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
Noegyth Nibin
Create a fanwork about the Petty-dwarves. 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
Le seigneur des présents by Dilly
Maedhros, Fingon... Des cadeaux.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Curufin, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 875 |
| 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) |
The Archer's Triangle by Tehta
Wherever Túrin goes, emotional turmoil is sure to follow. The marches of Doriath are no exception.
| Major Characters: Beleg, Mablung, Saeros, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Humor, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 9, 331 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
To Battle, Or Not by LadyBrooke
Turgon ponders whether to go to battle, and Maeglin makes his decision clear.
| Major Characters: Maeglin, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Turning Point |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 338 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Le golfe de la Lune by Dilly
Les ruines du Beleriand... (drabble) Version française + traduction en anglais.
| 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: 1, 285 |
| 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) |
Ulmo's Favours by Tehta
Idril and Tuor have sailed into the West... but will they ever reach it?
| Major Characters: Idril, Tuor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 015 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
The Burden of Beauty by Tehta
One long, meandering conversation between Ecthelion and Glorfindel.
I could say it's about aesthetics.
I could say it's about the author having fun with implicit characterization.
I could also say it's about vases, and grapes, and Maedhros.
The usual caveat applies: these are my versions of these characters, and while this story does not contradict canon, it does not have much to do with it, either. It's pure (s)elf-indulgence...
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 177 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Rift by Luxa
I had half a mind to throw your letter in the fire and let you wait another few months. After all, I told myself, he has waited thirty-four years. Surely he can wait a little more.
Fingon and Maglor correspond as Maedhros heals. Warning for descriptions of torture and mentions of rape.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Torture, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 761 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The Crossroads of Eriador by Kitt Otter
So a shipwright, a high-king, and a seriously miffed Galdor walk into a bar…
| Major Characters: Círdan, Galdor of the Havens, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 538 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Revisionist History by Elleth
Indis takes on a new servant, leading her to reminisce about life before Aman.
| Major Characters: Indis, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 901 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
To Whom All Birds Are Dear by oshun
I got distracted by myself and my obsessing over a picture and forgot the prompt that I was writing. Tarion Anarore asked for "Hmm... The one with Fingon at the onset of the Dagor Bragollach." And instead she got Fingon and a bird!
Thanks, Ignoble Bard, for the Beta and entertainment along with the nitpicking. Your generosity is never taken for granted.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 400 |
| 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) |
NOSTALGIA by Fadesintothewest
Maedhros reminisces, though he would rather not. An insight into how one deals with the day to day after the loss of a loved one.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Incest, Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 185 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Trifles by oshun
A collection of Tolkien-based ficlets of varying subject matter and length written in response to this LJ challenge: "Tell me about a story I haven't written, and I'll give you between one and three sentences from that story. No holds barred. O-fic or any fandom you know I write."
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Curufin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Huan, Lalaith, Lúthien Tinúviel, Maedhros, Orcs, Sons of Fëanor, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 818 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Just This Once by Elisif
Observing his son’s devotion to his newly rescued cousin brings back memories for Nolofinwë
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Fingon, Maedhros, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 035 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Blue Boar Inn by oshun
Crossover! (English history and The Silmarillion) Written for an LJ comment fic challenge for this request from Just_Jenni: "Place the sons of Feanor into a Richard the Third setting in actual history. Any time, any place, but the sons MUST be in character and they MUST have some sort of interaction with Richard."
Richard III and Francis Lovell spend an evening in Leicester at the Blue Boar Inn shortly before the Battle of Bosworth with Silmarillion heroes Maedhros and Maglor. (Intended to work for anyone who knows either of the canons.)
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor, Men |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover | Challenges: Another Place in Time |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 399 |
| 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) |
Snow by Lingwiloke
Seeking shelter from storm one winter day in the Third Age, Maglor makes a grueling discovery.
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Torture, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 606 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Tempered Steel by Lyra
The story of Maedhros' captivity in Angband, his rescue and his recovery is in the Silmarillion treated in a few paragraphs. This is a fleshed-out account of the events that may have befallen between Maedhros' imprisonment and his return to his old life... as far as that is possible.
Occasionally drifting into AU territory, depending on how closely you follow the source (WHICH source? :P).
The usual warnings apply - particularly to chapters marked with an asterisk.
Part One completed.
Part Two completed.
Part Three, Chapter 10 added: In which the reconciled Noldor make plans for the future. End of the trilogy.
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Amras, Angrod, Aredhel, Celebrimbor, Celegorm, Curufin, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel, Írimë, Lalwen, Maedhros, Maglor, Melkor, Original Character(s), Thorondor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Turning Point |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Torture, Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 31 | Word Count: 112, 548 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (155) |
If You Need Somebody, Call My Name by Astris
Nellas meets a young woman in the woods of Doriath.
(Nellas/Niënor, slightly AU towards the end. Written for the 2013 Femslash Exchange for Rhapsody.)
| Major Characters: Nellas, Nienor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 827 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Sweet Water and Gold by Elleth
When Niënor and Nellas fall in love, both of them learn about joy, sorrow, and unexpected gifts. Written for Astris/Solanaceae/Elvie at the 2013 Femslash Exchange.
| Major Characters: Melian, Morwen, Nellas, Nienor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 402 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Silver Rain by Tanis
B2MEM 2011 – Challenge – seduction plays a central role/Nan Elmoth. Thingol contemplates beguilement.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: B2MeM 2011 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 415 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
A Night In the Forest by Agelast
Fingolfin and Maedhros have an unexpected encounter in the woods during the Mereth Aderthad.
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 704 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
Sand and Flame by Tehta
A retelling of a very well-known story. Features Fëanor and Nerdanel as young geeks in love, a rather unsympathetic look at Indis, and a lot of very simple sentences.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Indis, Melkor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 409 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
A King by Any Other Name by Tehta
Ulmo be thanked, the Noldorin refugees have finally found a leader. He has the most ridiculous name, though: Ereinion. "The Scion of Kings". And where did he come from, anyway?
Cirdan attempts to find out.
| Major Characters: Círdan, Finduilas, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 481 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Woodcarver from Brithombar by Himring
Oderen, a traveling woodcarver, one of Cirdan's people, and Emlinn, his musician wife, happen to arrive in Maglor's Gap just a short time before the outbreak of the Battle of Sudden Flame. Maglor encounters Emlinn and takes her on as his student.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 831 |
| 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) |
Sharp Things in the Way by Dawn Felagund
The consummate poet of the Sindar, Daeron recognizes his potential to shape his people's perceptions of the newly arrived Noldor but struggles to find the courage to assert himself. Inspired by meeting Maglor at the Mereth Aderthad, Daeron nonetheless finds himself besieged by perceived failure, until his final attempt to depict a peaceful history between their peoples might be too late. A remix of Himring's Maglor Plays For His People After Doriath and written as a Season of Writing Dangerously prize for Himring.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Lúthien Tinúviel, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 548 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (13) |
Uphill, Downriver by swampdiamonds
Three border guards have an unexpected encounter on the North-marches of Nargothrond.
| Major Characters: Gwindor, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 044 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
