New Challenge: Crossroads of the Fallen King
Cross "The Silmarillion" with a second text or fandom in this month's crossover challenge.
Challenges have been a part of the SWG since our group was formed in 2005. Before the archive, there were challenges. Before References or any special projects or B2MeM or any of the myriad things we've done over the last decade-plus, there were challenges. Challenges end and a new challenges is posted on the 15th of the month. (Yes, that means there is one thrilling day each month when there are two active challenges!) Participants—both authors and reviewers—will receive a stamp in their challenge stamp collection for their participation. Deadlines apply only if you want your fanwork to receive a stamp.
Every challenge that has ever been offered by the SWG is available for use by creators of fanworks who are looking for inspiration. Even if the deadline for stamps is passed, you are welcome to use the challenges listed on our site. And comments on past challenge fanworks are always welcome and always receive a reward for that month. Want to join us? Click to read the guidelines below!
The Nirnaeth is fought by superheroes. Elven history becomes a telenovela. Túrin rages through the five acts of a Shakespearean tragedy. Tolkien characters fall into favorite films and shows, and classic literature mixes with zombies … or Balrogs. Elves in space and Maglor in history—Tolkien crossovers that are nearly genres in their own right.
Crossover fanworks have a vibrant history in the Tolkien fandom, and the crossroads are fertile ground for new and unexpected creative endeavors. This month's challenge asks participants to create a crossover fanwork. The second text and how exactly you cross the two is entirely up to you!
Crossovers are fanworks that use elements from two or more fandoms or texts to create a fanwork. Crossovers can use characters, settings, and other elements from the second text. In the Tolkien fanfiction fandom, crossovers have also included fanworks that combine Tolkien's world with folklore, myth, and real-world history. As always, we encourage participants to get creative in how they interpret this month's challenge.
You can find a list of crossover texts already added to our site here. If you need a tag added to the Crossover Text list, you can let us know now or request it when you post your fanwork using the Moderator Request field on the fanwork submission form.
Note that, on the SWG, Silmarillion-based fanworks that use The Rings of Power show (and other media adaptations) are considered crossovers. Likewise, fanworks that cross The Silmarillion with any of Tolkien's non-Middle-earth works are counted as crossovers.
Many thanks to Independence1776 for this month's lovely banner and stamps!
Create a fanwork featuring a character as a child or characters as children. Challenge opened in . Read more ...
Create a fanwork about the Petty-dwarves. Challenge opened in . Read more ...
Create a fanwork where a character wishes upon or muses on the stars. Challenge opened in . Read more ...
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the publication of <em>The Silmarillion,</em> we hosted a writing contest for Silmarillion-based fiction. Challenge opened in . Read more ...
Create a fanwork about knowledge that is considered forbidden or taboo. Challenge opened in . Read more ...
Write a fanwork that features dreams. Challenge opened in . Read more ...
In honor of our second birthday, we asked for fanworks about the second year of a character's life. Challenge opened in . Read more ...
Create a fanwork focusing on a promise. Challenge opened in . Read more ...
Create a fanwork about how lembas is cultivated, made, or used. Challenge opened in . Read more ...
Create a fanwork about the separation of friends and family. Challenge opened in . Read more ...
Create a fanwork that shows how a character failed due to a weakness. Challenge opened in . Read more ...
What would happen if one of Tolkien's characters returned to a beloved home after a long absence? Challenge opened in . Read more ...
Explore the place and ideas behind one of the most mysterious locations on Arda, the halls of Mandos, or the ideas of Elven "death" and rebirth. Challenge opened in . Read more ...
Create a fanwork in which a character tricks or plays a prank on another. Challenge opened in . Read more ...
Incorporate elements of fantasy or magic into a fanwork. Challenge opened in . Read more ...
Create a fanwork about how something evil gave rise to something good. Challenge opened in . Read more ...
Create a fanwork that is built around a color or colors. Challenge opened in . Read more ...
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. Challenge opened in . Read more ...
Create a fanwork as a gift to show thanks and appreciation for someone in the fandom. Challenge opened in . Read more ...
Create a fanwork about music. Challenge opened in . Read more ...