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
Olórë Mallë
Write a fanwork that features dreams. 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
Lingering in the Hither Lands by bunn
Thangorodrim is broken, and the Elves believe that Evil has ended forever. There's a certain amount of tidying-up to be done.
HoME canon in which Maglor is among the Elves in the early second age and Elrond is with him rather than published Silmarillion canon.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Galadriel, Gil-galad, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 13, 582 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Echo of the Music by janeways
"It is said by the Eldar that in water there lives yet the echo of the Music of the Ainur more than in any substance that is in this Earth; and many of the Children of Ilúvatar hearken still unsated to the voices of the Sea, and yet know not for what they listen."
Finrod writes of love and nightingales (until all he can hear is the sound of water flowing).
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Amarië, Andreth, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Het, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 230 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Step Into Starlight by StarSpray
The door out of which Elves stepped into new life was a small one. It opened into a glade of grass and ferns and fragrant flowers. It swung open on silent hinges one quiet evening, when the sky in the west was purple and the sky in the east night-dark, and the stars burned bright overhead. A cricket hid in the grass and chirped. An owl swooped overhead on silent wings.
| Major Characters: Eluréd, Elurín, Elwing |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 958 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Fields and Mountains Ever Blessed by StarSpray
Celebrían has not been idle while waiting for Elrond to come west.
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Celebrimbor, Círdan, Elladan, Elrohir, Elrond, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Het | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 460 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
And in the End by Ivare
Maedhros and Maglor realise the price they have paid for the Silmarils.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Suspense | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Suicide, Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 315 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
In the River Valley by StarSpray
"Ah!" The strange man peered more closely at them. "Elves coming east!" He seemed to find the idea funny, and sat down with them on the grass to laugh. "And what are your names, little elf children?"
| Major Characters: Eluréd, Elurín, Nellas, Tom Bombadil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 286 |
| 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) |
Shame and Grief by LadyBrooke
Maglor has always talked in his sleep.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Sitcom |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 303 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
What A Tangled Net We Weave... by Grundy
Young Artanis, Irissë, and Ambarussa were left to amuse themselves while their fathers were in a meeting at the palace. What could possibly go wrong?
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Aredhel, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Sitcom |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 119 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
Agley. by hennethgalad
Gildis hopes that Írimë will cheer her up.
(free space, sitcom bingo !)
| Major Characters: Lalwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Sitcom |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 769 |
| 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) |
Little Comfort to be Found by Independence1776
During one of Númenor’s last years, Tar-Míriel makes a decision.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 206 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Absinthe-minded by Sleepless_Malice
At a party, Maedhros meets Maglor’s (awful) artist friends and is quite shocked by their openly displayed brazenness.
– written for Fëanorian Week 2018
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Incest, Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 7, 428 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Love Like Darkness, Like Light by Sleepless_Malice
In the Halls of Awaiting, Fëanor and Fingolfin meet again in exceptional circumstances.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingolfin, Mandos |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Incest, Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 606 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Comfort and Joy by Narya
It's the festive season in Gondolin, and Voronwë finds himself intrigued by the Captain of the Guard of the Secret Way.
| Major Characters: Elemmakil, Voronwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Erotica, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 358 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Graveyard Shift by Himring
After the First Kinslaying, Maglor's wife ends up with a grim duty.
Has she been volunteered by others?
Or maybe she did choose it herself, after all?
In the confusion of the times, that may not be an easy distinction to make.
| Major Characters: Noldor, Teleri |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Sitcom |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 781 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
"The Taming of Ossë" by Nerdanel by Sasha Honeypalm
Regret is a riptide; it will drown those who stray into it.
| Major Characters: Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Het | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 234 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Dispossessed For Ever by StarSpray
After Elwing casts herself into the Sea, Maglor finds her sons.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Sitcom |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 847 |
| 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) |
Orcs. by hennethgalad
Fingolfin questions prisoners.
| Major Characters: Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 957 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Aware. by hennethgalad
Fingolfin reads the thoughts of two prisoners to see who is telling the truth.
(reading 'Orcs' first would enrich this)
for the 'Sitcom' challenge "Sophisticated as hell."
| Major Characters: Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror | Challenges: Sitcom |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 194 |
| 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) |
The Hearts of the Eldar by grey_gazania
During the Kinslaying at the Havens of Sirion, one of the Fëanorian soldiers makes a choice.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 148 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
A Trail of Things Lost by Nitheliniel
Betrayed by Feanor and his sons, Fingolfin's host must brave the Helcaraxë to travel from Valinor to Middle Earth. The Grinding Ice takes freely without anything being offered. It takes bodies and souls, smiles and warm feelings, it takes the last of their innocence, and their ability to forgive.
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Aredhel, Argon, Elenwë, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel, Idril, Lalwen, Orodreth, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 7, 630 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Aftermath by hennethgalad
Hador and Gildis have their first row.
| Major Characters: Hador |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Sitcom |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 652 |
| 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) |
Filial Piety by heget
The story of the third companion of Finrod and Beren to die in the dungeons of Tol-in-Gaurhoth.
| Major Characters: Beren, Edrahil, Fëanor, Finrod Felagund, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 447 |
| 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) |
Beyond the Sunset Leads My Way by mainecoon
As the Ringbearers prepare to depart from Middle Earth, one last question still weighs on Elrond's mind. Gandalf is not sure how to answer it. Six thousand years ago at the Havens of Sirion, the twin sons of Feanor found an answer for themselves: one that spoke of little pity and of no hope at all.
Elrond is not willing to accept it, and Gandalf wonders.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Elrond, Gandalf |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 133 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Arms. by hennethgalad
Hador begs the forgiveness of Gildis.
| Major Characters: Hador |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Sitcom |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 161 |
| 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) |
Ajar. by hennethgalad
Even on the night of his wedding, Hador turns to Fingolfin.
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Hador, Lalwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Sitcom |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 572 |
| 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) |
