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
Birthday Bash
Daily word, image, and poetry prompts are loosely structured around events and milestones leading up to our 20th birthday. 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 Fanworks
Include Beyond the Silmarillion Fanworks
Lay the Heart Bare, Leaf by Leaf by IdleLeaves
A collection of flashfic, drabbles, and snippets.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Aredhel, Elenwë, Curufin, Maglor, Maedhros, Finarfin |
| Major Relationships: Aredhel/Elenwë, Curufin/Finrod, Finrod & Maglor, Curufin & Maglor, Fingon/Finrod, Finarfin & Finrod, Fingon/Finrod/Maedhros |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 2, 853 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Most Important Ingredient is Love by daughterofshadows
A story about stew and how many people cook the same dish across the years. Spanning all the way from the Adanel and her family to the wedding of Aragorn and Arwen.
Across millennia, people come together to share food and good company.
| Major Characters: Adanel, Andreth, Beren, Lúthien Tinúviel, Dior, Isildur, Anárion, Elendil, Elros, Dúnedain, Belemir |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, Fluff | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 5, 945 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
White Lady, Silver Hunter, Child of Twilight. by Fiamma Galathon
The enchantments woven into the woods of Nan Emloth are nothing compared to maternal love.
And so, Aredhel grabs Lómion and runs.
The enchantments woven into the woods of Nan Emloth are nothing compared to the grief of knowing you could had saved your loved one.
And so, Celegorm waits.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Celegorm, Maeglin |
| Major Relationships: Aredhel + Celegorm, Aredhel & Maeglin, Celegorm & Maeglin |
| Genres: Family, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 427 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Upon the Borders of the Sundering Seas by StarSpray
"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: Elwing |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Fiber/Textile Art |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (4) |
Feanorian Star by flame_of_the_noldor
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 listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Fiber/Textile Art |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
Sing All Your Questions to Sleep by IdleLeaves
Ecthelion had not shared Glorfindel's uncertainty, then—but it does not seem unreasonable now, nor so difficult to understand.
Ecthelion, Glorfindel, and post-Nirnaeth doubt.
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: Ecthelion/Glorfindel |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 908 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Shake the Leaves by IdleLeaves
If she's being honest, she's not yet quite sure why she's still a bit surprised that Caranthir has agreed to be here with her, just this once.
Caranthir, Haleth, and an early summer celebration.
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Haleth |
| Major Relationships: Caranthir/Haleth |
| Genres: Erotica | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 072 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Every Second Breath by IdleLeaves
It happens - as always - with no semblance of warning. The ice groans, then shifts, and a channel of dark, swiftly-churning water cleaves open beneath their feet.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Turgon, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: Fingon & Turgon |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 772 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Ekkaia by StarSpray
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 listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Fiber/Textile Art |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (9) |
Where Now They Wander None Can Say by daughterofshadows
A collage about Nimrodel, Amroth (and Mithrellas) and their flight to Edhellond.
Art for Tolkien Reverse Summer Bang
| Major Characters: Nimrodel, Amroth, Mithrellas |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Moodboard/Collage |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
How Kind is Summer? by Flora-lass
Elrond muses, and mourns, and moves on as he must. For the Gates of Summer challenge prompt 'as kind as summer'.
| Major Characters: Elrond |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Gates of Summer |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 355 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Twilight, Child of: Comparisons Between Tinúviel, Lómion, and Undómiel by JazTheBard
The paper written for the presentation of the same name at Mereth Aderthad.
Abstract: In the Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings, three characters share the same stated or implied name etymology, “twilight + child,” in their secondary names: Lúthien, Arwen, and Maeglin. While the parallels between Lúthien and Arwen are outright stated in the text of The Lord of the Rings, Maeglin’s position as an antagonist sees him left out of the analysis of parallels between characters of the same name.
| Major Characters: Lúthien Tinúviel, Maeglin, Arwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 442 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Twenty-four hours in Mirkwood by Quente
Elu Thingol trips over Melian while trying to avoid her dancing, and ends up visiting Greenwood the Great for a short enough time that he does no harm (except to spiders and Thranduil's wine cellar).
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Melian, Thranduil, Legolas Greenleaf |
| Major Relationships: Melian/Thingol |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Crackfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 715 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
don't go blindly into the dark by atlantablack
“He is my brother,” Ñolofinwë says once more, willing her to understand. “He is half of me. What is a fëa worth if half of itself is gone?”
Ñolofinwë is scared that if he takes all that his brother is, and unravels the braid, takes out all of the love, winds what’s left back together — he is so terribly afraid that it will turn into a bitter hatred so dark and violent it may finally rival his brother’s.
He cannot risk that. He cannot. Better to die with love in his heart than live and become an angry, bitter version of himself.
Or: Ñolofinwë begins coughing up flowers and Fëanáro learns that hatred does not erase the duties of a brother.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor & Fingolfin |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama, Family, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 31, 715 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
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.
By Invitation Only by Rocky41_7
Maedhros has received an invitation to one of Elu Thingol's exclusive charity galas. She opts to take her sister as a plus-one. She'll probably regret that.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor, Elu Thingol, Daeron |
| Major Relationships: Maedhros/Thingol, Daeron/Maglor, Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: Drama, Femslash, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 652 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Through the snow to Gondolin by ethanray
Tuor finds moving through the snow more difficult than Voronwë does
For September 2025 instadrabbling
| Major Characters: Tuor, Voronwë |
| Major Relationships: Tuor & Voronwë |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
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: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
Love, Not Wisdom (Drabbles about Men) by Elrond's Library
A collection of drabbles primarily featuring male characters from the Legendarium
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 560 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
we begin in Eden, with an apple and a kiss by atlantablack
“If I did not know better,” he says in a low voice, patience frayed thin, “so close do you insist on being to me, that were you anyone else, I would think you are trying to seduce me.”
Ñolofinwë blinks up at him, eyes hazy and unfocused and so very, very blue. “Would it work if I were?” Ñolofinwë asks in the tone of one who is trying very hard to focus.
Fëanáro stares. Locks his jaw and does not allow his mouth to drop open in shock. "I know you are drunk, but do be serious, Ñolofinwë," he snaps after a tense moment of indecision on how to respond to such an absurd statement. "You cannot seduce those you share blood with, no matter how little it may be."
“Should not,” Ñolofinwë says promptly, one hand coming up to clutch at Fëanáro’s shirt. “You should not seduce kin. But it is possible if one wishes to.”
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor/Fingolfin |
| Genres: Erotica, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Incest, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 347 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
All That the Waves Did Not Claim by Isilme_among_the_stars
Little moments of reflection with Maglor as he comes to terms with grief. A collection of drabbles and other short writings to accompany One in the Deep Waters.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 640 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Scout of the Third House by Himring
In the days of Fingolfin and Malach Aradan, an unnamed scout of the Third House of the Edain (later called the House of Hador) returns from a long journey in the North to Hithlum.
Now with an added narrative frame, in which our no longer unnamed scout in his old age talks to young Hador about his past.
| Major Characters: Edain, Men, Hador, House of Hador, Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, Poetry | Challenges: Times of Bliss |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 678 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Maglor in Camelot and Heorot by Anne Wolfe
Artwork for TRSB 2025, of Maglor in Camelot and Heorot. The corresponding fanfic is being written by Narya, to be linked here when revealed!
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Drawing/Painting |
| Genres: Crossover | crossed with Beowulf | crossed with Sir Gawain and the Green Knight | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (1) |
Letters From The Past by Grundy
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 listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Calligraphy, Craft, Sculpture/3D Artwork |
| Genres: In-Universe Artifact | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
Spirit of Fire by Grundy
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 listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Craft, Sculpture/3D Artwork |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (3) |
