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
Words of Wit and Wisdom
J.R.R. Tolkien wasn’t just the creator of Middle-earth. He was also a scholar of philology. One of his first jobs was with the Oxford English Dictionary, where he was assigned a welter of words beginning with W. In this month’s challenge, we’re presenting you a bingo card with Prof. Tolkien’s W words we hope will inspire a wealth of wonder, wit, worldbuilding, and general whimsy. 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.
Love Unfulfilled in Dorthonion by Kaylee Arafinwiel
Andreth, called Saelind by the Elves, had her heart broken by Aegnor...
...but Aegnor was no less wounded by his actions. He poured out his heart to his beloved twin, Nerwen, just before flame engulfed Dorthonion...
...and later, remembering his death, he relates his last moments to Findis.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Andreth, Angrod, Boromir (House of Bëor), Bregolas, Bregor, Celeborn, Findis, Galadriel, Gundor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Poetry | Challenges: B2MeM 2016, B2MeM 2018, Breaking Boundaries |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 1, 295 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Estinto by eris_of_imladris
The Noldolantë and its creator, moments after the loss of the final silmaril.
B2MEM Prompt: “Then I thought in my heart that we drew near to the Sea; for wide was the water in the darkness, and sea-birds innumerable cried on its shores.” (Return of the King, “The Last Debate”)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: B2MeM 2018 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 141 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Lonely Isle of Himling by StarSpray
Eluréd and Elurín go exploring on Himling, and find someone rather unexpected.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Eluréd, Elurín, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2018 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 638 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
"A Greater Still": The Importance of Song in Tolkien's Creation Myth by Dawn Felagund
Tolkien's creation story the Ainulindalë includes many archetypal elements. This essay explores the deus faber or god-as-maker element and why creation from vocal song is vitally important to legendarium.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: B2MeM 2018 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 876 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
One Moment Changes Everything by Lotrfan
Namo and Vairë become aware of events unfolding in Alqualondë. Written for the Teitho Contest Joker challenge Jan 2018-Life and Death prompt-where it placed 2nd.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Mandos, Vairë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 150 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Faith in our Hearts by Narya
After the Dagor Aglareb, Fingon has a secret, and Maedhros has a confession to make...
Written for My Slashy Valentine 2018 as a gift for Fadesintothewest, who requested a Maedhros/Fingon story. Thanks for giving me the excuse!
Many thanks to the wonderful Ignoble Bard for beta-reading.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 196 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
~ The Thread Spinner ~ by Spiced Wine
In her flight from imprisonment in Mordor, Mélamírë encounters a strange storm and meets some-one from another Middle-earth.
Written for Pandemonium_213 for B2Me Month 2018
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, General, Mystery | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 19, 591 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (23) |
To The East by LadyBrooke
In a different world, Andreth wanders to the East and meets another wise-woman instead of Aegnor.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Andreth, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: Breaking Boundaries |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 367 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Touching Tomorrow by Keiliss
Memory can be a complex puzzle for the reborn, but Glorfindel finds the pieces of his past that matter most.
Sequel to Another Future
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Erestor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 933 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Longest Journey I Have Known by grey_gazania
When Celebrían sails to Valinor following her attack and injury, she is accompanied by her friend Ianneth, wife of Fingon and mother of Gil-galad. Together, the two women seek to find a place in an unfamiliar land.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amarië, Anairë, Celebrían, Eärwen, Finarfin, Finrod Felagund, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Breaking Boundaries |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 577 |
| 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 (2) |
People of the Stars by Nienna
A story of the distant time when Orome first found the Quendi by the shores of lake Cuivienen, and of the love the Eldar have for the stars.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Enel, Finwë, Imin, Míriel Serindë, Oromë, Tata |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 307 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Market Day by grey_gazania
Ulfang's granddaughter encounters Dwarves for the first time. A slice-of-life ficlet featuring characters from my Loyalty series.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Dwarves, Men, Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Breaking Boundaries |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 331 |
| 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) |
Hidden Gems by eris_of_imladris
Nerdanel realizes her true feelings for Fëanor at a gathering ball. Based on a headcanon lent to me by firsthousepacifist.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: Breaking Boundaries |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 724 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Second Kinslaying. by hennethgalad
The sons of Fëanor attack Menegroth.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Curufin, Dior, Gildor, Maedhros, Nimloth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 203 |
| 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) |
This Sickness, Love by feanorusrex
Andreth is sick and Aegnor tries to help. They both repress their feelings with varying success.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Aegnor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 105 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Speak No Evil by grey_gazania
Maedhros teaches Elrond and Elros the language of the orcs.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 486 |
| 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) |
Axis Mundi by just_jenni
This story is a completely AU fabrication, loosely based upon some of the events taking place at the time of the trees in Valinor. However, none of the outcomes follow the ones in the actual Silmarillion but take a wild turn of their own. In this fic Feanaro and Nolofinwe become inseparable lovers, with Feanaro helping his half-brother to become a strong person in his own right, having been ignored most of his life by his father Finwe, who prefers his oldest son. It's only when Feanaro finally convinces Finwe that Nolofinwe is worthy of his respect that the universe rights itself and all is as it should be.
My sincere apologies to JRR Tolkien for altering his story concerning these characters.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingolfin, Finwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 227 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
'and go into darkness' by hennethgalad
Edrahil comforts Finrod on the march to Thangorodrim...
(for My Slashy Valentine on AO3)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Edrahil, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
'in the morning of the world' by hennethgalad
Anairë visits the house of Mahtan to see the sights of Tirion. Nerdanel is enchanted.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Anairë, Mahtan, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 401 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Witchy Queen by feanorusrex
Tar-Míriel gains power for herself, finally.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 120 |
| 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) |
Challenges: 30-Day Character Study by oshun
I am going to use this space for my contributions: meta, notes, links to stories, and to artwork. Rating will be teens or lower.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Experimental, Nonfiction/Meta, Romance | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 5, 564 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
Strange Magic by oshun
Daeron questions Lúthien’s use of magic and simultaneously feels attracted to her for the first time.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Daeron, Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Romance | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 615 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Call Me Ruler by feanorusrex
"Two hundred and five years she holds the scepter, vowing to outlast her enemies, and solidify her place in the history books with this, if nothing else, so that she cannot be written out, only a name on a genealogy." Tar-Ancalimë rules.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Tar-Ancalimë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 719 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Forgotten Stories Remembered in Other Lands by LadyBrooke
Elmar knows the stories of her people, and that her captor's people will not be free of Númenor forever.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elmar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: New Year's Resolution, Song of Exile |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 200 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Even the Greatest Art Cannot Survive Forever by LadyBrooke
In Doriath, Galadriel and Nimloth discuss the art of the Noldor and the art of the Sindar, and whether Lúthien is the equivalent of Nerdanel.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Nimloth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 390 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
