[Writing] The Fall of Arnor; Book One "Out of the Bree-land" by Diane Finnis-Robb
The first of six books covering the fall of the kingdom of Arnor
[Writing] Recipes from Middle-earth by Harp_of_Gold
A collection of recipes that might be found in Middle-earth, from many places, times, and peoples.
Originally posted for Tolkien Food Week.
Current Challenge
Unquote
Choose a prompt from our selection of misheard, miswritten, and misrepresented unquotes that are in no way part of the actual "Silmarillon." Read more ...
Random Challenge
Opposites Attract
Prompts for this challenge are a pair of opposites. Read more ...
New in References
Fandom before the Time of the Trees: Revelations from Marquette's Fanzine Dataset by Dawn Walls-Thumma
In September 2026, Marquette University released a dataset about their Tolkien fanzine collection. Analysis of the data reveals what these fanzines contained and show how pre-internet Tolkien fandom responded to the publication of "The Silmarillion."
Across the history of the "Silmarillion," Eönwë's role settles on a character who leads without taking upon himself the power to mete out justice and who acts with equanimity across some of the most harrowing conflicts in the early legendarium.
Speak Friend and Enter: Trends in Fandom Entry Year by Dawn Walls-Thumma
Across three surveys and ten years, the Tolkien Fanfiction Survey has document when authors began writing. These data reveal trends in how film promotions, the films themselves, the books, and other historical contexts have influenced not only who writes but how long they stay.
Featured Themed Collection
Beyond the Silmarillion
[Writing] IN THE SHIRE-RECKONING by Diane Finnis-Robb
-This stand alone novel was completed for Hobbit Day 2026. It is a multi-generational novel spanning a period of time from the formation of the Shire to the Great Plague in Year Thirty-six and focuses on the origins of an old feud between the Bucks and the Tooks.
[Writing] For a Better World by Ellynn
Thirteen years before the War of the Ring, an orcling — more intelligent and more curious than most — is born in Mordor. His curiosity will lead him to both incredible discoveries and perilous situations, all of which will shape him into a leader unlike any Mordor has ever known. But to become…
[Writing] Sun on the Daisies by StarSpray
“Oh.” Frodo’s voice was soft, almost more sigh than sound. “Sam, look.”
Around the World and Web
Ainur Week 2026
A Tolkien fandom week dedicated to the Ainur!
Glorthelion Week 2026
A week dedicated to Glorfindel x Ecthelion relationship
Nolofinwëan Week 2026
Nolofinwëan Week is Tumblr fandom event celebrating the House of Fingolfin, running from November 9th - 16th
14th International Tolkien Mailing Competition
The Hungarian Tolkien Society invites you to join the international “Quendi” category of the Tolkien Mailing Competition: five rounds of quizzes, riddles and creative tasks. This category is organised in English, open to any individual participant, and also to teams of 2–5 people. The five rounds of the competition will last from November to April.
Tolkien Food Week 2026
fandom event from the 2-8th nov 2026 where we share recipes, fics and comfort food for body and soul.
Beta Reader Profile for sariane
Preferred Name: sariane
Beta Strengths: Characterization, Conflict, Description/Imagery, Fulfilled Intent, Mood/Tone, Organization/Structure, Pacing, Plot, Point of View, Research, Sensitivity Read, Setting, Spelling, Grammar, and Mechanics, Style, Worldbuilding
Beta Weaknesses: No information listed.
I Prefer to Beta
Time Periods: Years of the Trees, First Age, Second Age, Third Age
Characters: Original Agender Character(s), Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Original Nonbinary Character(s), Other Fictional Character(s), Setting as Character, Unnamed Agender Canon Character(s), Unnamed Canon Character(s), Unnamed Female Canon Character(s), Unnamed Male Canon Character(s), Unnamed Nonbinary Canon Character(s), Aragorn, Arwen, Beren, Bilbo Baggins, Bill the Pony, Boromir (Fellowship), Celeborn, Celebrían, Celebrimbor, Eärendil, Elrond, Elwing, Éowyn, Faramir (Fellowship), Fellowship, Finduilas, Finrod Felagund, Frodo, Galadriel, Gandalf, Gimli, Glaurung, Goldberry, Gwaith-i-Mírdain, Huan, Legolas Greenleaf, Lúthien Tinúviel, Maedhros, Maglor, Melian, Merry, Narvi, Orcs, Pippin, Samwise Gamgee, Sauron, Smaug, Thorin Oakenshield, Thorin's Company, Tom Bombadil
Genres: Adventure, Comic Strip, Crackfic, Drama, Erotica, Experimental, Femslash, Fluff, Folktales/Myths/Legends, General, Horror, Humor, Hurt/Comfort, In-Universe Artifact, Nonfiction/Meta, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Slash, Slash/Femslash
Ratings: Creator Chooses Not to Rate, General, Teens, Adult
I am willing to work with authors with disabilities that impact writing/language.
I am willing to work with English language learners.
I Prefer Not to Beta
Time Periods: No time periods listed.
Characters: No characters listed.
Genres: No genres listed.
Warnings: No warnings listed.
Additional Information
I have fandom, professional, and academic experience in creative writing (nonfiction and fiction), academic or research writing, and proofreading. I like to ask writers what type of feedback they are looking for before reading a piece, so I can offer targeted feedback. If you are a developing writer who wants to learn more about mechanics, I'm happy to look at the technical side of your piece and offer a few actionable lessons. If you are a more advanced writer, I enjoy hearing about your vision and characters. I really love beta reading projects that let me chat for a bit, make new friends, and help me to learn something new!
My turnaround time depends on length and focus. I can give general feedback quickly, but proofreading is more time consuming. If you are in a pinch and need line edits for mechanics so you can make a challenge/event deadline, I am happy to help if I'm able to meet your deadline.
I have a general knowledge of Tolkien's legendarium and am mostly familiar with the major players, and I don't always know the common fanon interpretations or all of the minor characters.
I am not interested in beta-reading stories with a heavy focus on pregnancy, childbirth, childrearing, and parenthood. For stories containing incest, noncon, and graphic gore, it depends on the narrative.
Reminders to Authors:
- Read the beta's full profile before contacting them. Respect any limits they state about what they're willing to beta. Likewise, if a beta notes that their "Prefer Not to Beta" list is not a rigid set of limitations, feel free to reach out.
- A beta's inclusion in the directory does not mean that they are necessarily available to beta for you at this time. When contacting a beta, remember that your message is a query about their availability.
- It is helpful to include some information about the piece you need beta'ed. What is it about? What kind of help are you looking for? How long is it? When will you need it finished?
- We recommend betas and their authors having clear conversations before beginning about the expectations of both parties. SWG moderators will not "referee" communications (including conflicts) between betas and authors.
