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
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
Written and Unwritten by Grundy
Young Feanor learns a lesson.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Rúmil (Valinor) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Middle-earth Is Multitudes |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 482 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall by reindeer_pizza
Tyelkormo is the beloved daughter of Nerdanel and Fëanor. But what if she doesn't want to be a daughter?
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: Celegorm & Nerdanel |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Middle-earth Is Multitudes |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: In-Universe Queerphobia/LGBTQIA+ Intolerance |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 601 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Before the Storm by polutropos
As Elwing navigates uncertainties about identity, rulership, and her impending motherhood, a chance meeting with a reclusive woman of the Haladin leads to a relationship that will give her strength facing the challenges to come. [WiP. Rating based on chapter 1 but will change to Adult.]
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Elwing, Evranin |
| Major Relationships: Eärendil/Elwing, Elwing/Original Character |
| Genres: Femslash, General, Het | Challenges: Middle-earth Is Multitudes |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 926 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Of The Fate of Eluréd and Elurín by cuarthol
The cruel servants of Celegorm seized [Dior's] young sons and left them to starve in the forest... and of the fate of Eluréd and Elurín no tale tells.
| Major Characters: Original Agender Character(s), Eluréd, Elurín, Ents |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: Middle-earth Is Multitudes |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 963 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Ulmo, Lord of Waters, Part 1 by Anérea
From the earliest version of the legendarium, Ulmo existed as the Lord of the Waters, although over the decades his character would evolve to fit the changing tone of the "Silmarillion." Part One of his biography considers his domain, his relationships with the other Ainur, and the symbolic significance of the watery element in Tolkien's work.
Rise before sunset by firstamazon
A disabled young man is approached by a mysterious stranger. A triple drabble.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Sauron & Original Character, Sauron & Witch-king of Angmar |
| Genres: Drama, Suspense | Challenges: Middle-earth Is Multitudes |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: In-Universe Intolerance |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 602 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
Part 06: Here in Our Frailty by Eilinel's Ghost
“Let us not perish here in the long darkness,” Balan said softly, crossing back to take one of the waiting wreaths and set it upon his own brow, “these creatures you chose to form. Remember us, here in our frailty.”
It is Yuletide. The Atani and Finrod celebrate throughout the night as they stay awake to greet the dawn after the Longest Night. Balan's people settle into Estolad, Atani traditions abound, and Finrod faces some memories.
| Major Characters: Balan, Bëor, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: Bëor/Finrod |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 9, 672 |
| 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) |
Drabbles and one-shots by firstamazon
Drabbles and one-shots written for instadrabbling sessions on the SWG Discord server.
| Major Characters: Elladan, Elrohir, Elrond, Elros, Erestor, Fëanor, Glorfindel, Maedhros, Maglor, Míriel Serindë, Morwen, Orcs, Rúmil (Lothlórien), Sauron, Túrin, Witch-king of Angmar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Family, Ficlet, General, Hurt/Comfort, Romance, Suspense | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
What the Water Gave Me by Rocky41_7
Finduilas had never thought she had been saved for a reason, until she found the woman in the river.
| Major Characters: Finduilas, Nienor |
| Major Relationships: Finduilas/Nienor |
| Genres: Drama, Femslash, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 27, 390 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Awesome Ladies by daughterofshadows
4 women, 4 story cycles, 400 words each.
Snapshots from the lives of four incredible women in Tolkien.
| Major Characters: Belladonna Took Baggins, Galadriel, Lúthien Tinúviel, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Middle-earth Is Multitudes |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 1, 641 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (19) |
Cry the color of love by firstamazon
Míriel Þerindë was one of a kind.
| Major Characters: Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Middle-earth Is Multitudes |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 208 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
A Promise of the Sun by cuarthol
The roles of youth and age trade places.
Finduilas may be one of the few among the Eldar of Nargothrond who can understand the changes which age brings to Bëor.
| Major Characters: Bëor, Finduilas |
| Major Relationships: Bëor & Finduilas |
| Genres: Fluff, General | Challenges: Middle-earth Is Multitudes |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 874 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Who Gets to Say? Canon and Authority by Dawn Walls-Thumma
Tolkien Fanfiction Survey data shows that, when considering who has the authority to define that ever-elusive concept of canon in the Tolkien fandom, fanfiction authors navigate this question in various ways.
For One Year, One Day, of the Flame by cuarthol
Andreth prepares for the approach of midwinter, while Aegnor seeks to right a choice from long ago, before it is too late.
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Andreth |
| Major Relationships: Aegnor/Andreth |
| Genres: Het | Challenges: Middle-earth Is Multitudes |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 775 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
With Radiant Garland by Rocky41_7
Beautiful hair is considered a desirable trait among Elves, whether on the head--or elsewhere.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: Galadriel/Lúthien |
| Genres: Erotica, Femslash, Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 423 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
| Major Characters: Aerin |
| Major Relationships: Aerin + Brodda |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Middle-earth Is Multitudes |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Rape/Nonconsensual Sex |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Interview with Artist ArlenianChronicles by Anérea
In this interview, Cassandra (ArlenianChronicles) talks about the inspiration and creative process behind her art, which is distinguished by its emotionally rich relationships and often novel AU takes on Silmarillion characters.
Tangled Up In Time by Anérea
Tolkenien Mathematics.
| Major Characters: J.R.R. Tolkien |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Animation, Manip/Photomontage |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: Gnome Tome |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
Pinching Time by Anérea
Varda experiments with undoing just a wee bit of history...
| Major Characters: Varda |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Drawing/Painting |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Gnome Tome |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (8) |
Breath of life by firstamazon
A triple drabble - and a brief history - of an old orc.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Orcs |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: Middle-earth Is Multitudes |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 307 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (15) |
Fair Purpose by Gwanath Dagnir
Glorfindel returns to Middle-earth as emissary of the Valar and shares their warning of the growing darkness with the High King Gil-galad, confirming a doom long feared: Sauron has returned.
| Major Characters: Círdan, Elrond, Gil-galad, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Glorfindel |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 355 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
One More Song by Rocky41_7
As Luthien prepares to surrender to old age, she is visited by a long-lost friend.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: Daeron & Lúthien |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 782 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A King Is He Who Can Hold His Own by sallysavestheday
Fleeing the fall of Doriath, Oropher is called into the kingship of the Greenwood.
| Major Characters: Nandor, Oropher, Sindar, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: Oropher & Thranduil |
| Genres: | Challenges: Middle-earth Is Multitudes |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 825 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (16) |
Gorthaur and Finrod at Tol-in-Guarhoth by Anérea
After capturing Finrod and his companions, Gorthaur attempts to discover their identities...
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Drawble/Finished Sketch |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Cheesy Corn Chips |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (10) |
I Lava You: some silly sooty smut by Anérea
Pressure builds deep in Thangorodrim — a cheesy PWP drabble for the Cheesy Corn Chips Challenge.
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Melkor |
| Major Relationships: Melkor/Original Character |
| Genres: Crackfic | Challenges: Cheesy Corn Chips |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 171 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
