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SWG News
New Challenge: Tengwar
Each day for thirty-six days, we feature a randomly chosen letter from the Tengwar as a prompt.
A Sense of History: Crossroads
In the ongoing series on towers in Tolkien's work, a thread runs through "The Lord of the Rings," revealing the divine assistance of Varda in the travails of the Fellowship.
Cultus Dispatches: Canon Deviations, Multifandoms, and Original Content
Tolkien Fanfiction Survey data gives some insight into what connections, if any, exist between fanfiction and original fiction.
New & Updated Fanworks
[Reference] Thálatta! Thálatta! by Simon J. Cook
While he never climbs the stairs of this Elf-tower, in Lothlórien Frodo Baggins descends a flight of steps to look into Galadriel’s Mirror, wherein he first sees the sea. This post examines the view.
[Writing] Tengwar (working title) by cuarthol
For the Tengwar prompt challenge. To be updated as new prompts are completed.
Current up through 'Arda…
[Writing] I Stood Aside by Flora-lass
Maedhros thinks about the burning ships. Inspired by a painting (see notes).
[Writing] Words of Wisdom by AdmirableMonster
One or more drabbles about Pengolodh and his babysitter Salgant.
[Writing] Les Mots de Sagesse by AdmirableMonster
Plusieurs petites histoires qui parle de Pengolodh et Salgant pendant des moments differents.
[Writing] "Tengwar" ficlets by chrissystriped
Fics written for the "Tengwar" challenge.
[Writing] Upon Cirith Thoronath by StarSpray
A horrid cacophony of cries erupts ahead of them, as orcs appear—up the cliff on hidden ledges, on the path, with bows and swords. And behind them rises a figure of darkness and flame. The heat rolls down the path over them, bringing the smell of burning flesh and bitter fear with it. Someone…
Current Challenge
Tengwar
A daily prompt of a Tengwar letter per day. Read more ...
Random Challenge
Storyteller
Storytelling is an interactive art, using words and actions to bring a story to life while encouraging the listener’s imagination. This challenge is all about storytellers in the Silmarillion tapestry. Read more ...
New in References
Thálatta! Thálatta! by Simon J. Cook
[]While he never climbs the stairs of this Elf-tower, in Lothlórien Frodo Baggins descends a flight of steps to look into Galadriel’s Mirror, wherein he first sees the sea. This post examines the view.
[]
With Gildor Inglorion we finally climb the stairs of Elostirion and look on the view, and what we see appears to reveal a hidden thread in the story of Frodo Baggins. This post reads two annotated translations of two Elvish songs to step through a crossroads in the narrative to arrive at the tower on the margin of the story, wherein is a stone that is a window onto Valinor.
Grief, Grieving, and Permission to Mourn in the "Quenta Silmarillion" by Dawn Walls-Thumma
[]In a book as full of death as the Quenta Silmarillion, grief and mourning are surprisingly absent. The characters who receive grief and mourning—and those who don't—appear to do so due to narrative bias. Grief and mourning (or a lack of them) serve to draw attention toward and away from objectionable actions committed by characters.
Beyond the Silmarillion
[Writing] Waybread (The Waybredlik) by Himring
[]Lembas speaks out.
[Series] Apr 1st Stories by Uvatha the Horseman
[]Once a year on April 1st, a canon character from LOTR or the Silmarillion gets pranked.
[Writing] Crossing Forest River by Dawn Felagund
[]Bilbo recounts, in verse, the attempt of Gandalf, Beorn, and him to cross the Forest River after the Battle of Five Armies. Written for the Hungarian Tolkien Society's 2024 Mailing Competition.
Around the World and Web
Monstrous May 2024
Monstrous May is a Tumblr event where, for each day of the month of May, there is a prompt involving and invoking the monstrous.
Fellowship of the Fics: Modern AU May
During May, Fellowship of the Fics offers modern AU prompt lists for setting, character occupation, and dialogue on Tumblr.
May challenge at tolkienshortfanworks
The May challenge has been posted to the tolkienshortfanworks community on Dreamwidth. Thematic challenge: name; formal challenge: acrostic. As usual, these can be filled independently and freely combined with other prompts such as the SWG challenges. New participants welcome!
May 2024 Calls for Papers
Conferences and publications that have open calls for papers in May 2024.
Angbang Week 2024
All new, unpublished fanworks about the Angbang (Melron) ship are welcome during this Tumblr event, running 6-12 May 2024.
Turgon's Rock Opera
We built this city… we built this city on rock and roll! On the anniversary of the publication of The Silmarillion, we’re reflecting on the importance of music in Arda. From the song of the Ainur to Sam singing and Frodo answering, Tolkien’s legendarium rings with music. Many key moments or events would not be the same without it. We’re also taking inspiration from Gondolin, the hidden city whose names reference music and stone. (Close enough to rock for us!)
This month’s challenge prompts are rock songs. You are free to use any aspect of a prompt, whether it’s the title, the artist or band name, song or album cover art, the music, the lyrics, the video, or the general vibe! To receive a prompt, comment on our Dreamwidth, send us an ask on Tumblr, post in the #monthly-challenges channel on our Discord, or message us through the SWG site.
This challenge opened in .
Prompts
Choose your prompt from the collection below.
- View Prompts
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We Will Rock You (Queen) lyrics | video
We Are The Champions (Queen) lyrics | video
Mother (Pink Floyd) lyrics | video
Livin’ On The Edge (Aerosmith) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
With A Little Help From My Friends (The Beatles) lyrics | video
Born To Run (Bruce Springsteen) lyrics | video (YouTube description includes lyrics)
(I Just) Died In Your Arms (Cutting Crew) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
All Along The Watchtower (Jimi Hendrix) lyrics | video (YouTube description includes lyrics)
When The Levee Breaks (Led Zeppelin) lyrics | video
Lola (The Kinks) lyrics | video (YouTube description includes lyrics)
Hotel California (The Eagles) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
Smoke On The Water (Deep Purple) lyrics | video
La Grange (ZZ Top) lyrics | video
It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (REM) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
Free Fallin’ (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
Jump (Van Halen) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
Video Killed The Radio Star (The Buggles) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
What’s Love Got To Do With It (Tina Turner) lyrics | video (YouTube description includes lyrics)
She’s Always A Woman (Billy Joel) lyrics | video (YouTube description includes lyrics)
I Think We’re Alone Now (Billie Joe Armstrong) lyrics | video (YouTube description includes lyrics)
Like A Rolling Stone (Bob Dylan) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
Light My Fire (The Doors) lyrics | video
Big Girls Don’t Cry (The Four Seasons) lyrics | video
Been Caught Stealing (Jane’s Addiction) lyrics | video (YouTube description includes lyrics)
Head Like A Hole (NIN) lyrics | video (YouTube description includes lyrics)
Cherry Bomb (The Runaways) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
Enter Sandman (Metallica) lyrics | video
Purple Rain (Prince) lyrics | video
Livin On A Prayer (Bon Jovi) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
Back On The Chain Gang (The Pretenders) lyrics | video (YouTube description includes lyrics)
The Boys Are Back In Town (Thin Lizzy) lyrics | video
Born To Be Wild (Steppenwolf) lyrics | video
Heart of Glass (Blondie) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
I Love Rock ‘N Roll (Joan Jett & The Blackhearts) lyrics | video
Cum On Feel The Noise (Quiet Riot) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
Professional Widow (Tori Amos) lyrics | video
Come To My Window (Melissa Etheridge) lyrics | video
Little Sister (Queens of the Stone Age) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
We Built This City (Starship) lyrics | video
Pour Some Sugar On Me (Def Leppard) lyrics | video
Tom Sawyer (Rush) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
Don’t Fear The Reaper (Blue Öyster Cult) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video) RowanHenry/reprehensible raccoon
Just A Girl (No Doubt) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
Against All Odds (Take a Look At Me Now) (Phill Collins) lyrics | video
Nothing Compares 2 U (Sinead O’Connor) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
Only Happy When It Rains (Garbage) lyrics | video
Everybody Wants To Rule The World (Tears For Fears) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
Juke Box Hero (Foreigner) lyrics | video
Killing In The Name (Rage Against The Machine) lyrics | video
Mr. Brightside (The Killers) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
Free Bird (Lynyrd Skynyrd) lyrics | video
All I Know So Far (Pink) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video, YouTube description includes lyrics)
Welcome To The Jungle (Guns N Roses) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
Everlong (Foo Fighters) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
Zombie (The Cranberries) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
You Oughta Know (Alanis Morissette) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
You've Got the Love (Florence + The Machine) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
Tonight Tonight (Smashing Pumpkins) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
Let Her Cry (Hootie and the Blowfish) lyrics | video (YouTube description includes lyrics)
Crash into Me (Dave Matthews Band) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
9 to 5 (Dolly Parton) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
Here I Go Again (Whitesnake) lyrics | video (subtitles/CC available for video)
Fanworks Tagged with Turgon's Rock Opera
The Nature of My Game by elennalore
Fëanáro needs Melkor's secret knowledge to create his Silmarils, but Fëanáro will also be an invaluable asset to Melkor in the Vala’s own game.
(Not So) Cheap Sunglasses by UnicornsInSpace
In a modern/all human AU, Celeborn meets Galadriel while going to eat with his family and is smitten.
The Watchfires Burned Low by cuarthol
There came a time of winter, when night was dark and without moon; and the wide plain of Ard-galen stretched dim beneath the cold stars, from the hill-forts of the Noldor to the feet of Thangorodrim. The watchfires burned low, and the guards were few;
The Silmarillion - JRR Tolkien
Oh Maedhros, don't look back in anger by Varda delle Stelle
A moodboard retelling the major events in Maedhros' life from Valinor to his death in Beleriand
You better you bet by daughterofshadows
A moodboard for a Celegorm/Lúthien Modern AU inspired by the song You better you bet by The Who.
Wayward Daughter, Carry on by Himring
The story of a young eagle: how and why she made her way from Valinor to Beleriand.
Fly Like An Eagle by Flora-lass
Fingon rescues Maedhros from Thangorodrim.
Hold On To That Feeling by StarSpray
Since the debacle of Master Baggins and his companions’ first stay at the Prancing Pony, Barliman had been less quick to invite strangers out to the common room. But everyone loved a good song and a bit of news, and he said so as he left the room. “You’d be right welcome if you wanted to join us,” he added.
More, More, More by sallysavestheday
Fëanor tolerates his brothers' children. Aredhel, however, he enjoys.
Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind by between_thepages
Aredhel has returned to Gondolin, but she desires more than to be bound to a place and a person again.
Hold me in your arms by firstamazon
Celegorm loves. Aredhel does, too - but not quite.
Dirty Deeds by AdmirableMonster
A young Númenorean has a close encounter with a deity of his mother's people.
A New Day in Valinor by Lferion
Non-angsty ficlets set in Valinor (and one or two in Middle Earth), many featuring Feanor.
