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
Dear Irmo
Historians trace the first advice column to 1690, and in the three centuries hence, the heartsore, woebegone, and perpetually puzzled have turned to these "agony aunts" (and uncles) to solve their most debilitating dilemmas about family, work, and of course, love. Choose one of our real advice columns, tweaked just slightly, for your prompt. 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 Poetry
I Walked Along Sirion Today by Beruthiels Cat
A walk along the river reveals poetry.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 47 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Glorfindel's Dream by Esteliel
Glorfindel thinks back on his life. A sestina written for the Lays of Beleriand Reloaded theme.
| Major Characters: Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 333 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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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 |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 37 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
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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 |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 105 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
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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 |
| Chapters: 8 | Word Count: 1, 414 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
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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 |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 266 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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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) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 81 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
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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 |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 131 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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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 |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 42 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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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 |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 47 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
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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 |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 98 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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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 |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 98 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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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 |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 88 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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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) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 122 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
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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 |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 376 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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"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 |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 197 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
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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 |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 714 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
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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 |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 112 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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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 |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 498 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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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 |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 279 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
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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 |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 005 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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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 |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 295 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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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 |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 816 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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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 |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 249 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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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 |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 203 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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