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
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
Forbidden Lavender by Raiyana
The brewing of ale and beer was a woman's work, and thus (because Bunn is a terrible enabler) this little ficlet about Anairë and Nerdanel and some unexpected lavender happened.
Amnesty sitcom fic for the You did WHAT?!? prompt.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Humor | Challenges: Sitcom |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 550 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Down by The Docks by Mysterious Jedi
A strange ship sails into Lindon. Who could it be?
| Major Characters: Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 783 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Use Well the Days by bunn
Lalwen knows exactly what she wants. So does Círdan, really, though for him it's more complicated.
| Major Characters: Círdan, Fingolfin, Lalwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, Fluff, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 704 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Regarding And Revisiting The Death Of Thingol And The Subsequent Ambush Of The Dwarven Army by heget
Quote-heavy essay on the Battle at the Sarn Athrad against the dwarves, editorial changes to rework the Death of Thingol to fit together with later drafts, and a possible way to reconcile drafts and conflicting canon.
| Major Characters: Beren, Dwarves, Elu Thingol, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 594 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Klingon Promotions Among the Vanyar by heget
It is high time that I explained a head-canon that became the bedrock upon which sits "Of Ingwë Ingweron". Building off some ideas about the Vanyar and my ideas and opinions about Cuiviénen, I landed on what I swear is not a crack theory.
| Major Characters: Imin, Ingwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 747 |
| 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) |
An Invitation To Dance by Tilperiel
A Yuletide Ball set in Vinyamar in the First age.
This work is for elemmire-of-aman for the Tolkien Secret Santa Exchange 2018.
It can be read as a standalone or as part of the Silver & Gold Verse (soon to be published)
Prompt: Glorfindel, Fingon, Maedhros, Russingon. No NSFW.
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Egalmoth, Fingolfin, Fingon, Glorfindel, Lalwen, Maedhros, Original Female Character(s), Voronwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Family, Fluff, General, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 030 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
moonsea by kimaracretak
Erendis does not love the Sea.
The Sea loves her, anyway.
| Major Characters: Erendis, Uinen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 988 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
I'll Be Yours If You'll Be Mine by NelyafinweFeanorion
Modern setting AU. Maedhros/Fingon. Maedhros owns a bookstore. Fingon is in grad school. Expect appearances from varied members of the House of Finwë. Except Finwë--he's already dead in this story. This is a modern take on how Maedhros and Fingon meet and develop a relationship. Brothers, sisters, family and roommates--the gang's all here!
Cover artwork of Fingon and Maedhros by the incomparable cinemairon. So grateful, humbled and awed to have this amazing art be part of this story of mine.
Check out the tumblr at http://cinemairon.tumblr.com
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Aredhel, Argon, Azaghâl, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Fëanor, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 45 | Word Count: 125, 482 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
From Sleep to Swift Fury by Raiyana
Ossë's rebellion. I used the quote from the Fall of Arthur off the starter course to create this Fish Course dish... I have no regrets.
In the South from sleep
to swift fury
a storm was stirred,
striding northward
over leagues of water
loud with thunder
and roaring rain
it rushed onward.
| Major Characters: Ossë, Uinen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Holiday Feast |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 338 |
| 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 (3) |
Missing the Past by StarSpray
“But no, it is not ruins or pottery I am interested in. They told me that Maglor was living on Himling.”
Círdan set down his glass. He did not look surprised. “I had heard rumors,” he said. “The fishermen up the coast that way are a superstitious folk, and I’ve long thought that their ghost stories might have a particular source. But I did not think he was still there, or that he’d gone out to Himling Isle.”
“It makes sense,” Elrond said, staring down into his glass and watching the liquid catch the sunlight as he turned it in his fingers. “Is there a boat I could borrow?”
| Major Characters: Círdan, Elrond, Eluréd, Elurín, Ossë, Uinen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Holiday Feast |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 844 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Moments of Healing by eris_of_imladris
Nerdanel receives comfort and healing from an unexpected source. Draws on content from Fourth Father, Enemies to Sons, and my 2018 Feanorian Week drabbles.
Written for the Silmarillion Writers Guild challenge of using the first line of the nearest thing - I opened a magazine and found: “When tragedy strikes home, we find moments of healing where we can - often in encounters with one another.”
| Major Characters: Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: Holiday Feast |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 820 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Release from Bondage by heget
The story of two elves from Nargothrond, neither important enough to be mentioned in the family trees of kings or heroic songs, who lost their names in Angband's slavery. The childhood companion of Finduilas Faelivrin must take the princess's identity to survive in the enemy's hands. Another prisoner, regretting he did not join Beren’s quest, tries his best to save her.
or
The later half of The Silmarillion from the POV of prisoners in Angband, as inspired by A Dance with Dragons.
| Major Characters: Edrahil, Finarfin, Finduilas, Gelmir (Nargothrond), Gil-galad, Gwindor, Húrin, Maeglin, Orcs, Original Character(s), Orodreth, Other Fictional Character(s), Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover, Drama, Horror, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 13 | Word Count: 40, 360 |
| 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) |
Rest, relaxation, & other strange pursuits by Morcondil
The Valier go on their annual camp-out, and Manwë's curiosity gets the best of him.
| Major Characters: Manwë, Valar, Varda |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 049 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Ode to Gil-galad. by hennethgalad
cheesy ode for the cheese course of Holiday Feast.
| Major Characters: Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Holiday Feast |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 67 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Kinship by hennethgalad
Gil-gala, Idril Celebrindal and Celebrimbor meet on the Isle of Balar.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Gil-galad, Idril |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Holiday Feast |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 470 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Times of Change. by hennethgalad
Ereinion Gil-galad sets out for the Falas.
| Major Characters: Galdor of the Havens, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Holiday Feast |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 997 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Yule 3018 by hennethgalad
December 25 3018: The Fellowship have just left Imladris...
| Major Characters: Bilbo Baggins, Dwarves, Elladan, Elrohir, Elrond, Elves, Galdor of the Havens, Gildor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Holiday Feast |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 488 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Carol Caterwauling by Nitheliniel
A song from the heart may melt snow and ice - and bitter hearts.
Young Elrond and Elros establish a dear family tradition.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 574 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
the season will not wait by quillingmesoftly
Elwing does paperwork.
| Major Characters: Elwing |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Holiday Feast |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 107 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Love of Small Things by janeways
The ordinary deeds of everyday life in Lindon and Tirion, through letters. A followup to Scion of Kings.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Erestor, Fingon, Gil-galad, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 7, 817 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
The Stars Above the Sea by Idrils Scribe
"The Great Desert was a circle of blinding whiteness and glare. A leaden sun beat down from directly overhead, burning nothing but silence and salt. Elrohir stood in his saddle and looked out over salt flats without end. Crossing Harad’s central plains in the shimmering daytime heat was reckless. To anyone less experienced with the desert it would have been deadly."
After a long and perilous search Glorfindel found Elrond's missing son in Far Harad - only to lose him again. Will Elrohir's odyssey, across Middle-earth from the furthest South to the North, finally lead him to Rivendell? And what will he find once he gets there?
Sequel to Under Strange Stars, but can perfectly well be read on its own. This story is complete, and will be posted in weekly installments. Your feedback is very much appreciated!
As always, a big bow and thank you to my wonderful beta Dawn Felagund.
| Major Characters: Elrohir |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 11, 548 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
| Major Characters: Eönwë, Manwë, Varda |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 342 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Dance of the Lights by Narya
Aredhel and Egalmoth share a quiet moment on the Grinding Ice.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Egalmoth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Holiday Feast |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 535 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Second Crossing by Narya
On the voyage back to Middle-earth, Glorfindel remembers, and makes some new friends.
| Major Characters: Alatar, Glorfindel, Pallando |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 031 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Smoldering by Grundy
Finrod discovers at least one family feud he'd hoped was settled hasn't been laid to rest yet.
| Major Characters: Angrod, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Holiday Feast |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 344 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
