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
Title Track
Create a fanwork using our collection of 125 titles from Tolkien's books, chapters, essays, poems, and fragments as inspiration. 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
Darkened paths by daughterofshadows
Aredhel walks a dark path.
| Major Characters: Aredhel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Tengwar |
| 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 (8) |
Finarfin and Eärwen on the Beach by UnicornsInSpace
A poem Finarfin writes about Eärwen after a walk on the beach together.
| Major Characters: Eärwen, Finarfin |
| Major Relationships: Eärwen/Finarfin |
| Genres: Poetry, Romance | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 23 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Like a vast shadow moved by Quente
Nimloth drags her feet about a certain decision; Melian has no time for that.
| Major Characters: Melian, Nimloth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Ficlet | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 319 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
A Silent Echo by Rocky41_7
Hithlum reckons with the departure of the future Gondolindrim.
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Fingon |
| Major Relationships: Fingolfin & Fingon |
| Genres: Drama, Family, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 928 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Weaver of Gloom by Flora-lass
Ungoliant gets a chance to have her say.
Written for the Tengwar challenge, with the prompts silmë nuquerna (starlight reversed) and ungwë (spider's web).
| Major Characters: Ungoliant |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 230 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
On a night of stars, a bird by Quente
Nimloth and Dior meet, and he is naked.
Alternatively,
Melian travels south to visit her daughter, and meets a familiar looking bird.
Written for the Tengwar prompt, Quessë (feather).
| Major Characters: Dior, Melian, Nimloth |
| Major Relationships: Dior & Melian, Dior/Nimloth |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 548 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Apprentice by Quente
Dior is in Menegroth learning to be his grandfather's heir -- but his grandmother decides to take him as apprentice too.
Written for the Tengwar Challenge, May 15: Súlë (spirit).
| Major Characters: Dior, Melian |
| Major Relationships: Dior & Melian |
| Genres: Drama, Family, Ficlet | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 447 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Tengwar: To The Letter by cuarthol
For the Tengwar prompt challenge.
All 36 prompts plus bonus chapter
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Aegnor, Andreth, Angrod, Avari, Celeborn, Celebrimbor, Celegorm, Círdan, Curufin, Daeron, Eagles, Edain, Eldalótë, Elwing, Ents, Fëanor, Finduilas, Finrod Felagund, Finwë, Gil-galad, Gwindor, Húrin, Ilwen, Indis, Mahtan, Mîm, Nellas, Nerdanel, Nuin, Telchar, Thorondor, Tilion, Zimrahin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, Fixed-Length Ficlet, In-Universe Artifact, Poetry | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 37 | Word Count: 4, 142 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (142) |
History abandons us by AdmirableMonster
During his incarceration in Roderick Burgess' basement, Dream receives a strange, ancient visitor.
| Major Characters: Other Fictional Character(s), Lórien, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: Lórien & Thranduil |
| Genres: Crossover | crossed with Sandman | Challenges: Crossroads of the Fallen King |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 980 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
If i get home before daylight by BloodwingBlackbird
a traveler meets a stranger at a crossroads.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover | crossed with Folklore | Challenges: Crossroads of the Fallen King |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 293 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
| Major Characters: Egalmoth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 209 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Thálatta! Thálatta! by Simon J. Cook
While he never climbs the stairs of this Elf-tower, in Lothlórien Frodo Baggins descends a flight of steps to look into Galadriel’s Mirror, wherein he first sees the sea. This post examines the view.
Words of Wisdom by AdmirableMonster
One or more drabbles about Pengolodh and his babysitter Salgant.
| Major Characters: Pengolodh, Salgant |
| Major Relationships: Pengolodh & Salgant |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 418 |
| 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 (6) |
Les Mots de Sagesse by AdmirableMonster
Plusieurs petites histoires qui parle de Pengolodh et Salgant pendant des moments differents.
| Major Characters: Pengolodh, Salgant |
| Major Relationships: Pengolodh & Salgant |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 334 |
| 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 (5) |
Upon Cirith Thoronath by StarSpray
A horrid cacophony of cries erupts ahead of them, as orcs appear—up the cliff on hidden ledges, on the path, with bows and swords. And behind them rises a figure of darkness and flame. The heat rolls down the path over them, bringing the smell of burning flesh and bitter fear with it. Someone screams.
| Major Characters: Balrogs, Glorfindel, Tuor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 927 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Utumno by Himring
One of the earliest elven captives in Utumno, one of the Quendi finds speech slipping away.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 20 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Fire in Four Quarters by sallysavestheday
For the Tengwar challenge, four poems in which Beleriand and Middle-Earth are threatened by flames (once from each cardinal direction).
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 339 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
| Major Characters: Daeron, Fingon |
| Major Relationships: Daeron/Fingon |
| Genres: Ficlet, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 755 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Analysis of "Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth" by Rocky41_7
Examining the relationship between Andreth and Finrod as shown in the Athrabeth.
| Major Characters: Andreth, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: Andreth & Finrod |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 599 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Perspective by Rocky41_7
Grandfather brings a treat back from Valmar.
| Major Characters: Finwë, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Finwë & Maedhros |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet, Fluff, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 584 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Remnants by Grundy
Something not seen since the Years of the Trees comes to light. (A sequel of sorts to What A Tangled Web We Weave...)
| Major Characters: Other Fictional Character(s), Caranthir, Indis, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: Caranthir & Míriel Serindë |
| Genres: | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 230 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Dealing with Dreams by Himring
Elrond and Elros are haunted by what happened and also by what did not. They live with it.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 142 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Family Gossip by StarSpray
“You,” Fingon pronounced, “are drunk. I am not going to give you anyone’s name just so you can make up a silly drunken ballad."
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet, Fluff, General, Het | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 883 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Lost and Found by awwyeah107
In the aftermath of the second kinslaying, Maglor and Maedhros are faced with the disappearance of a pair of twins: Eluréd and Elurín.
Years later, another pair of twins—this time under the Fëanorians’ care—are missing: Elrond and Elros.
[3 chapters, posted over 3 consecutive days.]
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Maedhros & Maglor, Elrond & Elros & Maedhros & Maglor, Elrond & Elros & Maedhros, Elrond & Elros & Maglor |
| Genres: Family, General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 9, 738 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
What Comes Naturally by Rocky41_7
Two queens of the Noldor discuss motherhood.
| Major Characters: Indis, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor & Míriel |
| Genres: Family, General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 062 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
