Instadrabbling Sessions for April, May, and June
The first Saturday of each month, we will be hosting instadrabbling on our Discord server.
SWG News
Fanwork sign-ups are open!
Register for Mereth Aderthad!
Mereth Aderthad Interview: Interview with polutropos by Dawn
"And love grew after between them"—those words have fascinated a fandom intent on revealing the how and why of the "kidnap fam" plot point in "The Silmarillion." In this interview, polutropos discusses her upcoming Mereth Aderthad paper on the topic, “'Kidnap Fam' and the Living Legendarium."
Mereth Aderthad Interview: Interview with Maglor by Shadow
Who is Gil-galad? That might seem a silly question, but we know very little of his character beyond his kingship. In this interview, Shadow talks with Maglor about his upcoming Mereth Aderthad presentation "Gil-galad was an Elven King: Kingship and Personhood in the Last High King of the Noldor" that explores who Gil-galad might have been, beyond the last king of the Noldor.
Mereth Aderthad Registration Is Open!
Registration for attending Mereth Aderthad is open for both in-person and virtual attendees and will remain open through the day of the event.
New & Updated Fanworks
[Writing] High in the Clean Blue Air by StarSpray
They passed out of Lhûn and the wider coastline of Middle-earth opened up before his eyes. He had wandered those shores for centuries, and even now he felt the pull of that same wanderlust, and knew he would miss them for the rest of his life. Their wildness, the untamed waves, the rocky…
[Writing] That strength which in old days moved earth and heaven by Himring
Long after the Fall of Eregion, a survivor returns to face her memories.
[Reference] Interview with cloudyhymns by Shadow by cloudyhymns, daughterofshadows
Shadow spoke with cloudyhymns about his upcoming presentation for Mereth Aderthad 2025, "The Design of Dragons and the Doom of the Dwarves," where he shares his theory about how Dwarves and dragons are connected in the legendarium, a topic full of implications for fanworks.
[Audio] Twinkle, Twinkle, Silmaril - Podfic by daughterofshadows
A reworking of Twinkle, twinkle, little star, featuring Eärendil. Originally written by Anérea.
[Writing] The Longed For That Cometh Beyond Hope by Grundy
Eärendil has to find his way in this unfamiliar land. Luckily (or unluckily, depending on your point of view) for him, it's a time of festival in Valimar...
[Reference] Interview with polutropos by Dawn by polutropos, Dawn Felagund
Dawn spoke with polutropos about her upcoming presentation for Mereth Aderthad, “'Kidnap Fam' and the Living Legendarium," including the appeal of kidnap fam, the appeal of Maglor's character, and how The Silmarillion as an incomplete, complex word makes it ripe for both fanworks and…
Current Challenge
Birthday Bash
Daily word, image, and poetry prompts are loosely structured around events and milestones leading up to our 20th birthday. Read more ...
Random Challenge
Things We Never Said
In this AU challenge, fix that moment that you always wanted to see handled differently by offering your beloved character that moment of forgiveness or redemption. Read more ...
New in References
Interview with cloudyhymns by Shadow by cloudyhymns, daughterofshadows
Shadow spoke with cloudyhymns about his upcoming presentation for Mereth Aderthad 2025, "The Design of Dragons and the Doom of the Dwarves," where he shares his theory about how Dwarves and dragons are connected in the legendarium, a topic full of implications for fanworks.
Interview with polutropos by Dawn by polutropos, Dawn Felagund
Dawn spoke with polutropos about her upcoming presentation for Mereth Aderthad, “'Kidnap Fam' and the Living Legendarium," including the appeal of kidnap fam, the appeal of Maglor's character, and how The Silmarillion as an incomplete, complex word makes it ripe for both fanworks and scholarship.
Maglor by polutropos
As one of the most beloved Silmarillion characters, Maglor is a bundle of contradictions undergirded by a complex textual history. Warrior, musician, wanderer, and survivor, Maglor brings to the fore key themes in Tolkien's early legendarium, such as the role of music, oaths, and exile.
Featured Themed Collection
Part of our Themed Collection series for our newsletter, this collection features fiction, artwork, and essays that transcend the idea of Orcs as the enemy, instead considering their humanity.
Alliterative Verse for Arda by Rhunedhel
Part of our Themed Collection series for our newsletter, this collection features alliterative poems about Middle-earth.
Beyond the Silmarillion
[Writing] Paradox of the Fourth Age by Alassante
One wrong decision can make a world of difference. When one of the Fellowship makes the mistake, the consequences are so severe that only the Valar can repair it. But will they?
Glorfindel daughter's life is in Elrohir's hands and only she remembers th eir love for each other. The fate of…
[Writing] By Mirrormere by bunn
A new Age dawns, and Moria is retaken at last.
[Writing] Beneath the Bitter Rain by bunn
The Gardens of the Entwives are fallen, but two Entwives remain.
Around the World and Web
April Challenge at tolkienshortfanworks
The tolkienshortfanworks challenge for April has been posted to the Dreamwidth community. The thematic prompt is: wood. The formal challenge is: linnod (Gilraen's canonical verse form). These can be filled separately and freely combined with other challenges and prompts that allow this.
Celedriel Week 2025
Celedriel Week is a Tumblr events for fanworks about Galadriel and Celeborn.
Neurodivergent Arda Week 2025
Neurodivergent Arda Week is a Tumblr event to celebrate neurodiversity in Tolkien's works.
Tolkien Ekphrasis Week 2025
This is a Tolkien-fandom-wide event dedicated to the art of ekphrasis in Tolkien's worlds. Its goal is to illuminate the artistic surroundings of the places, people, and stories we love, in as many media as possible.
Teitho March/April Challenge: Mothers
The Teitho Contest theme for the months of March and April is mothers.
Beyond the Silmarillion
Our Beyond the Silmarillion section exists for our creators to archive their non-Silmarillion fanworks. Works in this section are based on Tolkien's other texts or adaptations of Tolkien's writings. Find out more about eligibility to post in this section here.
[podfic] Ink and Steel by Chestnut_pod
Dwalin has the mountains under her skin.
| Canon Source: Hobbit |
| Major Characters: Dwalin, Nori |
| Major Relationships: Dwalin & Nori |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 14 May 2023 | Updated on 14 May 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
[podfic] waving flares in the air by Chestnut_pod
The light enters the room before Éowyn does, a rolling dry heat with it; just enough warning for Faramir to close one book and open another. She enters hard on its heels. 'Hail, Steward, from the south fair tidings,' she says, pulling off her helm halfway through, so the words are muffled. 'I can’t stay long. I came to give you word of Harad and your brother.' (A Galadriel-accepts-the-ring AU.)
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Éowyn, Faramir |
| Major Relationships: Éowyn/Faramir |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 14 May 2023 | Updated on 14 May 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
[podfic] Light Words About Nothing, And Other Rare Pleasures of Life by Chestnut_pod
“We can’t all be as pleasant as hobbits,” Dis said. The hobbit in question tossed her head back, black curls bouncing and glinting in the late afternoon light, and laughed.
“You’ve met few hobbits then,” she replied, still smiling. “I’ve often thought we’re the most contentious race in all the lands.”
“You’ve met few dwarves then." Dis was rewarded with more laughter, and then all of a sudden, the hobbit was plopping herself down on the bench beside Dis, fishing out her own pipe.
Dis meets an unexpected companion as she waits in Rivendell.
| Canon Source: Hobbit |
| Major Characters: Belladonna Took Baggins, Dís |
| Major Relationships: Belladonna Took Baggins/Dís |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 11 May 2023 | Updated on 11 May 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Upon the Grass Untroubling by StarSpray
"It was often said (among other families) that long ago one of the Took ancestors must have taken a fairy wife. That was, of course, absurd, but..."
Faramund Took goes wandering through the South Downs, and comes back home with a rather unexpected bride.
| Canon Source: Hobbit, Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Hobbits |
| Major Relationships: Original Character/Original Character |
| Genres: Family, Fluff, Het | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 206 |
| Posted on 22 April 2023 | Updated on 22 April 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Divine Things Well Envelop'd by StarSpray
Legolas and Gimli pass through Fangorn Forest, and it isn't as bad as Gimli had expected.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Gimli, Legolas Greenleaf |
| Major Relationships: Gimli & Legolas |
| Genres: Ficlet, Fluff, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 923 |
| Posted on 3 April 2023 | Updated on 3 April 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Many Paths to Tread by Arveldis
Frodo had always been meant to leave the Shire.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Frodo, Merry |
| Major Relationships: Frodo Baggins & Merry |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 210 |
| Posted on 31 March 2023 | Updated on 31 March 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Éowyn - warrior & healer by daughterofshadows
Éowyn refuses to be a foot note in the history of men.
| Canon Source: Jackson Lord of the Rings (films), Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Éowyn |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 408 |
| Posted on 31 March 2023 | Updated on 31 March 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Smith’s Faery by Independence1776
A moodboard inspired by Faery.
| Canon Source: Smith of Wootton Major |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Moodboard/Collage |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 26 February 2023 | Updated on 26 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
here at journey's end by Arveldis
“How will you know when it’s time?” Frodo asked.
“When I have seen the wonders of Fangorn and Aglarond with Gimli, when my father’s people and I have made Ithilien the fairest garden in Gondor, and when my friends have passed beyond the circles of this world—then I will know that it is time,” Legolas said.
They stay for those they love.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Frodo, Legolas Greenleaf |
| Major Relationships: Frodo Baggins & Legolas Greenleaf |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 568 |
| Posted on 7 July 2022 | Updated on 26 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Elrohir/Lindir moodboard by Independence1776
An Elrohir/Lindir moodboard in memory of Keiliss, using one of her prompts from Ardor in August.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Elrohir, Lindir |
| Major Relationships: Elrohir/Lindir |
| Artwork Type: Moodboard/Collage |
| Genres: Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 22 February 2023 | Updated on 23 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Heavy of Heart by StarSpray
In the wilds, Aragorn dreams one last time of his mother.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Aragorn, Gilraen |
| Major Relationships: Aragorn & Gilraen |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 405 |
| Posted on 9 February 2023 | Updated on 9 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Pilgrim in the Woods by Rocky41_7
Gandalf first encounters the Elves of Mirkwood forest.
| Canon Source: Hobbit, Jackson Hobbit (films), Jackson Lord of the Rings (films), Lord of the Rings, Unfinished Tales |
| Major Characters: Unnamed Female Canon Character(s), Gandalf, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 798 |
| Posted on 9 February 2023 | Updated on 9 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Sunshine by chrissystriped
After Sauron's defeat and the return of the army to Minas Tirith, Éomer goes to see his sister and finds her changed.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Éomer, Éowyn |
| Major Relationships: Éomer & Éowyn |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 791 |
| Posted on 18 December 2022 | Updated on 31 December 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Old Swords by StarSpray
Elrond and Gandalf chat about Glamdring.
| Canon Source: Hobbit |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Gandalf |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 674 |
| Posted on 31 December 2022 | Updated on 31 December 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Another Kind of Fun by chrissystriped
Shagrat has had a bad day and needs to blow off some steam. He seeks out Gorbag to have some fun.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Gorbag, Shagrat |
| Major Relationships: Gorbag/Shagrat |
| Genres: Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 353 |
| Posted on 20 November 2022 | Updated on 11 December 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Jewel Out of Reach is Ever the Fairest by Rocky41_7
Dwarves love gems, and the Elvenking bears a crown of gold. Thorin only wishes Thror were willing to admire it from afar.
| Canon Source: Hobbit |
| Major Characters: Thorin Oakenshield, Thrain II, Thranduil, Thror |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 9, 370 |
| Posted on 13 November 2022 | Updated on 14 November 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
My Heart is with the Sea, my Heart is with You by chrissystriped
Círdan has known and loved the Wanderer since the first age.
When he hears of Gandalf's fall in Moria he resolves to find him and retrieve his body, if nothing else.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Círdan, Gandalf |
| Major Relationships: Círdan/Gandalf |
| Genres: Adventure, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 11, 801 |
| Posted on 30 August 2022 | Updated on 23 October 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
In the Dark and the Light by chrissystriped
Adar's life through the First Age -- before he was even called Adar.
| Canon Source: Rings of Power (TV show) |
| Major Characters: Other Fictional Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Sexual Content (Mild), Torture, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 687 |
| Posted on 19 October 2022 | Updated on 23 October 2022 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Distant Peaks by Himring
In the Blue Mountains, quite some time before the Quest for Erebor, Gimli learns a bit of important dwarven lore from Ori.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Gimli, Ori |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 101 |
| Posted on 18 October 2022 | Updated on 18 October 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Uruk by chrissystriped
Adar thinks about his conversation with Galadriel and what is coming.
| Canon Source: Rings of Power (TV show) |
| Major Characters: Other Fictional Character(s), Orcs |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: In-Universe Racism/Ethnocentrism |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 381 |
| Posted on 2 October 2022 | Updated on 9 October 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
The Sleeping King by Rocky41_7
Elves really do sleep like the dead, and Thranduil probably should have warned Thorin about that ahead of time.
| Canon Source: Hobbit |
| Major Characters: Thorin Oakenshield, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: Thorin Oakenshield/Thranduil |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 944 |
| Posted on 1 October 2022 | Updated on 9 October 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Cold Falls the Night by StarSpray
Gilraen reaches the end of her life.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Aragorn, Gilraen |
| Major Relationships: Aragorn & Gilraen |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 925 |
| Posted on 4 October 2022 | Updated on 9 October 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
For Morning Came by StarSpray
The Gates of Minas Tirith are broken, but the wind is changing.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Bergil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 515 |
| Posted on 4 October 2022 | Updated on 9 October 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Left On the Hither Side of Death by kimikocha
In the wake of Elessar's passing, Arwen encounters a child in the fading woods of Lórien who is much older than she seems.
[Written for TRSB 2022, Art #9: Seeking a Favor]
| Canon Source: Jackson Lord of the Rings (films), Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Arwen |
| Major Relationships: Arwen & Original Character |
| Genres: Experimental, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 240 |
| Posted on 14 September 2022 | Updated on 15 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
It Should Be Made Again by StarSpray
“Narsil!” Malbeth coughed again. “It will be reforged—when Isildur’s Bane is found."
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Aragorn, Gilraen, Malbeth the Seer |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 437 |
| Posted on 14 September 2022 | Updated on 14 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
