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] 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…
[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 meeting at the Trees by ethanray
Nerdanel goes to the Two Trees after Fëanor is banished and meets Indis there
For March 2026 Instadrabbling
[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] In Early Spring by Serinquanion
In what Maedhros was re-embodied early and was sent back to Middle Earth on his volition with Glorfindel.
This isn't about what happened right then but years after Fall of Sauron when he still refused to return to Valinor.
He found a strange sapling at the shore of what remains of…
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
Major Arcana
Select a Tarot card and use any aspect of the card or its description to inspire your fanwork. Read more ...
New in References
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.
The Aromantic in Tolkien by daughterofshadows
Presented at Mereth Aderthad 2025, this paper makes the case thata, although the term "aromantic" had not yet been coined in Tolkien's day, many of his characters can be read as aromantic. The paper takes a closer look at Aredhel, Bilbo, and Boromir as three examples of characters who can be read as aromantic.
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
The gems of better things by Harnatano - Lithenna
Maglor remembers his plays and the performances of his youth.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 438 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Deceitful blessing by Harnatano - Lithenna
Annatar being awful (how surprising) and playing a dangerous game with Tyelpe’s daddy issues.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Torture, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 460 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Spell of Winter by Sleepless_Malice
With the first snow memories of how it once has been between them arise.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 206 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Too Strong a God by The Wavesinger
Fingon and Maedhros' relationship through the ages, from the point of view of two outsiders (who may or may not have played a part in its trajectory).
(For tolkiensecretartexchange on Tumblr's Silmarillion-themed Secret Santa)
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor, Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Vairë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 032 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
And So Say The Laws by The Wavesinger
Indis and Nerdanel wait for the return of the host of the Valar after the War of the Jewels, but when the people they hope for do not arrive, they turn to each other for comfort.
Written for silmladylove's 2015 Tolkien Femslash Week on tumblr.
| Major Characters: Indis, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: International Day of Femslash |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 491 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Let me ease thy sorrow by Sleepless_Malice
After the Nirnaeth Arnoediad and Fingon's death Maedhros' depression gets worse over the following months until Maglor deems unusual measures necessary.
(Based on the following plotbunny dialogue that hit me hard one night. "What did Findekáno do to lull you into slumber?" 'Nothing that is of your concern' [..] 'Pleasured me, with his mouth.' "Would you allow me to do the same?")
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Erotica, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Incest, Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 92 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
and one man, in his time, plays many parts by Duilwen
Lake Mithrim, in five acts. Maglor-centric.
| Major Characters: Amrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 14, 868 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Strokes of Crimson by Sleepless_Malice
Annatar likes to paint, but not with ordinary artist's colors. His medium of choice is blood and other bodily fluids, using naked skin as canvas; and now, he is his own master and can do with his captives as he pleases. This is a sick and disturbing snippet of Celebrimbor's suffering in Annatar's hands shortly after his capture and before his death.
Heed the warnings [blood, excessive violence, knife- and bloodplay, graphic description of torture, torture with chemicals] - this is no happy or fluffy fic (but includes an edit and a fanmix)
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Torture, Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 870 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Forsaken by Artaxastra
No one speaks of the Forsaken, the elves first taken by Morgoth before the Sun and Moon first rose. Not even Maglor.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 709 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Like a Moth to a Flame by oshun
This is a coming-of-age romance featuring Finrod and Caranthir. It contains two boys, Finwëan family dynamics, and cultural differences. It is a character-centered story, including a cross-country trip, a village fair with local color, and a tarot card reading. These two young men explore a mysterious and powerful gift that they share. Written for the Tarot challenge as part the Library of Moria celebration of the International Day of Slash 2015, the story is months late now—but better late than never. Thank you, Ignoble Bard, for being so patient of a Beta for me and reading this so many times.
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Finrod Felagund, Finwë, Olwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 14, 458 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
Seven Sons by Artaxastra
Nerdanel also had seven sons.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 761 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Kinslayer by Artaxastra
Artanis had a part in the First Kinslaying.
Warning for violence. (This is the First Kinslaying. There's violence.)
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Galadriel, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 750 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
A Minor Act of Reparation by Himring
Maedhros unexpectedly is offered a chance to make up to the Teleri for the loss and destruction of the swan ships, but what precisely is it they want of him?
| Major Characters: Círdan, Eärwen, Fingon, Maedhros, Olwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 191 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Dragon's Journeys by DrummerWench
An addition to the Fairy Tales series that also fits on SWG.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 266 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Relief Mapping by swampdiamonds
Gwindor and Celebrimbor have a chat.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Gwindor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 896 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Edge of Love by Agelast
Húrin and Morwen undergo an important courtship ritual.
| Major Characters: Húrin, Morwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 171 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
my hero bares his nerves by Agelast
Written for the prompt - the Turin pairing of your choice having disastrous sex. But it's always a disaster, when Túrin's around!
| Major Characters: Beleg, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 122 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Last Tango in Nargothrond by Agelast
It takes (at least) two to utterly destroy a city.
| Major Characters: Orodreth, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Erotica, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 196 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The heart of a father is a masterpiece of nature by Harnatano - Lithenna
A short piece about young Celebrimbor and his father, being happy in Aman.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Curufin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 626 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
One Last Song by Harnatano - Lithenna
Maglor in the moments that precede and follow Maedhros' death.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Suicide |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 666 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Last Rose of Summer by Sleepless_Malice
"It was customary for the noble Lords of Gondolin to celebrate – every week, beginning the week after Tarnin Austa, one of the great houses of Gondolin held an impressive celebration in honor of the labor it took to build the hidden city and of their king, who was dearly loved by all. The House of the Heavenly Arch marked the beginning of the special season, followed by the Houses of the Fountain and Swallow and their respective lords until the feast of the King marked the end of the endless celebrations. Today, however, it was the night of the Golden Flower, and it would most likely become a night to remember."
..and it indeed became a night to remember - but not as expected!
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Duilin, Ecthelion of the Fountain, Glorfindel, Penlod, Rog, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 280 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Kingfisher in a Cage by heget
The story of the fifth companion of Finrod and Beren to die in the dungeons of Tol-in-Gaurhoth.
| Major Characters: Beren, Edrahil, Finrod Felagund, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 344 |
| 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) |
Almarë Eruo by The Wavesinger
Elros and his wife, and the making of a queen. A legend of Meneltarma.
| Major Characters: Elros, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, Het | Challenges: B2MeM 2013 |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 236 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Gone with the Wind by Sleepless_Malice
Glorfindel’s violent death has left incurable mental wounds behind and his memory only consists of very small fragments. Thoughts of how he had failed to protect the White City and its inhabitants trouble him to such an extent that Námo seems incapable to cure him. He is released from the Halls of Waiting to reside in Irmo’s gardens to aid his recovery, because: sooner or later, he has to return to Middle-Earth. However, his state remains unchanged and in his desperation, Irmo consults Manwë for guidance how to proceed with the grieving elf in his care, without being aware of their own fateful history.
This story tells their very own and special history and touches Glorfindel’s motives to leave the Blessed Realm behind, and explains what troubles him to such an extent that he fights against the help of the Valar. Can they reconcile and finally forget what had happened between them millennia ago?
| Major Characters: Glorfindel, Lórien, Mandos, Manwë, Nienna |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 2, 836 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Stranger in a Strange Land. by Cheeky
A bored Erestor gets the surprise of his life when Glorfindel returns from the dead. But their reunion does not exactly go smoothly. Things have changed in the last several hundred years. Can Glorfindel adjust?....Will Erestor ever wear trousers?
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 5, 954 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
