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
Just an Old-Fashioned Love Song
Use a popular love song as a prompt to inspire a fanwork about romantic or sexual love. 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.
No Sign of Weakness by oshun
Sparring Finwean cousins.
May-June Challenge Entry - Competition/Prompt: Lucie Jones: Never Give Up On You lyrics – 2017 Eurovision Song Contest
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Celegorm, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Competition |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 565 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
A Farcical Attempt by LadyBrooke
Having recently arrived in Valinor, the three greatest minstrels of Middle-earth are told they will participate in a contest against singers from Valinor.
Daeron thinks Maglor is taking this competition far too seriously.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Daeron, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: Competition |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 078 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (18) |
Both Alike In Dignity by Grundy
Great minds think alike in Second Age Eregion.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Narvi |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Competition |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 701 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Trouble in the library by Jane Speedwell
A young Fëanáro has become interested in linguistics, and Tirion's top etymologist is not happy.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 731 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
His Own Words by Tyelca
The private thoughts of Gríma, counselor to King Théoden of Rohan. The story of how a young man of great potential turned into a traitor to his country, told in his own words.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Gríma Wormtongue, Men |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Competition |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 371 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Falling Stars by Tyelca
For we have to remember that a falling star is nothing but a meteor, a burning mass of rock and ice that rapidly descends through the atmosphere before crashing on the surface, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake.
Seven stories for Fëanorian Week.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Suicide, Character Death |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 5, 437 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Hour of the Wolf by ElberethTheStarkindler
Finrod musters up the courage to die.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Competition |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 328 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Heroes iii) Play. by hennethgalad
(3 of 3). (part of Laurelöt).
Glorfindel is invited to the House of Curumo (Saruman) where he meets Ingwë.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Glorfindel, Ingwë, Saruman |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Competition |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 194 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Heroes ii) Tailors of Tirion. by hennethgalad
2 of 3 (part of Laurelöt)
On his first day in Tirion, Glorfindel chooses at the tailors.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Erestor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Competition |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 147 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Heroes i). Inside. by hennethgalad
1of 3. (and part of Laurelöt)
The first day in Tirion for Glorfindel. He learns a great deal.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Erestor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Competition |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 729 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Of Eol & Aredhel by gamil-zirak
This is the tale of Eol and Aredhel as told from a different perspective. Some may like it and others not so much. As the author I can only hope that many will read it. I hope you all enjoy the story.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Ecthelion of the Fountain, Eöl, Idril, Maeglin, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 41, 212 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Only Teardrops by Raiyana
The Host of the Valar is almost ready to leave Aman... including someone unexpected.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Nerdanel, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Competition |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 825 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Silver Fragments Falling by StarSpray
When Finrod had previously considered his death, he had thought it would come in battle, at the end of a sword or a mace or an arrow.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amarië, Beren, Finrod Felagund, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Het | Challenges: Competition |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 099 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (13) |
(Vote) Up Not Down by Himring
Life is too short for some kind of contests.
Maybe it's possible to love one thing without knocking the alternative.
(Especially if both of them happen to be fictional, in any case.)
Free verse (pretty much extra free)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Competition |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 169 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
In the Light of the Sun and the Moon by Raiyana
The year is 130 of the Third Age of the Sun, and peace has been restored to the Eldar after the great and Terrible War that ended the previous Age... or has it?
Glorfindel has doubts, and when Elrond is kidnapped, he smells a nefarious plot afoot...
Can he save his friend from a no-doubt terrible fate at the hands of his abductor?
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Elrond, Erestor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 104 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Enemies to Sons by eris_of_imladris
Gil-galad’s relationship with Elrond and Elros from beginning to end. A prequel, midquel and sequel to Fourth Father from Gil-galad's POV, as requested by Tamuril2 on ao3. Written in the spirit of the Differing Perspectives challenge.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Gil-galad, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Differing Perspectives |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 5, 782 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
The Words You Left Me by eris_of_imladris
Ten words that influenced Fëanor and Fingolfin’s relationship and drove them down their paths to doom. Inspired by the concept and lyrics of Milim from Eurovision 2010 as part of SWG’s “Competition” prompt.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingolfin, Finwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Competition |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 10 | Word Count: 4, 879 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Dramatic Arts by Raiyana
Erestor learns a new thing about his lover... and likes it ;)
Glorfindel rather enjoys it, too, in the end...
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Erestor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Erotica, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 617 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Stargazing by Grundy
Celebrimbor needs to get away from it all from time to time. He stumbles across someone he did not expect in his favorite spot.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Elrond |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 035 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Shipwright and the Elm Tree by Raiyana
The first time Círdan visited Hithlum... and met Irimë
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Círdan, Lalwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 962 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Poems As We Said Them by LadyBrooke
At the beginning of the Third Age, Doriath is long gone with most of its people. Fëanor, Fingolfin, and their children are long gone as well.
Elrond might never know how these words were originally spoken, for all they are written down in his library.
Celebrían wants to keep anyone in the future from wondering how their poems are meant to be spoken.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Elrond |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Rise Above |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 834 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
The Sorceress’ Apprentice by oshun
Lúthien encourages Galadriel to approach Melian for tutoring.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Lúthien Tinúviel, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Rise Above |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 324 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (13) |
An Ongoing Research by Tyelca
A new prisoner is brought to Angband, and in her ever-ongoing pursuit of knowledge, Thuringwethil spends some time with him.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Melkor, Sauron, Thuringwethil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Rise Above |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 233 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
The last word by Raiyana
In Nargothrond, Curufin leaves behind the last remains of the heart that was once filled with fire... and a letter.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Curufin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Rise Above |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 929 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Forced Perspective by Grundy
Findis has to re-evaluate a friendship in light of fresh information.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Anairë, Eärwen, Findis, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Rise Above |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 588 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
