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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
Festival of Lights Fest
This is a fun and low-key event meant to encourage works about or inspired by Hanukkah, running this year in conjunction with the Potluck Bingo challenge. 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.
Keeping Watch by Lferion
There had been war-camps in Beleriand, purposeful and deadly serious, as well as full of song and camaraderie. There had been the Mereth Aderthad.
This tournament camp was, oddly — or perhaps not — most like that.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Understory |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 296 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
A Measure of Peace by StarSpray
Arwen sees that Frodo will not find real healing in Middle-earth, and seeks to do something about it.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Arwen, Frodo |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 408 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Uncovering The Hidden City: Depictions of the Siege of Gondolin in Popular Culture by Rocky41_7
An exploration of the various interpretations of the fall of the ancient Elven stronghold of Gondolin as told through popular culture.
KEY WORDS: Gondolin, Hidden City, Turgon, Idril, Tuor, Maeglin, First Age, Morgoth, Earendil, siege, theater, literature, radio, cinema, pop culture
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Idril, Maeglin, Tuor, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: In-Universe Artifact | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 899 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Holly by Himring
An exchange between Celebrimbor and Celeborn before the Fall of Eregion and its aftermath.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Celebrimbor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 179 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
"Extracts from the Noldolante as played by a small chamber orchestra in a seaside pavilion at teatime" & "No more laments for me" by Himring
Set after the First Age, probably during the Second Age: Finrod is invited to a small private concert in Alqualonde by members of the Falmarin music academy. Introduced to a piece of music he had no idea existed, he is taken aback.
Now with a related poem: "No more laments for me" posted as second chapter.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Unnamed Female Canon Character(s), Elulindo, Finrod Felagund, Teleri |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Roaring Twenties |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 127 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (13) |
Fawlty Towers by Simon J. Cook
The tower analogy in "Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics" wasn't simply a poignant extended metaphor about the poem but addressed specific scholars about academic debates around Beowulf. The lack of addressing this historical context has led to misreadings of Tolkien's meaning.
The Hope of Love: Eärendil and Elwing as Symbols of Romance in Popular Culture by Rocky41_7
Earendil and Elwing's story has captivated Middle-earth for centuries. An examination of various pop culture adaptations of the story.
KEY WORDS: Earendil, Elwing, Pop culture, Third Kinslaying, Sirion, Theater, Art, War of Wrath
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Eärendil, Elwing |
| Major Relationships: Eärendil/Elwing |
| Genres: In-Universe Artifact | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 622 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
By Love Annealed by sallysavestheday
Celebrimbor reconciles himself to and rejoices in an imperfect world, for a little while.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Celebrimbor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Understory |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 978 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Meet me in the Woods by daughterofshadows
Melian meets Thingol for the first time.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Understory |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 146 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (18) |
The Labour of My Love by ohboromir
Túrin is taken to Angband, and Beleg makes a choice.
It's not the one he thinks he's making.
-
For @dorcuartholweek
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Beleg, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: Beleg/Túrin |
| Genres: Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 152 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Iron of Death by ohboromir
No, it is not.” Eöl clearly did not agree. Beleg had never seen him looking so miserable,
The comet-ore was so precious; Thingol knew it, that was why he had named it as his prize.
“It is not ready yet, Cúthalion. Return in a moon’s turn, and I will have it for you.”
-
Beleg, Mablung and Eöl - and Anglachel.
For @sindarweek 2023 - Day 1: Heroes & Villains
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Beleg, Eöl, Mablung |
| Major Relationships: Beleg & Mablung, Beleg & Eöl, Eöl & Mablung |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 944 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Andróg, Andvír |
| Major Relationships: Andróg & Andvír |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 906 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Bloodied by ohboromir
For the first time in Elvish memory, battle raged.
The clashing of swords and the swift rush of arrows, the cries of the wounded, the silence of the dead - the clamour rose, and above it only Thingol’s booming voice could be heard.
-
The First Battle of Beleriand.
For @sindarweek day 3: legendary deeds
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Beleg, Elu Thingol, Mablung |
| Major Relationships: Beleg & Mablung |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 261 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
a place where both our hearts may rest by ohboromir
He remembered how they had once desired glory. How they had once wanted to take part in great deeds. And how that battle had ended in nothing but betrayal and bloodshed. No, Mablung did not wish to be a warrior any longer – he longed for his books and journals, for the comfort of song and the company of friends.
Beleg exhaled deeply. “We will not be soldiers again; not captains, not lords, only Beleg and Mablung.”
-
Beleg and Mablung survived the First Age. In search of a better future, they set off on an exploration of Eriador, but peace is not always easy to find.
Inspired by wonderful art from @lycheesodas
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Beleg, Mablung |
| Major Relationships: Beleg/Mablung |
| Genres: Adventure, Alternate Universe, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 17, 155 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Myth Hanging Heavy Over You by stormfallen
Elrond asks about his mother, in 100-word drabbles.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elwing |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elwing |
| Genres: Family, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 127 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Elegy for Númenor – Volume 2: The Darkening by elfscribe
Ar-Pharazôn, the mighty King of Númenor, thinks he has triumphed when his powerful enemy, Sauron, surrenders, and the King carries him back to his glorious island kingdom. However, Sauron’s greatest power lies not in his armies, but in his capacity for guile and seduction. A drama with many players.
Rating: M overall, although, no doubt, future chapters will have explicit content.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Amandil, Ar-Pharazôn, Elendil, Isildur, Númenóreans, Sauron, Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: Ar-Pharazôn & Sauron, Ar-Pharazôn/Tar-Míriel, Original Character/Original Character |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Family, Het, Romance, Slash, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 29, 046 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
The Light is Still There by Aldwen
Do wars start with the first fired arrow and end with the last? Or maybe they start already with the realization that they need to be fought? And never truly end, as long as the memory of them haunts those who took part? Arafinwë’s story of the War of Wrath. Previously posted on other sites.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Finarfin, Ingwion |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Torture, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 31 | Word Count: 51, 100 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Kill the flame by stormfallen
Once per year, on the night of a holiday only she still celebrates, Galadriel lights fourteen candles.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 477 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Choice Fruits by cuarthol, Dawn Felagund
Terentaulë makes her choice; but in the end, they were both fruit of the same tree.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Celegorm, Curufin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Understory |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 341 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Leaf by Niggle moodboard by Independence1776
A moodboard for Leaf by Niggle.
| Canon Source: Leaf by Niggle |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Moodboard/Collage |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (4) |
Today I’ll Kiss You, Tomorrow I’ll Miss You by UnicornsInSpace
Finrod thinks about his and Amarië's relationship while they cuddle in a forest. She is a closeted trans woman.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amarië, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: Amarië/Finrod |
| Genres: Drama, Romance | Challenges: Understory |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 562 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Celegorm by Dawn Walls-Thumma
Celegorm emerged early in Tolkien's work on the "Silmarillion," but his evolution into the villain he would become in the published text is complicated, and he filled two surprising roles before coming fully into his own. The first of two parts considers how early work on the "Silmarillion" shaped his final characterization.
Between the Shadow and the Soul by sallysavestheday
It is Fingon -- again -- who leaps the gap that yawns between them.
Maedhros capitulates to Fingon, at last.
| 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: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 592 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Hyemation by sallysavestheday
Fingon winters in Himring.
| 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: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 495 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Transmutation by sallysavestheday
Elladan and Elrohir reforge Narsil into Andúril, and finally find themselves.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| 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, 176 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
