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
End Is the Beginning
Take the ending of a story from "The Silmarillion" and use it as the beginning of a fanwork. 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
Sculptress by Alquien
Artistic vision often equals foresight.
| Major Characters: Mahtan, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2013 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 467 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Not Like Lúthien by lindahoyland
How alike are Arwen and her famous foremother?
| Major Characters: Arwen, Beren, Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Het, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 906 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Downfall by Marta
"Nine ships there were: four for Elendil, and for Isildur three, and for Anarion two; and they fled before the gale out of the twilight of doom into the darkness of the world. [...] And all the coasts and seaward regions of the western world suffered great change and ruin in that time; for the seas invaded the lands, and shores foundered."
| Major Characters: Anárion, Meneldil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2013 |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 871 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Pursuing with weary feet, the road called life. by Urloth
EDITED. Maedhros' suicide takes the Silmaril he bears deep into the embrace of the earth. For the eldar concerned this was the end of the sorry saga. For the silmaril in question it was not
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama, Experimental, Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 10, 741 |
| 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 (4) |
Sunset by ford_of_bruinen
Cirdan arrives to Sirion after the sons of Feanor attacked the town.
| Major Characters: Círdan, Meleth (Elf) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 551 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Sunrise by ford_of_bruinen
The first sunrise
| Major Characters: Círdan |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 519 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Tata's lullaby by ford_of_bruinen
A simple lullaby as imagined by the elves at cuivienen
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 91 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
When We Were Very Young by Marta
"And it came to pass that Tar-Palantir grew weary of grief and died. He had no son, but a daughter only, whom he named Míriel in the Elven-tongue; and to her now by right and the laws of the Númenóreans came the sceptre. But Pharazôn took her to wife against her will..." (The Akallabeth)
| Major Characters: Ar-Pharazôn, Elendil, Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Het, Romance | Challenges: B2MeM 2013 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 102 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Tapestry by Keiliss
Yule on Balar in F.A. 515, or how a little Noldor pragmatism changed the fate of the world.
| Major Characters: Elwing, Galadriel, Gil-galad, Idril |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 926 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Another Man's Cage by Dawn Felagund
In the Time of the Trees, during the Bliss of Valinor, the young family of Fëanor experience the everyday triumphs and tragedies of life in paradise. But as Fëanor's genius blossoms and his sons grow into their roles in Tirion society, tensions build that will sunder the House of Finwë and drive the House of Fëanor to open rebellion.
Completed!
| Major Characters: Anairë, Caranthir, Celegorm, Eärwen, Fëanor, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finwë, Indis, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel, Original Character(s), Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Torture, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 53 | Word Count: 355, 782 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (119) |
No Victory Without Cost by Tarion Anarore
"The deeds that we shall do shall be the matter of song until the last days of Arda."
Maglor at the end of an age. The fulfillment of more than one promise.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 078 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Echoes by IdleLeaves
At the Mereth Aderthad, Finrod and Maglor meet for a long-overdue discussion.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 622 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Tengwa malta by Sky
A mosaic of memories of the Elder Days
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Amras, Amrod, Angrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Fëanor, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Finwë, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 8, 211 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Heart-stung by Agelast
The thought of their ancient friendship stung his heart.
Written for the Friendship theme for B2MeM 2013, Day One.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 476 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
In the Bleak and Early Morn by Elleth
A story for B2MeM 2013, combining the prompts for archetypes, good and ill, and back to lands you once did know (days one, two and four respectively):
Maglor's wife, a Sinda of Mithrim, learns about the events of Alqualondë, and confronts her husband about his actions, differing beliefs, and the future.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Het | Challenges: B2MeM 2013 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 099 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (16) |
The Art of Long-Distance Grandparenting by Kaz
Why did Glorfindel return to Middle-earth? Maybe the Valar decided they needed a messenger. Maybe he felt he still had something to do there and begged them to let him return. Or maybe it went something like this...
It's the early Second Age and Idril is worried about her grandsons. In the course of this she waylays new arrivals to Valinor, tries to find her footing with her own grandmother, schemes with Tuor, Finrod and Glorfindel, and finally sets a plan into motion.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Elrond, Finrod Felagund, Gil-galad, Glorfindel, Idril, Tuor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 343 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
In Neldoreth, the Muddy Season by PerpetuaLilium
Doom falls on Tinúviel, and it is at least as earthbound as ethereal.
| Major Characters: Beren, Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 720 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Fallen by Dawn Felagund
In her youth, Amarië of the Vanyar was an idealistic and gifted poet, a rising star among the Vanyar. Many thousands of years later, having weathered unimaginable loss, Amarië is called to Lórien to witness the awakening of her once-beloved and newly reembodied Finrod. For B2MeM 2013, Day One, archetype and loss of innocence.
| Major Characters: Amarië, Elemmírë, Finrod Felagund, Lórien |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: B2MeM 2013 |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 802 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Words like Pearls, Love like Life. by Urloth
Galadriel keeps her brother's letters. His words are like pearls. Gildor is married. His love for his wives keeps him breathing.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Galadriel, Gildor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama, Experimental, Het, Humor, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 9, 834 |
| 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) |
A Little More Broken by oshun
This story is based upon a mystery element within my short story No Justice to Yourself. It stands alone, but it contains the revelation of Erestor's old boyfriend who had recently dumped him in that story. While it is a prequel of sorts to "No Justice to Yourself," it is a short story which may be understood on its own.
Ignoble Bard did even more than he usual does in his Beta of this story. He forced me to write an ending when I just wanted to stop. Thank you very much, my dear friend.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Erestor, Gil-galad, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 873 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Galadriel, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Torture, Character Death, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 718 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Distant Promise by Myaru
Fourth Age. Galadriel has returned to Aman without her husband, and Finrod would like to know why.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 255 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A Powerful Illusion by Himring
Fingolfin has called a council and proposed launching an all-out attack on Morgoth. He expects Maedhros to be the most ardent supporter of his plan. He would, wouldn't he?
Uncanonical: see Story Notes
Maedhros/Fingon
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 3, 230 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
He held precious silver in his fist. by Urloth
Celebrimbor was not an only child.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Celegorm, Curufin, Nerdanel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 720 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Wolf at the Door by Agelast
Finrod returns to Nargothrond. Curufin readjusts.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Curufin, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Suicide, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 172 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
