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 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.
[Writing] A few moments in Gondolin by Quente
Instadrabbling prompts that took the shape of a few perspectives on Turgon's great city.
[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.)
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
Jubilee
This January, for our annual amnesty challenge, any challenge from January 2017 onward is fair game! 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
Fugue by Himring
Maedhros faces Elwing at the Havens of Sirion.
Chiefly from Maedhros's point of view.
With a cameo of little Elrond taking charge.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elwing, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 345 |
| 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) |
The Hero's Journey 3 by hennethgalad
The true nature of Celegorm becomes apparent to Glorfindel.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 38 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Day In The Life by hennethgalad
The youth of Glorfindel in Valinor
| Major Characters: Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The Hero's Journey 2 by hennethgalad
Celegorm and Glorfindel meet.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 101 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The trails of Nan Elmoth by Chiara Cadrich
The tale of Aredhel and Eöl.
Part 5 - Dark deeds
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Eöl |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 11, 395 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
With Doom We Come by Lingwiloke
Gwindor and Finduilas meet for the last time before he leaves for what would afterwards be called the Battle of Unnumbered Tears.
| Major Characters: Finduilas, Gwindor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 616 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Just Deserts by Lingwiloke
Elros has found a starving Maglor on the beach. What now?
| Major Characters: Elros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 891 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
A Queen For The Fourth Age by Kaylee Arafinwiel
Elessar’s great-great-granddaughter is set to become the Two Kingdoms’ first queen. After all, she was firstborn, before her twin brother – the Princess’ Champion. But there may be trouble ahead...
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 160 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
I Will Wait by Lotrfan
Turgon, after the Fall of Gondolin
For the SWG April/May A Woman's Sceptre Challenge.
Prompt:
“Some say cavalry and other claim infantry or a fleet of long oars is the supreme sight on the black earth. I say it is the one you love.” Sappho.
| Major Characters: Mandos, Turgon, Vairë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 988 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by oshun
For the April-May A Woman's Sceptre Challenge. Prompt:
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~ Maya Angelou
Fëanáro remembers Nerdanel. A story of redemption. If you do not like Fëanor, you will probably not want to read it.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Lórien, Mandos, Nerdanel, Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 575 |
| 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) |
The Decadent Queen by Scribe of Mirrormere
Tar-Anducal and Alcarin remember Tar-Vanimeldë differently.
| Major Characters: Herucalmo, Tar-Alcarin, Tar-Vanimeldë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 855 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
An Education in Stone by Erulisse
Nerdanel is given a commission - present a sculptural work to the people of Valinor that will feature images of the Valar. But as an artist, she must remain true to her personal vision. What does that vision convey to the people and to the Valar who are depicted through her carved stone?
| Major Characters: Finarfin, Ingwë, Nerdanel, Olwë, Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 361 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Words by Himring
A short extra scene in the Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth:
Finrod and Andreth discuss matters of language.
| Major Characters: Andreth, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 831 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Like a Shooting Star by StarSpray
For into darkness fell his star
In Mordor, where the shadows are
| Major Characters: Elrond, Finduilas, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 364 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Flight Through The Dark by Tyelca
In the form of a swan Elwing flies over the Sea, carrying a Silmaril and looking for her husband.
| Major Characters: Elwing |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 391 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
"both the Seen and the Unseen" by hennethgalad
Melian takes Galadriel on a farewell trip
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 507 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
We Cry The Same Tears by just_jenni
The three most important people in Aredhel's life try to come to terms with her death.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Curufin, Maeglin, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 011 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
The Council of Finrod by hennethgalad
More of Laurëlot.
Glorfindel attends his first council meeting.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Gildor, Glorfindel, Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 961 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
In Praise of the Feast at Ivrin by Himring
Of the Feast of Reuniting at the pools of Ivrin it is said that the joy of that feast was long remembered in later days of sorrow.
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Noldor, Sindar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| 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 (2) |
Her Father's Daughter by Grundy
Findis was the only one who stayed.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Eärwen, Findis, Lalwen, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 230 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (13) |
Never Shall I See The Place by LadyBrooke
Never shall I see the place,
Where Enel woke and Enelyë roamed.
A poem of a Sindar/Silvan elf in Valinor.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 127 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Excession by hennethgalad
Celeborn falls under the shadow, and is drawn back to the light by Galadriel.
| Major Characters: Beleg, Celeborn, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 367 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Jewel of Hope by lindahoyland
Galadriel muses on the past and finds hope for the future.
| Major Characters: Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 712 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The Robes. by hennethgalad
more Laurëlot.
Glorfindel and Finrod learn more about each other over breakfast.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Gildor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 958 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Hammock of Finrod by hennethgalad
More of Laurëlot. Lounging in a hammock...
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Gildor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 216 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
