Founded in 2005, the Silmarillion Writers' Guild exists for discussions of and creative fanworks based on J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion and related texts. We are a positive-focused and open-minded space that welcomes fans from all over the world and with all levels of experience with Tolkien's works. Whether you are picking up Tolkien's books for the first time or have been a fan for decades, we welcome you to join us!
Character of the Month: Marach There are few details in the texts about Marach, but he is noteworthy for his allegiances and his descendants, who would become pivotal to the history of Middle-earth and the eventual defeat of Morgoth and Sauron.
New Challenge: Allusive Literature and art constantly refer back to each other using allusions, and this month's prompts are inspired by allusions to literature, myth, art, and history.
New Challenge: Building Middle-earth Let global architecture be your inspiration in this challenge, where you will work with a prompts that are architectural styles, locations in Arda, or both.
Fëanor shrugged, studying the contents of his wine glass. “Something must be done about that house. It will fall down eventually.” “It does not follow that it must be you that tears it down single-handedly. Are you sure you do not want help?” “It’s not as though I…
Of course, she knew that in the Blessed Land, true harm was unlikely to come to him. The Valar watched over them all, and the lesser spirits were everywhere. It was a great hound of Oromë who had found him happily splashing in the creek, in fact. But anyone could drown in mere…
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.
When uneasy dreams bring him back into Beleriand, Daeron finds a pair of twins who have lost their home, and an enemy who has lost himself. The Shadow's reach is growing ever longer, and if they are to survive, they must do it together.
Current Challenge
Allusive
Choose from our list of allusions to history, literature, mythology, and art to create a fanwork. Read more ...
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.
There are few details in the texts about Marach, but he is noteworthy for his allegiances and his descendants, who would become pivotal to the history of Middle-earth and the eventual defeat of Morgoth and Sauron.
A dissenting voice in Marach's alliance with the Elves of Beleriand, Amlach experiences a change of mind after a mysterious twist in the story reorients his priorities toward enmity with Morgoth.
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…
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gorgeous vignette, really easy to see them by the fire with the dog and the wine, the calm before the storm...
but why doesn't Maglor think Elrond would be any good ? i don’t remember anything bad about Elrond, apart from being a bit Noldor, but then he's a total mongrel...
yes, i bet Maglor would have kept an eye on things, especially after Eregion... aargh...
It's not that Maglor thinks Elrond wouldn't be any good; rather, he firmly belives that the murder of his grandfather cursed the kingship itself and he hoped that Elrond could remain free of any lingering problems connected to it. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
It's not that Maglor thinks Elrond wouldn't be any good; rather, he firmly belives that the murder of his grandfather cursed the kingship itself and he hoped that Elrond could remain free of any lingering problems connected to it.
Some meetings are a lot more interesting than others. Maglor is in a very good position to gather intelligence as well as sketch maps since many people consider him to be 'mad' (as in 'crazy') in addition to being known as a bard. Despite everything that's happened, he still has a good deal of power and superstition working for him.
I'm very glad you like Gil-galad's dog. Roch is a favorite of mine.
Beautiful language and elegantly constructed. I really enjoyed reading it. I love the layers of history and characterization that you have woven into this short piece--perfect way to use a short-form format to write a much bigger story!
Adore the title by the way--the old folk song "Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier" is now an earwing for me today! Thanks, I guess!!--fortunately I love the song.
I like little moments in time. Of course Gil-galad would have a dog, he is a dog person in my world. And I'd be interested in Maglor's doubts about Elrond, though I imagine it has a lot to do with knowing how hard it would be to herd all the cats after the final battle. More affection than criticism there.
It's not that Maglor has any doubts about Elrond as a leader or in his abilities; he just firmly believes (and with good reason) that the murder of his grandfather cursed the kingship itself. Maglor was hoping that Elrond could remain free of any lingering problems that might remain connected to it. And, as you say, the whole herding cats issue after the final battle... Thank you so much for reading and reviewing.
Comments on Gone For Soldiers
The Silmarillion Writers' Guild is more than just an archive--we are a community! If you enjoy a fanwork or enjoy a creator's work, please consider letting them know in a comment.