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
Rise Above
Create a fanwork using a quote from a woman who made contributions in science. 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
Five Times Nerdanel Said 'Yes' by oshun
This was written for the SWG 5th Birthday celebration based on the Theme: Five Things, updated to include numerous B2MeM 2012 prompts. Chapter 8 added (30 March 2018).
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Anairë, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Eärwen, Fëanor, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Finwë, Indis, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Romance | Challenges: B2MeM 2012, Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Expletive Language, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 8 | Word Count: 21, 805 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (53) |
Our Home Among the Stars by Nienna
A poem/song about the stars, and the Great Journey.
Terza Rima.
For B2MEM 2018 using the prompt,"By the starlit mere of Cuiviénen, Water of Awakening, they rose from the sleep of Ilúvatar; and while they dwelt yet silent by Cuiviénen their eyes beheld first of all things the stars of heaven." (The Silmarillion, "Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor, Tolkien.)
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: B2MeM 2018 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 360 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
In the Bitter Rain by Zdenka
The last stand of the Entwives and the burning of the Brown Lands.
| Major Characters: Ents |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: B2MeM 2018 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| 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) |
Music in the light of Telperion by Aprilertuile
Little Makalaurë just finished composing his first melody and feels the need to share with his eldest brother.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 595 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
the quiet of cooling ashes by Sasha Honeypalm
In the Halls of the Dead there are many silences.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Mandos |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2018 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 521 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Mirror of Belegost. by hennethgalad
Eowyn visits the Museum of Middle-Earth in Minas Tirith after the wedding of Aragorn and Arwen, where she meets Galadriel.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Gandalf, Glorfindel, Samwise Gamgee |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Middle-earth Museum |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 677 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Abundance [ Nerdanel ] by Lordnelson100
Of artistry, women's bodies, and loss.
#
Week after week, she worked at it, chisel in hand. Her hands were worn and bruised, the skin dry and cracked with stone dust, her nails broken. Her boots and leggings were covered in a thick paste of slurry, and even her tunic and other clothes were frankly unclean. Her hair was stuffed carelessly into a rough cap, from which it escaped in ragged ends.
#
| Major Characters: Aulë, Fëanor, Mahtan, Nerdanel, Yavanna |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 095 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Fëanorians in 600 Words or Less by eris_of_imladris
Each Fëanorian gets their own headcanon and short story of 600 words or less for this character exploration!
Written for Fëanorian Week 2018.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Elrond, Elros, Fëanor, Indis, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 18, 130 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Forth Again, to Behold the Stars by feanorusrex
Niënor Níniel puts her life back together after Túrin's death.
| Major Characters: Nienor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 8, 477 |
| 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 (10) |
The Final Destination by just_jenni
I've often thought about Nerdanel's life after her husband and sons departed for Arda, leaving her behind in Aman. This story (written for Slashy Santa's recent Valentine exchange) imagines the beginnings of her separation from Feanor - in her mind at least, after doubts about the marriage being successful were sown - and before her special relationship with Anaire had begun. I have imagined the relationship to be a romantic one, although in the beginning there was a definite physical bond between the two women.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Erotica, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 142 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
What's in a Name by Raiyana
Fëanor was always fascinated by Nerdanel's freckles... the stars in her skin form constellations all her own - or are they?
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: B2MeM 2018 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 154 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
To Look Across the Wide Seas by StarSpray
Elwing receives some unexpected news.
| Major Characters: Elwing, Radagast |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2018, Middle-earth Museum |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 537 |
| 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) |
White Wings by Zdenka
As Sauron’s influence grows in Númenor, Míriel and a scholar of the Faithful discuss the translation of Elvish poetry.
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2018 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 216 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Lies a Long Shadow by Elleth
Under the growing shadows of Angmar and amid her prophecies, Malbeth loves Fíriel and bides her time.
| Major Characters: Fíriel (Gondor), Malbeth the Seer |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 253 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
And the Wave Above Me by Elleth
The Valar call the Elves of Aman to prepare for the War of Wrath. Amid fraught Telerin politics, Anairë is conflicted.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Eärwen, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Erotica, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 887 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Songs of the Sea by Raiyana
In which Uinen struggles with what to do with Maglor wandering the shore of her Seas, the Oath that still clings to him, the Silmaril he keeps dropping into her domain, and her feelings in general.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Nerdanel, Ossë, Uinen, Ulmo |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General, Romance | Challenges: B2MeM 2018 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 12, 567 |
| 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) |
Memory of joy by Aprilertuile
Nerdanel sees an instrument that her second born used to play and remembers.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Middle-earth Museum |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 557 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Three Sentence Fics: Tolkien by Zdenka
A collection of fills written for rthstewart's 3 Sentence Ficathon in 2013 and 2015, for Tolkien-based prompts. (Mostly Silmarillion, with one for Farmer Giles of Ham and Sir Orfeo, and one non-Tolkien crossover.)
Chapters 2 & 3: More Tolkien-based fills written for caramelsilver's 3 Sentence Ficathon in 2016 and 2017.
| Major Characters: Ar-Pharazôn, Beren, Celebrimbor, Elrond, Elros, Elwing, Eärendil, Finarfin, Galadriel, Huor, Húrin, Lúthien Tinúviel, Maglor, Melkor, Nazgûl, Other Fictional Character(s), Rían, Sauron, Tar-Ancalimë, Tar-Míriel, Túrin, Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover, General, Het | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 5, 192 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Walking in the Gardens by Raiyana
A Hero's Journey Matryoshka challenge story, featuring the head gardener of Indis' home in Vanyamar.
Set in Aman, post War of Wrath, when the arrival of Indis and Findis turn the lives of the household upside down - and leads one maiden to lose her heart to another.
| Major Characters: Findis, Indis, Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Hero's Journey, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 13, 002 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Spell of Silence by Zdenka
Daeron discovers Lúthien's love for Beren. In jealousy and grief, he casts a spell of silence over Doriath.
| Major Characters: Daeron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Het | Challenges: B2MeM 2018 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 450 |
| 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) |
Heron. by hennethgalad
Belen, son of Beor, speaks of his youth.
(For 2018 B2MeM. Music of the Waters.
Also a story I was going to use for Breaking Boundaries.)
| Major Characters: Belen, Bëor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2018 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 930 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
So Wide a Sea by StarSpray
While exploring Tol Fuin, Eluréd meets an albatross. They chat.
| Major Characters: Eluréd, Elurín |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2018 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 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 (2) |
Luthien's Choice by Grundy
Short snippet of Luthien in Mandos, originally a quick Tumblr fic.
| Major Characters: Lúthien Tinúviel, Mandos |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 581 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
After the Storm Ends by Independence1776
Maglor and Alatar discuss rumors and Sauron.
| Major Characters: Alatar, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 043 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Precious by Sasha Honeypalm
It had been in his hand when he'd fallen into the fire.
| Major Characters: Gollum, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2018 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 591 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
