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
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
On the Second Singing by Lferion
Various thoughts and question about the end of the world, and what part the Elves might play. A drabble poem.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General, Poetry | Challenges: Meet & Greet |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 130 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Interpreting Memories by Anérea
Andreth contemplates the different interpretations of her people's lore, memories handed down by word of mouth through the generations.
| Major Characters: Andreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Drawble/Finished Sketch |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Meet & Greet |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (20) |
Meet & Greet by cuarthol
Matryoshka inspired art for the Meet & Greet Challenge
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Beren, Celebrimbor, Edain, Elu Thingol, Eöl, Finrod Felagund, Lúthien Tinúviel, Maeglin, Melian, Narvi, Oromë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Drawing/Painting |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Meet & Greet |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (14) |
The Last Dance by SonOfMandos
Harad, Second Age. Tar-Ardamin's favourite dancer comes back to him.
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Mystery | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 877 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Whatever Can Go Wrong, Will by sallysavestheday
A wet night in Rivendell has some of its residents in a bit of a snit.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Meet & Greet |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 481 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Strands by Flora-lass
Elrond asks Maglor to do his hair.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 128 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The Trial of a Dream by chrissystriped
A Maia arrives in Ost-in-Edhil. Maeglin cannot share Celebrimbor's excitement, he feels something is wrong with 'Annatar'.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Maeglin, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Celebrimbor/Maeglin |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: Meet & Greet |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Torture |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 158 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Not yet weary are my feet by Quente
I read the Athrabeth and decided that Andreth was far too centered and wise to let a little thing like pity get in the way of true love.
| Major Characters: Andreth, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: Andreth & Finrod |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 235 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
That could have gone worse by daughterofshadows
Barhador was so not prepared for getting his period.
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Rog |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Meet & Greet |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 104 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
To Whatever End by Grundy
Interludes with Finwë, from before the Journey to after.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Finwë, Indis, Ingwë, Míriel Serindë, Olwë |
| Major Relationships: Finwë/Indis/Míriel, Finwë & Ingwë & Thingol |
| Genres: | Challenges: Meet & Greet |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 2, 538 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Prelude by Independence1776
Jedi!Maglor, meet Daeron. A double drabble.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Daeron & Maglor |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Crossover, Fixed-Length Ficlet | crossed with Star Wars | Challenges: Meet & Greet |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 210 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Fear the Thunder by between_thepages
Thunderstorms never bring good news, Anairë has noted. And the one keeping her up this night is certainly no exception.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: Anairë/Nerdanel |
| Genres: Femslash, Ficlet, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: Meet & Greet |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 451 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
The Water Is Fine by Gwanath Dagnir
Elrond, newest addition to Gil-galad's court, pays an unexpected visit to Mithlond's luxurious spa house for the first time.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Gil-galad |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 855 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Seeing Stones in Dark Towers by Simon J. Cook
As inscribed above the western doors of the Mines of Moria, that magical illustration of Elf-Dwarf collaboration, the name of the game is treachery. From Frodo’s far-seeing dream of Orthanc in his first night in the house of Tom Bombadil, the post draws in the person of Frodo Baggins the image of the Stone by which the will of the Necromancer enters a Tower.
The Peaks of Taniquetil by Simon J. Cook
In 1946, two towers appeared in Tolkien's writings. The tower found in The Fall of Númenor may shed light on the meaning of the tower analogy of "Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics."
Meet & Greet Challenge Drabbles by cílil
A small drabble collection for the 2024 Matryoshka Meet & Greet Challenge.
Ainur-centric, canonverse, various pairings.
| Major Characters: Eönwë, Estë, Lórien, Manwë, Melkor, Sauron, Ulmo, Varda |
| Major Relationships: Manwë/Varda, Melkor/Sauron, Manwë & Melkor, Manwë/Ulmo, Estë/Lórien, Eönwë/Gothmog |
| Genres: Ficlet, Fluff, Romance, Slash | Challenges: Meet & Greet |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 904 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Paradigm by Chestnut_pod
In Tirion, science advances one departure across an ice bridge at a time.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: In-Universe Sexism/Misogyny |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 921 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Golden Lads and Girls All Must by sallysavestheday
Argon sees the world with an artist's eyes. All the way to the end.
| Major Characters: Argon, Fingon |
| Major Relationships: Argon & Fingon |
| Genres: | Challenges: Meet & Greet |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 969 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (15) |
Are You Proud of Me? by MourningGlory
In his brother's final moments, Curufin must play an unexpected role.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Curufin, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Celegorm & Curufin |
| Genres: Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 805 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Awakening by MourningGlory
A very tired Maglor wakes in an unfamiliar place. There, a familiar voice gives his diminished spirit the strength to live again.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Gandalf, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Maglor |
| Genres: Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 696 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The Blue Line Between Sea and Sky by sallysavestheday
Voronwe drowns. And drowns. And drowns.
| Major Characters: Voronwë |
| Major Relationships: Idril/Tuor/Voronwë |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 947 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
From Clamor, Consonance by sallysavestheday
Maedhros and Maglor, singing.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 818 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Let Not My Love Be Called Idolatry by sallysavestheday
Orodreth and Túrin's fascination with each other leads them to delight, and then to disaster.
| Major Characters: Orodreth, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: Orodreth/Túrin |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 007 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Incongruity by sallysavestheday
Anaire stayed behind.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: Anairë/Fingolfin |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 401 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Stasimon by sallysavestheday
How do the Speaking People end? Maedhros reflects, in the fading of the world.
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 412 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
