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] 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/Dark!…
[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.
[Artwork] Thangorodrim by Fuin
Night spreads from the peaks of Thangorodrim, digital art.
[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
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] 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 Frodo Baggins & Legolas Greenleaf
Here at Journey's End by Arveldis
“How will you know when it’s time?” Frodo asked.
“When I have seen the wonders of Fangorn and Aglarond with Gimli, when my father’s people and I have made Ithilien the fairest garden in Gondor, and when my friends have passed beyond the circles of this world—then I will know that it is time,” Legolas said.
They stay for those they love.
Periannath a Edhelrim by Arveldis
A series of fics examining the canon and non-canon relationships between Hobbits and Elves. Fics in this series can be read in any order, although fics in the sub-series, As the Elf-friends of Old, are best read in order.
