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
Understory
For this remix challenge, develop a minor character, plot point, or other detail from a fanwork into a new 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
Flowers in Amber by IgnobleBard
Elrond travels to Ost-in-Edhil to warn Celebrimbor to be wary of strangers bearing gifts.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Elrond |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 8, 240 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Five Times Caranthir Fought With His Brothers (And One Time He Didn't) by grey_gazania
A Five-Times fic exploring Caranthir's relationship with his brothers.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 1, 999 |
| 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) |
Of Rian by gamil-zirak
This is a re-telling of Rian's story, from her pregnancy with Tuor to her death upon the Hill Of The Slain. Hope you enjoy it!
| Major Characters: Annael, Lorgan, Morwen, Rían |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 133 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Fëanor's Autobiography by belegur
Fëanor writes about himself in the style of Nikola Tesla's My Inventions.
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 351 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Smoke and Mirrors by Cirth
Uldor never wanted this.
Written for Easterlings Appreciation Week.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Uldor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 238 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Visitation by Elleth
After the Fellowship's departure from Lothlórien, Galadriel receives a nightly visit and a summons she has long hoped for.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Varda |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 974 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Mul Haust by Writing Gecko
In Angband, Maeglin finds someone he thought to be dead. (warning for rape references and implied torture)
| Major Characters: Argon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 023 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Of Time and Trees by Huinare
Summer solstice after the fall of Sauron: wizards, one in Minas Tirith and one in Isengard, hatch tree-related schemes.
Valinor, before the count of time: two Maiar speculate on the Valar's plans for the hill of Ezellohar.
| Major Characters: Gandalf, Saruman, Treebeard, Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 735 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Mythmoot Mathoms by Dawn Felagund
I hid a prize in my Mythmoot III presentation, and these ficlets were written for those who discovered it and sent me their request.
Updated! Answered Swiftly: Fingon's prayer and the rescue of Maedhros, told from Throndor's perspective. Slightly experimental and weirdish.
Older: Love There Too: Olórin comes upon a young Finwë and Míriel at Cuivíenen.
The Mystery of the Missing Medallion: Maglor's begetting day gift for his father has gone missing. A tale involving a mad music master, missing jewelry, and a very odd hostage.
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Curufin, Fëanor, Finwë, Gandalf, Maglor, Míriel Serindë, Thorondor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, General | Challenges: First Lines |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 3, 167 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (22) |
Maedhros of Bergerac by Dilly
Maedhros tells Maglor his secret... Based off the work of Edmond Rostand. (translation by Scythe_Lyfe)
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Humor, Poetry, Romance, Script/Play/Screenplay, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 568 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
the springtime of lovers by Agelast
Fingon's ill-fated foray into Yavanna's secret garden. (Stop sniggering back there.)
[PWP, sex pollen, Fingon/Maedhros/Maglor.]
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor |
| 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: 3, 316 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
In You Everything Sank by Agelast
Aerin meets Morwen Eledhwen, and that changes her life forever.
| Major Characters: Aerin, Morwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 3, 278 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
"The Glory in 'Glorious'" and "Singer of Praises" by Himring
After the early victory against Morgoth called the "Glorious Battle" (Dagor Aglareb):
I. The Fingolfinians and the Feanorians first encounter each other after their shared victory.
II. Later, at the victory celebrations, Fingon misses his cousin Maglor and seeks him out.
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2013, B2MeM 2015 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 892 |
| 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) |
| Major Characters: Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 477 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
"A Song About Kingfishers" & "Kingfisher in Flight" by Himring
Young Maedhros, baby Maglor and a drawing.
Now added: a sequel about Nerdanel, her elder son and the lost drawing (Kingfisher in Flight)
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel, Salgant |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 960 |
| 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) |
The Family We Choose by Ilye
As the Exiles return to Valinor after the War of Wrath, Anairë discovers that you can choose your family as well as your friends.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Eärwen, Finarfin, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 3, 194 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
The Lord of Gifts by Dilly
Maedhros, Fingon... and gifts. Based on details from Tolkien's Unfinished Tales and Histories of Middle Earth. Translation by Scythe_Lyfe.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 422 |
| 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) |
Speak No Sorrow by Elleth
Young Morwen in Brethil, from refugee to leader.
| Major Characters: Glóredhel, Morwen, Rían |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 321 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A King's Visit by King Naugladur
Azaghal of Gabilgathol, aka Belegost, persuades Naugladur of Tumunzahar, aka Nogrod, to fight for the Free Peoples at the Nirnaeth Arnoediad.
| Major Characters: Azaghâl |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 998 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Maryame crosses the Marches to see Vanimo by Himring
Despite her physical disability, a woman crosses Beleriand to assist a fellow victim. She has help on the way.
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Caranthir, Celegorm, Eldalótë, Maedhros, Maglor, Noldor, Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2015 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 053 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Guest of the King by King Naugladur
Eöl, the Dark Elf, receives an invitation from the Dwarves of Tumunzahar, aka Nogrod, for a feast. He goes as guest of the King. What awaits him there?
| Major Characters: Eöl |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 131 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Avenging Írissë by Scribe of Mirrormere
After an unforgivable injustice, young Aredhel gathers her friends to plot on how to take down the king. A glimpse into Aredhel's childhood.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Fingon, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 213 |
| 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) |
Twilight at the Sarn Athrad by King Naugladur
You are more or less familiar with the Elvish version of the Battles of Thousand Caves and Sarn Athrad. Here, you will see the story from a Dwarvish perspective.
| Major Characters: Dwarves |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 473 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Fallen through the Cracks by Himring
On the Ice, Lalwen makes a disturbing observation...
A crack solution (pun intended) to the problem of some of Tolkien's missing women. Crossover.
| Major Characters: Lalwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover | Challenges: Beyond the Circles of Middle-earth, Color of ..., International Fanworks Day, Season of Change |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 053 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Maia and the Aulendili by Huinare
It seems likely that a Maia of Aulë would have been on friendly terms with Mahtan's household. Most of the time.
Curumo and four generations of one family.
Update: Final chapter, "The Spike." Saruman sees Celebrimbor, and possibly wishes he hadn't.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Maedhros, Mahtan, Nerdanel, Saruman, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: International Fanworks Day |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 5, 352 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
