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 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…
[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.)
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
Songs of Arda
Create a fanwork about music. 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
A Strand of Hair by talktob3cks
Gimli feels homesick after leaving Middle Earth with Legolas. He misses simple things like speaking Dwarvish and discussing cave delving. An expedition with Galadriel and Legolas might bring him the solace he seeks.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General, Humor | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 054 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
| Major Characters: Elwing, Eärendil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 620 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The muddled last thoughts of one Gelmir of Nargothrond by Huinare
Gelmir, on his way to the incident that shall spark the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, reflects on the circumstances that brought him to this point.
| Major Characters: Gelmir (Nargothrond), Gwindor, Orcs, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Horror | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Torture, Character Death, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 680 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Intruder by wind rider
How if Melkor got another undesired visitor aside from Beren and Luthien? How if the strange “creature” was even more undesirable than the former lord of Dorthonion and the daughter of pitiful Melyanna?
| Major Characters: Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover, Humor, Mystery | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 298 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
First-Time Experience by wind rider
There was always a first time for everything and everyone. Kía of Belegost and her special orange cloth and the smell of orcs in the air, for instance.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Horror, Humor | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 864 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Strange Apparition by wind rider
Maedhros built his fortress in Himring very well, and he was proud of it. But he had never considered to shield it against magic… Fortunately – or not? – the intruder was just a strange, benevolent-looking old man.
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover, Fixed-Length Ficlet, Mystery | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 520 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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In Dreams, To Whom I Never Have by wind rider
Sometimes the dream that comes true is more horrifying than the dream itself, and living the said dream is even worse. A seven-year-old Ginny Weasley experiences that first-hand. But perhaps, there will still be a silver-lining even in the worst situation?
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Celegorm, Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Alternate Universe, Crossover, Drama, Experimental, General, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Suspense | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 4, 612 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Justice and Death by Gwenniel
There are Oaths that need to be fulfilled, there are quests that cannot be avoided. Caranthir knows that a sooner or later he and his brothers have to go to Doriath to regain the Silmaril.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Dior, Haleth, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 11, 557 |
| 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) |
Immortality by wind rider
Was the view on life and death different between the Firstborn and Secondborn? What did the Firstborn think of Eru’s “gift” to the Secondborn? – Deep in Nargothrond, a particular Elf was wrestling with these questions and more upon the death of his first Mannish friend.
| Major Characters: Balan, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 382 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Worse Than Bad by wind rider
Nothing was recogniseable, even the people he had once known. But still, Lindarion did not wish to give up on everything – not yet, not until he was taken himself, even though he was not terribly fond of this land.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Horror | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 216 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Not Too Bad by wind rider
Everything had changed, and not necessarily for the better. Not even the very look of their new settlement was familiar to his sight and soul, but Lindarion was not about to complain – not too much anyway. He still got most of his family intact, and it was all that really mattered.
Sequel: "Worse Than Bad"
| Major Characters: Olwë, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Experimental, General | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 109 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Meal by wind rider
”The Master tells us to kill them, but I see only good meal.” – What the Master wanted, he got it. What the Warg wanted, he got it too.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 108 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Greatest of All by wind rider
”People always talk about the Powers they have met here, greater or lesser. I don’t think they will call my friend great though, just because his particular affinity and his less-than-perfect look. But he is, to me.” – Fire attracts fire, and water attracts water, but one day an insubstancial bit of water actually saved somebody from a raging fire.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 529 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
I Choose... by wind rider
His siblings have much to say about the local king’s decision to band their tongue from speech in the land, but Ingoldo is grateful only on the mere fact that they are still allowed to dwell in the said land. How to tell them, though?
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 038 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
For the Sake of Alliance by wind rider
Voldemort really, really, really wished to know what the prophecy between him and the brat Potter contained, but he was not getting closer to solving it after a year of research and obscure attempts. But now he had just discovered a very old manuscript that might bring the answer to his problem. Bellatrix Lestrange, his faithful servant, was going to hand him a very sought-after ally – or else.
| Major Characters: Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Crossover | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 985 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Peace-Breakers by wind rider
What did the inhabitants of Tol Eressëa think of the impending arrival of a ship they were excited and fearful about in equal measures? Had Elves forgotten about mortals they had fought together in the War of Wrath? Had they forgiven those mortals who boldly attempted to claim Aman for themselves just because of selfish greed?
| Major Characters: Gandalf, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 897 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Metamorphosis by Agelast
She had only a moment to learn how to fly.
| Major Characters: Elwing, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 347 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Spark by spark (the frost fires kindle). by Urloth
Of Fëanáro's coming into the world and what Handenésë saw.
| Major Characters: Míriel Serindë, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 748 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Night the Sea Came In by Keiliss
After Beleriand is broken and drowned in the wreck of the War of Wrath, the survivors on Balar set out on a desperate voyage in search of a safe haven.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Elrond, Elros, Erestor, Galadriel, Gil-galad, Gildor, Lindir |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 10, 060 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
We of Far Lands by wind rider
Black hair, grey eyes, but not a Noldo? Finrod could not choose between disbelief, denial, and curiosity when a time-traveller with “magic” came for an unexpected visit to his unfinished underground city. Balan and his people were not the first Secondborn he met, after all…
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Crossover, Mystery | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 425 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Highest Priority by wind rider
Elwing had choice between a single and double jewels. She chose the single jewel – because the silmaril was the highest priority.
| Major Characters: Elwing, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Horror | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 282 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Memories of Winter by wind rider
They saw the ice crystals, she saw the devouring ice maws. They saw the snow-drift, she saw how it could suffocate and drown. They saw the dancing snowflakes, she saw the beating and wailing blizzard. They laughed, she cried; because there was no laughter in Helkaraxë.
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Erestor, Idril |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 565 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Longer than the Road by wind rider
They left her side, she waited. They killed, shaming her, she forgave them. They might never come back to her, but she would take all that she had. She would wait until beyond the world’s breaking, because a mother’s love is longer than the road.
| Major Characters: Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 382 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The Bearer of Light by Dawn Felagund
Fëanor has been summoned from exile by the Valar to attend a feast on Taniquetil and with the expectation that he bring the Silmarils. His refusal to bring the Silmarils reveals the growing madness of his House and the forebodes disastrous events to come.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Sons of Fëanor, Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 679 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (23) |
My Captain and My King by oshun
A biased account of the leadership qualities of Maedhros written by a die-hard supporter. Some might call this piece the epitome of the literary form of the unreliable narrator. This is one follower's reflections upon Maedhros. Since The Silmarillion is filled with events in the life of Maedhros, one may draw their own conclusions, but remember that history is written by the victors.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 437 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
