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
[Writing] No Time Have I by Flora-lass
A Silmarillion acrostic.
[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.
[Writing] Cosmological Poems of Arda by AaronAzrael
I would like to share my revelations of Tolkien's Universe in the form of narrative and emotional poems.
[Writing] Eä's Redemption by AaronAzrael
This is my new poetical attempt to add my own interpretation to Tolkien's Cosmology as to Eru's Creation and the Valar's minds and behind-the-scene providence reasons and mechanisms.. I often review Eä as part of our own world, just in another dimension, this is why I have always seriously…
[Artwork] Map of Valinor by Aprilertuile
My newly drawn map of Aman, as complete as I could make it.
Current Challenge
Bollywood
Prompts this month are films, songs, and tropes from India's dazzling film industry, Bollywood. Read more ...
Random Challenge
Naturalist's Guide to Middle-earth
Sneak a peek into notebooks of the scholars and explorers of Middle-earth, with prompts that are images from historical naturalist publication. 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.
Elrond Week 2024
Elrond Week is a fandom event dedicated to Elrond Peredhel that will run from July 10th to July 16th on Tumblr.
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.
New and Updated Fanworks
Include Beyond the Silmarillion Fanworks
Manwë's Birthday Party by Dawn Felagund, Tarion Anarore, Rhapsody, oshun, Isil Elensar, pandemonium_213, Beatrisu
Round robin. Feel free to join in! In honor of SWG's second birthday, we offer a sillyfic about what may have happened if Varda held a party for her beloved husband ... and invited all of Aman. Please see the Story Notes for more details before adding to the story.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Fingon, Lórien, Maedhros, Maglor, Mandos, Manwë, Nessa, Tulkas, Vairë, Varda, Yavanna |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 4, 780 |
| Posted on 30 July 2007 | Updated on 7 December 2009 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
At The Precipice by Beatrisu
Maedhros stands at the precipice and ponders his choices, his folly, and his release.
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Suicide, Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 221 |
| Posted on 6 December 2009 | Updated on 6 December 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Encounter in the Forest by Ellynn
While hunting on a cold day during the Fell Winter, one Noldo discovers that hope can come from the most unexpected source. Written for the fanfiction contest on the Croatian Tolkien forum; theme of the contest: Strange encounter. 2010 MEFA Second Place in Times: First Age and Prior: General.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 873 |
| Posted on 29 November 2009 | Updated on 29 November 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Plague by WendWriter
Furious at the theft of the Silmaril from his iron crown, Morgoth seeks revenge. He has become his own, and everyone else's worst enemy.
| Major Characters: Melkor, Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 7, 305 |
| Posted on 28 November 2009 | Updated on 28 November 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Turning of Angwë by WendWriter
When Angwë returns to Middle-earth after the War of the Powers, he discovers that Dwarves have moved into his mountain, Celebdil, and begun mining there. Then he meets his brother Sauron, who has plans for him.
| Major Characters: Melkor, Sauron, Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 12 | Word Count: 31, 548 |
| Posted on 28 November 2009 | Updated on 28 November 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Building of Celebdil by WendWriter
Angwë, a Maia, wants to make his mark on Arda. Melkor's rebellion complicates matters...
| Major Characters: Melkor, Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 4, 335 |
| Posted on 28 November 2009 | Updated on 28 November 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Lords and Lordship by WendWriter
Artíre and Sauron have put an end to their destructive feud... for the moment. How long can it last if others want to reignite it?
| Major Characters: Melkor, Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 12, 318 |
| Posted on 28 November 2009 | Updated on 28 November 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Artíre's Revenge by WendWriter
Furious at having been forced to take sides between Melkor's forces and the Ainur, Artíre seeks revenge on Sauron.
| Major Characters: Melkor, Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 12 | Word Count: 22, 911 |
| Posted on 28 November 2009 | Updated on 28 November 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Artíre's Return by WendWriter
Sequel to “Artíre's Choice.” After years of hiding from the wrath of the Valar, Artíre the Watcher decides to emerge, only to find that the world he knew has changed beyond all recognition.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 649 |
| Posted on 28 November 2009 | Updated on 28 November 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Temptation of Artíre by WendWriter
Artíre is accosted by Sauron, who invites him to take part in the dramas he loves to observe.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 201 |
| Posted on 28 November 2009 | Updated on 28 November 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Artíre's Choice by WendWriter
Artíre is induced by Sauron to choose between serving the forces of light and the forces of darkness, when he would rather be neutral.
| Major Characters: Manwë, Melkor, Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 260 |
| Posted on 28 November 2009 | Updated on 28 November 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Survivors by WendWriter
Amid the ruins of Doriath, the Elf-lord Oropher takes command.
| Major Characters: Oropher |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 3, 225 |
| Posted on 27 November 2009 | Updated on 27 November 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Brother Mine by wind rider
They say, even in the darkest of times and nightmares there is always a light, a silver lining, a hope… It comes in many forms and often in the most unexpected places, events and situations.
It was well known by Erestor and Ereinion, as they were struggling to find their places and roles in the dying society and stay alive in the end of the First Age to the time beyond.
| Major Characters: Erestor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: Strangers in Strange Lands |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 22, 168 |
| Posted on 22 June 2009 | Updated on 26 November 2009 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Blood for Blood, Soul for Soul by wind rider
When Space and Time Dissolve series.
An extendable one-shot in which fifteen-year-old Harry Potter and fifteen-year-old Curufinwë Fëanáro dreamt a strange dream indeed.
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 630 |
| Posted on 25 November 2009 | Updated on 25 November 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Like Toy Soldiers by wind rider
The host of the Valar who marched to Middle-Erth to vanquish Morgoth were wreathed in valorous splendor. But what were they like before they set foot on the Hitherlands? A short piece; Thanksgiving present for Ellfine, Fiondil and KiMahalei.
| Major Characters: Ilmarë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 766 |
| Posted on 25 November 2009 | Updated on 25 November 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Son of Twilight by Araloth the Random
Idril is betrothed - and Maeglin could not be more depressed. There could not be a worse time for an awkward encounter. . .
| Major Characters: Idril, Maeglin, Tuor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 607 |
| Posted on 22 November 2009 | Updated on 22 November 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
They Paved Paradise by Narya
Maglor Fëanorion is sad to discover what has become of a place he once loved.
Loosely based on phrases from the song Big Yellow Taxi by Joni Mitchell. Rated Teens for references to drug abuse and prostitution.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Crossover, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 714 |
| Posted on 8 November 2009 | Updated on 8 November 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Of Beren and Lúthien: The Complete Tale of “The Lay of Leithian” by LuthienHuan
A how-it-might-have-been tale based on the Chapter "Of Beren and Lúthien" in The Silmarillion and other writings which fans will recognize.
| Major Characters: Barahir (First Age), Beleg, Bëor, Beren, Celebrimbor, Celegorm, Curufin, Daeron, Dior, Elu Thingol, Elwing, Fëanor, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Finwë, Galadriel, Gorlim, Huan, Lúthien Tinúviel, Mablung, Manwë, Melian, Melkor, Nahar, Olwë, Original Character(s), Orodreth, Oromë, Sauron, Thorondor, Ungoliant, Varda, Yavanna |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 22 | Word Count: 55, 594 |
| Posted on 4 November 2009 | Updated on 6 November 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Till my last breath by Ellynn
On the way towards Middle-earth, after the Kinslaying, one Noldo remembers that night and a certain girl. Written for the fanfiction contest on the Croatian Tolkien forum; theme of the contest: Remembrance. 2010 MEFA First place in Genres: Ficlet: The Silmarillion.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 829 |
| Posted on 4 November 2009 | Updated on 4 November 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Longing in his eyes by Ellynn
On a summer evening, while sitting on the beach in England, one elf remembers his past. Written for the fanfiction contest on the Croatian Tolkien forum; theme of the contest: Remembrance.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 942 |
| Posted on 30 October 2009 | Updated on 30 October 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Along Came A Spider by Aearwen2
Few have not heard of her, but hardly any know her true story.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 18, 685 |
| Posted on 26 September 2009 | Updated on 24 October 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
One Afternoon by Araloth the Random
The beginnings of a Finwean romance lie back in an innocent childhood game. . .a teenage!Celegorm/Aredhel fic. Not gross - just fluffy.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Celegorm |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 897 |
| Posted on 21 October 2009 | Updated on 21 October 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Mandos by Minviendha
Afterlife, penance, and madness. The Halls of Waiting can be dark as well, for some.
| Major Characters: Celegorm |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 027 |
| Posted on 17 October 2009 | Updated on 17 October 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Shades of Black and Grey by Minviendha
Huan considers his former master; his boy.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Huan |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 731 |
| Posted on 17 October 2009 | Updated on 17 October 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The Mirror Crack'd by Minviendha
Where madness begins; Maeglin takes a one way journey expecting to end up dead. He does.
| Major Characters: Maeglin, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Torture, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 015 |
| Posted on 17 October 2009 | Updated on 17 October 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
