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
The Only Thing To Fear
Create a fanwork about fear that involves a prompt you select from our list of common fears. 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
Naming the Stones by Deborah Judge
Elrond and Galadriel remember the First Age, the Silmarils, and the guilt of their people.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Elrond, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 5, 004 |
| 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 (2) |
A Rose By Any Other Name by pandemonium_213
A sequel to Flame of the Desert.
On a hot summer afternoon, Glorfindel visits Elrond at his estate in Kortirion Province of Tol Eressëa. Elrond's longtime friend brings word from Gilfanon: invitations to a party in celebration of the blooming of one of Gilfanon's favorite roses; the Vanyarin ambassador and his retinue have been invited as special guests. Gilfanon also sends peculiar garments that he has specifically instructed Elrond and Glorfindel to wear. Elrond is wary. He remembers all too well that escapade with Gilfanon in the desert of Valinor, but his inner imp of adventure inspires him, and Elrond experiences a night to remember.
Cameo appearances by Erestor and Mablung.
A bit risqué, a little bawdy, so let's rate this Teen/PG13.
Now complete! And illustrated! Thanks a million-fold to Robinka (see Chapter 2) and Elf of Cave (see Chapter 6).
MEFA 2011 Winner. First Place, Humor, General
| Major Characters: Elrond, Erestor, Gilfanon, Glorfindel, Mablung, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: B2MeM 2011 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 21, 895 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (25) |
The Dower of Dol Amroth by Dwimordene
Once upon a time, Dol Amroth was elven land. So how did "Dol Amroth" come to name a city ruled by Princes of Men? Imrazor receives an unusual gift.
| Major Characters: Imrazor, Nimrodel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 759 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Making Colored Light by Erulisse
A grandchild of Fëanor finds her niche in his forge. Winner of Honorable Mention in ALEC April 2011.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 954 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Deepest Cut by Erulisse
Some decisions cut deeply. A response to Tolkien Weekly Challenge prompt “cut”.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 105 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Life After by Keiliss
Life after rebirth: Once around the sun, Glorfindel's first year in Imladris.
MEFA 2011: First Place: Character study, General
my thanks to Elfscribe
| Major Characters: Elrond, Erestor, Gildor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 11, 601 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Lasciate Ogne Speranza? by Finch
A meeting in early 14th-century Italy between a condottiere and a poet
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 5, 920 |
| 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) |
Love by Moonlight by Erulisse
A drabble for Tolkien Weekly Challenge - Curl. A mother's love in Gondolin.
| Major Characters: Eärendil, Idril |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 106 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Strange Fortunes by Tehta
The city of Gondolin is at peace, and yet several of its citizens harbour resentments, ambitions, and unnatural desires: Maeglin longs to assume his rightful position as Turgon's heir and Idril's spouse; Salgant hopes to avenge himself for past humiliations; and Ecthelion and Glorfindel indulge in deception even as they devote their lives to duty. Many secrets will be revealed, but only slowly and with much confusion, in this comedy of misunderstandings.
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Egalmoth, Elemmakil, Glorfindel, Idril, Maeglin, Meleth (Elf), Salgant, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 44, 262 |
| 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) |
Once Were Ours by Himring
Celegorm and Curufin learn of the Fall of Nargothrond--how do they react?
A "gap-filler", if you like, except that, this being the Silmarillion, there is almost more gap than story...
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Curufin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 132 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Laughter of the Valar by Erulisse
Why does Tulkas laugh, and is he the only Vala who does? A response for HASA Nazgul of the Month for May - Heroes and Demons.
| Major Characters: Melkor, Tulkas |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 734 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Morning Song by Erulisse
On its final day, a woman awakens to face her fate in the doomed city of Ost-in-Edhil. A response to the prompt "comb" in Tolkien Weekly Challenge.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 105 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Lady of Colored Light by Erulisse
A challenge that assigned the phrase: "Are you mad?" This fictlet places my OFC, Helyanwe, into an early part of her childhood.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Glorfindel, Indis, Original Character(s), Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 507 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Moving Apart by Marnie
Cultural differences among Elves did not sink with Beleriand
| Major Characters: Amdir, Celeborn, Oropher, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 342 |
| 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) |
Reflections by helenjones
A friend told me that according to one place in HoME, Feanor gave the Elessar to Maedhros just before his death. If the gem was so important as being able to come into Feanor's mind in his last moment, that Maedhros should (casually??) send it to Fingon later would seem strange - unless he was instructed to.
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Incest, Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 470 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Wind Song by Erulisse
Before the waves bury Beleriand, the wind returns for a last visit to the destroyed hidden city of Goldolin.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 436 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Song of Fire by Erulisse
For Tolkien Weekly Challenge - Fell Creatures: Balrog. A drabble going back to the creation of all under the eye of Iluvatar.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| 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 (2) |
Mayday by Lipstick
A Fingolfian springtime celebration by the shores of lake Mithrim, complete with gatecrasher.
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 991 |
| 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 Mariner's Wife by Odinsbard
The lament of Erendis, after Aldarion Prince of Numenor rideth hence from Erendis' country-home when returning from a long journey; and she realises what hath truly become of life. It is written in 1st person as Erendis speaking and thus neither of their names are actually mentioned.
Written in alliterative verse, after the style of the ancient Anglo-Saxon metres...
| Major Characters: Erendis |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 575 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Troll Guard by Erulisse
A drabble written for the Tolkien Weekly Challenge - Fell Creatures - Trolls.
Summary:
Battle plans are laid for the Nirnaeth Arnoediad.
| Major Characters: Gothmog, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 152 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Across the Sea by Alena
A lost young woman comes to Alqualondë with tales of pity and wonder, bringing hope, heartbreak, and most unexpectedly, the beginnings of healing.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Elwing, Eärwen, Olwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 12, 566 |
| 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) |
Soul Brothers by Erulisse
At the Awakening, two brothers experience the good and bad about life on Middle Earth. A drabble for Tolkien Weekly - Fell Creatures-Orcs.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 102 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Flight by Erulisse
For Tolkien Weekly challenge, a drabble about dragons and the separation of loved ones.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Eärendil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 105 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Under the Curse by Finch
The love of two fallen Elves: Maedhros and Fingon.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Curufin, Fingolfin, Fingon, Glaurung, Maedhros, Maglor, Mandos |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 11 | Word Count: 32, 406 |
| 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) |
Marta's Mathoms - BMEM 2011 by Marta
A series of stories written for Back to Middle-earth Month 2011.
- New! "Jus Ad Bellum" ft. Elrond, Isiildur, and Maglor; 1,472 words
- NEW! "Things Unseen" ft. Elendil + Pharazon, 1,136 words
- NEW! "Three for the Elven-Lords II" ft. Cirdan, 200 words
| Major Characters: J.R.R. Tolkien |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet, Het | Challenges: B2MeM 2011 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Character Death, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 25 | Word Count: 16, 468 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
