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] 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?
[Writing] Nasyalossë by Lovimmy3365
Erestor lay up against a tree, brown washed to black in the wet of the snow. The black disc of the new moon sailed across the dark sky. Erestor wished it were gone. He had no need to look into dark eyes any longer.
He was dying.
(AKA Erestor unwittingly travels back in time to the…
[Playlist] Yacht Rock Silmarillion by Dawn Felagund
Have you ever wondered what would happen if the characters in The Silmarillion were smoooooth like they were sippin' a Sex on the Beach on a party barge in the harbor at Alqualondë? The "Yacht Rock Silmarillion" retells The Silmarillion as though the characters all had perms…
[Writing] and let's be winners by mistake by atlantablack
"Move farther north," Caranthir says to her a month after the attack, gaze steady on her even as his hands continue briskly gutting fish. "There is plenty of land closer to my fortress, and my people can help protect yours if there is another attack."
Haleth looks up from her…
[Writing] Changing Styles by StarSpray
“What did you do to your hair?”
[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…
Current Challenge
Epic 80s
Create a fanwork using on of our righteous prompts based on popular culture from the 1980s. Read more ...
Random Challenge
Middle-earth Is Multitudes
Use our daily prompt calendar to populate your fanworks with a more diverse array of characters. 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 Gen Week 2026
Tolkien Gen Week will run from July 6-12, 2026 to appreciate all of the incredible characters and relationships within Tolkien’s legendarium that fall under the broad category of “gen.”
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
Maedhros of Bergerac by Dilly
Maedhros tells Maglor his secret... Based off the work of Edmond Rostand. (translation by Scythe_Lyfe)
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Humor, Poetry, Romance, Script/Play/Screenplay, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 568 |
| 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 (0) |
the springtime of lovers by Agelast
Fingon's ill-fated foray into Yavanna's secret garden. (Stop sniggering back there.)
[PWP, sex pollen, Fingon/Maedhros/Maglor.]
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Erotica, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 316 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
In You Everything Sank by Agelast
Aerin meets Morwen Eledhwen, and that changes her life forever.
| Major Characters: Aerin, Morwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 3, 278 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
"The Glory in 'Glorious'" and "Singer of Praises" by Himring
After the early victory against Morgoth called the "Glorious Battle" (Dagor Aglareb):
I. The Fingolfinians and the Feanorians first encounter each other after their shared victory.
II. Later, at the victory celebrations, Fingon misses his cousin Maglor and seeks him out.
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2013, B2MeM 2015 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 892 |
| 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) |
| Major Characters: Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 477 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
"A Song About Kingfishers" & "Kingfisher in Flight" by Himring
Young Maedhros, baby Maglor and a drawing.
Now added: a sequel about Nerdanel, her elder son and the lost drawing (Kingfisher in Flight)
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel, Salgant |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 960 |
| 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 Family We Choose by Ilye
As the Exiles return to Valinor after the War of Wrath, Anairë discovers that you can choose your family as well as your friends.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Eärwen, Finarfin, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 3, 194 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
The Lord of Gifts by Dilly
Maedhros, Fingon... and gifts. Based on details from Tolkien's Unfinished Tales and Histories of Middle Earth. Translation by Scythe_Lyfe.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 422 |
| 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) |
Speak No Sorrow by Elleth
Young Morwen in Brethil, from refugee to leader.
| Major Characters: Glóredhel, Morwen, Rían |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 321 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A King's Visit by King Naugladur
Azaghal of Gabilgathol, aka Belegost, persuades Naugladur of Tumunzahar, aka Nogrod, to fight for the Free Peoples at the Nirnaeth Arnoediad.
| Major Characters: Azaghâl |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 998 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Maryame crosses the Marches to see Vanimo by Himring
Despite her physical disability, a woman crosses Beleriand to assist a fellow victim. She has help on the way.
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Caranthir, Celegorm, Eldalótë, Maedhros, Maglor, Noldor, Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2015 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 053 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Guest of the King by King Naugladur
Eöl, the Dark Elf, receives an invitation from the Dwarves of Tumunzahar, aka Nogrod, for a feast. He goes as guest of the King. What awaits him there?
| Major Characters: Eöl |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 131 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Avenging Írissë by Scribe of Mirrormere
After an unforgivable injustice, young Aredhel gathers her friends to plot on how to take down the king. A glimpse into Aredhel's childhood.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Fingon, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 213 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Twilight at the Sarn Athrad by King Naugladur
You are more or less familiar with the Elvish version of the Battles of Thousand Caves and Sarn Athrad. Here, you will see the story from a Dwarvish perspective.
| Major Characters: Dwarves |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 473 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Fallen through the Cracks by Himring
On the Ice, Lalwen makes a disturbing observation...
A crack solution (pun intended) to the problem of some of Tolkien's missing women. Crossover.
| Major Characters: Lalwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover | Challenges: Beyond the Circles of Middle-earth, Color of ..., International Fanworks Day, Season of Change |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 053 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Maia and the Aulendili by Huinare
It seems likely that a Maia of Aulë would have been on friendly terms with Mahtan's household. Most of the time.
Curumo and four generations of one family.
Update: Final chapter, "The Spike." Saruman sees Celebrimbor, and possibly wishes he hadn't.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Maedhros, Mahtan, Nerdanel, Saruman, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: International Fanworks Day |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 5, 352 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Hour of Departure by StarSpray
Uinen was crying out on behalf of the Teleri, though Ossë and Ulmo remained silent.
| Major Characters: Lalwen, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 496 |
| 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) |
It Shall Be Cloudy Come Afternoon by Huinare
As war presses in from the north, a woman of Cardolan meets a strange friend in the downs.
Written during B2MeM 2015, responding to a prompt by Elleth for a gen or slash story involving Goldberry and the lady of the blue brooch (mentioned in Fellowship, "Fog on the Barrow Downs").
| Major Characters: Goldberry, Original Character(s), Tom Bombadil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 112 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
And Finally A Love Poem by Elwin Fortuna
In another dimension this is exactly what's happening: Fingon and Maedhros visit Nargathrond, and Finrod sees things he really doesn't want to.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: B2MeM 2015 |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 385 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Reunion in Dor Dínen by Scribe of Mirrormere
As the host of Noldor make their way to Middle-earth, a reunion takes place in Dor Dínen.
| Major Characters: Eöl, Meleth (Elf), Rog |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Horror | Challenges: International Fanworks Day |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 402 |
| 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) |
Amid Varda's Halls by Scribe of Mirrormere
A glimpse into Aredhel's childhood, when she beheld the stars in their true splendor for the first time.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Aredhel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 664 |
| 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) |
Worse Than That by Elisif
Fingon rescues Maedhros from Thangorodrim, in all its awful detail.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Torture, Mature Themes, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 055 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Until the Rain Stops by Elisif
At a difficult stage in his life, a stranger appears at Ludwig van Beethoven's door.
| Major Characters: Historical Character(s), Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 517 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Once More, For the First Time by Elisif
Maedhros and Fingon’s first attempt at re-establishing a sexual relationship after Thangorodrim and the challenges of that, for both of them.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 900 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Like a Shooting Star, Leaping Skywards by Keiliss
In the wake of the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, Galadriel has sent Amareth, a former friend, to guide Meril and her young son Gil-galad down the coast from Eglarest to Balar.
| Major Characters: Gil-galad, Meril, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 953 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
