Archive Software Upgrade and Downtime on April 19, 2025
Expect site outages on Saturday, April 19, 2025 as we perform a major software update on the archive.
SWG News
Mereth Aderthad Interview: Interview with cloudyhymns by Shadow
Dragons are one of the most familiar creatures in Tolkien's world and one of the least understood. In this interview, Shadow spoke with cloudyhymns about his Mereth Aderthad presentation "The Design of Dragons and the Doom of the Dwarves," the nature of dragons and their connections with Dwarves, and the musicality of Tolkien's works.
Instadrabbling Sessions for April, May, and June
The first Saturday of each month, we will be hosting instadrabbling on our Discord server.
Mereth Aderthad Interview: Interview with polutropos by Dawn
"And love grew after between them"—those words have fascinated a fandom intent on revealing the how and why of the "kidnap fam" plot point in "The Silmarillion." In this interview, polutropos discusses her upcoming Mereth Aderthad paper on the topic, “'Kidnap Fam' and the Living Legendarium."
New & Updated Fanworks
[Series] Instadrabbling by SWG Moderators
We get together from time to time on the SWG Discord and produce spontaneous fanworks based on randomly chosen prompts. This collection includes drabbles, ficlets, and other flash fanworks produced as part of our instadrabbling sessions.
[Writing] High in the Clean Blue Air by StarSpray
They passed out of Lhûn and the wider coastline of Middle-earth opened up before his eyes. He had wandered those shores for centuries, and even now he felt the pull of that same wanderlust, and knew he would miss them for the rest of his life. Their wildness, the untamed waves, the rocky…
[Series] I made loving you a blood sport by atlantablack
In which Fëanor & Fingolfin are re-embodied in 4th age Aman, are nowhere near as healed as everyone believes them to be, and decide to pretend that sleeping together will fix their relationship instead of causing more problems.
[Writing] evidence of a love that transcends hunger by atlantablack
Fëanor does not even get a chance to finish being annoying before Fingolfin’s eyes flash with something far too dark to be only fury and his hand snaps out to grab a handful of Fëanor’s hair. He wrenches Fëanor’s head back in a move that is so surprisingly painful it throws him off balance. In…
[Writing] Not Going Without You by StarSpray
Daeron is caught by orcs in the shadow of the Ephel Dúath, but is rescued by someone entirely unexpected.
[Writing] April Fancies by AdmirableMonster
A series of short responses to instadrabbling prompts on Sat, Apr 5, 2025.
[Writing] She Hath My Love (Drabbles about Women) by Elrond's Library
A collection of drabbles about women in Tolkien's Legendarium.
Current Challenge
Birthday Bash
Daily word, image, and poetry prompts are loosely structured around events and milestones leading up to our 20th birthday. Read more ...
Random Challenge
Follow the Leader
Create a fanwork about a leader from "The Silmarillion" that shows why that character is a leader. Read more ...
New in References
Interview with cloudyhymns by Shadow by cloudyhymns, daughterofshadows
Shadow spoke with cloudyhymns about his upcoming presentation for Mereth Aderthad 2025, "The Design of Dragons and the Doom of the Dwarves," where he shares his theory about how Dwarves and dragons are connected in the legendarium, a topic full of implications for fanworks.
Interview with polutropos by Dawn by polutropos, Dawn Felagund
Dawn spoke with polutropos about her upcoming presentation for Mereth Aderthad, “'Kidnap Fam' and the Living Legendarium," including the appeal of kidnap fam, the appeal of Maglor's character, and how The Silmarillion as an incomplete, complex word makes it ripe for both fanworks and scholarship.
Maglor by polutropos
As one of the most beloved Silmarillion characters, Maglor is a bundle of contradictions undergirded by a complex textual history. Warrior, musician, wanderer, and survivor, Maglor brings to the fore key themes in Tolkien's early legendarium, such as the role of music, oaths, and exile.
Featured Themed Collection
Part of our Themed Collection series for our newsletter, this collection features fiction, artwork, and essays that transcend the idea of Orcs as the enemy, instead considering their humanity.
Alliterative Verse for Arda by Rhunedhel
Part of our Themed Collection series for our newsletter, this collection features alliterative poems about Middle-earth.
Beyond the Silmarillion
[Writing] Paradox of the Fourth Age by Alassante
One wrong decision can make a world of difference. When one of the Fellowship makes the mistake, the consequences are so severe that only the Valar can repair it. But will they?
Glorfindel daughter's life is in Elrohir's hands and only she remembers th eir love for each other. The fate of…
[Writing] By Mirrormere by bunn
A new Age dawns, and Moria is retaken at last.
[Writing] Beneath the Bitter Rain by bunn
The Gardens of the Entwives are fallen, but two Entwives remain.
Around the World and Web
Silmarillion Epistolary Week 2025
Silmarillion Epistolary is a challenge dedicated to creating fanworks to tell the story of the Silmarillion in the style of an epistolary novel.
April Challenge at tolkienshortfanworks
The tolkienshortfanworks challenge for April has been posted to the Dreamwidth community. The thematic prompt is: wood. The formal challenge is: linnod (Gilraen's canonical verse form). These can be filled separately and freely combined with other challenges and prompts that allow this.
Celedriel Week 2025
Celedriel Week is a Tumblr events for fanworks about Galadriel and Celeborn.
Tolkien Ekphrasis Week 2025
This is a Tolkien-fandom-wide event dedicated to the art of ekphrasis in Tolkien's worlds. Its goal is to illuminate the artistic surroundings of the places, people, and stories we love, in as many media as possible.
Teitho March/April Challenge: Mothers
The Teitho Contest theme for the months of March and April is mothers.
New and Updated Fanworks
Include Beyond the Silmarillion Fanworks
We Were as in a Dream by Zdenka
Lalwen has known the bliss of Valinor unmarred, but this is sweeter.
| Major Characters: Lalwen |
| Major Relationships: Lalwen/Elemmírë |
| Genres: Femslash, Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Festival of Lights Fest, Potluck Bingo |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 106 |
| Posted on 1 January 2025 | Updated on 1 January 2025 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Women of Beleriand by clotho123
Stories written to explore women of the First Age, whose histories I wanted to explore further. Otherwise unconnected.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on 22 June 2024 | Updated on 1 January 2025 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Hurting Tyelpë by elennalore
Sauron has taken Celebrimbor as a prisoner in Ost-in-Edhil. Whump happens.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Celebrimbor/Sauron |
| Genres: Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: Potluck Bingo |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Torture |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 3, 187 |
| Posted on 22 November 2024 | Updated on 1 January 2025 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Forest of Brethil by Anérea
Created for the Storied Places bingo board
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Drawing/Painting, Landscape |
| Genres: | Challenges: Potluck Bingo |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 31 December 2024 | Updated on 31 December 2024 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (13) |
Crossroads by Gwanath Dagnir
Of Elros and Elrond growing up in the First Age during the War of Wrath.
Chapter 1: circa 562 F.A. - the long winning streak of Finarfin's renowned Liberators comes to an end when an orc raid does not go according to plan, and the twins must accept a new path
Chapter 2: circa 546 F.A. - winds of change reach the Feanorians' remote encampment in Ossiriand, and an unexpected messenger brings news from Valinor
Chapter 3: circa 567 F.A. - years have passed since the Peredhil assumed their new role, when an unexpected detour brings them closer to familiar territory
Chapter 4: circa 547, F.A. - Finarfin has an ultimatum if the Feanorians wish to retain a place in his host during the Great War to come
| Major Characters: Elros, Elrond |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 12, 713 |
| Posted on 29 September 2024 | Updated on 31 December 2024 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Silhouettes of Doom by Ecthelion
Completed.
"At least we have learned that the sons of Fëanor can die too." Nine POVs, one matter - a story about the kinslaying in Doriath.
| Major Characters: Curufin, Maedhros, Dior, Caranthir, Amrod, Celegorm, Amras, Nimloth, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 13, 263 |
| Posted on 20 December 2024 | Updated on 30 December 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Back In The Valley by Grundy
Elrond trying to get a quiet morning in before his guests are up, about, and causing chaos. (Daughters of Celebrian 'verse.)
| Major Characters: Elrond, Other Fictional Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover | crossed with Buffy the Vampire Slayer | Challenges: Potluck Bingo |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 355 |
| Posted on 29 December 2024 | Updated on 29 December 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Code Red by Scribe of Mirrormere
Aredhel runs into trouble after leaving Gondolin. Luckily, she is prepared. The Walking Dead fusion/zombie AU.
| Major Characters: Amras, Aredhel, Curufin, Dwarves, Egalmoth, Eöl, Galadriel, Idril, Lúthien Tinúviel, Mablung, Maglor, Meleth (Elf), Nellas, Original Character(s), Rog, Telchar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Alternate Universe, Crossover, Horror, Humor | Challenges: B2MeM 2015 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 11, 757 |
| Posted on 12 April 2015 | Updated on 29 December 2024 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
A True Lord of Gifts by Flora-lass
A remorseful Annatar wishes to live up to his name.
| Major Characters: Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Potluck Bingo |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 200 |
| Posted on 9 December 2024 | Updated on 28 December 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
| Major Characters: Fingon, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: Fingon & Turgon |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 310 |
| Posted on 27 December 2024 | Updated on 27 December 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Flower Song by StarSpray
As Lúcellë entered the courtyard, which was missing the fountain that had been there previously, instead sporting a much less attractive hole in the ground—clearly awaiting a new creation, whenever Fëanáro or Nerdanel managed to finish it—a young voice called out to her from above. “Aunt Lúcellë!” She looked up to find Macalaurë hanging out of a window, waving, with his dark hair falling over his shoulders and into his eyes.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: Maglor & Original Character |
| Genres: Family, Fluff, General | Challenges: Potluck Bingo |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 019 |
| Posted on 26 December 2024 | Updated on 26 December 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Echo of Ancient Song by StarSpray
Maglor, music, and the Sea.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 402 |
| Posted on 26 December 2024 | Updated on 26 December 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Resilience by Independence1776
A Jewish Maglor escapes with twins.
Two double drabbles, set several decades apart.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Family, Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Festival of Lights Fest, Potluck Bingo |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 419 |
| Posted on 25 December 2024 | Updated on 25 December 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Through Shadow, to Morning by Idrils Scribe
What went on in Rivendell after Elrond rushed off on his mission to save Elrohir?
Celebrían and Elladan each have their own way of dealing with the fearful wait. Erestor does what he can to help.
This story takes place during the events of 'Northern Stars'.
A Christmas gift for my wonderful beta Grundy.
| Major Characters: Elladan, Celebrían, Erestor |
| Major Relationships: Celebrían & Elladan, Elladan & Erestor, Celebrían & Erestor |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 609 |
| Posted on 25 December 2024 | Updated on 25 December 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
The Door of Night by wroniec
Art for Potluck Bingo. B1 -' gloomy hush of night' from the board by Himring
| Major Characters: Manwë, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: No type listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Potluck Bingo |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 22 December 2024 | Updated on 22 December 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (6) |
Growing Wisdom by Anérea
Andreth's childhood in Estolad, and her relationship with Adanel.
| Major Characters: Adanel, Andreth |
| Major Relationships: Adanel & Andreth |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: Jubilee, X Marks the Spot |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 868 |
| Posted on 15 February 2023 | Updated on 22 December 2024 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Stream of Clashing Ice by Himring
Maglor and his companion almost drown in the River Lune.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Potluck Bingo |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 087 |
| Posted on 21 December 2024 | Updated on 22 December 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
| Major Characters: Elwing, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Het | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic), Suicide, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 238 |
| Posted on 7 March 2014 | Updated on 21 December 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Tipping the Scales by Elleth
After Maedhros has yielded the crown of the Noldor to Fingolfin, he and Fingon must negotiate the new power dynamics between them. Written for the Porn Battle XIV: Fiery Fourteen. Prompts used: Scars, love, fierce, heartbeat, pride, anger, darkness, flame, defeat
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Erotica, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Incest, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 424 |
| Posted on 29 March 2013 | Updated on 21 December 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Once by Elleth
Haleth and Caranthir meet in the forest of Thargelion, both with a particular itch to scratch. The encounter goes quite different than expected, for one of them. Written for the Porn Battle XIV, for the prompts "angry, red, once".
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Haleth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Erotica, Het | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Expletive Language, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 956 |
| Posted on 29 March 2013 | Updated on 21 December 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Overcoming by Elleth
Years after the Darkening, Anairë rides to Alqualondë to seek comfort with her friend Eärwen. Written for Porn Battle XIV, for the prompts 'friendship, loss, forgiveness'.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Eärwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 983 |
| Posted on 29 March 2013 | Updated on 21 December 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Broken Things by Elleth
Sauron was not always wholly evil, and after he was freed from Morgoth, he turned from the darkness for a while. But meeting a wandering minstrel proves too much for his newfound convictions, and leaves Maglor in grave danger. Written for Iavalir at My Slashy Valentine 2013.
| Major Characters: Curufin, Maglor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 11, 537 |
| Posted on 29 March 2013 | Updated on 21 December 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Ab Initio by Elleth
After the Dagor Bragollach Curufin seeks refuge in Nargothrond, setting in motion events that do not always work in his favour.
| Major Characters: Curufin, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 2, 303 |
| Posted on 11 April 2013 | Updated on 21 December 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Of Beechen Green and Shadows Numberless by Elleth
One night in Doriath, Melian seeks to teach Galadriel something of her magic.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: International Day of Femslash 2013 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 975 |
| Posted on 21 July 2013 | Updated on 21 December 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
String of Pearls by Elleth
Anairë comes to Alqualondë to visit Eärwen, and things are not quite as they seem.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Eärwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 395 |
| Posted on 14 March 2014 | Updated on 21 December 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
