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] Unforgotten by daughterofshadows
Carrying the Silmaril for millennia has consequences.
[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.
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.
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 Fanworks
Include Beyond the Silmarillion Fanworks
If You Are the Healer by polutropos
Maedhros' decision to cede his claim to the High Kingship drives a rift between him and the brother who held the crown for him through his captivity. Through their reconciliation, Maedhros grapples with shame over the feelings that Maglor's devotion awakens in him, before he at last accepts the balm for loss and failure that Maglor offers.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Maedhros/Maglor |
| Genres: Drama, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Incest, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 671 |
| Posted on 21 February 2023 | Updated on 25 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Gift by polutropos
Maglor was born without sight and a unique gift for Song. Maedhros helps him understand his gift; years later, Maglor returns the favour.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 933 |
| Posted on 20 February 2023 | Updated on 25 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Chance Enchantment by polutropos
Maglor is curious about the land bordering the Girdle of Melian. Lúthien and Daeron happen to be having a nice time nearby. Some nightingales help make things happen.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Lúthien Tinúviel, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Daeron/Lúthien/Maglor |
| Genres: Erotica, Poly | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 919 |
| Posted on 26 November 2022 | Updated on 25 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
His Hour Had Come by polutropos
Saeros' daughter reflects on the life and actions of her father.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Saeros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: In-Universe Racism/Ethnocentrism, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 348 |
| Posted on 26 November 2022 | Updated on 24 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
And She Vanished by polutropos
“Kementári,” she prays, “please forgive me. I have failed to protect even this fragment of your creation.”
After the death of Thingol, Melian seeks guidance.
| Major Characters: Melian, Yavanna |
| Major Relationships: Melian & Yavanna |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 445 |
| Posted on 26 November 2022 | Updated on 24 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Herb for Ragnir by Himring
At the lowest ebb of her fortunes, Morwen was left with only two of her former servants: Sador, who was lame in one foot, and Ragnir, who was blind.
We know she had sometimes been unsympathetic to Sador's failings, until her family changed her mind.
We need not assume she had a similar history with blind Ragnir, though.
| Major Characters: Morwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 24 June 2023 | Updated on 24 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Review of "The Battle of Maldon" by Narya
The most recent posthumous volume of Tolkien's work contains some of his translations, lectures, and fanfiction of Old English texts.
What Happens at Camp Eglarest, Stays at Camp Eglarest by polutropos
With the addition of Daeron's new roommate and Lúthien's annoying fiancé, their annual July long-weekend trip to Eglarest Beach is already set to be more eventful than usual. To add to the mayhem, Maglor's obnoxious brother has invited himself and his dog along.
| Major Characters: Beren, Celegorm, Daeron, Lúthien Tinúviel, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Daeron/Maglor, Beren/Luthien, Daeron & Lúthien |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 17, 540 |
| Posted on 29 September 2022 | Updated on 23 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
In Golden Song of Joy by Arveldis
Elrond stood in awe, transfixed by the beauty of the song and the lilt of the harp. He felt almost as if he could touch the music, if he bent his mind and will hard enough to the task. He felt Maglor’s voice in his chest, in his heart, in the pulse of the air around him. Everything listened, bending ear to the power of the song.
Together, Maglor and Elrond create visions with songs.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Maglor |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 040 |
| Posted on 14 June 2023 | Updated on 23 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
In Fields of Gold by Arveldis
Setting aside her basket, Indis ran barefoot through the fields to greet him, and he swept her into his arms and spun her around. Her laughter fell upon the fields like rain, and Finwë felt it wash over his heart, welling up in the cracks that he had thought would ever remain after the loss of Míriel.
The song of their joy spills over the fields of the Valar.
| Major Characters: Finwë, Indis |
| Major Relationships: Finwë/Indis |
| Genres: Ficlet, Fluff, Het, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 352 |
| Posted on 23 June 2023 | Updated on 23 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Magic Flute by polutropos
A cargo crackship carrying two angry elves and a full freight of phallic puns, in-universe curses, gratuitous insults, an immortal hunting falcon, an assault flute, a wine-infused linguistic seduction (ft. dirty Quenya phrases), and an opportunistic rebound with an ex-lover’s brother after being dumped for a mortal.
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Daeron, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Caranthir/Daeron |
| Genres: Humor, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 6, 826 |
| Posted on 7 September 2022 | Updated on 23 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Roughing It by polutropos
The Fëanorian and Arafinwëan middle-children go hunting in the sweltering, noisy jungles of southern Aman. Angrod and Caranthir find a way to take the edge off.
| Major Characters: Angrod, Caranthir |
| Major Relationships: Angrod/Caranthir |
| Genres: Humor, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 104 |
| Posted on 21 July 2022 | Updated on 23 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Song for Change by polutropos
“Therefore I say that we will go on, and this doom I add: the deeds that we shall do shall be the matter of song until the last days of Arda.”
- The Silmarillion, ‘Of the Flight of the Noldor’
An elf child of mysterious origin with a gift for Song shakes up Daeron and Maglor's quiet retirement from the problems of Men. Then she shakes up the world.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Daeron, Ivárë, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Daeron/Maglor |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Family, General, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 8, 867 |
| Posted on 29 August 2022 | Updated on 23 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Along Came an Elf by dalliansss
After Oromë sends a Hunting Party to investigate the reports of proliferation of fell beasts far in South Aman, the entire errand goes horrifically wrong. Celegorm was prepared to die a grisly death, yet he dares to beg the Great Void Spider to spare his life, which to his surprise, the request is heeded. Then comes the most unlikely partnership and friendship in all of Arda, and its unexpected consequences.
| Major Characters: Beleg, Celegorm, Elu Thingol, Lúthien Tinúviel, Mablung, Melian, Ungoliant |
| Major Relationships: Celegorm & Sons of Fëanor, Celegorm & Ungoliant, Celegorm & Lúthien |
| Genres: Adventure, Crackfic, Drama, Family, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 20, 225 |
| Posted on 22 June 2023 | Updated on 23 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Black and Gold by polutropos
Galadriel and Lúthien, a moment shared under the night sky.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: Galadriel/Lúthien |
| Genres: Erotica, Femslash, Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 209 |
| Posted on 1 September 2022 | Updated on 22 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Envy by polutropos
Even the greatest artists struggle with petty jealousy. Fortunately, they have siblings capable of snapping them out of it.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Elemmírë, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Elemmírë & Maglor |
| Genres: Fluff, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 985 |
| Posted on 4 July 2022 | Updated on 22 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Breath of Memory by polutropos
“No song or poem could ever capture the beauty of that dance as you have.”
“And that was only a memory,” Daeron said. “There is no music that could bring her back, not even mine.”
Daeron sails to Eressëa and meets Pengolodh.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Pengolodh |
| Major Relationships: Daeron & Pengolodh |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 664 |
| Posted on 15 June 2022 | Updated on 21 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Iron Cleaver by polutropos
Eöl is ill-at-ease after an encounter with the first Elf to elude his piercing mind. That there is much to link him and Curufin, including their shared craft, a friendship with the Dwarves, and the fact he carries a knife made of Eöl's metal, only unsettles - and allures - him all the more.
| Major Characters: Curufin, Eöl |
| Major Relationships: Curufin/Eöl |
| Genres: General, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 765 |
| Posted on 15 May 2022 | Updated on 21 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
And She Forgave His Betraying Word by polutropos
As Lúthien prepares to make her escape from Hírilorn, Daeron visits her for the last time.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: Daeron + Luthien |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 565 |
| Posted on 12 May 2022 | Updated on 21 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Exactly Alike by polutropos
Amrod makes a gift for Amras. The story of how it is passed down through the ages, in snippets.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Elrond, Elros |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros, Amras & Amrod |
| Genres: Drama, Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 890 |
| Posted on 28 March 2022 | Updated on 21 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Improving Relations by polutropos
Their chieftain, Haleth, is staying with me in Helevorn with a few of her guards (also women). I am not sure what to make of her.
Maglor has some advice for Caranthir on relations with the Haladin.
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Caranthir & Maglor |
| Genres: Fluff, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 110 |
| Posted on 22 March 2022 | Updated on 21 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Spacious Starlight by polutropos
Mablung visits Beleg on the northern marches to spend some time alone together before the summer festival.
| Major Characters: Beleg, Mablung |
| Major Relationships: Beleg/Mablung |
| Genres: Fluff, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 001 |
| Posted on 21 June 2022 | Updated on 21 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Challenge by polutropos
“Well,” Maglor said, kneeling beside him and propping himself up with one arm between Daeron’s thighs, “you’re still very much failing to ward me off with your dark elf magic.”
Maglor has a challenge for Daeron.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Daeron/Maglor |
| Genres: Fluff, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 546 |
| Posted on 31 May 2022 | Updated on 21 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Secret Chord by polutropos
After all that has befallen and come between them, Daeron and Maglor manage to forget everything for one blissful night and find what they have lost in each other.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Daeron/Maglor |
| Genres: Erotica, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 686 |
| Posted on 19 April 2022 | Updated on 21 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
She's Touched Your Perfect Body by polutropos
The hot, dry stones darken as rivulets of water fall down from her hair. Crouching beside the river, she twists and wrings it with strong hands, tossing it over the opposite shoulder and spreading her lips into a broad smile when she catches my eyes.
Fëanor and Nerdanel, by a river, when everything was still wonderful.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor/Nerdanel |
| Genres: Erotica, Het | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 451 |
| Posted on 10 April 2022 | Updated on 21 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
