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
Turning Point
The Silmarillion has many moments when a character stands upon a crossroad: He or she will have to make a decision. At such a turning point in your story, create a fanwork about that moment that will define or alter the life of your character. 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 Game of Risk by Lyra
Isildur said no word, but went out by night and did a deed for which he was afterwards renowned.
Isildur discovers that heroic deeds are not nearly as simple as the poets make it sound.
| Major Characters: Isildur |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Suspense | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 666 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
His Own Dark Designs by Independence1776
Ar-Pharazôn begins to worship Morgoth. Drabble.
| Major Characters: Ar-Pharazôn, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 102 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
The Fated by SWE
A story about the dangers of giving your twins the same name. Starring... Ambarussa. And their parents.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Fanon Inverted |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 445 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The Last Temptation by Fireworks
Sauron has been taken prisoner by Pharazôn but nurtures an ever-growing influence. In the midst of a Númenor increasingly divided, a young Anárion works quietly after rebellion, discovering both love and betrayal in its midst.
| Major Characters: Anárion, Ar-Pharazôn, Elendil, Isildur, Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 52, 177 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
No Justice to Yourself by oshun
Erestor sails to Valinor and finds himself involved with someone he was infatuated with as a youth. Based upon the request by Darth Fingon, in the 2009 Ardor in August fic swap, for Finarfin/Erestor, set in the Fourth Age in Aman, including secrecy and moral doubt. Did not want a fluffy, happy romance and if Earwen is part of the story and/or finds out about the affair, she should not be soppily happy for them. Huge thank yous to: IgnobleBard, Lilithlessfair, and Aearwen, for reading and providing corrections and suggestions.
2010 Middle-earth Fanfiction Awards -- First Place in Races: Elves: Noldorin Elves
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Elrond, Eärwen, Finarfin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Fanon Inverted, Gift of a Story |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 8, 412 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Hostage by SurgicalSteel
Ar-Pharazon takes Sauron as a hostage for the good behavior of his people.
| Major Characters: Amandil, Ar-Pharazôn, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 071 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
The Day the Numenoreans Left by Aiwen
Pharazôn and Amandil's diplomatic mission to Middle-earth may do more harm than good ...
| Major Characters: Amandil, Ar-Pharazôn, Círdan, Gil-galad, Glorfindel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 6, 102 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
To Stand Fast Against the Night by Fiondil
Tar-Palantir makes a decision upon receiving the Sceptre of Númenor, a decision that does not meet with universal approval.
| Major Characters: Amandil, Ar-Pharazôn, Elendil, Gimilkhâd, Inzilbêth, Original Character(s), Tar-Míriel, Tar-Palantir |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 934 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Regret by vaoni
Maglor stills wanders upon the shores, searching for his lost obsession. His feet, once again, bring him to the cliff that he cast the Silmaril off from. One Shot. Modern day.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 189 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Falling Stars by Independence1776
Mestië and Alagos suffer the consequences of breaking Ar-Gimilzôr’s laws. Dark.
| Major Characters: Mandos, Manwë, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Suspense | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Torture, Creator Chooses Not to Warn, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 135 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (16) |
Every Wish by Independence1776
Mestië, a Faithful commoner, prepares for her wedding while dealing with Ar-Gimilzôr’s new laws forbidding the speaking of Elvish.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 271 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (13) |
Brothers by Dawn Felagund
Two brothers face their father's death and the differences that have arisen between them, for one is of the King's Men and the other of the Elf-friends.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 493 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (16) |
Mavoinë by Fiondil
On a lonely hill overlooking Andúnië, an Elf watches his mortal friend build a tower and is filled with grave misgivings as to its purpose.
| Major Characters: Ainur, Arminas, Isilmo, Original Character(s), Tar-Minastir, Tar-Telperiën |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 286 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
The Ban of the Valar by Fiondil
The Valar meet to discuss how to prevent the Númenóreans from seeking the Undying Lands.
| Major Characters: Ainur |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 068 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Seek the Horizon, Númenor's Sons by Dawn Felagund
"Above all arts they nourished shipbuilding and sea-craft, and they became mariners whose like shall never be again since the world was diminished; and voyaging upon the wide seas was the chief feat and adventure of their hardy men in the gallant days of their youth"--a Númenórean mariners' chant.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 279 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (18) |
Tenn’ Ambar-Metta by Fiondil
Elrond receives a final letter from his brother.
| Major Characters: Círdan, Elrond, Elros, Erestor, Gil-galad, Vardamir |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 282 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
Anadûnai by darthfingon
163 years after their parting in Middle-earth, Elrond travels to Númenor to see his brother again.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 28, 576 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
How the East Was Won by pandemonium_213
During the earliest years of the Second Age, Melkor’s great lieutenant puts the destruction of Beleriand behind him and travels to the East...with a plan.
MEFA 2010 Winner. First Place; Races: Villains: General.
| Major Characters: Eönwë, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Science Fiction | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 227 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (34) |
Eönwë Among the Edain by Fiondil
Eönwë has been chosen to teach the Edain who will go to Númenor what they need to know to succeed in their new life, but he’s not too happy about the assignment.
| Major Characters: Ainur, Círdan, Elros, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 333 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Never Look Back by Independence1776
Elrond has difficulty coming to terms with Elros' choice and their impending separation.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Eönwë, Gil-galad, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 671 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (34) |
Ar-Pharazôn by Russandol
In honor of Akallabêth in August, this bio explores the history, evolution, and some of the questions surrounding of Ar-Pharazôn, one of Arda's darkest characters. Originally featured August 2009.
In-Betweens by Elleth
The story (or stories) of Nerdanel and Fëanor. The little things, the in-betweens that are not mentioned in the Silmarillion or History of Middle-earth, starting with the beginning of their romance.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, Romance | Challenges: Anniversary Contest |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 2, 551 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (20) |
Mourning Glory by minuiloss
The morning after Tarnin Austa at the end of the first age, Glorfindel awakens to find himself somewhere wholly unfamiliar. Glorfindel/Erestor, multi-chapter WIP
| Major Characters: Elrond, Erestor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 199 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Prince of Hearts by Rhapsody
One day Elrond decides to acknowlegde a request that changed his life and that of others forever.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 399 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (13) |
The Piggolantë by whitewave
Another unusual take on my favorite Noldor elves.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Finwë, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: All Good Beasts |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Torture, Expletive Language, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 903 |
| 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 (7) |
