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] 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…
[Series] Instadrabbling, 2026-Present by SWG Moderators
We get together from time to time on the SWG Discord and produce spontaneous fanworks based on randomly chosen prompts. This collection includes drabbles, ficlets, and other flash fanworks produced as part of our instadrabbling sessions beginning in 2026.
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
Woman's Sceptre
Create a fanwork using a quote from a woman who has advanced the cause of women's rights or participation of women in the arts. 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
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
Tempestuous Waters by Raiyana
A textual ghost is a son of Olwë's - another is Thranduil's mother... and this is why the daughter of the former finds herself in a position to become the latter... eventually.
Or, the First Kinslaying as seen by a young Telerin maiden.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Curufin, Olwë, Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2019, Hidden Figures |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 954 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
What It Takes To Survive by eris_of_imladris
Summary: Nerdanel, after receiving disastrous news from Alqualondë. Inspired by “Burn” from Hamilton.
Written for B2MEM 2019 with the prompts: Nerdanel, “let it burn” (Fëanorians), nobility (purple).
| Major Characters: Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 765 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Calm Before the Storm by StarSpray
Elrond makes a visit to Ost-in-Edhil.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Elrond, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 774 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Eavesdropping by hennethgalad
Aradan overhears the truth from his beloved...
| Major Characters: Marach |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Hidden Figures |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 017 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Three Sentence Fics 2018: Tolkien by Zdenka
A collection of Tolkien-based fills written for rthstewart's 3 Sentence Ficathon in 2018.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Gil-galad, Glaurung, Ilmarë, Orodreth, Sauron, Thuringwethil, Uinen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 414 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Golden Hair. by hennethgalad
Glorfindel is surprised on the way to Ezelloha.
| Major Characters: Glorfindel, Ingwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Erotica | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 055 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
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| Major Characters: Aerin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 150 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Elven Pearls for Dwarven Halls by StarSpray
You can't mine pearls, so Idun of Khazad-dûm goes to Lindon to trade for them.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 949 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Dry lightning by Idrils Scribe
Word of Morgoth’s latest endeavour reaches High King Fingolfin's court in Hithlum, and Fingon the Valiant eagerly rides to Ard-galen to investigate. Of course there is a one-handed, red-haired ulterior motive … Thankfully his Aunt Lalwen, the High King’s sister, comes along to keep things in check.
Story complete: the tale of how Lalwen came to accept Fingon and Maedhros.
Many thanks to Grundy for her excellent and scientifically accurate beta!
| Major Characters: Lalwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: Love Actually |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 6, 170 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Knife-sharp by heget
Gamil Zarik, master of Telchar, close friend of the elven royal family, goes to Menegroth one last time.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Gamil Zirak, Lúthien Tinúviel, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 382 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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one drop should be enough by quillingmesoftly
Malótë just wants to cool off after a tiring day. Things take a turn for the unexpected.
Or, the one where Caranthir sings in the shower, meets his wife, and invents the strapless sweetheart neckline.
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fluff, Romance | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 480 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
In Empty Lands by StarSpray
When word reached Rivendell that Frodo was abroad and Gandalf was missing, it was Glorfindel's lot to take the road, and Eluréd and Elurín's to ride south.
| Major Characters: Boromir (Fellowship), Elrond, Eluréd, Elurín |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 429 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Of Crowns and Sand and Fruitless Searching by StarSpray
Elrond and Elros, out searching for Maglor, make camp on the beach.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: B2MeM 2019, Love Actually |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 900 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Mighty Warrior by hennethgalad
Glorfindel tells Bilbo of an early romantic conquest.
| Major Characters: Glorfindel, Ingwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Erotica | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 291 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Chetwood Truffle Pies by hennethgalad
while enjoying a pie in Rivendell, Bilbo sees a disturbance in the trees where the elves gather to sing...
| 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, 543 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Such Great Deeds by Himring
A friendship fic featuring Beleg and Fingon, from the Mereth Aderthad to the Dagor Nirnaeth Arnoediad.
With guest appearances by Mablung, Cirdan and Gwindor and a great deal of conversation on a great many subjects.
Last added: We Two, From the Wars (Mablung and Beleg return to Doriath, for the Love Actually Challenge)
| Major Characters: Beleg, Círdan, Fingon, Gwindor, Mablung |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: B2MeM 2019, Gift of a Story, Love Actually |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 12, 908 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Shifting Landscapes by HannaGoldworthy
An account of how, through many sorrows, a small-town painter and hiking enthusiast becomes the unlikely Lady of Minas Tirith and Queen of Nargothrond. Utilizes many prompts, typically as chapter titles.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama, Family, General, Horror, Humor, Hurt/Comfort, Romance | Challenges: Love Actually |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 446 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
All That You Can't Leave Behind by Grundy
Eärendil has, against all odds made it to Aman. But he's more nervous than he expected about being the first Noldo to return to Tirion.
| Major Characters: Eärendil, Eönwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Love Actually |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 504 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
We Kiss in a Shadow by Narya
A stolen moment for Voronwë and Elemmakil. Shameless smut, written for B2MeM 2019 in response to the prompt 'Haste, Haste.' The title is taken from the Rodgers and Hammerstein song of the same name.
| Major Characters: Elemmakil, Voronwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Erotica, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 013 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Burden by Independence1776
As promised, Elrond informs Thranduil of Maglor's presence in Rivendell.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: Love Actually |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 580 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
T’was many years ago we fell in love by Nienna
(Sonnet) After Thingol’s death, Melian reflects on their life together and what happens next.
Written for B2MeM 2019 and SWG Challenge Love Actually.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry, Romance | Challenges: B2MeM 2019, Love Actually |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 107 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Over the Flowing Sea by StarSpray
The storm that destroys Númenor reaches the coast of Middle-earth.
| Major Characters: Elendil, Elrond, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2019 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 946 |
| 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) |
Denial by Fernstrike
There's a way the wind whispers through the trees in Eregion.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 428 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Calmer Waters by Raiyana
Aulë claimed Uinen was the only one with the power to reclaim Ossë... and that's what she did, calming his fury with her love - or so the Children say.
| Major Characters: Ossë, Uinen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2019, Love Actually |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 511 |
| 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) |
above all shadows rides the Sun by quillingmesoftly
She has made her decision, and all he feels is relief.
Or, Amárië and Finrod establish their feelings in the wake of his re-embodiment. Gen Amárië and Finrod, Finrod/Andreth undertones.
| Major Characters: Amarië, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Love Actually |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 980 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
