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] 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.
[Writing] a riot of shadow and shine by Elrond's Library
These were simply flashes, a hint of a wider, greater world. A tantalizing glimpse of more, always at the edge of awareness, never within reach. Míriel would grasp it, if something as intangible as the concept of color could overflow in bounteous wonder over her hands.
But…
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
Promises Made/Promises Broken
Create a fanwork focusing on a promise. 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
New Directions by hennethgalad
The friends of Eärendil, returning from Valinor.
With a surprise visitor.
| Major Characters: Aerandir, Erellont, Falathar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: New Directions |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 512 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Messengers of Light and Dark by Zdenka
Varda's handmaiden and Sauron's messenger encounter each other in the night. (Ilmarë/Thuringwethil)
| Major Characters: Ilmarë, Thuringwethil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 371 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Across so Wide a Sea by bunn
Elrond, having arrived in Valinor at the end of the Third Age, goes to meet his mother, Elwing. Taking Maglor with him.
“Hmph. I suppose we can’t have him being beaten bloody on my doorstep.” Elwing said, unenthusiastically “Or killing someone.” Apparently Maglor was considered a random killer, like a biting dog. “Come in then, if you must.”
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elwing, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 577 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A Tale of Two Lirillos by Kaylee Arafinwiel
Lirillo the prince and Lirillo the Maia - an adventure of Alqualonde's youngest prince, coming of age during a time after the Trees, just before the sun and moon. Will the grandson of Olwe prove a match for Ulmo's servant, or will the Maia be up to the task of shepherding his young namesake into this new world intact?
| Major Characters: Ingwë, Maiar, Olwë, Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 2, 014 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Curumo, slices of vice. by Chiara Cadrich
The sad fate of a talented wizard.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 1, 215 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Let us Sing Together by StarSpray
There are strange things dwelling in the forests of Eriador
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Dwarves, Elrond, Elves, Goldberry, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 368 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
In The Darkest Days by LadyBrooke
Elu has gone to Valinor with Finwë and Ingwë, and those left behind are forced to make up for their absences, no matter how young the ones left behind are or if they have to find their own families.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Elmo, Indis, Míriel Serindë, Olwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 251 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A Hero of the Day by Robinka
Just an ordinary day out there on the Northern Marches of Doriath. Or maybe not so much…? Featuring your tall, strong, and handsome, not to mention favorite, wardens and some surprises. Written for the Matrioszka/Matrioshka challenge.
| Major Characters: Beleg, Mablung, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 295 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Companions on a Quest by oshun
Basically a story of Fëanor and Nerdanel meeting and beginning to fall for one another. But, secondarily, a story of Mahtan's household and his relationship with his apprentices, featuring his wife also.
Hero’s Journey Challenge – May-June 2017 – submitting this one to meet the deadline, although I would very much like to expand and continue the story. It should have been much longer, but I met all of the required prompts. I've enjoyed working in this world I have begun to build. I love the characters and the backstory I created, seventy percent of which I am not able to use in this short story--due to lack of time and organizational skills(!! we won't talk about chronic writers' block). I hope readers can enjoy it as a stand-alone, but I definitely will return! I am (maddeningly perhaps) leaving my full cast at the end of the story as a teaser.
Many thanks to IgnobleBard for his careful Beta and putting up with a formidable amount of b.s. and dysfunctionality!
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Mahtan, Nerdanel, Noldor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Het, Romance | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 519 |
| 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) |
Safety Net by Fernstrike
The year is 502 of the First Age. Doriath has already seen the Shadow seeping into its borders - and for Oropher, one of Thingol's chief counsels, it will not be long before it pierces into the vibrant heart of the realm.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Elu Thingol, Original Character(s), Oropher, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 691 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Like a Shadow of Shifting Silver by Kimberleighe
The backstory to Waiting for the Thunder. A story of Anairë and Fingolfin.
Chapter 9 posted! As the Games grow closer, there's tension rising among the Eldar.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Eärwen, Fëanor, Finarfin, Findis, Fingolfin, Finwë, Indis, Maedhros, Nerdanel, Noldor, Olwë, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, General, Het, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 32, 815 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Before The Dawn by Grundy
Though all seems bright in Gondolin, Idril is troubled.
| Major Characters: Elves, Idril, Maeglin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 508 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Shape of Things To Come by Grundy
Eärendil would not realize it until years later, but the whole of his future unfolded before him the day they finally reached the Havens of Sirion.
| Major Characters: Elwing, Eärendil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 99 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Crownless Queen by Tyelca
She is a Queen without a crown and he is a shining opportunity.
Or, how Ungoliant and Melkor poisoned the Trees and stole the Silmarils.
| Major Characters: Melkor, Ungoliant |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 99 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
A Different Kind Of Peace by Tyelca
During various moments in his life, Celebrimbor is forced to reconsider the meaning of peace.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Curufin, Narvi, Orodreth, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Revolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Torture, Character Death |
| Chapters: 13 | Word Count: 29, 318 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (28) |
One woman's journey by Lyra
From the bliss of Valinor to the turbulent shores of Middle-earth, the life of Galadriel never gets boring.
A series of vignettes following my set of prompts for the Matryoshka challenge.
| Major Characters: Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 4, 138 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
The Hero's Journey 5. by hennethgalad
Glorfindel confronts Celegorm.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| 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 (0) |
The Hero's Journey 4 by hennethgalad
Glorfindel admits his fear.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 101 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Fugue by Himring
Maedhros faces Elwing at the Havens of Sirion.
Chiefly from Maedhros's point of view.
With a cameo of little Elrond taking charge.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elwing, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 345 |
| 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) |
The Hero's Journey 3 by hennethgalad
The true nature of Celegorm becomes apparent to Glorfindel.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 38 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Day In The Life by hennethgalad
The youth of Glorfindel in Valinor
| Major Characters: Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| 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 (1) |
The Hero's Journey 2 by hennethgalad
Celegorm and Glorfindel meet.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 101 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The trails of Nan Elmoth by Chiara Cadrich
The tale of Aredhel and Eöl.
Part 5 - Dark deeds
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Eöl |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 11, 395 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
With Doom We Come by Lingwiloke
Gwindor and Finduilas meet for the last time before he leaves for what would afterwards be called the Battle of Unnumbered Tears.
| Major Characters: Finduilas, Gwindor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 616 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Just Deserts by Lingwiloke
Elros has found a starving Maglor on the beach. What now?
| Major Characters: Elros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 891 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
