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] Daughters of the Great by Himring
Araglas inherits the chieftainship of the Dunedain of Arnor upon his father's death. But Araglas has been living in Rivendell all this while. Meanwhile, his second cousin Arthiel has been acting as his father's right hand in the Angle.
Araglas comes up with a plan that stuns Arthiel and…
[Writing] The Last of the Old Gods by AdmirableMonster
Two members of the crew of the starship Vérië land on the planet Andúnië, investigating a location of interest called The Sleeping Garden.
(Introducing: a Space Opera Númenor AU. Let's be real, it was only a matter of time.)
[Writing] Amid the Wrack by Isilme_among_the_stars
After Ancalagon is cast down Eärendil seeks out his sons and Elrond grapples with the feelings the meeting brings.
Written for Tolkien Sea Week 2026: Day 5 - family
[Writing] The Tale of Tar-Ciryatan's Daughter by Kaylee Arafinwiel
Ailinel, orphan of Numenor, is one of the poor girls dowered by Tar-Ciryatan and titled a "King's Daughter", encouraged to sail East to his colonies and find herself a husband.
It doesn't take her that long.
But even after she and Shipman Gaerondur find love, life in the colony isn…
[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] A Gift by Elrond's Library
Findekáno sets out to retrieve Maitimo.
[Reference] Grief, Grieving, and Permission to Mourn in the "Quenta Silmarillion" by Dawn Walls-Thumma
In a book as full of death as the Quenta Silmarillion, grief and mourning are surprisingly absent. The characters who receive grief and mourning—and those who don't—appear to do so due to narrative bias. Grief and mourning (or a lack of them) serve to draw attention toward and…
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
Strong Women
Choose a female character from The Silmarillion or related texts who contributes something of value and create a fanwork about her. Read more ...
New in References
Grief, Grieving, and Permission to Mourn in the "Quenta Silmarillion" by Dawn Walls-Thumma
In a book as full of death as the Quenta Silmarillion, grief and mourning are surprisingly absent. The characters who receive grief and mourning—and those who don't—appear to do so due to narrative bias. Grief and mourning (or a lack of them) serve to draw attention toward and away from objectionable actions committed by characters.
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.
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
Feanorian Week 2026
A week dedicated to celebrating to the Sons of Feanor (and their parents) on Tumblr
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
Out of the Great Sea by Lyra
Vëandis, formerly Lady of Andúnië, has been shipwrecked in Middle-earth. Now she and the other survivors of the Downfall have to find the strength to carry on.
Rated Adult for some upsetting content, mentions of death (animal and human), and suicidal ideation.
| Major Characters: Elendil, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2019, Hidden Figures |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 914 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
The Book of Short Tales by Lyra
A place to store short stories, ficlets and challenge responses that don't really warrant being archived on their own.
Newly Added: "The Good and the Bad". Young Aragorn discusses Noldorin history with Erestor.
| Major Characters: Amandil, Aragorn, Aredhel, Aulë, Azaghâl, Beren, Caranthir, Celeborn, Curufin, Daeron, Durin I, Dwarves, Elwing, Erestor, Fëanor, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel, Haleth, Idril, Maedhros, Maglor, Melian, Melkor, Nerdanel, Olwë, Original Character(s), Sons of Fëanor, Ungoliant, Vairë, Varda |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Crossover, Drama, Experimental, General | Challenges: B2MeM 2010, B2MeM 2011, B2MeM 2012, B2MeM 2013, B2MeM 2016, B2MeM 2019, With a Bit of Fairy Dust |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Violence (Mild), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 34 | Word Count: 31, 316 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (170) |
B2MEM 2019 Double Drabbles by eris_of_imladris
My double drabbles based on B2MEM prompts! My self-imposed rule was that I had to use prompts from the same Bingo number/day together.
Based on the following cards: All OCs All The Time, Aspects of Aragorn, Color Burst: Purple, Elements of Elrond, Facets of Faramir, Fëanatics, Fun with Fëanorians, Maglor in History 1, Person vs. Self, and Textual Ghosts.
Individual pieces rated G - T. Check individual pieces for warnings.
***Hidden Figures Challenge: Chapters O72, B12, N44, N45, N32***
| Major Characters: Bëor, Celebrimbor, Círdan, Elrond, Fëanor, Glorfindel, Indis, Maedhros, Maglor, Míriel Serindë, Ulfang |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: B2MeM 2019, Hidden Figures |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 18 | Word Count: 3, 604 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
New Day, New Age by StarSpray
It was the most thrilling thing, to sail away and watch the coastline of Middle-earth dwindle and fade into a dark line on the horizon, and then to vanish completely.
| Major Characters: Elros, Eärendil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 990 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A Good Gift. by hennethgalad
Bilbo asks Glorfindel about the silver-studded leather flask, and Glorfindel tells him of his friendship with a hunter from Bree.
Glorfindel card B15 and I25
| Major Characters: Bilbo Baggins, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 187 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
it grows perhaps the greater by quillingmesoftly
Elanor Gamgee meets a mysterious figure from Mr Frodo's Red Book; Arwen is just enjoying hearing her grandmother tell stories again.
| Major Characters: Arwen, Goldberry |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 134 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Poison Smile by StarSpray
Lady Tanith is well known for her gardens and her potions.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: B2MeM 2019, Hidden Figures |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 297 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Indy's B2MeM Stories by Independence1776
A collection of my Back to Middle-earth Month stories. Each chapter is a different year.
2019: Maglor visits Elrond after Gil-galad's death. Triple drabble.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Daeron, Elrond, Elros, Elwing, Fëanor, Finarfin, Findis, Fingolfin, Idril, Lalwen, Maedhros, Maglor, Melkor, Nerdanel, Original Character(s), Tuor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Crossover, Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General, Humor, Poetry | Challenges: B2MeM 2009, B2MeM 2010, B2MeM 2011, B2MeM 2012, B2MeM 2014, B2MeM 2015, B2MeM 2016, B2MeM 2018, B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 11, 098 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Umbar - Where the Stars are Strange by oshun
There they made a refuge for all the enemies of the king, and a lordship independent of his crown. Umbar remained at war with Gondor for many lives of men..(‘Appendix A’ ~ The Lord of the Rings)
| Major Characters: Númenóreans |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Poisoned Peace by eris_of_imladris
War was supposed to end by the light of the Silmarils. Millenia later, another gem grows from a darkness that is all too familiar.
Written for B2MEM 2019 with the prompts: Maglor in the Manhattan Project, silmarils
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 1, 709 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Happiness Found by anriondrakonion
Things are better.
That's not difficult to acheive, but things are better.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fluff, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 271 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Battle of Fornost. by hennethgalad
Bilbo asks Glorfindel about the Battle of Fornost, Glorfindel tells him of Eärnur, the last king of Gondor.
| Major Characters: Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2019, Hidden Figures |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 216 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
United, Divided: The War of Telerin Aggression by eris_of_imladris
Summary: The First Kinslaying and its aftermath told by the fighters on both sides and the ones they left behind.
Written for B2MEM 2019 with the prompts: “the War of Telerin Aggression,” battered but not broken (Fëanorians), crippled by worry, bruise (purple), royal (purple), Fëanor was framed.
Side Note: As someone born in the South, but to proud Northern parents, I’ve heard a lot of opinions about the phrase this parody comes from. I was intrigued by this idea even before all the cards were out, and I ended up choosing this card at least partially because I wanted to see what would happen if B14 was ever called. I’m very enthused about writing this out from multiple perspectives.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Fëanor, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 8 | Word Count: 8, 497 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Nightingales in Willow Trees by StarSpray
Celebrian goes down to the river to gather willow bark.
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Elrond |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fluff, Het | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 084 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Eye for an Eye by Sasha Honeypalm
A newly-sailed Elf counters advanced medicine in Valinor.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 266 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Hearts Broken by oshun
Usually, think of blue for Fingon but this one is red for blood, or Maedhros, or hearts broken.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Noldor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Valmar of Many Bells. ... by oshun
"And when Valinor was full-wrought and the mansions of the Valar were established, in the midst of the plain beyond the mountains they built their city, Valmar of many bells. ..." The Silmarillion, "Of The Beginning of Days."
| Major Characters: Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Of Mahtan Nerdanel Learned Much of Crafts by oshun
Of Mahtan Nerdanel learned much of crafts that women of the Noldor seldom used: the making of things of metal and stone. She made images, some of the Valar in their forms visible, and many others of men and women of the Eldar, and these were so like that their friends, if they knew not her art, would speak to them; but many things she wrought also of her own thought in shapes strong and strange but beautiful. Morgoth’s Ring.
| Major Characters: Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Most Bright by Lyra
A collection of short ficlets about Princess Ancalimë, who will become the first Ruling Queen of Númenor.
Newly added: "Exit, Pursued", for B2MeM and the Hidden Figures challenge.
| Major Characters: Almarian, Tar-Aldarion, Tar-Ancalimë, Zamîn |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: B2MeM 2019, Discovery, Hidden Figures, Teen Spirit |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 4, 135 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Ember by Gabriel
Maglor Feanorian, self-exiled and a kinslayer; alienated, feared and hated, by almost everyone. Upon travelling and living in the wilds of Middle-earth; to his surprise, he stumbles upon someone from his past.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Family, Fluff, General, Horror, Humor, Hurt/Comfort, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 617 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Weaving by Zdenka
Three scenes of Galadriel weaving, the things she learned and the things she taught. Written for Purimgifts 2019.
| Major Characters: Arwen, Eärwen, Galadriel, Lúthien Tinúviel, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 1, 840 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
That's Amarië! by Sasha Honeypalm
When a dumb song's made worse/by nonsensical verse/that's a parody
| Major Characters: Amarië, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crackfic, Het | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 126 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Face the Music by Sasha Honeypalm
One time only in the history of Arda, by Luthien's song, was Mandos moved to pity.
...Self-pity counts, right?
| Major Characters: Lúthien Tinúviel, Mandos |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Crackfic, Humor | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 989 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A small oasis of love by anriondrakonion
Daeron reflects.
Maglor sleeps.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 280 |
| 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) |
The Council of Elrond. by hennethgalad
Bilbo and Glorfindel meet after the Council.
| Major Characters: Bilbo Baggins, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 785 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
