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
In Rare Form
Try something "in rare form," using a format or genre that is rarely utilized in Tolkien fanfiction. 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.
A Scandal in Pants by LadyBrooke
After Nimloth's rebirth, she plots to scandalize the elves of Valinor with clothes.
Anairë has worn this outfit before, and she knows it will not go over any better now than it did then.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Anairë, Nimloth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Middle-earth Museum |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 488 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
The Life of Glamdring by Nienna
Glamdring lives in Gondolin, throughout the years and to it's fall.
Poem.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 193 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Space Left Behind by Independence1776
Early in the Second Age, Elrond drags an orc-poisoned Maglor to Lindon. Hurt/comfort.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Gil-galad, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Middle-earth Museum |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 722 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
dim ricochet of stars by kimaracretak
(you sleep in the light / yet the night and the silent water / still so dark): Here there is gold, here there is light. Silver light that sparks off her mother's ring, pale blue light that shimmers around Goldberry as she kisses Celebrían in the river over and over again. And if the shadows those lights cast aren't exactly where they ought to be, at least they can't consume the forest.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Galadriel, Goldberry, Nimrodel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 252 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Sunrise Over Ivrin by Narya
Vignette. Nargothrond's exiled King and his faithful captain share a quiet moment at dawn.
Written for B2MeM 2018, Music of the Waters - Daily Prompt 14.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Edrahil, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2018 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 672 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Nocturne by Narya
A chance encounter by moonlight takes an unwary student by surprise.
Written for B2MeM 2018, Music of the Waters. Initial Prompt List - no. 20, Nocturne. Rated Teen for one instance of mild language.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maglor, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, General | Challenges: B2MeM 2018 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 206 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Open Up The Door by Tyelca
Shortly after arriving in Valinor, Elwing needs to understand. Taking her husband Eärendil with her, she enters the abandoned manor where Fëanor used to live.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elwing, Eärendil, Finarfin, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Middle-earth Museum |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 364 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
Beneath Starlight Singing by Laura Elizabeth
Luthien meets Beren. One shot. Companion piece to Mountains Cold, Shadows Shimmering.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 308 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Mountains Cold, Shadows Shimmering by Laura Elizabeth
Beren's journey over the Ered Gorgoroth and into the woods of Doriath.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Beren |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 200 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
The Magic of the Loom by eris_of_imladris
Míriel’s loom contemplates an ending and a beginning. Inspired by SWG challenge “Middle-Earth Museum” (prompt: https://bit.ly/2GxVGSy).
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Fëanor, Finwë, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Middle-earth Museum |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Hunger by The Wavesinger
Ungoliant hurts, and watches the sky.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Arien, Ungoliant |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 247 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Burning Jealousy by Cirilla9
The scene that couldn't get out of my head after reading the amazing "fire to sate the appetite".
Inspired by the above; Fëanor is captured, Melkor is happy, Sauron is so very jealous.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Melkor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Erotica, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Warmth by feanorusrex
Traveling in Valinor can be cold. Fëanor and Nerdanel have a solution. Well she does at least. Feanor's pleasantly surprised.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Helevorn by grey_gazania
Caranthir and his lake, at the beginning and the end.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Caranthir |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2018 |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 575 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
In the Hills of Emerie by Himring
Ancalime in the hills of Emerie.
And music.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Tar-Ancalimë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Akallabêth in August, B2MeM 2018, Middle-earth Museum |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 1, 406 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Five Times Nerdanel Said 'Yes' by oshun
This was written for the SWG 5th Birthday celebration based on the Theme: Five Things, updated to include numerous B2MeM 2012 prompts. Chapter 8 added (30 March 2018).
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Anairë, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Eärwen, Fëanor, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Finwë, Indis, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Romance | Challenges: B2MeM 2012, Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Expletive Language, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 8 | Word Count: 21, 805 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (53) |
Our Home Among the Stars by Nienna
A poem/song about the stars, and the Great Journey.
Terza Rima.
For B2MEM 2018 using the prompt,"By the starlit mere of Cuiviénen, Water of Awakening, they rose from the sleep of Ilúvatar; and while they dwelt yet silent by Cuiviénen their eyes beheld first of all things the stars of heaven." (The Silmarillion, "Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor, Tolkien.)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: B2MeM 2018 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 360 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
In the Bitter Rain by Zdenka
The last stand of the Entwives and the burning of the Brown Lands.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Ents |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: B2MeM 2018 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| 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) |
Music in the light of Telperion by Aprilertuile
Little Makalaurë just finished composing his first melody and feels the need to share with his eldest brother.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 595 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
the quiet of cooling ashes by Sasha Honeypalm
In the Halls of the Dead there are many silences.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Mandos |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2018 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 521 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Mirror of Belegost. by hennethgalad
Eowyn visits the Museum of Middle-Earth in Minas Tirith after the wedding of Aragorn and Arwen, where she meets Galadriel.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Gandalf, Glorfindel, Samwise Gamgee |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Middle-earth Museum |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 677 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Abundance [ Nerdanel ] by Lordnelson100
Of artistry, women's bodies, and loss.
#
Week after week, she worked at it, chisel in hand. Her hands were worn and bruised, the skin dry and cracked with stone dust, her nails broken. Her boots and leggings were covered in a thick paste of slurry, and even her tunic and other clothes were frankly unclean. Her hair was stuffed carelessly into a rough cap, from which it escaped in ragged ends.
#
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Aulë, Fëanor, Mahtan, Nerdanel, Yavanna |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 095 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Fëanorians in 600 Words or Less by eris_of_imladris
Each Fëanorian gets their own headcanon and short story of 600 words or less for this character exploration!
Written for Fëanorian Week 2018.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Elrond, Elros, Fëanor, Indis, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 18, 130 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Forth Again, to Behold the Stars by feanorusrex
Niënor Níniel puts her life back together after Túrin's death.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Nienor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 8, 477 |
| 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 (10) |
The Final Destination by just_jenni
I've often thought about Nerdanel's life after her husband and sons departed for Arda, leaving her behind in Aman. This story (written for Slashy Santa's recent Valentine exchange) imagines the beginnings of her separation from Feanor - in her mind at least, after doubts about the marriage being successful were sown - and before her special relationship with Anaire had begun. I have imagined the relationship to be a romantic one, although in the beginning there was a definite physical bond between the two women.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Anairë, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Erotica, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 142 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
