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] Recipes from Middle-earth by Harp_of_Gold
A collection of recipes that might be found in Middle-earth, from many places, times, and peoples.
Originally posted for Tolkien Food Week.
[Writing] The Day Has Come At Last by StarSpray
Thangorodrim is broken
[Writing] Silmarillion Non-Con November 2026 by AngbandThrallNo.1035
This is my collection of ficlets for the various prompts of Non-Con November 2026, I'll update the tags as I upload my fics, each prompt will be a new chapter. This writing event specifically focuses on the absence of consent, so keep that in mind!
Day 1: Groping (Maeglin/…
[Writing] invisible line by annarobots
They do not speak, but when Anairë catches sight of Eärwen by the water, feels her blue eyes upon her, she tugs on the invisible line that pulls taut between them.
[Writing] restraint by sariane
“I would rather die than bind my soul,” Celebrimbor had said. Annatar sees, and he wants, and he tells himself: this is for Celebrimbor’s sake. And so, he endures.
After saving Celebrimbor from a deadly aphrodisiac, Annatar finds desire can be both a blessing and a curse.
[Writing] Rest at last by Flora-lass
Firiel and Aranarth lay Arvedui's ghost to rest.
[Series] Instadrabbling, 2026-Present by SWG Moderators
We get together from time to time on the SWG Discord and produce spontaneous fanworks based on randomly chosen prompts. This collection includes drabbles, ficlets, and other flash fanworks produced as part of our instadrabbling sessions beginning in 2026.
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
Opposites Attract
Prompts for this challenge are a pair of opposites. 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] Faint Now and Far by Arveldis
Frodo dreams, but it brings no peace.
[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 stand alone novel was completed for Hobbit Day 2026. 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 focuses on the origins of an old feud between the Bucks and the Tooks.
Around the World and Web
Ainur Week 2026
A Tolkien fandom week dedicated to the Ainur!
Glorthelion Week 2026
A week dedicated to Glorfindel x Ecthelion relationship
Nolofinwëan Week 2026
Nolofinwëan Week is Tumblr fandom event celebrating the House of Fingolfin, running from November 9th - 16th
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.
invisible line by annarobots
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invisible line
They do not speak, but when Anairë catches sight of Eärwen by the water, feels her blue eyes upon her, she tugs on the invisible line that pulls taut between them.
Soon, they will find an excuse, they will leave their children in the capable hands of their husbands, and they will sneak back to the beach cottage where they will fall upon each other in release of passion too long controlled. They will be reckless. They will be greedy. They will not bid each other to close their eyes and be silent, but instead they will thrill in the peril, the fear that at any moment the wind might carry their cries of rapture to the shores and reveal all.
For now, Anairë only gazes upon her friend, who glitters like jewels, like stars slanting down from the firmament, who appears to Anairë more beautiful than Varda Starkindler herself.
