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Founded in 2005, the Silmarillion Writers' Guild exists for discussions of and creative fanworks based on J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion and related texts. We are a positive-focused and open-minded space that welcomes fans from all over the world and with all levels of experience with Tolkien's works. Whether you are picking up Tolkien's books for the first time or have been a fan for decades, we welcome you to join us!

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SWG News

New Challenge: Title Track
Tolkien's titles range from epic to lyrical to metaphorical. This month's challenge selected 125 of them as prompts for fanworks.

Our Annual Amnesty Challenge: New Year's Resolution
Start 2026 off with creativity! If you missed a challenge or didn't get to finish or post a challenge fanwork, complete any 2025 challenge before 15 February to receive the stamp.

"The Fëanorian Zine" Available to Read and Download
We are pleased to be able to offer "The Fëanorian Zine" to read and download on the SWG for free.

Call for Artists for the 2026 Challenge Stamps
We are soliciting help from artists who want to help create the stamps we award to challenge participants.

Known Site Issues

New & Updated Fanworks

[Writing] In Early Spring by Serinquanion

In what Maedhros was re-embodied early and was sent back to Middle Earth on his volition with Glorfindel.


This isn't about what happened right then but years after Fall of Sauron when he still refused to return to Valinor.


He found a strange sapling at the shore of what remains of…

[Writing] Umnenyalië by Serinquanion

He was going to die. The molten rocks would burn him just like the cursed gem in his palm did. Maybe less painfully but still being burnt hurt and Maedhros knew it. He intimately knew it from his time in Angband where Þauron burnt him often in frustration and to toy with him and his master…

[Writing] Winter Warmth by Serinquanion

A winter night in Himring. But inside the quarters where fire blazed in hearth was warmer, and not only from the fire or quilt.

[Writing] A Hundred Miles Through the Desert by StarSpray

“Come on.” Maedhros grabbed his hand and pulled him along down the path, both of them quickening their pace now, until the trees opened up into a wide meadow filled with flowers, bright yellow celandine and dandelions and sweet-scented pale chamomile mingling with cornflowers and irises. On…

[Writing] Who Will Hear Me? by XirinOfArvada

A lonely elf finds a flute half buried beneath the sand and wonders if its owner will hear him when he calls.

[Writing] Loyal, Faithful by Himring

Late in the Second Age, one of the Faithful reflects critically on past developments. (Free verse.)

[Writing] East Away! by Flora-lass

Aldarion storms off towards Middle-earth. For the Title Track challenge.

Current Challenge

Title Track
Create a fanwork using our collection of 125 titles from Tolkien's books, chapters, essays, poems, and fragments as inspiration. Read more ...

Random Challenge

End Is the Beginning
Take the ending of a story from "The Silmarillion" and use it as the beginning of a fanwork. Read more ...

New in References

Tolkien, Lunatic Physicists, and Abnegation by Cynthia (Cindy) Gates

This presentation for Mereth Aderthad 2025 discusses the parallels between the concept of abnegation in the scientific work surrounding the atomic bomb and in The Silmarillion. The relinquishment of self-interest in favor of the interests of others, abnegation was identified by Tolkien as a powerful act of spirit and reason. The legendarium has many examples of the complexities of abnegation, which parallel similar discussions held by physicists during and after World War II.

Twilight, Child Of: Comparisons Between Tinúviel, Lómion, and Undómiel by JazTheBard

This presentation for Mereth Aderthad 2025 discusses the many similarities between Tolkien's three "twilight children," Tinúviel, Lómion, and Undómiel (Luthien, Maeglin, and Arwen) in terms of appearance, plot, and cultural background. Yet these three characters play very different roles in the text.

The Aromantic in Tolkien by daughterofshadows

Presented at Mereth Aderthad 2025, this paper makes the case thata, although the term "aromantic" had not yet been coined in Tolkien's day, many of his characters can be read as aromantic. The paper takes a closer look at Aredhel, Bilbo, and Boromir as three examples of characters who can be read as aromantic.

Featured Themed Collection

Beyond the Silmarillion

[Writing] here you will dwell, bound to your grief by Elrond's Library

Arwen grieves, and loves.

[Writing] Faramir's Verse by losselen

“Come, Faramir. Let us not stand in ceremony. I think words are due between you and I, and not only those between a King and his Steward.”



Faramir has speech with Gandalf and his King.

[Writing] In a Hole in the Ground... by StarSpray

“There’s a goblin hiding in the taters, Dad!” Pippin hefted the pan, which was much too big for him to carry, let alone wield.

Around the World and Web

March Challenge - Tolkien Short Fanworks
Tolkien Short Fanworks is running a challenge for the month of March to create a Back to Middle-earth Month themed challenge.

Tolkien Fashion Week 2026
This two-week-long Tumblr event is dedicated to honoring the world of fashion and textiles Tolkien wrote about in his books.

Celegorm and Curufin Week 2026
Celegorm and Curufin Week is a Tumblr week celebrating the relationship between Celegorm and Curufin Feanorion

Back to Middle-earth Month 2026
Back to Middle-earth Month is returning for it's 20th year with many prompts and archival efforts.

View all Around the World and Web announcements.

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Bedtime Stories by Anérea  

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Fanwork Notes

Listed vaguely in in-universe chronological order, this selection ranges from post-creation to the Third Age.

Podfics run from a few minutes to over an hour. Check individual podfics for ratings and warnings.

I'll probably keep adding to this list as I come across more.

For ziggy, who thought this would be a good idea. Thanks for your enjoyment and encouragement!

Fanwork Information

Summary:

Just a few of my favourite podfics that I've found soothing for bedtime (or middle of the night, or any time really) listening.

Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Narvi, Belladonna Took Baggins, Gandalf, Bungo Baggins, Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Elwing, Eärendil, Olwë, Númenóreans, Dúnedain, Elrond, Celebrían, Maglor, Maedhros, Celegorm, Caranthir, Mandos, Frodo, Samwise Gamgee, Narvi, Aulë, Ilmarë, Thuringwethil, Fox, River-woman

Major Relationships: Celebrimbor/Narvi, Celebrían/Elrond, Ilmarë/Thuringwethil, Daeron/Maglor, Eärendil/Elwing, Caranthir/Original Character

Genre: Fanwork Collection, Recommendation List

Challenges: In Rare Form, Jubilee

Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate

Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings

Posted on 11 January 2025 Updated on 12 January 2025

This fanwork is a work in progress.

A Promise of Lightning (read by Chestnut_pod, written by The Wavesinger)

The story of Ilmarë and Thuringwethil, from the beginning to the beginning, again. 

Length: 40:53

Major Characters: Ilmarë, Thuringwethil
Major Relationships: Ilmarë/Thuringwethil
Rating: Adult     Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Mild)

Alternative on AO3

Paper (written and read by Dawn Felagund)

Curufin escapes to the realms of fantasy to escape the pressures of his family and discovers the thrill of first love.

Major Characters: Curufin, Unnamed Canon Character
Major Relationships: Curufin/Unnamed Canon Character
Rating: Teens
Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild)

Beyond the Western Shore (read by Anérea, written by StarSpray)

In her wanderings through Aman, Minyelmë comes to the farthest shore.

Length: 3:10

Major Characters: Original Female Character
Rating: General
Warnings: None

Hearken Still Unsated (written and read by polutropos)

When the Noldor return to Middle-earth to make war on Morgoth, only rumours reach Menegroth of their reasons for coming, but Doriath's minstrel experiences their loss and longing through his connection to Music and the gift of his Queen. Years later, he is sent to the Feast of Reuniting and meets the Elf whose grief he felt. A story about the Eldar returning home, their connection to the land and to each other, and their relationship to Music and fate, love and free will. 

Length: just over 1.5 hours

Major Characters: Daeron, Maglor, Melian
Major Relationships: Daeron/Maglor, Daeron & Melian
Rating: Adult 
Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild)

No Traveler Returns (read by Tanis, writen by IgnobleBard)

Namo confronts a newly dead Elf.

Length: 8:12

Major Characters: Mandos, Original Character
Rating: General
Warnings: None

Original text

Lake Helevorn: A Summer Romance (read by Anérea, written by Himring)

Uncanonical take on Caranthir's canonical wife: in himring!verse she's not an elf.

Length: 4:15

Major Characters: Caranthir, Original Female Character
Major Relationships: Caranthir/Original Female Character
Rating: Teens
Warnings: None

Unstrung (read by polutropos, written by tehta)

Right before the War of Wrath, Maglor explains himself.

Length: 18:36

Major Characters: Maglor, Maedhros, Celegorm
Major Relationships: Maedhros & Maglor, Elrond & Elros & Maglor
Rating: Teen
Warnings: None

All They Had to Lend (read by Chestnut_pod, written by gogollescent)

From a few hundred feet up, the swan ships could be seen to hesitate.

Length: 18:18

Major Characters: Elwing, Eärendil, Olwë
Major Relationships: Elwing/Eärendil
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: None

What Lies Beyond The End (read by Anerea, written by Melesta)

"The Silmaril falls slowly, so slowly, as if taking its time to caress the weightlessness of Ulmo’s waters. Does it seek relief also, Maglor wonders, to be free at last of all the hands that lusted after its blessed shine?"

Maglor casts his Silmaril into the Sea.

Length: 6:18

Major Characters: Maglor
Rating: General
Warnings: None

Alternative on AO3

Three times, the forge (read by Chestnut_pod, written by LiveOakWithMoss)

Celebrimbor kisses Narvi. Narvi kisses Celebrimbor. Somehow, Celebrimbor is still perplexed.

Length: 8:35

Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Narvi
Major Relationships: Celebrimbor/Narvi
Rating: Teens
Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild)

Alternative on AO3

Those Who Have Dwelt In Darkness (read by the_dragongirl, written by LadyBrooke)

Narvi is hesitant to put his trust in others to make their weapons for the Final Battle.
Aulë sees too many similarities to past events.

Length: 8:55

Major Characters: Narvi, Aulë
Rating: General
Warnings: None

Stay, Forever (read by polutropos, written by Melesta)

The first snow brings bittersweet memories for Elrond. Through remembrance and song, he reveals a feeling that has been budding in his heart for a long time.

Length: 9:26

Major Characters: Elrond, Celebrían, Maglor
Major Relationships: Celebrían/Elrond, Elrond & Maglor
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: None

kâtha batîna lôkhî (read by Chestnut_pod, written by vardasvapors (cynewulf))

For even after the ruin the hearts of the Dúnedain were still set westwards; and though they knew indeed that the world was changed, they said: 'Avallónë is vanished from the Earth and the Land of Aman is taken away, and in the world of this present darkness they cannot be found. Yet once they were, and therefore they still are, in true being and in the whole shape of the world as at first it was devised.'

The title translates from Adûnaic as "all roads are bent".

Length: 11:51

Characters: Númenoreans, Original Characters
Rating: Not Rated
Warnings: None

Concerning Hobbits (read by Thimblerig, written by WerewolvesAreReal)

As in all matters, the hobbits handled their Creation quietly, and this is because they were not created at all.

Length: 16:25

Major Characters: Frodo Baggins, Sam Gamgee
Rating: General
Warnings: None

My Adventure, by Belladonna Baggins née Took (written and read by Thimblerig)

Gandalf exclaimed once: 'That I should live to be 'Good morninged' by a son of Belladonna Took!' Bilbo's mum has a story to tell and this is it. Holidays by the Sea, Elves, and much Falling in the Water.

Length: approximately 100 minutes

Characters: Belladonna Took, Gandalf, Bungo Baggins, Original Characters
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: None

A Vulpine Gentleman With Business of His Own (read by Chestnut_pod, written by bunn)

A brief interlude in the life of a fox with a job to do.

Length: 5:14

Major Characters: Fox Passing Through the Wood On Business of His Own, Riverwoman
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: None

Almacombë Lairesto: A Tolkien Poetry Podfic Anthology by Chestnut_pod (various authors)

From Nortonion, an anthology to keep. This highly anticipated first edition of collected poetic works from the Western Lands of Arda features 13 poets, 27 poems, and innovative audio formatting. The First Edition of The Nortonion Almacombë Lairesto is an excellent tool for teachers and an unmatched resource for students.

Includes:
Art in the Ordinary by lferion
Song of Lake Linaewen by Zdenka
Alchemy by Lady_Branwyn
Fragment: In the long days of Darkness by losselen (zambla)
Gil-Galad Was No Elven-king by kimikocha
To Drain a Lake by Himring
A Song for Goldberry by KhamulTheEasterling
Gross Reflections (On the Fifth Battle) by lferion
The Shieldmaiden and the Witch-king by Zdenka
Black and White by Lingwiloke
The north-march by losselen (zambla)
Three Bredlik poems by Himring
For which we were created by LiveOakWithMoss
Grey and White Wings by lferion
Rían at the Hill of Slain by Zdenka
Cirdan by primsong
Gacela of the stolen sun by losselen (zambla)
Hope Across Helcaraxe by orphan_account
To an absent lover by Himring
F*ck Me When the War Is Done, and Other Poems by Ninnachel by amyfortuna (elwinfortuna)
Erebor Waits by lferion
Middle-earth Poetry by Zdenka
Pippin in Gondor by primsong
Two poems for Daeron by losselen (zambla)
Song for a dark road by Judin
Song of the Laughing Maiden by Zdenka
Paths of Story by Himring

Length: 56:19

Characters: various canon and original characters
Rating: General Audiences to Mature
Warnings: Major Character Death (in some poems)


Red clouds framing a starry nightsky

daughterofshadows

1 year 1 month ago

Permalink

I'll have to check these out…

I'll have to check these out next time I'm looking for something to listen to. Thanks for taking the time to put this together!

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Anérea (Laiquendi snuggled in a tree)

Anérea

9 months ago

Permalink

In reply to I'll have to check these out… by daughterofshadows

♡

Thanks! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! 

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A close-up shot of auburn hair in a French braid.

Chestnut_pod

9 months ago

Permalink

<3

I am honored to be of help in such an important quest as that for sleep!

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Anérea (Laiquendi snuggled in a tree)

Anérea

9 months ago

Permalink

In reply to <3 by Chestnut_pod

♡

Thanks so much for all your lovely podfics — you really do podfics so beautifully! (There's a lot more ofyours that live on my phone, I just felt better to make a small selection here.)

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