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] In Early Spring by Serinquanion
In what Maedhros was re-embodied early and was sent back to Middle Earth on his volition with Glorfindel.
This isn't about what happened right then but years after Fall of Sauron when he still refused to return to Valinor.
He found a strange sapling at the shore of what remains of…
[Writing] Umnenyalië by Serinquanion
He was going to die. The molten rocks would burn him just like the cursed gem in his palm did. Maybe less painfully but still being burnt hurt and Maedhros knew it. He intimately knew it from his time in Angband where Þauron burnt him often in frustration and to toy with him and his master…
[Writing] Winter Warmth by Serinquanion
A winter night in Himring. But inside the quarters where fire blazed in hearth was warmer, and not only from the fire or quilt.
[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.
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
Orctober
A mysterious map points to locations used by escaped Orcs who seek to live in freedom. For this month's challenge, use elements from that map and those quests to create your fanwork, with a bonus puzzle to solve for those who dare attempt the ultimate escape. 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 Fiction
Easy is the Descent by Ithilwen
The sons of Fëanor attempt to regain the Silmarils from Dior. Warnings for violence and disturbing themes.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 753 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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The Dweller in the Dark by Ithilwen
The Elven laws of marriage can require unpleasant choices. Warning for mature themes.
| Major Characters: Aredhel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 519 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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The Choice by Ithilwen
A conversation between a pair of brothers, reflecting on the choices they've made in their lives. Takes place near the beginning of the Second Age.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 833 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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All Else Lost by Keiliss
In a changed world there was one thing that remained untouched by time or distance.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 831 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Disturbance by Lyra
Manwë has to deal with unexpected doubts, and... disturbs the universe.
Written for the B2MeM prompt, "Do I dare disturb the universe?"
| Major Characters: Manwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: B2MeM 2009 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 333 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Courage, Honesty and Strength by Esteliel
During his youth in Valinor, Glorfindel becomes aware of how his desires seem to differ from those of others...
Three ficlets written for the B2MEM 09 challenge.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Finrod Felagund, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: B2MeM 2009 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 1, 731 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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The Thoughts of Trees by Lyra
Daeron finds that his silent listeners have grown tired of silence.
Triple drabble (Tribble?) written for the B2MeM 2009 prompt, "Imagine this! You are walking in the woods and sudden a tree whispers to you ..."
| Major Characters: Daeron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: B2MeM 2009 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 300 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Tedium by Lyra
Young Celegorm would rather have someone else do his chores.
Written for the B2MeM 2009 prompt, "What is the most tedious, routine work that you have to do?"
Apparently that was the month of young Fëanorians...
| Major Characters: Celegorm |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: B2MeM 2009 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 137 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Learning to make a fire by Lyra
Young Maedhros learns more than just one lesson on a soggy camping trip - and remembers these lessons much later.
Written for the B2MeM 2009 prompt, "learning to make a fire".
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2009 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 061 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Gathering the Heroes by Moreth
Written for B2Me Prompt 2: "What is the most tedious, routine work that you have to do?" Túrin gets a really long and tedious job!
| Major Characters: Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Crossover | Challenges: B2MeM 2009 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 435 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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The Elf in the Mirror by Amaranth
A young Elf discovers his body in front of the mirror...
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Erotica, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 037 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Flights of Fancy by Ithilwen
"And thence at times the Firstborn still would come sailing to Númenor in oarless boats… And they brought to Númenor many gifts: birds of song, and fragrant flowers, and herbs of great virtue." (Akallabêth). Ever wonder what the Elves of Tol Eressëa might have brought back from those sightseeing trips? AU for some deliberately added anachronisms.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, General, Humor | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 2, 359 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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The Dark Beneath the Stars by Ithilwen
Maglor reflect on the events between the Kinslaying at Alqualondë through the Battle under Stars. Violence, disturbing themes.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 5, 212 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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My Brother's Keeper by Ithilwen
Following the Battle of Unnumbered Tears, Maglor makes a terrible mistake. Disturbing themes.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 251 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
All Hang Together by Ithilwen
Fingon rides to Himring to hear a proposal from Maedhros. Warning: Adult sexual themes.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 981 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Forsaken Knowledge by Rhapsody
In order to finish one of his greatest achievements, Celebrimbor applies a skill he considered forgotten. Added: long overdue author notes.
~ MEFA 2009: Honorable Mention in Genres: Crossover: General
Thank you Robinka!
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Curufin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Color of ..., Gift of a Story |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 2, 066 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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The Echo of Your Lamentation by Ithilwen
Maedhros and Fingon have a conversation about the Valar. Warning: Adult themes.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 539 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
The Cold Hill of Himring by Ithilwen
Maedhros is disturbed by a visit with his cousin Fingon. Warning: Adult themes.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 256 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Necessary Sacrifices by Ithilwen
After his rescue, Maedhros has a decision to make. Which will he sacrifice in the end: his pride, or his vengeance?
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Curufin, Fingolfin, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 948 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
The New World by Lyra
Fingon experiences the first-ever sunrise. Originally published for the "30 years Silmarillion" celebrations on LJ.
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: No genre listed | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 107 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Touching the Stars by Moreth
Learning to make a fire...
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: B2MeM 2009 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Renewing The Song by Naltariel
Two guilt ridden wanderers met and tried to atone for their past.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 8 | Word Count: 10, 284 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Hide and Seek by Ithilwen
Young Amrod and Amras have gone missing, and the reason for their disappearance can be traced to a family tragedy. Warning: Adult sexual themes.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Celegorm, Fëanor, Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 17, 370 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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The Glitter of Metal by Ithilwen
Wounded in body and spirit by Morgoth, a now-crippled Maedhros struggles to redefine his sense of identity. Warning: Mildly disturbing themes.
| Major Characters: Amrod, Celebrimbor, Curufin, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 469 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Captive of Fate by Ithilwen
Maedhros reflects while hanging from Thangorodrim
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 695 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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