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
Idiomatic
Raining cats and dogs. A short fuse. Up a creek without a paddle. A piece of cake. Sometimes colorful, sometimes puzzling without backstory or explanation, these delightful turns of phrase enrich our language—whichever one it happens to be. Prompts this month are idioms from languages around the world.
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
The Earliest Years of the Sun by Ermingarden
A Gondorian academic in the Fourth Age explores the development of a solar calendar system among the Noldor in Beleriand.
| 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: 1, 295 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
sorrow for sea-fare by Ermingarden
And it came to pass, while the wood of Nimloth burned, that Tar-Míriel – who had ever loved the night-blossoming Tree – slipped from the palace, and came in secret to the westward shore.
| Major Characters: Tar-Míriel, Uinen |
| Major Relationships: Tar-Míriel/Uinen |
| Genres: Experimental, Femslash, Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 634 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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That were yet to be by ohboromir
Prompt from @melestasflight: Idril and "shadows of things that were yet to be"
| Major Characters: Idril |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 136 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Cranesbill by Chestnut_pod
As the bells began to ring alarms at another five black-sailed Corsair ships hoving into view, Ulloth’s mind and pen alighted upon the pelargoloth, her namesake, the common and beloved flower of the city’s balconies and courtyards, just opening its scarlet petals with the dawn of the the Second Siege of Pelargir.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Elanor Gardner |
| Major Relationships: Original Character & Original Character, Elanor Gardner & Original Character |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: In-Universe Racism/Ethnocentrism, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 14, 062 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Feast by ohboromir
As they prepare for a grand celebration, memories of the past return to haunt Gondolin’s royal family.
-
@gondolinweek Day 1: Feast - Idril, Eärendil, Turgon
| Major Characters: Idril |
| Major Relationships: Idril & Turgon |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 045 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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The Insult by Himring
A Noldorin academic may express her opinions quite forcefully, sometimes.
Tatiel already had a bit of a reputation, even before the Darkening, and she is not cowed.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Noldor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 234 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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End of a Reign Unrecorded by Himring
The usurper Tar-Anducal has closed the theatre in Armenelos that his deceased wife, Tar-Vanimelde, so loved.
The group of dancers that conspired with her against his usurpation have been touring everywhere except in the capital, hoping not to draw his notice.
Are their fortunes about to change?
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Númenóreans |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 113 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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No New Grief by ohboromir
Nolofinwë did not want to be here.
If he could have been anywhere else in the world, he would have fled there at this moment.
~
Fingolfin and Feanor's complicated relationship in four scenes.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor/Fingolfin |
| Genres: Hurt/Comfort, Romance, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Incest |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 332 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
I risk my life to make my name by ohboromir
This is the tale of Ser Galadriel, the Lady of Light, one of the mightiest that dwelt in that great realm, and how she became one of the most fearsome sorceresses known to elvenkind.
~~~Gawain and the Green Knight retelling, in which Ser Artanis learns a lot about herself.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Melian |
| Major Relationships: Galadriel/Melian |
| Genres: Adventure, Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 10, 281 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Starlight by ohboromir
'There fell Mablung of the Heavy Hand before the doors of the treasury wherein lay the Nauglamír; and the Silmaril was taken.' (The Silmarillion, Ch. 22 'Of the Ruin of Doriath')
~
The death of Mablung of Doriath.
| Major Characters: Mablung |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 955 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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On the same ruinous path by ohboromir
The Void welcomes Mairon the Admirable, at the end of all things.
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A little drabble I wrote for @angbangweek Day 4: The Void.
| Major Characters: Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Melkor/Sauron |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 504 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Stress Relief by ohboromir
“You were looking for me?” She arched an eyebrow as she leant back against him, enjoying the solid warmth of his chest.
“I always am.” Tuor’s chuckle reverberated through his chest and through her.
Idril sighed.
-
Tuor makes sure Idril relaxes.
| Major Characters: Idril, Tuor |
| Major Relationships: Idril/Tuor |
| Genres: Erotica | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 570 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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A queen she would be by ohboromir
Ar-Zimraphel and her companions discuss marriage
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For @aspecardaweek : aroace Tar-Míriel.
| Major Characters: Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 951 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Echo of the Music by StarSpray
Yet this newest tapestry was different. Elu saw that immediately upon walking into the room. Melian’s hands moved swiftly across the the tapestry, woven in brilliant colors and shapes, picking out new details and marvelous things in clever embroidery, her silver needles flashing in the lamplight.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Melian |
| Major Relationships: Melian/Thingol |
| Genres: Ficlet, Fluff, Het | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 471 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Beasts of Dubious Nature by Anérea
A wolf, a spider, a bat, a dragon... what do they have in common?
| Major Characters: Draugluin, Glaurung, Thuringwethil, Ungoliant |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Character/Portrait, Illustration |
| Genres: | Challenges: Bestiary of Arda |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (14) |
[podfic] Sarati by Chestnut_pod
Rúmil invents writing only half on purpose.
| Major Characters: Rúmil (Valinor) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (4) |
Now, I'm Found by sallysavestheday
Finrod and Edrahil reconnect after Mandos.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 327 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Ice Glossary by sallysavestheday
Twelve perspectives on the crossing of the Helcaraxë.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 917 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Keep Your Secrets by sallysavestheday
Ulmo sends dreams of war and sanctuary to Finrod and Turgon as they travel together along Sirion.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: Finrod/Turgon |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 486 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Borne Away Like Smoke by sallysavestheday
The dust clings. Curufin refuses to bathe. It would be a betrayal.
| 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: 351 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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A New Thread In The Weave by sallysavestheday
Indis comes to Tirion to be married to Finwë. Fëanor receives her.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 504 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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From That Fair City by sallysavestheday
Pengolodh has a hard time getting accurate information on the past from a distracted Glorfindel and Ecthelion.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 615 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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History Will Be Kind To Me, For I Intend To Write It by sallysavestheday
Pengolodh drafts the tale of Aredhel and Eöl.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 524 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Follow the Light Unflinchingly by sallysavestheday
She has ever been the more courageous: his brilliant, whimsical elder cousin...
Glorfindel and Elenwë, and what came after.
| 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: 813 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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