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 meeting at the Trees by ethanray
Nerdanel goes to the Two Trees after Fëanor is banished and meets Indis there
For March 2026 Instadrabbling
[Writing] Grief is not the only geography I know by Himring
Indis explains how she took to wandering around Valinor.
[Writing] The Tale of Tar-Ciryatan's Daughter by Kaylee Arafinwiel
Ailinel, orphan of Numenor, is one of the poor girls dowered by Tar-Ciryatan and titled a "King's Daughter", encouraged to sail East to his colonies and find herself a husband.
It doesn't take her that long.
But even after she and Shipman Gaerondur find love, life in the colony isn…
[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…
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
Bestiary of Arda
Choose a prompt from our "bestiary" of music and images of animals found in Arda. 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
Bloodied by ohboromir
For the first time in Elvish memory, battle raged.
The clashing of swords and the swift rush of arrows, the cries of the wounded, the silence of the dead - the clamour rose, and above it only Thingol’s booming voice could be heard.
-
The First Battle of Beleriand.
For @sindarweek day 3: legendary deeds
| Major Characters: Beleg, Elu Thingol, Mablung |
| Major Relationships: Beleg & Mablung |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 261 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
a place where both our hearts may rest by ohboromir
He remembered how they had once desired glory. How they had once wanted to take part in great deeds. And how that battle had ended in nothing but betrayal and bloodshed. No, Mablung did not wish to be a warrior any longer – he longed for his books and journals, for the comfort of song and the company of friends.
Beleg exhaled deeply. “We will not be soldiers again; not captains, not lords, only Beleg and Mablung.”
-
Beleg and Mablung survived the First Age. In search of a better future, they set off on an exploration of Eriador, but peace is not always easy to find.
Inspired by wonderful art from @lycheesodas
| Major Characters: Beleg, Mablung |
| Major Relationships: Beleg/Mablung |
| Genres: Adventure, Alternate Universe, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 17, 155 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Myth Hanging Heavy Over You by stormfallen
Elrond asks about his mother, in 100-word drabbles.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elwing |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elwing |
| Genres: Family, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 127 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Elegy for Númenor – Volume 2: The Darkening by elfscribe
Ar-Pharazôn, the mighty King of Númenor, thinks he has triumphed when his powerful enemy, Sauron, surrenders, and the King carries him back to his glorious island kingdom. However, Sauron’s greatest power lies not in his armies, but in his capacity for guile and seduction. A drama with many players.
Rating: M overall, although, no doubt, future chapters will have explicit content.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Amandil, Ar-Pharazôn, Elendil, Isildur, Númenóreans, Sauron, Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: Ar-Pharazôn & Sauron, Ar-Pharazôn/Tar-Míriel, Original Character/Original Character |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Family, Het, Romance, Slash, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 29, 046 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
The Light is Still There by Aldwen
Do wars start with the first fired arrow and end with the last? Or maybe they start already with the realization that they need to be fought? And never truly end, as long as the memory of them haunts those who took part? Arafinwë’s story of the War of Wrath. Previously posted on other sites.
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Finarfin, Ingwion |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Torture, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 31 | Word Count: 51, 100 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Kill the flame by stormfallen
Once per year, on the night of a holiday only she still celebrates, Galadriel lights fourteen candles.
| Major Characters: Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 477 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Choice Fruits by cuarthol, Dawn Felagund
Terentaulë makes her choice; but in the end, they were both fruit of the same tree.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Celegorm, Curufin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Understory |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 341 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Today I’ll Kiss You, Tomorrow I’ll Miss You by UnicornsInSpace
Finrod thinks about his and Amarië's relationship while they cuddle in a forest. She is a closeted trans woman.
| Major Characters: Amarië, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: Amarië/Finrod |
| Genres: Drama, Romance | Challenges: Understory |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 562 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Celegorm by Dawn Walls-Thumma
Celegorm emerged early in Tolkien's work on the "Silmarillion," but his evolution into the villain he would become in the published text is complicated, and he filled two surprising roles before coming fully into his own. The first of two parts considers how early work on the "Silmarillion" shaped his final characterization.
Between the Shadow and the Soul by sallysavestheday
It is Fingon -- again -- who leaps the gap that yawns between them.
Maedhros capitulates to Fingon, at last.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 592 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Hyemation by sallysavestheday
Fingon winters in Himring.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 495 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
O, How I Have Missed Our Scholarly Debates by sallysavestheday
Pengolodh and Erestor resolve some differences of opinion, deliciously.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 444 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Tender Morsels by sallysavestheday
Fingon and Maedhros and the bittersweet taste of love.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 576 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Long, White Knives by sallysavestheday
Finrod is not the only Arafinwean with very sharp teeth. A little Galadriel for Finwean Ladies Week 2023.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 428 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Mercy of the Fallen by AdmirableMonster
Rather than killing him, Dior curses Celegorm with his dying breath. Someone that Celegorm once helped helps him a little in turn.
| Major Characters: Original Nonbinary Character(s), Celegorm |
| Major Relationships: Celegorm & Original Character |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama | Challenges: Understory |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, In-Universe Racism/Ethnocentrism, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 919 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Release by Rocky41_7
Melkor's servant Thuringwethil is turned from her dark path by Luthien Tinuviel
| Major Characters: Lúthien Tinúviel, Thuringwethil |
| Major Relationships: Lúthien/Thuringwethil |
| Genres: Music (Alternative/Punk, Rock) | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Long Live the King by Rocky41_7
From prince in Valinor to high king of the Noldor in Middle-earth to martyr: Fingolfin Finwion!
| Major Characters: Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Music (Ambient/Soundscape, Instrumental, Pop, Rhythm & Blues, Rock, Soundtrack) | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
| Major Characters: Gwindor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Music (Instrumental, Rock, Soundtrack) | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Volver a empezar by firstamazon
Fëanáro era Rey. Nolofinwë lo había aceptado mucho antes del asesinato de su padre.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor & Fingolfin, Fëanor/Fingolfin |
| Genres: Drama, Romance, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Expletive Language, Incest, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 523 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
A Damnable Spot by Rocky41_7
Elwing is dead, but she will not let Maglor alone, no matter how he pleads.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Elwing & Maglor |
| Genres: Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 12, 042 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Hunter and the Hare by cuarthol, polutropos
Tirion's masked ball offers decadent delights, mistaken identities, insatiable yearnings, and inescapable philanderings.
| Major Characters: Angrod, Caranthir, Eldalótë |
| Major Relationships: Angrod/Caranthir, Angrod/Eldalótë, Angrod/Fingon |
| Genres: Het, Humor, Slash | Challenges: Understory |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 3, 361 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Unforseen by cuarthol
For a "trick or treat" 3-setence story prompt on tumblr. Thank you to shrikeseams for the request.
| Major Characters: Dior, Galathil |
| Major Relationships: Dior/Nimloth |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 54 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
We Made Our Own by cuarthol
Finduilas has accompanied Finrod on a visit to Doriath, but she is soon drawn out into the forest to explore the land of hidden enchantments.
| Major Characters: Finduilas, Nellas |
| Major Relationships: Finduilas/Nellas |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Middle-earth Is Multitudes |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 306 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Pages from the Archives of Cîr Imladris by Lferion
Elrond took his library with him to Valinor. In that archive are many things, and the librarians and archivists of Cîr Imladris (New Rivendell) are kept delightfully busy.
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Fingon, Idril |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General, Poetry | Challenges: Crackuary, Experimental, Laws and Customs, Middle-earth Is Multitudes, Naturalist's Guide to Middle-earth, New Year's Resolution, On a Different Page, Postcards from Middle-earth, Rejects, True Leader, Utopia/Dystopia |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 15 | Word Count: 5, 393 |
| 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 (32) |
Himring by between_thepages
A visit to Himring, castle in the snow.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Maedhros |
| Genres: Experimental, Poetry | Challenges: Experimental |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 202 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
