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
Love Actually
Choose a quote from the canon about love and create a fanwork that responds to the quote. 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.
Dirty Deeds by AdmirableMonster
A young Númenorean has a close encounter with a deity of his mother's people.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Makar, Meássë |
| Major Relationships: Meássë & Original Character |
| Genres: Horror, Suspense | Challenges: Turgon's Rock Opera |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 799 |
| 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) |
When All Other Lights Go Out by sallysavestheday
Fëanor and Maedhros craft a gift that lasts for generations.
| 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: 7 | Word Count: 5, 463 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Falling/Rising by sallysavestheday
Caranthir manages Maedhros' recovery from torment on Thangorodrim. A treat for TRSB 2023.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 854 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
sown as seed in the dark by Melesta
‘None of the Valar, but the King rides upon Rochallor, his great steed. Yea, and wrathful he is, flying ahead as an arrow.’
-
Ard-galen witnesses Fingolfin's final stand.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Melkor, Setting as Character |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 844 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Círdan's Guide to sailing the Straight Road by daughterofshadows
The sea is full of dangers, and the Straight Road is no exception.
As my people now leave these shores behind, it is my hope that this book will be of aid to those who choose to sail in the years to come.
May it guide you safely across the sea and to the shores of Valinor and may the wind and the waves be ever in your favour.
"Travel advice was very helpful, but we were glad the people of Dol Amroth helped us to build the boat. 4/5 stars." - L&G
"Perhaps finding this book was a sign to finally sail and face whatever awaits me across the sea." - M. F.
"Mighty helpful book. Wouldn't have made it across the sea without it. Hope I'll get to say thank you in person someday. 5/5 stars." - S. G.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Nonbinary Character(s), Círdan |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, General | Challenges: Roaring Twenties |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 5, 331 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Something there is that doesn't love a wall by kimikocha
“Nana,” Legolas asks one day through a mouthful of stewed berries, “How come your eyes are so shiny?”
It’s an innocent question, and predictable in hindsight — neither of which help his parents in knowing how to answer it.
[Written for TRSB 2023, Art #77 - Exploring the Past. Posted for SWG Roaring Twenties Challenge - N1, Bright Young Things.]
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Nonbinary Character(s), Legolas Greenleaf, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: Legolas Greenleaf & Thranduil, Thranduil & Original Character, Thranduil/Original Character |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: Roaring Twenties |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Check Notes for Warnings, In-Universe Intolerance, In-Universe Racism/Ethnocentrism |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 130 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
In the Light of the Trees and After by Lferion
Ficlets, drabbles, and other small pieces set primarily in early Valinor.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: Fingon & Maedhros |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General, Poetry | Challenges: Crackuary, Naturalist's Guide to Middle-earth, New Year's Resolution, Roaring Twenties |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 508 |
| 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) |
Mysteries Too Marvelous by StarSpray
The first time Tim stepped out of his world and into Faerie, he almost didn’t notice.
| Canon Source: Smith of Wootton Major |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Faery Queen, Smith Smithson, Tim of Townsend |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 750 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Risk of the Day by Independence1776
My second moodboard for TRSB 2023: a rule 63 Maglor in space AU.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Moodboard/Collage |
| Genres: Adventure, Alternate Universe, Science Fiction | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (4) |
Maglor tortured moodboard by Independence1776
Moodboard for TRSB 2023, wherein I request Maglor to be tortured. The collage is not graphic, but does contain images of torture implements or things that can be used as such.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maglor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Moodboard/Collage |
| Genres: Horror, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Torture |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
When the Phoenix Cries by kimikocha
“It's not your fault,” whispers a voice very like Tyelpë’s — but Tyelpë isn’t here. There is no succor left for Mairon; no refuge in this land of Men permitted only to stand at the gates of the world and gaze in longing toward its glory.
In Númenor, Mairon longs for what he has lost. Tyelpë comes to find him.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Celebrimbor/Sauron |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Domestic and Partner Violence, Mature Themes, Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 19, 946 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Don't Look Back by Grundy
Elrond and Elros steal some time to go on a private adventure during the War of Wrath.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros |
| Genres: | Challenges: Roaring Twenties |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 370 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
The Round Sun is Falling by StarSpray
My piece for Tolkien Reverse Summer Bang 2023! This is my first year participating as an artist and I'm very excited.
The title comes from Legolas' song in ROTK; Zhie wrote the accompanying fic Never and Forever, featuring Legolas and Thranduil!
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Fiber/Textile Art |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (1) |
Carrying the Hope of All the World by Rocky41_7
Elwing arrives on Vingilot, bearing news of the Third Kinslaying. Earendil and his sailors must make a choice.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Eärendil, Elwing |
| Major Relationships: Eärendil/Elwing |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 8, 103 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
True North by sallysavestheday
Maglor and Fingolfin meet for the first time since Losgar and the Ice.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 927 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Craft |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (1) |
Feanorion Nightlight by Grundy
Stained glass nightlight created for TRSB23.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Craft |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (4) |
Let There Be Light by StarSpray
When the Valar descended from the Timeless Halls into Eä, they found all in darkness, with nothing there of the world they had seen and sung.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Ilmarë, Varda |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: Roaring Twenties |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 566 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (17) |
With All Due Respect... by cuarthol
Caranthir pens a letter to his cousin, seeking assistance for the People of Haleth.
A teaser from the Tolkien Reverse Summer Bang 2022 fic Wanderlust which is now available to read in full on AO3
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: Caranthir & Finrod |
| Genres: Ficlet, Humor | Challenges: Zingers |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 194 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
The View from within the Mountains by Dawn Felagund
Pengolodh ponders how best to craft the story of the early First Age. (Drabble)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Pengolodh |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 99 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Ómar-Amillo by Dawn Walls-Thumma
One of the gods of music in the early legendarium, Ómar is called by Christopher Tolkien "a divinity without much substance" and swiftly faded from the story. His brief existence may shed light on Tolkien's evolving sense of how his fictional universe aligns with the historical peoples that inspired him.
Shadow's Scribbles 2022 by daughterofshadows
Artwork for Scribbles & Drabbles 2022
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Celegorm |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Moodboard/Collage |
| Genres: Adventure, Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (3) |
A Passing Thing by Narya
A moodboard created for TRSB23, inspired by the Tolkien biopic.
| Canon Source: Tolkien (film) |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Moodboard/Collage |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Adventures of Pixel Tuor by emma_racandil
Pixel-style artwork of Tuor's journey.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Elemmakil, Idril, Maeglin, Tuor, Turgon, Voronwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Illustration |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (1) |
Maia of Manwë by emma_racandil
A pixel artwork of a Maia of Manwë.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Eönwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: No type listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (1) |
