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
With a Bit of Fairy Dust
Unleash your imagination by looking at fairy tales of old and mix them with Tolkien's own Mythopoeia or make up your own fairy tales featuring your own characters or such stories told by your characters. 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
Clear Skies and Bright Stars by StarSpray
“Come eat your supper, Eluréd,” said Nellas. “Afterward we’ll build a bonfire on the hillside, and I’ll teach you how they used to dance at Cuiviénen.”
| Major Characters: Eluréd, Elurín, Elves, Nellas, Tom Bombadil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Season's Greetings |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 717 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Fair Winds and Following Seas by bunn
The Noldor host of Aman is preparing for the War of Wrath. The High King's only living son and his wife are neither of them very happy about the situation.
| Major Characters: Edrahil, Eärwen, Finarfin, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 6, 163 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Mind's Delight by bunn
In the dwarf-city of Belegost, teenage Elrond and Elros are bored, and Maglor is not sure what to expect of half-elves.
Written as a treat for mainecoon76 in the Innumerable Stars 2019 exchange.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 963 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Unbridled Turmoils by bunn
The vampire Thuringwethil is a servant of Sauron. Meássë is a servant of Morgoth himself... in so far as Meássë serves anyone but chaos.
They're made for one another. [Thanks to raiyana for betaing!]
| Major Characters: Meássë, Thuringwethil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Hurt/Comfort, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 009 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Staff Dancer by Calendille
"Fëanaro and I lived in different worlds that did not mingle until the Pink Robes incident: that evening when Fëanaro came to our family dinner dressed in girl’s clothes."
Lalwendë, from childhood to Alqualondë, or how Dancing Like A Vanya can pave the road to killing.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingolfin, Finwë, Lalwen, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 8, 108 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
From the radiance of stars to mundane flames by Calendille
Fëanaro Curufinwë was the most radiant part of my soul, and I longed to relieve his happiest memories. Or: A Tale of how reality does not work that way.
| Major Characters: Curufin, Fëanor, Finwë, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 4, 812 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Scrape of the Knife Against the Vellum by heget
The story of the tenth companion of Finrod and Beren to die in the dungeons of Tol-in-Gaurhoth.
| Major Characters: Edrahil, Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 716 |
| 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) |
Yule Lights by Dawn Felagund
As the new lord of Ost-in-Edhil, Celebrimbor must preside over a Yule festivity lacking what he loved of the celebration when he was younger, elements that have become fraught by association with Fëanor, but Annatar has a surprise for him.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Curufin, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 034 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble by Raiyana
Nargothrond, Midwinter:
Curufin attempts to recreate a warming cordial from Aman with Beleriand ingredients. ->
Celegorm tests it. ->
Shenanigans.
Aka the accidental invention of miruvor
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Celegorm, Curufin, Finrod Felagund, Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: New Year's Resolution, Notion Club Revival |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 561 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
... of Fear by Raiyana
Glorfindel has made a discovery he doesn't understand, and Erestor ends up teaching him a lesson neither expected.
| Major Characters: Erestor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 706 |
| 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) |
... of Passion by Raiyana
Gwindor's captivity in Angband involves the torture he might have expected... until Gorthaur hatches a new plan to fulfil an old desire.
| Major Characters: Gwindor, Sauron, Thuringwethil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: New Year's Resolution, Sirens and Songstresses |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Rape/Nonconsensual Sex |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 188 |
| 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) |
Of Things Made to be Destroyed by janeways
This, too, will soon slip out of reach / This, too, will soon come to an end
Caranthir and Haleth, falling in love, despite it all.
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Haleth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 3, 626 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
i should stay far away by kimaracretak
Aredhel is dead, and her relationship with Thuringwethil evolves.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Thuringwethil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 795 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
All That May Become by Grundy
After the Sack of Eregion, the situation for the elves is dire. Celeborn's army is on the verge of being caught by Sauron when unexpected help arrives.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Elrond, Gildor, Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Holiday Feast |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 8, 125 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
By Any Other Name by Grundy
After the Sack of Eregion, Celebrían is trying to reach the valley where her father's forces have taken refuge. The situation is grim until she gets some unexpected help. Begun for the Main Course of the Holiday Feast.
| Major Characters: Celebrían |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Holiday Feast |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 5, 468 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Definitely Decorative by Lferion
A philosophical question on the nature of decoration, raised at a celebration of the Spring Equinox in Nargothrond, in the years of (relative) peace.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Poetry | Challenges: Season's Greetings |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 507 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Time Does Not Tarry by Idrils Scribe
Elrond has not climbed a tree in an Age, but when Elrohir's first Elvish Midwinter celebration drives home some painful truths, the Lord of Rivendell will do whatever it takes to get a smile. Or, alternatively: Elrond and Elrohir, sitting in a tree, ... discussing the fates of Elves and Men.
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Elrohir, Elrond |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: Season's Greetings |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 534 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
on my watch you'll be able to fly by kimaracretak
Galadriel and Melian, joy and magic lessons across the seasons in Doriath.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 406 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Yule 1420. by hennethgalad
Pippin writes a song to woo Diamond and his friends help him sing it.
| Major Characters: Frodo, Glorfindel, Lindir, Merry, Pippin, Samwise Gamgee |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Season's Greetings |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 680 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Déjà vu at Tarnin Austa by Himring
Death attends the summer festival, not once but twice.
| Major Characters: Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Season's Greetings |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 98 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
In Silence And In Song by Idrils Scribe
Welcome to Mereth Aderthad, the Feast of Reuniting! The High King of the Noldor is throwing a truly spectacular party. Tables are set with silver, Beleriand's finest wines sparkle in crystal glasses, and Fingolfin eagerly awaits his guests. Invitations were sent far and wide, but how many will turn up? And is that a dark, terrible secret tucked away behind the festive greenery?
This story is a holiday gift for Dawn Felagund, beta-reader extraordinaire, who requested a meeting between Maglor and Daeron and a look at Fingolfin. The story has both, though Lalwen insisted on doing most of the talking.
Many thanks to Grundy for the excellent beta!
| Major Characters: Daeron, Fingolfin, Fingon, Lalwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Family, General | Challenges: Season's Greetings |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 3, 538 |
| 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 (4) |
Enderi 3018 by Independence1776
Maglor is tasked with a mission.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: Season's Greetings |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 268 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Mr Underhill. by hennethgalad
Bilbo tells Frodo of his long relationship with another hobbit.
| Major Characters: Bilbo Baggins, Frodo, Gandalf |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 653 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 108 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Changing Light. by hennethgalad
The march of Fingolfin from Lanthir Lammoth to Thangorodrim.
"It was night again."
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Angrod, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel, Glorfindel, Idril, Írimë, Lindir, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Start to Finish |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 328 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
