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] 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] Grief is not the only geography I know by Himring
Indis explains how she took to wandering around Valinor.
[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…
[Writing] Umnenyalië by Serinquanion
He was going to die. The molten rocks would burn him just like the cursed gem in his palm did. Maybe less painfully but still being burnt hurt and Maedhros knew it. He intimately knew it from his time in Angband where Þauron burnt him often in frustration and to toy with him and his master…
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
Analysing Arda
Create a work of nonfiction. All nonfiction is welcome, from headcanons to essays to multimedia responses. 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
Forever - Give or Take by IgnobleBard
Gil-galad and Celebrimbor have a great life together in Aman, until a certain person from the past shows up.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Elrond, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 366 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Grief is an Undertow by heget
Ships leave the port of Alqualondë for the shores of Middle-earth to begin the War of Wrath, and the niece of Olwë recounts her grief and cries for vengeance.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Ossë, Teleri |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 875 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Luminous Any Dark Place by Elleth
In dire straits in Araman, Aredhel and Elenwë struggle with more than just the cold.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Elenwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 557 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Until the Stars No Longer Shine by Independence1776
During the Great Journey, on the bank of what will become known as the Anduin, Finwë, Míriel, and Indis marry.
| Major Characters: Finwë, Indis, Míriel Serindë, Oromë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 361 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Passage by Agelast
Túrin goes down another path -- and changes everything for those he loves. Written for Rarepairs 2015.
| Major Characters: Beleg, Finduilas, Nienor, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 593 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Neighborhood Watch by heget
Finrod frets while helping the People of Bëor settle Estolad. He desires a safe home for his new friends (and some elves are safer neighbors than others).
| Major Characters: Balan, Beleg, Bëor, Celeborn, Finrod Felagund, Mablung, Men, Sindar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 8, 578 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Bull and the Tides by heget
The story of the first companion of Finrod and Beren to die in the dungeons of Tol-in-Gaurhoth.
| Major Characters: Beren, Finrod Felagund, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 862 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Revenant by heget
During the War of Wrath, one of the survivors of the people of Bór must deal with the enemy who occupy Dor-lómin. Another peak into the fates of some overlooked Easterlings.
Yet again Bledda has an unexpected encounter.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 452 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Whom Thou Namest Friend, Part One by ElrondsScribe
I'm a bit embarrassed by this story now, but I thought I'd share it with you all anyway. I only got three chapters into it, but I don't think I'm likely to update it. It crosses over with Narnia, and follows Omega. You really have to read Omega before starting this one.
NEW: Major revisions being made. This story is meing re-written to make it consistent with Avenger of Blood.
| Major Characters: Pengolodh |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 2, 647 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Wall the Heart by heget
After the first battle of Beleriand, more unexpected tragedy strikes in the heart of Menegroth, and a Girdle must be raised.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Daeron, Elu Thingol, Eöl, Mablung, Melian, Original Character(s), Sindar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 688 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Prisoner by Uvatha the Horseman
A fanfic of elfscribe's "Elegy to Numenor" in which Sauron, recently taken prisoner by Ar-Pharazon, puts terrifying visions into the minds of his guards. (He's being a jerk because he's bored.)
| Major Characters: Ar-Pharazôn, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 935 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A Brief Early History of Avant-Garde Textile Art by zopyrus
Vairë the Weaver had several tapestry projects going at once, and Míriel Serindë disappeared from them all at the same time.
| Major Characters: Míriel Serindë, Vairë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: 10th Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 259 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Thralldom and Pearls by LadyBrooke
She is just a servant, and her lover can't be a thrall - for why would Morgoth want such an unimportant person as one?
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror | Challenges: 10th Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 354 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A Curse of Death by LadyBrooke
This was supposed to be a birth, and Denethor’s wife is dying.
And from this, he wonders if he cursed his family for the remaining ages of the world.
| Major Characters: Denethor (Nandor), Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: 10th Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 409 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Walls of Night by LadyBrooke
Celegorm knows the Sinda has no real power to do anything to them.
If it wasn't for his brothers trembling next to him, and the Sinda smirking, he would be utterly convince this was a dream. Afterall, that made more sense than a Sinda somehow dragging their souls along with his to this cursed place.
Mild violence warning for mention (and description) of future Silm events.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celeborn, Celegorm, Curufin, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Suspense | Challenges: 10th Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 088 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
And Borte Did Gather Her People by heget
Of the People of Bór in the aftermath of the Fifth Battle, for the side that lost the Nirnaeth Arnoediad was comprised of more than just the elves and Edain.
Of the Easterlings, both the family of the sons of Bór left defenseless after defeat and the incomplete victory of the followers of Ulfang.
Of an old woman who must save who she can and face more than a few unwelcoming receptions.
| Major Characters: Men, Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 356 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Night the Wolves Were Silent by Lingwiloke
Elrond, and a quiet night at the conclusion of the War of Wrath.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: 10th Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 465 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Into the Darkness They Go by Elwin Fortuna
Aranwë paints a significant scene in the history of the Noldor.
| Major Characters: Aranwë, Fëanor, Fingolfin, Finwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Experimental, General | Challenges: 10th Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 200 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
My Dear Finduilas by Luxa
I write you this letter in hopes that I have not forgotten the words to do so.
| Major Characters: Gwindor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: 10th Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 397 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Cousinly Bonding by Klose
While on a family holiday in Balar, Idril has a beachside chat with Gil-galad about their family.
| Major Characters: Gil-galad, Idril |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: 10th Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 441 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Family and Wolves by heget
The Great Wolf of Angband leaps, and Thingol thinks of family.
| Major Characters: Beren, Carcharoth, Elu Thingol, Huan, Mablung |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 513 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Some Futile Hope by Luxa
It is the Second Age of Middle-earth. Sauron is regrouping, the Rings are being forged, the Numenorians are beginning their descent into madness, and Glorfindel has been sent back to Middle-earth for...for what? Only time will tell, and when it does, all of Middle-earth will rise up to fight.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Elrond, Gil-galad, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 21 | Word Count: 33, 377 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Pretty Carvings by Luxa
“I am my people, Caranthir.” Haleth doesn't trust most Elves, but she trusts this one enough to show him their culture.
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Haleth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: 10th Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 872 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Three Letters by Talullah
Three letters Almarian receives from the men in her life.
| Major Characters: Almarian, Tar-Aldarion, Tar-Meneldur, Vëantur |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: 10th Birthday Celebration, Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 90 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
What Is Love? by just_jenni
Earwen has an idea to help Nerdanel recover from her grief over Feanor's demise.
| Major Characters: Eärwen, Finarfin, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: 10th Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 440 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
