New Challenge: Crossroads of the Fallen King
Cross "The Silmarillion" with a second text or fandom in this month's crossover challenge.
SWG News
A Sense of History: Thálatta! Thálatta!
While he never climbs the stairs of this Elf-tower, in Lothlórien Frodo Baggins descends a flight of steps to look into Galadriel’s Mirror, wherein he first sees the sea. This post examines the view.
Choose a Name for Our New Column!
Our temporarily titled "location bio" will focus on the landscapes and locations of Middle-earth. We need your help naming it!
New Challenge: Tengwar
Each day for thirty-six days, we feature a randomly chosen letter from the Tengwar as a prompt.
New & Updated Fanworks
[Writing] Tengwar: To The Letter by cuarthol
For the Tengwar prompt challenge.
All 36 prompts plus bonus chapter
[Writing] A blip on the radar by daughterofshadows
Humanity took to the skies. Eärendil and Ilmarë adjust.
[Writing] History abandons us by AdmirableMonster
During his incarceration in Roderick Burgess' basement, Dream receives a strange, ancient visitor.
[Writing] Tengwar Acrostics by Himring
Responses to the Tengwar Challenge in which first letters spell out the name of a tengwa.
1) Early Encounter (Nerdanel, Indis)
2) Numenorean Lullaby (Almarian, Aldarion)
[Writing] Tengwar Drabbles by cílil
A collection of Silmarillion-centric drabbles written for the Tengwar Challenge. Short and sweet!
[Writing] If i get home before daylight by BloodwingBlackbird
a traveler meets a stranger at a crossroads.
Current Challenge
Crossroads of the Fallen King
Create a fanwork that crosses with a second text or fandom. Read more ...
Tengwar
A daily prompt of a Tengwar letter per day. Read more ...
Random Challenge
Breaking Boundaries
Create a fanwork that shows a meeting between characters of two or more cultures. Read more ...
New in References
Thálatta! Thálatta! by Simon J. Cook
[]While he never climbs the stairs of this Elf-tower, in Lothlórien Frodo Baggins descends a flight of steps to look into Galadriel’s Mirror, wherein he first sees the sea. This post examines the view.
[]
With Gildor Inglorion we finally climb the stairs of Elostirion and look on the view, and what we see appears to reveal a hidden thread in the story of Frodo Baggins. This post reads two annotated translations of two Elvish songs to step through a crossroads in the narrative to arrive at the tower on the margin of the story, wherein is a stone that is a window onto Valinor.
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.
Beyond the Silmarillion
[Writing] Waybread (The Waybredlik) by Himring
[]Lembas speaks out.
[Series] Apr 1st Stories by Uvatha the Horseman
[]Once a year on April 1st, a canon character from LOTR or the Silmarillion gets pranked.
[Writing] Crossing Forest River by Dawn Felagund
[]Bilbo recounts, in verse, the attempt of Gandalf, Beorn, and him to cross the Forest River after the Battle of Five Armies. Written for the Hungarian Tolkien Society's 2024 Mailing Competition.
Around the World and Web
Mythcon 53: Fantasies of the Middle Lands
Mythcon 53 will be held 2-5 August 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with the theme "Fantasies of the Middle Lands."
Teitho May/June Challenge: Joker
For the May/June Teitho challenge, you can pick ANY of our past challenges that stir your imagination and write a story or create art for it.
Monstrous May 2024
Monstrous May is a Tumblr event where, for each day of the month of May, there is a prompt involving and invoking the monstrous.
Fellowship of the Fics: Modern AU May
During May, Fellowship of the Fics offers modern AU prompt lists for setting, character occupation, and dialogue on Tumblr.
May challenge at tolkienshortfanworks
The May challenge has been posted to the tolkienshortfanworks community on Dreamwidth. Thematic challenge: name; formal challenge: acrostic. As usual, these can be filled independently and freely combined with other prompts such as the SWG challenges. New participants welcome!
New and Updated Fanworks
Include Beyond the Silmarillion Fanworks
Making Plans by StarSpray
A conversation between Tuor and Idril concerning their plans for escape from Gondolin.
| Major Characters: Idril, Tuor |
| Major Relationships: Idril/Tuor |
| Genres: Experimental, Ficlet, Het | Challenges: Experimental |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 212 |
| Posted on 9 November 2023 | Updated on 9 November 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Autumn Crown by Flora-lass
An attempt at a sonnet for the Experimental challenge.
Thranduil returns to Greenwood the Great, with a diminished army and without Oropher.
| Major Characters: Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Experimental |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 113 |
| Posted on 8 November 2023 | Updated on 8 November 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (15) |
Empty Streets by StarSpray
Fingon comes to Nevrast and finds it empty.
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: Aredhel & Fingon, Fingon & Turgon |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 313 |
| Posted on 7 November 2023 | Updated on 7 November 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Across the Dance Floor by StarSpray
Anairë, newly come to Tirion, gets her first look at Prince Nolofinwë.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: Anairë/Fingolfin |
| Genres: Ficlet, Het | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 597 |
| Posted on 6 November 2023 | Updated on 6 November 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The Morning Star Shines on Everyone by Himring
Short extracts from Pallando's notebook, mirroring encounters of the Blue Wizards in the East.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Experimental |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 12 |
| Posted on 31 October 2023 | Updated on 31 October 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Western Lands Beneath the Sun by StarSpray
“Well, Sam,” said Frodo one sunny afternoon as they sat together in the garden, “what do you think of Elves, now that you have seen Elvenhome?” He spoke with a smile, and both of them remembered the times before that he had asked the question—after first meeting Gildor and his party and spending the night with them at Woody End, and later at Rivendell, and later still as their sojourn in Lothlórien came to an end. It was practically tradition.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Frodo, Samwise Gamgee |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fluff, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 873 |
| Posted on 30 October 2023 | Updated on 30 October 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Thuringwethil and Tilion by Himring
A haiku about Thuringwethil and Tilion. (I added a photo.)
| Major Characters: Thuringwethil, Tilion |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 16 |
| Posted on 28 October 2023 | Updated on 28 October 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Interview with artist Ruslan Shapolov by Anérea
A behind the scenes look at the creating of a book of Silmarillion illustrations by Ukranian artist Ruslan Shapolov.
Letter for you by daughterofshadows
Over the course of their friendship, Arador and Belladonna write many letters to each other.
Here are two of them.
| Major Characters: Arador, Belladonna Took Baggins |
| Major Relationships: Arador & Belladonna Took Baggins |
| Genres: Experimental | Challenges: Experimental |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 257 |
| Posted on 26 October 2023 | Updated on 27 October 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
| Major Characters: Aerin, Beleth, Morwen, Sador Labadal |
| Major Relationships: Aerin/Morwen |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Domestic and Partner Violence, In-Universe Intolerance, Mature Themes, Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 713 |
| Posted on 26 October 2023 | Updated on 27 October 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Like a White Fire Within by fingonsradharp
Findekáno’s coronation should have been a grand affair. Moringotto was dead, and the Ñoldor could begin to rebuild and slowly retake the lands the Enemy had destroyed in the battle that they had all thought was the beginning of the end.
But Findekáno’s father had fallen even as he slew the Black Foe. Over four hundred years he had ruled, and Findekáno knew this was quite possibly the worst time for a change in leadership.
He still didn’t know where Turukáno and Írissem were.
He still had not heard from Russandol.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Maedhros, Fingon & Lalwen |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama, Romance, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 7, 253 |
| Posted on 27 October 2023 | Updated on 27 October 2023 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Other Side of the Mirror by fingonsradharp
Celebrimbor must face the reality that Annatar, his friend, confidant, partner, and lover, is and always was Sauron, the lieutenant of Morgoth and the Torturer of Angband.
Mairon must come to terms with his own broken promises and the lies he had to tell to create his Rings of Power.
Ten of the Rings are hidden. Celebrimbor knows where they are. Sauron wants the Rings. Celebrimbor wants Annatar.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Celebrimbor/Sauron |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Torture |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 2, 251 |
| Posted on 27 October 2023 | Updated on 27 October 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Little Stars by fingonsradharp
Elrond and Elros are kidnapped, again. But this time, the only people who are around to rescue them are their other kidnappers.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros & Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: Family, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 048 |
| Posted on 27 October 2023 | Updated on 27 October 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Variations on Fear and Lack Thereof by fingonsradharp
Elrond and Elros are afraid of the Feanorions, until they aren't.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros & Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 495 |
| Posted on 27 October 2023 | Updated on 27 October 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
I Go To Find The Sun by cuarthol
A letter arrives for Galadriel, but what is left unsaid sends the loudest message.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: Celeborn/Galadriel |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 607 |
| Posted on 26 October 2023 | Updated on 26 October 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Say Not Farewell by cuarthol
“I thought I was stronger than a word, but I just discovered that having to say goodbye to you is by far the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.” – Colleen Hoover
For the prompt epistolary.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: Finrod & Galadriel |
| Genres: Experimental, Family, General | Challenges: Experimental |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 500 |
| Posted on 26 October 2023 | Updated on 26 October 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (16) |
Tritina: Sirion by sallysavestheday
The Sons of Fëanor descend on Sirion. Elwing rises.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Experimental |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 89 |
| Posted on 23 October 2023 | Updated on 23 October 2023 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
1936 by Simon J. Cook
In 1936, a shadow had fallen over Europe. Tolkien's lecture on Beowulf looked to the past to draw for the present moment a theory of courage in the face of an uncertain future.
The Rock Garden by Simon J. Cook
An early draft of Tolkien's essay on "Beowulf" used a rock garden analogy to show how the critics—who were actual people whom Tolkien knew—were responding incorrectly to the poem.
Scorched by polutropos
"They do not touch anymore, not even in violence. Maglor has no need of him. It is his foals, grazing upon his barren spirit, who have brought him back to life."
A messy entanglement, from four perspectives.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Maedhros/Maglor, Elrond & Elros, Elros & Maglor, Elrond/Maedhros |
| Genres: Drama, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Incest, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 5, 020 |
| Posted on 22 October 2023 | Updated on 22 October 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
O, Cousin Mine by sallysavestheday
Orcs reflect on Elves.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Experimental |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 243 |
| Posted on 22 October 2023 | Updated on 22 October 2023 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Theorycrafting: Interview with Scedasticity of the "Silmarillion Headcanon Survey" by Scedasticity and Dawn Felagund
The Silmarillion Headcanon Survey is a sprawling project that seeks to document where fans fall on various fan theories. Lead researcher Scedasticity discusses its inspiration, what it shows of the fandom, and what lies ahead for the project.
The Last Story by Aldwen
Only stones now remember the Elves or Eregion… Is it true? A Silvan Elf learns better as he listens to the story of an ancient holly-tree.
| Major Characters: Original Agender Character(s), Celebrimbor, Legolas Greenleaf |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 537 |
| Posted on 18 October 2023 | Updated on 18 October 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Oh Maedhros, don't look back in anger by Varda delle Stelle
A moodboard retelling the major events in Maedhros' life from Valinor to his death in Beleriand
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Moodboard/Collage |
| Genres: | Challenges: Turgon's Rock Opera |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 15 October 2023 | Updated on 15 October 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (9) |
Wayward Daughter, Carry on by Himring
The story of a young eagle: how and why she made her way from Valinor to Beleriand.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Eagles, Manwë, Oromë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Turgon's Rock Opera |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 1, 911 |
| Posted on 11 October 2023 | Updated on 15 October 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
