Hello! I am like Gandalf, in that my attention wanders all over the place and I have a tendency to walk out of projects halfway through because there's something interesting going on over there and I've gotta check it out/there's a fiery chasm demon I gotta kill real quick. I love all things Arda (which is mostly what you'll find on here) but, whenever my wandering brain lets me focus on things, I like to write Tolkien fics and think about Gondor. I enjoy resurrecting Tolkien's female characters, rage and grief, overuse of parentheses, and unromantic discussions about love and marriage. Loving the Dol Amroth family is as close as I come to specialising.
The Lord of the Rings fics
The Subjects of Songs (T, Lords of Gondor, 3.9k) The Lords of Gondor gather to discuss the outlook of their fight against Sauron. And also to complain and call each other names.
slip the surly bonds of earth (G, Finduilas & Gandalf, 8k) A storm reveals aspects of the Lady Finduilas' nature that she strives to keep hidden.
a stolen kiss (G, Boromir/OC, 0.9k) Boromir's lover is not going to let him go without a proper goodbye.
an absent touch (G, Boromir & OC, 0.7k) Boromir's aunt contemplates his memory.
subtle kindnesses (G, Gamling & OC, 0.5k) Gamling does what he can for his grandson.
like a bullet in the back (G, Ivriniel/OC, 4k) Ivriniel has a proposal for her sister-in-law.
Better Days (T, Elfhelm/OC, 8.9k) Elfhelm is summoned on an unexpected errand by the King's sister.
Into Memory (G, Ivriniel/OC, 1.2k) 27 May 3012. The last of the Haradrim representatives was recalled today.
who thicks man's blood with cold (T, Ivriniel & Lothíriel, 6.6k) Lothíriel finds her aunt conducting a sinister ritual on the beach.
Sunless (G, Théoden, 2.8k) The sun was gone, and Théoden felt despair overshadow his heart.
The Last of the House of Steward (G, Faramir & OC, 4.9k) Faramir and his Aunt Caeveneth come to terms with Denethor's death, together.
politics begins in play (G, Morwen Steelsheen & Angelimir's wife, 4k) While their (grand)children enjoy a day at the beach, the future Queen of Rohan and the Princess Consort of Dol Amroth discuss the future of their families.
Shadows of the Dead (T, Ivriniel, 8.8k) Ivriniel's grief is not a gentle thing.
When the sun rises (G, Théoden/Finduilas, 3.7k) Théoden drives his neighbour to the airport early in the morning. And doesn't have any feelings about it whatsoever.
a black evil (M, Saruman, orcs, 1.5k, tw rape & forced pregnancy) There are rumours, about the Uruk-hai of Isengard and where they come from.
The Face of Spring (G, Théoden/Elfhild, 1.5k) Théoden will never think of spring the same way after his wedding.
For a Beloved Daughter (G, Gamling & Ivriniel, 6.3k) Ivriniel is concerned about her niece's attraction to Éomer and Gamling attempts to reassure her.
Dunlending Remains (T, Gamling & OC, 9.7k) In the aftermath of the Battle of the Hornburg, Gamling, his grandson and an angry Dunlending must reckon with grief and loss.
the plain sight of our destiny is the cruellest thing of all (T, OCs, 4.3k) As Umbar falls beneath the Dark Lord's sway, he commands that a new temple be built. Few who go in ever come out.
White Blossom (G, Boromir & OC, 7.2k) Boromir first meets his daughter in a dream.
Victory in Defeat (T, Faramir/Éowyn, 3k) Éowyn discovers that sparring with Faramir is even more fun than expected.
The Power of Tea (G, Bilbo Baggins & Gilraen, 1.8k) While waiting for Aragorn and the hobbits to reach Rivendell, Bilbo attempts to ease Gilraen's anxiety by offering her tea.
At the Death of a Friend (G, Saruman & Galadriel, 3.4k) Saruman has not heard Galadriel's voice in years. But in the aftermath of Gandalf's death, they speak one last time.
A Monster in the Shadows (T, Éowyn & Théoden, 3k) In the aftermath of her parents' death, Éowyn is plagued by fear. Nineteen years later, it returns.
Too Burdened to Fly (G, Finduilas, 3k) A look at Finduilas' thoughts during her final moments.
The Silmarillion fics
One day, but not today (G, Elros/Elros' wife, 3k) Elros' wife knows that death is coming swiftly, but she will not let that stop her from enjoying an afternoon with her husband, watching the birds.
out of the water, cold and blue (T, Elendil & Tar-Míriel, 4.8k) As the seas grow restless, Elendil feels a presence drawing near. He is less and less sure that it is friendly.
Mother Wolf (T, Aredhel, 2.1k) Aredhel breaks free.
She was a lady of great beauty and gentle heart, but before twelve years had passed she died... But it seemed to men that she withered in the guarded city, as a flower of the seaward vales set upon a barren rock. The shadow in the east filled her with horror, and she turned her eyes ever south to the sea that she missed.
—The Lord of the Rings: Appendix A, “The Númenórean Kings; Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion: The Stewards”
😳 What’s the most embarrassing thing they’ve walked in on the other doing?
This is a hard one because they are both very difficult to embarrass. Sexual stuff and bodily exposure aren't really a big deal for either of them because of Ivriniel's whole everything and the fact that Gamling grew up in a very relaxed household (at least in that way) and just personally doesn't really care. Embarrassment for both of them is more to do with injuries to their sense of pride, character and put togetherness.
I'm going to situate this in the Ambassador AU because it gives them more time and space to embarrass themselves. In Ivriniel's case the most embarrassing thing is probably in the early years of their friendship when she's visiting Erkenbrand's holdings. Upon dropping by to say hi, Gamling happens to arrive when Ivriniel's maid is absent and she's in her chambers with the door unlocked only to hear her doing a creative rendition of a Rohirric joke song that she's recently learned which is basically just a man listing the people he wants to get revenge on/fuck over/fuck/kill/get the approval of etc etc but to a catchy tune. Ivriniel's version of it includes some casually graphic stuff (ordinarily no biggie for her but she's still establishing herself in Rohan at the moment and could do without offending too many people at once) and some casual slander of the lords of Rohan and Gondor who most annoy her. Ivriniel only realises he's there when she hears him losing the battle to stifle his laughter. Upon rounding the door and lecturing him half-jokingly for infringing on her privacy and getting him to promise never to breathe a word of what he heard, Gamling asks to know what the end of the 'men I'd like to fuck' verse is, and Ivriniel unfortunately cannot finish that thought because he's next. The combined possibility for political suicide and blabbing to the (then married) Gamling that he's on the 'would like to fuck' list definitely makes it an embarrassing incident for Ivriniel. For years after, when Gamling wants to be annoying, he just starts quietly singing snatches of Ivriniel's rendition just to have her head jerk up and immediately give him a warning look. (This absolutely backfired at some point and had Wulfgar - one of Théoden's brother-in-laws - remarking that he didn't know Gamling liked him like that. Cue Ivriniel cackling with sadistic joy as Gamling tries to backpedal and establish that no he does not want to do that particular sex act with Wulfgar, that is not the form his grief has taken.)
Gamling's is probably when Beleg the ferret insists on tormenting him for the fiftieth time in a row. Gamling finally loses patience with the evil, elongated noodle of a rodent and starts remonstrating with the creature about how he is aware that he is an evil entity sent by the gods to torment him and bring him closer to insanity and he can see it in his evil little eyes, he knows what he's doing and— only to have the sudden thought that he's not alone and turn to find Ivriniel staring at him with the hollow eyes of someone who already has one old man losing it (Théoden) and does not need another one. Talking to a ferret is one thing but talking to a ferret like he's a conscious entity out to get you, particularly when said ferret is one of the only things holding your friend together is definitely not his most dignified moment, but to be fair to the man the potential collapse of Rohan has no one at their best.
i think one of the worst things the left wing internet ever did was push the idea that oppression is basically a virtue, and being oppressed is a sign of your morality. it has made it like…impossible for some of you to hold the idea that most people are privileged in some ways and oppressed in others. AND a lot of you seem to have it in your mind that terrible people cannot be oppressed, and that oppressed people cannot do terrible things, which is a dangerous rhetoric to hold imo.
coming up with an au were a dead character lives but shaking my head while i do it so everyone watching knows i support the role their death played in the narrative and consider it a legitimate writing choice
This is a week to appreciate all of the incredible characters and relationships within Tolkien’s legendarium that fall under the broad category of “gen.” There is a great wealth of wonderful gen content in the Tolkien fandom, but those creations are not always the most visible because of the shipping-focused nature of fandom at large. This week is an effort to give them the appreciation they deserve.
This year, Tolkien Gen Week will run from July 6-12, 2026!
Any content and creations are welcome as long as it is non-romantic and non-sexual! You can create edits, gifs, fanart, fanfic, fanmixes, and more! Please tag your posts with #tolkiengenweek AND @ mention this blog @tolkiengenweek so they can be easily found. If your submission turns into a long post, please put what you can beneath a “Keep reading” divider. You may also post your creations to our AO3 collection.
Below are some prompts for each day of the week. They are not mandatory, but they are here to inspire you. This post will lead to an explanation for each one.
DAY ONE: Family ● Mentorships ● Community
DAY TWO: Friendship ● Animals ● Group Dynamic
DAY THREE: Gray Spaces ● Enemies and Rivalries ● Fealty
DAY FOUR: Solo ● Work and Craft ● Language
DAY FIVE: Culture ● Diversity ● Traditions
DAY SIX: Environment ● Places ● Objects and Symbols
DAY SEVEN: Freeform
This event is being organized by @arofili. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to message this blog or my main.
For further clarification, check out our FAQ, code of conduct, and prompts pages! Happy creating!!
make sure to include the pairing(s) you are wanting these questions to be answered for . these should work for poly ships as well as monogamous . feel free to edit these as you see fit .
💕 How did they both realize “oh wait, this is actually love”?
🌹 Who fell harder & who fell first?
🫂 What’s their favorite way to hold each other when words aren’t enough?
🔥 What’s the pettiest thing they’ve ever argued about?
💋 Who says “I love you” first & how?
🌙 Who’s the little spoon & who pretends they hate it but secretly loves it?
💍 Would they ever get married? What would the proposal look like?
🧸 Who still has the very first gift the other ever gave them?
😈 Who is more likely to start chaos “for the vine” & who films it?
🎶 What’s their song - the one that makes them both tear up / grin like idiots?
☕ Who’s the morning person & how do they lure the night owl out of bed?
🛡️ Who jumps in front of danger for the other without thinking?
😳 What’s the most embarrassing thing they’ve walked in on the other doing?
💔 What’s the one fight that almost ended them?
🩹 How do they comfort each other after nightmares?
👀 Who gets jealous more easily & how obvious are they about it?
🍳 Who cooks & who sets off the smoke alarm trying to help?
🧳 If they had to run away together tomorrow, where would they go?
😏 Who is bolder in public (hand-holding, kisses, etc.)?
🌧️ Who steals whose hoodies when it rains?
🎂 How do they celebrate each other’s birthdays?
🖤 What’s the darkest “we’ll never tell anyone” thing they’ve done together?
💌 Who leaves little love notes & where do they hide them?
🛌 Who hogs the blanket & who ends up freezing dramatically?
😴 Who falls asleep first & who watches them with heart-eyes?
🚪 Who’s more likely to say “we’re not leaving this room today”?
🌸 What nickname do they have for each other that would mortify them if others heard?
🎤 Who sings in the shower & who secretly records it for blackmail?
💞 How do they act when one of them is sick?
🩸 Who would literally kill for the other & who would help hide the body?
🌅 Do they go on sunrise / stargazing dates? Which one do they love more?
😤 Who apologizes first after a fight, even if they weren’t wrong?
🧩 What tiny habit of the other do they find unbearably adorable?
🎪 Who plans elaborate surprise dates & who just wants to stay in?
👑 In their relationship, who’s the king / queen & who’s the knight / advisor?
🌪️ What’s the most chaotic thing they’ve done together on pure impulse?
💤 Who has the weirdest sleep-talking lines that the other quotes constantly?
🧡 What color reminds each of them of the other?
🕰️ If they could go back in time, what moment would they relive together?
😶 Who’s terrified of saying “meet my parents” & why?
🍷 Who gets tipsy first & starts spilling embarrassing love confessions?
🌿 Do they want kids/pets/plants together? What do they name them?
🪞 Who takes longer getting ready & who hypes the other up in the mirror?
💥 What’s the biggest risk one of them took for the other that the partner didn’t find out about until much later?
🧣 Who steals the other’s scarf / gloves “on accident” every winter?
🌌 What’s their “we made it through hell” memory they’ll tell their grandkids?
😘 Who kisses the other first thing in the morning, morning breath & all?
🩰 Slow dancing in the kitchen at 3 a.m. - who starts it?
⚓ If one of them had to leave forever, what would they leave behind for the other?
💫 Ten years from now, what random Tuesday are they spending together?
A character trait/dynamic that I'm endlessly compelled by is someone dealing with (or, like, failing to) being the child of people who were too busy being good people to have the time and attention to be good parents. This can be anywhere from 'was a public defender who gave a shit working 60 hour weeks with basically no vacations' to 'left their family behind to join the revolution/war effort and is now a universally beloved martyr-hero who saved/remade the world with their final breath' on the groundedness spectrum. The important thing is a viscerally felt but confused and ugly mess of longing, resentment, and guilt about feeling the resentment.
I headcanon the Teleri have a yearly festival dedicated to the hatching of sea turtles. I will share longer thoughts later but in the meantime, here's a board <3
For Éowyn, green reminds her of Faramir for the forests of Ithilien, and also dark blue, the color of a beloved quilt that Finduilas had and that Faramir keeps to this day. The quilt reminds Faramir of his mother and of Dol Amroth, and though it is now well over 40 years old and becoming frayed, he keeps it still. He often reads with it spread over him, and Éowyn has come to associate the color strongly with Faramir.
For Faramir, he associates Éowyn with white (he sees her clad in white when they are in the houses of healing, and he refers to her as “White Lady”), green (Rohirrim colors and the colors of grass), and also pale blue (color of Rohirrim bridal regalia! And also just a nice color on her)
🔥what is the most petty thing they’ve fought about?
They both are headstrong and can be stubborn so they’ve had a few petty fights. Faramir thinks Éowyn is disrespectful to books; she dog-ears pages and even makes notes in them and Faramir can’t stand this. He treats books as precious objects to be cherished, and he chides Éowyn for harming them. Éowyn will not have this, she thinks her own books are hers to do with what she pleases, thank you(1)!
They’ve also tend to have petty fights when on expeditions through the woods of Ithilien. Faramir, understandably, knows the woods through and through and has well-established protocols for how to make a camp in the forest, how to set up shelter, how to locate good water, etc. He feels very strongly that his way of doing things is the most practical and reasonable way to go about it, and he is comfortable taking a leadership role. Éowyn, on the other hand, does not like to be told what to do. She has her own instincts for how to survive in the wild, steeped in Rohirrim tradition and knowledge. Sometimes these instincts clash, and both parties find it difficult to concede. As a result, they’ve had a few spectacular fights. Once, during an unexpected rainstorm, they fought for over an hour as to whether and how to set up a tarp shelter(2), much to the chagrin of the rangers and guards who accompanied them.
(1) there’s a lot of headcanons floating around about whether Éowyn would grow up knowing to read, considering Rohirrim culture was centered around oral tradition and the Rohirrim lack a written language. However, Éowyn certainly does know how to read for a few reasons. Théoden was raised in Gondor and thus assuredly knew how to read and write, and I am sure he wished his son and foster children to have the same education. Secondly, the royal household would likely have dealings with Gondor wherein written language would be important for diplomacy, and therefore it makes sense that members of Théoden’s household would have more access to and reason to interact with written materials, even if broader Rohirrim culture did not.
(2) Faramir is partial to tarp shelters, given his experiences in dense forest, and Éowyn, child of the open plains, sees little utility for them. She had never even heard of the contraption before she met Faramir.
"There too were the folk of the Pillar and of the Tower of Snow, and both these kindreds were marshalled by Penlod, tallest of Gnomes."
- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Book of Lost Tales Part Two, "The Fall of Gondolin"
houses of gondolin 3/12 ✹ THE HOUSE OF THE TOWER OF SNOW
[ID: a moodboard comprised of nine images arranged in a 3x3 grid, primarily in shades of light blue, white, and light grey or brown. Top to bottom, left to right, the images show:
1: A person with deep brown skin and close-cropped black hair burying their face in a fluffy white fur with brown tips as they gaze at the viewer / 2: Snowy mountain peaks wreathed in cloud / 3: A snow leopard raising its head to look to the left / 4: Leaves furred with frost / 5: An ornate stone tower with a balcony / 6: Snow on the branch of a conifer / 7: Pearl drop earrings and a matching necklace lying across a handwritten document / 8: A close-up of architectural plans / 9: A sweeping staircase of white stone, seen from the bottom //End ID]
