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
Funky 70s
Choose a prompt from books, movies, quotes, headlines, style, and more from the 1970s. 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 Writing
The Unforgettable Fire by Ithilwen
The relationship between Caranthir and Haleth. Adult themes
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Haleth, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Het, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 16, 054 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Ceremonies of Innocence by Ithilwen
Sequel to "Nightfall". After the death of Finwë, Fëanor and his sons return to Tirion, and Maedhros makes a fateful decision.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 7, 967 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Nightfall by Ithilwen
A messenger arrives in Formenos, and Maedhros's life changes forever.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Fëanor, Finwë, Maedhros, Maglor, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 12, 638 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Alliance by SurgicalSteel
Míriel considers her options to avert civil war in Númenor as she prepares for her father's funeral.
| Major Characters: Ar-Pharazôn, Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Fanon Inverted |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 105 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Nightingales and Starlight by Clodia
For many years, Thingol's minstrel Daeron made lament for Lúthien Tinúviel beside dark waters... but not forever. A look at love, loss and the Lay of Leithian. MEFA 2009 First Place (Genres: Character Study: The Silmarillion).
| Major Characters: Daeron, Erestor, Goldberry, Lúthien Tinúviel, Original Character(s), Tom Bombadil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 9, 912 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Goldilocks and the Three Balrogs by Clodia
Ca. 1000 TA, Glorfindel finds himself unexpectedly alive and on a ship to Middle-earth in the company of five not-quite-Men. Where next? Imladris, of course...
MEFA 2010 Second Place (Genres: Character Study: Silmarillion).
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Círdan, Elrond, Erestor, Gandalf, Glorfindel, Original Character(s), Radagast, Saruman |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 25, 097 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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The Thrall by Ithilwen
A young Elf joins Maedhros's personal staff, and in the course of his duties discovers some disturbing facts about his childhood hero. Graphic violence, disturbing themes.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 277 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Voices in the Wilderness by Ithilwen
How does Fëanor's banishment from Tirion affect the Noldor?
| Major Characters: Curufin, Fëanor, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finwë, Maedhros, Melkor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 9, 165 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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A Matter of Cultural Differences by Lissas Elves
A Most Proper Elf gains insight in some of the vices of mortals and learns a little about himself in the process.
Warnings are for graphic language.
MEFA 2009 - First place, Genres: Humor: Elven Legends
| Major Characters: Elrond, Erestor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 363 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Noldolantë by Ithilwen
Maeglin at the fall of Gondolin. Graphic violence and adult themes.
| Major Characters: Eärendil, Idril, Maeglin, Tuor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Character Death, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 787 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Dark Forge by Ithilwen
The events of Maeglin's life leading up to the betrayal of Gondolin.
| Major Characters: Maeglin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Torture |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 634 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
The Coming of Twilight by Ithilwen
The meeting of Aredhel and Eöl, and the birth of Maeglin. Adult themes.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Eöl, Maeglin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 425 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Flawless by Feta
AU. Thorondor never came to the Thangorodrim, and Fingon, in Mithrim, is stranded in the aftermath.
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama, Experimental | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 939 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Just One Victory by Feta
AU. Morgoth never hangs Maedhros from Thangorodrim, which means Fingon is unable to rescue him. Centuries later, the Union of Fingolfin results in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, and a prisoner takes his chance for escape.
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor, Melkor, Original Character(s), Sons of Fëanor, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Incest, Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Torture, Character Death, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 20, 202 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Wanderlust by Clodia
A brief background for Erestor, stretching from the ages of the stars to the foundation of Imladris. MEFA 2009 Third Place (Times: First Age and Prior: General).
| Major Characters: Círdan, Elrond, Erestor, Melian, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 9, 446 |
| 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: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 005 |
| 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: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 295 |
| 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: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 816 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
True Journey is Return by Ithilwen
Fingon has successfully brought Maedhros back from Thangorodrim. In some ways, that rescue was the easy part.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 246 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Judgement by Independence1776
AU. After the War of Wrath, Maglor surrenders to Eönwë. Nominated in the 2009 MEFAs.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Eönwë, Maglor, Original Character(s), Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 979 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Falling to a Low Place by Ithilwen
The surviving sons of Fëanor attempt to regain the Silmaril from Elwing. Warnings for violence and disturbing themes.
| Major Characters: Amras, Elrond, Elros, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 042 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
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: No challenge listed |
| 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 |
| | |
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: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 249 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
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: No challenge listed |
| 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 |
| | |
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: No challenge listed |
| 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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