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] Add Another Stone by StarSpray
The thing about forgiveness, he thought, was that it was so much easier when the object of it was far away—or dead. It was so much easier to let it all go when those responsible were far away and unable to do any more harm.
[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…
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
Sibling Rivalry
Create an AU fanwork where an original character--you!--tries to influence his or her canon sibling in some way or in which you choose a sibling to influence you. 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.
With Daisies in Her Hair by StarSpray
Sam has just settled himself on Tol Eressea when Galadriel comes to call.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Samwise Gamgee |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, Fluff, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 897 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Apple Pies for Welcome by StarSpray
"Haven’t you heard what Cousin Bilbo’s gone and done? He’s fetched Cousin Frodo back from Buckland, to live with him at Bag End! And he’s going to adopt him as his heir, all formal-like."
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Bilbo Baggins, Frodo, Hobbits |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, Fluff, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 669 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Mountain Blooms by StarSpray
“Oh, what a beautiful day!” Belladonna skipped out into the sunshine, breathing in deeply. The Dwarven cities beneath the Blue Mountains were wonderful, but it was always a relief to emerge into the world again, to see the sky and the grass and the flowers and trees that grew on the mountainside. “Dís, look at all the flowers!”
| Canon Source: Hobbit, Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Belladonna Took Baggins, Dís |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Femslash, Ficlet, Fluff | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 630 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The First Time - Ever I Saw Your Face by Gabriel
After an age of sorrow, Erestor has a new chance at love and with someone he did not expect. But can Imladris' resident Councillor let go of the past and of heartbreak to allow something new to blossom.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Historical Character(s), Elrond, Erestor |
| Major Relationships: Elrond/Erestor |
| Genres: Drama, Romance, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 571 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Dearest Cousin by StarSpray
Ioreth's cousin writes to her not long after she has gone to Minas Tirith to study healing.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Ioreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 598 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
"The House of a Friend" & other drabbles by Himring
The friendship of Narvi and Celebrimbor: Narvi and Celebrimbor work on the Doors of Moria and other scenes.
Now added: Exploring Upwards (extra double drabble)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Dwarves |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 8 | Word Count: 953 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (22) |
Answering Light by Anérea
Inspired by Surfacing, Into Light by Maggie Honeybite featuring Keiliss' Erestor and Gil-galad from Answers in the Dark, the sequel to Burning Bright: The Road.
- - -
Music: Come Back to Us · Thomas Newman
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Erestor, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: Erestor/Gil-galad |
| Artwork Type: Character/Portrait, Drawing/Painting, Illustration |
| Genres: Romance, Slash | Challenges: Restoration and Rebuilding |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (20) |
Runaway Horses by Himring
A runaway conversation about runaway horses.
Early in the Fourth Age, some of our heroes meet at Bree, including Merry, Elrohir, Faramir and Eowyn.
In the evening, the conversation takes an unexpected turn; stories are told and the stories range widely...
A Tale for the New Year (originally written in January 2019).
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Éowyn, Faramir (Fellowship), Hobbits, Men, Merry |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 142 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Stupid Sexy Gil-galad by bunn
In which the mysterious manner in which Gil-galad obtained the power to banish Galadriel to Valinor is revealed.
| Canon Source: Rings of Power (TV show) |
| Major Characters: Eru Ilúvatar, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: Eru Ilúvatar/Gil-galad |
| Genres: Crackfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 490 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Bookkeeper by StarSpray
Elanor sits down to make a copy of the Red Book
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Eagles, Elanor Gardner |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, Fluff, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 627 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
“The Burnt Hand Teaches Most About Fire”: Applying Trauma Exposure and Ecological Frameworks to Narratives of Displacement and Resettlement Across Elven Cultures in Tolkien’s Middle-earth by UnnamedElement
This two-part paper discusses different elven responses to trauma exposure and forced displacement in Beleriand and Middle-earth (absolutely not exhaustive!). The first half of the paper focuses on Elrond's response to traumatic stress, while the second half compares the impact of Galadriel and Oropher's migration into formerly Silvan realms. First given at the Tolkien Society's Diversity & Tolkien seminar in 2021.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Galadriel, J.R.R. Tolkien, Nandor, Oropher, Sindar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 5, 961 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
After The Fall by Grundy
A moodboard showing the path of the survivors of Gondolin.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| 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 (1) |
The Wealth of Yavanna's Imagining by Grundy
A Yavanna moodboard featuring her creation of birds and other flying creatures.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Yavanna |
| 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 (2) |
Helcaraxë by Anérea
The followers of Fingolfin Nolofinwë spent years (or decades, depending on which version of Tolkien's maths you subscribe to) on the treacherous crossing of the grinding ice between Aman and Middle-Earth.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elenwë, Elves, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Idril, Noldor, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Drawing/Painting, Illustration, Landscape |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
For Godhood is Wrought of Blood by vaecordia
The swelling influence of the Elven kindgoms caught thus the notice of one who named himself Annatar, and to Eregion he arrived with little flourish yet with much to give. He came before Celebrimbor, and bowed deep in respect, which impressed the Lord for the humility of one so great as him, as a Maia, as one of the Ainur.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Celebrimbor/Sauron |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Torture, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 10, 584 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
From the Houseless Hills by StarSpray
Carn Dûm had always been a far distant and ancient terror, a dark shadow on the most distant horizon. But with the influx of orcs into the north out of the Misty Mountains and perhaps from even farther away, there were rumors that the Enemy wanted to retake Carn Dûm and begin rebuilding the old kingdom of Angmar.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Aragorn |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, General, Suspense | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 337 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Song of Spring by StarSpray
The war is over, and now Radagast's real work can begin.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Radagast |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 672 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Angrod - Lord of Dorthonion by Gabriel
This artwork is a depiction of Angrod, son of Finarfin, and all that represents his life in Dorthonion. It is also a companion piece to a story I recently uploaded, 'Star In The Darkness.'
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Historical Character(s), Angrod |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Moodboard/Collage |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
Storm Season by Independence1776
My first artwork for TRSB 2022. Huan washes ashore in Fourth Age Harad, where Maglor has been living for decades.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Huan, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Moodboard/Collage |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (6) |
Plaything by chrissystriped
Sauron wants to try a new invention on his subordinate. Mormirion is not amused.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Maiar, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Sauron/Original Character |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 127 |
| 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) |
Falcon-golden Eyes by chrissystriped
Eonwe and Reviahûn spend some free time together.
Two falcons race across the sky to fight out who gets to be on top.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Eönwë, Maiar |
| Major Relationships: Eönwë/Original Character |
| Genres: Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 050 |
| 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) |
Finding Lost Family by chrissystriped
After Sharû and his soldiers help the slaves of Angband regain their freedom, they are prisoners of war. Future is an uncertain thing for both the orcs and the freed elves. Ecthelion intends to make life better for all of them.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Ecthelion of the Fountain, Elves, Orcs |
| Major Relationships: Ecthelion/Original Character |
| Genres: Hurt/Comfort, Romance, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, In-Universe Racism/Ethnocentrism, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 25 | Word Count: 69, 819 |
| 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) |
Pies and Presents by StarSpray
One year Bilbo has a particularly special present for Frodo on their birthday.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Bilbo Baggins, Frodo |
| Major Relationships: Bilbo & Frodo |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet, Fluff | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 405 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
"You are so beautiful when you scream, Maitimo." by chrissystriped
Melkor is very pleased to have Maedhros as his prisoner.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: Maedhros/Melkor |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Sexual Content (Graphic), Torture |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 4, 735 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Surfacing, Into Light by Maggie Honeybite
On the night before he sails to Númenor on his mission, Erestor has a dream that sends him to Gil-galad's room in search of some sexual healing. Inspired by Keiliss' Answers in the Dark series, fits in right after Tea and History (or chapter 7 of Answers in the Dark). Alternatively, could be read as just a hot PWP. A gift for Keiliss.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Erestor, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Gil-galad |
| Genres: Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 700 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
