Sign-Up to Hand Out Scavenger Hunt Prompts
Our May challenge will be a Matryoshka built around a scavenger hunt. If you'd like to hand out prompts (and receive comments on your work for doing so!), you can sign up to do so.
SWG News
New Challenge: Everyman
Create a fanwork about an ordinary character in the legendarium using a quote about an unnamed character as inspiration.
Cultus Dispatches: Fanworks, AI, and Resistance by Dawn and Grundy
The fan studies column Cultus Dispatches returns with a history of how Tolkien fanworks fandom has reacted and resisted generative AI by drawing strong boundaries in a way that is not typical for the fandom.
Instadrabbling Sessions for April, May, and June
Instadrabbling continues on the first Saturday of each month on our Discord server.
New & Updated Fanworks
[Writing] A Very Fire by Deborah Judge
Feanor and Fingolfin, from their youth to their fall.
"I will do this gladly," Fingolfin said, whispering into Feanor's mouth, grasping for reasons and sense. "Gladly, if it will bring peace between us. If it will end the madness."
"The madness will not end," Feanor…
[Writing] After the Kinslaying by Deborah Judge
A Teleri fishing boat captain turns to farming on abandoned Noldor lands after her ship is stolen. A Noldor farmer returns with Finarfin to find that his land belongs to the Teleri now.
[Writing] Add Another Stone by StarSpray
The thing about forgiveness, he thought, was that it was so much easier when the object of it was far away—or dead. It was so much easier to let it all go when those responsible were far away and unable to do any more harm.
[Writing] How Tolkien Presents Ordinary People in "The Silmarillion" by Dawn Felagund
Inspired by collecting the prompts for the Everyman challenge, this essay considers how ordinary people are subsumed and silenced in The Silmarillion, which begins a three-book arc that ends with the rise of the humble and ordinary.
[Writing] Blessed are the Leave-takers by Isilme_among_the_stars
As prince Curufinwë Fëanáro makes an historical speech from the high court of the King upon Túna, those at the back of the crowd strain to hear.
A silly little scene inspired by Monty Python's "Blessed are the Cheesemakers" scene from The Life of Brian, written for …
[Writing] I Sit and Think of Times There Were Before by Erdariel
In his old age, Isildur's former esquire Ruinamacil, known to later histories only as Ohtar, writes his own account of his escape from the ambush at Gladden Fields and journey to Imladris, and the history of his friend whom Isildur ordered to flee with him.
[Writing] Until the Stars are All Alight by Dagstjarna
Reembodied in Aman, Celebrimbor decides to return to Middle earth to help heal the darkness and hurt wrought by the ring.
Current Challenge
Everyman
Create a fanwork about an ordinary character in the legendarium using a quote about an unnamed character as inspiration. Read more ...
Random Challenge
You Can't Go Home Again
What would happen if one of Tolkien's characters returned to a beloved home after a long absence? Read more ...
New in References
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.
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.
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.
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
Week of Kiliel
A Tumblr event dedicated to the relationship between Kili and Tauriel.
Aspec Arda Week 2026
This week-long event celebrates asexual and aromantic spectrum interpretations and headcanons of Tolkien’s Legendarium.
April/May Teitho Challenge
Teithio is running a prompt challenge around the theme of "heartbreak."
Tolkien Reverse Summer Bang 2026
The Tolkien Reverse Summer Bang is back for another summer of collaboration between artists and writers!
Truly All Fanworks
This page includes all fanworks from the main SWG archive and the Beyond the Silmarillion section.
Under the Birch Leaves by My blue rose
Caranthir is terrible with people in general and women in particular. That does not stop him from trying. A monment in Caranthir and Haleth's courtship. Gift Fic for Grundy for the Block Party challenge.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Haleth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: Block Party |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 830 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
And Murder Whiles I Smile by Narya
A moodboard inspired by Starspray's OFC, Lady Tanith, who is Khamûl's mother, and a gardener and poisoner. A gift for the SWG Block Party.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Block Party |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
In Bloom by Lilith
Not exactly a remix or even a gap-filler, but, perhaps a prequel of sorts, of Himring's "Lilac," in which Maedhros, still fairly newly returned and living in Fingon's house in Tirion is visited by his nephew. That nephew has a few thoughts on grief, guilt and time wasted.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Block Party |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 600 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Fëanor's Perfect Milk Rolls by Elwin Fortuna
Fëanor talks through how to make glorious enriched bread. Better than lembas!
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, Family, General | Challenges: Block Party |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 424 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Moonrise by StarSpray
A group of Vanyar gather on a hilltop outside of Valmar to witness the moon's first rising.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elemmírë, Elves, Original Female Character(s), Vanyar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Block Party |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 652 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Falling Fire by LadyBrooke
She fell in the darkness of the forest, a poisoned arrow in her shoulder, her youngest daughter clasped in her arms, and Celeborn likely the one to find them.
But she escaped the Dark Rider, and that was close enough to victory.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Family | Challenges: Block Party |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 309 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The Power of an Oath by AndyC
Maglor reflects on the Oath of Feanor. Elros learns of the power of Fate over the Eldar and the freedom of Men.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 159 |
| 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) |
Notation and Improvisation by ArizonaPoppy
Dorthaniel's college professor gives her class a seemingly impossible homework assignment: turn a fragment of strange music from the Second Age into a modern score, and then explain its origins. Well, her guess is as good as anyone's!
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Tar-Ancalimë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Fluff, General | Challenges: Notion Club Revival |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 3, 177 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
An Expected Party: A Tea for 22 September by Lindariel
Appropriate food choices for an ongoing observance of Bilbo's and Frodo's birthday.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Bilbo Baggins, Frodo |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: Block Party |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 505 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Silent words by Rhapsody
During the retreat from the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, the two famous elves from Doriath come to a decision.
A tripple drabble for Robinka, my dear and loyal friend for so many years. And just because I can, with love.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Beleg, Mablung |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 300 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Promise you will come back by Calendille
At the Feast of Reuniting, Maedhros tells Fingolfin of Fëanor's end.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Curufin, Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 541 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Comfort Food by StarSpray
March 25th is a difficult day for Frodo, but Bilbo knows how to cheer him up. Glorfindel helps.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Bilbo Baggins, Frodo, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fluff, General | Challenges: Block Party |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 395 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Overture by Lyra
After his exam to become a master smith, young Fëanor has an important announcement to make.
Written from Nerdanel's POV. Will probably be incorporated into "Golden Days" at some point.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Soundtrack |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 764 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Guest Drabble by Lindariel
Posted for a friend, J. Mortimer Tarantula, who wanted to try drabbling, but with dark prompts: charnel, dire, spectre, vain.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Starting Over by Himring
We know Celebrimbor canonically worked together with Narvi; whether he ever watched his grandmother's father Mahtan at work, Tolkien does not tell us.
It was my idea that Mahtan and Narvi might have something in common, in his eyes...
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Mahtan, Narvi |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 97 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Fair Elwing by Lindariel
A singable verse for Elwing.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elwing, Eärendil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 91 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Lockdown Instadrabbling by Lindariel
From the Discord server sessions on 25 March, 29 March, and 12 April 2020.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Ancalagon, Caranthir, Celeborn, Elu Thingol, Elwing, Eärendil, Eöl, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel, Gamil Zirak, Glorfindel, Idril, Maedhros, Melian, Mîm, Original Character(s), Rog, Thorondor, Tuor, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 21 | Word Count: 2, 097 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
The Unfinished Mission by Lindariel
Wherein another of Glorfindel's special talents is revealed.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Elemmakil, Glorfindel, Maeglin, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Soundtrack |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 713 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Through a Mirror Darkly by HannaGoldworthy
Year 2510 of the Third Age: Celebrian arrives in Valinor during Sovalle, a new (for her) feast of repentance and reconciliation. And, much to her suprise and discomfort, she's not the only new face hanging around...
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amrod, Celebrían, Lindo, Mandos, Original Female Character(s), Vairë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fluff, General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: Caprice and Chance, Hidden Figures, New Year's Resolution, Season's Greetings, Sirens and Songstresses, Solve a Problem, Start to Finish |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 14, 246 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Light in the Depths by Ellynn
The two Silmarils end up in the sea and land, and change the underworld in ways that astound humanity through the ages – and even today.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Aulë, Original Character(s), Ulmo |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 892 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The King's Scribe by Narya
Three Hobbits come to Gondor bearing a precious artefact. Their guide is a dark-haired Elf who is more than he seems.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Findegil, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 099 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Into Darkness Fell His Star by Narya
A bard of Annúminas cannot find the right melody for his song - but help is waiting in the shadows.
Written for Back to Middle-earth Month 2020, Endings and Beginnings.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maglor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2019, B2MeM 2020 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 333 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Sun in Spring by Idrils Scribe
"And it was then that Elrond first saw Celebrían, and loved her, though he said nothing of it."
- Unfinished Tales; "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn"
One sunny afternoon in the garden, Elrond finally says something.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Elrond |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 496 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: B2MeM 2020 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 200 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Fairest Vessels That Ever Sailed by Lindariel
Teleporno and Alatáriel find outlets for their knowledge as they begin to get used to life in Middle-Earth.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Círdan, Ents, Galadriel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: In Rare Form |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 8 | Word Count: 13, 698 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
