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March 30th, 2021: The Sundering of the Elves

Because this is a chart, prompts will be based around what the diagram shows without quoted prompts.

The Sundering of the Elves explains how the Quendi came to scatter across Arda; Elwë, Olwë, and Elmo are three brothers demonstrating this. The theme of family being separated for a long period of time, perhaps even forever, is a topic which could be explored as your prompt.

Those who completed the journey with Olwe were called Lindar (for they were Singers) but by the Tatyai, or Noldor, they were called the Teleri, the Lastcomers for they tarried in searching for Elwe. Sometimes, a person has every intention of arriving on time, but ends up arriving late or at the end (except wizards; they are of course, never late). Allow your inspiration to come from someone or a group whose arrival is later than xpected.
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The Avari are labeled as “the unwilling”, but what if they knew or figured out something the others did not? You can either focus your creation on the Avari (and perhaps their motives), or on the general idea of someone who refuses to do something despite it being something many others plan to do.

Bonus prompt from Donut: Teleri are fish friends and swan friends. Incorporate fish or swans into your creation.

March 26th, 2021: Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath

Quote Prompt

“Now when first Vingilot was set to sail in the seas of heaven, it rose unlooked for, glittering and bright; and the people of Middle-earth beheld it from afar and wondered, and they took it for a sign, and called it Gil-Estel, the Star of High Hope.”

Summary Prompt

Eärendil travelled in hopes of gaining the favour of the Valar once more, and in doing so brought hope to the people.
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Thematic Prompt

Elwing is able to take the form of a bird with Ulmo’s help; in a previous chapter, Felagund is able to disguise himself and his companions in the likeness of orcs. Consider disguises and transformations for today’s creation inspiration.

March 24th, 2021: Of the Ruin of Doriath

Quote Prompt

“In time his [Thingol’s] desire was achieved, and the greatest of the works of Elves and Dwarves were brought together and made one; and its beauty was very great, for now the countless jewels of the Nauglamir did reflect and cast abroad tn marvellous hues the light of the Silmaril amidmost.”
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Summary Prompt

Everybody dies. Seriously, this is obviously a great synopsis for The Silmarillion as a whole, but in this chapter, if you made it this far without a favorite character dying, chances are that changed by the end of this chapter. And by now, Morgoth knows what’s what about Gondolin, so we know the end is near. It’s just a really bad time chapter. Make sure you bring chocolate if this is the first time you’re reading it. In fact, just bring snacks, tissues, and a pet or plushie to snuggle while reading this even if you read it before, because it’s going to be a bad time.
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Thematic Prompt

There are many cases of a treasure belonging to one person falling into the hands of someone else. Sometimes this happens by chance, sometimes by fate, and sometimes by crafty, clever, or deceitful means. For inspiration today, consider an object that comes into the possession of someone who is not the original and/or rightful owner for your creation.

March 22nd, 2021: Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad

Quote Prompt

“Yet neither by wolf, nor by Balrog, nor by Dragon, would Morgoth have achieved his end, but for the treachery of Men.”
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Summary Prompt

The Nirnaeth Arnoediad was one of the bloodiest battles of the First Age, resulting in the death of King Fingon, among others. It was a significant win for Morgoth.
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Thematic Prompt

Thingol gives leave to two people, Mablung and Beleg, to leave Doriath and participate in the battle, so long as they do not fight under the banners of the sons of Feanor. Imagine the conversation between these two and their King, or any conversation between someone and another person who holds power over them, in asking for permission to do something unpopular, as your prompt for today.

Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin

Quote Prompt:

“Thus he [Fingolfin] came alone to Angband’s gates, and he sounded his horn, and smote once more upon the brazen doors, and challenged Morgoth to come forth to single combat. And Morgoth came.”


Summary Prompt:

Men have been multiplying, and the Noldor are not doing well when it comes to retaining their fortresses. The sons of Feanor are particularly besieged by Morgoth’s forces. In this chapter there are numerous deaths, including Aegnor and Angrod, culminating with the battle between Fingolfin and Morgoth, which leads to Fingolfin’s end.


Thematic Prompt:

This chapter includes a long-time conversation piece: Who is the father of Ereinion Gil-galad? There are other characters where their origins have questions, or, where a ‘what if?’ consideration could lead to an interesting character study. Consider character origins as your prompt today when you create.

Of Maeglin

Quote prompt:

“But Aredhel sprang before the dart, and it smote her in the shoulder; and Eöl was overborne by many and set in bonds, and led away, while others tended Aredhel. But Maeglin looking upon his father was silent.”

Summary prompt:



Aredhel escaped Eol’s captivity to return to her family, to provide her son with a better quality of life than they had in the dark forests of Nan Elmoth, but their escape would cost them her life and that of her husband.

Theme prompt:



A mother’s love involves sacrifice in many ways, sometimes that sacrifice can cost her everything. This is true with many of the mothers we meet in The Silmarillion, as well as other works by Tolkien. Consider the topics of the love of a parent and/or sacrifice of a parent (or parental figure -- you know we have to include the kidnap dads in here for those who were thinking about them) for your creation.

March 16th, 2021: Of Beleriand and its Realms

Quote Prompt

“Thus the realm of Finrod was the greatest by far, though he was the youngest of the great lords of the Noldor...”
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Summary Prompt

Very much a geographical chapter, Of Beleriand and its Realms gives us frames of reference as to where the Noldor and Sindar have their strongholds, as well as who is positioned where and to what degree their power is in Middle-earth.
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Thematic Prompt

Age can bring wisdom, but age can also bring grudges and the inability to analyze from different angles. Youth can bring innocence, and at times, a more worldly view. Consider a character who is either set in their ways, or exploring the world with wonder for today’s prompt.

March 14th, 2021: Of Men

Quote Prompt

“What may befall their [men’s] spirits after death the Elves know not.”

Summary Prompt

This chapter opens with the changing of time, in that years are now shorter and faster with the Sun than they were with the trees. We also meet the Race of Men, similar in appearance to Elves, but with very important differences. The differences between the spirits of Elves and Men were many. While Elves would not die of illness or old age, they could still be destroyed, and the fire of their spirit would consume them over time. Men on the other hand, were more physically frail, more easily injured and sickened, and they grew old and died.
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Thematic Prompt

Despite their differences, both Elves and Men were subject to death. The Elves have assurances as to where they are able to end up; with Men, there is great uncertainty. Use the theme of morality, and certainty or uncertainty of death as the prompt today.

March 12th, 2021: Of the Sindar
Quote Prompt

“In Beleriand in those days the Elves walked, and the rivers flowed, and the stars shone, and the night-flowers gave forth their scents; and the beauty of Melian was as the noon, and the beauty of Lúthien was as the dawn in spring.”

Summary Prompt

We learn now of the peoples in Middle-earth, and of the Elves who did not make the journey. Information about the Dwarves and their whereabouts and dealings is present in this chapter as well. Just as progress was being made in Valinor by the Elves there, writing systems, weaponry, and governance, among other things, have been evolving in Middle-earth.
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Thematic Prompt

Many times, there is a calm before the storm. In today’s creation, use this thought of a time of calm, peace, merriment, or prosperity as your inspiration.