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] Give A Whistle by Prackspoor
After the sacking of Ost-in-Edhil, the Dark Lord Sauron ordered his prisoners crucified and carried at the head of his army as banners so that their approach would strike fear into the hearts of his enemies. At least that was the idea. No one could have imagined that the last resistance of the…
[Writing] The Many Faces of You by Prackspoor
The universe is still new, its stars and planets have barely settled into their revolutions, and the world has only just cooled off enough to allow the first rain to fall on the dry and cracked planet when you meet the fallen Vala for the first time. You are young and proud and you have always…
[Writing] Duplicity by Prackspoor
duplicity [n];
1. deceitfulness in speech or conduct, as by speaking or acting in two different ways to different people concerning the same matter; double-dealing.
2. the state or quality of having two elements or parts; being twofold or double.
…
[Writing] The Road Not Taken by Prackspoor
Mairon looks at Melkor incredulously. “If you did not intend for any of this to happen –,” he makes a wide, sweeping gesture, encompassing Melkor and himself, the fortress, the world, “– if you cannot be anything of what you were before, if you cannot bring about what you intended for this world…
[Writing] And Death Shall Have No Dominion by Prackspoor
“If Morgoth takes away your right hand, you learn to fight with your left. If he takes your left hand, you kick him. And if he takes your legs, you learn to fight with your teeth.”
A story of the end, and everything that comes after.
[Writing] There Is No Story Without a Fall by Deborah Judge
Indis and the fall. Drabble series.
Chapter 1: Miriel makes a dress for Indis.
Chapter 2: Melkor watches Indis dance.
Chapter 3: Melkor and Nienna save Indis from drowning.
[Writing] In the Hour of Dusk by gaydhros
Elrond rolled over and pressed closer to Celebrían, burying his face in her shoulder. He shut his eyes and tried not to think about how quickly their few remaining hours were dwindling.
He would not weep. He had promised himself he would not weep.
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
Hero's Journey
Prompts for this Matryoshka challenge are based on the stages of the hero's journey archetype. 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] Pentacles and Rings of Power by Prackspoor
I felt the summons reach me where I dwelt in the Other Place, bonds of magic wrapping themselves about me like a vice. With all the grace and friendliness of a kick to the behind, they flung me into the mortal world and into the confines of a pentacle.
I wasted no time searching for any…
[Writing] The Curious Tale of Lobelia Sackville-Baggins and Her Magic Ring by Prackspoor
It was in March of the 2989th year of the Third Age, 1389 by Shire-reckoning, that Bilbo Baggins went drinking with a few friends and did not return home later that night.
Of course, investigations of more and less seriousness were conducted by people with more and less authority…
[Writing] Fiddler's Green by Prackspoor
After the War of the Ring Goldberry finds a curious guest on the doorstep of Tom's house while doing her autumn cleaning. She and Tom open their doors for the stranger who reveals to be more than meets the eye at first glance - and who has come to them teetering on the edge of his own…
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.
In the Hour of Dusk by gaydhros
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In the Hour of Dusk
The grey dusk outside was deepening. Elrond rolled over in their bed and pressed closer to Celebrían, burying his face in her shoulder, and tried not to think about how quickly their few remaining hours were dwindling.
He would not weep. He had promised himself he would not weep.
“Do not go quiet on me now,” she murmured, sliding her fingers through his hair.
Elrond kissed her bare arm and took her other hand in his. His thumb stroked the inside of her wrist. “I know not what to say,” he confessed.
They had already said everything there was to say. There was nothing to be done: she could not stay, and he could not go. Though his heart longed for another path, he would not hinder her.
“Anything,” she said. “Tell me a story. I would hear your voice for a time.”
“You have heard all my stories before,” he reminded her. “A hundred times, at least.”
Celebrían laughed, a quiet huff of air that brought a small smile to Elrond’s lips. Her skin was so soft beneath his cheek. He closed his eyes against the heat prickling behind them.
“I care not,” she told him. “Tell me again.”
Chapter End Notes
Thank you for reading! I'm on tumblr at @gaydhros <3
