New Challenge: Title Track
Tolkien's titles range from epic to lyrical to metaphorical. This month's challenge selected 125 of them as prompts for fanworks.
SWG News
Our Annual Amnesty Challenge: New Year's Resolution
Start 2026 off with creativity! If you missed a challenge or didn't get to finish or post a challenge fanwork, complete any 2025 challenge before 15 February to receive the stamp.
"The Fëanorian Zine" Available to Read and Download
We are pleased to be able to offer "The Fëanorian Zine" to read and download on the SWG for free.
Call for Artists for the 2026 Challenge Stamps
We are soliciting help from artists who want to help create the stamps we award to challenge participants.
New & Updated Fanworks
[Writing] Uno dei buoni by sh3rry95
Nel cuore di una foresta oscura, Fingon trova due bambini che non dovrebbero essere lì.
Personaggi: Fingon, Eluréd, Elurín.
[Writing] Things Left Unsaid by Grundy
Just because something is secret in Beleriand doesn't meant it isn't known in Aman.
[Writing] The Mermaid's Flute by octopus_fool
Voronwë, suffering from sea-longing, shows Eärendil a strange object he found at sea.
[Writing] Eä's Redemption by AaronAzrael
This is my new poetical attempt to add my own interpretation to Tolkien's Cosmology as to Eru's Creation and the Valar's minds and behind-the-scene providence reasons and mechanisms.. I often review Eä as part of our own world, just in another dimension, this is why I have always seriously…
[Writing] The Mirror Crack'd by AdmirableMonster
Rescued from a brutal Angband hunt, an ex-thrall with a strange and powerful artifact embedded in his spine is brought to Himring, for it is one of the only places in Beleriand which welcomes such folk. Though he has no memories of his life before, Anniavas slowly becomes accustomed to his new…
[Writing] A Hundred Miles Through the Desert by StarSpray
“Come on.” Maedhros grabbed his hand and pulled him along down the path, both of them quickening their pace now, until the trees opened up into a wide meadow filled with flowers, bright yellow celandine and dandelions and sweet-scented pale chamomile mingling with cornflowers and irises. On…
[Writing] Into Grief and Beyond It by StarSpray
“Then,” Frodo said, “if I were able to, I should be thanking him. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for those Rings. And—well, Sam said once recently that we’re really all just part of the same story as the one about you and your brothers, and Beren and Lúthien, and Eärendil, and all the rest…
Current Challenge
Title Track
Create a fanwork using our collection of 125 titles from Tolkien's books, chapters, essays, poems, and fragments as inspiration. Read more ...
Random Challenge
Sea Voyages
Create a fanwork that about or including a sea voyage. Read more ...
New in References
Grief, Grieving, and Permission to Mourn in the "Quenta Silmarillion" by Dawn Walls-Thumma
In a book as full of death as the Quenta Silmarillion, grief and mourning are surprisingly absent. The characters who receive grief and mourning—and those who don't—appear to do so due to narrative bias. Grief and mourning (or a lack of them) serve to draw attention toward and away from objectionable actions committed by characters.
Tolkien, Lunatic Physicists, and Abnegation by Cynthia (Cindy) Gates
This presentation for Mereth Aderthad 2025 discusses the parallels between the concept of abnegation in the scientific work surrounding the atomic bomb and in The Silmarillion. The relinquishment of self-interest in favor of the interests of others, abnegation was identified by Tolkien as a powerful act of spirit and reason. The legendarium has many examples of the complexities of abnegation, which parallel similar discussions held by physicists during and after World War II.
Twilight, Child Of: Comparisons Between Tinúviel, Lómion, and Undómiel by JazTheBard
This presentation for Mereth Aderthad 2025 discusses the many similarities between Tolkien's three "twilight children," Tinúviel, Lómion, and Undómiel (Luthien, Maeglin, and Arwen) in terms of appearance, plot, and cultural background. Yet these three characters play very different roles in the text.
Featured Themed Collection
Beyond the Silmarillion
[Writing] here you will dwell, bound to your grief by Elrond's Library
Arwen grieves, and loves.
[Writing] Faramir's Verse by losselen
“Come, Faramir. Let us not stand in ceremony. I think words are due between you and I, and not only those between a King and his Steward.”
Faramir has speech with Gandalf and his King.
[Writing] In a Hole in the Ground... by StarSpray
“There’s a goblin hiding in the taters, Dad!” Pippin hefted the pan, which was much too big for him to carry, let alone wield.
Around the World and Web
Feanorian Week 2026
A week dedicated to celebrating to the Sons of Feanor (and their parents) on Tumblr
March Challenge - Tolkien Short Fanworks
Tolkien Short Fanworks is running a challenge for the month of March to create a Back to Middle-earth Month themed challenge.
Tolkien Fashion Week 2026
This two-week-long Tumblr event is dedicated to honoring the world of fashion and textiles Tolkien wrote about in his books.
Celegorm and Curufin Week 2026
Celegorm and Curufin Week is a Tumblr week celebrating the relationship between Celegorm and Curufin Feanorion
Back to Middle-earth Month 2026
Back to Middle-earth Month is returning for it's 20th year with many prompts and archival efforts.
Find a Fanwork
Looking for something specific? Use the Fanwork Search to the right (below if you're on mobile) to generate a list of fanworks fitting your exact specifications!
To select more than one item from a list, hold down CTRL (on a PC) or COMMAND (on a Mac) while you make your selections.
Your search has returned 341 results.
Ainulindalë - I by Idril_Vanimedle
An interesting attempt at creating a poem that can be read in more than one way. About the destruction of the Lamps and the flight of the Valar from Middle Earth.
Can be for the 5th birthday challenge "The Lays of Beleriand Reloaded".
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
At the dawn of the world by Ithildae
A poem, based on my impressions after reading the book for the first time.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
The OTHER Lays of Beleriand by Aiwen
The Lays JRR Tolkien did not write for very good reasons. Part Eight: The Harp and other poems. MEFA 2010 nominee.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Glorfindel, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor, Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
Tears for the Fallen by pandemonium_213
Melkor considers a flower.
Written for International Poetry Month, April 2010.
MEFA 2010. Winner, First Place; Genres: Poetry: Drama.
| Major Characters: Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Duel of Songs |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
Love is no argument by Himring
Poem (or song lyrics) for two voices. Well, Fingon and Maedhros, obviously.
For International Poetry Month.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Suicide, Character Death, Violence (Mild) |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
I seek answer by ford_of_bruinen
'The petition to Manwe to allow the banned elves to return'
| Major Characters: Eärendil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
Nargothrond by ford_of_bruinen
Curufin and Celegorm arriving at Nargothrond
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Curufin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
Lost by ford_of_bruinen
Glorfindel is reborn
| Major Characters: Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
A little jewel by ford_of_bruinen
Mahtan is watching is daughter.
| Major Characters: Mahtan, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
Regrets by ford_of_bruinen
Mahtan and nerdanel thoughts.
| Major Characters: Mahtan, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
A letter at the twilight of my days. by ford_of_bruinen
Aegnor is writing a letter to Finrod.
| Major Characters: Aegnor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
How I Wish by Dawn Felagund
Left behind by Finrod, Amárië considers the paradox of her situation: her wish for his return and the only means by which her wish would be granted. A sonnet.
| Major Characters: Amarië |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
A Mighty Bridge Invisible by Noliel
A mariner finds himself, alone, on the Old Road to the West.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
"Zimraphel" and "I who loved her" by Noliel, Dawn Felagund
Tar-Miriel faces the wave that will drown Númenor while, in the midst of the forbidden realm of Valinor, Ar-Pharazôn is granted sudden awareness of her fate.
| Major Characters: Ar-Pharazôn, Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
Bedtime Tales of the Sun by Dawn Felagund
A young daughter in the House of Anárion asks how the world came to be rounded.
| Major Characters: Arien, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, Poetry | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
Maedhros the Red-haired Elfie by Cirdan
Maedhros the Red-haired Elfie to the tune of Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
Three Sides to the Same Story by Fireworks
Three poems that tell of the tragic story of Gwindor, Finduilas, and Túrin, from three points of view.
| Major Characters: Finduilas, Gwindor, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
Seek the Horizon, Númenor's Sons by Dawn Felagund
"Above all arts they nourished shipbuilding and sea-craft, and they became mariners whose like shall never be again since the world was diminished; and voyaging upon the wide seas was the chief feat and adventure of their hardy men in the gallant days of their youth"--a Númenórean mariners' chant.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
The Longings of the Eruhíni by Ithilwen
The Children of Ilúvatar reflect on their natures.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
The Wanderer by Ithilwen
A bit of light verse featuring our favorite Wandering Elf, Maglor!
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
Songs of Arda Marred by Ithilwen
A Silmarillion sonnet cycle.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
After Amputations by Ithilwen
Reflections of Maedhros following the loss of his hand.
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
The Dancers by Elleth
A ghostly night long after the fall of Gondolin. 'Poetry'.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Mystery, Poetry | Challenges: Duel of Songs |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
Rising by Dawn Felagund
Tar-Míriel's final ascent to the Meneltarma. A "dribble" poem.
| Major Characters: Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
Illuminations by Dawn Felagund
For Back to Middle-earth Month 2009: scenes from the life of young Pengolodh, the loremaster of Gondolin whose writings brought us The Silmarillion.
Updated:
Truth for Day Eight: Beauty/Ugliness
The Mountains and the Sea, for Day Nine: Anti-Heroes
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Original Character(s), Pengolodh |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, General, Poetry | Challenges: B2MeM 2009 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
