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] 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] Who Will Hear Me? by XirinOfArvada
A lonely elf finds a flute half buried beneath the sand and wonders if its owner will hear him when he calls.
[Writing] Loyal, Faithful by Himring
Late in the Second Age, one of the Faithful reflects critically on past developments. (Free verse.)
[Writing] East Away! by Flora-lass
Aldarion storms off towards Middle-earth. For the Title Track challenge.
[Writing] Don't You Ever Look Away by Elrond's Library
“They can’t just assume we’ll let them leave us behind.”
“But they are, and they will. Our fathers are the Heads of their Houses. Fëanáro is king. Defiance would be treason, beloved.”
“I am his firstborn.”
“You are his only daughter.”
“I have…
[Writing] Break Me by Elrond's Library
“You’re not going to break me,” Russo huffed, finally cracking open his eyes, which were bright with amusement. “They could not, what makes you think you could?”
For Scribbles and Drabbles 2025 SFW Slide 33
[Writing] Three Black Islands by Idrils Scribe
When Celebrimbor's attempts at forging the Rings of Power fail yet again, Annatar knows where to find the missing know-how.
For all the wrong reasons, Celebrimbor agrees to an expedition to the ruins of Angband to search Morgoth's own laboratory, deep in the icy Northern Wastes.
What…
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
Dip the Ladle
Tolkien had many tales, places, and artists who inspired his work. For this challenge, prompts invite creating a fanwork using one of Tolkien's influences. Read more ...
New in References
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.
The Aromantic in Tolkien by daughterofshadows
Presented at Mereth Aderthad 2025, this paper makes the case thata, although the term "aromantic" had not yet been coined in Tolkien's day, many of his characters can be read as aromantic. The paper takes a closer look at Aredhel, Bilbo, and Boromir as three examples of characters who can be read as aromantic.
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
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.
New and Updated Artwork
Lake Mithrim from North Sinda's pov on a calm misty overcast day
Major Characters: SindarMajor Relationships: No major relationships listed
Challenge: New Year's Resolution, The Only Thing To Fear
Rating: General
Warnings: No warnings listed | | |
Sad fading Maglor on a stormy beach ...
Major Characters: MaglorMajor Relationships: No major relationships listed
Challenge: New Year's Resolution, Period Drama
Rating: General
Warnings: No warnings listed | | |
Abstract sketch from Tuor's pov of Túrin running through the dead trees at Eithel Ivrin after it was despoiled by Glaurung.
Major Characters: TúrinMajor Relationships: Tuor & Turin
Challenge: Kids These Days, New Year's Resolution
Rating: General
Warnings: No warnings listed | | |
Aredhel wanders through Nan Elmoth
Major Characters: AredhelMajor Relationships: No major relationships listed
Challenge: New Year's Resolution, Swinging 40s
Rating: General
Warnings: No warnings listed | | |
Drawing of Finrod discovering a new friend while exploring Beleriand.
Major Characters: Finrod FelagundMajor Relationships: No major relationships listed
Challenge: Birthday Bash, New Year's Resolution
Rating: General
Warnings: No warnings listed | | |
Technically a failed photo of a firework, which I decided looked more like Ilmare the Maia, the Handmaiden of Varda, in one of her less embodied states.
Major Characters: IlmarëMajor Relationships: No major relationships listed
Challenge: No challenge listed
Rating: General
Warnings: No warnings listed | | |
painting of the Tower of Pearl in the Western Isles
Major Characters: No major characters listedMajor Relationships: No major relationships listed
Challenge: Back To The Future, Heroes, Jumble Sale
Rating: General
Warnings: No warnings listed | | |
The formal ceremony where Maedhros hands over the High King status to Fingolfin.
Major Characters: Maedhros, Fingolfin
Major Relationships: Fingolfin & Maedhros
Challenge: No challenge listed
Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate
Warnings: No warnings listed | | |
"Therefore there was built for [Elwing] a white tower northward upon the borders of the Sundering Seas..." - The Silmarillion, 'Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath'
Made for 2025's Tolkien Summer Reverse Bang!
The accompanying fic is here: Sad songs for us to bear by astrisq
Major Characters: ElwingMajor Relationships: No major relationships listed
Challenge: No challenge listed
Rating: General
Warnings: No warnings listed | | |
A Feanorian star embroidered in white thread on a grey jean jacket with three studs at the top representing the three Silmarils.
Major Characters: No major characters listedMajor Relationships: No major relationships listed
Challenge: No challenge listed
Rating: General
Warnings: No warnings listed | | |
Maglor’s breath caught in his throat at the sight of Ekkaia stretching out before them. Its waters were calmer and smoother than Belegaer. The waves were gentle as they washed quietly up over the stony beach, their music no more than a whisper, the stones themselves all warm browns and reds and occasional pinks, and the waters were darker, not quite reflecting the blue of the sky, but instead shimmering with the remembered light of ancient stars. They were endless, vanishing past the horizon; there were no ships that sailed upon Ekkaia, no fishermen to cast their nets into its depths. Certainly no sea monsters, Maglor thought as he lifted a hand to shield his eyes from the westering sun. Here there was only peace.
- High in the Clean Blue Air, Chapter Twenty Seven
Major Characters: No major characters listedMajor Relationships: No major relationships listed
Challenge: No challenge listed
Rating: General
Warnings: No warnings listed | | |
A collage about Nimrodel, Amroth (and Mithrellas) and their flight to Edhellond.
Art for Tolkien Reverse Summer Bang
Major Characters: Nimrodel, Amroth, MithrellasMajor Relationships: No major relationships listed
Challenge: No challenge listed
Rating: General
Warnings: No warnings listed | | |
Artwork for TRSB25. Sometime after the First Age, Elrond has found among his possessions a small box containing a cache of letters. The box, though it does not have the usual fine craftsmanship one would expect from elves, can only have come from Maedhros or Maglor, slipped in among the things given to Elrond and Elros when they were sent to Gil-galad. The letters, in several different styles, appear never to have been opened…
Story for the art is being written by until_the_stars_are_all_alight, I'm so excited to read it! (Link to be added here once the story is revealed.)
Major Characters: No major characters listedMajor Relationships: No major relationships listed
Challenge: No challenge listed
Rating: General
Warnings: No warnings listed | | |
Artwork for TRSB25, which asked the author to consider Fëanor's time in Mandos. The story for the art is being written by biologygeorge, and I can't wait to read it. (It will be linked here once revealed.)
Major Characters: No major characters listedMajor Relationships: No major relationships listed
Challenge: No challenge listed
Rating: General
Warnings: No warnings listed | | |
Here's one of my art pieces for TRSB 2025! This cosplay photo set was so evocative, I was wondering what I could use it for, and then I realized that TRSB would be a perfect fit. The circlet and halo crown were made by me; the circlet has an Eye of Sauron design and the halo crown lights up. This is one of my favorite cosplays and I'm so overjoyed to share it as part of TRSB!
Please look forward to reading the fanfic by tyelperintal when the collection goes live!
Cosplayer: skywardstruck
Halo crown and circlet: skywardstruck
Costume: voldadivnaya
Photo: stargirlpictures
Major Relationships: No major relationships listed
Challenge: No challenge listed
Rating: General
Warnings: No warnings listed | | |
I had this cosplay photo taken of my Maglor and my friend moodrose's Galadriel at Katsucon 2025, and we managed to get set up just in time for the sunset! The rocky shore outside the convention center was absolutely gorgeous and perfect for this shot. This was a last-minute idea I had, but it really paid off, because we knew this photo would be perfect for TRSB, leaving plenty of room for the author to develop Maglor and Galadriel's relationship. Look forward to reading starspray's amazing fic when the collection goes live on Sept. 6!
Maglor: skywardstruck
Galadriel: moodrose
Photo: aerlinn.cos
Maglor cosplay made by knights-of-beleriand, designed by me
Major Relationships: Galadriel & Maglor
Challenge: No challenge listed
Rating: General
Warnings: No warnings listed | | |
The apocalypse is upon Bree and Middle-Earth! Strange creatures roam the streets, and a fell light shines on the world. (Art for TRSB 2025) (Warning for some flickering.)
Major Characters: No major characters listedMajor Relationships: No major relationships listed
Challenge: No challenge listed
Rating: Teens
Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings | | |
What if Morgoth turned elves into dragons, but things do not work out the way he planned? (Art for TRSB 2025.)
Major Characters: No major characters listedMajor Relationships: No major relationships listed
Challenge: No challenge listed
Rating: General
Warnings: No warnings listed | | |
Fingon’s prayer. Last-minute sketch entry for the 40s monthly challenge!
Major Characters: FingonMajor Relationships: No major relationships listed
Challenge: Swinging 40s
Rating: General
Warnings: No warnings listed | | |
Four art pieces for Scribbles & Drabbles 2025.
Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Círdan, RogMajor Relationships: No major relationships listed
Challenge: No challenge listed
Rating: General
Warnings: No warnings listed | | |
An embroidery piece inspired by Éowyn's journey in the Return of the King, when a time of joy comes after a long winter of despair. The words are quote from the book. The sun motif is taken from the design of Éomer's armour from Peter Jackson's The Two Towers. The flower design is my own.
Major Characters: ÉowynMajor Relationships: No major relationships listed
Challenge: No challenge listed
Rating: General
Warnings: No warnings listed | | |
An association football (soccer) pitch with some Rings of Power on it. On it is written in black and white script, my pitch (ha) to the artists: What if football (soccer) was invented in Beleriand/Middle-earth? Who would be most likely to invent it? To perfect it? Who would be most competitive about it? What if the Dark Lords and Elven Ringbearers--or any Ringbearers--got in on it?
Write something showing how the Beautiful Game might have evolved in Tolkien's world, and who would play it. Might there be leagues? Imagine, the World Cup of Beleriand...Anyway, this is something I've always wanted to write but never been able to. I hope someone can!
Major Characters: No major characters listedMajor Relationships: No major relationships listed
Challenge: No challenge listed
Rating: General
Warnings: No warnings listed | | |
The green plain of Ard-galen was laid waste and became the desolation of Anfauglith, its only green land being the Hill of the Slain. Or...maybe this is Mordor, before it was laid waste and as it's recovering? Or both? Something similar? Up to you.
Major Characters: No major characters listedMajor Relationships: No major relationships listed
Challenge: No challenge listed
Rating: General
Warnings: No warnings listed | | |
