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] Intercrucumber by annarobots
Post-reembodiment, Maedhros and Fingon dwell in perfect bliss in the peace of Valinor. Life is sweet. Revisiting an old favorite in the sex act repertoire, Maedhros discovers something new.
[Writing] Heat by ford_of_bruinen
Maglor just after the attack on Sirion
Part of the same Universe as Thangorodrim, Vodka and Unhinged
[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! Current average chapter/ficlet length is 450…
[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] A Language Deeper than Words by gaydhros
Colour now has returned to him. His cheeks and nose are pink with the early morning chill, his grey eyes are bright, and he is well enough to manage daily walks along the lakeshore with Fingon, a few dawn-quiet moments stolen together before the rest of camp wakes.
[Artwork] Fingolfin‘s Last Stand Monument by Fuin
Fingolfin‘s Last Stand Monument on the Square of the High Kings in Tirion, digital art.
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 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.
Fanworks Tagged with Character/Portrait
Fingolfin‘s Last Stand Monument by Fuin
Fingolfin‘s Last Stand Monument on the Square of the High Kings in Tirion, digital art.
Annatar by goldenatreides
Annatar looking down fondly at his ring.
to have and to hold by laurefindele
In the aftermath of Eregion's fall, Sauron has some...interesting ways of coping with the death of Celebrimbor.
Menelmacar by Fuin
At the end of time, Beleg sets out on a search for Túrin once more. Menelmacar shines brightly in the sky.
Lindórië looks to the future by Anérea
silhouette portrait of Lindórië, grandmother of Tar-Palantir
He chanted a song of wizardry by elennalore
Sauron defeats Finrod in their song battle.
A Glimpse of Túrin by Anérea
Abstract sketch from Tuor's pov of Túrin running through the dead trees at Eithel Ivrin after it was despoiled by Glaurung.
Fare alone as she would by Anérea
Aredhel wanders through Nan Elmoth
Beyond Hope by Isilme_among_the_stars
"Thus, at last, they came beyond hope under the sky and felt the wind on their faces."
A portrait of Frodo as he appears after emerging from the Mines of Moria.
Varda - Queen Of Stars by Gabriel
A Tolkien of colour sketch if Varda.
Lover of Trees by Zdenka
Rían sitting on the arm of her Entwife girlfriend.
Banner of Stars by Kai Janik
Gil-galad was an Elven-king whose past is a complex tapestry of history.
Creative fantasy may open your hoard and let all the locked things fly away like cage-birds by bunn
The mind of Tolkien freed the fantastical to become a part of our world.
A Spectrum by silmalope
Four characters show the broad spectrum of aromanticism across the ages.
Varda delle Stelle by Varda delle Stelle
Portrait of Varda Elentari
Gorthaur by elennalore
Artwork created for Mairon 30-Day Character Study
Portrait of Indis by between_thepages
A portrait of Indis in her wedding dress
Nienor and the Golden Fish by Anérea
An illustration for a very loose crossover concept with Nienor and the magic golden fish from the Chinese fairytale of Ye Xian, a Cindarella tale predating the European version by over 1000 years.
Aredhel at Eithel Ivrin by Anérea
Painting of Aredhel at the Pools of Ivrin
2024 Potluck Doodles by silmalope
Assorted prompt fills for the 2024 Potluck bingo boards, to varying degrees of completion! :)
