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] A Blade of Wicked Sharpness by gaydhros
The weapon was expertly wrought: perfectly balanced, wickedly sharp, glinting under the distant stars. Silvered light danced across the black galvorn like moonbeams upon the jewelled waters of Celon.
He turned and presented it to Aredhel with pride, setting it lightly in her waiting hand…
[Writing] the unusual (but very well loved) teapot by bleucrow
It certainly was a strange, but very well loved and often used, teapot.
[Writing] Convergent Evolution by Kingsdaughter613
Convergent evolution: in which two creatures, completely independently, evolve the same characteristics.
Otherwise known as the time Celegorm got ahold of some kola nuts, and decided to try brewing a stimulant tea for their soldiers by combining it with the leaves of the coca tree they’d…
[Writing] Hot Babysitter by annarobots
When new parents Elenwë and Turukáno get overwhelmed and ask for help, Irissë is sent to stay with them for a while. Turukáno soon realizes that his sister needs more minding than the baby.
[Writing] The Final Kinslaying by Niphredinell
On the slopes of Orodruin, Elrond Peredhel Dooms himself.
[Writing] The Fall of Arnor; Book One "Out of the Bree-land" by Diane Finnis-Robb
The first of six books covering the fall of the kingdom of Arnor
[Writing] The Day Transcending Night by StarSpray
The Rings have been forged. The armies of Mordor are marching into Eriador. Eregion burns.
Far away from it all, by the shores of the Sea, Celegorm remembers his name.
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
It Comes in Threes
Choose a prompt from a list of 130 different things that "come in threes." 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] The High Pass to Gondor by octopus_fool
Eorl heard it before he saw it: the sliding of stones as they crossed the high pass into Gondor.
[Writing] Aftermath of a Riot by Susana_R
It's never fun to wake up with a concussion. Fortunately for Faramir, he has Elrond, Aragorn, and the rest of Aragorn's family to help him make the best of a difficult day.
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!
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
The White Oliphaunt 2026
The White Oliphaunt gift exchange, a yearly event where Tolkien fans sign up to exchange humorous gifts with each other.
A Blade of Wicked Sharpness by gaydhros
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A Blade of Wicked Sharpness
Eöl raised the finished dagger. His keen eyes studied the edges of the blade, seeking ruthlessly for any imperfections.
He found none. The weapon was expertly wrought: perfectly balanced, wickedly sharp, glinting under the distant stars. Silvered light danced across the black galvorn like moonbeams upon the jewelled waters of Celon.
He turned and presented it to Aredhel with pride, setting it lightly in her waiting hand. “Is it to your tastes, my lady?”
His wife turned it slowly back and forth. She lifted the blade and let it rest against her soft cheek, closing her eyes. A smirk found Eöl’s lips.
Heat was beginning to thrum through the bond that joined them as man and wife, anticipation pooling in Aredhel’s core and feeding back into Eöl. Her mind was open to him, and he saw the fantasies arising in her as if they were of his own thought: her skin dimpled beneath the fastness of rope and knot, her limbs restrained, her body utterly at his mercy; the dagger in his hand trailing up her stomach, her heaving breasts, cool against her flushed skin.
“Yes,” she answered, returning the blade. Her dark eyes met his. “It shall do nicely.”
Chapter End Notes
Thank you for reading! I'm on tumblr at @gaydhros <3
