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] 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.)
[Writing] Grief is not the only geography I know by Himring
Indis explains how she took to wandering around Valinor.
[Writing] One Flesh, One Soul. Part I by FellFireFan
As beautiful as he is dangerous, Aegnor, an elven prince, stands against the looming shadows of Angband. Brother to Galadriel, he commands the siege with a fierce intensity, a duty that exacts a heavy toll on him. Beneath the iron walls he has built lies a broken soul, haunted by a devastating…
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
And the Winner Is ...
Pit two characters against each other to see who wins. Characters can fight physically or match their wits or even magic. 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
Tales of the Nine by Kaylee Arafinwiel
Who were the Nine before they became Ringwraiths - and after? Intended as a collection of Wraith-centric pieces whenever they come to me.
| Major Characters: Nazgûl |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Poetry | Challenges: B2MeM 2016 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 488 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Breach in the Walls by Ecthelion
What was Maeglin thinking when he faced Idril in the end?
| Major Characters: Idril, Maeglin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 912 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
One star less by Ariana
Shortly about burning ships in Losgar according to "The Peoples of Middle-Earth"
| Major Characters: Amras, Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 366 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The Letter by Alquien
A thank you note provides unexpected insight.
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Elladan, Elrohir, Elrond, Erestor, Glorfindel, Legolas Greenleaf, Legolas of Gondolin, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2011 |
| 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) |
Short Tales of Arda by grey_gazania
Various short pieces.
Newest (3/19/16):
"Ammë": Curufin and Celebrimbor struggle with the absence of Celebrimbor's mother.
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Celebrimbor, Celegorm, Círdan, Curufin, Elrond, Elros, Fëanor, Fingolfin, Fingon, Maedhros, Nerdanel, Thuringwethil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General, Horror | Challenges: 10th Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 3, 096 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Black snow falls by Harnatano - Lithenna
Fëanor just died, his sons are silently gathered around the ashes of his body, and Curufin must face the reality of his father's death, and his legacy.
| Major Characters: Curufin, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 993 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Translations from the Elvish by Himring
Elrond and Bilbo discuss "Translations from the Elvish" and its sources, especially the writings of Pengolodh.
| Major Characters: Bilbo Baggins, Elrond, Pengolodh |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2016 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 736 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Stolen Light by Chiaroscuro by Scribe of Mirrormere
Eöl discovers the world of fanfiction thanks to Aredhel and agrees to collaborate on a project with her.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Eöl |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: B2MeM 2016 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 474 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
There shall be no lie by Harnatano - Lithenna
A summer during the Siege of Angband. Beleriand is calm and peaceful, Himlad is safe, and Celebrimbor decides to take his father on a short trip in Assoriach.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Curufin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 927 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Atop Aewellond's Tower by Kaylee Arafinwiel
While looking eastward and missing her children, Elwing is brought important news, and makes a new friend.
| Major Characters: Elwing, Uinen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 372 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Quiet promises by Harnatano - Lithenna
Nerdanel and Fëanor sharing a moment of tenderness; A first child will be born.
(unrequired post coital fluff.)
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 900 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
In An Hour Unlooked For by Kaylee Arafinwiel
She had always loved the Sea. She never knew how much the Sea loved her back…
| Major Characters: Tar-Míriel, Ulmo |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: B2MeM 2016 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 572 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Temptation of Osse by Kaylee Arafinwiel
Even in the Beginning of the Beginning, Osse was drawn to Melkor's Themes, and Ulmo worried for his impetuous Maia...
| Major Characters: Gothmog, Melkor, Ohtar, Ossë, Uinen, Ulmo |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2016 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 201 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Dying on the Vine by Ilye
At the start of the Second Age, Gil-galad and his mother have a frank conversation about Fingon whilst Maedhros passes from politics into history.
| Major Characters: Gil-galad, Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2014 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 374 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Dying on the Vine by Ilye
At the start of the Second Age, Gil-galad and his mother have a frank conversation about Fingon whilst Maedhros passes from politics into history.
| Major Characters: Gil-galad, Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2014 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 032 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Animal Skins by Ilye
AU in which Celegorm is captured by Morgoth instead of Maedhros, and rescued by Aredhel instead of Fingon.
“Well, brothers? Aren’t you going to ask me what kind of creature I am today?”
Silence. A cleared throat; an awkward shifting of weight. Aredhel rolled her eyes, but the drama was his alone and he was going to savour it.
“Ask me,” he pushed, then again more loudly when still no answer came, “Ask me!”
“Well tell us, then,” sniped Curufin from the back of the room, then affected a sing-song. “What kind of creature are you today, Tyelko?”
“Today…” he grinned, and the distance grew greater between him and them. “Today, I’m a Celegorm.”
| Major Characters: Amrod, Aredhel, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 19, 605 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Condensed Silmarillion by Cheeky
The Silm you read when you are not really reading the Silm. Everything you wanted to know without all the boring bits.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Aulë, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Dwarves, Eru Ilúvatar, Eöl, Fëanor, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Finwë, Galadriel, Maedhros, Maglor, Mandos, Manwë, Melkor, Men, Teleri, Thorondor, Tulkas, Turgon, Ulmo, Yavanna |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 59 | Word Count: 186, 625 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
A Long Time Ago, In A Galaxy Far, Far Away by The Wavesinger
In which May is captured and Fin rescues her (with some string-pulling help given by Commander Skywalker, of course). Or, the Fingon/Maedhros edition of Star Wars AUs.
(Written for Amy Fortuna for Chocolate Box 2015)
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Other Fictional Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Alternate Universe, Crossover, Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 467 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Not Love, Perhaps by The Wavesinger
As the Haladin travel through Nan Dungortheb, their warriors fight to protect their people, and their lady is at their head.
(Written flor Zdenka for Chocolate Box 2015)
| Major Characters: Haleth, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 568 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Pale Stars Rising (Over The Oaks) by The Wavesinger
A girl stumbles upon a woman in a clearing, and learns of an ancient sorrow.
(Written for Elleth for Chocolate Box 2015)
| Major Characters: Goldberry, Haleth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 730 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
An Ordinary Abrasion by The Wavesinger
Aredhel and a friend, and a conversation in Valinor.
(Written for Scribe_of_Mirrormere for Chocolate Box 2015)
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 700 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
An Orchid on the Salt White Beach by The Wavesinger
Tar-Míriel and the Keeper of Gardens of the Palace, from first meeting to last. A story told in snapshots and snippets.
(Written for Sigridhr for Chocolate Box 2015.)
| Major Characters: Ar-Pharazôn, Original Female Character(s), Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 143 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Offer by swampdiamonds
An idea proposed by Túrin leads to uncomfortable conversations.
| Major Characters: Finduilas, Guilin, Gwindor, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 201 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Crowned by Nibeneth
Fingon's crown is too heavy to bear. Maedhros, as always, tries to make it lighter.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 755 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
In Cavern's Shade by Castile181
During the first age, when Beleriand itself stands on the brink of destruction and Doriath falls from the height of glory to begin its long decline, Celeborn, a Sindarin prince as quick to wisdom as he is to anger, meets Artanis, a Noldorin princess plagued by a dark secret, and, amidst a budding romance, they soon find themselves plunged into a world of intrigue, lies, and mystery as ties between their peoples grow turbulent.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Mystery, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 699 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
