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
Through Dreaming Trees by Lferion
Returned, Fingon walks in Lorien -- four drabbles.
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: Holiday Feast, International Fanworks Day, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 424 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
House of Refuge by Independence1776
Jedi Padawan Caleb Dume finds temporary sanctuary in Imladris.
| Major Characters: Other Fictional Character(s), Celebrían, Elrond, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover, Hurt/Comfort | crossed with Star Wars | Challenges: Jubilee, X Marks the Spot |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 13, 737 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Finrod: 30-Day Character Study - Study Days by cuarthol
Following the 30-day Character Study Challenge for Finrod.
This will contain the days which call for reading, thoughts on or creating headcanons for, or perusing other creative works as part of the challenge.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 30 | Word Count: 12, 293 |
| 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) |
The Fall of Gondolin Reflected in History by MirienSilowende
The Fall of Gondolin has historical antecedents in sacks of cities in the ancient and medieval world, all featuring military destruction and a grievous impact on innocent civilian survivors.
Túrin, Part 3 by firstamazon
The final installment of Túrin's biography considers his life in Nargothrond, his return to Dor-lómin and time in Brethil, his fateful marriage to Nienor, his battle with Glaurung, and the ever-disastrous consequences of all of these, culminating in his death by his own hand.
Extinguished by Rocky41_7
Nerdanel had hoped to beat Feanor to Formenos, but she came too late.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor/Nerdanel, Fëanor & Finwë |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 651 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Finrod: 30-Day Character Study by cuarthol
Following the 30-day Character Study Challenge for Finrod Felagund. To include notes/thoughts, fic, art, and more.
All 30 days are finished!
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Mixed Media, General, Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study, Jubilee |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (1) |
Finrod: 30-Day Character Study - Writings by cuarthol
Story/fiction writing prompts for the 30-Day Character Challenge.
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Amarië, Finarfin, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: Finarfin & Finrod, Amarië/Finrod |
| Genres: General | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 2, 622 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (24) |
Finrod: 30-Day Character Study - Artwork by cuarthol
Art created for the related prompts for the 30-Day Character Study Challenge.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: Andreth & Finrod, Aegnor/Andreth |
| Artwork Type: Drawing/Painting |
| Genres: General, Het | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (12) |
The Last Scion of Tevildo by Lindariel
What happens to the offspring of a cat possessed by a Maia of sharpness?
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Eagles, Glorfindel, Melkor, Tevildo |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Crackfic, Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 9, 111 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Dawn of a New Era by Varda delle Stelle
At the beginning of the Fourth Era in Aman Maedhros and Fingon are reunited.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Maedhros |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Fluff | Challenges: Gnome Tome, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 664 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Possession by elennalore
In captivity, Celebrimbor draws the diagram of the tower where he’s held.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor |
| Major Relationships: Celebrimbor/Sauron |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: Jubilee, Notion Club Revival |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 122 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Smudged by cuarthol
“My lord! Excellent news!”
Gil-galad looked up, expectation mixed with mild humor on his face at the eager young scribe who had come to stand before him.
The scribe held up an old, water-damaged tome and declared with absolute assurance, “We finally know who your father is!”
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Jubilee, Solve a Problem |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 830 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
We'll dance among the stars by daughterofshadows
We spend some time with our friends from Gondolin, learn about Nellas and Galdor's relationship in this universe and do a lot of worldbuilding.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Galdor of the Tree, Legolas of Gondolin, Nellas |
| Major Relationships: Galdor of the Tree/Nellas |
| Genres: Adventure, Alternate Universe, Family, Science Fiction | Challenges: Jubilee, X Marks the Spot |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 5, 992 |
| 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 (0) |
For love to bloom by daughterofshadows
Dís, Belladonna and a quiet day together.
| Major Characters: Belladonna Took Baggins, Dís |
| Major Relationships: Belladonna Took Baggins/Dís |
| Genres: Femslash, Ficlet, Fluff, Romance | Challenges: Block Party, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 228 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Dance At Your Wedding by Tarion Anarore
A gift, a farewell, and a blessing that she wasn't seeking. Galadriel and Orodreth upon Tol Sirion.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: Celeborn/Galadriel |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 722 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
With sword in hand by Morcondil
Many in Valinor sought the hand of the lady Galadriel; to none did she give her heart, for none were worthy.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: Celeborn/Galadriel |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 981 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
No enemy but self by Morcondil
Lost on the Helcaraxë, Aredhel begins to doubt herself. An unwelcome conversation with her least-favorite cousin brings fear and feeling into perspective.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 749 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Winter Light by Zdenka
A music playlist to go with Dawn Felagund's fic Yule Lights. Featuring Celebrimbor, his memories of his family, and Annatar (who is not up to anything suspicious, of course not).
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Music (Classical, Folk, Instrumental, K-pop/J-pop/C-pop, New Age, Pop, Soundtrack, Vocal) | Challenges: Holiday Party, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (3) |
Into the Unknown - Welcome to the Beleriand System by daughterofshadows
Welcome to the Beleriand System!
Join me as we traverse space stations and ships great and small, meet characters from all across the legendarium and explore new and exciting parts of the Arda Galaxy!
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Family, General, Science Fiction | Challenges: Also Appearing |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Seven Mighty Stars by StarSpray
"Then [Varda] began a great labor, greatest of all the works of the Valar since their coming into Arda. She took the silver dews from the vats of Telperion, and therewith she made new stars and brighter against the coming of the Firstborn ... And high in the north as a challenge to Melkor she set the crown of seven mighty stars to swing, Valacirca, the Sickle of the Valar and sign of doom." - The Silmarillion, "Of the Coming of the Elves"
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Fiber/Textile Art, Landscape |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (6) |
Power and Desire: The Silmarils vs The One Ring by StarSpray
What do the Silmarils and the Ring have in common? They are both the titular objects of their respective books around which the major plot turns, it is true. They are both made by powerful individuals, and are desired by many different people, and when they are lost and/or stolen their makers are desperate to retrieve them. Characters die for them, and kill for them. At this extremely surface level reading they do, indeed, seem very similar. But the deeper you look at each object the more glaring differences show themselves, until you realize that they do not parallel, but rather oppose each other.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: Analysing Arda, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 391 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
melodies by hanneswrites
Maedhros watches on as Maglor & Fingon try to settle a debate over whose harp is better. | Years of the Trees, Quenya Names Used
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Maedhros/Maglor |
| Genres: Ficlet, Fluff, Humor, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Incest |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 224 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
rockrose & thistle by hanneswrites
Nerdanel & Eärwen have tea, talk, and find peace in each other's company.
| Major Characters: Eärwen, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: Eärwen/Nerdanel |
| Genres: Femslash, Ficlet, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 980 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
A Briefer Light by Himring
Elros considers the lamps of the Edain.
| Major Characters: Elros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 103 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
