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] 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.
[Writing] Atandil by Eilinel's Ghost
If you ever wanted a longer than necessary slow burn of Finrod and Bëor trailblazing the elf-mortal love tragedy, I've got you covered.
(Originally posted as a series, but combined now into a chaptered fic here.)
[Writing] Coin of Eregion by flame_of_the_noldor
Celebrimbor and Annatar discuss an old coin belonging to Celebrimbor.
[Writing] The Shape of a Child by Isilme_among_the_stars
It is said that Elrond and Elros were found hale and whole playing at the mouth of a cave, sometime after the sack of Sirion ended. That is a rather sanitised version of events. This is what Maglor truly found...Or what happens when Iþilmë throws different versions of canon and the eldritch…
[Writing] Patrolling Still by Harp_of_Gold
A young Orc is lost in the mountains of Mordor. Someone unexpected helps her home.
written for Tolkien Horror Week 2026 day 3
[Writing] Records of an Inquiry Into Unlawful Conduct in Angband Division C-134-B by kimikocha
In the Second Age, a historian reviews records excavated from Angband concerning a criminal inquiry.
In the First Age, in the wake of the fall of Gondolin, a pretty captive catches the Lady Thuringwethil's eye.
[Writing] The Day Transcending Night by StarSpray
The Rings have been forged. The armies of Mordor are marching into Eriador. Eregion burns.
Far away from it all, by the shores of the Sea, Celegorm remembers his name.
Current Challenge
Unquote
Choose a prompt from our selection of misheard, miswritten, and misrepresented unquotes that are in no way part of the actual "Silmarillon." Read more ...
Random Challenge
Birthday Bash
Daily word, image, and poetry prompts are loosely structured around events and milestones leading up to our 20th birthday. 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] 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…
[Writing] IN THE SHIRE-RECKONING by Diane Finnis-Robb
-This novel was completed for Hobbit Day 2026 and will be updated in serialized fashion here as I make final edits; so feedback is very much welcome.
-It is a multi-generational novel spanning a period of time from the formation of the Shire to the Great Plague in Year Thirty-six and…
[Writing] Sun on the Daisies by StarSpray
“Oh.” Frodo’s voice was soft, almost more sigh than sound. “Sam, look.”
Around the World and Web
Nolofinwëan Week 2026
Nolofinwëan Week is Tumblr fandom event celebrating the House of Fingolfin, running from November 9th - 16th
14th International Tolkien Mailing Competition
The Hungarian Tolkien Society invites you to join the international “Quendi” category of the Tolkien Mailing Competition: five rounds of quizzes, riddles and creative tasks. This category is organised in English, open to any individual participant, and also to teams of 2–5 people. The five rounds of the competition will last from November to April.
Tolkien Food Week 2026
fandom event from the 2-8th nov 2026 where we share recipes, fics and comfort food for body and soul.
The White Oliphaunt 2026
The White Oliphaunt gift exchange, a yearly event where Tolkien fans sign up to exchange humorous gifts with each other.
Glorfindel Week 2026
A Tumblr fandom week dedicated to the elf Glorfindel.
Erulisse's Favorites
Favorite Fanworks
Golden Days by Lyra
I just came across this story and I am in love. You are featuring my favorite characters here, and making them so believable. The aspect of sculpture and methodology of grouping for a sculpture are beautifully rendered and I could almost see her exam piece of the three birds in front of me. I have marked the story as one of my favorites and look forward to any new chapters as they will appear. I'm not in any rush (which is a good thing since you have been working on this for two years so far), but it will make me very happy when you have anything new to add.
- Erulisse (one L)
Fanwork Information
Nerdanel recounts the development of her relationship with Fëanor - from their first proper meeting to married life. A fantasy of manners, pride, prejudice, love and craftsmanship.
| Major Characters: Aulë, Írimë, Fëanor, Findis, Fingolfin, Finwë, Indis, Mahtan, Nerdanel, Original Character(s), Yavanna |
| Major Relationships: No major characters listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
Nerdanel and Fëanor : Messages by bunn
I love this SO much. Words fail me ... *hugs*!!!
- Erulisse (one L)
Tainted Light by Eldalie
Fanwork Information
Silme loved and followed Maedhros from the peace of Valinor to his fiery end. Now Galadriel, her cousin and friend, reads her memories, and the exile and downfall of the Noldorin Elves live again through the tale of this doomed love. MEFA 2010 NOMINEE
| Major Characters: Fingon, Galadriel, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major characters listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
