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
Laws and Customs
Place the a law, custom, or tradition of Middle-earth as the focus of a fanwork. 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
Bound to These Shores by Isilme_among_the_stars
A death and a rebirth. Proud Nōwē sunk to the depths as the Shipwright rose, foresighted and wise beyond all else on these shores. And his name was refuge, steadfast friendship and succour in time of need. A cry died unvoiced in his throat, the death knell of the brave and daring young Nōwē. Círdan would have to be so much more.
Written for Scribbles & Drabbles 2025 Art Prompt #85: There is No Ship by Shadow, which can be found here.
The title is taken from lyrics of There Is No Ship by Rose Betts.
Listen to an audio recording of this work here.
| Major Characters: Círdan |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Folktales/Myths/Legends, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 675 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Hastaina by Serinquanion
Hastaina-marred, she was, they both were but with passage of time the pain should subside, shouldn't it?
In an AU where Huan fought Carcharoth much earlier and wasn't there to protect Beren and Luthien from Celegorm. It was the aftermath of it.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: Lúthien/Maedhros |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 989 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Ithīriniðil by Serinquanion
After Maedhros and Maglor stole the two silmarils and escaped Ëonwë's camp, Elrond and Elros had followed the two in secret. And when the two casted the gems in their respective resting places, the four of them woke up to a dark Arda, along with the cursed beloved gems.
Nothing was right in this Arda.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor, Elrond, Elros |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros & Maedhros & Maglor, Maglor/Oromë |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 593 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Baked Goods by Himring
Two brief scenes featuring Galadriel, one in Valinor in the time of the Trees, one early in the Second Age.
| Major Characters: Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: Great Beleriand Bake-Off |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 297 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
One In the Fires of the Heart of the World by Isilme_among_the_stars
Maedhros finds that regret and pain do not end with death. But it does at last bring release from the oath and he can at last embark upon the long, hard road toward redemption.
| Major Characters: Finwë, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Maedhros & Maglor, Finwë & Maedhros |
| Genres: General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Suicide, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 16, 983 |
| 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 (2) |
Earendil in Valinor by sailing24
His life in Valinor.
| Major Characters: Eärendil, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Eärendil/Elwing, Elrond/Gil-galad, Glorfindel/Maglor |
| Genres: Experimental, Family, General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 11, 242 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Conversations with a Stone by Elrond's Library
Idril was trying
| Major Characters: Idril, Maeglin |
| Major Relationships: Idril & Maeglin |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 101 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Keep You Like an Oath by StarSpray
"Gather your strength, Daeron. I will get you to the Ford of Bruinen.”
“Will you swear it, kinslayer?” Daeron asked, voice heavy with irony and with something else Maglor couldn’t quite identify.
He paused for a moment. Then he said, “Yes.”
| Major Characters: Daeron, Maglor, Elrond, Celebrían |
| Major Relationships: Daeron/Maglor, Daeron & Elrond, Celebrían & Daeron |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Hurt/Comfort, Slash | Challenges: The Only Thing To Fear |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Torture, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 36, 873 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
For The World’s More Full Of Weeping Than You Can Understand by LadySternchen
Taking my boys out of Doriath and into a modern AU, so they can be sweethearts without me tearing the relationship between Elu and Melian apart.
On their last day of term, Elu comes home from uni sick. Mablung knows how to make him better.
| Major Characters: Mablung, Elu Thingol, Beleg |
| Major Relationships: Mablung/Thingol |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama, Erotica, Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Romance, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate), Suicide |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 13, 211 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
All That Was Not Lost to the Fire by Isilme_among_the_stars
Little moments of connection with Maedhros. A collection of drabbles and other short writings to accompany One in the Fires of the Heart of the World.
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 1, 156 |
| 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 (3) |
The Seven Gates by Laerthel
The impossible happened: a Silmaril has been stolen from Morgoth’s crown. Maedhros decides to reunite the People of Beleriand against the Enemy and attack him while he is still unprepared, which is by no means less impossible. Meanwhile, in the hidden city of Gondolin, Lord Glorfindel of the Golden Flower pursues the meaning of his recurring dreams – only to realize that he is not the only one to see them...
|| A novel-length canon gapfiller on the Union of Maedhros, the Nirnaeth Arnoediad and the downfall of the Sons of Feanor; plus my take on what could have been going on in Gondolin between the Bragollach and the Nirnaeth. ||
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Curufin, Erestor, Glorfindel, Maedhros, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: Fingon & Maedhros, Ecthelion & Glorfindel, Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Animal Abuse, Character Death, Mature Themes, Torture, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 43 | Word Count: 226, 083 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
An Elf at the North Pole by elennalore
Re-embodied Celebrimbor can’t find peace in Aman, so he takes the icy road Helcaraxë back to Middle-earth. The world is changed, however, and he finds himself in a very different place. But what if his past comes back to haunt him even there?
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover, Hurt/Comfort | crossed with Father Christmas Letters | Challenges: Crossroads of the Fallen King |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 3, 370 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Boredom and biscuits by Aprilertuile
The twins were bored. That, in Tyelkormo's experience, was a very, very bad thing, more so when Maitimo wasn’t actually home to deal with the terror and he was himself supposed to be the Responsible Adult.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Amras, Amrod |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: Great Beleriand Bake-Off |
| 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 (8) |
Code Red by Scribe of Mirrormere
Aredhel runs into trouble after leaving Gondolin. Luckily, she is prepared. The Walking Dead fusion/zombie AU.
| Major Characters: Amras, Aredhel, Curufin, Dwarves, Egalmoth, Eöl, Galadriel, Idril, Lúthien Tinúviel, Mablung, Maglor, Meleth (Elf), Nellas, Original Character(s), Rog, Telchar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Alternate Universe, Crossover, Horror, Humor | Challenges: B2MeM 2015 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 11, 902 |
| 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 (1) |
Love me and leave me to die by Flora-lass
Fëanor dreams of darkness, and there is only so much Finwë can do to help. Written for the 'The Only Thing to Fear' challenge.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Finwë |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor & Finwë |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet | Challenges: The Only Thing To Fear |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 823 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Dream of the Black Sword by Flora-lass
Beleg comforts Gwindor in Taur-nu-Fuin, and is rewarded.
| Major Characters: Beleg, Gwindor, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: Beleg/Túrin, Beleg & Gwindor |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: Birthday Bash, Bollywood |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 5, 168 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Of Stars and Solitude Unbearable by Isilme_among_the_stars
Bad dreams?” I ask, and Elrond nods. When I brush against his mind it laps like the tide against some desolate shore, and he stands alone in the washed out landscape. Young eyes rove over a heartless sea where the horizon is empty of all but tossing waves. White cliffs are at his back, reeds peek over sandy dunes southward along the shore, and Elrond’s heart fills with the hollow echo: no longer my home, no longer my home.
There is a new star in the sky and and old fears surface. Maedhros supports through Elrond and Elros through their ensuing emotional turmoil as he battles his own.
Written for the SWG October Challenge 2025: The Only Thing to Fear using the prompt: fear of being alone.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Elros, Elrond, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros & Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: The Only Thing To Fear |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 238 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
A Man Who Flies From His Fear May Find He Has Only Taken A Shortcut To Meet It by LadySternchen
For this month’s ‘The Only Thing To Fear’-challenge, I tried something a little different- which was to write short ficlets for as many prompts as possible. (Admittedly, I wanted them to be drabbles at first, but I just couldn’t manage).
Some of these turned more into PTSD-stories than phobias, but I think it still fits the challenge.
| Major Characters: Eärendil, Olwë, Celeborn, Celebrían, Rochallor, Caranthir, Maglor, Maeglin, Huor, Morwen, Daeron, Lúthien Tinúviel, Eluréd, Ingwion, Sauron, Elu Thingol, Galathil, Nimloth, Thranduil, Dior, Mablung, Elwing, Angrod, Turgon, Finarfin, Hiril, Elurín, Beleg, Aegnor, Melian, Elrond, Idril, Elmo |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: The Only Thing To Fear |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 35 | Word Count: 9, 357 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (16) |
Triskaidekawhat? by Grundy
Galadriel is curious about one facet of Mithrandir's plan for dealing with the dragon.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Gandalf |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: The Only Thing To Fear |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 102 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
What if the Sleeper in the Tower of Pearl were an Orc by Himring
Sheer terror helps an orc escape Morgoth, but their troubles are not over. AU.
| Major Characters: Orcs, Original Nonbinary Character(s), Nienna, Maiar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Experimental | Challenges: The Only Thing To Fear |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 793 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
A Candle To This Everlasting Night by plutoniumsx
Maedhros has been captured by Morgoth's forces after the Dagor-nuin-Giliath. Left to rot on his own in a dark cell who knows where, he almost starts believing this will be the end to his story. He was wrong. They were coming for him, as well.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror | Challenges: The Only Thing To Fear |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Torture, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 266 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Bitter As by Babblecat
The day Melkor was almost overcome by the only creature more vile than himself.
| Major Characters: Melkor, Ungoliant |
| Major Relationships: Melkor & Ungoliant |
| Genres: Drama, Horror | Challenges: The Only Thing To Fear |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 300 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
to stand amid the roar by Elrond's Library
Cirdan has never felt so old.
| Major Characters: Círdan, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: Círdan & Gil-galad |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 105 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
the ice in the paragon by queerofthedagger
Those who survive do so by cutting parts of themselves off; their innocence, sacrificed to the altar of devouring hunger. Their faith, drowned alongside their children. Their fingers, toes, limbs, coin the Ice demands in exchange for passage.
Those who survive do so in despite; they do not know yet that this will be true for centuries to come.
The House of Nolofinwë, and their time on the Ice. A deed of great renown and endurance, told in an assortment of loosely connected drabbles.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Fingolfin, Aredhel, Turgon, Idril, Argon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 2, 170 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
August, Honey by Perching
After a breakup, Maglor pays a visit to Himring. It would be more relaxing if his brother's boyfriend wasn't visiting too.
A Fingon/Maglor romcom.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Fingon |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Maglor |
| Genres: Humor, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 9, 644 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
