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] Dibbly Fresh, an Elfling-Sitters Club Story by annarobots
Need an elfling-sitter? Save time! Call The Elfling-Sitters Club and reach seven six experienced sitters.
Fingon, President
Daeron, Vice-President
Pengolodh, Secretary
Finrod, Treasurer
Maglor…
[Writing] The Orphan Princess and the BFG by octopus_fool
Elwing is fleeing towards the Havens of Sirion when she spots a nightly visitor.
During a visit to Círdan, Finrod discovers a new hobby involving tying ropes around various objects. Now, he's ready to take it to the next level, but there is a small kink in the plan - he wants a spotter to make sure everything goes well. Fortunately, Edrahil is available.
[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?
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
B-Movie
Prompts for this Matryoshka challenge are loosely inspired by the predictable plot arcs of hilariously abominable, eye-rollingly corny, so-bad-they're-actually-kinda-good horror films. 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.
Artanis to Alatiriel: Earweniel's Homecoming by Kaylee Arafinwiel
Written for B2MEM 2017 and the March Strength and Beauty challenge: loosely linked tales of Galadriel's welcome in Alqualonde at the end of the Third Age.
Idril remembers, as she walks on the shore of Alqualonde.
Some time after Idril greeted Galadriel at the quay (see "Itarilde and Tani"), they, Elwing, and Nimloth get together for a good catch-up. They don't intend to run into Galadriel's uncles (and aunt) at the tavern...Lindar s the term the Teleri use for themselves.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elwing, Eärendil, Galadriel, Gimli, Idril, Nimloth, Tuor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2017, Strength and Beauty |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 814 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Widow's Walk by heget
What Elwing seeks at the end of their long ocean voyage.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elwing, Eärendil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 176 |
| 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) |
A Taste of Home by heget
A family meal in the last days of the First Age.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elwing, Olwë, 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: 926 |
| 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) |
Regret by Lingwiloke
After being re-embodied in Aman, a Noldorin exile is faced with a difficult question.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 801 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Elf at the Bottom of the Garden by Himring
Could Amras, son of Feanor, and Haldar, Haleth's brother, have met?
I think they could--well, in my 'verse, at any rate.
Another glimpse of the early history of the Haladin, also featuring a very young Haleth.
Written both for the "Strength and Beauty" challenge at SWG and for the Ambarussa day of Feanorian Week (Tumblr), although it features only Amras.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amras, Haldad, Haldar, Haleth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Strength and Beauty |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 585 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (15) |
A Light Exists in Spring by Independence1776
While living in Dorwinion, Maglor receives help in making a life-changing decision.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maglor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 269 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Faithful by Fernstrike
The tenuous relationship between the King and the Elendili is coming to its breaking point. When Isildur steals the fruit of Nimloth, what follows brings the already-heavy boot of tyranny down harder upon the Faithful - especially the gifted healer, Nilûphel.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amandil, Elendil, Isildur, Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 731 |
| 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) |
This Is My Family by Grundy
They say Tyelkormo's first love was the forests and wild places. As ever, 'they' are wrong.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Elves, Fëanor, Finarfin, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| 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 (2) |
That Blow to Your Leg by LadyBrooke
Caranthir does not trust easily and does not love easily, but Haleth told him in a different world they would be perfect.
7 related drabbles.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Celegorm, Haleth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance | Challenges: Strength and Beauty |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 715 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
A Spitting Image by oshun
Fëanor feels sorry for himself. (Artwork with short, short story.)
B2MeM 2017 Prompt: Blue Path, Artwork, Realistic; also Tumblr Feanorian Week (Caranthir)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 646 |
| 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) |
Noldolantë – Maglor’s Lament by oshun
This is an micro-essay and a banner created as an extended introduction to a fic-rec list pulled together to celebrate Maglor’s Day on the Fëanorian Week celebration on Tumblr and initially inspired by the SWG Strength and Beauty March 2017 challenge.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maglor, Noldor, Sons of Fëanor, Uldor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: Strength and Beauty |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 672 |
| 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) |
She walks in Beauty by lindahoyland
Varda has not forgotten Middle-earth.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Varda |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2017, Strength and Beauty |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 023 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Still by LadyBrooke
Findekáno thinks Maitimo is beautiful, through life and into death, though not always how others think of it.
7 connected drabbles.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Strength and Beauty |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 717 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Strength Bestows Beauty by oshun
"Real strength never impairs beauty or harmony,
but it often bestows it; and in everything imposingly beautiful,
strength has much to do with the magic." ~Herman Melville, Moby Dick
SWG March 2017 Strength and Beauty Challenge
B2MeM 2017 (blue path/artwork/secondary colors/Tolkien quote)
Fëanorian Week Tumblr 2017 - Day 1- Maedhros - > Adjusting/Coping, Beauty
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: B2MeM 2017, Strength and Beauty |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 551 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
The Ring of Barahir by hennethgalad
Finrod is inspired to make a ring.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Mahtan |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 096 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Cast All Away by Zdenka
Celebrimbor takes refuge in memory. (Finding out wherever there is comfort there is pain, only one step away . . .)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, General | Challenges: B2MeM 2014 |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 688 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Insomnia by Michiru
Macalaurë often has trouble sleeping. After the birth of the new baby, he finds he’s not the only one.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Curufin, Fëanor, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 561 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Bedtime Stories by lindahoyland
Aragorn tells his son stories of the First Age
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Eärendil, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General, Humor | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 187 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Far Too Many Of You Dying by StarSpray
After the Noldor depart, Alqualondë is left reeling.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elves, Olwë, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Revolution |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 145 |
| 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) |
Your Image in an Antique Book by IgnobleBard
After the Battle of Unnumbered Tears, Maedhros revisits Fingon's fortress.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Revolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 176 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Those Who Remain by Tyelca
In 1997, Maglor visits the musical The Scarlet Pimpernel shortly after the premiere, and one song in particular catches his attention.
Also featuring Fëanorian Stubbornness.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Revolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 447 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Obsidian to Cut by LadyBrooke
He is reborn in Valinor, and they assume he died because the Kindi were incapable of standing against Morgoth, especially after their King and Princes were not.
(The Noldor forget that their relatives weren't left behind on the March because they were incapable, but because they didn't wish to come.)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Experimental | Challenges: Revolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 333 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Like The Fall Of Night by hennethgalad
Morgoth sells the concept of swords to the elves through his minions.
(Ah, er, contains a canon error. Mairon was not in Valinor at the same time as the elves.
However, i could just change the name of the evil maia and it would be compatible...)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Curufin, Fëanor, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Fingon, Maiar, Original Male Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Erotica, Horror | Challenges: Revolution |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 457 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The Parting of the Ways by Lyra
On the eve of the Great Journey, Morwë discusses his doubts with Finwë.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Finwë, Morwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Revolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 021 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
The Deaths of Kings: Historical Bias in the Death Scenes of Fëanor and Fingolfin by Dawn Felagund
The death scenes of Fëanor and Fingolfin parallel each other closely in plot, beginning with the rash pursuit of single combat with Morgoth. Yet the manner in which the narrator of The Silmarillion, Pengolodh, employs language and symbolism leads to two very different conclusions that likely served to advance Pengolodh's political and personal agenda. Written for B2MeM 2017 for the prompt "Analyze a Chapter or Passage" on the nonfiction (orange) path.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingolfin, Pengolodh |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 891 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
