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
Bollywood
Prompts this month are films, songs, and tropes from India's dazzling film industry, Bollywood. 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
Toys in the Hall by Dawn Felagund
Young Ereinion once sent his father Fingon to bed for a week with a poorly placed toy and learned much about his father as a result. Now, with Fingon dead, his people at war, and his world upended, Ereinion tries a similar tactic to learn something about his new foster-father, Círdan. Remix of Levade's This Ereinion, written for the Many Paths to Tread 2010 Remix Challenge. 2011 MEFA nominee.
| Major Characters: Círdan, Fingon, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 794 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
West Wind Blowing by Himring
During the Bragollach, a respite in the attack on Himring allows the brothers to voice private regrets and fears.
This would be a songfic, except I wrote the lyrics myself. In other words, I wrote first a poem and then a ficlet to serve as a setting for it. The piece is also closely connected with my unfinished story "The West Wind Quartet" without actually being part of it.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Het, Poetry, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 337 |
| 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) |
Name Five Characters Who Would Love To Attend A Family Reunion by oshun
This stated out as a Fannish Friday Five on Live Journal and then I decided to share, as it actually could fit the SWG 5th Birthday "Five Things" challenge.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: Family Matters, Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 331 |
| 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) |
Tainted Light by Eldalie
Silme loved and followed Maedhros from the peace of Valinor to his fiery end. Now Galadriel, her cousin and friend, reads her memories, and the exile and downfall of the Noldorin Elves live again through the tale of this doomed love. MEFA 2010 NOMINEE
| Major Characters: Fingon, Galadriel, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 23 | Word Count: 104, 293 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (16) |
Lúthien Reborn? by lindahoyland
Could Lúthien have returned?
| Major Characters: Beren, Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
This Perfect Day by lindahoyland, Raksha The Demon
Sometimes the Valar intervene in the everyday affairs of favoured Men.
| Major Characters: Manwë, Ulmo |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 006 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Stranger at the Gates by lindahoyland
A weary stranger seeks shelter from Galadriel.
| Major Characters: Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 658 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Chibi of the Month by whitewave
Injecting colorful cuteness into The Silmarillion since 2008.
"Gothmog and Draugluin" appears in the SWG newsletter. View the Table of Contents for a full listing of comics.
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Finrod Felagund, Glorfindel, Míriel Serindë, Nimloth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Comic Strip, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 1, 696 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Lullaby by oshun
MEFA 2011 NOMINEE
After the death of Fingolfin, Fingon says good-bye before taking Ereinion and his mother to the Havens. The lyrics of the song are important to me, because I chose Fingon as the father of Gil-galad because Orodreth was simply not big enough for me.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Gil-galad, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 763 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Sea Wing by Himring
At the Havens, as Tuor and Idril prepare to sail into the West, Sador Labadal's niece muses on her fascination with Idril and the fate of the servants of the house of Hurin.
Originally my project for the International Day of Femslash, which means it's only about two months late. Never mind: as femslash, it isn't PWP, it's NVMHAA (Nothing Very Much Happens At All)--some readers might consider it doesn't even count.
The story also sort of features Fingon as King Arthur--but very much sort of. For reasons that will be obvious to the reader, Fingon doesn't appear in the list of Characters.
Some of this story is a bit grim, but none of the description is graphic.
Generously nominated for the MEFAs 2011 by Elleth; surprisingly, it won Second Place in the category "Men: General"!
| Major Characters: Idril, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: International Day of Femslash 2010 |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 596 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
The Axes of a Soul by wind rider
The last survivor of the drowning Númenor reflects on herself, her life and her decisions as she struggles to avoid certain death. What will she get in the end? Does she dare to face it like the proud daughter of the Island that she is?
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Horror | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 767 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Beleriand Treasury of Childish Tales by Clodia
This is a mere collection of frivolous experiments in literary mimicry; credit (so far) goes to Rudyard Kipling, Lord Dunsany, JRR Tolkien, HP Lovecraft, Terry Pratchett, CS Lewis, Gogollescent and Saki (HH Munro). MEFA 2010 Honourable Mention (Genres: Drama: Incomplete) for chapters 1-8.
(1) The children's version of the fall of Gondolin.
(2) Nevrast lies abandoned. Where did the king and all the people go?
(3) On the road to Rivendell, Bilbo, Thorin and Gandalf discuss dwarvish singing.
(4) Beneath Barazinbar, Sleeping Beauty... awakes.
(5) Trolls, tea parties and a touch of literary theory.
(6) Uncle Gorthaur has some words of advice for his dear Thuringwethil.
(7) Maglor confronts his ghosts on the beach.
(8) Domestic discontent in Lothlórien.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Durin I, Dwarves, Ecthelion of the Fountain, Elves, Erestor, Eärendil, Fëanor, Galadriel, Gandalf, Glorfindel, Gothmog, Idril, Maglor, Original Character(s), Sauron, Thorondor, Thuringwethil, Tuor, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 8 | Word Count: 15, 955 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Eruanna by wind rider
Everything and everyone is perfect in the Blessed Realm... is it not? A new, hopeful father learnt the difference between expectancy and faith. | Dedicated to parents out there who are proud of their disabled children.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 731 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Dire Secret by wind rider
For ALEC May-June 2010: "Missing You."
Makalaurë hides something from his family. But apparently his heart is not a safe-enough hidy hole… What will come of it?
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 718 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Cheese! by wind rider
Big brother Turko thinks he could tease lil Curvo as much as he wishes... That assumption is about to be straightened up; but Curvo is not alone in his endeavour. A free day, a messy sitting-room, Maitimo's quill, a creative father and brother - Tyelkormo's day cannot get any worse, yes?...
| Major Characters: Celegorm |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 677 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
My Heart Lies Where My Eyes Alight by wind rider
In nearly every home, its dwellers have rooms, items or nooks special for themselves. It is no different even with the greatest of the Valar, Manwë and Varda. These are five features of their home most beloved by the couple with their various reasons.
| Major Characters: Ainur |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 7, 905 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Five meetings between Indis and Míriel by clotho123
How would the friendship have been between Indis and Míriel if they had known each other? This ficlet series explores this possibility.
| Major Characters: Indis, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 298 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
“What Is It?” by wind rider
Someone was cheeky enough to send several things into Arda… What would its inhabitants say and do about it? – Ficlets with a totally unserious approach on modern items or gadgets popping up during the First Age of the Sun in Arda. (Guess what those are!)
| Major Characters: Daeron, Glorfindel, Lúthien Tinúviel, Maglor, Ossë, Tulkas, Uinen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 765 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Reembodied by Dawn Felagund
Tata was said to be the first of the Noldor to awaken at Cuivienen, yet the histories never speak of him again. Uncomfortable and indecisive as a leader, he nonetheless rejects the summons of the Valar to Valinor, recognizing a fundamental wrong in the ideas they preach. This is the story of his life. 2011 MEFA nominee.
| Major Characters: Finwë, Original Character(s), Oromë, Tata, Tatië |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 9, 968 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
I Walked Along Sirion Today by Beruthiels Cat
A walk along the river reveals poetry.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 47 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Glorfindel's Dream by Esteliel
Glorfindel thinks back on his life. A sestina written for the Lays of Beleriand Reloaded theme.
| Major Characters: Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 333 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Understanding of a Father by Ellie
During the preparations for the War of Wrath, a recently restored Glorfindel and his father come to a better understanding of what transpired for them both since the rebellion of the Noldor.
| Major Characters: Finarfin, Finrod Felagund, Glorfindel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 898 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Watching the Dance by Lyra
Out in the woods, young Túrin makes a new friend - and learns not to fear thunderstorms.
Written for Elleth - Happy Birthday!
| Major Characters: Nellas, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 747 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Reflections by Angelica
Eldar and Avari meet for the first time in the forest and discover similarities among their differences.
| Major Characters: Elves |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 422 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (13) |
Your Sins into Me by oshun
Shortly after the arrival of the main body of the Noldor in Middle-earth, Fingon the Valiant sets off alone to rescue his cousin and old friend Maedhros who has been captured by Melkor.
Nominated for the 2011 Middle-earth Fanfiction Awards.
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 464 |
| 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) |
