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
Differing Perspectives
Remix another author's fanwork (with their permission!) by rewriting it from another character's perspective. 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.
Arrows of Love by Erulisse
It is written that Fëanáro first met Nerdanel when working in the forge of her father, Mahtan, as an apprentice. Did she fall in love with him right away? Here is one possibility. Written for Tolkien Weekly prompt “archery”.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 107 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
One Day by wind rider
A youth is a youth is a youth. What did Hathaldir think as he fought fknew he would never win? Was the last stand of Barahir and his men truly hopeless? – A triple drabble (exactly 300 words) as counted on MS Word. Never laugh on a youth’s earnest, innocent dream. It might just be true.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Hathaldir |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 314 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Through the Darkness Unescapable by Valiniel
The Alkallabeth was written as a history, but histories rarely reveal the whole truth. What was the truth behind the life of Tar Miriel, last queen of Numenor?
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amandil, Anárion, Ar-Pharazôn, Elendil, Isildur, Tar-Míriel, Tar-Palantir |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 19 | Word Count: 60, 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 (1) |
Burning Bright: The Road by Keiliss
The outbreak of war in Eregion and the hiding of the rings of power as experienced by a musician, a lord with an agenda set beyond the sea, an exiled Noldorin princess and an elf with an uneasy conscience.
Cameos by Durin the Deathless, Ereinion Gil-galad, Celebrimbor, and Annatar the Giver of not always welcome Gifts..
MEFA 2011: First Place: Adventure, General
my thanks to Elfscribe
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Celebrían, Celebrimbor, Círdan, Elrond, Erestor, Galadriel, Gil-galad, Glorfindel, Lindir |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 12 | Word Count: 59, 287 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (36) |
Mother and Friend by Erulisse
In the days of their youth, Huan's rescue turns into a lifelong friendship and a family legend. A story for ALEC - winner of 2nd place, May 2011
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Huan, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 738 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Fair and Foul by DrummerWench
Here's a tale for the "With a Bit of Fairy Dust" Challenge. It's part of my ongoing series "Fairy Tales of Middle-earth", which can be found here. I hope you enjoy it!
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: With a Bit of Fairy Dust |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 118 |
| 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) |
Beneath the Sickle's Swing by Clodia
A collection of drabbles found in the ruins of Utumno during the years of Melkor's captivity, written for various ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/community.gif?v=1){kind=small}
tolkien_weekly challenges. I am greatly indebted to the ever-awesome ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif?v=3){kind=small}
ignoblebard, who very generously nominated this series for MEFA 2011, thereby spurring me to get on with actually writing it. ♥
6. After the Manner: Orcs, one drabble.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Erestor, Original Character(s), Thuringwethil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 1, 366 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (16) |
Helcaraxë by Erulisse
In response to Tolkien Weekly’s prompt “part” a quick look at a long journey across the Helcaraxë with Turukáno, Elenwë and Itarillë. A turning moment for Turukáno, and one of the most grief-laden moments of his life. A true drabble.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elenwë, Idril, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 105 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
For the Ladies by Erulisse
A question is posed when Erestor observes Glorfindel’s wife teaching their daughter how to plait her hair. A drabble written in response to TW prompt “plait”.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Erestor, Glorfindel, 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: 106 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Promises by grey_gazania
After the Kinslaying at Alqualondë and the burning of the swanships, Fingon makes a promise. Years later, he makes a second one.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| 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: 330 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Passing the Test by Erulisse
Returning to a place that she used to love, Helyanwë experiences doubt. Written for Tolkien Weekly's drabble challenge "condition".
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: 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: 106 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Difference Between a Seagull and a Phoenix by Lipstick
Maedhros lives, and my is he bitter and twisted. That's about it for plot really, more of a character study or perhaps more accurately character assassination.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 474 |
| 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 Hildor by Odinsbard
An original story based on the Ardaen Mythology, set in the more southern parts of West Beleriand: A young man from a southern city below Taur-im-Duinath travels northward to said Forest often on long travels; this time, makes an unexpected encounter with a mysterious Wisard, who was sent to redeem the Men of the South from Morgoth's Tyranny, and the young man (called 'the Hildor') has been chosen by the Gods to lead this rebellion!
Written in blank verse.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 721 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
In Time, Stronger than Silima by Himring
In Mandos, Namo wrestles with the temptation to cast Maedhros into the Outer Darkness.
With a vignette of Finrod and Celegorm and a couple of thoughts on Luthien.
Warning: High levels of angst.
Very generously nominated for the MEFAs 2011 by Elleth; it won Third Place in the category: "Cross-Cultural: Elder Days".
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Finrod Felagund, Maedhros, Mandos |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 891 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Naming the Stones by Deborah Judge
Elrond and Galadriel remember the First Age, the Silmarils, and the guilt of their people.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Elrond, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 5, 004 |
| 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) |
A Rose By Any Other Name by pandemonium_213
A sequel to Flame of the Desert.
On a hot summer afternoon, Glorfindel visits Elrond at his estate in Kortirion Province of Tol Eressëa. Elrond's longtime friend brings word from Gilfanon: invitations to a party in celebration of the blooming of one of Gilfanon's favorite roses; the Vanyarin ambassador and his retinue have been invited as special guests. Gilfanon also sends peculiar garments that he has specifically instructed Elrond and Glorfindel to wear. Elrond is wary. He remembers all too well that escapade with Gilfanon in the desert of Valinor, but his inner imp of adventure inspires him, and Elrond experiences a night to remember.
Cameo appearances by Erestor and Mablung.
A bit risqué, a little bawdy, so let's rate this Teen/PG13.
Now complete! And illustrated! Thanks a million-fold to Robinka (see Chapter 2) and Elf of Cave (see Chapter 6).
MEFA 2011 Winner. First Place, Humor, General
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Erestor, Gilfanon, Glorfindel, Mablung, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: B2MeM 2011 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 21, 895 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (25) |
The Dower of Dol Amroth by Dwimordene
Once upon a time, Dol Amroth was elven land. So how did "Dol Amroth" come to name a city ruled by Princes of Men? Imrazor receives an unusual gift.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Imrazor, Nimrodel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 759 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Making Colored Light by Erulisse
A grandchild of Fëanor finds her niche in his forge. Winner of Honorable Mention in ALEC April 2011.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 954 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Deepest Cut by Erulisse
Some decisions cut deeply. A response to Tolkien Weekly Challenge prompt “cut”.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | 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 (3) |
Life After by Keiliss
Life after rebirth: Once around the sun, Glorfindel's first year in Imladris.
MEFA 2011: First Place: Character study, General
my thanks to Elfscribe
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Erestor, Gildor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 11, 601 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Lasciate Ogne Speranza? by Finch
A meeting in early 14th-century Italy between a condottiere and a poet
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 5, 920 |
| 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) |
Love by Moonlight by Erulisse
A drabble for Tolkien Weekly Challenge - Curl. A mother's love in Gondolin.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Eärendil, Idril |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 106 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Strange Fortunes by Tehta
The city of Gondolin is at peace, and yet several of its citizens harbour resentments, ambitions, and unnatural desires: Maeglin longs to assume his rightful position as Turgon's heir and Idril's spouse; Salgant hopes to avenge himself for past humiliations; and Ecthelion and Glorfindel indulge in deception even as they devote their lives to duty. Many secrets will be revealed, but only slowly and with much confusion, in this comedy of misunderstandings.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Egalmoth, Elemmakil, Glorfindel, Idril, Maeglin, Meleth (Elf), Salgant, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 44, 262 |
| 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) |
Once Were Ours by Himring
Celegorm and Curufin learn of the Fall of Nargothrond--how do they react?
A "gap-filler", if you like, except that, this being the Silmarillion, there is almost more gap than story...
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Curufin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 132 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Laughter of the Valar by Erulisse
Why does Tulkas laugh, and is he the only Vala who does? A response for HASA Nazgul of the Month for May - Heroes and Demons.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Melkor, Tulkas |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 734 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
