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] 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] 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] 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.
[Writing] a riot of shadow and shine by Elrond's Library
These were simply flashes, a hint of a wider, greater world. A tantalizing glimpse of more, always at the edge of awareness, never within reach. Míriel would grasp it, if something as intangible as the concept of color could overflow in bounteous wonder over her hands.
But…
[Writing] The Exchange by Elrond's Library
An exchange is made during the Great Journey
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
Start to Finish
Choose one of the famous first lines from the list below and use it to start your story. If you are creating a fanwork other than writing, you may use one of the first lines to inspire your fanwork. 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.
If You Go into the Woods Today by oshun
Coming-of-age ficlet about sexual experimentation, but more fundamentally about acceptance and friendship. A Finwean cousins' camping trip. Many thanks to Ignoble Bard for the quick Beta.
For the Legendarium Ladies April challenge on Tumblr.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 308 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Before the Great Music: An Account Before the Ainulindale by Alcarin
Melkor, the greatest and most powerful of the Ainur, becomes the first of his divine kindred to depart from the Light –– and to embrace the Darkness, thereby becoming its first and greatest manifestation.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 15, 425 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Red As Blood by The Wavesinger
Maedhros never recovered; he just coped.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: B2MeM 2013 |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 750 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Lily of the Valley by Elleth
Rían departs from Mithrim to seek Huor on the Hill of the Slain, but her journey is intercepted.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Rían |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 201 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
To Freely Choose by StarSpray
Eärendil and Elwing are summoned back to the Valar, and given a choice.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elwing, Eärendil, Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 300 |
| 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) |
The Anatomy of Orcs by MisbehavingMaiar
An academic essay composed by an unnamed Numenorian naturalist; (an open-minded lady of the court of Ar-Adûnakhôr) concerning the biology and habits of Orcs. (Illustrated)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Númenóreans, Orcs, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, General, Science Fiction | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 223 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The Cruel by MisbehavingMaiar
In the age before the sun, new creatures grow and hunt and are hunted in turn. A Maia who chose his own master now chooses a new, more suitable name. (Pictures Included!)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maiar, Melkor, Orcs, Original Character(s), Oromë, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General, Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 353 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A Kindred Heart by oshun
Indis meets Nerdanel and responds to her. References to: Noldorin society in Valinor during the Years of the Trees, sons, husbands, art, family dynamics and dysfunctionality, even a brief mention (non-graphic) of childbirth/labor. Started a while ago, but finished at this time in response to the legendarium ladies april event on Tumblr.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Finwë, Indis, Maedhros, Míriel Serindë, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Family Matters |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 868 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Of Morgoth and Men by Chilled in Hithlum
A short essay for the fun of it.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 406 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Yavanna's Dream by MisbehavingMaiar
"I multiply. I diversify. I evade. I grow. And if you would subdue me, Gorthaur, you must catch me first."
Yavanna has a nightmare about her sister, Vana, confronting Sauron and the (allegorical) rise of industry.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Sauron, Vána, Yavanna |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Back to Nature |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 768 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Giver of Freedom by MisbehavingMaiar
A short poem and a portrait of Melkor.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 319 |
| 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 (0) |
Emotions-- A series of vignettes by MisbehavingMaiar
A study in sentiments over time; a collection of moments surrounding Melkor and Sauron, from the Spring of Arda to the fall of the Third Age.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Ainur, Aulë, Celebrimbor, Fëanor, Finwë, Gil-galad, Idril, Maeglin, Melkor, Númenóreans, Saruman, Sauron, Tar-Míriel, Ungoliant |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Experimental, General, Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 12 | Word Count: 25, 726 |
| 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) |
Shadow Child by StarSpray
Featuring Lúthien, her power, and her choices.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Beren, Lúthien Tinúviel, Melian, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 965 |
| 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) |
Frozen Heart by Kaylee Arafinwiel
On the first day of winter, young Eärendil announces its arrival to his parents very early in the morning, and the chill of memories pierces Idril to the core.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Eärendil, Idril, Tuor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 246 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
L'ocarina by Dilly
Bonus de Noël pour "Maudits Silmarils". L'écuyer d'Ecthelion de la Fontaine lui offre un cadeau...
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Eärendil, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 509 |
| 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) |
Necessity is the Mother of Invention by MisbehavingMaiar
The First Music goes off without a hitch; Arda is unmarred, and the Theme goes on and on without one dissonant voice in the choir.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Ainur, Elves |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 532 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Houses of Might by MisbehavingMaiar
Melkor reflects upon his past dwelling places, and the lessons learned in failure.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 673 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Time's Arrow by Russandol
Two elves of the Greenwood, a troubled warrior and a prince, confront the shadows from their past in the less than perfect paradise of Valinor. There, a tradition that has been kept every four long-years since the ancient days of the Great Journey is about to take place once more.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Beleg, Elrond, Eönwë, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel, Gandalf, Ingwion, Legolas Greenleaf, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 10 | Word Count: 41, 123 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (26) |
Bright and Terrible by zopyrus
Not everyone at Losgar is thrilled about burning the fleet. The captain of one of Fëanor's ships questions her orders.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Curufin, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 883 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
By the Margin of the Sea by StarSpray
After a very long journey, Elwing comes to Alqualondë.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elwing, Eärendil, Olwë, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 559 |
| 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) |
First to Leave by Agelast
Fingon/Maedhros, a political PWP.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Incest, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 466 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Forging Arda: in the Beginning by MisbehavingMaiar
Mairon, maia of Aulë, is given a body, a purpose, his tools, and a warning.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Ainur, Aulë, Melkor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Comic Strip | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 986 |
| 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 (3) |
Snowed In by Keiliss
Gil-galad, his Herald and his SO (Senior Organiser?) are separated from their hunting party by a blizzard and are forced to spend the night in a cave.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Erestor, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: B2MeM 2014 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 369 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Crowns of Holly by Kitt Otter
Gil-galad and Círdan attend mid-summer festivities in Eregion. An unwelcome guest crashes the party.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Círdan, Gil-galad, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2014 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 415 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Nightingale by Agelast
Lúthien and Beren, their first springtime. Written for B2MeM 2014.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Beren, Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: B2MeM 2014 |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 771 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
