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
Notion Club Revival
Select any (or several) of the "mysterious documents" from our prompt set and let them feature in your fanwork. 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 Aredhel
Many Journeys by Elleth
A gathering place for ficlets of varying length written in response to prompts, prods and as gift ficlets.
New (added February 15/16, 2025): Instadrabbling fics from various SWG server sessions in early 2025 (marked in the respective chapter notes) as well as a few spontaneous drabbles.
The Fire of Their Hearts Was Young by oshun
Response to the Slashy Santa (Jingle Bells in June) request by Ennorwen for a story “Set sometime after The Flight of The Noldor, and despite everything at least somewhat hopeful in tone." The story is slash and the pairing is Finrod and Fingon.
**MEFA 2007 Nominee**
A New Day by oshun
(New: see illustration by Robinka, added as Chapter 12.) This is a sequel to my first tale, (Maitimo and Findekáno), in my cycle of stories recounting the life-long relationship between Fingon and Maedhros. It occurs after the definitive fracture between the Houses of Feanor and Fingolfin and the flight of the Noldor to Middle-earth. Beginning immediately after Fingon’s rescue of Maedhros from the cliffs of Thangorodrim, it tells of how Fingon and Maedhros reunite and together resolve to heal the divisions among the Noldor. (Slash.)
MEFA 2008 First Place, Longer Works: General
MEFA 2007 2nd Place, Elves: Incomplete
The Illgotten Son by Gadira
Aredhel, princess of the Noldor, gets lost in the forest of Nan Elmoth and is forced to marry Eöl, the Dark Elf. Bound by an oath of revenge, she lives on to bear his son, and tries to make him hate his father. My oldest fic... or the oldest fic I´m ready to show anyway.
Looking Back, Looking Forward by Rhapsody
The thoughts on friendship between Celegorm and Aredhel when both leave Valinor behind on their journey into exile.
Night Magic by Rhapsody
Aearwen, elf of Nan Elmoth, looks back on her past and key moments with those she loved and are lost to her.
