Cultus Dispatches: Revelations from Marquette's Fanzine Dataset
In September 2026, Marquette University released a dataset about their Tolkien fanzine collection. Analysis of the data reveals what these fanzines contained and show how pre-internet Tolkien fandom responded to the publication of "The Silmarillion."
SWG News
New Challenge: Unquote
Choose a prompt from our selection of misheard, miswritten, and misrepresented unquotes that are in no way part of the actual "Silmarillon."
Site Etiquette Update: Fandom and Money
We have updated our policy in our Site Etiquette around linking to sites that collect money.
Character of the Month: Eönwë
This month's biography focuses on Eönwë, who started with a variety of identities but settled into the role of Manwë's herald, exemplifying the values of strong leadership and justice.
New & Updated Fanworks
[Writing] The Day Transcending Night by StarSpray
The Rings have been forged. The armies of Mordor are marching into Eriador. Eregion burns.
Far away from it all, by the shores of the Sea, Celegorm remembers his name.
[Writing] House of Finwë by softmoonlightmelody
One drabble per Finwëan. Currently finished, ending with Eärendil but excluding Elwing, Elrond, and Elros.
[Artwork] Shadow's Scribbles 2026 by daughterofshadows
This is the collection of my art submissions for Scribbles & Drabbles 2026, featuring four art works.
[Writing] In Those Days by Dagstjarna
Young Nerdanel and Fëanor’s friendship blossoms.
[Writing] One Flesh, One Soul. Part I by FellFireFan
An elven prince stands against the looming shadows of Angband. Brother of Galadriel, Aegnor is as beautiful as he is deadly. A fierce warrior with a reputation to match, who commands the respect of all the Noldorin princes and all who look upon him. However, beneath his iron shell, lies a…
[Writing] The Heart Finds its Morning by StarSpray
Then the door opened. Celebrimbor sat up—and blinked. Whoever he had expected, it was not his cousin Finduilas, who closed the door gently behind her and turned to him with a smile. “Hello, Cousin. Am I intruding?”
“No, of course not.” Celebrimbor rose to take her hand. “I’m always glad…
[Writing] A falling star by Novenoe
Eärendil and Elwing have some trouble with a shooting star in the sky
Current Challenge
Unquote
Choose a prompt from our selection of misheard, miswritten, and misrepresented unquotes that are in no way part of the actual "Silmarillon." Read more ...
Random Challenge
B2MeM 2009
Back to Middle-earth Month in 2009 offered a daily prompt connecting our personal experiences to our creative work. Read more ...
New in References
Fandom before the Time of the Trees: Revelations from Marquette's Fanzine Dataset by Dawn Walls-Thumma
In September 2026, Marquette University released a dataset about their Tolkien fanzine collection. Analysis of the data reveals what these fanzines contained and show how pre-internet Tolkien fandom responded to the publication of "The Silmarillion."
Across the history of the "Silmarillion," Eönwë's role settles on a character who leads without taking upon himself the power to mete out justice and who acts with equanimity across some of the most harrowing conflicts in the early legendarium.
Speak Friend and Enter: Trends in Fandom Entry Year by Dawn Walls-Thumma
Across three surveys and ten years, the Tolkien Fanfiction Survey has document when authors began writing. These data reveal trends in how film promotions, the films themselves, the books, and other historical contexts have influenced not only who writes but how long they stay.
Featured Themed Collection
Beyond the Silmarillion
[Writing] IN THE SHIRE-RECKONING by Diane Finnis-Robb
-This novel was completed for Hobbit Day 2026 and will be updated in serialized fashion here as I make final edits; so feedback is very much welcome.
-It is a multi-generational novel spanning a period of time from the formation of the Shire to the Great Plague in Year Thirty-six and…
[Writing] For a Better World by Ellynn
Thirteen years before the War of the Ring, an orcling — more intelligent and more curious than most — is born in Mordor. His curiosity will lead him to both incredible discoveries and perilous situations, all of which will shape him into a leader unlike any Mordor has ever known. But to become…
[Writing] Sun on the Daisies by StarSpray
“Oh.” Frodo’s voice was soft, almost more sigh than sound. “Sam, look.”
Around the World and Web
Nolofinwëan Week 2026
Nolofinwëan Week is Tumblr fandom event celebrating the House of Fingolfin, running from November 9th - 16th
14th International Tolkien Mailing Competition
The Hungarian Tolkien Society invites you to join the international “Quendi” category of the Tolkien Mailing Competition: five rounds of quizzes, riddles and creative tasks. This category is organised in English, open to any individual participant, and also to teams of 2–5 people. The five rounds of the competition will last from November to April.
Tolkien Food Week 2026
fandom event from the 2-8th nov 2026 where we share recipes, fics and comfort food for body and soul.
The White Oliphaunt 2026
The White Oliphaunt gift exchange, a yearly event where Tolkien fans sign up to exchange humorous gifts with each other.
Glorfindel Week 2026
A Tumblr fandom week dedicated to the elf Glorfindel.
New and Updated Fanworks
Include Beyond the Silmarillion Fanworks
we could be kings by queerofthedagger
Maitimo had allowed it, his eyes dark and knowing, even as it was a gamble. There is only one person who is known to wear gold in their hair like this; there is only one thing that wearing someone’s token means.
Much the same way that a crown signifies allegiance, Findekáno thinks, as Maitimo kneels in front of their grandfather’s throne.
The copper circlet Maitimo is crowned with is a work of art. He finds that he likes it much better on another's brow.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Maedhros |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 672 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Fractures by Elleth
On a scouting trip to Dorthonion in preparation for the Fifth Battle, Maedhros, Fingon and Fingon's wife Alphangil find themselves embroiled in a battle for Alphangil's life when a traitor strikes. Will their relationship survive the fractures and trials ahead?
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Unnamed Female Canon Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Maedhros/Unnamed Canon Character |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Hurt/Comfort, Poly, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn, Violence (Moderate), Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 28, 857 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Connection Forged (B2MEM 2025) by Kaylee Arafinwiel
In a mostly-starless void, the Star of Earendil is shown glowing within reach of a silver full Moon with the last flower of Telperion upon it. Drawn using MS Paint. A poem called "Connection" is also shown:
As Earendil
rises for the first
time
He sees Tilion
And knows that
he is not the
Only watcher
over Arda.
There is a
connection
forged.
| Major Characters: Eärendil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Word Art |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (1) |
Tolkien Connections by Various Creators
If you love The New York Times' game Connections, this collection includes Tolkien-themed Connections games featured in our newsletter.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fanwork Collection | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Interview with Stella Getreuer-Kostrouch by Quente by Stella Getreuer-Kostrouch, Quente
Stella Getreuer-Kostrouch has always felt deeply connected to the character of Elu Thingol. In this interview, Quente asks about this connection and how Stella sees Thingol as unjustly treated by many in the fandom.
Anticipatory Grief by StarSpray
Dear Elrond, It feels a little silly to be writing this to you while you are sleeping right next to me, but I cannot sleep.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: Dark Matter |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 039 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Tyelkormo's Great Escape by Aprilertuile
Tyelkormo was currently outside the house, hiding from his mother.
It was nearly winter and every winter was peak matchmaking activity time in Tirion’s palace. So Nerdanel focused more on her sons at this period since she wanted them to make a good impression so they could find a good wife as was proper for young adult elves.
Alas, Tyelkormo didn’t want that.
Works for the Sitcom Bingo : We need a distraction, Failure is the Only Option, and getting volunteered (poor Makalaurë's dramatic so he enjoys being volunteered, worry not, no minstrel was harmed in the writing of this fic).
| Major Characters: Celegorm |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crackfic, Family, General | Challenges: Jubilee, Sitcom |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 11 | Word Count: 10, 728 |
| 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) |
On Pleading, and An Older Brother by awwyeah107
A oneshot on the complex relationship of Maglor, Maedhros, and giving.
For Maedhros & Maglor Week 2025.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 926 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
but for the look in his eyes by awwyeah107
When Maedhros goes to parley with Morgoth’s army after Fëanáro’s death, Celebrimbor sneaks out to join him, and the consequences are dire.
Rated M for graphic violence (primarily torture). First three chapters were posted only on AO3 in 2024.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Curufin, Maedhros, Sons of Fëanor, Sauron, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: Celebrimbor & Curufin, Celebrimbor & Sauron |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Family, Horror, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Torture, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 324 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Rude Awakening by awwyeah107
It was well-established knowledge amongst all their brothers that if they did something that made Makalaurë suitably upset, he would retaliate by playing his pipes very early outside the offending brother’s window.
However, while Maitimo was certain that he had done something to earn this assault on his ears, he could not for the life of him figure out what it was.
(In which Maitimo is the latest victim of Makalaurë’s early morning bagpipe playing.)
| Major Characters: Maglor, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: Fluff | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 641 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Mondays In Imladris by awwyeah107
For years, people had said that Imladris, or Rivendell in the common tongue, was a wonderful place. It was peaceful, it was beautiful, it was welcoming—a perfectly lovely place to be.
What many of them neglected to mention was that despite the hospitality of its residents and the beauty of the valley, Imladris was rather…unnatural.
(A Castle Glower AU)
| Major Characters: Elrond |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 139 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Sounds of War by daughterofshadows
An army marches to the War of Wrath.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Dark Matter |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
No Last Stand by elennalore
An Orc is writing to their loved one in the War of Wrath.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Orcs |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Experimental, Ficlet | Challenges: Dark Matter |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: In-Universe Racism/Ethnocentrism, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 295 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Call to the West by daughterofshadows
A drabble about sea longing without ever using the word sea. Or longing.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Dark Matter |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 101 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
Becoming (Maedhros & Maglor Week 2025) by 0ur_Ouroboros
Drabbles created (and now polished) from February 15, 2025 Maedhros & Maglor week-themed Instadrabbling session)
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Maedhros & Maglor, Fingon/Maedhros |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 1, 027 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Deeds of pity are ever strange by 0ur_Ouroboros
“Forswear the oath, then!” Elrond raises his voice.
“The oath was sworn in the name of Ilúvatar,” Maedhros explains. “It cannot be broken, lest we be doomed to everlasting darkness.”
“Seems to me you're both f****d either way,” Elros says. “So what's the harm in asking?”
"Elros, I will not tolerate that language in my halls. For someone of your stature, it's unbecoming." Maedhros conveniently ignores the question.
The War of Wrath has started, and the kidnap family is coming to an end.
This is how the conversation went.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Maedhros, Elrond, Elros |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros & Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 354 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Anérea's podfics by Anérea
What it says on the box, i.e. all my podfics in one place.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Celebrimbor: 30-Day Character Study by cloudyhymns
Notes and writings on Celebrimbor, following the 30-Day Character Study challenge prompts.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 30 | Word Count: 18, 091 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (17) |
Interview with Acha Rezak (Quente) by Shadow by Acha Rezak (Quente), daughterofshadows
Shadow spoke to Acha Rezak about her upcoming presentation for Mereth Aderthad, which reads Tolkien less as a Catholic Christian work and more as a world inclusive of many religions, especially in its focus on nature and landscapes
That Bard from Doriath by Flora-lass
Maglor, Fingon and Finrod go for a picnic, and Maglor is in a bad mood. Written for the Dark Matter challenge prompt: 'the letter E'.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Fingon, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, Humor | Challenges: Dark Matter |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 269 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
The Warrior and the Stone by 0ur_Ouroboros
“They left everything behind? All of their families?” Elrond asks.
“Yes.”
“All for a magic stone?” he asks.
“Yes. A very special, very magical stone,” Maglor says, unsure why he should have to justify his deeds to a child.
~~~
Maglor tells Elrond and Elros a story. Maedhros listens.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor, Elrond, Elros |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros & Maedhros & Maglor, Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 010 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
What lips my lips have kissed, and why by AdmirableMonster
The king's natural philosophers are an elite group of men of science in Armenelos. When one of them is discovered to be (apparently) a woman in disguise, he is expelled from their ranks. Unfortunately, his youth and beauty draw the interest of the king, and there is no one with the power to protect him, not even the High Priest himself, although to the philosopher's surprise, Tar-Mairon tries...
A possible origin story for the Mouth of Sauron.
| Major Characters: Mouth of Sauron, Original Male Character(s), Sauron, Ar-Pharazôn |
| Major Relationships: Sauron/Original Character, Ar-Pharazon/Sauron, Mouth of Sauron/Sauron |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Domestic and Partner Violence, Expletive Language, In-Universe Intolerance, In-Universe Queerphobia/LGBTQIA+ Intolerance, In-Universe Sexism/Misogyny, Mature Themes, Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 6, 705 |
| 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) |
Menneen Talven Lumia "Snows of Winter Past" by Anérea
After the Dagor Bragollach, Hiril contemplates past and future, despair and acceptance: an illustrated drabble and a half.
| Major Characters: Hiril |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Hidden Figures, Idiomatic, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 164 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Light in Gloom, or An Unexpected Find by Anérea
A teeny tiny illustrated poem about Beleg unexpectedly finding Gwindor with his blue lamp in Taur-na-Fuin, Forest of (Gloomy) Night.
| Major Characters: Beleg, Gwindor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Decorative, Word Art |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Funky 70s, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (7) |
Many Journeys by Elleth
A gathering place for ficlets of varying length written in response to prompts, prods and as gift ficlets.
New (added February 15/16, 2025): Instadrabbling fics from various SWG server sessions in early 2025 (marked in the respective chapter notes) as well as a few spontaneous drabbles.
| Major Characters: Aerin, Amarië, Amras, Amrod, Anairë, Aredhel, Arien, Aulë, Belen, Brodda, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Daeron, Dwarves, Ecthelion of the Fountain, Elemmírë, Elenwë, Elwing, Erendis, Eärwen, Fëanor, Finarfin, Findis, Finduilas, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Finwë, Galadriel, Gwindor, Haleth, Idril, Indis, Lalwen, Lúthien Tinúviel, Maedhros, Maglor, Mahtan, Mandos, Meleth (Elf), Melian, Meril, Míriel Serindë, Mithrellas, Morwen, Nellas, Nerdanel, Nienna, Nienor, Nimloth, Nimrodel, Númenóreans, Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Rían, Sons of Fëanor, Tar-Míriel, Thuringwethil, Uinen, Vairë, Valar, Varda, Yavanna, Manwë, Andreth, Vána |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Alternate Universe, Crossover, Drama, Erotica, Experimental, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General, Het, Horror, Humor, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: International Day of Femslash, Tolkien Femslash Week Bingo |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Mild), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 120 | Word Count: 31, 639 |
| 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 (72) |
