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
Traditions
Create a fanwork about or showing the oral tradition. 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
Tumult by StarSpray
After the chaos of the War of Wrath, Uinen smooths the way for the ships of the Edain to sail to their new home.
Later, she does what she can at its fall.
| Major Characters: Uinen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 809 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Fandom Voices: Comments and Feedback by Dawn Walls-Thumma
Over thirty people contributed their thoughts on the experience of leaving and receiving feedback on fanworks. Emotions run high on all sides, but community and connections emerge as factors that promote feedback while easing its difficulties for readers and viewers.
Coincidences of Fate by cílil
Sometimes Eönwë wonders if his life is just like Manwë's romance novels. Sometimes he even thinks the One may be laughing at him from above.
A story told in exactly 4 1/3 drabbles.
| Major Characters: Eönwë, Sauron, Gothmog |
| Major Relationships: Eönwë/Gothmog, Eönwë/Sauron |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Ficlet, Romance, Slash | Challenges: Bollywood |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 443 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Tengwar Drabbles by cílil
A collection of Silmarillion-centric drabbles written for the Tengwar Challenge. Short and sweet!
| Major Characters: Amarië, Arien, Celegorm, Elrond, Estë, Fëanor, Finarfin, Galadriel, Gothmog, Maeglin, Melkor, Nazgûl, Sauron, Tilion |
| Major Relationships: Amarië/Galadriel |
| Genres: Femslash, Ficlet, Fluff, Romance, Slash | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 10 | Word Count: 1, 015 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
Springtime Oasis at Night by Kaylee Arafinwiel
A drawing of an oasis in the desert at nighttime. In the centre is a "Tree of 40 Fruit" with pink leaves. To the right of it is a small hut with a yellow roof and lit up windows.
Quote: "The “Tree of 40 Fruit” is Van Aken’s creation, a single tree that can produce 40 different stone fruits, or fruit with pits, including peaches, apricots, plums, cherries and nectarines." However, why the heck can't it exist naturally (because magic/A Wizard, or maybe Vala Did It) in Beleriand/Middle-earth (or, at the very least, have been invented by someone else who's interested in hybridization. But who is it?) (https://www.cnn.com/2015/08/03/living/tree-40-fruit-sam-van-aken-feat/index.html: link to inspiration for the tree)
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: No type listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (4) |
Horse Fish? Mine? by Kaylee Arafinwiel
A drawing of a nokk, which in this case is a blue horse with green fins and a green mane and tail swimming in the ocean. It has a thought bubble near its head reading: "Fish?? I am a Nokk!" Near the bottom swims a small grey fish. In the top right is a red buoy with a seagull perched on top. The speech bubble next to it reads: "Horsefish?? Mine?" (The Nokk is responding to the seagull, or trying to.)
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: No type listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
A Crate of (Not Very Many) Anchovies by Kaylee Arafinwiel
A brown (seemingly wooden) crate of anchovies (or other similar small, silver-y fish) lying on a bed of green kelp. Most of the fish are gone, only six or so remain. Where did they go? Who possesses this crate, if anyone? Where did they get it? Did they catch the fish? Buy them? Sell them? Steal them? It is a mystery for now...
(or until someone adopts this prompt, of course. Drawn for Scribbles & Drabbles 2024).
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: No type listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
The Noldolantë (Sirion verses) by Tehta
The third kinslaying, as a musical.
Please do not take this too seriously. The writer certainly doesn't.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: Bollywood |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 934 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Fandom Voices: Using Fanon in Fanworks by Dawn Walls-Thumma
Sixteen Tolkien fans contributed their definitions of and experiences with fanon or fan-generated theories about the legendarium.
Knight Roland's guts, strewn all over the marble ground by Angamaite
Orcs: a treatise on dissection.
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: Celegorm & Original Character |
| Genres: Drama, Experimental, Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Check Notes for Warnings, Expletive Language, In-Universe Intolerance, Mature Themes, Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Sexual Content (Moderate), Suicide, Torture, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 631 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Funky Haikus by Himring
Haikus for prompts of the Funky 70's challenge.
| Major Characters: Lúthien Tinúviel, Noldor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Funky 70s |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 39 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (17) |
Though I keep this from my children by Himring
Morwen, whose view of the world has been permanently darkened by past sufferings, is concerned for her children.
| Major Characters: Morwen, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 151 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Dyer's Vat by Himring
A minor incident during the Fall of Eregion: no, this is not about the Gwaith-i-Mirdain or Celebrimbor, it is about the Dyers' Guild. Not one for the history books, but the Eldar remember...
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Elrond, Elves |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Bollywood |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 913 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (20) |
Grass is Still Growing by StarSpray
When he spoke his voice was as sweet as a nightingale’s song and his words were thoughtful and kind, and Celebrían thought to herself even as he bowed over her hand, I am going to marry him.
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Elrond, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: Celebrían/Elrond |
| Genres: Family, Fluff, Het | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 236 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
My thoughts on Finwë by Aprilertuile
Just developping here my thoughts on Finwë, king of the noldor of Tirion.
| Major Characters: Finwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 791 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Ulmondil by mouse
Tuor finds creative ways to deliver Ulmo's prophecies and convince the people of Gondolin that The End Is Near. Voronwe tries to keep Tuor out of trouble while coping with his own traumatic experience of being chosen by Ulmo. Humour, mostly.
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Glorfindel, Gondolindrim, Maeglin, Tuor, Turgon, Voronwë |
| Major Relationships: Tuor & Voronwë |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 13, 248 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Cheese Stands Alone by Grundy
The twins thought Arwen would enjoy the lesson on Beren and Luthien. They were rather surprised...
| Major Characters: Arwen, Elladan, Elrohir |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Holiday Feast |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 613 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
No Time Have I by Flora-lass
A Silmarillion acrostic.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Funky 70s |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 70 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Do you cut down down blossoming trees in the spring for firewood? by Himring
In western Numenor, there is an area famous for its trees and plants. But the Faithful have been banished to the east. And in the last days of Numenor, on the coast an army assembles...
| Major Characters: Amandil, Lindórië, Númenóreans |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 204 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Unforgotten by daughterofshadows
Carrying the Silmaril for millennia has consequences.
| Major Characters: Eärendil |
| Major Relationships: Eärendil + Ilmarë |
| Genres: | Challenges: Bollywood |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 135 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (13) |
Reflections by AdmirableMonster
A story of three friends in Númenor, one of whom attracts the attention of the High Priest. What does friendship mean in the shadow of the Black Temple?
| Major Characters: Unnamed Canon Character(s), Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: Unnamed Canon Character & Original Character |
| Genres: Science Fiction | Challenges: Bollywood |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 802 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
An exercise in music... And patience by Aprilertuile
Makalaurë was sitting at the harp in his music room. He was holding a dark blindfold in his hands and was looking at it with much scepticism.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: Bollywood |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 755 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
I called it Fate that I should fail by AdmirableMonster
Nimruzimir, a natural philosopher recently out of his apprenticeship, hardly considers himself very important to anyone, least of all his colleagues. When his strange, prophetic fits bring him to the attention of the High Priest, however, he may find that his existence is less superfluous than he had originally thought.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Unnamed Canon Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Unnamed Canon Character/Original Character, Unnamed Canon Character & Original Character, Sauron & Unnamed Canon Character |
| Genres: Hurt/Comfort, Science Fiction | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Expletive Language, In-Universe Intolerance, Mature Themes, Torture |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 10, 225 |
| 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) |
All of you by chrissystriped
Elrond and Celebrían celebrate their anniversary with their family.
| Major Characters: Elrond |
| Major Relationships: Celebrían/Elrond |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: Funky 70s |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 471 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
Lament for the Singer by daughterofshadows
A short thing about Maglor, death and grieving.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Funky 70s |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 64 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (13) |
