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
Dark Matter
Create a fanwork using anti-prompts: prompts that don't appear in your 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
The Last Temptation by Fireworks
Sauron has been taken prisoner by Pharazôn but nurtures an ever-growing influence. In the midst of a Númenor increasingly divided, a young Anárion works quietly after rebellion, discovering both love and betrayal in its midst.
| Major Characters: Anárion, Ar-Pharazôn, Elendil, Isildur, Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 52, 177 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
No Justice to Yourself by oshun
Erestor sails to Valinor and finds himself involved with someone he was infatuated with as a youth. Based upon the request by Darth Fingon, in the 2009 Ardor in August fic swap, for Finarfin/Erestor, set in the Fourth Age in Aman, including secrecy and moral doubt. Did not want a fluffy, happy romance and if Earwen is part of the story and/or finds out about the affair, she should not be soppily happy for them. Huge thank yous to: IgnobleBard, Lilithlessfair, and Aearwen, for reading and providing corrections and suggestions.
2010 Middle-earth Fanfiction Awards -- First Place in Races: Elves: Noldorin Elves
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Elrond, Eärwen, Finarfin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Fanon Inverted, Gift of a Story |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 8, 412 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Hostage by SurgicalSteel
Ar-Pharazon takes Sauron as a hostage for the good behavior of his people.
| Major Characters: Amandil, Ar-Pharazôn, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 071 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
The Day the Numenoreans Left by Aiwen
Pharazôn and Amandil's diplomatic mission to Middle-earth may do more harm than good ...
| Major Characters: Amandil, Ar-Pharazôn, Círdan, Gil-galad, Glorfindel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 6, 102 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
To Stand Fast Against the Night by Fiondil
Tar-Palantir makes a decision upon receiving the Sceptre of Númenor, a decision that does not meet with universal approval.
| Major Characters: Amandil, Ar-Pharazôn, Elendil, Gimilkhâd, Inzilbêth, Original Character(s), Tar-Míriel, Tar-Palantir |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 934 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Regret by vaoni
Maglor stills wanders upon the shores, searching for his lost obsession. His feet, once again, bring him to the cliff that he cast the Silmaril off from. One Shot. Modern day.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 189 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Falling Stars by Independence1776
Mestië and Alagos suffer the consequences of breaking Ar-Gimilzôr’s laws. Dark.
| Major Characters: Mandos, Manwë, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Suspense | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Torture, Creator Chooses Not to Warn, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 135 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (16) |
Every Wish by Independence1776
Mestië, a Faithful commoner, prepares for her wedding while dealing with Ar-Gimilzôr’s new laws forbidding the speaking of Elvish.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 271 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (13) |
Brothers by Dawn Felagund
Two brothers face their father's death and the differences that have arisen between them, for one is of the King's Men and the other of the Elf-friends.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 493 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (16) |
Mavoinë by Fiondil
On a lonely hill overlooking Andúnië, an Elf watches his mortal friend build a tower and is filled with grave misgivings as to its purpose.
| Major Characters: Ainur, Arminas, Isilmo, Original Character(s), Tar-Minastir, Tar-Telperiën |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 286 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
The Ban of the Valar by Fiondil
The Valar meet to discuss how to prevent the Númenóreans from seeking the Undying Lands.
| Major Characters: Ainur |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 068 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Seek the Horizon, Númenor's Sons by Dawn Felagund
"Above all arts they nourished shipbuilding and sea-craft, and they became mariners whose like shall never be again since the world was diminished; and voyaging upon the wide seas was the chief feat and adventure of their hardy men in the gallant days of their youth"--a Númenórean mariners' chant.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 279 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (18) |
Tenn’ Ambar-Metta by Fiondil
Elrond receives a final letter from his brother.
| Major Characters: Círdan, Elrond, Elros, Erestor, Gil-galad, Vardamir |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 282 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
Anadûnai by darthfingon
163 years after their parting in Middle-earth, Elrond travels to Númenor to see his brother again.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 28, 576 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
How the East Was Won by pandemonium_213
During the earliest years of the Second Age, Melkor’s great lieutenant puts the destruction of Beleriand behind him and travels to the East...with a plan.
MEFA 2010 Winner. First Place; Races: Villains: General.
| Major Characters: Eönwë, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Science Fiction | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 227 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (34) |
Eönwë Among the Edain by Fiondil
Eönwë has been chosen to teach the Edain who will go to Númenor what they need to know to succeed in their new life, but he’s not too happy about the assignment.
| Major Characters: Ainur, Círdan, Elros, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 333 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Never Look Back by Independence1776
Elrond has difficulty coming to terms with Elros' choice and their impending separation.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Eönwë, Gil-galad, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 671 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (34) |
Ar-Pharazôn by Russandol
In honor of Akallabêth in August, this bio explores the history, evolution, and some of the questions surrounding of Ar-Pharazôn, one of Arda's darkest characters. Originally featured August 2009.
In-Betweens by Elleth
The story (or stories) of Nerdanel and Fëanor. The little things, the in-betweens that are not mentioned in the Silmarillion or History of Middle-earth, starting with the beginning of their romance.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, Romance | Challenges: Anniversary Contest |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 2, 551 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (20) |
Mourning Glory by minuiloss
The morning after Tarnin Austa at the end of the first age, Glorfindel awakens to find himself somewhere wholly unfamiliar. Glorfindel/Erestor, multi-chapter WIP
| Major Characters: Elrond, Erestor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 199 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Prince of Hearts by Rhapsody
One day Elrond decides to acknowlegde a request that changed his life and that of others forever.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 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 (13) |
The Piggolantë by whitewave
Another unusual take on my favorite Noldor elves.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Finwë, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: All Good Beasts |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Torture, Expletive Language, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 903 |
| 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 (7) |
| Major Characters: Bëor, Finrod Felagund, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 287 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Without a Past by wind rider
He lost the one dearest to him by his mere existance. He lost his childhood in a childish hope of gaining his prize back. And he lost his remaining, other prize for a stranger.
A peak into Fëanáro's early childhood. What inspired me: Why did Fëanar resent the Valar so deeply?
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Untold History |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 003 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
We Speak through Music by wind rider
How did the Ents learn their unique, beautiful language? Surely not from the Elves? Because if the Elves did teach them, then Legolas must have known about it… Fangorn hid many secrets, indeed, but not all of them were only about the old, old forest of his realm. Legolas and Gimli were lucky; they got the privilege of knowing about one of the most important secrets to be ever shared by the Ent kind.
| Major Characters: Ainur |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: First Meetings |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 642 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
