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] More of an Ending than a Beginning by Dagstjarna
Maglor's birthdays in Valinor.
[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…
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
Gates of Summer
Create a fanwork based on prompts about summer taken from Tolkien's life, canon events, and quotes from his letters and stories. 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
In Service, Love by sallysavestheday
From the ruin of the Gladden Fields, where Isildur perished, three men only came ever back over the mountains after long wandering. One of these was Ohtar, the esquire of Isildur, who bore the shards of the sword of Elendil; and he brought them to Valandil, the heir of Isildur, who being but a child had remained in Rivendell. The Fellowship of the Ring, Ch 2, The Council of Elrond.
Ohtar is faithful.
| Major Characters: Isildur, Ohtar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Cheesy Corn Chips |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 671 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (26) |
Fabric of Love by Anérea
Young Andreth receives a very special gift from her mother.
(A drabble.)
| Major Characters: Andreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Holiday Party, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 101 |
| 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) |
Aeluin Revisited by Anérea
A nonagenarian Andreth thinks back on her life, and love. (Featuring cameo appearances by Finrod and Adanel.)
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Andreth |
| Major Relationships: Aegnor/Andreth |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: Jubilee, Manwë's Mailbag |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 413 |
| 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) |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: International Fanworks Day, Jubilee, Taboo |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 111 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Aesthetic Appreciation by Lferion
Fingon, Returned, takes in some of the sights of spring. A quadruple drabble.
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Fluff | Challenges: International Fanworks Day, Jubilee, Soap Opera, Words of Wit and Wisdom |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 404 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Resemblance by Lferion
Elrond did not know what to expect of Aman - a quadruple drabble.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Fingon |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros & Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: Family, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: Block Party, International Fanworks Day, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 414 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Through Dreaming Trees by Lferion
Returned, Fingon walks in Lorien -- four drabbles.
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: Holiday Feast, International Fanworks Day, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 424 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
House of Refuge by Independence1776
Jedi Padawan Caleb Dume finds temporary sanctuary in Imladris.
| Major Characters: Other Fictional Character(s), Celebrían, Elrond, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover, Hurt/Comfort | crossed with Star Wars | Challenges: Jubilee, X Marks the Spot |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 13, 737 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Finrod: 30-Day Character Study - Study Days by cuarthol
Following the 30-day Character Study Challenge for Finrod.
This will contain the days which call for reading, thoughts on or creating headcanons for, or perusing other creative works as part of the challenge.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 30 | Word Count: 12, 293 |
| 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) |
The Fall of Gondolin Reflected in History by MirienSilowende
The Fall of Gondolin has historical antecedents in sacks of cities in the ancient and medieval world, all featuring military destruction and a grievous impact on innocent civilian survivors.
Túrin, Part 3 by firstamazon
The final installment of Túrin's biography considers his life in Nargothrond, his return to Dor-lómin and time in Brethil, his fateful marriage to Nienor, his battle with Glaurung, and the ever-disastrous consequences of all of these, culminating in his death by his own hand.
Extinguished by Rocky41_7
Nerdanel had hoped to beat Feanor to Formenos, but she came too late.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor/Nerdanel, Fëanor & Finwë |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 651 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Finrod: 30-Day Character Study by cuarthol
Following the 30-day Character Study Challenge for Finrod Felagund. To include notes/thoughts, fic, art, and more.
All 30 days are finished!
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Mixed Media, General, Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study, Jubilee |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (1) |
Finrod: 30-Day Character Study - Writings by cuarthol
Story/fiction writing prompts for the 30-Day Character Challenge.
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Amarië, Finarfin, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: Finarfin & Finrod, Amarië/Finrod |
| Genres: General | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 2, 622 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (24) |
Finrod: 30-Day Character Study - Artwork by cuarthol
Art created for the related prompts for the 30-Day Character Study Challenge.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: Andreth & Finrod, Aegnor/Andreth |
| Artwork Type: Drawing/Painting |
| Genres: General, Het | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (12) |
The Last Scion of Tevildo by Lindariel
What happens to the offspring of a cat possessed by a Maia of sharpness?
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Eagles, Glorfindel, Melkor, Tevildo |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Crackfic, Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 9, 111 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Dawn of a New Era by Varda delle Stelle
At the beginning of the Fourth Era in Aman Maedhros and Fingon are reunited.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Maedhros |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Fluff | Challenges: Gnome Tome, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 664 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Possession by elennalore
In captivity, Celebrimbor draws the diagram of the tower where he’s held.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor |
| Major Relationships: Celebrimbor/Sauron |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: Jubilee, Notion Club Revival |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 122 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Smudged by cuarthol
“My lord! Excellent news!”
Gil-galad looked up, expectation mixed with mild humor on his face at the eager young scribe who had come to stand before him.
The scribe held up an old, water-damaged tome and declared with absolute assurance, “We finally know who your father is!”
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Jubilee, Solve a Problem |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 830 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
We'll dance among the stars by daughterofshadows
We spend some time with our friends from Gondolin, learn about Nellas and Galdor's relationship in this universe and do a lot of worldbuilding.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Galdor of the Tree, Legolas of Gondolin, Nellas |
| Major Relationships: Galdor of the Tree/Nellas |
| Genres: Adventure, Alternate Universe, Family, Science Fiction | Challenges: Jubilee, X Marks the Spot |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 5, 992 |
| 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) |
For love to bloom by daughterofshadows
Dís, Belladonna and a quiet day together.
| Major Characters: Belladonna Took Baggins, Dís |
| Major Relationships: Belladonna Took Baggins/Dís |
| Genres: Femslash, Ficlet, Fluff, Romance | Challenges: Block Party, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 228 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Dance At Your Wedding by Tarion Anarore
A gift, a farewell, and a blessing that she wasn't seeking. Galadriel and Orodreth upon Tol Sirion.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: Celeborn/Galadriel |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 722 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
With sword in hand by Morcondil
Many in Valinor sought the hand of the lady Galadriel; to none did she give her heart, for none were worthy.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: Celeborn/Galadriel |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 981 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
No enemy but self by Morcondil
Lost on the Helcaraxë, Aredhel begins to doubt herself. An unwelcome conversation with her least-favorite cousin brings fear and feeling into perspective.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 749 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Winter Light by Zdenka
A music playlist to go with Dawn Felagund's fic Yule Lights. Featuring Celebrimbor, his memories of his family, and Annatar (who is not up to anything suspicious, of course not).
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Music (Classical, Folk, Instrumental, K-pop/J-pop/C-pop, New Age, Pop, Soundtrack, Vocal) | Challenges: Holiday Party, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (3) |
