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
B2MeM 2009
Back to Middle-earth Month in 2009 offered a daily prompt connecting our personal experiences to our creative work. Read more ...
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.
Super Craban Birb by Kaylee Arafinwiel
He's a craban. He's up to something. He mostly looks super confused...
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: No type listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 25 May 2024 | Updated on 25 May 2024 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
Elwing and the Silmaril by Kaylee Arafinwiel
Elwing carries the Silmaril to Vingilot.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elwing |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: No type listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 25 May 2024 | Updated on 25 May 2024 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
Losing Something (or Someone) Precious by Kaylee Arafinwiel
Morgoth lost the Silmaril. Elrond lost his parents because of the Silmaril (and that was just to start with). Sauron lost the One Ring. All have lost something, or someone precious to them.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Eärendil, Elrond, Melkor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: No type listed |
| Genres: Crossover | crossed with Lord of the Rings | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 25 May 2024 | Updated on 25 May 2024 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
A blip on the radar by daughterofshadows
Humanity took to the skies. Eärendil and Ilmarë adjust.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Eärendil, Ilmarë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover | crossed with Star Trek | Challenges: Crossroads of the Fallen King, Tengwar |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 138 |
| Posted on 18 May 2024 | Updated on 25 May 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (19) |
Where's Osse? by Kaylee Arafinwiel
The adventures of Wally the Walrus...or Osse the Maia, in walrus form?
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Ossë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: No type listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 25 May 2024 | Updated on 25 May 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
Fanfiction and the Serious Business of Writer's Craft by Dawn Walls-Thumma
Tolkien Fanfiction Survey data shows that while most authors self-identify as taking their craft seriously, a growing subset of authors may be pushing that norm.
The Psamathist's Cove by StarSpray
On a starry moonlit evening, two unexpected visitors come to Psamathos' cove.
| Canon Source: Roverandom |
| Major Characters: Psamathos Psamathides |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, Fluff, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 955 |
| Posted on 14 February 2024 | Updated on 25 May 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
A Hidden Path by StarSpray
Roverandom set off at a trot over the road and into the fields beyond. He knew the meadows and fields surrounding his home quite well, of course, and had romped all over them with his boy and his brothers. But there was plenty of countryside beyond them, and, well, no time like the present for exploring!
| Canon Source: Roverandom, Smith of Wootton Major |
| Major Characters: Roverandom |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fluff, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 282 |
| Posted on 27 February 2023 | Updated on 25 May 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Darkened paths by daughterofshadows
Aredhel walks a dark path.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Aredhel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 64 |
| Posted on 25 May 2024 | Updated on 25 May 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Finarfin and Eärwen on the Beach by UnicornsInSpace
A poem Finarfin writes about Eärwen after a walk on the beach together.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Eärwen, Finarfin |
| Major Relationships: Eärwen/Finarfin |
| Genres: Poetry, Romance | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 23 |
| Posted on 23 May 2024 | Updated on 23 May 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Like a vast shadow moved by Quente
Nimloth drags her feet about a certain decision; Melian has no time for that.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Melian, Nimloth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Ficlet | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 319 |
| Posted on 22 May 2024 | Updated on 22 May 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
An Elf at the North Pole by elennalore
Re-embodied Celebrimbor can’t find peace in Aman, so he takes the icy road Helcaraxë back to Middle-earth. The world is changed, however, and he finds himself in a very different place. But what if his past comes back to haunt him even there?
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover, Hurt/Comfort | crossed with Father Christmas Letters | Challenges: Crossroads of the Fallen King |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 177 |
| Posted on 21 May 2024 | Updated on 21 May 2024 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
A Silent Echo by Rocky41_7
Hithlum reckons with the departure of the future Gondolindrim.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Fingon |
| Major Relationships: Fingolfin & Fingon |
| Genres: Drama, Family, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 928 |
| Posted on 21 May 2024 | Updated on 21 May 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Weaver of Gloom by Flora-lass
Ungoliant gets a chance to have her say.
Written for the Tengwar challenge, with the prompts silmë nuquerna (starlight reversed) and ungwë (spider's web).
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Ungoliant |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 230 |
| Posted on 21 May 2024 | Updated on 21 May 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
On a night of stars, a bird by Quente
Nimloth and Dior meet, and he is naked.
Alternatively,
Melian travels south to visit her daughter, and meets a familiar looking bird.
Written for the Tengwar prompt, Quessë (feather).
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Dior, Melian, Nimloth |
| Major Relationships: Dior & Melian, Dior/Nimloth |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 548 |
| Posted on 20 May 2024 | Updated on 20 May 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Apprentice by Quente
Dior is in Menegroth learning to be his grandfather's heir -- but his grandmother decides to take him as apprentice too.
Written for the Tengwar Challenge, May 15: Súlë (spirit).
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Dior, Melian |
| Major Relationships: Dior & Melian |
| Genres: Drama, Family, Ficlet | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 447 |
| Posted on 20 May 2024 | Updated on 20 May 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Tengwar: To The Letter by cuarthol
For the Tengwar prompt challenge.
All 36 prompts plus bonus chapter
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Aegnor, Andreth, Angrod, Avari, Celeborn, Celebrimbor, Celegorm, Círdan, Curufin, Daeron, Eagles, Edain, Eldalótë, Elwing, Ents, Fëanor, Finduilas, Finrod Felagund, Finwë, Gil-galad, Gwindor, Húrin, Ilwen, Indis, Mahtan, Mîm, Nellas, Nerdanel, Nuin, Telchar, Thorondor, Tilion, Zimrahin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, Fixed-Length Ficlet, In-Universe Artifact, Poetry | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 37 | Word Count: 4, 142 |
| Posted on 15 April 2024 | Updated on 19 May 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (141) |
History abandons us by AdmirableMonster
During his incarceration in Roderick Burgess' basement, Dream receives a strange, ancient visitor.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Other Fictional Character(s), Lórien, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: Lórien & Thranduil |
| Genres: Crossover | crossed with Sandman | Challenges: Crossroads of the Fallen King |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 980 |
| Posted on 18 May 2024 | Updated on 18 May 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
If i get home before daylight by BloodwingBlackbird
a traveler meets a stranger at a crossroads.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover | crossed with Folklore | Challenges: Crossroads of the Fallen King |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 293 |
| Posted on 16 May 2024 | Updated on 16 May 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Egalmoth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 209 |
| Posted on 11 May 2024 | Updated on 11 May 2024 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
I Stood Aside by Flora-lass
Maedhros' horror at the burning of the ships. Inspired by a painting (see notes).
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 224 |
| Posted on 6 May 2024 | Updated on 9 May 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Thálatta! Thálatta! by Simon J. Cook
While he never climbs the stairs of this Elf-tower, in Lothlórien Frodo Baggins descends a flight of steps to look into Galadriel’s Mirror, wherein he first sees the sea. This post examines the view.
Words of Wisdom by AdmirableMonster
One or more drabbles about Pengolodh and his babysitter Salgant.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Pengolodh, Salgant |
| Major Relationships: Pengolodh & Salgant |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 418 |
| Posted on 3 May 2024 | Updated on 5 May 2024 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Les Mots de Sagesse by AdmirableMonster
Plusieurs petites histoires qui parle de Pengolodh et Salgant pendant des moments differents.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Pengolodh, Salgant |
| Major Relationships: Pengolodh & Salgant |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 334 |
| Posted on 14 April 2024 | Updated on 5 May 2024 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Upon Cirith Thoronath by StarSpray
A horrid cacophony of cries erupts ahead of them, as orcs appear—up the cliff on hidden ledges, on the path, with bows and swords. And behind them rises a figure of darkness and flame. The heat rolls down the path over them, bringing the smell of burning flesh and bitter fear with it. Someone screams.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Balrogs, Glorfindel, Tuor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 927 |
| Posted on 2 May 2024 | Updated on 2 May 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
