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
Heroes
Create a fanwork about a hero, whether the typical saves-the-world type or the unlikely, unsung, and accidental, those who have been forgotten or perhaps were never noticed at all, who made their worlds a better place. 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 Erotica
soft mouth by duckwhatduck
Fingon has a practiced method for breaking Maedhros out of a difficult mood.
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)
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.
Stuck! by annarobots
Indis tries to make peace and finds herself in a compromising position. Fëanáro gets ideas.
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.
A Great Madness of Lust by starshadeemily
A revealing dress and spiked drinks lead to Nolofinwe and Anaire leaving a party early.
Elmo's World by annarobots
New to the high court at Menegroth, Artanis is keen to build alliances. She came to Middle-earth in search of virgin lands in which she could rule a realm at her own will, after all. She soon discovers that the Sindar practice an entirely different form of court politics than that to which she was accustomed back home. Her father would never approve! But—well—he’s not here to tell her what to do, now, is he?
Hot Babysitter by annarobots
When new parents Elenwë and Turukáno get overwhelmed and ask for help, Irissë is sent to stay with them for a while. Turukáno soon realizes that his sister needs more minding than the baby.
They Hunts Us by cytryne
Celebrimbor rescues a recently tortured Gollum from the wilderness, puts the pieces together, and has sex about it.
Skill of Hand by cytryne
It was necessary, Atar had said when he'd refused to seek out a partner within the
Noldor. Like hair-braiding before the day began, he could not be allowed to embarrass himself with a lowborn Teler of all people simply because his body demanded care. The conclusion was only natural.
It was necessary, Nelyo had confirmed when Tyelpe had found his friends amongst the other Hosts, and that was the end of it. Tyelpe had to learn.
Curufin helps his son get ready in the morning, in more than one way.
Bleeding Proof by cytryne
Fem!Curufin, her wife, and Celegorm enjoy her period.
Rewards for Good Behavior by cytryne
Finrod gifts the omega he's rescuing a reward for doing so well, discovers several massive gaps in his education he needs to correct, and has a realization of his own.
Sequel to A Guiding Hand.
A Guiding Hand by cytryne
It's lucky Tyelpe came with his uncle to Nargothrond. Finrod would not have been able to help him get away from their influence before it was too late otherwise.
Nonconvember 2025 Prompt: "No more, please".
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 words.
Day 1: Groping (Maeglin/Dark!Glorfindel)
Day 2: Marital Rape (Aredhel/Eol)
Day 3: "Call Me Master" (Morgoth/Sauron)
Day 4: Roofies (Sauron/Celebrimbor)
Day 5: Ignored Safeword (Maedhros/Fingon)
Day 6: Chains (Melkor/Mandos)
Day 7: Protective (Sauron/Ar-Pharazon)
Day 8: Knifeplay (Sauron/Thrall)
Day 9: Bottom Aggressor/Top Victim (Sauron/Maedhros)
Day 10: "Be Honest" (Celegorm/Finrod)
Day 11: Targeted (Maeglin/Dark!Ecthelion)
Day 12: Stockholm Syndrome (Melkor/Tulkas)
Day 13: Kissing (Arien/Tilion)
Day 14: Escape (Feanor/Dark!Manwë)
With These Rings by annarobots
A Lady of the Noldor and a Dark Elf join in body on the forest floor. When he fails to satisfy her bottomless need, she makes use of his fine, strong hands, and their many pretty rings.
Falling by annarobots
Re-embodied, Glorfindel lives in bliss with Idril. Well, near bliss. Almost bliss.
Needst Thou a Hand with That? by annarobots
Findekáno survives a terrible fall with grievous injuries. Confined for his recovery, plaster casts on both arms, he’s making everyone in the palace miserable. Fearful for the health of his fëa (and sick of his attitude), Anairë conceives a plan to ease his suffering.
She does not expect to be overcome by her own desires.
Freaky Friday by annarobots
Irissë wakes up one day in her mother’s body. At first, she is excited to take advantage of all the privileges and freedoms that come with being a grown Lady of the Noldor. But she soon discovers that with great privilege comes great responsibility.
Rational Lies by flame_of_the_noldor
Annatar and Celebrimbor play a game of chess.
Pride Goeth Before a Fall by flame_of_the_noldor
Celebrimbor is haunted by strange visions and dreams and seeks Annatar's guidance and help.
In Eternity, Mine by flame_of_the_noldor
In the darkened halls of Barad-Dûr, Mairon, Lord of the Earth, reflects on the past and all that he had with Celebrimbor Curufinwion, creator of the Rings of Power and Mairon’s departed lover.
Burdens Carried, Burdens Shared by Elrond's Library
Haleth will break Aredhel’s heart, but not before loving her.
In the Gardens of Lórien by gaydhros
“Can you wait that long?” Findekáno asks.
“Yes,” snaps Maitimo , though in truth he is not so sure. His bladder is ridiculously full, swollen and aching, jostling around uncomfortably with every step he takes. It takes a concerted effort of will not to squirm around awkwardly or grab himself between the legs each time the urgency spikes. He glances at Findekáno. “Stop enjoying this so much.”
***
The Gardens of Lórien are one place in Aman Maitimo absolutely, unequivocally, cannot piss. He will have to find a creative solution to this predicament.
Bury Me to Release Your Splendor by annarobots
“Do you know what grows on the shores of the southern isles? A trading-merchant might bring many strange specimens to our lands, like nothing I have ever seen. In recent days, I have tasted a ripe fruit with firm flesh that parted beneath my tongue in a burst of liquid sweetness. So moist, so yielding, its juices dripped down my chin like fragrant honey. Have you ever known such succulence?”
Fingon’s wife has arranged a special surprise for the Lord of Himring.
Or: everyone’s cool with a little ethical nonmonogamy until someone throws a temporary sex change into the arrangement. Lord Maedhros loves Fingon with all his heart, that is known. But how will he react to Fingwen?
