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
Four Elements
Create four fanworks, each of centered around a different one of the four elements. 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
Another Lesson by Rocky41_7
Melian's new Noldor charge has been disobedient. A loving queen must teach her a lesson.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Melian |
| Major Relationships: Galadriel/Melian |
| Genres: Drama, Femslash, Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 291 |
| Posted on 21 February 2023 | Updated on 21 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Under the Ragged Thorn by elfscribe
The unexpected and mysterious return of Glorfindel, hero of Gondolin, to Middle-earth opens old wounds for Erestor. Can he overcome guilt and forge a new relationship with his old friend?
Written for 2023 My Slashy Valentine fic swap
| Major Characters: Elrond, Erestor, Gil-galad, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: Elrond/Gil-galad, Erestor/Glorfindel |
| Genres: Drama, Hurt/Comfort, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 14, 086 |
| Posted on 20 February 2023 | Updated on 20 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Ossë's Gift by elfscribe
On a sea voyage from Umbar to Lindon, Erestor becomes enmeshed in intrigue while fighting his secret feelings for his irritating and compelling companion, Glorfindel.
May, 2021. Improved version. Enjoy!
This story won a first place in the 2007 My Precious Awards for LOTR fanfic in the misc. stories category: "Best where does this story go"
MEFA 2009 Third Place winner in Genres: Adventure: Elvish Lands
| Major Characters: Erestor, Glorfindel, Ossë |
| Major Relationships: Erestor/Glorfindel, Glorfindel/Original Character |
| Genres: Adventure, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 30, 555 |
| Posted on 17 October 2007 | Updated on 20 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Eternal Flame by elennalore
On the last night of the war, Melkor sends Mairon away.
| Major Characters: Melkor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Melkor/Sauron |
| Genres: Fluff, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: Cheesy Corn Chips |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 234 |
| Posted on 19 February 2023 | Updated on 19 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Homecoming by Lferion
The first ships to return to Valinor after the end of the War of Wrath are on the horizon. What does that mean, for the people on the shore, the people on the ships? A quintuple drabble.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: Cheesy Corn Chips |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 507 |
| Posted on 18 February 2023 | Updated on 18 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
Comfort to Displace my Loneliness by chrissystriped
After Sauron is driven out of Dol Guldur, Thranduil finds someone in the remains of the tower. He now has to decide what to do with an injured Kinslayer.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: Maglor/Thranduil |
| Genres: Hurt/Comfort, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, In-Universe Intolerance, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 673 |
| Posted on 18 February 2023 | Updated on 18 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
To Dream by Day and Roam by Night by chrissystriped
Celebrimbor, summoned to Nan Elmoth by a dream, finds an elf who sleeps through the days and turns into a wolf by night.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Maeglin |
| Major Relationships: Celebrimbor/Maeglin |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 887 |
| Posted on 18 February 2023 | Updated on 18 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
the wise and the lovely by elwinged
Silmariën and Isilmë, from the beginning to the end.
| Major Characters: Elatan of Andúnië, Isilmë, Silmarien |
| Major Relationships: Isilmë & Silmariën, Elatan of Andúnië/Silmariën |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet | Challenges: Hidden Figures, Jubilee |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Posted on 15 February 2023 | Updated on 17 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (1) |
Dust of Snow by ArizonaPoppy
Trapped in a cabin by a blizzard, Caranthir is forced to revisit his harsh feelings for Angrod. This was written for the Fellowship of the Fics Trope Roulette Wheel Challenge of January 2023 for the prompts "roommate AU" and "huddling for warmth."
| Major Characters: Angrod, Caranthir |
| Major Relationships: Angrod & Caranthir |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 516 |
| Posted on 15 February 2023 | Updated on 17 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Lemon Balm, Comfrey and Sage by Narya
After being injured in a riding accident, Eldarion stays behind in Minas Tirith while his mother and father embark on their spring tour. He is not best pleased when he is assigned to help in the Houses of Healing, but soon finds he has much to learn...
(This is a work in progress.)
| Major Characters: Eldarion, Ioreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Jubilee, Manwë's Mailbag |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 460 |
| Posted on 17 February 2023 | Updated on 17 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Tinker, Tailor, Bromance, Spar by Gwanath Dagnir
A wine-fueled faux pas has left a rift between Gil-galad and Elrond, maybe. If a week out of town and a new wardrobe can't set things right, there's always the sparring ring.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Gil-galad |
| Genres: General, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 10, 067 |
| Posted on 1 January 2023 | Updated on 17 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Review of "The Fall of Númenor" by Lyra
The Fall of Númenor conveniently compiles the majority of Tolkien's Second Age materials in a single volume alongside delightful new art from Alan Lee, making it an immensely useful publication.
In Service, Love by sallysavestheday
From the ruin of the Gladden Fields, where Isildur perished, three men only came ever back over the mountains after long wandering. One of these was Ohtar, the esquire of Isildur, who bore the shards of the sword of Elendil; and he brought them to Valandil, the heir of Isildur, who being but a child had remained in Rivendell. The Fellowship of the Ring, Ch 2, The Council of Elrond.
Ohtar is faithful.
| Major Characters: Isildur, Ohtar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Cheesy Corn Chips |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 671 |
| Posted on 15 February 2023 | Updated on 16 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (26) |
Fabric of Love by Anérea
Young Andreth receives a very special gift from her mother.
(A drabble.)
| Major Characters: Andreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Holiday Party, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 101 |
| Posted on 16 February 2023 | Updated on 16 February 2023 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Wise Hearts by Anérea
An evolving series exploring the life and times of the two wise-women of the Edain in Beleriand, Adanel and Andreth.
| Major Characters: Adanel, Aegnor, Andreth, Finrod Felagund, Zimrahin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on 16 February 2023 | Updated on 16 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Aeluin Revisited by Anérea
A nonagenarian Andreth thinks back on her life, and love. (Featuring cameo appearances by Finrod and Adanel.)
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Andreth |
| Major Relationships: Aegnor/Andreth |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: Jubilee, Manwë's Mailbag |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 413 |
| Posted on 14 February 2023 | Updated on 16 February 2023 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: International Fanworks Day, Jubilee, Taboo |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 111 |
| Posted on 16 February 2023 | Updated on 16 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Aesthetic Appreciation by Lferion
Fingon, Returned, takes in some of the sights of spring. A quadruple drabble.
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Fluff | Challenges: International Fanworks Day, Jubilee, Soap Opera, Words of Wit and Wisdom |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 404 |
| Posted on 16 February 2023 | Updated on 16 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Resemblance by Lferion
Elrond did not know what to expect of Aman - a quadruple drabble.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Fingon |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros & Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: Family, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: Block Party, International Fanworks Day, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 414 |
| Posted on 15 February 2023 | Updated on 15 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Through Dreaming Trees by Lferion
Returned, Fingon walks in Lorien -- four drabbles.
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: Holiday Feast, International Fanworks Day, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 424 |
| Posted on 15 February 2023 | Updated on 15 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
House of Refuge by Independence1776
Jedi Padawan Caleb Dume finds temporary sanctuary in Imladris.
| Major Characters: Other Fictional Character(s), Celebrían, Elrond, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover, Hurt/Comfort | crossed with Star Wars | Challenges: Jubilee, X Marks the Spot |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 13, 737 |
| Posted on 10 February 2023 | Updated on 12 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Finrod: 30-Day Character Study - Study Days by cuarthol
Following the 30-day Character Study Challenge for Finrod.
This will contain the days which call for reading, thoughts on or creating headcanons for, or perusing other creative works as part of the challenge.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 30 | Word Count: 12, 293 |
| Posted on 12 January 2023 | Updated on 11 February 2023 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
The Fall of Gondolin Reflected in History by MirienSilowende
The Fall of Gondolin has historical antecedents in sacks of cities in the ancient and medieval world, all featuring military destruction and a grievous impact on innocent civilian survivors.
Túrin, Part 3 by firstamazon
The final installment of Túrin's biography considers his life in Nargothrond, his return to Dor-lómin and time in Brethil, his fateful marriage to Nienor, his battle with Glaurung, and the ever-disastrous consequences of all of these, culminating in his death by his own hand.
Extinguished by Rocky41_7
Nerdanel had hoped to beat Feanor to Formenos, but she came too late.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor/Nerdanel, Fëanor & Finwë |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 651 |
| Posted on 10 February 2023 | Updated on 10 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
