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…
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.
Yesss I love the passing of the ring from Finarfin to Finrod! And UGH it always gets me that they went in part out of a desire not to be parted from their cousins :') Finrod and Turgon's friendship slays me. What a lovely (if tragic) scene <3
Yeah, I want to explore this event in more detail in future, but I do love the symmetry of Finrod taking the ring as an oath, and then giving the ring also - it bookends his life in Beleriand. And I do so love the friendship between he and Turgon! It hurts all the more that they were separated for most of the First Age despite Finrod going in large part not to be separated from him!!
Oh wow, what an interesting time period to choose for this. The idea that he has to cut his clothes off... somehow very powerful. Beautifully written piece, and full of grief.
I honestly can't imagine even Tolkien Elves wearing the same garments for 30-some years and not wanting to just burn them the second they can get out of them!! These prompts are great because I can take them in directions I don't often consider, but this is my new headcanon that the Elves who crossed Helcaraxë were in a pretty awful state by the time they were done.
You got me with "This ficlet explores the possibility that Finrod was, perhaps, kind of a shit boyfriend," and you know what... I think it's a real possibility. I certainly think any reunion with Amarie would have been bumpy and I kind of like the idea that it actually doesn't work out between in the end.
Aaah this expresses so well what you've identified about Finrod following his heart. It makes this part of the tale make more sense to me. The last line gave me a nice sting of emotion.
Yeah, Finrod's experiences were so integral to how the story played out, I can't imagine him ever truly feeling regret for any of it - he may have a lot of other feelings, but not regret.
Comments on Finrod: 30-Day Character Study - Writings
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.