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] 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.
[Writing] Don't You Ever Look Away by Elrond's Library
“They can’t just assume we’ll let them leave us behind.”
“But they are, and they will. Our fathers are the Heads of their Houses. Fëanáro is king. Defiance would be treason, beloved.”
“I am his firstborn.”
“You are his only daughter.”
“I have…
[Writing] Break Me by Elrond's Library
“You’re not going to break me,” Russo huffed, finally cracking open his eyes, which were bright with amusement. “They could not, what makes you think you could?”
For Scribbles and Drabbles 2025 SFW Slide 33
[Writing] Three Black Islands by Idrils Scribe
When Celebrimbor's attempts at forging the Rings of Power fail yet again, Annatar knows where to find the missing know-how.
For all the wrong reasons, Celebrimbor agrees to an expedition to the ruins of Angband to search Morgoth's own laboratory, deep in the icy Northern Wastes.
What…
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
Gates of Summer
Create a fanwork based on prompts about summer taken from Tolkien's life, canon events, and quotes from his letters and stories. 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
What Is Right And What Is Easy by LadySternchen
Ingwë, Finwë, Elwë and Olwë each make decisions that change their lives -and Elvish history- forever.
(Written for the Teitho-challenge ‘crossroads’ an eternity ago)
| Major Characters: Ingwë, Finwë, Olwë, Elu Thingol |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 2, 439 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Boat To Irmo’s Realm, Or: The Story Of An Untired Elfling by LadySternchen
It is a night of joy and anticipation for the royal family of Eglador, for Galadhon and his wife are about to welcome their second child. So while all the family is busy preparing for the new baby's arrival, it falls upon the king himself to put his daughter to bed- his daughter who is adamant that she is not tired at all.
(A friendly nod here to all my German-speaking readers: this story was heavily inspired by one of my favourite children's books "Valerie und die Gute-Nacht-Schaukel" by Mira Lobe. If you know, you know. If not, it is really worth checking out)
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: Lúthien & Thingol |
| Genres: Family, Fluff, General, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 273 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Short History of the Easterlings by Himring
Stories about Maedhros and the tribe of Bor:
I Maedhros remembers his encounter with Bor's tribe and the early days of their alliance.
IIa, IIb: After the loss of the Battle of Unnumbered Tears, Bor's granddaughter leads the survivors of her people back into the East.
| Major Characters: Bor, Borlach, Borthand, Maedhros, Men, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: B2MeM 2015, Exchange Student, Gift of a Story |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 1, 379 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Of Endurance and Forget-Me-N̶o̶t̶s̶ by aSymphonyofDeadMen
There is a creaking in his ear, a rumble born low to rise above and beyond and the sound of glass shattering. There is blood on his lips - and shards in his eyes.
His heart 𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠 .
“I 𝑎𝑚 sorry, Atya.”
Maglor still doesn’t know - and it’s 𝑘𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 him.
“I am 𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑦."
...or another world slowly falling apart as Maglor struggles to Forget-Me-N̶o̶t̶s̶.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Elrond, Elros |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Maglor, Elros & Maglor |
| Genres: Drama, Family, General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 552 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Midwinter Dance by Elrond's Library
Fingon dances in the new year. Maedhros watches, and yearns.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Fingon |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Maedhros |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 102 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Day I Became a God by aSymphonyofDeadMen
On the day I became a god the darkness of the night sky shone as bright as the future ahead of me - swallowing whole what shan't have been for alms were a currency owned by the rich...
...or a gift too many during the crossing of the Helcaraxë.
| Major Characters: Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Ficlet, General | Challenges: Dark Matter, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 299 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Precipice by Flora-lass
On the day of Tuor and Idril's wedding, Maeglin and Voronwë find some common, unstable ground.
| Major Characters: Voronwë, Maeglin |
| Major Relationships: Idril/Tuor |
| Genres: Ficlet, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: But I Won't Do That, Jumble Sale, Laws and Customs |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 743 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Finrod's Friend by Artano
Drawing of Finrod discovering a new friend while exploring Beleriand.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Drawing/Painting |
| Genres: Adventure, General | Challenges: Birthday Bash, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (9) |
Zen, or the Art of Learning to Live with a Lisa Frank Letterbomb by kimikocha
Mairon gets a mysterious gift from his best friend's boyfriend during Utumno's celebration of the winter solstice. Chaos ensues.
| Major Characters: Sauron, Melkor, Gothmog, Eönwë |
| Major Relationships: Melkor/Sauron, Eönwë/Gothmog |
| Genres: Crackfic, Humor, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 530 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
[Podfic] "Proving" - sallysavestheday by myrtaceaae
Emeldir bakes. A podfic of "Proving" by sallysavestheday. Length - 06:49 minutes.
| Major Characters: Emeldir |
| Major Relationships: Barahir/Emeldir |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
Ilmare by Himring
Technically a failed photo of a firework, which I decided looked more like Ilmare the Maia, the Handmaiden of Varda, in one of her less embodied states.
| Major Characters: Ilmarë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Photography |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (10) |
A King in More Than Name by AdmirableMonster
Celegorm issues an invitation. Finrod takes him up on it--and proves himself the king that neither of them knew he could be.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Celegorm |
| Major Relationships: Celegorm/Finrod |
| Genres: Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 539 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Elendilmir by pandemonium_213
A young child of Men befriends Sámaril, the troubled master smith of Imladris. The Noldorin craftsman experiences the joy and pain born of friendships between the Eldar and mortal Men and comes to question his people’s values as his life becomes entwined with Isildur’s youngest son and two powerful women of the Dúnedain. A sequel to The Apprentice.
Chapter 38 - The Crow's Nest: While Elerina establishes her informal seat of power in Gaillond, thus revealing to Sámaril her former role as Isildur's queen, the elven-smith quickly becomes bored with trade negotiations and resolution of disputes among the local nobility. The reminders of Isildur continue to exert a negative effect on Sámaril, causing frustration between the couple. But Sámaril also begins to dream of the Sea, which sparks a desire to take ship out on to the open waters, ostensibly to learn more about the working men of the Númenórean exiles. He finds the ship on which he wishes to sail and meets its captain.
| Major Characters: Elendil, Elrond, Glorfindel, Original Character(s), Sauron, Valandil (Arnor) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama | Challenges: Strong Women |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 39 | Word Count: 182, 126 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (346) |
Spirit of Water by Elrond's Library
Fëanor watches from the Halls.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor & Maglor |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 202 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Merchant of Valinor by Tehta
A series of acrostics based on the letters provided in the Tengwar challenge, telling the story of one enterprising Telerin merchant.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: Tengwar |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 20 | Word Count: 2, 456 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
The Truth of the World by AdmirableMonster
Pengolodh interviews a kinslayer.
| Major Characters: Pengolodh, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Maglor & Pengolodh |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 521 |
| 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) |
After the Festival by Himring
At Ivrin, during the aftermath of the Mereth Aderthad.
A brief vignette.
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: Fingolfin & Fingon |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 380 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Made For Each Other by LadySternchen
The moment of their union is always one of deepest satisfaction to her, to feel him fill her perfectly, as they fit each other perfectly, like they are made for each other.
Well, strictly speaking they are literally made for each other, but Melian has no time for such thoughts just now.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Melian |
| Major Relationships: Melian/Thingol |
| Genres: Erotica, Fluff | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 840 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Mixed Platter for the Solstice by Himring
Drabbles written at the Insta-drabbling session at the SWG Discord on 21 December (Winter Solstice in the northern nemisphere), for expanded prompt sets based on the Bake-off Challenge.
| Major Characters: Círdan, Gil-galad, Dwarves, Stewards of Gondor, Barahir (Fourth Age), Bombur |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Great Beleriand Bake-Off |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 408 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Cinnamon Rolls by elennalore
Mairon is anxiously waiting for Eönwë to come to visit him, and to pass the time, he goes baking in Yavanna's kitchen.
| Major Characters: Sauron, Eönwë |
| Major Relationships: Eönwë/Sauron |
| Genres: Fluff, Romance | Challenges: Great Beleriand Bake-Off |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 919 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Fëanorian Zine by Fëanorian Zine, Elrond's Library, Laerthel, sesamenom, skywardstruck
The Fëanorian Zine features art and fiction centered on the House of Fëanor from thirty creators. The Fëanorian Zine is being hosted by the SWG, and you can read the zine and download a copy for free here!
The contributors who have participated are as follows;
Isilwhore, Balrogballs, Firefly, Whovianofmidgard, Nighttimepatrons, Astral, Isilwhore, Katarrinskey, Rainfeather, Dragonbornsandwaffles/beatles4ever65, Transsexualhamlet, Sage, Iwi, Starillion, Thelien, Angamaite, Truc, Mag-lore, Mauvearts, rputthebottledown, StarsOfArda, JoeTamy, Laerthel, Curufiin, Swordhound, Elrond's Library, Peasant-Player, Tomefaired/Solmarillion/Soleil, Starshadeemily, Sesamenom.
Their handles are all stated in the Zine's index page, please welcome them and enjoy all of the hard work they have done for the project!
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel, Maedhros, Maglor, Celegorm, Caranthir, Curufin, Amrod, Amras, Celebrimbor |
| Major Relationships: Amras & Amrod & Caranthir & Celegorm & Curufin & Fëanor & Maedhros & Maglor, Amras/Amrod/Caranthir/Celegorm/Curufin/Fëanor/Maedhros/Maglor, Fëanor/Nerdanel, Celebrimbor & Curufin |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 10 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Someone's In The Kitchen by Grundy
Drabbles written for the Great Beleriand Bake-Off Plus! Instadrabbling.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Celebrimbor, Tar-Míriel, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Great Beleriand Bake-Off |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 413 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry by AdmirableMonster
Scenes (often domestic, sometimes intimate) from life in Mordor from the fall of Númenor to the Last Alliance.
| Major Characters: Mouth of Sauron, Sauron, Tar-Míriel, Witch-king of Angmar, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: Mouth of Sauron/Sauron, Mouth of Sauron & Original Character, Mouth of Sauron & Witch-king of Angmar |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: Great Beleriand Bake-Off |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 1, 327 |
| 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) |
Eat, Pray, Love by AdmirableMonster
The Darkest Timeline AU for my Steampunk Númenor series.
In which the Mouth of Sauron is originally a Númenorean chemister rescued from Ar-Pharazôn's intimate attentions by Sauron himself.
| Major Characters: Mouth of Sauron, Original Male Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Mouth of Sauron/Sauron |
| Genres: Drama, Hurt/Comfort, Science Fiction | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Inedibles by Dawn Felagund
Various short pieces for the Great Beleriand Bake-Off PLUS! Instadrabbling session that Himring and I cohosted on the SWG's Discord. Maglor learns perfectionism from his father. Nerdanel becomes of the subject of the national epic of ugly girls. 1980s!Maglor discovers Lúthien as a calendar girl, and medieval!Maglor gets paid in gold. Tilion muses on the end of the world and his prophesied violent death.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Fëanor, Lúthien Tinúviel, Nerdanel, Tilion |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor/Nerdanel |
| Genres: Ficlet, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: Great Beleriand Bake-Off |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 1, 439 |
| 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) |
