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] A Very Fire by Deborah Judge
Feanor and Fingolfin, from their youth to their fall.
"I will do this gladly," Fingolfin said, whispering into Feanor's mouth, grasping for reasons and sense. "Gladly, if it will bring peace between us. If it will end the madness."
"The madness will not end," Feanor…
[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.
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
And the Winner Is ...
Pit two characters against each other to see who wins. Characters can fight physically or match their wits or even magic. 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!
New and Updated Fanworks
Include Beyond the Silmarillion Fanworks
Coming of the Lindar by jamcake_muses
The last group of Elves journey to Aman, but their path is treacherous.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Uinen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: Times of Bliss |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 046 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Trinity by pandemonium_213
Three scientists discuss technology and responsibility in the Jornada del Muerto Valley on July 19, 1945.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Transformative Works as a Means to Develop Critical Perspectives in the Tolkien Fan Community by Dawn Felagund
This paper, presented at the Mythmoot III conference in Baltimore, Maryland, on 10 January 2015, considers the history of Tolkien fan fiction, the development of online Tolkien fan fiction communities, and how writers of Tolkien fan fiction use their stories to learn more about the texts and develop analytical and critical approaches toward those texts.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Presentation | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (3) |
The Scent of Old Books by downtide, Tanis
This is a modern-setting AU featuring Maedhros and Fingon, the spawn of a plotbunny I swiped from Lalaith. The setting is not named but it is actually based on Lincoln, England. There is indeed a cosy second-hand bookshop on the hill leading up to the Cathedral, but it is owned by neither a red-haired elf nor a lady named Edith.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
The OTHER Lays of Beleriand by Aiwen
The Lays JRR Tolkien did not write for very good reasons. Part Eight: The Harp and other poems. MEFA 2010 nominee.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Glorfindel, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Music , Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
The Little Boy by LadyBrooke
Once upon a time, a little boy made his mother a promise.
| Major Characters: Eldalótë, Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Spring Cleaning by Russandol, Dawn Felagund
One day during the Noontide of the Blessed Realm, Manwë and Varda get ready for a celebration at Ilmarin, their halls upon the peak of Taniquetil.
Written for B2MeM 2011, Day 31: Valinor.
2nd Place, Humour: General & Smaug's Treasure, MEFA 2011
| Major Characters: Mandos, Manwë, Oromë, Tulkas, Varda |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: B2MeM 2011 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
No Traveler Returns by IgnobleBard, Tanis
Namo confronts a newly dead Elf.
| Major Characters: Mandos |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Gentleman's Night Out by oshun, Tanis
The Hangover Redux set at the victory celebration at the Fields of Cormallen following the Battle of the Morannon, starring Legolas, Elladan, Elrohir, and Prince Erchirion of Dol Amroth. No, seriously, it is a consideration of Laws and Customs of the Eldar, Morgoth’s Ring, Volume 12, History of Middle-earth, with particular attention given to Noldorin, Sindarin, Silvan and Gondorian interpretations of that essay. (Actually, it is really not very serious.)
| Major Characters: Elrond, Legolas of Gondolin, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Heart-stung by Agelast, abbyforth
The thought of their ancient friendship stung his heart.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: B2MeM 2013 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Five Fires by Elleth, Dawn Felagund
Ambarussa is afraid of fire to this day. There were four instances in life that made him fear.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (1) |
Do You Believe in Ghosts? by oshun, Dawn Felagund
Fëanor allows Amrod and Amras to sleep outside on a spooky autumn evening and the question of ghosts comes up.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (1) |
A Ponderous Tome by oshun, Dawn Felagund
A short character study of a youthful Elrond and a reflection on an aspect of his relationship with Maedhros and Maglor; in response to Day 26 of the B2MeM challenge. The prompt is: “a teacher who played a key role . . . . write a character who educated his people in some way.”
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: B2MeM 2009 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Five Bells by Dawn Felagund, anuhealani
The people of Tirion learn of Miriel's death. For the Five Things challenge for SWG's fifth birthday. 2011 MEFA nominee.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Finwë, Indis, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: Finwë/Míriel |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
A Minor Talent by Lyra, Dawn Felagund
Young Findekáno develops a passion for a song that continues to follow him as the events of the Silmarillion unfold.
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
The Doom of Men by Erurainon
A song about a man passing through to the other side.
| Major Characters: Men |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
| Major Characters: Glirhuin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Death Is Mine by Erurainon
A noldo laments loss facing the grinding ice
| Major Characters: Noldor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
By the Shores of Nevrast by Erurainon
A brief lay of the grief of Arda and the shadow of Morgoth upon a traveler on a lonesome quest which ends in darkness
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: Season of Change |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
A Binding Shadow by Erurainon, Dawn Felagund
Of the shadow of Maeglin
| Major Characters: Maeglin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Glimpses of a Life in Ennore by Lferion
Maentâl Sílorion appeared in chapter 7 of Pages from the Archives of Cîr Imladris. He insisted on having more of his story told. Each chapter is intended to be able to stand alone.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Experimental, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: Naturalist's Guide to Middle-earth, New Year's Resolution, Times of Bliss, Utopia/Dystopia |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 726 |
| 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) |
At the Root of the Tree of Tales: Using Comparative Myth and "On Fairy-Stories" to Analyze Tolkien's Cosmogony by Dawn Felagund
This paper, presented at the Mythmoot II conference in Baltimore on 15 December 2013, looks at J.R.R. Tolkien's creation story, the "Ainulindale," in comparison to other world creation myths. The paper touches on similarities between Tolkien's story and other myths and the reasons for those connections but emphasizes how the differences--particularly the use of subcreation and creation through music--emphasize themes of integral importance to Tolkien's fictional world and life as an author.
| Major Characters: Eru Ilúvatar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Presentation | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Paper by Dawn Felagund
Curufin escapes to the realms of fantasy to escape the pressures of his family and discovers the thrill of first love.
| Major Characters: Unnamed Canon Character(s), Curufin |
| Major Relationships: Curufin/Unnamed Canon Character |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: Family Matters, Gift of a Story |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
A Septad of Silvestris Variables by Lferion
Fingon and inexplicable kittens
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Humor | Challenges: B2MeM 2020 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 691 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
The Eagle. by hennethgalad
Olwë witnesses Estë soothing an injured eagle.
back to middle earth month 2021
day 2: Valar.
| Major Characters: Estë, Gandalf, Manwë, Olwë, Radagast |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 195 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
