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
Plot Thickens
Create a fanwork that depicts characters in the act of plotting something. 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
A Merrier World by StarSpray
Finrod visits the hobbits for a snack.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Bilbo Baggins, Frodo |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Fluff, General | Challenges: Great Beleriand Bake-Off |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 103 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Numberless as the Wings of Trees by Laurëalúmë
Galadriel returns to Aman at the end of the Third Age and finds it much changed, just as she herself has changed since she left. There, she reunites with many figures from her past, including a former mentor, seeks answers to loose threads, and ponders the fate of those left behind in Middle-earth. Drawing on a rich array of characters and references, this story considers, among other questions, what became of Galadriel, Frodo, and others after they sailed into the West, why Melian abandoned Doriath, and Galadriel's perspective on the long-term implications of Arwen's choice.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Melian, Gandalf, Frodo |
| Major Relationships: Beren/Luthien, Aragorn/Arwen, Melian/Thingol, Galadriel & Melian |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 8, 913 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
And in darkness, light by AdmirableMonster
In the wake of the Final Battle of the Last Alliance, Erestor struggles to keep moving and to reach out to friends and family.
| Major Characters: Erestor, Glorfindel, Celebrían |
| Major Relationships: Erestor/Glorfindel, Celebrían & Erestor |
| Genres: Drama, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 3, 345 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
For I am not, my child, a bird of this earth by Erdariel
On a cold winter day in the Havens of Sirion, Elwing meets two sparrows.
English translation of my fic "En mä ole, lapseni, lintu tästä maasta"
| Major Characters: Elwing, Eluréd, Elurín |
| Major Relationships: Eluréd & Elurín & Elwing |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 739 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Melting into Slush by Himring
After the slaying of Brodda, the stronger among the rebels who aided Turin are driven to take up a life as fugitives in the mountains of Dor-lomin in the middle of a grim winter. Asgon is their leader or one of their leaders.
| Major Characters: Edain, House of Hador, Asgon |
| 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: 101 |
| 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) |
Sunset by AdmirableMonster
In the wake of the fall of Númenor, the penal colony at Andrast is liberated by Sauron's forces. One of the Historians' College of Númenor bears witness.
| Major Characters: Mouth of Sauron, Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: Mouth of Sauron/Original Character |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 823 |
| 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 (0) |
En mä ole, lapseni, lintu tästä maasta by Erdariel
Eräänä kylmänä talviaamuna Sirionin satamissa Elwing kohtaa kaksi varpusta
| Major Characters: Elwing, Eluréd, Elurín |
| Major Relationships: Eluréd & Elurín & Elwing |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 502 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
SeaLight by Anérea
Born on the Great Journey, I never knew Cuiviénen, but ever since we departed the shores of Rhûn I have missed the sensation of silky saltwater against my skin.
A Telerin Elf's first experience of the waters of Belegaer, at the end of the Great Journey.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Elves, Falathrim, Sindar, Teleri |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Ficlet, General | Challenges: Book by Its Cover, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 338 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Croissants and theft by Aprilertuile
Oh it was so good. Just that perfect puffy pastry with crunchy almonds on top. Just enough sweetness to satisfy Tyelkormo’s sweet tooth, without being so overwhelming that it’d disgust him in two bites. No really, this croissant was just utter perfection!
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Celegorm & Maedhros |
| Genres: Crackfic, Family | Challenges: Great Beleriand Bake-Off |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 445 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Not All Who Wonder Or Wander Are Lost by LadySternchen
The Great Journey viewed from Elwë’s eyes, from the morning of their leaving to the very last Finwë ever heard from him.
(And don’t come at me for the title, I can explain xD I’ve never watched RoP and never will, but I love that song, because to me, that’s totally Elmo’s song. Not guilty at all of fitting everything in my headcanons at all, nooooooo, never.)
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Elmo, Olwë, Finwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, Fluff, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 3, 459 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Deed Unforgiven by LadySternchen
The elves of Beleriand lose the first battle against Morgoth. The Noldor find the free lands they'd been looking for. Lúthien is on the warpath.
And the First Age still is as bloody as it is in canon.
(Please read the author's notes, there will reading-instructions, as this is my first attempt at a deconstructed fic)
| Major Characters: Lúthien Tinúviel, Elu Thingol, Melian, Beren, Finrod Felagund, Melkor, Sauron, Círdan, Elmo, Galathil, Celeborn, Galadriel, Orodreth, Dior, Nimloth, Eärendil, Daeron, Maedhros, Maglor, Elrond, Elros |
| Major Relationships: Melian/Thingol, Beren/Luthien, Dior/Nimloth, Daeron & Lúthien, Círdan & Thingol, Elrond & Elros & Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Check Notes for Warnings, Mature Themes, Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Suicide, Torture, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 38 | Word Count: 61, 577 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
this is the dirty eden by atlantablack
“You know as well as I do that the aphrodisiac is never meant to be consumed in such a high quantity,” Ñolofinwë says evenly. “It is well known to be lethal in such a high dosage if there is no one around to lay with.”
Fëanáro shoots him a scathing glare, as if Ñolofinwë has said something incomparably stupid. “I am well aware of the properties of the plant,” Fëanáro says flatly, shrugging his jacket off and glaring at the pollen on it. “But I am not alone, am I?”
It takes a moment for Fëanáro's meaning to hit him, and he does not quite stop himself from gaping when it does. "We cannot lay together!" he exclaims, voice going humiliating high with horror. "You are my brother!"
The words earn him nothing but a disparaging snort; Fëanáro only half paying him any attention at all as he glances around the clearing. "You are not my brother," he says, and the words are not even cruel, only a simple fact. "I am not going to die because of your useless morals."
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor/Fingolfin |
| Genres: Erotica | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Incest, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 912 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Broken Monuments by Isilme_among_the_stars
The events of Redhorn pass cleave a distance between Celebrían and Elrond neither have felt before. That one terrible event sends shockwaves down the long years that come after.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Celebrían |
| Major Relationships: Celebrían/Elrond |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 460 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Witness This by Elrond's Library
Elured and Elurin watch their world burn.
| Major Characters: Eluréd, Elurín |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet, Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 102 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Friends of birds by ethanray
Two bird-related drabbles featuring Elwing and Eärendil for December 2025 Instadrabbling
| Major Characters: Elwing, Eärendil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 202 |
| 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) |
Surely Not by Elrond's Library
Mairon reunites with Melkor at Lammoth.
| Major Characters: Melkor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Melkor & Sauron |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Horror, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 103 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
A Moonlit Embrace for the Twilight Child by Isilme_among_the_stars
In a happier universe Aredhel slips away from Nan Elmoth earlier with her little twilight child in tow. Eöl never catches them. Safe in Himlad, surrounded by family and lavished with love, Maeglin cuddles up to Celegorm one moonlit night as he tells him the story of Tilion the Hunter.
Written for Scribbles & Drabbles 2025 Art Prompt #174: Cuddle Pile in a happier universe by Fiamma Galathon. You can find this absolutely gorgeous artwork here.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Maeglin, Aredhel |
| Major Relationships: Celegorm & Maeglin |
| Genres: Family, Fluff | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 537 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Little Feet With Miles Ahead by Isilme_among_the_stars
In the wide, water-bound delta lands of the Sirion grow reeds taller than any man. Following the estuary to its end one finds the waterways open onto great white-sanded beaches, stretching as far South as half-elven eyes can behold. Elwing takes Elrond and Elros downriver to the beach for the day and together they discover small everyday wonders.
Written for Scribbles and Drabbles 2025 Prompt #115: A Beach Day by Myrtaceaae. Their sweet artwork can be found here. Seriously, go check it out, Myrtaceaae makes such gorgeous pieces.
| Major Characters: Elwing, Elrond, Elros |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros & Elwing |
| Genres: Family, Fluff | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 545 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Scorched Earth by Isilme_among_the_stars
When Maedhros returns from Mandos, re-connecting does not prove easy. Nerdanel is determined to care for her son and finds that she must confront grief along the way.
In my dreams my sons wander at length, lost in pathless woods, ancient, sunless and foreboding. In the waking world, Maedhros breathes and moves before me, but is rarely truly there. I see the dream-wraith Maedhros superimposed over my living son, and am sure he never found a path out of that desolate place. The whispers in my dreams insist he never will.
Written for Scribbles and Drabbles 2025 Prompt #53: Night Watch by Zhie, to whom credit belongs for the artwork below (which can also found here).
Many thanks to Elronds_Library and timelessutterances for beta reading, and Double_Sharp for the conversations on equatorial climate.
| Major Characters: Nerdanel, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Maedhros & Nerdanel |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 9, 232 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Vátyë Hilya Nin (You Must Not Follow Me) by Isilme_among_the_stars
Amid the devastation of Nírnaeth Arnoediad Fingon reaches out to Maedhros with one last command: 'you must not follow me', and Maedhros remembers the last sweet hours they spent together before the battle.
"Promise me something, beloved.”
This, the only time he allows fear to break through before the battle, catches my attention. I extend my neck to see creases of care in the corners of his mouth. “Mm? What is it?”
“Promise me you will find your place in the world to come, beyond tomorrow,” he lowers his voice to a whisper, “whether I am by your side or not.”
Written for Scribbles & Drabbles 2025 Art Prompt #51: And his banners they trod into the mire of his blood by Fiamma Galathon. You can find the artwork here.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Fingon |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Maedhros |
| Genres: Hurt/Comfort, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 583 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Golden Blessing by glorfindelcorner
Before the destruction of Gondolin, Glorfindel was forced to keep many parts of his life a secret. Much of this changed after his second coming to Middle Earth.
Featuring: Glorthelion, intersex!Glorfindel, mpreg, and queerplatonic Glorestor.
| Major Characters: Glorfindel, Ecthelion of the Fountain, Erestor |
| Major Relationships: Ecthelion/Glorfindel, Erestor & Glorfindel |
| Genres: Romance, Slash | Challenges: But I Won't Do That, Jumble Sale, Laws and Customs |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, In-Universe Intolerance, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 5, 038 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Skill Issue by Babblecat
Melkor and Ungoliant take a ship to Middle Earth after their latest IRL trolling succeeds.
| Major Characters: Ungoliant, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: Melkor & Ungoliant |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: Great Beleriand Bake-Off |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 458 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Dark Chocolate by Babblecat
Feanor develops something even better than the Silmarils.
| Major Characters: Ungoliant, Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: Great Beleriand Bake-Off |
| 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 (2) |
Reverie for a Silver Tree by Isilme_among_the_stars
Tilion has always been a dreamer. After a long night wandering star-strewn paths Tilion dreams himself back to Irmo's domain and rests in the gardens.
Written for Scribbles and Drabbles 2025 Prompt #197: Tilion Dreams by Lingwiloke.
Many thanks to Double_sharp for the stimulating conversations and beta reading this one for me!
You can listen to an audio recording of this work here.
| Major Characters: Tilion, Lórien |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, General, Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 280 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Peace, Vast and Unknowable by Isilme_among_the_stars
War is never quiet. Not like this. Tonight, there is a hush in which the grass whispers, birds sing undisturbed and brooks murmur gaily, wending their way between the trees, heeding no danger, anticipating no pain. This apparently, is peace. I find it unsettling.
Elrond has never known anything but conflict. As peace settles over the land he must reckon with the unknowns it brings and his place within the future, all while facing the biggest decision of his life.
Written for Scribbles and Drabbles 2025 Prompt #170: Small Birds, Dry Grass by Vinyatar. Their beautiful artwork can be found here.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 369 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
