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
Another Place in Time
Move beyond the places and times of familiar events to consider what was going on elsewhere in Arda at the same time as a major event covered in The Silmarillion. How--if at all--did the event impact what was transpiring elsewhere at the same time? 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
{podfic} Examined Lives by Sallyavestheday by Anérea
Erestor and Pengolodh negotiate their respective truths, after sailing for Valinor.
| Major Characters: Erestor, Pengolodh |
| Major Relationships: Erestor/Pengolodh |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (4) |
{podfic} Ulmo's Wife by pandemonium_213 by Anérea
It was written that Ulmo was alone, but delving deeper into the nature of the Valar and their adopted world reveals otherwise.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Ulmo |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
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{podfic} Who You Are To Me by Anérea
The White Lady of the Noldor, seen by some of those who loved her best.
(Podfic of a triple drabble by Melesta)
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Celegorm, Eöl, Idril |
| Major Relationships: Aredhel & Celegorm, Aredhel/Eöl |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Material Things by Anérea
A drawble collection of Ardan objects
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Drawble/Finished Sketch |
| Genres: | Challenges: Potluck Bingo |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (9) |
Amroth's Lament by Flora-lass
Amroth is in the sea. A 100-word poem.
| Major Characters: Amroth |
| Major Relationships: Amroth/Nimrodel |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Kings & Queens, Potluck Bingo |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Collection of Potluck Drabbles by Artano
This is a collection of true drabbles completed for the 'Four Words' drabble bingo card.
| Genres: Family, Ficlet, Fixed-Length Ficlet, Fluff, General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: Potluck Bingo |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Torture, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 24 | Word Count: 2, 422 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
2024 Potluck Doodles by silmalope
Assorted prompt fills for the 2024 Potluck bingo boards, to varying degrees of completion! :)
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Character/Portrait, Drawble/Finished Sketch, Drawing/Painting |
| Genres: | Challenges: Potluck Bingo |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (21) |
On Dwarves and Glass-making by Artano
A brief discussion on Dwarves inspired by the the Lycurgus Cup, completed for Tolkien Meta Week 2024.
| Major Characters: Dwarves |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: Tolkien Meta Week |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 231 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Suddenly and Unexpectedly by StarSpray
After a few minutes, though, he heard an answering voice. He looked up, falling silent. That had sounded like—but no, it couldn’t be. Eärendil saw movement on the path again, just the top of someone’s dark head coming up the last slope toward the tower. As whoever it was drew farther up the hill, more became visible, and Eärendil abandoned his flower weaving and scrambled upright, bare feet slipping over the stones as the grass and daisies tumbled over the cliff side down into the water below.
| Major Characters: Eärendil, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: Eärendil & Turgon |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: Potluck Bingo |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 681 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Places and Spaces - Potluck Bingo Art by Zara BalrogBalls
Artwork for Elleth’s Potluck Bingo board: starting off appropriately with Piecemeal Palace in Himring — Maedhros’ potlucky manor house, aka where Elrond & Elros grew up ✨
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor, Elrond, Elros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Drawing/Painting, Illustration |
| Genres: | Challenges: Potluck Bingo |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (3) |
Getting Dirty by Elleth
A collection of NSFW ficlets for the "Keep It Clean" bingo card of the 2024 Potluck Bingo.
| Major Characters: Nerdanel, Eärwen, Anairë, Rían, Morwen, Aerin |
| Major Relationships: Anairë/Eärwen/Nerdanel, Aerin/Morwen/Rían |
| Genres: Femslash | Challenges: Potluck Bingo |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 217 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
mouths of fire by nycterisg
It is Curufin who crafts the three gems. Starting with the one of fire.
Or: Curufin copes with grief in true Noldorin fashion.
| Major Characters: Curufin, Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: Curufin & Fëanor |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Family, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 640 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Tolkien's "Collected Poems": A Link Collection by Himring
A collection of links to material publicly available online on the The Collected Poems of J.R.R. Tolkien, the edition by Christina Scull and Wayne G. Hammond, published in September 2024.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Reference Collection | Challenges: Tolkien Meta Week |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
Libraries at the Edge of Middle-earth: Fanworks, Archives, and Communities as Heritage by Dawn Walls-Thumma
Tolkien fanfiction archives both preserve the "libraries of Middle-earth" in the form of keeping Tolkien's original words alive and promote conversations around heritage as community and fan identity that keeps those central texts relevant to diverse fans in a rapidly changing world.
Be All My Sins Remembered by Marchwriter
With Nargothrond’s might diminishing and the Elves’ borders hard-pressed, Finrod welcomes the first Men into his ranks, but when their chieftain, Bëor, becomes dearer to him than mere vassal, Finrod faces sending his lover or himself into deadly peril as the Enemy breaches the Elves’ leaguer.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Bëor |
| Major Relationships: Bëor/Finrod |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 17, 641 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Road to Ruin by StarSpray
In his own wanderings, Daeron comes to the shore--and finds Maglor.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Daeron & Maglor |
| Genres: Drama, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: Potluck Bingo |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Mature Themes, Suicide |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 327 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Mapping Arda, Part III: The Second Age by Anérea, Varda delle Stelle
A series of articles featuring fan-made maps of all the lands of Arda. Part III explores the island of Númenor and mainland Middle-earth during the Second Age.
Sixpence by Zara BalrogBalls
Four true drabbles from the perspectives of Maglor, Eärendil, Elwing and Elrond, vaguely connected by the state of being six (years old).
| Major Characters: Maglor, Elwing, Eärendil, Elrond |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 416 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
On a Night of Snow by Elleth
Fingon returns to Barad Eithel after a late-autumn hunt, finding someone unexpected with his wife. The night takes an even more unexpected turn for all three of them.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Unnamed Female Canon Character(s), Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Maedhros, Fingon/Unnamed Canon Character, Fingon/Maedhros/Unnamed Canon Character |
| Genres: Erotica, Poly, Romance | Challenges: Potluck Bingo |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 8, 704 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Not Wholly Unwilling by Ecthelion
For the marriage of the Eldar, what is "not wholly unwilling"?
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Eöl |
| Major Relationships: Aredhel/Eöl |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 942 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
no sweeter innocence than our gentle sin by nycterisg
“This is not the way of the Eldar.”
“It’s mine. Am I not one of the Eldar too?”
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Maedhros |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: In-Universe Queerphobia/LGBTQIA+ Intolerance |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 327 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
On the bonnie banks of Ivrin by Himring
Ye'll take the high road / and I’ll take the low road, / and I’ll be in Aman afore ye; / but you and I will never meet again / on the bonnie, bonnie banks of Ivrin.
| Major Characters: Beleg, Aredhel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 687 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Long-tressed Wingildi by Anérea
"... the long-tressed Wingildi ... spirits of the foam and the surf of ocean."
~ a painted sketch for Scribbles and Drabbles 2024.
| Major Characters: Maiar, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Character/Portrait, Drawing/Painting |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (15) |
Seeking Sunlight by StarSpray
It was winter, and the sunlight that came into the caves was cold and pale, but Rían still sought it out, bundled up in all of the furs and blankets that they could give her.
| Major Characters: Annael, Rían |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 551 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Primordial Daydream by Anérea
The Queen of Faery takes a little light trip down memory lane.
| Major Characters: Faery Queen, Maiar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover | crossed with Smith of Wootton Major | Challenges: Bollywood |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 366 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
