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
History of Tradition
Choose a festival or tradition observed in the modern world and create a fanwork that includes that festival or tradition as it might have been celebrated in Tolkien's mythological world. 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.
Angbang Week 2026
Angbang Week is a tumblr event focusing on the relationship between Morgoth and Sauron, running from May 5-11, 2026
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
Of Daub and Displacement by Isilme_among_the_stars
Spurred on by the tribulations of endless rain and a leaky tent, Maglor and Maedhros find a house for Elrond, Elros and themselves to live in. However, moving is complicated by the emergence of memories of home, and a scare from Elros.
Written for the SWG's New Year's Resolution Amnesty and March Challenge: Birthday Bash for the prompt word 'displaced' and the poem:
Yesterday I lost a country.
I was in a hurry,
and didn't notice when it fell from me
like a broken branch from a forgetful tree.
I Was in a Hurry by Dunya Mikhail, translated by Elizabeth Winslow
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros & Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: Birthday Bash, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 721 |
| 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) |
The Court of Ardor by AliceNWonder000137
After his release from the Halls of Mandos, Melkor seduces many of the Noldor with honeyed words and accusations against the Valar. The Two Trees are ruined and the Sun and Moon arise. One of these elves, Ardana the Astrologer, leads her people to return the skies to their original form, nothing but stars. But she must destroy the Sun and Moon to accomplish that from her holds in the south of Middle Earth.
This is a non-canon story that is inspired by an MERP RPG series that was a gift from my aunt. Most of the characters and settings were from the series and some quotes and songs are taken from Tolkien's writing. It also ties in with the Wars in Beleriand and two my other two stories, The Dark Mage of Rhudaur and The Thieves of Tharbad. The story is designed to span three ages.
| Major Characters: Orodreth, Fingon, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, In-Universe Classism, Mature Themes, Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 51 | Word Count: 218, 226 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The One With All The Birds by alabasterapricot
Would it never end? Would there always be one more mother standing on the shore, looking out to sea, full of a grief made more terrible by hope?
Elwing and Nerdanel in Valinor in the Fourth Age; a story about children coming home.
| Major Characters: Elwing, Elrond, Sons of Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elwing, Elwing & Sons of Fëanor |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Suicide |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Kids These Days by Babblecat
Ungoliant's brood cause her annoyance as they grow up and turn into normies.
| Major Characters: Ungoliant |
| Major Relationships: Shelob & Ungoliant |
| Genres: Crackfic, Humor | Challenges: Kids These Days, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 25 | Word Count: 2, 305 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Spider Type by Babblecat
Eru banishes Melkor outside the world...very far outside the world.
| Major Characters: Melkor, Ungoliant |
| Major Relationships: Melkor & Ungoliant |
| Genres: Crossover, Humor | crossed with Pokemon | Challenges: New Year's Resolution, Period Drama |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 422 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Amon Rûdh by Flora-lass
A rather emotional Beleg-comes-back-to-Túrin acrostic.
| Major Characters: Beleg, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: Beleg/Túrin |
| Genres: Poetry, Romance | Challenges: Musicals, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 65 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Animal Farm by Babblecat
Like Germany at one point or another, Melkor turns over a new leaf (for real, no jokes) and gets himself a tradwife.
| Major Characters: Melkor, Ungoliant |
| Major Relationships: Melkor & Ungoliant |
| Genres: Crackfic, Humor | Challenges: New Year's Resolution, Swinging 40s |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 567 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Bloom by Elrond's Library
Idril begins her courtship of Tuor with food.
| Major Characters: Idril, Tuor |
| Major Relationships: Idril/Tuor |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Fluff, General | Challenges: Great Beleriand Bake-Off, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 611 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Escape by hennethgalad
Tuor meets the messengers of Círdan and passes through the mountains to the sea. At Vinyamar he comes face to face with Ulmo.
| Major Characters: Gelmir (Dorthonion), Tuor, Ulmo |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 257 |
| 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) |
Of Ships and Sealing Wax by Grundy
Finarfin in a thoughtful moment on the way to the War of Wrath.
| Major Characters: Finarfin, Eärwen |
| Major Relationships: Eärwen/Finarfin |
| Genres: | Challenges: Musicals, New Year's Resolution, Swinging 40s |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 970 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
to grow out of ashy soil by softmoonlightmelody
Indis, removing herself to a smaller household and resolving to raise her daughter Faniel alone, is suddenly besieged by someone she never expected: Míriel Þerindë, her husband's wife.
| Major Characters: Indis, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: Indis & Míriel |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 223 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Wake, Butterfly by Babblecat
Melkor turns over a new leaf, and finds a spider.
| Major Characters: Melkor, Ungoliant |
| Major Relationships: Melkor & Ungoliant |
| Genres: Crackfic, Humor | Challenges: Birthday Bash, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 103 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The Numenorean Frying Pan by Babblecat
Elros is famous for one thing above all.
| Major Characters: Elros, Ungoliant |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crackfic, Humor | Challenges: Great Beleriand Bake-Off, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 210 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
On Feathers and Reminiscence by Isilme_among_the_stars
Two years ago, in the Summer, Maglor and his brother took in twin elflings on what was the worst day of the children’s lives. Seventy-six years before that, the solstice had heralded their own living nightmare. As the days grow longer and warmer the four of them find ways to help each other reckon with the ghosts of the past.
Written for the Gates of Summer Challenge prompts: “… cast up exhausted on the shoals of August”, Nirnaeth Arnoediad and Loendë (midsummer).
| Major Characters: Maglor, Maedhros, Elrond, Elros |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros & Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: Fluff, General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: Gates of Summer |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 364 |
| 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) |
Pennas Pengolodh by AdmirableMonster
The majority of the Silmarillion was penned by a single Elf--an Elf who was so thoroughly written out as to appear only through the ways in which their perspective shaped the stories we see. This is their story, the historian's history, the Pennas Pengolodh.
| Major Characters: Pengolodh, Salgant, Gil-galad, Dírhavel, Elrond, Glorfindel, Elwing, Original Agender Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: Pengolodh & Salgant, Gil-galad & Pengolodh, Dírhavel + Pengolodh, Pengolodh/Original Character |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Under Granite Skies by AdmirableMonster
A Dwarf on vacation with their lover must contend with an unusual encounter in the middle of the night.
| Major Characters: Original Agender Character(s), Pengolodh, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: Pengolodh/Original Character |
| Genres: Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: New Year's Resolution, Period Drama |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 172 |
| 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) |
Fare alone as she would by Anérea
Aredhel wanders through Nan Elmoth
| Major Characters: Aredhel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Character/Portrait, Drawing/Painting, Landscape |
| Genres: | Challenges: New Year's Resolution, Swinging 40s |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (16) |
Berry Romance by Elrond's Library
In which Salgant expresses his love with food.
| Major Characters: Maeglin, Salgant |
| Major Relationships: Maeglin/Salgant |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Fluff, General, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 104 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
True Bread by Himring
Two Numenoreans talking about bread. That's all it is.
| Major Characters: Númenóreans |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: Great Beleriand Bake-Off |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 133 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
On Olives and Acceptance by Isilme_among_the_stars
Elros recalls the journey from Sirion to Ossiriand and the early days with Maedhros and Maglor. He and Elrond struggle to cope, yet there are new discoveries and small joys still to be found.
Written for the SWG's Great Beleriand Bakeoff Challenge: Olive Bread (19th Dec) Prompt.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maglor, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros & Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: Great Beleriand Bake-Off |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Child Abuse |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 138 |
| 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) |
The Shape of Water by Isilme_among_the_stars
Celebrían will not stand among the crowd when Elrond arrives in Valinor, for their private griefs are theirs alone to share.
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Elrond |
| Major Relationships: Celebrían/Elrond |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 166 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
All Her Scars Bloom by Isilme_among_the_stars
In which Celebrían encounters a satsuma plum, the piercing insight of Finrod Felagund, and the two decide to paint each other’s skin. Or, Celebrían and Finrod do trauma recovery in their own unique way.
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: Celebrían & Finrod |
| Genres: General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 719 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Twilight, Insistent it Creeps by Isilme_among_the_stars
Old age creeps upon Tuor, insistent and unsettling, and as sea-longing grows in his heart, Annael guides him on his way.
| Major Characters: Tuor, Annael |
| Major Relationships: Annael & Tuor |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 282 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A Private Anger by Elrond's Library
Curufin lets Finrod say goodbye.
| Major Characters: Curufin, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: Curufin/Finrod |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet, Hurt/Comfort, Slash, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Domestic and Partner Violence |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 103 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
with wax melted, meet the sea by queerofthedagger
How high a price, not only for words but for blood on holy shores? For smoke on the horizon? For trust and love unyielding, tossed aside in the hours of one dark night? And what, then, the price for unearned forgiveness? For offering the other cheek, for offering to slay kin all over, again, again, again in his name?
“Would you have come with me, if I had asked?” The truth is, Fingon is not sure of the answer. The truth is, he had asked himself, nights on end, what the answer to that question would be. Had asked himself where they had gone so wrong, that he no longer knew.
“Would you have asked, if you were sure of the answer?”
Fingon rescues Maedhros. He and Finrod grapple with the aftermath.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Finrod/Maedhros |
| Genres: Poly | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 168 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
