New Challenge: Potluck Bingo
Sit down to a delicious selection of prompts served on bingo boards, created by the SWG community.
SWG News
Bingo Cards Wanted for Potluck Bingo
Our November-December challenge will be Potluck Bingo, featuring cards created by you! If you'd like to create cards or prompts for cards, we are taking submissions.
Tolkien Meta Week, December 8-14
We will be hosting a Tolkien Meta Week in December, here on the archive and on our Tumblr, for nonfiction fanworks about Tolkien.
New Challenge: Orctober
Orcs on a quest for freedom seek a place sheltered and safe from the Dark Lord. Fulfill prompts to gather the clues needed to bring them to freedom.
New & Updated Fanworks
[Artwork] 2024 Potluck Doodles by silmalope
Assorted prompt fills for the 2024 Potluck bingo boards, to varying degrees of completion! :)
[Writing] Ransom of the Fairy Twins by Rocky41_7
Maglor and Maedhros trade Elrond and Elros to King Gil-galad in exchange for a Silmaril, but they have miscalculated.
[Series] Pennas Pengolodh by AdmirableMonster
The majority of the Silmarillion was penned by a single Elf--an Elf who was so thoroughly written out as to appear only through the ways in which their perspective shaped the stories we see. This is their story, the historian's history, the Pennas Pengolodh.
[Writing] Havens by AdmirableMonster
The Exiles of Gondolin come to Sirion. The residents of Sirion welcome them, and friendship blossoms between the last remaining loremaster of Gondolin and a young poet of Sirion.
[Writing] Collection of Potluck Drabbles by Artano
This is a collection of true drabbles completed for the 'Four Words' drabble bingo card.
[Writing] Hurting Tyelpë by elennalore
Sauron has taken Celebrimbor as a prisoner in Ost-in-Edhil. Whump happens.
[Writing] On a Night of Snow by Elleth
Fingon returns to Barad Eithel after a late-autumn hunt, finding someone unexpected with his wife. The night takes an even more unexpected turn for all three of them.
Current Challenge
Potluck Bingo
Help yourself to a collection of prompts on bingo boards designed by members and friends of the SWG. Read more ...
Random Challenge
New in References
Mapping Arda, Part III: The Second Age by Varda delle Stelle, Anérea
A series of articles featuring fan-made maps of all the lands of Arda. Part III explores the island of Númenor and mainland Middle-earth during the Second Age.
Doom and Ascent: The Argument of ‘Beowulf: the Monsters and the Critics’ by Simon J. Cook
Simon reads 'Beowulf: the Monsters and the Critics' to conclude his account of the Anglo-Saxon tower of its allegory.
Why People Don't Comment: Data and History From the Tolkienfic Fandom by Dawn Walls-Thumma
A reworking of the 2018 article for Long Live Feedback that includes data from the 2020 Tolkien Fanfiction Survey, pointing to a lack of comments as related to skill, confidence, and community connection.
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] Homage to the Song of Durin by Flora-lass
Legolas is inspired by Gimli's song - and by Gimli himself.
[Artwork] Long-tressed Wingildi by Anérea
"... the long-tressed Wingildi ... spirits of the foam and the surf of ocean."
~ a painted sketch for Scribbles and Drabbles 2024.
[Writing] Partners in Craft by elennalore
Annatar realises that he might like Celebrimbor too much.
Around the World and Web
Fluffcember 2024
Fluffcember is a Tumblr event with daily fluffy prompts during the month of December.
Hidden Paths 2025
Hidden Paths, an event dedicated to the celebration of smaller Tolkien canons, has released their early prompts for the 2025 event.
Teitho November/December Contest: Healing
The theme for Teitho's November/December contest is healing.
Lord of the Rings Secret Santa 2024
LotR SESA has been ongoing for twenty-one years and is running again this year as a prompt meme hosted on AO3 for all genres of Tolkien-based fanfiction.
Kiliel Week 2024
Kiliel Week is a Tumblr event for fanworks about the Kili/Tauriel pairing.
Truly All Fanworks
This page includes all fanworks from the main SWG archive and the Beyond the Silmarillion section.
In the Light of the Trees and After by Lferion
Ficlets, drabbles, and other small pieces set primarily in early Valinor.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: Fingon & Maedhros |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General, Poetry | Challenges: Crackuary, Naturalist's Guide to Middle-earth, New Year's Resolution, Roaring Twenties |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 508 |
| Posted on 7 February 2021 | Updated on 12 September 2023 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Mysteries Too Marvelous by StarSpray
The first time Tim stepped out of his world and into Faerie, he almost didn’t notice.
| Canon Source: Smith of Wootton Major |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Faery Queen, Smith Smithson, Tim of Townsend |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 750 |
| Posted on 12 September 2023 | Updated on 12 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Risk of the Day by Independence1776
My second moodboard for TRSB 2023: a rule 63 Maglor in space AU.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Moodboard/Collage |
| Genres: Adventure, Alternate Universe, Science Fiction | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 27 August 2023 | Updated on 10 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (4) |
Maglor tortured moodboard by Independence1776
Moodboard for TRSB 2023, wherein I request Maglor to be tortured. The collage is not graphic, but does contain images of torture implements or things that can be used as such.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maglor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Moodboard/Collage |
| Genres: Horror, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Torture |
| Posted on 27 August 2023 | Updated on 10 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
When the Phoenix Cries by kimikocha
“It's not your fault,” whispers a voice very like Tyelpë’s — but Tyelpë isn’t here. There is no succor left for Mairon; no refuge in this land of Men permitted only to stand at the gates of the world and gaze in longing toward its glory.
In Númenor, Mairon longs for what he has lost. Tyelpë comes to find him.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Celebrimbor/Sauron |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Domestic and Partner Violence, Mature Themes, Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 19, 946 |
| Posted on 15 July 2023 | Updated on 8 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Don't Look Back by Grundy
Elrond and Elros steal some time to go on a private adventure during the War of Wrath.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros |
| Genres: | Challenges: Roaring Twenties |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 370 |
| Posted on 8 September 2023 | Updated on 8 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
The Round Sun is Falling by StarSpray
My piece for Tolkien Reverse Summer Bang 2023! This is my first year participating as an artist and I'm very excited.
The title comes from Legolas' song in ROTK; Zhie wrote the accompanying fic Never and Forever, featuring Legolas and Thranduil!
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Fiber/Textile Art |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 27 August 2023 | Updated on 8 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (1) |
Carrying the Hope of All the World by Rocky41_7
Elwing arrives on Vingilot, bearing news of the Third Kinslaying. Earendil and his sailors must make a choice.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Eärendil, Elwing |
| Major Relationships: Eärendil/Elwing |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 8, 103 |
| Posted on 6 September 2023 | Updated on 6 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
True North by sallysavestheday
Maglor and Fingolfin meet for the first time since Losgar and the Ice.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 927 |
| Posted on 6 September 2023 | Updated on 6 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Craft |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 5 September 2023 | Updated on 5 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (1) |
Feanorion Nightlight by Grundy
Stained glass nightlight created for TRSB23.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Craft |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 5 September 2023 | Updated on 5 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (3) |
Let There Be Light by StarSpray
When the Valar descended from the Timeless Halls into Eä, they found all in darkness, with nothing there of the world they had seen and sung.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Ilmarë, Varda |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: Roaring Twenties |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 566 |
| Posted on 4 September 2023 | Updated on 4 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (16) |
With All Due Respect... by cuarthol
Caranthir pens a letter to his cousin, seeking assistance for the People of Haleth.
A teaser from the Tolkien Reverse Summer Bang 2022 fic Wanderlust which is now available to read in full on AO3
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: Caranthir & Finrod |
| Genres: Ficlet, Humor | Challenges: Zingers |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 194 |
| Posted on 10 August 2022 | Updated on 4 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
The View from within the Mountains by Dawn Felagund
Pengolodh ponders how best to craft the story of the early First Age. (Drabble)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Pengolodh |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 99 |
| Posted on 14 September 2017 | Updated on 4 September 2023 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Ómar-Amillo by Dawn Walls-Thumma
One of the gods of music in the early legendarium, Ómar is called by Christopher Tolkien "a divinity without much substance" and swiftly faded from the story. His brief existence may shed light on Tolkien's evolving sense of how his fictional universe aligns with the historical peoples that inspired him.
Shadow's Scribbles 2022 by daughterofshadows
Artwork for Scribbles & Drabbles 2022
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Celegorm |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Moodboard/Collage |
| Genres: Adventure, Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 2 September 2023 | Updated on 2 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (1) |
A Passing Thing by Narya
A moodboard created for TRSB23, inspired by the Tolkien biopic.
| Canon Source: Tolkien (film) |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Moodboard/Collage |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Posted on 2 September 2023 | Updated on 2 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Adventures of Pixel Tuor by emma_racandil
Pixel-style artwork of Tuor's journey.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Elemmakil, Idril, Maeglin, Tuor, Turgon, Voronwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Illustration |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 2 September 2023 | Updated on 2 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (1) |
Maia of Manwë by emma_racandil
A pixel artwork of a Maia of Manwë.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Eönwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: No type listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 2 September 2023 | Updated on 2 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (1) |
Interview with Artist Ylieke by firstamazon
Firstamazon caught up with the Tolkien fan artist Ylieke to discover more about her emotionally rich character portraits.
Ill News by grey_gazania
Early in the Second Age, a follower of the Sons of Fëanor brings Elrond some ill news.
Written from a prompt by Himring for Tolkien OC Week (background characters).
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Elrond |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Original Character |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 3, 194 |
| Posted on 28 July 2022 | Updated on 25 August 2023 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
A Bridge in the City of Rivers by grey_gazania
Stories about Ianneth of Mithrim, daughter of Annael and wife of Fingon.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Unnamed Female Canon Character(s), Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Unnamed Canon Character |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on 7 March 2021 | Updated on 25 August 2023 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Woman King by grey_gazania
A Gil-galad genderswap AU.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Círdan, Fingon, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on 7 March 2021 | Updated on 25 August 2023 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Chaperone by grey_gazania
Fingon and Maedhros go camping, taking Fingon's young daughter along with them. Once she falls asleep, they discuss their complicated feelings.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Unnamed Female Canon Character(s), Fingon, Gil-galad, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Maedhros, Fingon/Unnamed Canon Character, Fingon & Gil-galad |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 492 |
| Posted on 25 August 2023 | Updated on 25 August 2023 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Home Is Behind by grey_gazania
In the aftermath of the Dagor Bragollach, newly-crowned High King Fingon sends his wife and child to Eglarest for safety. The parting is bitter, as his wife has discovered a betrayal that Fingon has long concealed from her.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Unnamed Female Canon Character(s), Círdan, Fingon, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Unnamed Canon Character, Fingon & Gil-galad, Gil-galad & Unnamed Canon Character, Fingon/Maedhros |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 9, 426 |
| Posted on 9 July 2023 | Updated on 21 August 2023 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
