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] A Thousand Winds that Blow by StarSpray
When uneasy dreams bring him back into Beleriand, Daeron finds a pair of twins who have lost their home, and an enemy who has lost himself. The Shadow's reach is growing ever longer, and if they are to survive, they must do it together.
[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…
Current Challenge
Building Middle-earth
While Tolkien is known for his vast natural landscapes, those expanses are populated by people—and the buildings they construct. Whether a cottage tucked into the forest or the soaring spires of a grand city, the architecture of Arda can send the imagination adventuring through settings ethereal and astonishing. This month's challenge uses architecture to inspire fanworks. Read more ...
Random Challenge
Gates of Summer
Create a fanwork based on prompts about summer taken from Tolkien's life, canon events, and quotes from his letters and stories. Read more ...
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 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.
White Flower's Wilting by Kaylee Arafinwiel
At the Fall of Doriath, Queen Nimloth prepares to face the invaders.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Nimloth, Noldor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 402 |
| 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) |
Hewers of wood and drawers of water. by hennethgalad
an unwitting eyewitness struggles with the consequence.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Caprice and Chance, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 118 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Twice Burnt by Lferion
Fingolfin Returned reflects on petitioning for the release of Feanor
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: New Year's Resolution, Sirens and Songstresses |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 742 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Day Will Come Again by Narya
Fingon takes a moment to remember his cousin at midwinter.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: New Year's Resolution, Season's Greetings |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 203 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
The Small and Secret Things by Lferion
"[Yavanna] is the lover of all things that grow in the earth, and all their countless forms she holds in her mind, from the trees like towers in forests long ago to the moss upon stones or the small and secret things in the mould." ~ Valaquenta
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Yavanna |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Love Actually, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 110 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Holidays Gone By by StraightOuttaHimring
Vignettes of four elves celebrating holidays over the years, and one holiday spent togeather. For The Silmarillion Writer's Guild 'Seasons Greetings' challenge.
Glorfindel: Tarnin Austa in Gondolin
Gildor: Begetting Day in Nargothrond
Erestor: Turuhalmë on Amon Ereb
Lindor: Coming of Age in Lindon
Yestarë in Imladris
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Ecthelion of the Fountain, Egalmoth, Elrond, Elros, Erestor, Finduilas, Glorfindel, Lindir, Maedhros, Maglor, Original Female Character(s), Orodreth, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, Fluff, General | Challenges: Season's Greetings |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 4, 165 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
A Short Tale for Summer's End by StraightOuttaHimring
It’s the dog days of summer and Maglor and the twins are trying to survive the heat on Amon Ereb. Fortunately Maedhros has a plan to help.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, Fluff, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 988 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Hearing Inside by Himring
Growing up in Valinor, Maglor and Caranthir establish a strong connection, despite difficulties.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 276 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Gathering Dusk by Idrils Scribe
A nameless evil spreads through the North, and the Elves must fight or be destroyed. When the Hidden Valley comes under siege, Elrond and Celebrían's children face wars of their own. Elladan bears the burden of his father's secret, Elrohir fights his greatest battle yet, and Arwen seeks her purpose in a darkening world.
The tale of the fall of Arnor and the rise of the Witch-king, as seen from Rivendell.
This story is completely written and will be posted over the month of December. Many thanks to my wonderful beta readers Dawn Felagund and Cherepashka.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Arwen, Elladan, Elrohir, Elrond |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Family, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 29, 564 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
A Walk down Memory Lane by Raiyana
The Story of the Courtship of Curufin, son of Fëanor, told via a collection of objects left behind in Aman.
Collection of vignettes, really.
You're welcome to play 'Spot the object'; there are usually more than the title implies involved ;)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Humor, Romance | Challenges: In Rare Form, Middle-earth Museum, Notion Club Revival, Season's Greetings |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 12 | Word Count: 23, 721 |
| 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 (18) |
Clear Skies and Bright Stars by StarSpray
“Come eat your supper, Eluréd,” said Nellas. “Afterward we’ll build a bonfire on the hillside, and I’ll teach you how they used to dance at Cuiviénen.”
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Eluréd, Elurín, Elves, Nellas, Tom Bombadil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Season's Greetings |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 717 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Fair Winds and Following Seas by bunn
The Noldor host of Aman is preparing for the War of Wrath. The High King's only living son and his wife are neither of them very happy about the situation.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Edrahil, Eärwen, Finarfin, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 6, 163 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Mind's Delight by bunn
In the dwarf-city of Belegost, teenage Elrond and Elros are bored, and Maglor is not sure what to expect of half-elves.
Written as a treat for mainecoon76 in the Innumerable Stars 2019 exchange.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 963 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Unbridled Turmoils by bunn
The vampire Thuringwethil is a servant of Sauron. Meássë is a servant of Morgoth himself... in so far as Meássë serves anyone but chaos.
They're made for one another. [Thanks to raiyana for betaing!]
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Meássë, Thuringwethil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Hurt/Comfort, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 009 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Staff Dancer by Calendille
"Fëanaro and I lived in different worlds that did not mingle until the Pink Robes incident: that evening when Fëanaro came to our family dinner dressed in girl’s clothes."
Lalwendë, from childhood to Alqualondë, or how Dancing Like A Vanya can pave the road to killing.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingolfin, Finwë, Lalwen, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 8, 108 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
From the radiance of stars to mundane flames by Calendille
Fëanaro Curufinwë was the most radiant part of my soul, and I longed to relieve his happiest memories. Or: A Tale of how reality does not work that way.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Curufin, Fëanor, Finwë, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 4, 812 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Scrape of the Knife Against the Vellum by heget
The story of the tenth companion of Finrod and Beren to die in the dungeons of Tol-in-Gaurhoth.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Edrahil, Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 716 |
| 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) |
Yule Lights by Dawn Felagund
As the new lord of Ost-in-Edhil, Celebrimbor must preside over a Yule festivity lacking what he loved of the celebration when he was younger, elements that have become fraught by association with Fëanor, but Annatar has a surprise for him.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Curufin, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 034 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble by Raiyana
Nargothrond, Midwinter:
Curufin attempts to recreate a warming cordial from Aman with Beleriand ingredients. ->
Celegorm tests it. ->
Shenanigans.
Aka the accidental invention of miruvor
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Celegorm, Curufin, Finrod Felagund, Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: New Year's Resolution, Notion Club Revival |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 561 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
... of Fear by Raiyana
Glorfindel has made a discovery he doesn't understand, and Erestor ends up teaching him a lesson neither expected.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Erestor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 706 |
| 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) |
... of Passion by Raiyana
Gwindor's captivity in Angband involves the torture he might have expected... until Gorthaur hatches a new plan to fulfil an old desire.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Gwindor, Sauron, Thuringwethil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: New Year's Resolution, Sirens and Songstresses |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Rape/Nonconsensual Sex |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 188 |
| 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) |
Of Things Made to be Destroyed by janeways
This, too, will soon slip out of reach / This, too, will soon come to an end
Caranthir and Haleth, falling in love, despite it all.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Haleth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 3, 626 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
i should stay far away by kimaracretak
Aredhel is dead, and her relationship with Thuringwethil evolves.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Thuringwethil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 795 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
All That May Become by Grundy
After the Sack of Eregion, the situation for the elves is dire. Celeborn's army is on the verge of being caught by Sauron when unexpected help arrives.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Elrond, Gildor, Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Holiday Feast |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 8, 125 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
By Any Other Name by Grundy
After the Sack of Eregion, Celebrían is trying to reach the valley where her father's forces have taken refuge. The situation is grim until she gets some unexpected help. Begun for the Main Course of the Holiday Feast.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrían |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Holiday Feast |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 5, 468 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
