Although barely present in the published Silmarillion, Vairë emerges in Tolkien's earlier writings as a remarkably empathetic character and an apt foil to her cold-hearted husband Námo.

Tulkas evolved from Tolkien's early work on the Silmarillion from a playful, youthful character to a character more associated with unapologetic violence.

A biography of Pengolodh, emphasizing what he would have known of the history he wrote about and how that impacts interpreting The Silmarillion for fanfiction.

In a brief biography written for the Seven in '07 event, Nerdanel's character is explored beyond the few mentions she receives in the published text.

Nerdanel is a rare character among Tolkien's woman characters, possessing skill and fortitude rather than beauty, yet due to editorial intervention, has been removed almost entirely from the published text. Fans--mostly women--have effected her rescue through transformative works.

Námo Mandos occupies a common role found in world mythology: that of the god of the dead. Shrouded in mystery and beset with moral ambiguity, Námo participates in tales with parallels in other world myths, especially the Greek and the Norse.

In a brief biography written for the Seven in '07 event, Maedhros is characterized as one of Tolkien's most tragic characters, but one whose kind and cooperative nature often seems contrary to his ruthless actions.

In a brief biography written for the Seven in '07 event, Maglor's reputation as one of the gentler sons of Fëanor is contrasted to his martial nature.

The story of Mahtan, the father of Nerdanel, is one among many tales that illustrates the potential of knowledge to corrupt and lead to evil.

Estë is the goddess who sleeps through the book--or is she? Her character illustrates both the potential and ultimate shortcomings of so many female characters in Tolkien's legendarium.

In a brief biography written for the Seven in '07 event, Celegorm is revealed as a character who evolves from one beloved of a Vala to a fallen, villainous character.

In a brief biography written for the Seven in '07 event, Celebrimbor was originally a Lord of the Rings character retrofitted into The Silmarillion.

In a brief biography written for the Seven in '07 event, Caranthir is revealed as a rather enigmatic character among the Fëanorians.

Although Amrod and Amras appeared early in Tolkien's work on the legendarium, their characters unwent significant shifts as he worked on the Silmarillion materials of which they were part.

In a brief biography written for the Seven in '07 event, Amrod and Amras are assigned roles that changed and evolved over the course of Tolkien's work on the legendarium.

This paper, presented at the Mythmoot III conference in Baltimore, Maryland, on 10 January 2015, considers the history of Tolkien fan fiction, the development of online Tolkien fan fiction communities, and how writers of Tolkien fan fiction use their stories to learn more about the texts and develop analytical and critical approaches toward those texts.

The people of Tirion learn of Miriel's death. For the Five Things challenge for SWG's fifth birthday. 2011 MEFA nominee.

This paper, presented at the Mythmoot II conference in Baltimore on 15 December 2013, looks at J.R.R. Tolkien's creation story, the "Ainulindale," in comparison to other world creation myths. The paper touches on similarities between Tolkien's story and other myths and the reasons for those connections but emphasizes how the differences--particularly the use of subcreation and creation through music--emphasize themes of integral importance to Tolkien's fictional world and life as an author.

Curufin escapes to the realms of fantasy to escape the pressures of his family and discovers the thrill of first love.

An essay and commentary looking at the canonical facts about Finarfin in contrast to the neglect and hostility that his character is given by the Silmarillion fanfiction community.