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
Rise Above
Create a fanwork using a quote from a woman who made contributions in science. 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
Promises by Erdariel
The night before the Last Alliance leaves Rivendell, Elendil has a conversation with Isildur's wife and leaves something in her keeping
| Major Characters: Elendil, Unnamed Female Canon Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: Elendil & Unnamed Canon Character |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 112 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Despair and Defiance by Zdenka
Celebrimbor comes to Galadriel with word of Annatar’s betrayal, and offers her a gift.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Celebrimbor |
| Major Relationships: Celebrimbor & Galadriel |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 173 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Signs of Healing by AdmirableMonster
Pengolodh chances upon a young human girl who has been brought to Rivendell for healing. He soon discovers they have more in common than he expected.
| Major Characters: Pengolodh, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: Pengolodh & Original Character |
| Genres: Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: In-Universe Intolerance |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 488 |
| 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) |
Through the Long Night by IdleLeaves
Maedhros comes to Barad Eithel after the Dagor Bragollach and the fall of Fingolfin.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Fingon |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Maedhros |
| Genres: Ficlet, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 996 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Shadow's Instadrabbles by daughterofshadows
The home of my insta-drabbling pieces!
(and the odd drabble of undetermined origin)
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Amarië, Anairë, Arwen, Bilbo Baggins, Celeborn, Celebrían, Eärwen, Elladan, Elrohir, Elrond, Elu Thingol, Finarfin, Gil-galad, Mahtan, Melian, Nerdanel, Thranduil, Rog, Eärendil, Celebrimbor, Ilmarë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Festival of Lights Fest, Holiday Party, It Comes in Threes, Jubilee, Middle-earth Olympics, Orctober, Potluck Bingo, Restoration and Rebuilding, Strength and Beauty, Taboo, Teen Spirit, Vintage, Zingers |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 41 | Word Count: 4, 145 |
| 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 (21) |
Wise Hearts by Anérea
An evolving series exploring the life and times of the two wise-women of the Edain in Beleriand, Adanel and Andreth.
| Major Characters: Adanel, Aegnor, Andreth, Finrod Felagund, Zimrahin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Of Circles and Cycles by Anérea
A thoughtful young girl of about eight, Andreth comes to live with Adanel and begins learning her lore...
(part of a W in very slow P series)
| Major Characters: Andreth, Adanel |
| Major Relationships: Adanel & Andreth |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 308 |
| 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 Day's Journey through Minas Tirith by Himring
Ioreth has to endure some of the physical drawbacks of advanced age, but there are also people who accord her the kindness and respect she deserves. (Now with extra drabble.)
| Major Characters: Unnamed Female Canon Character(s), Ioreth, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: Jubilee, Middle-earth Is Multitudes, Restoration and Rebuilding |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 013 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Matters under Maiarin Investigation by Himring
Shortly after Thingol emerged from Nan Elmoth with Melian to rejoin the Sindar: Celeborn would very much prefer not to be asked some questions by Melian.
| Major Characters: Melian, Celeborn |
| Major Relationships: Melian/Thingol, Celeborn & Melian |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Jubilee, Taboo |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
An Urgent Matter by Ecthelion
Every morning, I leave you; every evening, you bring me back. An endless game—until the day it is not.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Eöl |
| Major Relationships: Aredhel/Eöl |
| Genres: Drama, Het, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 245 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Jubilee Instadrabbling 2025 by Lindariel
Eight perfect drabbles (and one bonus accidentally AU one) from the SWG Discord instadrabbling session in January 2025.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Revolution |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Animal Abuse, Character Death, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 941 |
| 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) |
Moods of Tarn Aeluin by Anérea
Two moodboards depicting Tarn Aeluin
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Landscape, Moodboard/Collage, Photography |
| Genres: | Challenges: Dip the Ladle, Jubilee |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Character Death |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (5) |
Even the Wisest Cannot Tell by Anérea
Galadriel sees something that yet may be.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Eärwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: Jubilee, Revolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 103 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Great Journey by Anérea
An instadrawble painting
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Drawble/Finished Sketch, Drawing/Painting, Landscape |
| Genres: | Challenges: Holiday Party, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (4) |
Ages of Farewells by Anérea
Cirdan watches as Elrond, Galadriel and company sail into the West
| Major Characters: Círdan |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Block Party, Bollywood, Jubilee |
| 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 (2) |
Comforting Food by chrissystriped
Angrod has to comfort his son.
| Major Characters: Angrod, Orodreth, Aegnor |
| Major Relationships: Angrod & Orodreth |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: Block Party, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 189 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
A Bright Winter's Night by chrissystriped
Estel enjoys the view of the starry winter sky
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, General | Challenges: Jubilee, Potluck Bingo |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 186 |
| 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) |
Cataclysm by chrissystriped
Melkor returns
| Major Characters: Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Bollywood, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 98 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Happy Begetting Day by Ecthelion
The tale of how the sons of Fëanor were conceived and named, and how the daughters came into being in the other two houses.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel, Fingolfin, Anairë, Finarfin |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor/Nerdanel, Anairë/Fingolfin, Eärwen/Finarfin |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 2, 912 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Obstinate Spirit Of A Dying House by Gabriel
After an attempt on the High King's life, Celebrimbor realizes his priorities.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Erestor |
| Major Relationships: Celebrimbor/Erestor, Celebrimbor & Unnamed Canon Character |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Pride |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 691 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Sprinkles of Snow by Tamatoa
Instadrabbling from the discord event in January 2025.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Jubilee |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 14 | Word Count: 1, 687 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Portraits of Elves by between_thepages
A collection of my portraits of various elves and the headcanons that lead to their depictions
| Major Characters: Anairë, Eärwen, Indis |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Character/Portrait, Clothing, Drawing/Painting | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Portrait of Indis by between_thepages
A portrait of Indis in her wedding dress
| Major Characters: Indis |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Character/Portrait, Drawing/Painting |
| Genres: | Challenges: Jubilee, Kings & Queens |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (4) |
Jubilee 2025 Instadrabbling by elennalore
Three 100 words drabbles I wrote during the Jubilee 2025 live instadrabbling event on the SWG discord server.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Sauron, Elros, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: Celebrimbor/Sauron, Melkor/Sauron |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Jubilee, Revolution |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 308 |
| 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) |
All Hues and Honeys by Dawn Felagund
This is my latest collection of pieces too small to stand alone, often written for events on the SWG Discord.
The Latest:
"Fly." Fingon's faith in his friendship with Maedhros leads him to the decision to rescue him.
"Salt." Uinen discovers the kinslaying.
"Sunship." Nerdanel places the final cog in the sunship as an act of resistance.
"No One Heard That." The histories withheld some details of Fëanor's muster of the Noldor.
"Cracked." Námo explains death to a young Fëanor.
"Sunship, Reprise." The sunship's launching, from the perspective of the other side of the sea.
"Shadows beyond a Campfire." The sons of Fëanor build a campfire after the Nirnaeth.
"The Neologist." Pengolodh on language and history at three points in Gondolin's history.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Curufin, Elrond, Elwing, Fëanor, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Indis, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel, Orodreth, Pengolodh, Salmar, Thorondor, Uinen, Arien, Mandos, Avari, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Maedhros, Fëanor/Nerdanel, Curufin/Original Character, Maglor & Salmar, Eärendil/Elwing, Arien & Nerdanel |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Block Party, Holiday Party, It Comes in Threes, Jubilee, Middle-earth Olympics, Restoration and Rebuilding, Revolution, Teen Spirit |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 38 | Word Count: 6, 595 |
| 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 (67) |
