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] 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] 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] 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…
[Writing] The Exchange by Elrond's Library
An exchange is made during the Great Journey
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
Gnome Tome
Spin our random generator to receive a prompt inspired by "The Nature of Middle-earth." 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
Reel On, Love! by Agelast
Fingolfin adjusts to new realities and Fëanor tests boundaries until they break.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: B2MeM 2015 |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Incest, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 140 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: B2MeM 2015 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 134 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Mountains High Above by Independence1776
Maglor, mountains, and ruling in Valinor during the First Age.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: Canon with a Twist, First Lines, International Fanworks Day, Living Land |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 025 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Where Our Hearts are not so Frail by StarSpray
Nellas returns to the Withywindle valley after seeking news in Lindon.
| Major Characters: Goldberry, Nellas |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 088 |
| 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) |
As Through a Lit Window by Elleth
The story of Galadriel, Nimrodel, and the land that would become Lothlórien.
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Galadriel, Mithrellas, Nimrodel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 202 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Our Share of Night to Bear by Elleth
Aman lies in Darkness and the Noldor have been banished. The Rebellion has torn families apart and left children to fend for themselves in a darkened world with no one to rely on, while the leaders of the Noldor struggle to overcome their grief and rebuild order out of turmoil.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Indis, Nerdanel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Slash/Femslash, Suspense | Challenges: Arda Underground |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 21, 562 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (18) |
whatever we lose by Astris
The Havens of Sirion are a home for the refugees of two great slaughters, and the broken find a home by the sea. The queens-in-exile of Gondolin and Doriath meet there, and find something new from what they have lost. (MSV 2014 for Calima.)
| Major Characters: Círdan, Elwing, Idril, Nimloth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 329 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The Shackle by Elisif
Fingon rescues Maedhros from Thangorodrim.
| 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: 3, 074 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
What You Mean To Me by The Wavesinger
Four seasons, four times Fingon loves Maedhros, and three times the rest of the Noldor love them.
AU-ish. Drabble.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance, Science Fiction, Script/Play/Screenplay, Slash/Femslash, Suspense | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 115 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Harvester of Sorrow by Robinka
For the International Day of Fanworks: an orc and his grim job.
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: First Meetings, International Fanworks Day, Lost Letters, Things We Never Said |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 506 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
a thousand years above her by Agelast
Írimë lives again.
This was written for International Fanworks Day 2015, for the prompts: The Circle of Life, New Beginnings, and Traditions.
| Major Characters: Finarfin, Idril, Indis, Lalwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: International Fanworks Day |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 743 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The End is the Beginning by Fadesintothewest
Death is only another beginning for Fingon.
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: End Is the Beginning |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 628 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Gig in the Sky by Cirth
Maglor learns something new about his musical instruments from a rather unusual creature.
| Major Characters: Amras, Celegorm, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 081 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Fate is Yours to Choose by StarSpray
With all the geological upheavel caused by the War of Wrath, the Blue Mountains are not, perhaps, the safest place to be.
| Major Characters: Eluréd, Elurín, Eönwë, Nellas |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 182 |
| 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) |
The Kindler Explains Space to the Children by Elleth
The Starkindler reminisces on the Beyond - and hopes.
| Major Characters: Varda |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: End Is the Beginning, Parting's Sorrow, Wish upon a Star |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 291 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
By the Iris Mere by Elleth
Escaping her death in the rapids of Teiglin, Niënor has followed Nellas to the Havens of Sirion to begin a new life, but fate still has more in store for them.
| Major Characters: Húrin, Melian, Nellas, Nienor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, General, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 093 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Moonlit Dance by Elwin Fortuna
Luthien, daughter of Thingol and Melian, teaches Artanis of the Noldor a new dance.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 632 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Silver Night by Elwin Fortuna
Galadriel remembers a long-ago night and an old lost love.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Strong Women |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 311 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 357 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A Jug of Wine — And Thou by Agelast
Fingon and Maedhros are young and in love -- with each other and with themselves. A gift for Oshun.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 793 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Point of No Return by Agelast
Maedhros opened his eyes and saw a sky full of stars.
[An AU ending to The Noon-tide Night.]
| Major Characters: Finwë, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 702 |
| 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 north-march by losselen
A poem for Andreth in Ladros, in the long years of the Siege of Angband.
| Major Characters: Andreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 617 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Time to Uproot by StarSpray
"...and the cruel servants of Celegorm seized his young sons and left them to starve in the forest. Of this Maedhros indeed repented, and sought for them long in the woods of Doriath; but his search was unavailing, and of the fate of Eluréd and Elurín no tale tells.”
| Major Characters: Eluréd, Elurín, Elves, Ents, Nellas |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 196 |
| 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) |
Winterlights by Elleth
A series of femslash drabbles based around the daily prompts of the 2013 Femslash Yuletide project. Some ficlets for the 2014 run have been added.
| Major Characters: Aerin, Anairë, Aredhel, Arwen, Elemmírë, Elenwë, Findis, Galadriel, Idril, Indis, Lúthien Tinúviel, Melian, Míriel Serindë, Mithrellas, Morwen, Nellas, Nerdanel, Nienor, Nimrodel, Original Character(s), Tar-Míriel, Thuringwethil, Uinen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 28 | Word Count: 4, 364 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
The Sharpest and Sweetest of Recollections by Dawn Felagund
On the night of her betrothal party to Fingolfin, Anairë summons her dearest friend Eärwen to Tirion. Overwhelmed by the sense that she is losing control over her life and her longing for the love she once shared with Eärwen, Anairë wonders if she has made the right choice. A sequel to The Sailing Forth, written for Elleth. Anairë/Eärwen, Anairë/Fingolfin
| Major Characters: Anairë, Eärwen, Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: First Lines |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 881 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
