New Challenge: Twenty-Five
It's been twenty-five years since the release of the "Fellowship" film transformed Tolkien fandom. This month's challenge looks back on iconic lines and scenes from the film trilogy.
SWG News
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."
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.
New & Updated Fanworks
[Writing] Like moths to a flame by nelladel
So alike to moths they were, he thought then, lured to light for the peace it promises.
[Writing] as the shrike by laurefindele
It is the twilight of the Third Age, and Ecthelion has dwelled far too long in the Halls of Mandos. Until, that is, Glorfindel returns to Valinor.
Half Ecthelion character study, half shameless Glorthelion romance.
[Writing] Whither Thou Goest by Zdenka
Eärendil and Elwing face the Choice of the Half-elven.
[Artwork] Anniavas by Jonathan Gee
A portrait of Anniavas from AdmirableMonster's excellent A Mirror Crack'd series, showing off the artifact bound to his spine.
[Writing] Convergent Evolution by Kingsdaughter613
Convergent evolution: in which two creatures, completely independently, evolve the same characteristics.
Otherwise known as the time the Fëanorians got ahold of Kola nuts and invented one of the most famous drinks in the world, several Ages early.
[Writing] The Final Kinslaying by Niphredinell
On the slopes of Orodruin, Elrond Peredhel Dooms himself.
[Writing] We are Married . . . to Each Other by Susana_R
Findekano exclaimed, "Russandol, will you please just tell me who I am married to? And you can tell me who you are married to, while you're at it."
Maitimo took a deep breath, as if to gather his courage. Then he began, "Findekano, we are married . . ."
"Yes, we've…
Current Challenge
Twenty-Five
It's been twenty-five years since "Fellowship" debuted in theaters, and we commemorate the occasion with daily quotes and scenes from the films. Read more ...
Random Challenge
Sirens and Songstresses
Use a prompt by a female musical artist or a band with a female lead to create your fanwork. 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] The Holly-Folk of Gondor by AdmirableMonster
Young Míriel is searching for a place to belong, and someone who believes him when he says he's a boy. He ends up gaining welcome and love from an enigmatic figure called Noltar, who teaches the craft of smithing to anyone who asks. But is Noltar really who he says he is, and what…
[Writing] Drabbles: Non-Silm by Zdenka
Drabbles! 100 words exactly, according to whatever software I'm writing in. See chapter notes for characters, summaries, and warnings.
[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…
Around the World and Web
Tolkien Siblings Week 2026
A fandom event focused on sibling relationships in the Tolkien legendarium, running November 23rd to 29th, 2026!
Glorthelion Week 2026
A week dedicated to Glorfindel x Ecthelion relationship
Ainur Week 2026
A Tolkien fandom week dedicated to the Ainur!
Nolofinwëan Week 2026
Nolofinwëan Week is Tumblr fandom event celebrating the House of Fingolfin, running from November 9th - 16th
The White Oliphaunt 2026
The White Oliphaunt gift exchange, a yearly event where Tolkien fans sign up to exchange humorous gifts with each other.
Comments on The Son Still Shines
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.