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
Turgon's Rock Opera
On the anniversary of the publication of "The Silmarillion," we’re reflecting on the importance of music in Arda with prompts that come from rock songs. 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
To Stand Fast Against the Night by Fiondil
Tar-Palantir makes a decision upon receiving the Sceptre of Númenor, a decision that does not meet with universal approval.
| Major Characters: Amandil, Ar-Pharazôn, Elendil, Gimilkhâd, Inzilbêth, Original Character(s), Tar-Míriel, Tar-Palantir |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 934 |
| Posted on 14 August 2009 | Updated on 14 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Regret by vaoni
Maglor stills wanders upon the shores, searching for his lost obsession. His feet, once again, bring him to the cliff that he cast the Silmaril off from. One Shot. Modern day.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 189 |
| Posted on 13 August 2009 | Updated on 13 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Falling Stars by Independence1776
Mestië and Alagos suffer the consequences of breaking Ar-Gimilzôr’s laws. Dark.
| Major Characters: Mandos, Manwë, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Suspense | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Torture, Creator Chooses Not to Warn, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 135 |
| Posted on 11 August 2009 | Updated on 11 August 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (16) |
Every Wish by Independence1776
Mestië, a Faithful commoner, prepares for her wedding while dealing with Ar-Gimilzôr’s new laws forbidding the speaking of Elvish.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 271 |
| Posted on 10 August 2009 | Updated on 10 August 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (13) |
Brothers by Dawn Felagund
Two brothers face their father's death and the differences that have arisen between them, for one is of the King's Men and the other of the Elf-friends.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 493 |
| Posted on 7 August 2009 | Updated on 7 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (16) |
Mavoinë by Fiondil
On a lonely hill overlooking Andúnië, an Elf watches his mortal friend build a tower and is filled with grave misgivings as to its purpose.
| Major Characters: Ainur, Arminas, Isilmo, Original Character(s), Tar-Minastir, Tar-Telperiën |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 286 |
| Posted on 7 August 2009 | Updated on 7 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
The Ban of the Valar by Fiondil
The Valar meet to discuss how to prevent the Númenóreans from seeking the Undying Lands.
| Major Characters: Ainur |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 068 |
| Posted on 5 August 2009 | Updated on 5 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Seek the Horizon, Númenor's Sons by Dawn Felagund
"Above all arts they nourished shipbuilding and sea-craft, and they became mariners whose like shall never be again since the world was diminished; and voyaging upon the wide seas was the chief feat and adventure of their hardy men in the gallant days of their youth"--a Númenórean mariners' chant.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 279 |
| Posted on 5 August 2009 | Updated on 5 August 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (18) |
Tenn’ Ambar-Metta by Fiondil
Elrond receives a final letter from his brother.
| Major Characters: Círdan, Elrond, Elros, Erestor, Gil-galad, Vardamir |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 282 |
| Posted on 4 August 2009 | Updated on 4 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
Anadûnai by darthfingon
163 years after their parting in Middle-earth, Elrond travels to Númenor to see his brother again.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 28, 576 |
| Posted on 4 August 2009 | Updated on 4 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
How the East Was Won by pandemonium_213
During the earliest years of the Second Age, Melkor’s great lieutenant puts the destruction of Beleriand behind him and travels to the East...with a plan.
MEFA 2010 Winner. First Place; Races: Villains: General.
| Major Characters: Eönwë, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Science Fiction | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 227 |
| Posted on 2 August 2009 | Updated on 2 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (34) |
Eönwë Among the Edain by Fiondil
Eönwë has been chosen to teach the Edain who will go to Númenor what they need to know to succeed in their new life, but he’s not too happy about the assignment.
| Major Characters: Ainur, Círdan, Elros, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 333 |
| Posted on 1 August 2009 | Updated on 1 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Never Look Back by Independence1776
Elrond has difficulty coming to terms with Elros' choice and their impending separation.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Eönwë, Gil-galad, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 671 |
| Posted on 31 July 2009 | Updated on 31 July 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (34) |
Ar-Pharazôn by Russandol
In honor of Akallabêth in August, this bio explores the history, evolution, and some of the questions surrounding of Ar-Pharazôn, one of Arda's darkest characters. Originally featured August 2009.
In-Betweens by Elleth
The story (or stories) of Nerdanel and Fëanor. The little things, the in-betweens that are not mentioned in the Silmarillion or History of Middle-earth, starting with the beginning of their romance.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, Romance | Challenges: Anniversary Contest |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 2, 551 |
| Posted on 30 September 2007 | Updated on 28 July 2009 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (20) |
Mourning Glory by minuiloss
The morning after Tarnin Austa at the end of the first age, Glorfindel awakens to find himself somewhere wholly unfamiliar. Glorfindel/Erestor, multi-chapter WIP
| Major Characters: Elrond, Erestor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 199 |
| Posted on 28 July 2009 | Updated on 28 July 2009 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Prince of Hearts by Rhapsody
One day Elrond decides to acknowlegde a request that changed his life and that of others forever.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 399 |
| Posted on 21 July 2009 | Updated on 21 July 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (13) |
The Piggolantë by whitewave
Another unusual take on my favorite Noldor elves.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Finwë, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: All Good Beasts |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Torture, Expletive Language, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 903 |
| Posted on 17 July 2009 | Updated on 17 July 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
| Major Characters: Bëor, Finrod Felagund, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 287 |
| Posted on 14 July 2009 | Updated on 14 July 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Without a Past by wind rider
He lost the one dearest to him by his mere existance. He lost his childhood in a childish hope of gaining his prize back. And he lost his remaining, other prize for a stranger.
A peak into Fëanáro's early childhood. What inspired me: Why did Fëanar resent the Valar so deeply?
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Untold History |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 003 |
| Posted on 14 July 2009 | Updated on 14 July 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
We Speak through Music by wind rider
How did the Ents learn their unique, beautiful language? Surely not from the Elves? Because if the Elves did teach them, then Legolas must have known about it… Fangorn hid many secrets, indeed, but not all of them were only about the old, old forest of his realm. Legolas and Gimli were lucky; they got the privilege of knowing about one of the most important secrets to be ever shared by the Ent kind.
| Major Characters: Ainur |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: First Meetings |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 642 |
| Posted on 13 July 2009 | Updated on 13 July 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Walking into Darkness by Aiwen
A detailed retelling of the Nargothrond element of the lay of Leithian from the points of view of Finrod and Orodreth.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 11 | Word Count: 18, 409 |
| Posted on 18 February 2009 | Updated on 13 July 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
Swan Song by Ithilwen
A terribly wounded Maglor finally makes his way back to Valinor, where he finds things have changed greatly during his long absence. Will he be able to come to terms with his injuries and find new meaning in his life? Warnings for psychiatric violence and medical squick, dubiously consensual (and somewhat graphic) sex, plus general weirdness.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Het | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 10 | Word Count: 24, 453 |
| Posted on 7 July 2009 | Updated on 9 July 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (34) |
Coming of Age in Beleriand by Ithilwen
An adolescent Celebrimbor, while on a hunting trip with his uncles, encounters a young Moriquende and learns that the customs of the Elves of Aman are not as universal as he was taught they were. WARNING: Explicit sex, Not Safe For Work.
| Major Characters: Amrod, Celebrimbor, Curufin, Maedhros, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Erotica, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 8, 718 |
| Posted on 2 July 2009 | Updated on 2 July 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Maeglin by Russandol
Maeglin is one of Tolkien's most notorious characters, credited with almost single-handedly bringing Gondolin unto its ruin. Was this his fate, and did his betrayal serve a necessary purpose in the history of Middle-earth? Russandol surveys Tolkien's sources to reveal much of this dark and oft-maligned character. Originally featured July 2009.
