Cultus Dispatches: Six Demographic Takeaways from the 2025 Tolkien Fanfiction Survey
Ten years of demographic data from the Tolkien Fanfiction Survey show consistencies in who reads and writes fanfiction, as well as a few key demographic shifts.
SWG News
New Challenge: Epic 80s
This month's challenge features hundreds of fresh prompts from the bodacious decade of the 1980s.
Cultus Dispatches: Communities Do Comment
Comment data from the SWG underscores community as an essential component to a robust commenting culture.
Instadrabbling Sessions for July, August, and September
Instadrabbling continues on the first Saturday of each month on our Discord server.
New & Updated Fanworks
[Writing] Dibbly Fresh, an Elfling-Sitters Club Story by annarobots
Need an elfling-sitter? Save time! Call The Elfling-Sitters Club and reach seven six experienced sitters.
Fingon, President
Daeron, Vice-President
Pengolodh, Secretary
Finrod, Treasurer
Maglor…
[Writing] The Orphan Princess and the BFG by octopus_fool
Elwing is fleeing towards the Havens of Sirion when she spots a nightly visitor.
During a visit to Círdan, Finrod discovers a new hobby involving tying ropes around various objects. Now, he's ready to take it to the next level, but there is a small kink in the plan - he wants a spotter to make sure everything goes well. Fortunately, Edrahil is available.
[Writing] Shepherd Princess by Himring
A princess and her sheepdog. (Drabble featuring a young Ancalime.)
[Writing] A Thousand Winds that Blow by StarSpray
When uneasy dreams bring him back into Beleriand, Daeron finds a pair of twins who have lost their home, and an enemy who has lost himself. The Shadow's reach is growing ever longer, and if they are to survive, they must do it together.
[Writing] From That Rubble by StarSpray
Fëanor shrugged, studying the contents of his wine glass. “Something must be done about that house. It will fall down eventually.”
“It does not follow that it must be you that tears it down single-handedly. Are you sure you do not want help?”
“It’s not as though I…
[Writing] A Song Amidst His Torment by Elrond's Library
Of course it was a trap.
Maitimo has to survive. He must. But what price is too high to pay for survival?
Current Challenge
Building Middle-earth
While Tolkien is known for his vast natural landscapes, those expanses are populated by people—and the buildings they construct. Whether a cottage tucked into the forest or the soaring spires of a grand city, the architecture of Arda can send the imagination adventuring through settings ethereal and astonishing. This month's challenge uses architecture to inspire fanworks. Read more ...
Random Challenge
Period Drama
A Matryoshka challenge where prompts are inspired by common tropes found in period dramas and historical fiction. Read more ...
New in References
Six Demographic Takeaways from the 2025 Tolkien Fanfiction Survey by Dawn Walls-Thumma
Data from the 2025 Tolkien Fanfiction Survey shows demographic changes in participant gender, age, and education and new revelations about neurodiversity.
Communities Do Comment: Expanding the 3C's of Commenting with SWG Data by Dawn Walls-Thumma
Expanding on my 2018 article "Why People Don't Comment," comment data from the SWG underscores community as an essential component to a robust commenting culture.
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.
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
Celedriel Week 2026
A Tumblr event week focusing on the relationship between Celeborn and Galadriel.
Esoteric Tolkien Week 2026
A fandom event dedicated to the strange, otherworldly, and inexplicable in Middle-earth and beyond.
Tolkien Disability Pride 2026
This Tumblr event focuses on ALL creative works focusing on disability in Tolkien's universe.
Scribbles and Drabbles 2026
Scribbles & Drabbles is a fic and art exchange with a minimum word count of 100 words.
New and Updated Fanworks
Include Beyond the Silmarillion Fanworks
Exodus of the Noldor by Writing Gecko
After the Exile of the Noldor, Arafinwe and Aule reflect on things which can be fixed, and those that cannot.
| Major Characters: Aulë, Finarfin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 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 (5) |
The First Kinslaying by fortunaavversa
The first kinslaying. [Artwork]
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Sons of Fëanor, Teleri |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 392 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
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| This fanwork is complete. |
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Memories Burned by Nixie Genesis
Nerdanel remembers her husband and sons while creating pottery.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 764 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Ashes of the Past by Lyra
On the eve of her wedding, a young Sinda makes a shocking discovery about her family history.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Ancestors |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 370 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Approaching Darkness by ryesil
Melkor, Ungoliant and the darkening of Valinor.
| Major Characters: Melkor, Ungoliant |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 103 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
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| This fanwork is complete. |
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This Time It's Different by Nixie Genesis
Melkor meets Ungoliant within her lair in order to fulfill his plan. They both converge on Aman and Melkor takes his revenge.
| Major Characters: Melkor, Ungoliant |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 029 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Some Things You Can't Punch by heget
One of the Noldor women left behind in Valinor is motivated to join the Army of the Valar and comes to Middle-earth looking for a childhood friend.
A short companion piece to Promise You won't Forget and Release from Bondage.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Other Fictional Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 441 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
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A King Unkinged (For the Love He Bore Feanor) by Himring
Finwe arrives in Formenos.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Fëanor, Finwë, Huan, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 469 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (13) |
Melkor Stirs Strife among the Noldor by Nixie Genesis
Melkor weaves his lies, especially between the sons of Finwë. (Artwork)
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingolfin, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 714 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
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| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
Amon-sûl. by hennethgalad
After learning his true name from Elrond, Aragorn rides to Amon-sûl with Glorfindel.
| Major Characters: Aragorn, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Ancestors |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 503 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
The Fates of Our Kin by LadyBrooke
It is an ill omen when a Prince of Doriath appears in the tent of a Dwarf without any weapons and lowers himself to sit beneath her while they speak of important matters.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Mablung, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 110 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
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| This fanwork is complete. |
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Dwarves Come into Beleriand by Robinka
The Dwarves arrive in Beleriand. (Artwork)
| Major Characters: Dwarves |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Comic Strip, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 548 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Something Lost, Something Found by Ulan
After losing their charge to the fell lands of Beleriand, three lords of Gondolin find themselves on the steps of a fortress.
Egalmoth clearly does not like their host, Glorfindel is acting strangely, and Himring's steward is kind of a toad. Surely, Ecthelion thinks, the day cannot get any worse.
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Egalmoth, Erestor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Humor, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 499 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The Kite. by hennethgalad
Amarië considers love, and Finrod.
| Major Characters: Amarië, Finrod Felagund, Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 401 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Creation of the Silmarils by Elwin Fortuna
Fëanor's creation of the Silmarils, in the form of a sestina.
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| 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: 337 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
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| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Fëanor makes the Silmarils by alikuu
Fëanor experiments with the light-retaining properties of Silima in the privacy of his forge.
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 865 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Bewildered by Dawn Felagund
Not all of the Eldar believed Valinor would be superior to Middle-earth. Having followed the man she loves from the land she loved also, Míriel struggles to cope with a strange life in a strange new land.
| Major Characters: Finwë, Ingwë, Míriel Serindë, Uinen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 639 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (15) |
Paths of Good Intentions by just_jenni
Melian is bored and travels to Arda to see the Quendi. She meets Elwe. His people wonder where he is.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Lenwë, Melian, Olwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 721 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
We were not born in Cuiviénen by Lyra
Morwë tells Oromë about the origins of his people, contradicting some stories the Vala has heard earlier.
| Major Characters: Morwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 894 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Sealed Together in Death by ingoldamn
Celegorm's musings before, during, and after the Battle of Menegroth.
Warning for: incest (referenced), non-graphic violence, major character death, and Celegorm's IssuesTM
| Major Characters: Celegorm |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 910 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Turn All Your Flesh As Gold by anthropologyarda
Aulë's expertise does not lie in lungs and sinews. Mairon teaches his Master more than he intends.
| Major Characters: Aulë, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 344 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
And She Slept by LadyBrooke
As Valinor is created, there are those who stay behind in the darkness to wait for those that come.
| Major Characters: Tom Bombadil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 465 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Young Gods by Fernstrike
It began in Almaren - when the world was new, and the gods were young, and the World seemed full of possibilities. It began beneath the earth, under great halls, inside a dark mirror.
| Major Characters: Arien, Melkor, Saruman, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 520 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
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| This fanwork is complete. |
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Eternal Cycles by lindahoyland
There is chaos in the Music, but all will be renewed. (Poem)
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| 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 (6) |
In the Beginning by Lordnelson100
Aragorn reads to his children about the creation of Arda. His daughter has a lot of questions. (One-shot)
| Major Characters: Aragorn |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 187 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
