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
B-Movie
Prompts for this Matryoshka challenge are loosely inspired by the predictable plot arcs of hilariously abominable, eye-rollingly corny, so-bad-they're-actually-kinda-good horror films. 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
At the dawn of the world by Ithildae
A poem, based on my impressions after reading the book for the first time.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | 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) |
The Greatest Torment by Still Anonymous
After his rescue from Thangorodrim, Feanor's eldest dreams of the kinslaying at Alqualondë.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 570 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Kind of Poetry by Independence1776
Indis can't help but fall in love with Finwë-- and his wife Míriel. When the couple brings her into their relationship, everything changes.
Finwë/Míriel/Indis, with an emphasis on Míriel/Indis.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Finwë, Indis, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 017 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (17) |
The Wars of the Valar by Fiondil
Before the Coming of the Children, before Arda was even created, the Valar labored in wastes unmeasured and unexplored, and in ages uncounted and forgotten while Melkor sought to dominate all to his own desires and purposes. This is their story. As always, my thanks go to Alassiel for the beta-read. MEFA 2008: Honorable Mention: Longer Works (General).
| Major Characters: Maiar, Melkor, Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 58 | Word Count: 163, 942 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Kin No More by Ellie
During the War of Wrath, remnants of the king’s guard bear a badly wounded Finarfin from battle only to find themselves ensnared in an even older conflict.
| Major Characters: Finarfin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 7, 377 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Shadow and Flame by Esteliel
Glorfindel meets his fate at Cristhorn.
| Major Characters: Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 653 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Wish Fulfilment by Himring
Once again, Maedhros steals a boat, but this time he's got Fingon with him.
Holiday-ish.
Fingon/Maedhros, but nevertheless Teens (anything else must be supplied by your own imagination...)
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 684 |
| 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) |
Through Sorrow to Find Joy by Dawn Felagund
This series will include small thinglets that do not fit in my other series.
New: Speak Faster. Nerdanel meets Ælfwine on Tol Eressëa. A double drabble.
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Andreth, Celegorm, Eriol, Maedhros, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 1, 106 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Flickers by Meril
Drabbles of varying multiples focused on Nerdanel, Feanor, their family and their lives.
| Major Characters: Elves, Fëanor, Nerdanel, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 11 | Word Count: 1, 111 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Shiny Little Things by Meril
My Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales-based drabbles.
| Major Characters: Dwarves, Elves, Men |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 10 | Word Count: 1, 598 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Dragon Tale by Pearl Took
Where did the Dragons come from?
| Major Characters: Glaurung, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 450 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Song of Summer by pandemonium_213
While visiting Imladris during the 20th year of the Fourth Age, Radagast overhears an elf-woman singing in the kitchen gardens of the House of Elrond. There he finds Mélamírë bending to pull weeds, but when she stands straight by a row of tomatoes, she sings a song in Radagast's mother tongue. When the wizard observes that she has used a Song of Making, she informs him of her purpose and priorities.
Inspired by a peculiar confluence of recent discussion of Lúthien on The Heretic Loremaster and ripe New Jersey tomatoes.
MEFA 2011 Winner. First Place, Ficlet, Later Age Elves
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Radagast |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 797 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (15) |
A Walk by the River by Elfique
The grief of Finduilas and Gwindor, as each considers the loss of the other.
| Major Characters: Finduilas, Gwindor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 439 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
The Jinn by pandemonium_213
While leading his tribe into the deep desert to escape the inevitable war between the Zigûr and the Sea-kings, Sharif finds a woman — injured and unconscious — among the rocks. He discovers this is not a mortal woman, but one of the immortal demons of the north. He is ready to kill her, but the tribe's priestess stays his hand, warning him that slaying the jinn would bring terrible misfortune to his tribe. His wives care for the jinn, who recovers and aids the tribe as they journey to the East in search of a mysterious land where they hope to find sanctuary, the jinn no less than Sharif and his tribe as they flee from the Zigûr and the Sea-Kings.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Crossover, Drama | Challenges: Strangers in Strange Lands |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 237 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Vairë's Tapestries by Fiondil
A collection of my short stories originally published on Stories of Arda. Most of the stories are rated for Teens, but any stories that have an "R" rating will be duly noted. Thanks go to Alassiel for the beta.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 17, 405 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Amandil by Russandol
Amandil - During Akallabêth in August we feature Amandil, the patriarch of the founders of the realms of Men in Middle-earth. Russandol addresses what the stories tell of Amandil, his evolution as the texts developed, and prompts unanswered questions for inspiration and debate. Originally featured August 2010.
Racing Down the Mindon by Himring
As tensions are rising between the factions of Feanor and Fingolfin in Tirion, Celegorm comes to see his brother Maedhros at the palace.
Very kindly nominated for the MEFAs 2011 by Angelica; it won Third Place in the category: "Character Study: House of Finwë".
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 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) |
The Findaráto Diaries by Fiondil
A hundred years before Glorfindel was released from Mandos, Finrod Felagund, once King of Nargothrond, was reborn to walk with his father in Eldamar. This is his story. A companion tale to Elf, Interrupted. As always, my sincerest thanks go to Alassiel for the beta.
| Major Characters: Ainur, Amarië, Eärwen, Finarfin, Finrod Felagund, Gandalf, Ingwë, Maiar, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 38 | Word Count: 124, 940 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Elf Academy by Fiondil
Desperate for employment, six Elves who never left Middle-earth, decide to apply for the one position that is ready-made for them — being Elves. There’s just one catch. My thanks to Alassiel as always for the beta.
| Major Characters: Ainur, Daeron, Elves, Glorfindel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 20 | Word Count: 91, 478 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Silmarillion Gospel by Araloth the Random
What happens when a group of clueless fangirls try to "translate" The Silmarillion into Biblical English? Utter chaos, of course!
Nominated for MEFA 2010, with many thanks to elfscribe!
| Major Characters: Dwarves, Elves, Maiar, Sons of Fëanor, Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 4, 261 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (68) |
Diptych by Himring
Maedhros looks back from Mithrim, remembering his time on Thangorodrim and in the dungeons of Angband.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Torture, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 962 |
| 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) |
Heirs of the Past by clotho123
Gil-galad, Celebrimbor and a ring. Not the one you think.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Trinkets and Treasures |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 228 |
| 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) |
It Seems You Do by Himring
Setting: A fortified manor in the south of Hithlum. Time: Before the Nirnaeth Arnoediad.
Maedhros arrives from Dorthonion to find out how Fingon's negotiations with Orodreth are progressing. Proceedings that evening are only slightly disrupted by the machinations of a pair of cats and a lot of weather. However, when Orodreth's final answer eventually arrives, his refusal to join the alliance represents a more serious challenge.
(Maedhros/Fingon)
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 4, 043 |
| 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) |
Fire and Smoke by Marta
"Thereafter the fire and smoke went up without ceasing; for the power of Sauron daily increased, and in that temple, with spilling of blood and torment and great wickedness, men made sacrifice to Melkor." (Akallabeth)
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 384 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
An Intense Dislike of Elves by Himring
Amlach seems to be the only one of the early Edain who is explicitly said to have entered the service of Maedhros, so he may have been the first of Men to do so and he may have gone to Himring alone. This story imagines the feelings of an Adan who originally opposed the Eldar and now finds himself spending his life among them, all on his own.
It also tries to answer the question why he picked Maedhros specifically as his prospective leader and whether Maedhros fulfilled his expectations.
I decided it might just about fit the Follow the Leader challenge.
| Major Characters: Amlach, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Follow the Leader |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 6, 385 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
