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
Lost Letters
A character discovers a long-lost letter and ... your fanwork tells the rest! 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.
Definitely Decorative by Lferion
A philosophical question on the nature of decoration, raised at a celebration of the Spring Equinox in Nargothrond, in the years of (relative) peace.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Poetry | Challenges: Season's Greetings |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 507 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Time Does Not Tarry by Idrils Scribe
Elrond has not climbed a tree in an Age, but when Elrohir's first Elvish Midwinter celebration drives home some painful truths, the Lord of Rivendell will do whatever it takes to get a smile. Or, alternatively: Elrond and Elrohir, sitting in a tree, ... discussing the fates of Elves and Men.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Elrohir, Elrond |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: Season's Greetings |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 534 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
on my watch you'll be able to fly by kimaracretak
Galadriel and Melian, joy and magic lessons across the seasons in Doriath.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 406 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Yule 1420. by hennethgalad
Pippin writes a song to woo Diamond and his friends help him sing it.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Frodo, Glorfindel, Lindir, Merry, Pippin, Samwise Gamgee |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Season's Greetings |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 680 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Déjà vu at Tarnin Austa by Himring
Death attends the summer festival, not once but twice.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Season's Greetings |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 98 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
In Silence And In Song by Idrils Scribe
Welcome to Mereth Aderthad, the Feast of Reuniting! The High King of the Noldor is throwing a truly spectacular party. Tables are set with silver, Beleriand's finest wines sparkle in crystal glasses, and Fingolfin eagerly awaits his guests. Invitations were sent far and wide, but how many will turn up? And is that a dark, terrible secret tucked away behind the festive greenery?
This story is a holiday gift for Dawn Felagund, beta-reader extraordinaire, who requested a meeting between Maglor and Daeron and a look at Fingolfin. The story has both, though Lalwen insisted on doing most of the talking.
Many thanks to Grundy for the excellent beta!
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Daeron, Fingolfin, Fingon, Lalwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Family, General | Challenges: Season's Greetings |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 3, 538 |
| 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 (4) |
Enderi 3018 by Independence1776
Maglor is tasked with a mission.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: Season's Greetings |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 268 |
| 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) |
Mr Underhill. by hennethgalad
Bilbo tells Frodo of his long relationship with another hobbit.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Bilbo Baggins, Frodo, Gandalf |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 653 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 108 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Changing Light. by hennethgalad
The march of Fingolfin from Lanthir Lammoth to Thangorodrim.
"It was night again."
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Angrod, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel, Glorfindel, Idril, Írimë, Lindir, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Start to Finish |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 328 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Galadriel and Finrod: a scattering of plum blossoms by Encaitariel
Galadriel, Finrod and estel.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Start to Finish |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 541 |
| 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) |
The Legacy of Loss by IgnobleBard
At the end of the War of Wrath a follower of Oromë finds a new purpose.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Lórien, Original Character(s), Oromë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: Start to Finish |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 235 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Sister, Lover, Priestess, Wise-Woman, Queen by oshun
Elrond meets a long-lost family member for the first time. Written in response to the Start to Finish Challenge.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: Start to Finish |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 600 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Situation Assessment by Grundy
Beren, newly arrived in Nargothrond, explains his predicament to Finrod.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Beren, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Start to Finish |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 857 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
A Memory in Hand by Himring
Finduilas is still trying to settle in in Nargothrond, when she receives a gift from Finrod.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Finduilas, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: Start to Finish |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 016 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
A Place to Rest by Independence1776
Elrond runs into Maglor after the latter has a momentous conversation with Mithrandir.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, General | Challenges: Start to Finish |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 336 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
The Long Despair of Success by AndyC
Maglor, just wanting to be alone, is forced to tell his story to some victorious Elves of the Host of Finarfin.
But he doesn't tell them everything.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 446 |
| 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) |
A Game of Chess by Lilith
A series of outtakes from an AU about Sauron’s sojourn in Númenor in which Sauron is a lady (of sorts).
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amandil, Anárion, Ar-Pharazôn, Elendil, Isildur, Sauron, Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 4, 014 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
No rolling eyes by Raiyana
Nienna finds an escape beneath the sea... and more understanding than she might have expected.
And Ulmo realises he might have more in common with a Valië than he could have imagined...
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Nienna, Ulmo |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Family Matters |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 512 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Even More About Maedhros by Himring
Collection for slightly longer pieces featuring Maedhros.
Now added: Land of Mist (Maedhros, Fingon)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Curufin, Elrond, Fëanor, Fingon, Gandalf, Maedhros, Maglor, Mahtan, Noldor, Saruman |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: B2MeM 2015, B2MeM 2016 |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 8, 085 |
| 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) |
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Start to Finish |
| 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 (10) |
Namesakes by Himring
In the First Age, just before the Fifth Battle of Beleriand, Beleg joins the forces of King Fingon and meets Haldir of the Haladin, son of Halmir, who had been his ally in an earlier victory in Brethil.
Millennia after the disastrous loss of the Fifth Battle, Haldir of Lothlorien is introduced to a re-embodied Beleg in Valinor, and Beleg speaks to him of his namesake.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Beleg, Haldir |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 805 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
To Remember by Raiyana
The Reborn Slain, those who fell in the First Kinslaying, are born from the Halls of Mandos into lives that are not quite familiar...
Some chose to forget, but some... some chose to remember.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Nerdanel, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Start to Finish |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 724 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The High Queen's Foretelling by Kaylee Arafinwiel
One day, in the orangery on Ilmarin, Queen Elindis, wife to Ingwe, and her adolescent great-niece Artanis have a quiet talk, and Elindis reveals some surprising information.
Challenge quote:
"In my time, I have been called many things: sister, lover, priestess, wise-woman, queen." ~ Marion Zimmer Bradley, The Mists of Avalon
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Ingwë, Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: Start to Finish |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 433 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Can No More Stay by Independence1776
Lalwen and Findis say farewell.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Findis, Lalwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 637 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
