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
Color of ...
Create a fanwork that is built around a color or colors. 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.
We Kiss in a Shadow by Narya
A stolen moment for Voronwë and Elemmakil. Shameless smut, written for B2MeM 2019 in response to the prompt 'Haste, Haste.' The title is taken from the Rodgers and Hammerstein song of the same name.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elemmakil, Voronwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Erotica, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 013 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Burden by Independence1776
As promised, Elrond informs Thranduil of Maglor's presence in Rivendell.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: Love Actually |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 580 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
T’was many years ago we fell in love by Nienna
(Sonnet) After Thingol’s death, Melian reflects on their life together and what happens next.
Written for B2MeM 2019 and SWG Challenge Love Actually.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry, Romance | Challenges: B2MeM 2019, Love Actually |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 107 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Over the Flowing Sea by StarSpray
The storm that destroys Númenor reaches the coast of Middle-earth.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elendil, Elrond, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 946 |
| 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) |
Denial by Fernstrike
There's a way the wind whispers through the trees in Eregion.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 428 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Calmer Waters by Raiyana
Aulë claimed Uinen was the only one with the power to reclaim Ossë... and that's what she did, calming his fury with her love - or so the Children say.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Ossë, Uinen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2019, Love Actually |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 511 |
| 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) |
above all shadows rides the Sun by quillingmesoftly
She has made her decision, and all he feels is relief.
Or, Amárië and Finrod establish their feelings in the wake of his re-embodiment. Gen Amárië and Finrod, Finrod/Andreth undertones.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amarië, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Love Actually |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 980 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
And Elves Are Yet Singing by Narya
Maglor and Glorfindel sit by the fire in a cave outside Rivendell. They talk, tease and remember.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Glorfindel, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 168 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Hiril’s Dreams by Nienna
Im which Hiril of the House of Haleth is the protagonist, there are extended dream sequences in caves, and I don’t have the slightest clue what any of it means yet.
For B2MEM 2019
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Hiril |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, General | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 529 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Something So Undefined by Nienna
They fell in love before the dawning of the world. Back then they were pure fëa enfolded into the shapes of their names. Irmo was a pale yellow against Estë’s bright elegant gold.
Written for Tolkien Secret Santa 2018 for through-the-seas-to-Valinor.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Estë, Lórien |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 387 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Forest on a cliffside by anriondrakonion
Maglor and Daeron.
My take on a meeting, after everything.
Short and, I hope, sweet.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Daeron, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 178 |
| 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) |
A book and a brother by Aprilertuile
All Maitimo wanted was to read his book. All Makalaurë wanted was to speak to his brother of the woman he met.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: Love Actually |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 800 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
"the Eldar remember" by hennethgalad
Fingolfin meets the dying mother of Hador Lórindol.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Love Actually |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 353 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A Marvelous Invention by Lady MSM
In 1892, Fëanor Gates, Britain's most brilliant inventor, unveils a creation destined to change the world--though not all of his children are equally impressed.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama, Family, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 080 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
More about Maglor by Himring
Tales about Maglor.
Last Added: The Refusers (Maglor and Avari)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Avari, Celeborn, Celebrían, Elemmírë, Elrond, Elros, Gilmith, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Arda Underground, B2MeM 2014, Gift of a Story |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 8 | Word Count: 5, 445 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Time Enough by Keiliss
On the Helcaraxë at the first moonrise, past memories and future hope
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 083 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Steel Rose by HannaGoldworthy
A clan of Easterlings makes their way into Beleriand, where they forge an unlikely friendship with the very people they are supposed to betray.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Bor, Borlach, Borlad, Borthand, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Family, Hurt/Comfort, Romance | Challenges: Breaking Boundaries, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 995 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Tending the Lady's Garden by Raiyana
After the War of Wrath, Finarfin rules in Tirion and Findis is left adrift, her former occupations no longer filling her days. Instead, she journeys with Indis to her house in the countryside, hoping that she might aid her remaining parent in staying just that - remaining to her.
What she finds there?
Well, not quite what was expected, but perhaps there is hope yet for her; small spots of brightness fighting against the sorrow of her house.
And flowers.
Lots of flowers.
Warning for many Findis feels.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Findis, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: New Year's Resolution, Teen Spirit |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 6, 862 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Liver, Heart, and Soul by Scribe of Mirrormere
Caranthir hears of a Moriquendi tribe with a rather unusual practice. He wishes to seek their demise immediately, but one of his daughters selects a different path.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amrod, Avari, Caranthir, Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Family, General | Challenges: New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 169 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
After the Darkening by Selkiessong
What Feanaro may have been thinking before that speech in Tirion
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 133 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
By Fate Mastered by Lyra
For Túrin, nothing turns out as he planned.
A series of drabbles (according to Libre Office) inspired by (of all things) the Sitcom! Bingo challenge and the Narn i Hîn Húrin.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: New Year's Resolution, Sitcom |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 052 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Secret Tales of the Temple of Melkor by SteveofCallie
Of the Island of Tol Úpahtëa, Caladan and the Orvlann.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Melkor, Nienna, Yavanna |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 768 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Glimpse of the Hidden Past by StarSpray
While on vacation, a pair of young women decide to explore some ruins. One of them discovers something startling.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maglor, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: New Year's Resolution, Rise Above |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 635 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Now Let the Song Begin by quillingmesoftly, bunn
Second Age 595. The river-daughter visits Maglor son of Fëanor, and brings a gift that unlocks songs and thought.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Goldberry |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 790 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
For the First Time in Forever by quillingmesoftly
S.A. 583. The one where Maglor dares to hope again, and the river-daughter leaves her nest. Featuring: Ossë, Uinen, the Baranduin, the Men of the Minhiriath, and Eriador Avari.
Or, Tom Bombadil and Goldberry, before they became Tom Bombadil and Goldberry.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Goldberry, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 21 | Word Count: 80, 358 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
