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] One Flesh, One Soul. Part I by FellFireFan
As beautiful as he is dangerous, Aegnor, an elven prince, stands against the looming shadows of Angband. Brother to Galadriel, he commands the siege with a fierce intensity, a duty that exacts a heavy toll on him. Beneath the iron walls he has built lies a broken soul, haunted by a devastating…
[Series] Instadrabbling, 2026-Present by SWG Moderators
We get together from time to time on the SWG Discord and produce spontaneous fanworks based on randomly chosen prompts. This collection includes drabbles, ficlets, and other flash fanworks produced as part of our instadrabbling sessions beginning in 2026.
[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…
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
Restoration and Rebuilding
Create a fanwork around a prompt focused on the theme of rebuilding and restoration. 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
Draugluin by Narya
Though appearing just briefly, the fierce wolf Draugluin is characterized using elements from myth and folklore, leaving him a character memorable for his dread.
A kiss with joy by ohboromir
Elwë and Lenwë share a joyful moment by the shores of the Great River.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Lenwë |
| Major Relationships: Lenwë/Thingol |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 316 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Listen to the Song by polutropos
Young Daeron has many questions. This time, they lead Beleg to a vision of a dark future for the elves on the westward journey.
| Major Characters: Beleg, Daeron |
| Major Relationships: Beleg & Daeron |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: Secret Gate |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 996 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
The Nightingale Sang by ArtificialEnt
Luthien runs into a strange and batlike creature on her way to rescue Beren.
| Major Characters: Lúthien Tinúviel, Thuringwethil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Femslash, General, Poly | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 015 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Laughing All the Way by polutropos
It's a ridiculous Yule for all. Maglor discovers much about his cousin Turgon after he is sent off to spend the evening with him, and Maedhros and Fingon receive a surprise visit from a well-pickled Finrod.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Maedhros, Maglor, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: Maglor & Turgon |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 357 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Everlasting Darkness by polutropos
When Maedhros and Maglor attempt to steal the Silmarils after the War of Wrath, they are seized and taken as prisoners back to Valinor. As it turns out, a pardon has been negotiated on their behalf - but no one bothered to tell them this, or the unique conditions on which they have been released from their oath. They have simply been tied up and dumped in two different remote locations: Maglor outside a white tower near the borders of the Sundering Seas, and Maedhros on a dock at the rim of the world.
[Maedhros and Maglor are Eärendil and Elwing's war prizes and everyone has sex.]
| Major Characters: Eärendil, Elwing, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Elwing/Maglor, Eärendil/Maedhros |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Het, Humor, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Expletive Language, Incest, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 10, 521 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Mightiest of the Children by polutropos
At the End of the World, reconciliation and renewal.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Manwë |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor & Manwë |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 423 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Who By Fire by polutropos
A Fëanorian hunter is seriously injured near the Nolofinwëan camp at Lake Mithrim. Though Fingolfin scarcely knew Fëanor's youngest sons, he at once recognises and is drawn to his nephew, whose presence offers him a semblance of closure to the irreparable relationship with his dead half-brother. After taking on the role of Amrod's healer himself, he discovers that their wounds, and their need for each other, run far deeper than he thought.
| Major Characters: Amrod, Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: Amrod/Fingolfin |
| Genres: Drama, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Incest, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic), Suicide, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 052 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
First Contact by polutropos
Shortly after the unexpected release of Fëanor, Daeron — now loremaster of Alqualondë and chief minstrel of the Eldar — finally reaches out to Maglor. Maglor is perplexed about his motives, but agrees to meet.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Fëanor, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Daeron/Maglor |
| Genres: General, Humor, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 805 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Singer of Old by polutropos
Distrust and suspicion have been upsetting the peace of Rivendell since the arrival of an exceptionally talented minstrel who calls himself Lindir. Elrond seems oblivious to the problem, so Erestor takes it upon himself to confront his lord about it.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Erestor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 950 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
If You Are the Healer by polutropos
Maedhros' decision to cede his claim to the High Kingship drives a rift between him and the brother who held the crown for him through his captivity. Through their reconciliation, Maedhros grapples with shame over the feelings that Maglor's devotion awakens in him, before he at last accepts the balm for loss and failure that Maglor offers.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Maedhros/Maglor |
| Genres: Drama, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Incest, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 671 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Gift by polutropos
Maglor was born without sight and a unique gift for Song. Maedhros helps him understand his gift; years later, Maglor returns the favour.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 933 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Chance Enchantment by polutropos
Maglor is curious about the land bordering the Girdle of Melian. Lúthien and Daeron happen to be having a nice time nearby. Some nightingales help make things happen.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Lúthien Tinúviel, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Daeron/Lúthien/Maglor |
| Genres: Erotica, Poly | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 919 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
His Hour Had Come by polutropos
Saeros' daughter reflects on the life and actions of her father.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Saeros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: In-Universe Racism/Ethnocentrism, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 348 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
And She Vanished by polutropos
“Kementári,” she prays, “please forgive me. I have failed to protect even this fragment of your creation.”
After the death of Thingol, Melian seeks guidance.
| Major Characters: Melian, Yavanna |
| Major Relationships: Melian & Yavanna |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| 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 (2) |
A Herb for Ragnir by Himring
At the lowest ebb of her fortunes, Morwen was left with only two of her former servants: Sador, who was lame in one foot, and Ragnir, who was blind.
We know she had sometimes been unsympathetic to Sador's failings, until her family changed her mind.
We need not assume she had a similar history with blind Ragnir, though.
| Major Characters: Morwen |
| 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: 100 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Review of "The Battle of Maldon" by Narya
The most recent posthumous volume of Tolkien's work contains some of his translations, lectures, and fanfiction of Old English texts.
What Happens at Camp Eglarest, Stays at Camp Eglarest by polutropos
With the addition of Daeron's new roommate and Lúthien's annoying fiancé, their annual July long-weekend trip to Eglarest Beach is already set to be more eventful than usual. To add to the mayhem, Maglor's obnoxious brother has invited himself and his dog along.
| Major Characters: Beren, Celegorm, Daeron, Lúthien Tinúviel, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Daeron/Maglor, Beren/Luthien, Daeron & Lúthien |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 17, 540 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
In Golden Song of Joy by Arveldis
Elrond stood in awe, transfixed by the beauty of the song and the lilt of the harp. He felt almost as if he could touch the music, if he bent his mind and will hard enough to the task. He felt Maglor’s voice in his chest, in his heart, in the pulse of the air around him. Everything listened, bending ear to the power of the song.
Together, Maglor and Elrond create visions with songs.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Maglor |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 040 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
In Fields of Gold by Arveldis
Setting aside her basket, Indis ran barefoot through the fields to greet him, and he swept her into his arms and spun her around. Her laughter fell upon the fields like rain, and Finwë felt it wash over his heart, welling up in the cracks that he had thought would ever remain after the loss of Míriel.
The song of their joy spills over the fields of the Valar.
| Major Characters: Finwë, Indis |
| Major Relationships: Finwë/Indis |
| Genres: Ficlet, Fluff, Het, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 352 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Magic Flute by polutropos
A cargo crackship carrying two angry elves and a full freight of phallic puns, in-universe curses, gratuitous insults, an immortal hunting falcon, an assault flute, a wine-infused linguistic seduction (ft. dirty Quenya phrases), and an opportunistic rebound with an ex-lover’s brother after being dumped for a mortal.
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Daeron, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Caranthir/Daeron |
| Genres: Humor, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 6, 826 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Roughing It by polutropos
The Fëanorian and Arafinwëan middle-children go hunting in the sweltering, noisy jungles of southern Aman. Angrod and Caranthir find a way to take the edge off.
| Major Characters: Angrod, Caranthir |
| Major Relationships: Angrod/Caranthir |
| Genres: Humor, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 104 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Song for Change by polutropos
“Therefore I say that we will go on, and this doom I add: the deeds that we shall do shall be the matter of song until the last days of Arda.”
- The Silmarillion, ‘Of the Flight of the Noldor’
An elf child of mysterious origin with a gift for Song shakes up Daeron and Maglor's quiet retirement from the problems of Men. Then she shakes up the world.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Daeron, Ivárë, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Daeron/Maglor |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Family, General, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 8, 867 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Along Came an Elf by dalliansss
After Oromë sends a Hunting Party to investigate the reports of proliferation of fell beasts far in South Aman, the entire errand goes horrifically wrong. Celegorm was prepared to die a grisly death, yet he dares to beg the Great Void Spider to spare his life, which to his surprise, the request is heeded. Then comes the most unlikely partnership and friendship in all of Arda, and its unexpected consequences.
| Major Characters: Beleg, Celegorm, Elu Thingol, Lúthien Tinúviel, Mablung, Melian, Ungoliant |
| Major Relationships: Celegorm & Sons of Fëanor, Celegorm & Ungoliant, Celegorm & Lúthien |
| Genres: Adventure, Crackfic, Drama, Family, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 20, 225 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Black and Gold by polutropos
Galadriel and Lúthien, a moment shared under the night sky.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: Galadriel/Lúthien |
| Genres: Erotica, Femslash, Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 209 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
