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] 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] 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] 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
You Can't Go Home Again
What would happen if one of Tolkien's characters returned to a beloved home after a long absence? 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 Playlists
Third Finwe by Rocky41_7
To the eldest son of the crown prince, the heir to the throne of the Noldor, Nelyafinwë Maitimo.
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Music (Blues, Country, Instrumental, Rock, Soundtrack) | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Voice Like the Sea by Rocky41_7
Maglor the mighty who like the sea with deep voice sings yet mournfully.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Music (Classical, Folk, Instrumental, Opera, Pop) | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Release by Rocky41_7
Melkor's servant Thuringwethil is turned from her dark path by Luthien Tinuviel
| Major Characters: Lúthien Tinúviel, Thuringwethil |
| Major Relationships: Lúthien/Thuringwethil |
| Genres: Music (Alternative/Punk, Rock) | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Long Live the King by Rocky41_7
From prince in Valinor to high king of the Noldor in Middle-earth to martyr: Fingolfin Finwion!
| Major Characters: Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Music (Ambient/Soundscape, Instrumental, Pop, Rhythm & Blues, Rock, Soundtrack) | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Gwindor by Rocky41_7
For Gwindor of Nargothrond, son of Guilin, brother of Gelmir, Angband escapee.
| Major Characters: Gwindor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Music (Instrumental, Rock, Soundtrack) | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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You Are My Sunshine by Rocky41_7
Amarie and Finrod, from paradise through tragedy to rebirth
| Major Characters: Amarië, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: Amarië/Finrod |
| Genres: Music (Pop) | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Wandering in the Gloaming by Rocky41_7
Playlist for the king and queen of Mirkwood.
| Major Characters: Unnamed Canon Character(s), Unnamed Female Canon Character(s), Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: Thranduil/Unnamed Canon Character |
| Genres: Music (Folk, Instrumental, Soundtrack, Vocal) | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Star Trails and Bird's Wings by Rocky41_7
Songs for Elwing, Earendil, and the family they lost.
| Major Characters: Eärendil, Elwing |
| Major Relationships: Eärendil/Elwing, Elrond & Elwing, Elros & Elwing |
| Genres: Music (Folk, Instrumental, Opera, Soundtrack) | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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What the Water Gave Me by Rocky41_7
Playlist to go with my fic of the same name
| Major Characters: Finduilas, Nienor |
| Major Relationships: Finduilas/Nienor |
| Genres: Music (Alternative/Punk, Instrumental, Pop, Soundtrack) | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Winter Light by Zdenka
A music playlist to go with Dawn Felagund's fic Yule Lights. Featuring Celebrimbor, his memories of his family, and Annatar (who is not up to anything suspicious, of course not).
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Music (Classical, Folk, Instrumental, K-pop/J-pop/C-pop, New Age, Pop, Soundtrack, Vocal) | Challenges: Holiday Party, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Into the Depths by Zdenka
A dark Tar-Míriel/Uinen fanmix.
| Major Characters: Tar-Míriel, Uinen |
| Major Relationships: Tar-Míriel/Uinen |
| Genres: Music (Classical, Folk, Metal, Opera, Rock, Vocal) | Challenges: Jubilee |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn, Mature Themes |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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My Greatest Joy and Deepest Sorrow by Rocky41_7
A brief history of one of the more noteworthy relationships of Noldor history.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor/Nerdanel |
| Genres: Music (Alternative/Punk, Classical, Pop, Rock, Soundtrack) | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Songs of Middle-earth by Rocky41_7
The music of Middle-earth across the ages.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Galadriel, Sauron, Varda |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Music (Folk, Instrumental, New Age, Soundtrack, Vocal) | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Love and Superstition by grey_gazania
A fanmix for Curufin and Nyellë, his wife.
| Major Characters: Unnamed Female Canon Character(s), Curufin |
| Major Relationships: Curufin/Unnamed Canon Character |
| Genres: Music | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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World Turned Upside Down by grey_gazania
A Fëanor/Nerdanel fanmix.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor/Nerdanel |
| Genres: Music | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| | |
Down to the Harbor by grey_gazania
A Círdan fanmix.
| Major Characters: Círdan |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Music | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Wrapped Up in Books: A Fanmix by grey_gazania
A fanmix for Caranthir and Parmacundë, his wife.
| Major Characters: Unnamed Canon Character(s), Caranthir |
| Major Relationships: Caranthir/Unnamed Canon Character |
| Genres: Music | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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The World Is Wide by grey_gazania
A Nellas fanmix.
| Major Characters: Nellas |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Music | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Russingon playlist by firstamazon
I've selected these songs thinking about Fingon and Maedhros' relationship. I have tried to put them in an order that would convey how I see their growing closeness, then their separation at Losgar, Maedhros' imprisonment in Angband, and, finally, their (happy) reunion :)
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Maedhros |
| Genres: Music (Bossa Nova) | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
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