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] 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…
[Writing] Winter Warmth by Serinquanion
A winter night in Himring. But inside the quarters where fire blazed in hearth was warmer, and not only from the fire or quilt.
[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.
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
Dip the Ladle
Tolkien had many tales, places, and artists who inspired his work. For this challenge, prompts invite creating a fanwork using one of Tolkien's influences. 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
ode to summer by averytinylizard
The start of summer is a serious labour, yet Yavanna and her sister take great joy in it.
| Major Characters: Vána, Yavanna |
| Major Relationships: Vána/Yavanna |
| Genres: Erotica, Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Incest, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 400 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Lindi Atar i Vinimor (Songs for the Little Ones) by Isilme_among_the_stars
A repository of little songs for elflings, as compiled by Maglor Fëanorion in the late first age.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Music | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
All the Broken Happy Ever Afters by StarSpray
Fëanor did not know how to explain the ill-defined uneasiness and the almost instinctual dislike he felt, how impossible it was to reconcile the impression he had gotten from the tapestry in Mandos to the reality of Daeron in person, in life. “He seems careless,” he said, because he did not know how else to explain.
“That is certainly not true,” said Nerdanel, “though I know well that I cannot expect you to take my word for it. It is long since you placed any trust in anyone’s judgment aside from your own, flawed though it is.”
Midwinter is meant to be a time of feasting and merriment, but Fëanor does not find it so, especially with Daeron of Doriath in attendance.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Daeron, Curufin |
| Major Relationships: Curufin & Fëanor, Daeron/Maglor, Daeron & Fëanor, Fëanor & Findis, Fëanor & Fingolfin |
| Genres: Drama, Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 13, 722 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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A living soul, absolved from pain by Himring
Hurin at the shore of the Western Sea.
| Major Characters: Húrin, Hador |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 102 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
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What Fortitude by StarSpray
"Whatever the songs say, I am still only myself, and I miss my grandfather.”
Five times Eärendil asks for news of Turgon, and one time he does not have to.
| Major Characters: Eärendil, Turgon, Elwing, Glorfindel, Egalmoth, Aredhel, Maeglin, Ecthelion of the Fountain |
| Major Relationships: Eärendil/Elwing, Eärendil & Turgon, Eärendil & Maeglin, Eärendil & Ecthelion, Eärendil & Glorfindel, Eärendil & Egalmoth, Aredhel & Eärendil |
| Genres: Drama, Family, General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 077 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
A Conversation on the Shore by Perching
Glorfindel seeks out Ecthelion on the beaches of Vinyamar. They talk of driftwood, the hidden city, and where they stand with each other.
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: Ecthelion/Glorfindel |
| Genres: Fluff | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 156 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A Bundle of Joy by Elrond's Library
She had learned the way Elves married, she did not wish to be tied to him, or him to her. She knew she was a fleeting thing in his long life, and she had her pride.
Haleth brings her son to Thargelion, seeking answers.
| Major Characters: Haleth, Caranthir |
| Major Relationships: Caranthir/Haleth |
| Genres: Fluff | Challenges: Circle of Life, Jumble Sale, Strangers in Strange Lands, Strong Women |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 223 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Doom, Gloom and Maedhros by Himring
Banner made for the series by Lingwiloke (Fandom Stocking 2016)
The main story arc of this series goes from just after the rescue from Thangorodrim to Maedhros's death. However, the narrative is not strictly chronological - there are flashbacks, flashforwards and recounted memories. These span from Maedhros's childhood in Tirion to his release from Mandos just before the end of Arda. The individual stories are told from different points of view: Maedhros himself, Fingon, Maglor and Elrond. Although the upshot of the series is that it is pretty tough being doomed all the time, some bits are a lot more gloomy than others. All the dialogue was even wittier before being clumsily translated from Quenya. Considering the subject matter, very little blood and gore (I think). The ratings and warnings for individual sections differ greatly from the overall rating: see the individual stories.
ETA: Since I wrote this description of the series, it has snowballed in all directions. I feel that the description ought to be revised, but it is difficult to know exactly how to tweak it. You may wish to compare the more recent description of the series (with notes) on AO3: http://archiveofourown.org/series/36091
Other links that might be helpful are these: a fragmentary timeline (https://hhimring.dreamwidth.org/61360.html), and a listing of original characters: http://hhimring.dreamwidth.org/69187.html (both on my Dreamwidth journal)
Illustrations to the series by Alasse now separately posted on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/20456276/chapters/48536480
| Major Characters: Elrond, Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
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Grey Summer Garden by Himring
A long time later in Valinor, Maedhros is gathering confidence in his new life with Fingon. He remembers one particular morning during their past lives in Middle-earth.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Fingon |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Maedhros |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
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The Price of War by Elrond's Library
Galadriel and Celeborn witness the end of the War of Wrath.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: Celeborn/Galadriel |
| Genres: Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: Behind the Scenes, Jumble Sale, Orctober |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 379 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Pants for the Pantless by Elrond's Library
Míriel invents pants.
| Major Characters: Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: Finwë/Míriel |
| Genres: | Challenges: Jumble Sale, Middle-earth Museum, Roaring Twenties |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 581 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Slain Ye Shall Be by Perching
After the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, Glorfindel cares for a wounded Ecthelion and grapples with his fear.
| Major Characters: Glorfindel, Ecthelion of the Fountain |
| Major Relationships: Ecthelion/Glorfindel |
| Genres: Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 8, 606 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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The Doll's Tale by Perching
Elladan and Elrohir demand the tale of how their favorite doll came to Imladris many centuries ago. Glorfindel the Doll obliges.
| Major Characters: Lindir |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 442 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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This Time I Mean It by Novelfinwe
Fingolfin died. Or so he thought. Until he suddenly, disorientingly finds himself reliving one of the worst days of his life.
This time though, it goes differently.
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor & Fingolfin |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 605 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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The Crowning of Fingolfin by ShadowKat379, queerofthedagger
The formal ceremony where Maedhros hands over the High King status to Fingolfin.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: Fingolfin & Maedhros |
| Artwork Type: Illustration |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
Into that land he gathered most of his kin by Himring
Hador has been granted the lordship of Dor-lomin. Persuading his father to relocate there from the southern slopes of Ered Wethrin will not be easy, though.
| Major Characters: Hador, Hathol, House of Hador |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: Kids These Days |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 978 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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The Deaths of Túrin Turambar, Niënor Níniel, and Brandir the Lame by Zorbo_Jorks
Brandir of Brethil also loved Niënor, and his death stands among the tragedies of the Children of Húrin: an alliterative poem.
| Major Characters: Brandir, Túrin, Nienor, Glaurung |
| Major Relationships: Brandir/Nienor |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Incest, Suicide, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 493 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Riders in the Rain by Fiamma Galathon
Celegorm and Aredhel ride towards the Aglon Pass through the rain.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Celegorm, Maeglin, Curufin, Celebrimbor, Huan |
| Major Relationships: Aredhel + Celegorm, Aredhel & Maeglin, Celegorm & Maeglin, Aredhel + Curufin, Curufin & Maeglin |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Family, Fluff, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 7, 773 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Only for a Moment, and Never Again by StarSpray
Then Dírhavel sung of Túrin’s flight north after the Fall of Nargothrond, past the defiled waters of Ivrin as he sought for the Princess Finduilas Faelivrin, and Tuor rose suddenly from his seat, passing out of the hall without a word.
| Major Characters: Tuor, Voronwë |
| Major Relationships: Tuor & Voronwë, Tuor & Turin |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet, General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: Kids These Days |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 013 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Little light of mine (let it shine, please, let it shine) by Fiamma Galathon
The story of the first peredhel, fierce love, and how sometimes the laws of nature will let you think you defied them sucessfully before they catch up to you.
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Haleth, Haldan, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: Caranthir/Haleth, Caranthir & Original Character, Haleth & Original Character |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Check Notes for Warnings, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 16, 133 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Patience and Quiet by Zdenka
In Dor-lómin, Tuor and Lady Aerin both dream of a golden-haired child. (Lalaith is doing her best, considering that she's a young child and also dead.)
| Major Characters: Lalaith, Aerin, Tuor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Family, General | Challenges: Kids These Days |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Domestic and Partner Violence, In-Universe Intolerance, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 089 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Hope is a weapon by Fiamma Galathon
Hope is a weapon. Hope is a skill.
or, the art of not giving up in the face of the impossible, as seen through the eyes of fifteen people living in First Age Beleriand.
16 perfect 100 words drabbles, exploring this concept.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Glorfindel, Turgon, Maedhros, Maglor, Bëor, Celegorm, Andreth, Haleth, Fingolfin, Fingon, Elros, Elrond, Lúthien Tinúviel, Eärendil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 721 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Like Father, Like Son by Fiamma Galathon
Aredhel runs from Nan Emloth just a few years earlier. This leads to a chain of events that might make the First Age just a bit lighter place.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Celegorm, Maeglin, Curufin |
| Major Relationships: Aredhel + Celegorm, Aredhel & Maeglin, Celegorm & Maeglin |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Crackfic, Family, Fluff, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
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Black on white, stark and honest by Fiamma Galathon
Fingolfin is confused by the rumors that spread through the elven settlements of Beleriand like a wildfire. So is his daughter found and alive, or not? And what is this utter poppycock about Celegorm getting pregnant?
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Aredhel, Curufin, Maeglin |
| Major Relationships: Aredhel & Fingolfin, Aredhel & Maeglin |
| Genres: Crackfic, Family, Fluff | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 2, 464 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
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Strong, like your forefathers were not by Fiamma Galathon
The birth of Tylekormo Turkafinwë had been a joyous occasion.
But a memorable one.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Celegorm, Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor/Nerdanel, Celegorm & Maedhros |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 781 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
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