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 Fanworks
Include Beyond the Silmarillion Fanworks
Revelator by Lilith
The War of the Ring has ended and nothing has turned out exactly as anyone expected. Sauron, who is in this version female and known originally as Mairen and now as Thû, has survived, remained corporeal and been captured. As such, she will be sent to Valinor to stand trial.
Posted in a very different form. Heavily revised. Completed and being posted gradually as final revisions are made.
| Major Characters: Amandil, Ar-Pharazôn, Aragorn, Arwen, Aulë, Bilbo Baggins, Celeborn, Celebrían, Celebrimbor, Celegorm, Curufin, Finrod Felagund, Frodo, Galadriel, Gandalf, Gil-galad, Glorfindel, Isildur, Melian, Melkor, Númenóreans, Orcs, Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Orodreth, Rog, Samwise Gamgee, Saruman, Sauron, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Torture, Character Death, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 7, 089 |
| Posted on 11 August 2020 | Updated on 11 August 2020 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Beneath a Silver Tree by Marta
"”Now it is told that in the bearing of her son Míriel was consumed in spirit and body; and that after his birth she yearned for rest from the labour of living. And she said to Finwë ‘Never again shall I bear a child; for strength that would have nourished the life of many have gone forth into Fëanáro.’ Then Manwë granted the prayer of Míriel. And she went to Lorien, and laid her down to sleep upon a bed of flowers [>beneath a silver tree]; and there her fair body remained unwithered in the keeping of the maidens of Estë."
In which Indis comes to terms with the legacy of Miriel's choices, and makes a new friend in the process.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Finwë, Indis, Vairë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Family, General | Challenges: True Leader |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 485 |
| Posted on 10 August 2020 | Updated on 10 August 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Noldolantë by Grundy
Maglor and his wife throughout the Ages.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: True Leader |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 3, 697 |
| Posted on 9 August 2020 | Updated on 9 August 2020 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Come Back Broken by StarSpray
In one of her meadows, towering over all the other trees, her arms as branches reaching skyward, Yavanna stirred, and reached out to the little shadow as it made its way west, catching it as she caught baby birds who fell out of their nests, and cradling it in leafy arms. Her thoughts reached out to Estë's with the feeling of a sudden frost, shocked into stillness. The wounded shadow was one of their own—it was Melian.
| Major Characters: Estë, Lórien, Melian, Yavanna |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 633 |
| Posted on 9 August 2020 | Updated on 9 August 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
To Doubt and To Have Faith by Himring
Inzilbeth, daughter of Lindorie of Andunie, struggles to maintain her childhood faith, when she is pressured into marriage with Gimilzor, prospective heir to the throne of Numenor, and finds herself surrounded by fervent adherents of the King's Party at court.
The birth of her elder son, the future Tar-Palantir, gives her hope.
| Major Characters: Ar-Gimilzór, Inzilbêth, Lindórië, Númenóreans |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August, True Leader |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 957 |
| Posted on 8 August 2020 | Updated on 8 August 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Turning by Tethys Resort
King Thingol sets the doom of Doriath into motion. And Galadriel and Celeborn argue.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: True Leader |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 150 |
| Posted on 7 August 2020 | Updated on 7 August 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
The Price of Delay by StarSpray
Sauron is driven out of Dol Guldur, but the dungeons are not empty.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: True Leader |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 607 |
| Posted on 2 August 2020 | Updated on 2 August 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Núvë Nwalma Nólë (Root Pain Knowledge) by Lferion
Roots, knowledge, and pain, a tangle of possibility
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: True Leader |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 126 |
| Posted on 1 August 2020 | Updated on 1 August 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
The Weaver's Knot. by hennethgalad
Vairë speaks to Tuor, and to Lúthien.
for the "A True Leader" strong women challenge
"I can, of course, think what I want, just like everyone else. I simply have to refrain from saying everything I think." ~ Margrethe II of Denmark
| Major Characters: Lúthien Tinúviel, Tuor, Vairë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: True Leader |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 665 |
| Posted on 21 July 2020 | Updated on 21 July 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The Molded Ones by Caranthol
The story of the first Orc's birth in Utumno, and of how that race was fashioned.
| Major Characters: Orcs, Original Character(s), Sauron, Thuringwethil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Torture, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 755 |
| Posted on 14 July 2020 | Updated on 14 July 2020 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
MAIDEN, THY LIPS CRIMSON by bluehair
Written, on the last 100 meters, for the Tolkien Gen Week 2020 - Day 7.
Aredhel remembers the Ice, while alone in Nan Dungortheb.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 710 |
| Posted on 12 July 2020 | Updated on 12 July 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
After the Victory by Caranthol
As they watch the destruction of Beleriand, a Noldorin elf and a Man of the Edain have to tackle hard questions: Was the victory over Morgoth truly a victory for Men? What is the point of mortality and the price that the mortals have to pay for the mistakes of the Valar?o
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 030 |
| Posted on 11 July 2020 | Updated on 11 July 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Story of Aule's Firstborn by Ellynn
Durin I Deathless was the very first dwarf Aule had created. He lived a very long, successful and glorious life, and achieved many great deeds. This is a collection of vignettes from his life.
Chapter 1: During his long sleep, Durin I Deathless has a very special dream that will help him establish the greatest kingdom of dwarves on Arda ever.
Chapter 2: After waking up in a cave in Mount Gundabad, Durin starts his long journey alongside the Misty mountains.
Chapter 3: After a long journey, Durin finds what he saw in his dream.
Chapter 4: Durin and his people discover the beauties of their new home.
Chapter 5: Something new and very strange is happening to Durin, and he is trying to figure out what it is.
Chapter 6: Durin meets someone special.
| Major Characters: Aulë, Durin I, Dwarves |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 2, 926 |
| Posted on 12 June 2020 | Updated on 10 July 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
ShinyStarShip has Invited You to Join a Zoom Conference! by JazTheBard
Elrond is a few weeks away from sailing to Valinor, and he's had a tough time of it lately.
Luckily, his dads are willing to put aside their differences to help him.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Círdan, Elrond, Elwing, Eärendil, Fingon, Gandalf, Gil-galad, Glorfindel, Maedhros, Maglor, Oropher, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, Fluff, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 910 |
| Posted on 9 July 2020 | Updated on 9 July 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
No Returning by StarSpray
Finwë looked at Elwë, and then at Ingwë. "What if we volunteered?" he asked. "I'm not afraid—and I want to see these Trees that Oromë keeps telling us about."
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Finwë, Ingwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 760 |
| Posted on 8 July 2020 | Updated on 8 July 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
I Beg a Deep and Dreamless Sleep by JazTheBard
An alternate version of my fic "Give the Children Closure"
Maedhros is unsurprised by Elrond coming to let him out of the Halls, though he knows he won't actually be leaving. This is a kinder hallucination than most.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Eärendil, Fingon, Gil-galad, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 390 |
| Posted on 7 July 2020 | Updated on 7 July 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
This Fresh Morning in the Broken World by StarSpray
Nienor meets her cousin.
| Major Characters: Nienor, Tuor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 222 |
| Posted on 6 July 2020 | Updated on 6 July 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
La mélancolie des Eldar by Dilly
Poèmes et chansons elfiques sur le passage du temps.
| Major Characters: Elves |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 259 |
| Posted on 6 July 2020 | Updated on 6 July 2020 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Give the Children Closure by JazTheBard
Elrond is pretty sure that visiting the Halls to pick up his foster father shouldn't be this difficult.
Maedhros is pretty sure he's about to be thrown into the Void, and he's okay with that.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 5, 827 |
| Posted on 5 July 2020 | Updated on 5 July 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Something New by Grundy
It's an important day for the royal family of Gondolin.
| Major Characters: Glorfindel, Idril, Írimë, Maeglin, Tuor, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Archetypes, Laws and Customs |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 820 |
| Posted on 5 July 2020 | Updated on 5 July 2020 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Breaking Point by Himring
Amandil is pushed by developments into rejecting his loyalty to Ar-Pharazon.
(drabble)
| Major Characters: Amandil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Laws and Customs |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 5 July 2020 | Updated on 5 July 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Fit for a Prince by Narya
In which some Elves of Dorthonion learn a thing or two about cheese-making, and about Eldalótë.
| Major Characters: Eldalótë, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 363 |
| Posted on 4 July 2020 | Updated on 4 July 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Gather the Roses by Idrils Scribe
The tale of a perfectly ordinary day in the life of Elrond Peredhel. A day without grand councils, dark lords or epic battles. Nothing about today will be remembered in song and story, but the Lord of Rivendell still has his hands full: he is a husband, father, ruler, teacher ... and healer.
Accidents happen, even on ordinary days.
A giftfic for Anoriath. Many thanks to Firstamazon for the beta read!
| Major Characters: Arwen, Celebrían, Elrond, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 123 |
| Posted on 1 July 2020 | Updated on 1 July 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Upon a Painted Ocean by StarSpray
“It is said that Amandil set sail in a small ship at night, and steered first eastward, and then went about and passed into the west. And he took with him three servants, dear to his heart, and never again were they heard of by word or sign in this world, nor is there any tale or guess of their fate." - The Silmarillion, “Akallabêth”
| Major Characters: Amandil, Elwing, Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: Laws and Customs |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 160 |
| Posted on 30 June 2020 | Updated on 30 June 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Home from War by Himring
Cirdan and his people return from the War of the Last Alliance to Mithlond.
It is not an easy home-coming, after what they have been through.
| Major Characters: Círdan, Elves |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Block Party |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 993 |
| Posted on 28 June 2020 | Updated on 28 June 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
