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! Current average chapter/ficlet length is 450…
[Writing] Promises, Broken and Kept by gaydhros
“I love you both.” She pulls back to regard them, fighting hard to keep her voice steady. Elrond’s cheeks are wet. Elros is biting his trembling lip, refusing to let his tears fall. “Go now with Egalmoth. He will keep you safe.”
[Writing] Elf-Absorbed by annarobots
Maglor takes an orc captive. The two of them run into trouble on the road.
Many years later, Maedhros and Maglor take comfort in each other.
[Writing] Disco Demolition by kimikocha
“We’ve worked together,” says the stranger with fire in his hair. “We’re investigators.”
Everything he says is technically true.
Inspired by Disco Elysium and written in the game's style, but not a crossover. Familiarity with the game isn't necessary for this fic.
[Writing] The Fall of Arnor, Book Two; "Into the Mushroom Fields" by Diane Finnis-Robb
The second of six books covering the fall of the kingdom of Arnor
[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 Light That Never Goes Out by gaydhros
There is a lamp in Lómion’s bedroom that Aredhel does not allow to go out. It burns day and night, a yellow beacon in the dark that promises, You will be welcome here. There is healing to be found. You need only come.
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
Idiomatic
Raining cats and dogs. A short fuse. Up a creek without a paddle. A piece of cake. Sometimes colorful, sometimes puzzling without backstory or explanation, these delightful turns of phrase enrich our language—whichever one it happens to be. Prompts this month are idioms from languages around the world.
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] The Holly-Folk of Gondor by AdmirableMonster
Young Míriel is searching for a place to belong, and someone who believes him when he says he's a boy. He ends up gaining welcome and love from an enigmatic figure called Noltar, who teaches the craft of smithing to anyone who asks. But is Noltar really who he says he is, and what…
[Writing] Drabbles: Non-Silm by Zdenka
Drabbles! 100 words exactly, according to whatever software I'm writing in. See chapter notes for characters, summaries, and warnings.
[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…
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.
Fanworks Tagged with Maglor
Heat by ford_of_bruinen
Maglor just after the attack on Sirion
Part of the same Universe as Thangorodrim, Vodka and Unhinged
Our Four Shadows, When They Mingle by AdmirableMonster
Maedhros goes to a party with Fingon. Fingon tries to get him to loosen up, but it takes until they accidentally walk in on Finrod and Maglor for things to start happening...
Still, Maedhros ends up having a lovely time. (PWP)
Elf-Absorbed by annarobots
Maglor takes an orc captive. The two of them run into trouble on the road.
Many years later, Maedhros and Maglor take comfort in each other.
Non-con November Fics by Elios
A collection of fics for some of the Non-con November prompts:
Day 1 - Groping (Celegorm going around being a horny ass)
Day 3 - "Call me Master" (Eönwë gets captured by Melkor and the Vala wants to make him his servant. By force, if necessary)
Day 6 - Chains (Tulkas has some leftover adrenaline to take care of after chaining up Melkor)
(More days to follow - will update every weekend)
Lullaby for the Dead by Ravien_Filque
A mortal traveller begs his strange companion to hide from the storm. He won’t. The Wild Hunt is riding.
Ghost Story by StarSpray
If he stopped moving for too long, the ghosts caught up.
The Perfection of the Crab by octopus_fool
Marillë tries to teach Maglor to appreciate the perfection of crabs. It only takes Maglor more than an age to truly do so.
The House of Fëanor : Little Pity by bunn
"I have had a message from the lady Nienna," the High King said to them all. "The Valar have come to a decision about the case of the House of Fëanor. "
The last (15th) story in the Return to Aman series which tells of Maglor's return with Elrond. I've kind of given up on listing major and minor characters at this point. There are a lot of people in this, and many of them have an eye-opener, as Bilbo would put it.
I Will Not Say The Day Is Done by bunn
Maglor has breakfast with Elrohir and tests the truth of the Doom of the Noldor, Elrohir gives his opinion of the Shibboleth of Fëanor, Finrod Felagund goes on a walking holiday with hobbits in Eldamar and discusses Moria and the Valar, Sam sees Elf-magic, and Elrond visits Nerdanel to discuss Silmarils. [Return to Aman series 14: follows 'Many Meetings : the Night is Passing']
Our Bodies Are Our Gardens by annarobots
The princes of the Noldor learn about an important loophole, and swear a foolish Oath. Parties, after-parties, improbable help from parents, many first times, and declarations of love. Also, mouth stuff.
Many Meetings : the Night is Passing by bunn
Celebrimbor returns from the Halls of Mandos, to be greeted by Finrod, Galadriel, Elrond, Celebrían and Orodreth, and travels to Tol Eressëa to meet Maglor, Frodo and Bilbo. And then a long-awaited ship arrives. [Return to Aman series 13 : follows 'Among the Ainur and Other Animals']
Among the Ainur and Other Animals by bunn
Maglor meets Nimloth of Doriath, and is surprised. Elrond and Bilbo go to Valimar, and meet Ingwion, leader of the Vanyar Host from the War of Wrath, Indis and Melian. Elrond gets rather cross and channels his inner Maia. Bilbo is sensible. And Eönwë, Herald of the Valar, brings news. [Return to Aman series 12 : follows 'Shadows Cast by Memory']
Shadows Cast by Memory by bunn
Maglor, returned to Tol Eressëa with Elrond and Frodo, meets two heroes of Gondolin, recalls Elrond's thoughts on the Downfall of Númenor, injures Fingon and loses a horse-race (barely). [Part 11 of the Return to Aman Series: follows 'Even the Very Wise']
Seeds of Lies by bunn
Maglor, returned to Aman with Elrond, makes new songs, gets drunk with Fingon and his aunt Lalwen, and runs into trouble with the Oath of Fëanor. [Return to Aman 9 : follows 'Mereth Aderthad : Once More: With Feeling']
Nothing Here Has Been Allowed To Fall by Ravien_Filque
There is someone watching Maglor wandering the shore.
Mereth Aderthad : Once More: With Feeling by bunn
Contains root vegetables, Elven politics, the powers of the princes of the Noldor, consideration of the Gimli Question, contrasting leadership styles among Elves, party planning, and background hobbits. Also, Maglor's thoughts on the whole 'when did Amrod die' issue. [Return to Aman 8 : follows 'Come Home']
Come Home by bunn
In which Maglor and Elrond meet Maglor's mother Nerdanel, Finrod makes a miscalculation, Maglor is princely, and Elrond is amused. And Finarfin is reluctantly kingly, even when surprised in his gardening clothes. [Return to Aman 7 : follows 'Aiya Eärendil Elenion Ancalima' ]
Remembrance of Time Long Past by bunn
Elrond, Galadriel and the Ringbearers ride into the Grey Havens, seeking the ship that will take them into the West. Now the War of the Ring is over and done, Elrond has one last small personal matter to attend to. Return to Aman: 2 (follows And the wind as sweet as honey in the mouth)
Aiya Eärendil Elenion Ancalima by bunn
Frodo Baggins and Maglor son of Fëanor have a chance-encounter with Elrond's father Eärendil on the shores of Tol Eressëa, and take him back to meet Elrond and Bilbo. [Return to Aman 6: Follows Love. Politics. And Pastries]
Love. Politics. And Pastries by bunn
Elrond, newly arrived in the West, and Celebrían discuss family, Rivendell, getting settled in Tol Eressëa, missing Middle-earth, the House of Fëanor as pastries, and the Breaking of the World. Brief depiction of Celebrían's torment in the dens of the orcs, and a fencing lesson with Maglor. [Return to Aman 5: Follows 'In Avallónë by the Sea'.]
In Avallónë by the Sea by bunn
Maglor, having returned to Tol Eressëa with Elrond, catches up with Finrod, discussing poetry, harp manufacture, first age Beleriand, Mandos, the political situation in Tirion, hobbits, & whether kinslayers can be trusted. [Return to Aman 4: Follows 'Across so Wide a Sea'].
Return to Aman by bunn
Maglor gets a life that isn’t being alone on a beach forever. Elrond gets a hug. Well, several hugs. Celebrian gets to look after Elrond for a change, Elwing and Earendil get their son back, Bilbo gets to hear the Elf-songs in full, Sam gets to see Elf-magic, Nerdanel thinks her husband is an idiot but at least he is good-looking...
And the House of Fëanor returns from the Halls of Mandos. There is a lot of loyalty and cheering, some politics, a lot of horses and jewellery, and quite a bit of arguing, wine and cake.
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 conveniently brought from Valinor, and accidentally invented one of the most famous drinks in the world several Ages early.
Tíran i tauri by flame_of_the_noldor
In the deeps of Time, when the Valar had uplifted the mountains of the Pélori in the ages after the Marring of Arda, Oromë was granted lordship over the creatures and forests of the Pélori. The great forests, now his and Yavanna’s domain, are the realm of the hunt, where willing eldar go to seek guidance from the Lord of Hunters.
