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
Kings & Queens
Create a fanwork about a king or queen from the legendarium. 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
The Scented Pleasure Garden by whitewave
A very irreverent and heretical look at the Silmarillion Elves in terms of their "horticultural" potential. Has very strong sexual innuendo and adult language. You have been warned. *Complete!
***Some varieties were updated on Jan 1, 2009 to include my LJ friends' names in their particular muse's entry.
Chibis generated from this site: http://www.tektek.org/dream/
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Angrod, Aredhel, Argon, Beleg, Celeborn, Celebrimbor, Círdan, Daeron, Ecthelion of the Fountain, Egalmoth, Elenwë, Elu Thingol, Eärwen, Eöl, Fëanor, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Finwë, Galadriel, Galdor of the Tree, Glorfindel, Idril, Indis, Ingwë, Lúthien Tinúviel, Mablung, Maeglin, Míriel Serindë, Nerdanel, Orodreth, Oropher, Rog, Rúmil (Valinor), Saeros, Salgant, Sauron, Sons of Fëanor, Thranduil, Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 13, 086 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (78) |
Wayland by clotho123
A short, eerie story combining English legend, barrow-wrights and the fate of Elven spirits which refused the Call of Mandos.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 704 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Silmarils Are Forever by whitewave
A very light but ambitious confection written mostly for the author’s pleasure wherein JRR Tolkien’s male canon characters are cast in roles from Ian Fleming’s work. Only the crazy plot belongs to the author.
| Major Characters: Beleg, Celebrimbor, Círdan, Eönwë, Fingon, Galdor (Edain), Gandalf, Haleth, Mablung, Mahtan, Melkor, Original Character(s), Sauron, Sons of Fëanor, Tata, Thranduil, Ungoliant, Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Crossover, Het | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Torture, Character Death, Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 403 |
| 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 (8) |
Things That Matter by Keiliss
Kindness matters.
| Major Characters: Gil-galad, Gildor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 199 |
| 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 Departure by Keiliss
Departure, to be followed by a return.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 201 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
| Major Characters: Elendil, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 300 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
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| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 103 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Galadriel's Best Interests by Keiliss
"Not in a million years."
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 202 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Victim of the Unlight by Alassante
Finwe was the first elf killed in Valinor. This is about his final moments.
Written for ALEC's October Challenge - Death and Undead Things
2009 MEFA 2nd Place Winner, Races: Elves: House of Finwe
| Major Characters: Finwë, Melkor, Ungoliant |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 848 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Bright Are The Stars Upon the Margin of the World by Kenaz
A tale of Beleg's beginning: You are children of starlight, the water sang, the fairest and most favored of Ilúvatar's design. Great deeds will you bring forth upon the world. And he smiled and listened still, but in his heart, though born of starlight and culled from dream and song, he was a son of the wilderness who wist no sire but the wood, and he cared little for great deeds.
| Major Characters: Beleg, Oromë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 096 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Last Star I See by phyncke
An elf perishes on the dread crossing of the Helcaraxë.
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 532 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Lúthien's Tale by clotho123
So what made Lúthien go overboard for an unwashed mortal? The world's only half-Elf half-Maia gives her side of the story.
| Major Characters: Beren, Celegorm, Curufin, Daeron, Elu Thingol, Finrod Felagund, Huan, Lúthien Tinúviel, Melian, Melkor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Humor, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 534 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Tales of Middle-Earth by tinni
A set of stories that retell Greek, Indian, Chinese and Japanese myths and legends, not to mention Brother's Grimm fairy tales, in Middle-earth with Tolkien's characters. Current selection include Iadel, The Mighty Singer, Living Stone, Minstrels, The Woe of a Maiden who loved Legolas, The day the sun didn't rise and Gemini.
| Major Characters: Curufin, Daeron, Eluréd, Elurín, Fëanor, Maglor, Nerdanel, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Experimental, General, Poetry, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 5, 229 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Lack of Privacy by oshun
(Maedhros/Fingon) This was written in response to teasing by IgnobleBard that I had cut out the love scene from the story I wrote him for his birthday and Halloween, Do You Believe in Ghosts? So, here it is, only a slightly belated Christmas present. (Warning: it is not really, unlike the Ghosts story that prompted it, a comic piece.)
| Major Characters: Curufin, Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Family Matters, Gift of a Story, One True Love |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 241 |
| 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) |
Whispering Winds by tinni
Set after the battle of Unnumbered Tears, the life of Caranthir till his death during the sack of Doriath
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celeborn, Celegorm, Curufin, Dior, Eluréd, Elurín, Elwing, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 12 | Word Count: 16, 203 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (15) |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Melkor, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery, Slash/Femslash, Suspense | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Rape/Nonconsensual Sex |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 880 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Captive by tinni
What if Morgoth took Feanor prisoner instead of killing him? AU, slash, you have been warned. Please read and review as it is how I pay my muse.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingon, Maedhros, Melkor, Sauron, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama, Horror, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 8, 298 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Prince of a Life of Darkness by Lira_of_Imladris
Neithan, an elf who was abandoned at a young age, has finally left his home of long. When he finds that he is not the son of Dior, his friend is killed and Fëanor’s sons attack his home of Doriath, the darker side of Neithan is revealed and he begins to search for what he wants. But what does he want? R&R
Set in the First Age of Middle-Earth in Beleriand. Title may change but I’m not sure yet
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Dior, Eluréd, Elurín, Elwing, Gil-galad, Glorfindel, Maedhros, Maglor, Melkor, Original Character(s), Oropher, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 6, 434 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Stones of Seeing 1. Vardamir Nólimon by clotho123
At the end of his reign Elros receives a visitor. How the palantíri came into Númenor.
| Major Characters: Elros, Nerdanel, Vardamir |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 588 |
| 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) |
A Time to Heal by clotho123
At the beginning of the Second Age Gil-galad must decide what to do about the surviving Fëanorian followers. Can the Noldor be reconciled?
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Círdan, Elrond, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 277 |
| 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) |
Feanorian Haiku plus Ulmo by Los Gloriol
Today is national haiku day in America.(no I am not making it up.) So, in honor of this most celebrated occasion, I have devised 9 haiku for you. The metric phrases 5,7,5 respectively.
Enjoy complete silliness! Maybe make your own and share:)
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Sons of Fëanor, Ulmo |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 113 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
The Deal by Kriemhild
A look from Melkor's point of view at the recruiting of Ungoliant to destroy the Two Trees and steal the Silmarils
| Major Characters: Gothmog, Melkor, Original Character(s), Ungoliant |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 414 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Footnote to the Akallabêth by clotho123
The results of the Downfall, from the point of view of the Noldor in Aman. Semi-serious.
| Major Characters: Amarië, Anairë, Eärwen, Finarfin, Finrod Felagund, Indis, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 939 |
| 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) |
Last Alliance by Isil Elensar
For a few moments in time, a soldier in the Last Alliance remembers the woman he left behind.
| 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: 694 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
