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] The Mirror Crack'd by AdmirableMonster
Rescued from a brutal Angband hunt, an ex-thrall with a strange and powerful artifact embedded in his spine is brought to Himring, for it is one of the only places in Beleriand which welcomes such folk. Though he has no memories of his life before, Anniavas slowly becomes accustomed to his new…
[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] 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] The Endless Years by Elrond's Library
Elwing reckons with the passage of time.
[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] 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
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
Middle-earth Is Multitudes
Use our daily prompt calendar to populate your fanworks with a more diverse array of characters. 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 Teens
The Plague by WendWriter
Furious at the theft of the Silmaril from his iron crown, Morgoth seeks revenge. He has become his own, and everyone else's worst enemy.
The Turning of Angwë by WendWriter
When Angwë returns to Middle-earth after the War of the Powers, he discovers that Dwarves have moved into his mountain, Celebdil, and begun mining there. Then he meets his brother Sauron, who has plans for him.
The Building of Celebdil by WendWriter
Angwë, a Maia, wants to make his mark on Arda. Melkor's rebellion complicates matters...
Lords and Lordship by WendWriter
Artíre and Sauron have put an end to their destructive feud... for the moment. How long can it last if others want to reignite it?
Artíre's Revenge by WendWriter
Furious at having been forced to take sides between Melkor's forces and the Ainur, Artíre seeks revenge on Sauron.
Artíre's Return by WendWriter
Sequel to “Artíre's Choice.” After years of hiding from the wrath of the Valar, Artíre the Watcher decides to emerge, only to find that the world he knew has changed beyond all recognition.
The Temptation of Artíre by WendWriter
Artíre is accosted by Sauron, who invites him to take part in the dramas he loves to observe.
Artíre's Choice by WendWriter
Artíre is induced by Sauron to choose between serving the forces of light and the forces of darkness, when he would rather be neutral.
Survivors by WendWriter
Amid the ruins of Doriath, the Elf-lord Oropher takes command.
Like Toy Soldiers by wind rider
The host of the Valar who marched to Middle-Erth to vanquish Morgoth were wreathed in valorous splendor. But what were they like before they set foot on the Hitherlands? A short piece; Thanksgiving present for Ellfine, Fiondil and KiMahalei.
Son of Twilight by Araloth the Random
Idril is betrothed - and Maeglin could not be more depressed. There could not be a worse time for an awkward encounter. . .
They Paved Paradise by Narya
Maglor Fëanorion is sad to discover what has become of a place he once loved.
Loosely based on phrases from the song Big Yellow Taxi by Joni Mitchell. Rated Teens for references to drug abuse and prostitution.
Till my last breath by Ellynn
On the way towards Middle-earth, after the Kinslaying, one Noldo remembers that night and a certain girl. Written for the fanfiction contest on the Croatian Tolkien forum; theme of the contest: Remembrance. 2010 MEFA First place in Genres: Ficlet: The Silmarillion.
Longing in his eyes by Ellynn
On a summer evening, while sitting on the beach in England, one elf remembers his past. Written for the fanfiction contest on the Croatian Tolkien forum; theme of the contest: Remembrance.
Mandos by Minviendha
Afterlife, penance, and madness. The Halls of Waiting can be dark as well, for some.
The Mirror Crack'd by Minviendha
Where madness begins; Maeglin takes a one way journey expecting to end up dead. He does.
You Live Your Life in the Shadow of the Mountain by darthfingon
At the end of the First Age, religious feuds and civil unrest threaten Valmar and Tirion. A 'What-If' AU.
New in Chapter 20: Sidaizon sets out to begin his new duties as Oraistar of Oichimyaiva, and learns some disturbing news from Vedezir.
Many Hands by Russandol
The story of a mighty weapon and heirloom, spanning the younger ages of the world.
Thanks to JDE for the thorough beta work and for nudging me to post a story for the first time!
MEFA 2010 - First Place in Races: Other Beings: General
Cinder and Smoke by Minviendha
After the Sack of Doriath.
The Message by Dawn Felagund
Valinor has been left in darkness, and Finarfin is the new king of the Noldor. One night, he awakens with a strange vision: Someone has died in Middle-earth--but who?
The Hidden Lady by Rhapsody
Many scribes and bards have claimed that the Valar spared Elendil and his sons, but what is fact and what is myth?
"Zimraphel" and "I who loved her" by Noliel, Dawn Felagund
Tar-Miriel faces the wave that will drown Númenor while, in the midst of the forbidden realm of Valinor, Ar-Pharazôn is granted sudden awareness of her fate.
Bedtime Tales of the Sun by Dawn Felagund
A young daughter in the House of Anárion asks how the world came to be rounded.
War Children by Fireworks
While the Númenóreans live in the height of their pride and folly, they leave darkness and ruin in their wake. A young woman in Middle-earth struggles with this legacy. [The full text was not showing, but it has been fixed now.]
