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
Hidden Figures
Create a fanwork featuring a rare character or textual ghost in a leading role. 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
A Queen For The Fourth Age by Kaylee Arafinwiel
Elessar’s great-great-granddaughter is set to become the Two Kingdoms’ first queen. After all, she was firstborn, before her twin brother – the Princess’ Champion. But there may be trouble ahead...
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 160 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
I Will Wait by Lotrfan
Turgon, after the Fall of Gondolin
For the SWG April/May A Woman's Sceptre Challenge.
Prompt:
“Some say cavalry and other claim infantry or a fleet of long oars is the supreme sight on the black earth. I say it is the one you love.” Sappho.
| Major Characters: Mandos, Turgon, Vairë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 988 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by oshun
For the April-May A Woman's Sceptre Challenge. Prompt:
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~ Maya Angelou
Fëanáro remembers Nerdanel. A story of redemption. If you do not like Fëanor, you will probably not want to read it.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Lórien, Mandos, Nerdanel, Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 575 |
| 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) |
The Decadent Queen by Scribe of Mirrormere
Tar-Anducal and Alcarin remember Tar-Vanimeldë differently.
| Major Characters: Herucalmo, Tar-Alcarin, Tar-Vanimeldë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 855 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
An Education in Stone by Erulisse
Nerdanel is given a commission - present a sculptural work to the people of Valinor that will feature images of the Valar. But as an artist, she must remain true to her personal vision. What does that vision convey to the people and to the Valar who are depicted through her carved stone?
| Major Characters: Finarfin, Ingwë, Nerdanel, Olwë, Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 361 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Words by Himring
A short extra scene in the Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth:
Finrod and Andreth discuss matters of language.
| Major Characters: Andreth, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 831 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Like a Shooting Star by StarSpray
For into darkness fell his star
In Mordor, where the shadows are
| Major Characters: Elrond, Finduilas, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 364 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Flight Through The Dark by Tyelca
In the form of a swan Elwing flies over the Sea, carrying a Silmaril and looking for her husband.
| Major Characters: Elwing |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 391 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
"both the Seen and the Unseen" by hennethgalad
Melian takes Galadriel on a farewell trip
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 507 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
We Cry The Same Tears by just_jenni
The three most important people in Aredhel's life try to come to terms with her death.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Curufin, Maeglin, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 011 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
The Council of Finrod by hennethgalad
More of Laurëlot.
Glorfindel attends his first council meeting.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Gildor, Glorfindel, Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 961 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
In Praise of the Feast at Ivrin by Himring
Of the Feast of Reuniting at the pools of Ivrin it is said that the joy of that feast was long remembered in later days of sorrow.
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Noldor, Sindar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 169 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Her Father's Daughter by Grundy
Findis was the only one who stayed.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Eärwen, Findis, Lalwen, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 230 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (13) |
Never Shall I See The Place by LadyBrooke
Never shall I see the place,
Where Enel woke and Enelyë roamed.
A poem of a Sindar/Silvan elf in Valinor.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 127 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Excession by hennethgalad
Celeborn falls under the shadow, and is drawn back to the light by Galadriel.
| Major Characters: Beleg, Celeborn, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 367 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Jewel of Hope by lindahoyland
Galadriel muses on the past and finds hope for the future.
| Major Characters: Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 712 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The Robes. by hennethgalad
more Laurëlot.
Glorfindel and Finrod learn more about each other over breakfast.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Gildor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 958 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Hammock of Finrod by hennethgalad
More of Laurëlot. Lounging in a hammock...
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Gildor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 216 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Looking Up by Lyra
Andreth muses on the present, the past, and a potential future.
Contains incredibly unsubtle allusions to the Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth and implications of character death.
| Major Characters: Andreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 498 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Soldier by heget
The story of the sixth companion of Finrod and Beren to die in the dungeons of Tol-in-Gaurhoth.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Other Fictional Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 447 |
| 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) |
Waste Paper by Himring
Maedhros has been re-embodied and is living in Findekano's house in Tirion. But where is Nerdanel?
Maedhros is suffering from the worst kind of writer's block. In some ways, it turns out, he is not so very different from his mother.
[Now added: a fourth chapter]
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Mahtan, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 1, 076 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Pavilion of Finrod by hennethgalad
More of Glorfindel and Finrod.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 572 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Of the Coming of Fingolfin to Mandos and his meeting with Fëanor by bunn
How *do* dead elves get to the Halls of Mandos anyway? And once they get there, what do they say to one another?
Fingolfin could feel his temper rising, predictable, and yet he could not stop it. His years of kingship vanished in the mist. He was the younger, less talented, less cherished brother again, but one with a list of grievances that had grown very long.
“What more did you want of me?” he said. “I gave my word. He is my father too, and he was king of all of us!"
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 10, 388 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Golden Light : Hador in Hithlum by bunn
"All his life, he would remember that moment: the silver bells of Hithlum greeting the rising sun, and then, as if in answer to the bells, voices raised in song, the voices of the Eldar, impossibly clear, impossibly beautiful. "
In which Hador Lórindol comes to Hithlum, swears fealty to Fingolfin, and follows his lord to the end. And doesn't regret a thing. (Well, maybe that one embarrassing misunderstanding about the Feanorians....)
Thanks to pp for beta reading.
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Hador, Lalwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 778 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Under Bright Stars by just_jenni
Finrod shares tales and songs around the fire with Beor's son Bregor.
| Major Characters: Bëor, Bregor, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 952 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
