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
Hero's Journey
Prompts for this Matryoshka challenge are based on the stages of the hero's journey archetype. 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
Femslash Is a Political Act (and Other Observations of Tolkien Fandom's Genre Non Grata) by Dawn Walls-Thumma
Tolkien Fanfiction Survey data shows that femslash—the Tolkien fandom's youngest genre—has grown in popularity with readers, while authors may use it to share and reflect on experiences of marginalization.
in the hills of dorthonion by Arveldis
“It is a high calling, then, to be counted among the Wise, Saelind,” Aegnor said, looking at her long with an expression that she could not read.
Andreth held his gaze, wordless, as some emotion that she could not name passed between them. Wise-heart, he had named her. Wise-heart, though she had lived but a moment compared to him and knew so little of what he knew of the world, born before the sun had ever risen.
They meet in springtime.
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Andreth |
| Major Relationships: Aegnor/Andreth |
| Genres: Het, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 172 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
a flame in the darkness by Arveldis
The long winter nights are not as cold when the lords of Dorthonion visit.
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Andreth |
| Major Relationships: Aegnor/Andreth |
| Genres: Het, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 610 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Elrond |
| Major Relationships: Celebrían/Elrond |
| Genres: Het, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 600 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
with death on his brow like a crown by Arveldis
“Andreth fears for you,” Finrod says, barely louder than the popping of coals in the iron braziers that circle the tent’s interior. “She wishes for me to tell you not to be reckless, not to seek danger beyond need.”
Finrod watches his brother’s back as he stands silent. “Would you refuse her wish?”
Five times Finrod foresees Aegnor’s death, and one time he foresees his own.
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: Aegnor & Finrod |
| Genres: Family, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 622 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
what would you trade the pain for? by skywardstruck
A fleeting moment in the last days of Celebrimbor's life, in the dungeons below Eregion. Even if it hurts to kill the one he loves, even if Celebrimbor has forever changed him, it is too late for Sauron to turn back.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Celebrimbor/Sauron |
| Genres: Drama, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Domestic and Partner Violence, Torture, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 576 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
5 - I often find myself dissatisfied with my life by Rocky41_7
Thuringwethil doesn't even know why she's here. It's not like the sex is rewarding.
| Major Characters: Thuringwethil, Ungoliant |
| Major Relationships: Thuringwethil/Ungoliant |
| Genres: Femslash, Ficlet, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 158 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Another Lesson by Rocky41_7
Melian's new Noldor charge has been disobedient. A loving queen must teach her a lesson.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Melian |
| Major Relationships: Galadriel/Melian |
| Genres: Drama, Femslash, Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 291 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Under the Ragged Thorn by elfscribe
The unexpected and mysterious return of Glorfindel, hero of Gondolin, to Middle-earth opens old wounds for Erestor. Can he overcome guilt and forge a new relationship with his old friend?
Written for 2023 My Slashy Valentine fic swap
| Major Characters: Elrond, Erestor, Gil-galad, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: Elrond/Gil-galad, Erestor/Glorfindel |
| Genres: Drama, Hurt/Comfort, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 14, 086 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Ossë's Gift by elfscribe
On a sea voyage from Umbar to Lindon, Erestor becomes enmeshed in intrigue while fighting his secret feelings for his irritating and compelling companion, Glorfindel.
May, 2021. Improved version. Enjoy!
This story won a first place in the 2007 My Precious Awards for LOTR fanfic in the misc. stories category: "Best where does this story go"
MEFA 2009 Third Place winner in Genres: Adventure: Elvish Lands
| Major Characters: Erestor, Glorfindel, Ossë |
| Major Relationships: Erestor/Glorfindel, Glorfindel/Original Character |
| Genres: Adventure, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 30, 555 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Eternal Flame by elennalore
On the last night of the war, Melkor sends Mairon away.
| Major Characters: Melkor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Melkor/Sauron |
| Genres: Fluff, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: Cheesy Corn Chips |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 234 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Homecoming by Lferion
The first ships to return to Valinor after the end of the War of Wrath are on the horizon. What does that mean, for the people on the shore, the people on the ships? A quintuple drabble.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: Cheesy Corn Chips |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 507 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
Comfort to Displace my Loneliness by chrissystriped
After Sauron is driven out of Dol Guldur, Thranduil finds someone in the remains of the tower. He now has to decide what to do with an injured Kinslayer.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: Maglor/Thranduil |
| Genres: Hurt/Comfort, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, In-Universe Intolerance, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 673 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
To Dream by Day and Roam by Night by chrissystriped
Celebrimbor, summoned to Nan Elmoth by a dream, finds an elf who sleeps through the days and turns into a wolf by night.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Maeglin |
| Major Relationships: Celebrimbor/Maeglin |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 887 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
the wise and the lovely by elwinged
Silmariën and Isilmë, from the beginning to the end.
| Major Characters: Elatan of Andúnië, Isilmë, Silmarien |
| Major Relationships: Isilmë & Silmariën, Elatan of Andúnië/Silmariën |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet | Challenges: Hidden Figures, Jubilee |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
Dust of Snow by ArizonaPoppy
Trapped in a cabin by a blizzard, Caranthir is forced to revisit his harsh feelings for Angrod. This was written for the Fellowship of the Fics Trope Roulette Wheel Challenge of January 2023 for the prompts "roommate AU" and "huddling for warmth."
| Major Characters: Angrod, Caranthir |
| Major Relationships: Angrod & Caranthir |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 516 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Lemon Balm, Comfrey and Sage by Narya
After being injured in a riding accident, Eldarion stays behind in Minas Tirith while his mother and father embark on their spring tour. He is not best pleased when he is assigned to help in the Houses of Healing, but soon finds he has much to learn...
(This is a work in progress.)
| Major Characters: Eldarion, Ioreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Jubilee, Manwë's Mailbag |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 460 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Tinker, Tailor, Bromance, Spar by Gwanath Dagnir
A wine-fueled faux pas has left a rift between Gil-galad and Elrond, maybe. If a week out of town and a new wardrobe can't set things right, there's always the sparring ring.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Gil-galad |
| Genres: General, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 10, 067 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Review of "The Fall of Númenor" by Lyra
The Fall of Númenor conveniently compiles the majority of Tolkien's Second Age materials in a single volume alongside delightful new art from Alan Lee, making it an immensely useful publication.
In Service, Love by sallysavestheday
From the ruin of the Gladden Fields, where Isildur perished, three men only came ever back over the mountains after long wandering. One of these was Ohtar, the esquire of Isildur, who bore the shards of the sword of Elendil; and he brought them to Valandil, the heir of Isildur, who being but a child had remained in Rivendell. The Fellowship of the Ring, Ch 2, The Council of Elrond.
Ohtar is faithful.
| Major Characters: Isildur, Ohtar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Cheesy Corn Chips |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 671 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (26) |
Fabric of Love by Anérea
Young Andreth receives a very special gift from her mother.
(A drabble.)
| Major Characters: Andreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Holiday Party, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| 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 (6) |
Aeluin Revisited by Anérea
A nonagenarian Andreth thinks back on her life, and love. (Featuring cameo appearances by Finrod and Adanel.)
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Andreth |
| Major Relationships: Aegnor/Andreth |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: Jubilee, Manwë's Mailbag |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 413 |
| 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) |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: International Fanworks Day, Jubilee, Taboo |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 111 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Aesthetic Appreciation by Lferion
Fingon, Returned, takes in some of the sights of spring. A quadruple drabble.
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Fluff | Challenges: International Fanworks Day, Jubilee, Soap Opera, Words of Wit and Wisdom |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 404 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Resemblance by Lferion
Elrond did not know what to expect of Aman - a quadruple drabble.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Fingon |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros & Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: Family, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: Block Party, International Fanworks Day, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 414 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
