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
Plot Thickens
Create a fanwork that depicts characters in the act of plotting something. 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
Fire by Tarion Anarore
Another B2MEM 08 submission, this one about Losgar. A possible glimpse into the thoughts and motivations of the "gentle" second son of Fëanor who did not, in fact, stand aside.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| 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: 150 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Revenge of Curufin's Horse by Moreth
How that 'Song of Parting' made it to the public domain... The Himring Codex version.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Curufin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | 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 (18) |
To Write A Song by Tarion Anarore
Debuted in B2MEM after being properly aged. A double drabble on songwriting.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| 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: 208 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Gwindor's Love by Rianna
Gwindor dreams about his beloved Finduilas. A double drabble.
| Major Characters: Gwindor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 199 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The Sky Is Over by Robinka
For the challenge "Within the Pages of Lore", a glimpse at Finrod, dedicated to my friend and fellow writer Rianna.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Within the Pages of Lore |
| 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 (10) |
Out, Damn'd Spot! Out, I Say! by Alassante
Like Lady MacBeth, Celebrimbor discovers how much blood is in a body, so much so that water cannot wash it easily away.
For OSA Drabble challenge - Water Also, dedicated to Dawn Felagund for being forgiving and protective like Uncle Maedhros.
2008 MEFA Winner - 2nd Place Elves: Noldor Fixed-Length Ficlets
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 293 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Eastern Sea (III) by Gadira
Part III of the Númenor Seas series, for the Sea Voyage challenge. Yehimelkor, the last High Priest of Melkor, stares at the sea thar robbed him of a loved one and bears his fate proudly.
| Major Characters: Amandil, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Sea Voyages |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 727 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Denial by oshun
This is a birthday gift for Kenaz. A ficlet involving Maglor and Maedhros, which is set in the Time of the Trees in Formenos, at the home of Fëanor and his wife and sons. It is set in the same universe as my story Maitimo and Findekáno and occurs a couple of years earlier. I hope it is obvious from the ficlet that Maedhros and Maglor are very young adults and Fingon is the equivalent of a teenager. (There is a reference to slash in this piece but no sexual content.)
MEFA 2008 Second Place: Elves - House of Finwë
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Humor, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Family Matters, Gift of a Story, Inspiration |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 846 |
| 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) |
The Dance by Dawn Felagund
A light, sweet version of how Nerdanel and Fëanáro first realized their love for each other. 2008 MEFA nominee.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Mahtan, Nerdanel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 041 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Thicker Than Water by Noliel
Celebrimbor is told of Curufin's death in an accidental moment.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Curufin, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 489 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Where the Heart Is by Noliel
Maglor wanders physically, seeks subconsciously, and finds. Really.
| 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: 601 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Alqualondë by Moreth
Two drabbles from opposing view-points. Set in the chaos of the first kin-slaying, so rated for death and violence.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 203 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (20) |
Unweaving the Rainbow by pandemonium_213
The student of Nienna takes issue with the servant of Aulë's study of light.
MEFA 2009: Second Place - Genres: Ficlets: General
| Major Characters: Gandalf, Saruman |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 286 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
In absentia by Robinka
A post-Thangorodrim vignette written for Dawn Felagund.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 529 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (16) |
An Ordinary Woman by Dawn Felagund
For Jenni, a more realistic interpretation of Luthien's story, how she came to enter her people's legends, how she met Beren, and how Finrod got himself into deep trouble. MEFA 2008 nominee.
| Major Characters: Beren, Elu Thingol, Finrod Felagund, Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Humor | Challenges: Gift of a Story, Strong Women |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 817 |
| 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) |
Light of the Westering Sun by Dawn Felagund
For Unsung Heroine, a series of double drabbles about the life of Haleth and how it touched, briefly and in love, upon that of Caranthir. MEFA 2008 nominee.
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Haleth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 204 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Footsteps in Time by Keiliss
Celeborn and Galadriel, the early years: from Doriath to Balar.
MEFA 2008 Races: Elves: General: Third Place
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 11, 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 (6) |
Surprise by Dawn Felagund
Mahtan on the birth of his daughter Nerdanel: on lives changed and dark destinies fulfilled. For Rhapsody.
MEFA 2008 nominee.
| Major Characters: Aulë, Mahtan, Nerdanel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 394 |
| 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) |
A Gift for a King by Dawn Felagund
Just after Fingolfin's birth, Fëanor makes a gift for his father. For Oloriel.
| Major Characters: Aulë, Fëanor, Fingolfin, Finwë, Indis |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 924 |
| 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) |
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 |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 876 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Letting Go by Ellie
The night before the departure of the Vanyar for the War of Wrath, King Ingwe comes to terms with the decisions he has made leading up to this event.
| Major Characters: Ingwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 576 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Starlit Memories by Ellie
On a peaceful night, Glorfindel indulges in a sweet memory of a blissful time in Valinor.
| Major Characters: Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 603 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
If I Had One Wish by Ellie
Indis reveals her greatest wish.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Eärwen, Finwë, Indis, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 644 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
How To Love Him by Rhapsody
On the eve of her wedding night, Amarië has a startling revelation about herself and her love for Finrod.
| Major Characters: Amarië, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Het, Romance | Challenges: From Evil Comes Good, Gift of a Story, Strong Women |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 530 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Full Brothers in Blood by oshun
Gift story for Dawn Felagund, Christmas 2007, Fingon and Turgon as young brothers. Honorable Mention, MEFA 2008
| Major Characters: Anairë, Celegorm, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finwë, Indis, Maedhros, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Humor | Challenges: Ankle Biters, Gift of a Story, Sibling Rivalry |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 196 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (19) |
