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] And death would be his reward by Myrcella1
Step 1: Drink way too much wine.
Step 2: Try to sleep with Finno.
Step 3: Watch your brilliant plan turn into an absolute, heartbreaking disaster.
[Writing] Stars in Her Veins by StarSpray
Sometimes, if Elwing slipped away from the Havens to the meadows beyond the river mouths, she could lie in the tall grass and close her eyes and imagine two others lying with her, one on either side, warm and full of bright laughter.
[Writing] Disco Demolition by kimikocha
“We’ve worked together,” says the stranger with fire in his hair. “We’re investigators.”
Everything he says is technically true.
Inspired by Disco Elysium and written in the game's style, but not a crossover. Familiarity with the game isn't necessary for this fic.
[Writing] A New World of Our Creation by elennalore
During the destruction of Beleriand, a Maia who calls himself Annatar helps Celebrimbor out.
[Writing] Bury Me to Release Your Splendor by annarobots
“Do you know what grows on the shores of the southern isles? A trading-merchant might bring many strange specimens to our lands, like nothing I have ever seen. In recent days, I have tasted a ripe fruit with firm flesh that parted beneath my tongue in a burst of liquid sweetness. So…
[Writing] Perils and Heirs by Augustine
A trade meeting with a Mannish kingdom goes horribly off course when the recently-crowned Gil-galad realizes that heirs may be expected of him.
Written for Aspec Arda Week 2026 featuring aroace Gil-galad, and general aspec baseline interpretations of some things in HoME and NoME.
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
New Beginnings
Create a fanwork that celebrates new beginnings. 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] 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] 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] 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.
Stars in Her Veins by StarSpray
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stars in her veins
Sometimes, if Elwing slipped away from the Havens to the meadows beyond the river mouths, she could lie in the tall grass and close her eyes and imagine two others lying with her, one on either side, warm and full of bright laughter. If she closed her eyes she could almost hear their voices, calling her baby sister.
Sometimes, the part of her that came from Melian burned in her veins like she was filled with stars, tiny white-hot pinpricks of fire that made the Music in the Sea echo so loudly that she wanted to scream—that brought dreams of both light and terrible darkness. The dreams of light made her believe that her brothers were out there somewhere, that someday they would come and find her.
The dreams of darkness convinced her that that was only a childish fancy, and she was truly all alone.
In the end the darkness won out—until she came to Valinor, and found new meadows to lie in where the flowers were strange but the Music was gentler. There Nellas found her, after the war was ended, bearing a letter in an unfamiliar hand, but signed with two achingly familiar names.
