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
Rejects
Create a fanwork around one of Tolkien's rejected ideas from the legendarium. 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
What REALLY Happened; A Falling-out Among Thieves; or Get It In Writing by Cee Cee
Summary
That old villain Melkor, Ungoliant in tow, had plagued Valinor, vandalizing trees, swiping jewels—oh, yes, and killing poor Finwe—then done a bunk.
In this bit, we join them in Middle-earth to observe the end of a not-so-beautiful friendship…ah…partnership.
| Major Characters: Melkor, Ungoliant |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 473 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
First Impressions by Grundy
Thingol trusts his kin above all others. When he receives word from Finrod, it is his young kin he sends to meet the representatives of the Noldor.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Original Female Character(s), Oropher |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Breaking Boundaries, Middle-earth Museum |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 2, 994 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
9 Popular Misconceptions About Elf Sex (And What Tolkien Actually Wrote On The Matter) by Lyra
There are various recurring convictions concerning the matter of love, sex and marriage among the Eldar. We've probably all encountered them at some point. But a closer look at Tolkien's writings shows that matters aren't as simple as fanon tends to believe.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: Analysing Arda |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Character Death, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 277 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (16) |
Somehow they’ll find their way home by Himring
There are some elves out there who still need to find their way home: Maglor, Daeron, Mithrellas.
Somehow, they will.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Maglor, Mithrellas |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: B2MeM 2018 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 191 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Quenta Narquelion by bunn
What if Fëanor's spirit never left the halls of Mandos because it never went there in the first place?
Fëanor, dead, watches the First Age unfold and from time to time, joins in. Canon-compliant character death and a detailed account of the Eastern Front of the War of Wrath. [Thanks to pp for beta reading]
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor, Sauron, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 23 | Word Count: 119, 810 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (19) |
I Will Share Your Road by Lotrfan
The road from Tirion is harsh and difficult but Nolofinwë finds his arrival in Beleriand far different than he expected.
Written for the Teitho contest prompt "Expectation."
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 804 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
West Over Sirion by swampdiamonds
Gwindor considers the best route home.
| Major Characters: Gwindor, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 137 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Scion of Kings by janeways
Gil-Galad reflects on his heritage and pens a letter to the man he thinks (hopes?) might be his father.
| Major Characters: Eluréd, Elurín, Fingon, Gil-galad, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 4, 765 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Sing me a Song of the Queen who is Gone by Raiyana
He thought it was over, the darkest days of grief had passed, giving way to slivers of sunlight and new hope growing.
For a while, he was right.
And then he wasn't, then he was sucked right back into those grim days, trying to keep his heart from breaking but knowing it would inevitably shatter in his breast.
There was only one choice left, and it was no choice at all; it was despair and a guilt he would carry until the end of days, guilt under which he would become a version of himself he hardly recognised...
Or, the story of the Queen of Greenwood and the King who banished her for love and a desperate hope... and the shattered family she left behind.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Het, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 7, 110 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Nightingale before the power of Night by Laura Elizabeth
Luthien casts her songspell over Morgoth.
| Major Characters: Lúthien Tinúviel, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 89 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
No Sign of Weakness by oshun
Sparring Finwean cousins.
May-June Challenge Entry - Competition/Prompt: Lucie Jones: Never Give Up On You lyrics – 2017 Eurovision Song Contest
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Celegorm, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Competition |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 565 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
A Farcical Attempt by LadyBrooke
Having recently arrived in Valinor, the three greatest minstrels of Middle-earth are told they will participate in a contest against singers from Valinor.
Daeron thinks Maglor is taking this competition far too seriously.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: Competition |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 078 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (18) |
Both Alike In Dignity by Grundy
Great minds think alike in Second Age Eregion.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Narvi |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Competition |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 701 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Trouble in the library by Jane Speedwell
A young Fëanáro has become interested in linguistics, and Tirion's top etymologist is not happy.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 731 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
His Own Words by Tyelca
The private thoughts of Gríma, counselor to King Théoden of Rohan. The story of how a young man of great potential turned into a traitor to his country, told in his own words.
| Major Characters: Gríma Wormtongue, Men |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Competition |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 371 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Falling Stars by Tyelca
For we have to remember that a falling star is nothing but a meteor, a burning mass of rock and ice that rapidly descends through the atmosphere before crashing on the surface, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake.
Seven stories for Fëanorian Week.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Suicide, Character Death |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 5, 437 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Hour of the Wolf by ElberethTheStarkindler
Finrod musters up the courage to die.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Competition |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 328 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Heroes iii) Play. by hennethgalad
(3 of 3). (part of Laurelöt).
Glorfindel is invited to the House of Curumo (Saruman) where he meets Ingwë.
| Major Characters: Glorfindel, Ingwë, Saruman |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Competition |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 194 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Heroes ii) Tailors of Tirion. by hennethgalad
2 of 3 (part of Laurelöt)
On his first day in Tirion, Glorfindel chooses at the tailors.
| Major Characters: Erestor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Competition |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 147 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Heroes i). Inside. by hennethgalad
1of 3. (and part of Laurelöt)
The first day in Tirion for Glorfindel. He learns a great deal.
| Major Characters: Erestor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Competition |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 729 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Of Eol & Aredhel by gamil-zirak
This is the tale of Eol and Aredhel as told from a different perspective. Some may like it and others not so much. As the author I can only hope that many will read it. I hope you all enjoy the story.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Ecthelion of the Fountain, Eöl, Idril, Maeglin, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 41, 212 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Only Teardrops by Raiyana
The Host of the Valar is almost ready to leave Aman... including someone unexpected.
| Major Characters: Nerdanel, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Competition |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 825 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Silver Fragments Falling by StarSpray
When Finrod had previously considered his death, he had thought it would come in battle, at the end of a sword or a mace or an arrow.
| Major Characters: Amarië, Beren, Finrod Felagund, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Het | Challenges: Competition |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 099 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (13) |
(Vote) Up Not Down by Himring
Life is too short for some kind of contests.
Maybe it's possible to love one thing without knocking the alternative.
(Especially if both of them happen to be fictional, in any case.)
Free verse (pretty much extra free)
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Competition |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 169 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
In the Light of the Sun and the Moon by Raiyana
The year is 130 of the Third Age of the Sun, and peace has been restored to the Eldar after the great and Terrible War that ended the previous Age... or has it?
Glorfindel has doubts, and when Elrond is kidnapped, he smells a nefarious plot afoot...
Can he save his friend from a no-doubt terrible fate at the hands of his abductor?
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Elrond, Erestor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 104 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
