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] Perils and Heirs by Augustine
A trade meeting with a Mannish kingdom goes horribly off course when the recently-crowned Gil-galad realizes that heirs may be expected of him.
Written for Aspec Arda Week 2026 featuring aroace Gil-galad, and general aspec baseline interpretations of some things in HoME and NoME.
[Writing] Respite by Augustine
Amathorn’s life has always been full. As Gil-galad’s chief guard since his childhood on the Isle of Balar there was no way for it not to be. He never found romantic love, and that never bothered him, he was busy.
When he feels the call West half a millennium after Gil-galad’s death, he…
[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.
[Writing] Save Gwindor Only by Secondborn
An elven thrall who had been a devoted friend of Gelmir’s in the mines of Angband decides to look out for Gelmir’s little brother when he, too, shows up in the mines one day. Written for the Angband prompt of Tolkien Horror Week 2026.
[Writing] Poor Little Maia by flame_of_the_noldor
In the aftermath of Sauron's defeat at Tol-in-Gaurhoth, Celebrimbor finds a new ally.
[Writing] The Lands of Weeping and of War by bunn
Maglor in Mithlond is fairly sure he's not supposed to get an even slightly happy ending. Elrond and Elros think that they'd be happier if he did.
Follows directly from Lingering in the Hither Lands…
[Writing] Do Moths Pity Candles? by Melesta
Aegnor returns to life. It is not a good thing.
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
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] 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.
rawr_balrog's Favorites
Favorite Fanworks
Another Man's Cage by Dawn Felagund
I almost gave up on reading this, not because I didn't like it (just ask my RL friends. I wouldn't shut up about how great it is) but beause I couldn't bear to see all their hopes and dreams and love, knowing it would all come to ruin. I ultimately had to skip to the end to emotionally prepare myself, but it was worth seeing through to the end. I envy Dawn having written something this amazing.
Fanwork Information
In the Time of the Trees, during the Bliss of Valinor, the young family of Fëanor experience the everyday triumphs and tragedies of life in paradise. But as Fëanor's genius blossoms and his sons grow into their roles in Tirion society, tensions build that will sunder the House of Finwë and drive the House of Fëanor to open rebellion.
Completed!
| Major Characters: Anairë, Caranthir, Celegorm, Eärwen, Fëanor, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finwë, Indis, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel, Original Character(s), Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major characters listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Torture, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Moderate) |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
Epilogue - A Fairy Story by Lipstick
Maedhros and Maglor trying to be happy together post-Silm is my favorite thing.
Fanwork Information
Maedhros and Maglor reunite at the end of times - or almost.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major characters listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
Home's Tale by Haeron
Previously read on Ao3.
Fanwork Information
A story of love, loss and life after Middle-earth. Erestor and Glorfindel sail to Valinor, but what awaits is not the promised bliss of legend.
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Ecthelion of the Fountain, Elrond, Erestor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major characters listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
