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
Turgon's Rock Opera
On the anniversary of the publication of "The Silmarillion," we’re reflecting on the importance of music in Arda with prompts that come from rock songs. 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
Liquid Fire by Narya
At the winter solstice celebrations in Cuiviénen, Ingwë’s brew goes to Finwë’s head…
| Major Characters: Finwë, Ingwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 364 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Turtles by Elsane
Argon manages to get both into and out of trouble for reasons he doesn't completely understand.
| Major Characters: Argon, Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 842 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Into the Mountains by StarSpray
Ohtar and his companion make their way into the Misty Mountains.
| Major Characters: Ohtar, Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Postcards from Middle-earth |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 626 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Laughter as light as a feather by firstamazon
Every summer, Macalaurë’s entire family takes a trip to the woods and sets up camp for a few days, enjoying the nice weather and each other’s companies.
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Anairë, Angrod, Aredhel, Argon, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Fëanor, Finarfin, Findis, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel, Glorfindel, Írimë, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel, Sons of Fëanor, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, Fluff, General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 595 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The City Over the Mountains by Narya
A midwinter dalliance grows into something neither Elemmakil nor Voronwë expect. Duty, family and the ghosts of their past lie between them, and beyond the Hidden City, the shadows lengthen and grow deep...
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Elemmakil, Idril, Voronwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Postcards from Middle-earth, Pride |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 758 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Now and Evermore by Katie Tran
The journey through the life of the legendary balrog-slayer, Glorfindel and a mortal woman as they pass through the ages of the world.
| Major Characters: Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 5, 142 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The King of Flames by Katie Tran
After relinquishing his Silmarils to the Two Trees and Yavanna, Fëanor had returned from Mandos to Arda Remade. Swarmed with past haunts and wounds, he was in need of a personal healer.
Khánh, a mortal woman and friend of the wisewoman Andreth, had grown bored of her current work with herbal lore in a small children's school and wanted expand her career.
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 095 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Imprisonment by Elsane
Morgoth hangs Maedhros on Thangorodrim.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 914 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Different beat of the heart by firstamazon
Maitimo suffers an accident and can't quite understand if it's him or his head that it's making him think funny. In other words, Maitimo slowly realizing.
| Major Characters: Amrod, Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fluff, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 323 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Guarded Heart by Narya
Gwindor's attention is not where it should be, and his brother has noticed.
| Major Characters: Finduilas, Gelmir (Nargothrond), Gwindor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 96 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Out Over Open Waters by Himring
The first of the great seafarers of Numenor is inspired by the tales of Elvish mariners of the First Age.
Update: another chapter / drabble added
| Major Characters: Erellont, Vëantur, Voronwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Naturalist's Guide to Middle-earth |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 199 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Bëor and the Faërie King by Aerlinn
The humans have their own story of how they met the Faërie King, what they gained and one they lost.
The story of Finrod and Balan later named Bëor, as told by an old woman in a mountain cabin.
| Major Characters: Balan, Bëor, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 023 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The Natatorium by Gabriel
All Tyelkormo wanted was time to himself, away from his parents, his brothers and his obligations. But circumstance deemed otherwise.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Finrod Felagund, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Humor | Challenges: Soap Opera |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 890 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Trouble in Tirion by lightofthetrees
Maitimo’s heart thudded in his chest with the finality of a falling hammer. We. Had the Valar pronounced this sentence upon all of them, or did Fëanáro assume the unwavering loyalty of his family in accepting his Doom as their own?
The unrest of the Noldor, and the aftermath of the confrontation between Feanor and Fingolfin, told from Maedhros' perspective.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Soap Opera |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 559 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Photosynthesis by Himring
Elrond and Bilbo discuss the importance of light.
| Major Characters: Bilbo Baggins, Elrond |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Soap Opera |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Shining Black by SkyEventide
The forest of Nan Elmoth is warded by magic and, apparently, inhabited. Celegorm and Curufin head into the woods, discovering who exactly lives in it. A "dark elf", who is a blacksmith. And is friends of the dwarves, and speaks Khuzdul. Curufin camps outside of the forest, to check that trade with the dwarves isn't disrupted by the encounter -- and to see if perhaps he could learn more about the enchantments that protect this land, and about its dweller.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Curufin, Eöl, Telchar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 851 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
In Arien's Light by Lferion
At the midsummer festival, is it necessary that one be shirtless?
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Romance | Challenges: Soap Opera |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 200 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Wisp'light Through the Trees by heget
A young boy is lost during the long hunt of the Eglath for their missing king.
| Major Characters: Dwarves, Eöl, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Horror, Suspense | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 882 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Finding Irmo. by hennethgalad
Galadriel has a vision in the Gardens of Lórien.
for namotober2020
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Gandalf, Lórien |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 849 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Meditation on Leadership by heget
Two High Kings and the calm acceptance of guilt, grace, and pressures of decision-making, leadership, and family.
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Ingwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 557 |
| 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) |
Regencies of Child Kings by heget
Gil-galad's earliest memories are shadowed by the dynastic intrigue of kings and princesses. He was supposed to be a child of the Long Peace.
| Major Characters: Círdan, Fingolfin, Fingon, Gil-galad, Lalwen, Meril |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 409 |
| 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) |
Young Bucks of Cuiviénen by heget
Side Stories from Of Ingwë Ingwerion - anything that did not fit into the main tale but worked as supplemential material. More world-building and character studies or a switch in point of view or timeline. Most are set during the period between the Awakening of the Elves and the Great Journey.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Finwë, Imin, Iminyë, Indis, Ingwë, Lalwen, Original Character(s), Rúmil (Valinor) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, General, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 8 | Word Count: 4, 977 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Shadows of Old Heroes by bunn
In dark Ossiriand, in one of the undocumented early minor confrontations during the War of Wrath, Maedhros, Maglor and Elrond confront an unexpected enemy. The story is seen from the point of view of Fëanor's unhoused spirit.
This is an excerpt from my longer story Quenta Narquelion that I have put here so I can use it for a SWG discord fanfic book club event.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 168 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Meet the Eye of the Morai by heget
A scene before the start of Service to the Dead. Aegnor shares works with another ghost in Mandos.
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 558 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Xenia and Philia by heget
The Teleri and the Vanyar during the Darkening of Valinor.
How healing begins.
| Major Characters: Teleri, Vanyar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 329 |
| 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) |
