New Challenge: Everyman
Create a fanwork about an ordinary character in the legendarium using a quote about an unnamed character as inspiration.
SWG News
Cultus Dispatches: Fanworks, AI, and Resistance by Dawn and Grundy
The fan studies column Cultus Dispatches returns with a history of how Tolkien fanworks fandom has reacted and resisted generative AI by drawing strong boundaries in a way that is not typical for the fandom.
Instadrabbling Sessions for April, May, and June
Instadrabbling continues on the first Saturday of each month on our Discord server.
New Challenge: Famous Last Words
For our March challenge, our moderators will assign you a famous last line to use as a prompt.
New & Updated Fanworks
[Writing] a life freely given, a favor returned by skywardstruck
Finrod and Bëor stop for a while on the road to Nargothrond to rest. The bodies of the Secondborn often grow weary, and Finrod laments, massaging Bëor's back and renewing his beloved's vigor with the work of his hands. But Finrod has other burdens of his own, Bëor soon discovers, returning…
[Writing] dye me, nocturne by skywardstruck
Maglor without Maedhros, Daeron without Lúthien. Alone, they are nothing, but together, they can be something more.
Where do you turn, when you have no one else left?
Written for Tolkien Reverse Summer Bang 2023, featuring artwork by athlai.
[Writing] Til We're on the Other Side by StarSpray
It was only the second time Finwë had come out foraging with them, and of course this would happen—of course the Hunter would come, the Dark Rider on his steed with its terrible, heavy footfalls, and the deep-throated laughter that held no mirth, only malice.
In the dark…
[Writing] A Hundred Miles Through the Desert by StarSpray
“Come on.” Maedhros grabbed his hand and pulled him along down the path, both of them quickening their pace now, until the trees opened up into a wide meadow filled with flowers, bright yellow celandine and dandelions and sweet-scented pale chamomile mingling with cornflowers and irises. On…
[Writing] Hill and Water Under Sky by StarSpray
a collection of drabbles and mini ficlets in the meanwhile the world goes on 'verse that aren't long enough to stand on their own
[Writing] The Long Arm of the Law by Elrond's Library
Turgon cannot be above the law.
[Writing] Despair and Shadows by octopus_fool
Haleth leaves to find her brother, even though her father does not permit her to.
Current Challenge
Everyman
Create a fanwork about an ordinary character in the legendarium using a quote about an unnamed character as inspiration. Read more ...
Random Challenge
Woman's Sceptre
Create a fanwork using a quote from a woman who has advanced the cause of women's rights or participation of women in the arts. Read more ...
New in References
Fandom Draws the Line: Fanworks, AI, and Resistance by Dawn Felagund, Grundy
By definition, fanworks fandom does not draw a lot of boundaries, but community archives and events have taken a strong stance against AI-generated fanworks due to ethical considerations and member input.
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.
Tolkien, Lunatic Physicists, and Abnegation by Cynthia (Cindy) Gates
This presentation for Mereth Aderthad 2025 discusses the parallels between the concept of abnegation in the scientific work surrounding the atomic bomb and in The Silmarillion. The relinquishment of self-interest in favor of the interests of others, abnegation was identified by Tolkien as a powerful act of spirit and reason. The legendarium has many examples of the complexities of abnegation, which parallel similar discussions held by physicists during and after World War II.
Featured Themed Collection
Beyond the Silmarillion
[Artwork] The Mirror of Galadriel by skywardstruck
Smoke rises from the Mirror, where the Lady of Lothlórien awaits to share its visions.
[Writing] Bar-en-Eladar by Gabriel
Out of the shadow, light is born anew.
A Chieftain is dead. And whilst the events surrounding his death are unclear, a son tries to come to terms with his loss.
[Writing] Why did Éowyn ask Faramir if he'd rather have a "woman of the race of Númenor"? by Quente
For most of my life, when reading Lord of the Rings, I read it through the perspective of Gandalf's words about Éowyn, that she'd spent years trapped as a caregiver, watching the realm she love fall from honor into disgrace.
But what if Éowyn was also a student of history?
…
Around the World and Web
Angbang Week 2026
Angbang Week is a tumblr event focusing on the relationship between Morgoth and Sauron, running from May 5-11, 2026
Gondor Week 2026
A Tumblr week event focusing on the history of the realm of Gondor.
Crablor Day
A day dedicated to everyone's favourite warcriminal crustacean - April 26, 2026
April/May Teitho Challenge
Teithio is running a prompt challenge around the theme of "heartbreak."
April Challenge Tolkien Short Fanworks
Tolkien Short Fanworks is running a challenge around the theme of "fools," "foolishness," or "being fooled."
Fanworks Tagged with Drama
The Dying Fire by Vasiliki
Andreth's last night
Love is not consolation, it is light. by Agelast
Keep a light on those you love.
Something Un-Feanorian by Himring
Elrond has a posthumous conversation with Maedhros at the time of the Fall of Eregion.
With glimpses of Elros and of the Third Kinslaying.
Now added: The Decision (gapfiller for the main story, Elrond's POV)
Into Water by avi17
“...and so perished the lord of the Fountain after fiery battle in cool waters.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fall of Gondolin. The death of Ecthelion.
The Passing of the Storm by Erulisse
Summary: In response to the prompt “The Tempest”, a unique look at the closing events of the Years of the Trees.
I was like smoke without the fire by Agelast
Maedhros stands aside at Losgar. As such actions go, it's remarkably inadequate.
The End of the Dream by Erulisse
As Sirion is sacked, Elwing must make a decision about her children and her own life. A response to the general prompt of Midsummer Night's Dream in drabble form.
Father-Names by Finch
Maglor, rembembering the fate of Dior's sons, sets out to search for the sons of Elwing after the attack on the Havens of Sirion.
Veils by wind rider
A Ñoldorin youth from the recently-sacked Eregion, reared to fear and loathe the Valar and Maiar and look down upon people other than Ñoldor, finds himself injured and under the mercy of the very peoples he despises and looks down upon. How will he survive? Until when? But perhaps, a miracle might happen…?
For Big Bang Challenge 2011. Thanks for Vanimë for the beta-reading and Elleth for the art!
Questioning the Oath by Erulisse
Summary: On the eve of leaving Tirion for Alqualondë and Middle-earth, Fëanáro anguishes over his Oath and his choice.
Rowing Through Rough Waters by Erulisse
Summary – While taking refuge from politics by staying with relatives, Helyanwë discovers rough waters can exist in different forms.
Little Golden Age by Agelast
And what of Fingon's wife?
Epilogue - A Fairy Story by Lipstick
Maedhros and Maglor reunite at the end of times - or almost.
Paying the Price by Erulisse
A chilling look at the Kinslaying at Alqualondë and the relationships that ended in bloodshed at those piers. For TW Challenge – Swordplay or Defense.
Carmina Brethilia by Robinka
Or an account of the battle in the forest of Brethil as seen by Beleg Cúthalion, told in two parts.
Left Behind by alquawende
Amarie reminisces about Finrod and must make a difficult decision.
A Lonely Bride by alquawende
Erendis reflects upon her life.
Arrows of Love by Erulisse
It is written that Fëanáro first met Nerdanel when working in the forge of her father, Mahtan, as an apprentice. Did she fall in love with him right away? Here is one possibility. Written for Tolkien Weekly prompt “archery”.
Fair and Foul by DrummerWench
Here's a tale for the "With a Bit of Fairy Dust" Challenge. It's part of my ongoing series "Fairy Tales of Middle-earth", which can be found here. I hope you enjoy it!
Through the Darkness Unescapable by Valiniel
The Alkallabeth was written as a history, but histories rarely reveal the whole truth. What was the truth behind the life of Tar Miriel, last queen of Numenor?
Evelyn: The First Age and Valinor by Caunedhiel
REWORKED.‘I had a normal life once...’
At the beginning of the First Age the Elves of Beleriand rejoiced; Kin long sundered returned home. Yet all was not as it seemed. The real reasons for the return of the Noldor were kept hidden among themselves.
The Enemy, known among the returning elves as Morgoth stirred in the iron hell of Angband. Wars were fought and lost. Many Kingdoms were founded; some rose to glory, though in the end all fell in blood and fire.
Thrown into the chaos of Arda Marred, Evelyn must adapt to a world not her own. Arda is a dangerous place in which to be vulnerable.
Canon Based AU
