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
Strangers in Strange Lands
Your character arrives for the first time in a new place. Maybe he journeyed there with a purpose, or maybe she ended up there by accident. What does she perceive? What new experiences and conflicts will he have? This month's challenge asks you to bring a character to a new, strange place for the first time and to develop a story around his or her experiences there. 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
(the rings of) Power by just_jenni
Celebrimbor laments, in confession style, the part he played in creating the Rings of Power.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Torture |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 459 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The Ghost of Malice by just_jenni
Sauron turns elves into orcs
| Major Characters: Elves, Orcs, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Torture |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 272 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Pride by just_jenni
Immediately after the darkening of Valinor, Anaire and Fingolfin have a conversation about Feanor.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 533 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Of the Last Alliance by just_jenni
Elendil and Gil-galad exchange their thoughts at the end of the seven-year siege before the Gates of Mordor.
| Major Characters: Elendil, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 793 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
In the Dark Mansion of the White Lady by just_jenni
Before Aredhel decides to leave Eol she dreams about her first love.
Written for the B2MEM 2017 prompt: "I love the silent hour of night,For blissful dreams may then arise, Revealing to my charmed sight, What may not bless my waking eyes." - Anne Bronte.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Maeglin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 294 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Greycloak's Foster-Sons by Kaylee Arafinwiel
Takes place after "The Fosterling Prince Arrives". Lord Brandir of Doriath (OC) - Oropher's maternal grandfather, Elu's foster-son, and royal loremaster, meets his new 'brother'.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Elves, Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 478 |
| 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) |
There Will Be Singing by StarSpray
"So the great darkness fell upon Valinor. Of the deeds of that day much is told in the Aldudénië, that Elemmírë of the Vanyar made and is known to all the Eldar. Yet no song or tale could contain all the grief and terror that then befell." - Of the Darkening of Valinor
| Major Characters: Elemmírë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 679 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The Eight-Pointed Star by Tyelca
Short stories about the House of Fëanor for the Fëanorian Week.
Day 1: Maedhros - After being rescued from Angband, Maedhros suffers from nightmares and has some dark thoughts.
Day 2: Maglor - Maglor brings his new charges to bed, and wishes the Ambarussa had lived.
Day 3: Celegorm - On their way to Nargothrond, Celegorm realizes he loves Lúthien.
Day 4: Caranthir - Caranthir the Dark settles in Thargelion and meets first Haleth and later Ulfang.
Day 5: Curufin - In the final moments before his death, Curufin reminisces.
Day 6: Ambarussa - As revenge for Celegorm, Amrod and Amras assassinate Dior’s twin sons.
Day 7 : Fëanor & Nerdanel - Fëanor intends to propose to Nerdanel.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celebrimbor, Celegorm, Curufin, Elrond, Elros, Eluréd, Elurín, Fëanor, Haleth, Huan, Lúthien Tinúviel, Maedhros, Maglor, Mahtan, Nerdanel, Ulfang |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General, Horror, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 28, 854 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Heritage by Lady MSM
While on the road, Tuor tries to get directions, but gets something entirely unexpected instead.
| Major Characters: Idril, Original Female Character(s), Tuor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 035 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
A Cloak of Magic by LadyBrooke
Thuringwethil was once an elf, and perhaps she will be again.
| Major Characters: Thuringwethil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Strength and Beauty |
| 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) |
Feanor Never Planned to Fall in Love by Erulisse
I made an original artwork from charcoal and pastels for 2014's B2MeM. It was entitled "Feanor Never Planned to Fall in Love". Now, three years later, I have developed the story behind that picture. Here's the full effort - Feanor Never Planned to Fall in Love in illustration and text.
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: Strength and Beauty |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 479 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
'the hidden paths' by hennethgalad
Orodreth and Curufin in Nargothrond.
| Major Characters: Curufin, Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Strength and Beauty |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 638 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
In Wisdom... by just_jenni
Melian wrestles with her feelings about Elu Thingol and laments some of her decisions concerning the Doom that befell them.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Lúthien Tinúviel, Mablung, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Strength and Beauty |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 735 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
In Arda Fair by Tyelca
Two brothers and their thoughts about Arda.
| Major Characters: Manwë, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Strength and Beauty |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 317 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
A Handful of Light by Zdenka
If Míriel never married Finwë or had a child, if she put all her energy into her craft instead of giving birth to Fëanor . . . what might have happened?
| Major Characters: Arien, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 509 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Wise and the Lovely by StarSpray
Melian knew even before she went to see her daughter that Lúthien was planning an escape from Hírilorn.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| 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 (1) |
Stone and Light by Fernstrike
The Silmaril is set in the Nauglamir, and nothing good comes of it on either side of the ensuing conflict.
| Major Characters: Dwarves, Elu Thingol, Elves, Mablung, Original Character(s), Oropher, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 926 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Bat's Tale by Lingwiloke
Even the mighty ones sometimes need help.
| Major Characters: Ilmarë, Original Character(s), Thuringwethil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Romance | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 897 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Weaver and the Broideress by Lingwiloke
Vairë's thoughts on a certain resident of the Halls of Mandos. (Written for the Tolkien Secret Santa 2016 on tumblr)
| Major Characters: Míriel Serindë, Vairë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 143 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
A Garden of Plots by LadyBrooke
Nimloth is reborn, builds her own house, and starts a garden.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Nimloth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Strength and Beauty |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 410 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Don't Explain by Gwidhiel
Galadriel's return to Aman prompts Indis to reflect on the state of her fragmented family and defunct marriage.
| Major Characters: Estë, Eärwen, Finarfin, Findis, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel, Indis, Lórien, Melian, Míriel Serindë, Nienna, Vairë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Strong Women |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 15 | Word Count: 37, 024 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (29) |
A Song of Ice and Fire by My blue rose
“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” ~ Leo Tolstoy. A non-chronological look at the early life of House Fëanor in Aman, from its various members.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Fëanor, Maedhros, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 31, 816 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The Golden Dancer by Lyra
Fëanor first sees Indis as she practices a traditional Vanyarin spear-dance. Fascination turns into life-long antipathy.
Inspired by the B2MeM prompt, "when he first stood near her and recognized her dimly through the shadows, like one who, at the beginning of the month, either sees or thinks he has seen the moon rise through clouds." ~Vergil, The Aenid
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Finwë, Indis |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: B2MeM 2017, Strength and Beauty |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 084 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
Reunion : Maedhros and Fingon in the Halls of Mandos. by bunn
“Your safety is assured,” the Maia said. “They will not be allowed to do you any harm.”
Of course, that made it impossible to refuse. Fingon gave the Maia his best incredulous expression. “I have fought dragons and Balrogs. I think I can handle a cousin and an uncle. Lead the way.”
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 211 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Nerdanel and Fëanor : Messages by bunn
A series of extracts from the Mandos Messaging Service.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 161 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
