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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] 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] 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] 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
Holidays in Arda
Set a fanwork in a place that you would like to visit on Arda, whether a city, region, island, or body of water. 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.
Diplomatic Relations by Uvatha the Horseman
50 years before the War of the Ring, the Mouth of Sauron is pranked by the Nazgul on his first day as Chief Ambassador for Mordor.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Nazgûl, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 908 |
| 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) |
Another Man's Trash by Uvatha the Horseman
The Ring has been destroyed, yet Barad-dur still stands. Saruman goes inside to search for anything Sauron might have left behind that will tell him how to make a Ring.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Gríma Wormtongue, Saruman, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 11 | Word Count: 12, 493 |
| 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) |
Writing by Candlelight by Himring
Maedhros writes to Fingon.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Maedhros |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| 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) |
Becoming Bookverse: Jackson's Films as an Initiation Point for Tolkien's Book Fandom by Dawn Walls-Thumma
As the debut of Amazon's Rings of Power series approaches, fans wonder how their Tolkien fandom communities will be changed by the new show. Using Tolkien Fanfiction Survey data, this article makes the case that, while Tolkien-based media franchises bring new fans to the fanfiction fandom, the stories those fans write become almost wholly book-based.
Starlight, Moonlight, light my sky tonight by Himring
Celeborn and Tom Bombadil watch the moon above the Ered Luin.
For the first time, Celeborn begins to have faith in the Second Age.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Tom Bombadil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Ongoing Efforts of the Healer by Rocky41_7
In the wake of the queen's death, Elrond attempts to ease Thranduil's pain, and soothe his worries for his child.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Thranduil |
| Genres: General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 215 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
What was, what is, and what might be by chrissystriped
Osse and Nowe share some private time together. Nowe has a question about Osse's past. Osse does not want the Teleri to leave for Aman.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Círdan, Ossë |
| Major Relationships: Círdan/Ossë |
| Genres: Slash | Challenges: Arda on Ice |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 410 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 101 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Wandering Woodcarver by Himring
During the Siege, one of the more peaceful times in the history of Beleriand:
Oderen, the woodcarver, and his wife Emlinn have returned from their travels to their home in Brithombar in the Falas.
But not for very long.
Soon they will set out again...
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: Original Character/Original Character |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 205 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
In the Glittering Halls of King Felagund by Rocky41_7
In his youth, Thranduil went on a diplomatic mission to Nargothrond on behalf of Elu Thingol. His report on the trip was remarkably brief.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: Finrod/Thranduil, Male/Male |
| Genres: Romance, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 16, 566 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Da Capo by Grundy
Everyone has to start somewhere - though not all children realize it. Drabble written for the Opposites Attract challenge.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros & Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Opposites Attract |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| 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) |
How I met your mother by daughterofshadows
Rog tells Celebrilmal how he first met her mother when Celebrilmal is in need of some patching up
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Rog |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Opposites Attract |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 554 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The way of things by firstamazon
Maitimo helps Fëanáro, and Fëanáro decides something important.
Written for the Monthly Challenge Opposites Attract with the prompt "organized-chaotic"
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor & Maedhros |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet, General | Challenges: Opposites Attract |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 707 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
A Sudden Outcry: The Tolkien Estate and Fanworks by SWG Newsletter Staff
In March 2022, the Tolkien Estate opened a newly designed website, including an FAQ that left fans asking: Did the Tolkien Estate just ban fanworks? We use the Estate's history, along with copyright law, to make the case that fans have nothing to fear.
Death of an Orc by Himring
Sometime in the Fourth Age, Maglor, wandering along the shore, comes across a dying orc.
This leads him to question some of his beliefs and reconsider earlier experiences.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maglor, Orcs |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 237 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
United We Stand by Rocky41_7
The Feanorians had not looked for their Exile kin, and had expected no reunion. When Nolofinwe arrives in Middle-earth, they must determine if he has come as friend or foe.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Celegorm, Fingolfin, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Family | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 862 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Come Back to the Valley by StarSpray
Celebrían sees Elrond off when he departs for Mordor, and she is there to greet him when he returns.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Elrond |
| Major Relationships: Celebrían/Elrond |
| Genres: Het | Challenges: Opposites Attract |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 596 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A Difference of Interpretation, A Similarity of Intent by Rocky41_7
Nerdanel is certain she and Prince Fëanáro are not courting; Fëanáro has another perspective.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor/Nerdanel, Female/Male |
| Genres: Fluff, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 587 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Sky was Cloudless Blue by Rocky41_7
The Feanorians leave blood and ash in their wake, and Thranduil searches for Elrond and Elros in the wreckage of the Havens.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Unnamed Female Canon Character(s), Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: Thranduil/Unnamed Canon Character, Female/Male |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 281 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Insomnia by Sublime Penguin
Anairës nightly vigil before Ñolofinwë leaves, illustration for Till Morning Breaks by Raiyana
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Anairë, Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: Anairë/Fingolfin |
| Artwork Type: Drawing/Painting |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (5) |
Transcript of Divorce Proceedings: Mairon v. Melkor by Rocky41_7
Official family court transcript of the divorce proceedings in the matter of Mairon v. Melkor.
Expletives have been redacted from the transcript.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Melkor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Melkor/Sauron |
| Genres: Humor, Script/Play/Screenplay | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 783 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Forge by Sublime Penguin
Gereth at her forge.
As far as I know, there's no lore regarding elves and tattoos. I love the idea that they might have had them, but with special ink that made them appear differently, or not at all, depending on circumstances like day, mood, and words spoken.
Notes:
Done for the Worldbuilding Exchange 2018, for Lunarium and heavily inspired by their works featuring Gereth
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Gereth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Drawing/Painting |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (10) |
Under Cloud and Under Star by StarSpray
Peony Took intends to outdo her cousin Bilbo in her travels, and heads to Rhûn. There she finds the growing presence of servants of Mordor, but also Elves--and one in particular in dire need of rescue.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 20, 340 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Air All Full of Singing by StarSpray
Roverandom is left behind and bored when his boy goes off on holiday, but then a strange magical musician comes through town...
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Daeron, Goldberry, Maglor, Thranduil, Tom Bombadil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 10, 941 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Ossë by Dawn Walls-Thumma
One of the longest-enduring characters in the legendarium, Ossë evolved over the decades from a perilous character adjacent to Melkor himself to a figure both dangerous and benevolent.
