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
Inventions
Consider an item or technology and use a fanwork to describe or explain its invention by the people of Arda. 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.
Silver and Stone by Zdenka
Three moments between Narvi and Celebrimbor: first meeting, under the mountain, the Doors of Durin. (Drabble sequence.)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Narvi |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 301 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Making of Angrist by Zdenka
The great Dwarvish smith Telchar makes the knife Angrist for Curufin, and Curufin contemplates the new weapon. (Alliterative verse.)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Curufin, Telchar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General, Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 102 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Song to the Evening Star by Zdenka
As evening falls, Tar-Míriel's faithful handmaiden awaits her return in her chambers. (Sapphic verse. Tar-Míriel/OFC.)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Poetry, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 200 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
In the Eye of the Beholder by Lotrfan
Finrod takes a trip north to visit his cousins, taking a notable piece of jewelry with him and imparting some interesting revelations regarding the customs of the Dwarves.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Finrod Felagund, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 470 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Influence of Tinfang by LadyBrooke
Tinfang is accounted one of the greatest minstrels, along with Maglor and Daeron.
In spite of this, the musical abilities of all three outside of sheer performance skills are described in less detail in The Silmarillion than other characters like Finrod. This essay attempts to gather the quotes that suggest Tinfang's degree of power and influence over objects and people in his original context.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Tinfang |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: Analysing Arda |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 825 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The great dying: JRR Tolkien’s missing mothers by Idrils Scribe
In the 'real' Middle Ages women died in childbirth in droves. In Tolkien's world motherhood is even more deadly, but in a narrative sense rather than an obstetrical one.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: Analysing Arda |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 220 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
The Silver Mare by anthropologyarda
This is a legend told regarding Marhwini, first Lord of the Eothéod, by the women of that people during Rohan's founding.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Marhwini, Original Female Character(s) |
| 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, 957 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
memories we bury or live by by Astris
Forgiveness takes time. Healing takes longer.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Anairë, Eärwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 433 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
An Examination of Thingol as King by Grundy
A critical examination of Thingol as a leader in The Silmarillion.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: Analysing Arda |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 8, 007 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Spider Silk by Nibeneth
“I am not going to… to use you,” he protested. “I could not!”
“Then tie me lovingly and command me gently, if that suits you better,” Fingon said. “But the crown I wear is heavy, and for once I want someone else,” he curled his fingers in Maedhros’ hair, “to decide where I will go and what I will do.”
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Erotica, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 010 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
To Sleep by feanorusrex
"The dead call to Rían and she answers them, not wholly willingly, like a parent, roused in the night by the cries of her child, knowing that, should she ignore it, the consequences will be much worse." How she died.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Rían |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 039 |
| 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 Inequality Prototype: Gender, Inequality, and the Valar in Tolkien's Silmarillion by Dawn Felagund
The Valar present an interesting case study of sexism in Tolkien's legendarium because they occupy a prototypical role, representing Iluvatar's intentions on how the universe should operate. My research shows that the female Valar not only appear far less frequently in The Silmarillion than the male Valar but are less involved, less assertive, and speak less.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Nienna, Valar, Varda, Yavanna |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: Analysing Arda |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 059 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Threads We Weave by Ulan
Their story might not be as great as the ones that make it into legends, but Glorfindel would still not have any other.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Erestor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 008 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Middle-earth is Our Earth by Independence1776
A collection of quotes dealing with the fact that Tolkien explicitly set Middle-earth in our world from the very beginning of his Legendarium.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: Analysing Arda |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 7, 408 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (16) |
The Peril (and Potential) of Unleashing Lightning in a Fishbowl by Dawn Felagund
Caranthir is a socially awkward public servant and Amarië is a politically radical performance artist when a prestigious battle of the bards entices them to come together in an unexpected friendship that produces an even less-expected new musical genre. Part of the Republic of Tirion series but you don't have to be familiar with the other stories to understand this one. Also featuring the printing press, underground nightclubs, an electric guitar, and Caranthir's bitchy resting face.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amarië, Caranthir, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Competition |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 11, 955 |
| 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) |
What REALLY Happened; A Falling-out Among Thieves; or Get It In Writing by Cee Cee
Summary
That old villain Melkor, Ungoliant in tow, had plagued Valinor, vandalizing trees, swiping jewels—oh, yes, and killing poor Finwe—then done a bunk.
In this bit, we join them in Middle-earth to observe the end of a not-so-beautiful friendship…ah…partnership.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Melkor, Ungoliant |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 473 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
First Impressions by Grundy
Thingol trusts his kin above all others. When he receives word from Finrod, it is his young kin he sends to meet the representatives of the Noldor.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Original Female Character(s), Oropher |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Breaking Boundaries, Middle-earth Museum |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 2, 994 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
9 Popular Misconceptions About Elf Sex (And What Tolkien Actually Wrote On The Matter) by Lyra
There are various recurring convictions concerning the matter of love, sex and marriage among the Eldar. We've probably all encountered them at some point. But a closer look at Tolkien's writings shows that matters aren't as simple as fanon tends to believe.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: Analysing Arda |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Character Death, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 277 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (16) |
Somehow they’ll find their way home by Himring
There are some elves out there who still need to find their way home: Maglor, Daeron, Mithrellas.
Somehow, they will.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Daeron, Maglor, Mithrellas |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: B2MeM 2018 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 191 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Quenta Narquelion by bunn
What if Fëanor's spirit never left the halls of Mandos because it never went there in the first place?
Fëanor, dead, watches the First Age unfold and from time to time, joins in. Canon-compliant character death and a detailed account of the Eastern Front of the War of Wrath. [Thanks to pp for beta reading]
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor, Sauron, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 23 | Word Count: 119, 810 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (19) |
I Will Share Your Road by Lotrfan
The road from Tirion is harsh and difficult but Nolofinwë finds his arrival in Beleriand far different than he expected.
Written for the Teitho contest prompt "Expectation."
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 804 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
West Over Sirion by swampdiamonds
Gwindor considers the best route home.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Gwindor, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 137 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Scion of Kings by janeways
Gil-Galad reflects on his heritage and pens a letter to the man he thinks (hopes?) might be his father.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Eluréd, Elurín, Fingon, Gil-galad, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 4, 765 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Sing me a Song of the Queen who is Gone by Raiyana
He thought it was over, the darkest days of grief had passed, giving way to slivers of sunlight and new hope growing.
For a while, he was right.
And then he wasn't, then he was sucked right back into those grim days, trying to keep his heart from breaking but knowing it would inevitably shatter in his breast.
There was only one choice left, and it was no choice at all; it was despair and a guilt he would carry until the end of days, guilt under which he would become a version of himself he hardly recognised...
Or, the story of the Queen of Greenwood and the King who banished her for love and a desperate hope... and the shattered family she left behind.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Het, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 7, 110 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Nightingale before the power of Night by Laura Elizabeth
Luthien casts her songspell over Morgoth.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Lúthien Tinúviel, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 89 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
