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
Major Arcana
Select a Tarot card and use any aspect of the card or its description 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.
Last Star I See by phyncke
An elf perishes on the dread crossing of the Helcaraxë.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 532 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Lúthien's Tale by clotho123
So what made Lúthien go overboard for an unwashed mortal? The world's only half-Elf half-Maia gives her side of the story.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Beren, Celegorm, Curufin, Daeron, Elu Thingol, Finrod Felagund, Huan, Lúthien Tinúviel, Melian, Melkor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Humor, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 534 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Tales of Middle-Earth by tinni
A set of stories that retell Greek, Indian, Chinese and Japanese myths and legends, not to mention Brother's Grimm fairy tales, in Middle-earth with Tolkien's characters. Current selection include Iadel, The Mighty Singer, Living Stone, Minstrels, The Woe of a Maiden who loved Legolas, The day the sun didn't rise and Gemini.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Curufin, Daeron, Eluréd, Elurín, Fëanor, Maglor, Nerdanel, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Experimental, General, Poetry, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 5, 229 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Lack of Privacy by oshun
(Maedhros/Fingon) This was written in response to teasing by IgnobleBard that I had cut out the love scene from the story I wrote him for his birthday and Halloween, Do You Believe in Ghosts? So, here it is, only a slightly belated Christmas present. (Warning: it is not really, unlike the Ghosts story that prompted it, a comic piece.)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Curufin, Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Family Matters, Gift of a Story, One True Love |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 241 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Whispering Winds by tinni
Set after the battle of Unnumbered Tears, the life of Caranthir till his death during the sack of Doriath
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celeborn, Celegorm, Curufin, Dior, Eluréd, Elurín, Elwing, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 12 | Word Count: 16, 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 (15) |
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Melkor, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery, Slash/Femslash, Suspense | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Rape/Nonconsensual Sex |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 880 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Captive by tinni
What if Morgoth took Feanor prisoner instead of killing him? AU, slash, you have been warned. Please read and review as it is how I pay my muse.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingon, Maedhros, Melkor, Sauron, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama, Horror, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 8, 298 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Prince of a Life of Darkness by Lira_of_Imladris
Neithan, an elf who was abandoned at a young age, has finally left his home of long. When he finds that he is not the son of Dior, his friend is killed and Fëanor’s sons attack his home of Doriath, the darker side of Neithan is revealed and he begins to search for what he wants. But what does he want? R&R
Set in the First Age of Middle-Earth in Beleriand. Title may change but I’m not sure yet
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Dior, Eluréd, Elurín, Elwing, Gil-galad, Glorfindel, Maedhros, Maglor, Melkor, Original Character(s), Oropher, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 6, 434 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Stones of Seeing 1. Vardamir Nólimon by clotho123
At the end of his reign Elros receives a visitor. How the palantíri came into Númenor.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elros, Nerdanel, Vardamir |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 588 |
| 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) |
A Time to Heal by clotho123
At the beginning of the Second Age Gil-galad must decide what to do about the surviving Fëanorian followers. Can the Noldor be reconciled?
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Círdan, Elrond, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 277 |
| 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) |
Feanorian Haiku plus Ulmo by Los Gloriol
Today is national haiku day in America.(no I am not making it up.) So, in honor of this most celebrated occasion, I have devised 9 haiku for you. The metric phrases 5,7,5 respectively.
Enjoy complete silliness! Maybe make your own and share:)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Sons of Fëanor, Ulmo |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 113 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
The Deal by Kriemhild
A look from Melkor's point of view at the recruiting of Ungoliant to destroy the Two Trees and steal the Silmarils
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Gothmog, Melkor, Original Character(s), Ungoliant |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 414 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Footnote to the Akallabêth by clotho123
The results of the Downfall, from the point of view of the Noldor in Aman. Semi-serious.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amarië, Anairë, Eärwen, Finarfin, Finrod Felagund, Indis, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 939 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Last Alliance by Isil Elensar
For a few moments in time, a soldier in the Last Alliance remembers the woman he left behind.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: 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: 694 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Competition by Raksha The Demon
Contests of strength and spirit come in all forms; and can sometimes lead to unexpected rewards. A mega-drabble, in that it started out as a short ficlet and finished at 900 words.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Galadriel, Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General, Romance | Challenges: Strong Women |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 014 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
No Place of Safety by clotho123
After the fall of Nargothrond more ill-news reaches Balar
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 461 |
| 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) |
Chosen by pandemonium_213
When the Voice of the One names the ruler of the Guardians of Arda, the decision results in dismay and discord by another who believes he should have been chosen. A re-interpretation of the Ainulindalë myth.
MEFA 2009: First Place - Races: Other Beings: General
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Ainur, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 654 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (26) |
The Downfall by clotho123
A short story addressing one of The Silmarillion's most famous open ends: What happened to Maglor?
| 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: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 749 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
This Distant Shore by Raksha The Demon
When much is lost, there still remains much to do. A Thanksgiving-inspired look at some special immigrants in the late Second Age.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 633 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Ulmo's Wife by pandemonium_213
It was written that Ulmo was alone, but delving deeper into the nature of the Valar and their adopted world reveals otherwise.
MEFA 2009: Third Place - Races: Other Beings: General
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Ulmo |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Romance, Science Fiction | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 749 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (25) |
Lintaran by Los Gloriol
Celegorm (Tyelkormo for those picky like me), goes forth to hunt in the Forest of Orome. On this particular day he encounters the mighty stag, Lintarin, whom he battles. This story is in the style of a folklore. At least that is what I was trying to convey. Celegorm is not always cooperative.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celegorm |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 666 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Retrospective by Los Gloriol
Glorfindel has been released from Mandos. His past is starting to merge with his present. You can assume this is not a sudden realisation, but progressive over a long period of time. He tells of his thoughts concerning the Balrog battle, once it is remembered
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Inspiration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 684 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Release the Bonds of Winter by Dawn Felagund
Ficlets written for March's challenge "Within the Pages of Lore." Please see the Table of Contents for summaries and specific warnings for each.
Added Love by Moonlight: Tilion observes two kinds of love in Beleriand. Implied Maedhros/Fingon.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Lórien, Maedhros, Orodreth, Tilion, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Within the Pages of Lore |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 1, 190 |
| 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 (44) |
The Ice in the North by Moreth
Suggested by Dawn's addition to her 'Release the Bonds of Winter' series, Death of Cold, this is the Helcaraxë from an alternative view point to the grim travail of crossing the ice...
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 286 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (25) |
Cultural Differences by Keiliss
Cultural differences, a young king, an arrogant Maia, and rather too much wine.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Eönwë, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 346 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
