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] 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…
[Writing] Winter Warmth by Serinquanion
A winter night in Himring. But inside the quarters where fire blazed in hearth was warmer, and not only from the fire or quilt.
[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] Who Will Hear Me? by XirinOfArvada
A lonely elf finds a flute half buried beneath the sand and wonders if its owner will hear him when he calls.
[Writing] Loyal, Faithful by Himring
Late in the Second Age, one of the Faithful reflects critically on past developments. (Free verse.)
[Writing] East Away! by Flora-lass
Aldarion storms off towards Middle-earth. For the Title Track challenge.
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
Jumble Sale
Member-created prompts upcycle old challenges and prompts with additional new twists. 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
Elrond's Dream by bunn
A dream that Elrond never mentioned to Maglor son of Fëanor.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Maglor |
| Genres: Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 180 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Interview with chrissystriped by Dawn by chrissystriped, Dawn Felagund
Chrissystriped is the featured author for Shadow's Mereth Aderthad 2025 presentation, "The Aromantic in Tolkien." Dawn spoke with chrissystriped about her story for Mereth Aderthad, her process as a writer, and the importance of representing aro-ace characters in fanfiction.
consider the hairpin turn by atlantablack
The footsteps come to a stop in front of him and he does not have a moment to wonder at his brother’s intentions before fingers are sliding into his hair and tugging his head back. He glares up at Fëanáro, tears on his cheeks, heart racing like a plea. Fëanáro stares back, expression strangely blank as he studies Ñolofinwë’s face. And despite his thoughts, despite his belief, he still finds himself smiling mirthlessly and asking, “Well, have you come to kill me in truth? Make your exile worth it?”
Something flickers through Fëanáro’s eyes too fast for him to catch and the fingers in his hair tighten painfully. “I would have thought that upon successfully usurping the crown you would be far more pleased,” Fëanáro says darkly, lip curling in disgust.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor/Fingolfin |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Incest |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 326 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Interview with Dr. Zara Ashkenazi-Khan by Saelind by Dr. Zara Ashkenazi-Khan, Saelind
In her upcoming paper for Mereth Aderthad 2025, "Exile, Ruin and Resistance: Beleriand as Postcolonial Palimpsest," Dr. Zara Ashkenazi-Khan considers why the third kinslaying stands apart in a book filled with violence. Saelind recently spoke with Zara about her paper, postcolonialism and The Silmarillion, and how fanfiction and scholarship each contribute in important ways to our understanding of Tolkien.
Finarfin Moodboard by Artano
Moodboard focused on Finarfin before and near the beginning of the War of Wrath
| Major Characters: Finarfin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Moodboard/Collage |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Musicals |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (8) |
History has its eyes on you by daughterofshadows
Gil-galad, Hamilton lyrics and three poignant events in his life.
| Major Characters: Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Musicals |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 203 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Interview with Silmalope by Dawn by silmalope
Silmalope is the featured artist for Shadow's Mereth Aderthad 2025 presentation, "The Aromantic in Tolkien." Dawn spoke with Silmalope about their approach to making art, what inspires their work, and the importance of diverse representation in fanworks.
The Children of Angband by AdmirableMonster
This is a history that has never been told. Those whom it concerns most deeply are dead now, even those who chose or otherwise received the lifespans of Elves. It is a story that has been kept hidden for more than six thousand years. Now, I believe it is past time it should be revealed.
| Major Characters: Pengolodh, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: Gil-galad & Pengolodh |
| Genres: In-Universe Artifact | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 252 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
A Promise Lives Within You by Himring
Egalmoth has his fears, when Earendil sets sail, but also pins his hope on him.
| Major Characters: Egalmoth, Eärendil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, Poetry | Challenges: Musicals |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 263 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Why by Aprilertuile
Fëanáro was sitting on the floor, his back against the grave marker his father had had made for his mother when her spirit fully settled into Mandos’ Halls.
He was alone on Estë’s island, deep within Lórien’s gardens. Of course he was. When was he not?
Even his father didn’t bother coming anymore.
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 944 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Go On Aching Still by StarSpray
Nerdanel ran her fingers along one, and turned her thoughts to her son, hoping for a glimpse of more than a misty shore, or of the ragged hem of his cloak. She wished to see his face, wished to see that he was somewhere safe and warm and perhaps not still alone after so long. But even a glimpse of him lonely but whole upon the shore would be a relief, and enough to banish the dreams that had troubled her, knowing them for just dreams and nothing more.
Troubled by dark dreams, Nerdanel picks up a palantír to seek for Maglor. She finds him.
After, Maedhros has returned to life and also seeks for his brother--and also finds him.
| Major Characters: Nerdanel, Nienna, Maglor, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: Maglor & Nerdanel, Finrod & Maedhros, Maedhros & Maglor, Maedhros & Nerdanel |
| Genres: Drama, Family, General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: Bollywood, Jubilee |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Torture, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 6, 281 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
The Chain That Snaps by StarSpray
He opened his eyes slowly, blinking against the lantern light. He stared at Elrohir with a strange look—horror and helpless fear mixed with longing and perhaps…recognition? But Elrohir did not recognize him, he was sure. And there was something else in his eyes too—a Light that Elrohir had seen before only in a handful of people, dimmed by pain and fear, but not extinguished. “It’s all right,” Elrohir said. “We’re going to take you away from this place.”
The Necromancer is driven from Mirkwood, and Elladan and Elrohir find someone altogether unexpected in the pits of Dol Guldur.
| Major Characters: Elladan, Elrohir, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Elladan & Elrohir & Maglor |
| Genres: Drama, General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 369 |
| 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) |
A Place for Such Joy as Theirs by Himring
Embittered by Aldarion's departure on a long overseas journey against her will, Erendis dismisses the pair of wonderful Elven-birds that were given to her by visitors from Tol Eressea during her honeymoon. The birds briefly visit Erendis's parents on their flight back to Tol Eressea, but will not let themselves be touched and afterwards, it seems, they are not seen or heard again in Numenor.
"Sweet fools, fly away!" Erendis said. "This is no place for such joy as yours."
I have written a fix-it for the loss of the Elven-birds, sort of.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Númenóreans |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Rejects |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 265 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Heavy and Squat - So What? by Himring
Compared to Salgant and Bombur, and even compared to Fredegar Bolger, Forlong seems to have the least problems in the Legendarium with being duly respected despite his girth.
But maybe even he had a less good time of it when he was younger.
Set during Aragorn's time in Gondor as Thorongil.
| Major Characters: Men |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Musicals |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Lily white and poppy red by Anérea
A slightly different take on Maedhros' end in half a drabble.
Plus half a drabble of Maglor's.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Musicals |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Character Death, Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 101 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Heavy is the Crown by Artano
Finarfin struggles with the weight of his authority during the War of Wrath
| Major Characters: Finarfin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Character/Portrait, Drawing/Painting, Illustration |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Musicals |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (14) |
Interview with JazTheBard by Maglor by JazTheBard
Lúthien, Maeglin, and Arwen all share a reference to "twilight" in their names. In our latest interview for Mereth Aderthad 2025, Maglor spoke with JazTheBard about her paper "Twilight, Child Of: Comparisons Between Tinúviel, Lómion, and Undómiel," the role of gender in the legendarium, and setting parts of her presentation to music.
Interview with Savannah Horrell by Anérea by Savannah Horrell, Anérea
Although he considered Germanic literature some of his key inspirations, Tolkien's work deviated in its tendency to prefer the perspective of the humble over the privileged. Anérea spoke with Savannah Horrell about her upcoming Mereth Aderthad presentation "By Guile Committed: Comparing Tolkien’s Thieves to Beowulf" and how Tolkien's depictions of thieves differ from the Anglo-Saxon poem "Beowulf."
A Stolen Gift by Flora-lass
Maglor's inevitably sad thoughts, with a very young Elrond asleep on his lap after a nightmare. Maedhros and young Elros are nearby.
(Updated a year and more later, with a link to a painting, and a new 'chapter' with the thoughts of Maedhros in the painting scene).
| Major Characters: Maglor, Maedhros, Elrond, Elros |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros & Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet, Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 174 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Only then can you belong to me by elennalore
Years of the Lamps. Mairon has come home early from the celebrations to some alone time, but Melkor’s visit destroys both his plans and the peace of his mind.
| Major Characters: Sauron, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: Melkor/Sauron |
| Genres: Drama, Romance | Challenges: Musicals |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 244 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A World Reborn Without Them by Himring
Valandil, Isildur's fourth son and successor, re-enters Annuminas, some years after the victory of the Last Alliance.
| Major Characters: Valandil (Arnor) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Musicals |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 101 |
| 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) |
| Major Characters: Finarfin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 150 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Breathing in New Life by Elrond's Library
Yavanna renews the land with the rising of the Sun and Moon
| Major Characters: Yavanna |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Musicals |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 156 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: Musicals |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 150 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Interview with Zhie by Shadow by Zhie, daughterofshadows
There are rewards in considering the scientific roots of aspects of the legendarium typically considered mythic or folkloric. Shadow spoke with Zhie about the challenges of investigating such a topic as a non-scientist for Zhie's upcoming Mereth Aderthad paper "How to Make a Star from a Tree: The Science of Telperion and Laurelin."
