New Challenge: Twenty-Five
It's been twenty-five years since the release of the "Fellowship" film transformed Tolkien fandom. This month's challenge looks back on iconic lines and scenes from the film trilogy.
SWG News
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."
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.
New & Updated Fanworks
[Writing] Whither Thou Goest by Zdenka
Eärendil and Elwing face the Choice of the Half-elven.
[Artwork] Anniavas by Jonathan Gee
A portrait of Anniavas from AdmirableMonster's excellent A Mirror Crack'd series, showing off the artifact bound to his spine.
[Writing] Convergent Evolution by Kingsdaughter613
Convergent evolution: in which two creatures, completely independently, evolve the same characteristics.
Otherwise known as the time the Fëanorians got ahold of Kola nuts and invented one of the most famous drinks in the world, several Ages early.
[Writing] The Final Kinslaying by Niphredinell
On the slopes of Orodruin, Elrond Peredhel Dooms himself.
[Writing] We are Married . . . to Each Other by Susana_R
Findekano exclaimed, "Russandol, will you please just tell me who I am married to? And you can tell me who you are married to, while you're at it."
Maitimo took a deep breath, as if to gather his courage. Then he began, "Findekano, we are married . . ."
"Yes, we've…
[Artwork] elwing | sacrifice by goldenatreides
a mother's sacrifice. elwing mid-transformation
[Writing] Out of the East by AdmirableMonster
The folk of the East send a diplomatic mission to reinforce ties with Mordor, after the reported return of her god-king in the wake of the fall of the isle of Númenor. Letters are exchanged. Likely to be a rather episodic, wandering, travelogue sort of story.
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
Crime and Punishment
Create a fanwork that involves worldbuilding or themes related to crime and punishment. 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 Mature Themes
Whither Thou Goest by Zdenka
Eärendil and Elwing face the Choice of the Half-elven.
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.
to have and to hold by laurefindele
In the aftermath of Eregion's fall, Sauron has some...interesting ways of coping with the death of Celebrimbor.
made for service and no more by hobbitwrangler
As Tar-Atanamir grows old, he is plagued by constant cold, and his advisors recommend sharing a bed with a virgin to keep him warm. Her name is Orawen.
Written for Tolkien Horror Week: 'made and unmade' + Númenor.
Many Waters Cannot Quench Love by Zdenka
In the breaking of Beleriand, the love between Elf and mortal does not fade.
yet if you should forget me for a while by Zdenka
Nellas finds Nienor at last, but Nienor doesn't remember her.
So, they began to sing by Novenoe
What happened at the end of the world as we know
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)
In These Dark Hours by kimikocha
Mairon never loved his master for his mercy.
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)
The Blood of Sin by flame_of_the_noldor
Curufin becomes ill after a hunting trip with Celegorm.
Slain at Swanhaven by annarobots
But if of ships I now should sing, what ship would come to me,
What ship would bear me ever back across so wide a Sea?
The Lord of the Rings, Galadriel’s Song
After Alqualondë, Artanis looks only forward. There is no returning. Not even the curse and prophecy spoken by the dark figure standing high upon a rock could compel her to retrace her steps in sorrow. Neither the betrayal and abandonment by the faithless Fëanáro and his sons, the ships that vanished into the unmeasured night. She will not turn back, defeated, begging the Valar’s pardon.
And death would be his reward by Myrcella1
Step 1: Drink way too much wine.
Step 2: Try to sleep with Finno.
Step 3: Watch your brilliant plan turn into an absolute, heartbreaking disaster.
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.
Poor Little Maia by flame_of_the_noldor
In the aftermath of Sauron's defeat at Tol-in-Gaurhoth, Celebrimbor finds a new ally.
Control, and How to Lose It by cytryne
Celebrimbor dislikes using paper if he doesn't have to. It's wasteful, whether he can afford to
only use paper or not. He doesn't like waste, or grandeur, or excess. It's irritating not
everyone seems to think the same way here, especially Artanis, but they're cousins, and he is
extremely aware of his position. Nothing can or will change. Annatar disagrees.
.
Or, personalities, character flaws, and how Annatar persuades Celebrimbor to overthrow a
government.
Five Gold Rings by Lifetime by AdmirableMonster
High-profile model Mairon has the perfect life and the perfect boyfriend. (Definitely. Really. Why do you ask?) When he gets catastrophically snowed-under in Chicago, with a dead phone battery, he finds himself unexpectedly drawn to a bright young architect.
What follows threatens to unravel Mairon's entire pretense of happiness and reveal the ugly underside of his current relationship. But he can't just leave...can he?
damnation is eternal separation from god by Harp_of_Gold
Mairon teaches devotion in the Temple. The most blessed offer their lives and are sent to Melkor. Mairon wants nothing more than to follow.
Written for Tolkien Horror Week 2026 day 2
At the Dawn of Their Living Time by Fuin
As the Noldor prepare for war, Morgoth devises a new horror against which sword and shield are of no use. The Evil Breath brings death and grief to Hithlum, and neither the Elvish arts of healing nor the authority of the High King can keep the lives of the Edain from being swept away like wafts of mist. Where there was laughter in the summer, mourning remains in winter.
Haunted by the Space by StarSpray
Maedhros glimpses a familiar face across a battlefield. But it's not his brother. It can't be.
A Handful of Seawater and a Cheekful of Salt by Isilme_among_the_stars
The last of the Elven ships are sailing and Maglor’s feet are restless. In the surreal version of reality his mind supplies there are ghosts to wrestle and hard truths to confront. In Tol Eressëa, Nerdanel swallows her own hurts in order to care for her son.
Written for TRSB 2026 Art #114: In Ammë's embrace once more as part of a collaboration with tomefaired based on their absolutely gorgeous cosplay, which can be found in the last chapter and here.
