Cultus Dispatches: Six Demographic Takeaways from the 2025 Tolkien Fanfiction Survey
Ten years of demographic data from the Tolkien Fanfiction Survey show consistencies in who reads and writes fanfiction, as well as a few key demographic shifts.
SWG News
New Challenge: Epic 80s
This month's challenge features hundreds of fresh prompts from the bodacious decade of the 1980s.
Cultus Dispatches: Communities Do Comment
Comment data from the SWG underscores community as an essential component to a robust commenting culture.
Instadrabbling Sessions for July, August, and September
Instadrabbling continues on the first Saturday of each month on our Discord server.
New & Updated Fanworks
[Writing] Shepherd Princess by Himring
A princess and her sheepdog. (Drabble featuring a young Ancalime.)
[Writing] From That Rubble by StarSpray
Fëanor shrugged, studying the contents of his wine glass. “Something must be done about that house. It will fall down eventually.”
“It does not follow that it must be you that tears it down single-handedly. Are you sure you do not want help?”
“It’s not as though I…
[Writing] A Song Amidst His Torment by Elrond's Library
Of course it was a trap.
Maitimo has to survive. He must. But what price is too high to pay for survival?
[Writing] Nasyalossë by Lovimmy3365
Erestor lay up against a tree, brown washed to black in the wet of the snow. The black disc of the new moon sailed across the dark sky. Erestor wished it were gone. He had no need to look into dark eyes any longer.
He was dying.
(AKA Erestor unwittingly travels back in time to the…
[Playlist] Yacht Rock Silmarillion by Dawn Felagund
Have you ever wondered what would happen if the characters in The Silmarillion were smoooooth like they were sippin' a Sex on the Beach on a party barge in the harbor at Alqualondë? The "Yacht Rock Silmarillion" retells The Silmarillion as though the characters all had perms…
[Writing] and let's be winners by mistake by atlantablack
"Move farther north," Caranthir says to her a month after the attack, gaze steady on her even as his hands continue briskly gutting fish. "There is plenty of land closer to my fortress, and my people can help protect yours if there is another attack."
Haleth looks up from her…
[Writing] Changing Styles by StarSpray
“What did you do to your hair?”
Current Challenge
Epic 80s
Create a fanwork using on of our righteous prompts based on popular culture from the 1980s. Read more ...
Random Challenge
New in References
Six Demographic Takeaways from the 2025 Tolkien Fanfiction Survey by Dawn Walls-Thumma
Data from the 2025 Tolkien Fanfiction Survey shows demographic changes in participant gender, age, and education and new revelations about neurodiversity.
Communities Do Comment: Expanding the 3C's of Commenting with SWG Data by Dawn Walls-Thumma
Expanding on my 2018 article "Why People Don't Comment," comment data from the SWG underscores community as an essential component to a robust commenting culture.
Fandom Draws the Line: Fanworks, AI, and Resistance by Dawn Felagund, Grundy
By definition, fanworks fandom does not draw a lot of boundaries, but community archives and events have taken a strong stance against AI-generated fanworks due to ethical considerations and member input.
Featured Themed Collection
Beyond the Silmarillion
[Writing] Down the Long Years by Isilme_among_the_stars
Bilbo, the strange old hobbit with the wandering feet, senses something special in young Frodo the first time he sees the lad; as they become close, they find in each other a cameraderie not well understood by other hobbits. Five poignant moments between Bilbo and Frodo Baggins over the course…
[Artwork] The Mirror of Galadriel by skywardstruck
Smoke rises from the Mirror, where the Lady of Lothlórien awaits to share its visions.
[Writing] Bar-en-Eladar by Gabriel
Out of the shadow, light is born anew.
A Chieftain is dead. And whilst the events surrounding his death are unclear, a son tries to come to terms with his loss.
Around the World and Web
Celedriel Week 2026
A Tumblr event week focusing on the relationship between Celeborn and Galadriel.
Esoteric Tolkien Week 2026
A fandom event dedicated to the strange, otherworldly, and inexplicable in Middle-earth and beyond.
Tolkien Gen Week 2026
Tolkien Gen Week will run from July 6-12, 2026 to appreciate all of the incredible characters and relationships within Tolkien’s legendarium that fall under the broad category of “gen.”
Tolkien Disability Pride 2026
This Tumblr event focuses on ALL creative works focusing on disability in Tolkien's universe.
Scribbles and Drabbles 2026
Scribbles & Drabbles is a fic and art exchange with a minimum word count of 100 words.
Truly All Fanworks
This page includes all fanworks from the main SWG archive and the Beyond the Silmarillion section.
Conversation with Elrond by Glorified
This story is a prequal to my series 'The Captive'. It explains some of the back story to Elrond's first meeting with the main protagonist in 'The Captive', Ella. It is narrated from Elrond's point of view.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 564 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Maiden Crowned with Gleaming Hair by Himring
It was said in Valinor that Galadriel's hair had captured the Light of the Trees, Laurelin and Telperion, and she was named for her hair.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 98 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Start of the journey by Aprilertuile
Ossë brings a warning, Elrond and Maglor need to make a choice. Staying in that cave and risk being found by the Host, or leave.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Maglor, Ossë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 340 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The departure by Aprilertuile
After years of living in the war of wrath, Elrond is tired, Elrond in injured in Fëa, Elrond just had to deal with his brother chosing mortality and quite frankly, Elrond had enough and decided to leave.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 214 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Kinslaying of Sirion and its consequences by Aprilertuile
The kinslaying of Sirion happens.
Maedhros and Maglor kidnap the twins Elrond and Elros, and this will be their life together.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
The Captive by Glorified
This is a story about love's redemptive power, the restoration of hope and belief, it is a slow burn and deals with the the outcasts of society who don't fit in. When two lost and lonely people meet and fall in love they have to navigate an Elvish society that is not quite as fair minded and open as one would think, in fact its down right xenophobic and judgmental and prejudiced.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Maglor |
| Genres: Drama, Erotica, Het, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 13 | Word Count: 31, 368 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
mishaps and headaches by Aprilertuile
Follows the story : Back at Amon Ereb
Elrond and Elros managed some small transformations, but didn't get the desired results.
Maglor doesn't know how to deal with it and might not quite know how to keep track of both twins.
Maedhros gets a headache for his trouble.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 506 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Unlikely Bedfellows by elennalore
"After Zigûr had been in Númenor for twelve years, Ar-Pharazôn reckoned he was lousy company in bed, and sent him to sleep with me."
Tar-Míriel remembers her time as the Queen.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Sauron, Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: Sauron/Tar-Míriel |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Erotica, Het | Challenges: Kings & Kink |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 948 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
The Edges of His Fingers by chrissystriped
Celebrimbor and Narvi share their first morning together in bed.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Narvi |
| Major Relationships: Celebrimbor/Narvi |
| Genres: Erotica | Challenges: Kings & Kink |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 784 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Hands of Fate by UnnamedElement
Less than two days after the Third Kinslaying at Sirion, Elrond bites Maglor, and Maglor and Maedhros have a conversation with no real resolution. But, in the end, there is maybe a road forward.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros & Maglor, Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Middle-earth Olympics |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 206 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Concealed Art by SkyEventide
Maglor is a model for erotic art: a voyeuristic threesome with a wedded pair ensues, with the blasphemy of sex against the Laws of marriage and not without some humour.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Maglor/Original Character, Maglor/Original Character/Original Character |
| Genres: Erotica, Poly | Challenges: Kings & Kink |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 527 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
The Song of Skateboard Legolas by Anne Wolfe
An (intentionally!) absurd poem. Written for the Skateboarding prompt, in the Middle-earth Olympics challenge.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Legolas Greenleaf, Legolas of Gondolin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor, Poetry | Challenges: Middle-earth Olympics |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 208 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Si la mar fuera de leche by Chestnut_pod
Ten years after the Valar pulled Númenor dripping from the sea, Elros receives a visitor.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Unnamed Female Canon Character(s), Elros, Elwing |
| Major Relationships: Elros/Unnamed Canon Character, Elros & Elwing |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, In-Universe Racism/Ethnocentrism, Suicide |
| Chapters: 8 | Word Count: 24, 032 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Bruised Fruit, Bruised Egos by Dawn Felagund, Himring, catadromously, Kaylee Arafinwiel
Curufin tries to steal a book from the restricted section of the library to impress his friends, and it all goes pear-shaped. This plum fine story is the fruit of a relay writing session for the Middle-earth Olympics, and also stems from the Boxing prompt.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Curufin |
| Major Relationships: Aegnor & Angrod & Celegorm & Curufin |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Middle-earth Olympics |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 754 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Finwean Correspondences on the Topic of the Edain (Posthumously Selected by Elrond Half-Elven) by Dialux, Anne Wolfe, Idrils Scribe, Dawn Felagund, Aprilertuile, janeways, Himring
Letters to and from the Feanorians, on the entry of humans to Beleriand.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Finrod Felagund, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: Middle-earth Olympics |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 5, 544 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
A Near Thing by Anne Wolfe
The younger daughter was loud-hearted, and much beloved by her many acquaintances.... but the elder daughter was quiet and small, and much disliked by those who followed her sister.
In which a Númenorian family comes very, very close to falling entirely apart.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 720 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Messing with the wrong minstrel by Aprilertuile
Someone tried to get Makalaurë to play for free for them, in order to give them "the right contact". Makalaurë, and his friends, are not happy.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Curufin, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 833 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Galadhon Once More by Kaylee Arafinwiel
In the early Second Age, the High King of the Noldor in Lindon sends an emissary to Greenwood. Elder Rethedir, once Lord Galadhon of Doriath, must summon the strength to meet his firstborn son after years in exile.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Galadhon |
| Major Relationships: Celeborn & Galadhon |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Middle-earth Olympics |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 317 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
On The Shores Of Cuivienen by Kaylee Arafinwiel
As Minwe's wife labors to bring their fourth child into the world, he finds himself seeking out his middle children. The firstborn son of Enel can't help but worry for them.
Solwe, who will one day be called Olwe Lindaran, and his twin Solwen, or Olwen, have always loved the water, dangerous though it may be...
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Olwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: Middle-earth Olympics |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 400 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Blood Amongst The Lilies by Kaylee Arafinwiel
Miriel of Numenor, King's Heir, has a premonition while taking a painting lesson from her paternal grandmother. It ends up making her painting one of foreboding.
It isn't wise to paint while foreseeing prophetic visions, that's for sure...
(For Zimraphel/galadhremmin on the SWG Discord, written to the "Marathon Swimming" challenge - two things that are unwise to do at the same time)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Ar-Pharazôn, Inzilbêth, Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: Middle-earth Olympics |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 514 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Red Thread and Thorns by Lferion
A look at a single life in Angband, a study in hope.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Experimental, Fixed-Length Ficlet, Poetry | Challenges: Middle-earth Olympics |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 624 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Watch by Lingwiloke
Túrin has been pushing the king to give up on Nargothrond's policy of secrecy, and now Orodreth comes to a decision.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: Orodreth & Turin |
| Genres: Drama, Ficlet | Challenges: Middle-earth Olympics |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 504 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Tale of Gull-galad by Kaylee Arafinwiel
Elrond brings a new friend to a council meeting. His foster-brother the King is somewhat amused. But will everyone be?
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Elrond, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Gil-galad |
| Genres: Crackfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: In-Universe Racism/Ethnocentrism |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 535 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Tennis With An Elf and A Dwarf by Grundy, Raiyana
An exchange of letters in the First Age, written for the Middle-earth Olympics Tennis prompt.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Middle-earth Olympics |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 11 | Word Count: 7, 949 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Birds, brothers, and a harp by Aprilertuile
Tyelkormo learnt to talk to bird. Tyelkormo is an overactive older brother. Makalaurë wasn't impressed.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Middle-earth Olympics |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 517 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
