New Challenge: Bollywood
This month's challenge offers songs, films, and tropes from Bollywood, the world's largest film industry based out of India, as prompts for fanworks.
SWG News
Cultus Dispatches: Fandom Chocolate … or Authors Love Comments
Tolkien Fanfiction Survey data provides insight into how comments benefit authors and which authors are most impacted by a lack of comments, with a digression on authors' perspectives one-click feedback like kudos.
A Sense of History: Passing Ships
As Tolkien's characters in various texts gaze out to the sea, what do they see? What is brought by the ships coming out of the West?
Beta-Reader List Now Available
The beta-reader list and profiles have been moved into our new system and are available again.
New & Updated Fanworks
[Series] The Light and the Sea (Steampunk Númenor) by AdmirableMonster
Largely focused on Númenor, its fall, and the aftermath, as seen from the perspective of two Mannish scientists, bit players in some ways, but who nonetheless cast their shadows across the history of Middle Earth.
[Writing] Reflections by AdmirableMonster
A story of three friends in Númenor, one of whom attracts the attention of the High Priest. What does friendship mean in the shadow of the Black Temple?
[Writing] No Time Have I by Flora-lass
A Silmarillion acrostic.
[Writing] An exercise in music... And patience by Aprilertuile
Makalaurë was sitting at the harp in his music room. He was holding a dark blindfold in his hands and was looking at it with much scepticism.
[Writing] I called it Fate that I should fail by AdmirableMonster
Nimruzimir, a natural philosopher recently out of his apprenticeship, hardly considers himself very important to anyone, least of all his colleagues. When his strange, prophetic fits bring him to the attention of the High Priest, however, he may find that his existence is less superfluous than…
[Writing] All of you by chrissystriped
Elrond and Celebrían celebrate their anniversary with their family.
[Writing] Lament for the Singer by daughterofshadows
A short thing about Maglor, death and grieving.
Current Challenge
Bollywood
Prompts this month are films, songs, and tropes from India's dazzling film industry, Bollywood. Read more ...
Random Challenge
B2MeM 2011
Back to Middle-earth Month 2011 featured a daily postcard from a different location in Middle-earth with a creative prompt inspired by that location. Read more ...
New in References
Fandom Chocolate … or Authors Love Comments by Dawn Walls-Thumma
[]Tolkien Fanfiction Survey data shows that authors view comments as driving their motivation to create fanfiction. However, perception of comments by authors is part of a larger shift in fandom around how and how often fans interact with each other.
Passing Ships by Simon J. Cook
[]The arrival and departure of ships across the Great Sea carries mythic significance for the peoples of Middle-earth. The image of ships crossing out of and back into a mysterious West appears as well in Beowulf and is alluded to in Tolkien's tower analogy in his lecture "Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics," where the tower allows those who climb it to observe the passage of the ships.
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.
Beyond the Silmarillion
[Writing] Staging a Battle by StarSpray
[]He and Diamond were visiting, though Pippin had been disappearing every afternoon, and taking Frodo and Elanor and most other lads and lasses in the neighborhood with him—though why they couldn’t use Pippin’s own pony, Sam couldn’t imagine.
[Writing] From whose bourn no traveller returns by losselen
[]So gathered they were to Bree, what lieutenants who could be spared, from their scattered watches west and east, for their chieftain had returned from his long sojourn in lands godless and mountains strange.
Aragorn returns from the South to tells his tales. Halbarad listens.
[Writing] Sand Sorcery by StarSpray
[]It is well known that Psamathos does not leave his cove. He does not like to get his feet wet, and prefers to spend his days dozing under the sun.
Around the World and Web
Fellowship of the Fics: Summer Stories 2024
Fellowship of the Fics offers four weeks of summer-themed prompts during the month of July.
July challenge at tolkienshortfanworks posted
The tolkienshortfanworks challenge for July has been posted to the Dreamwidth community. The thematic challenge is: original character or unnamed canon character; the formal challenge: fixed length of multiple of 50 words. New participants welcome.
July 2024 Call for Papers and Proposals
Conferences and publications that have open calls for papers and proposals in July 2024.
Teitho June/July Challenge: Mentor
The June/July prompt for the Teitho challenge is "mentor" and invites fanworks about this relationship in Tolkien's works.
Scribbles & Drabbles 2024
A chill Tolkien event, where artists make art, and authors write little stories in response. Begins in June and ends in November.
New and Updated Fiction
Learning to make a fire by Lyra
Young Maedhros learns more than just one lesson on a soggy camping trip - and remembers these lessons much later.
Written for the B2MeM 2009 prompt, "learning to make a fire".
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2009 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 061 |
| Posted on 26 May 2009 | Updated on 26 May 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Gathering the Heroes by Moreth
Written for B2Me Prompt 2: "What is the most tedious, routine work that you have to do?" Túrin gets a really long and tedious job!
| Major Characters: Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Crossover | Challenges: B2MeM 2009 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 435 |
| Posted on 26 May 2009 | Updated on 26 May 2009 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
The Elf in the Mirror by Amaranth
A young Elf discovers his body in front of the mirror...
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Erotica, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 037 |
| Posted on 26 May 2009 | Updated on 26 May 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Flights of Fancy by Ithilwen
"And thence at times the Firstborn still would come sailing to Númenor in oarless boats… And they brought to Númenor many gifts: birds of song, and fragrant flowers, and herbs of great virtue." (Akallabêth). Ever wonder what the Elves of Tol Eressëa might have brought back from those sightseeing trips? AU for some deliberately added anachronisms.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, General, Humor | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 2, 359 |
| Posted on 22 May 2009 | Updated on 22 May 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
The Dark Beneath the Stars by Ithilwen
Maglor reflect on the events between the Kinslaying at Alqualondë through the Battle under Stars. Violence, disturbing themes.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 5, 212 |
| Posted on 22 May 2009 | Updated on 22 May 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
My Brother's Keeper by Ithilwen
Following the Battle of Unnumbered Tears, Maglor makes a terrible mistake. Disturbing themes.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 251 |
| Posted on 22 May 2009 | Updated on 22 May 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
All Hang Together by Ithilwen
Fingon rides to Himring to hear a proposal from Maedhros. Warning: Adult sexual themes.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 981 |
| Posted on 22 May 2009 | Updated on 22 May 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Forsaken Knowledge by Rhapsody
In order to finish one of his greatest achievements, Celebrimbor applies a skill he considered forgotten. Added: long overdue author notes.
~ MEFA 2009: Honorable Mention in Genres: Crossover: General
Thank you Robinka!
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Curufin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Color of ..., Gift of a Story |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 2, 066 |
| Posted on 3 August 2008 | Updated on 22 May 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
The Echo of Your Lamentation by Ithilwen
Maedhros and Fingon have a conversation about the Valar. Warning: Adult themes.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 539 |
| Posted on 18 May 2009 | Updated on 18 May 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
The Cold Hill of Himring by Ithilwen
Maedhros is disturbed by a visit with his cousin Fingon. Warning: Adult themes.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 256 |
| Posted on 18 May 2009 | Updated on 18 May 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Necessary Sacrifices by Ithilwen
After his rescue, Maedhros has a decision to make. Which will he sacrifice in the end: his pride, or his vengeance?
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Curufin, Fingolfin, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 948 |
| Posted on 18 May 2009 | Updated on 18 May 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
The New World by Lyra
Fingon experiences the first-ever sunrise. Originally published for the "30 years Silmarillion" celebrations on LJ.
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: No genre listed | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 107 |
| Posted on 17 May 2009 | Updated on 17 May 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Touching the Stars by Moreth
Learning to make a fire...
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: B2MeM 2009 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 16 May 2009 | Updated on 16 May 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Renewing The Song by Naltariel
Two guilt ridden wanderers met and tried to atone for their past.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 8 | Word Count: 10, 284 |
| Posted on 15 May 2009 | Updated on 15 May 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Hide and Seek by Ithilwen
Young Amrod and Amras have gone missing, and the reason for their disappearance can be traced to a family tragedy. Warning: Adult sexual themes.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Celegorm, Fëanor, Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 17, 370 |
| Posted on 13 May 2009 | Updated on 13 May 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
The Glitter of Metal by Ithilwen
Wounded in body and spirit by Morgoth, a now-crippled Maedhros struggles to redefine his sense of identity. Warning: Mildly disturbing themes.
| Major Characters: Amrod, Celebrimbor, Curufin, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 469 |
| Posted on 13 May 2009 | Updated on 13 May 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Captive of Fate by Ithilwen
Maedhros reflects while hanging from Thangorodrim
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 695 |
| Posted on 13 May 2009 | Updated on 13 May 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Of Leaves of Gold and Petals Red: A Faery Tale by Ithilwen
A Silmarillion-based adaptation of a classic Scottish folk ballad
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Original Character(s), Ungoliant |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover, Humor, Romance | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 11, 046 |
| Posted on 11 May 2009 | Updated on 11 May 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Taking the Sword by Ithilwen
Maedhros learns the art of swordfighting, and discovers his true talent.
| Major Characters: Curufin, Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 684 |
| Posted on 11 May 2009 | Updated on 11 May 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
If Wishes Were Horses by Ithilwen
Maedhros and Fingon meet for the first time.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingolfin, Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 8, 127 |
| Posted on 11 May 2009 | Updated on 11 May 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Changing Lights by Elleth
Nerdanel's journey. From her marriage to Fëanor to coming full circle, and the recurring choice along the way: Tomorrow, or yesterday? A fic inspired by this year's B2MeM prompt 31: As a citizen of Middle-earth, one day you wake up with a choice: yesterday or tomorrow. Which would you pick and why? MEFA Nominee 2009. Thank you, Whitewave! Won First Place in Times: First Age and Prior: House of Finwe.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, Romance | Challenges: B2MeM 2009 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 018 |
| Posted on 10 May 2009 | Updated on 10 May 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
The Last Day of Our Acquaintance by SurgicalSteel
One of the leaders of Umbar has an uncomfortable meeting with the newcomers from downfallen Numenor
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 880 |
| Posted on 10 May 2009 | Updated on 10 May 2009 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Fírimar by Ithilwen
Do the Elves in Aman ever look back at Middle Earth?
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 896 |
| Posted on 10 May 2009 | Updated on 10 May 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
The Gift by Ithilwen
A young Maedhros makes a gift for his father, and learns a harsh lesson in the process.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 126 |
| Posted on 10 May 2009 | Updated on 10 May 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Another Lie about Love by Naltariel
Fingon's unrequited love. Took place after Maedhros being released from Thangorodrim.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 017 |
| Posted on 10 May 2009 | Updated on 10 May 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
