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
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.
Whatever You Say, Ace by Isilme_among_the_stars
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Thirteen
When Ereinion was born he had ten perfect fingers that curled into little fists, ten round little toes that splayed when he yawned, and a full head of striking silver hair.
“Do you, uh, happen to have Telerin heritage my dear?” Fingon asked Nutunto.
“I do now,” she replied.
Ereinion squirmed in Fingon’s arms, screwed up his face and began to suck rather frantically on his fist. Fingon felt a sudden pang of panic rise up in his chest.
“How are we going to feed him?”
He looked over to Nutunto, who was already beginning to unlace her tunic.
“Don’t worry about that darling. I have had my own little heart to heart with Irmo on the matter. He was very anxious to ensure I understood I did not have to take up the Valar’s offer to induce lactation. It seems someone had a brusque word with him on matters of consent.”
“I wonder who that could have been,” Maedhros commented mildly as he helped Fingon pass the infant to her before he started squalling.
“I’m sure I have no idea,” Nutunto remarked with a sly smile.
Maedhros turned his attentions back to his beloved cousin. Tired, sweaty, and covered in smears of only Varda knew what, Maedhros still thought him the most wonderful person he’d ever had the good fortune to know.
“Would you like me to help you take a bath?” he asked, reminded a little guiltily of the importance of consent himself, “Of course, I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable, so if you’d rather I didn’t I’ll quite understand.”
“Yes, please,” Fingon accepted gratefully, “after all, you have seen it all before, haven’t you? Just promise you won’t start thinking of me any differently.”
“What? Like as a lover? Fingon, you know I’d never.” Maedhros frowned. Hadn’t he proved that to him hundreds of times by now?
“No,” Fingon smiled tiredly, “Like gross, disgusting, weak and helpless.”
Maedhros laughed, “That’d be rather hypocritical of me, wouldn’t it?”
Fingolfin clutched his grandson jealously. It was rather difficult to wrest him from the arms of Maedhros, where he was to be found almost constantly when not held by his parents. Maedhros reached over to brush a silver strand of hair from Ereinion’s forehead. Fingolfin glared at him, earning a laugh from Fingon.
“What names have you chosen for him?” Fingolfin enquired.
Fingon, Nutunto and Maedhros exchanged looks.
“Finwain Ereinion Artanáro,” Fingon mumbled, a little embarrassed.
Fingolfin did not look shocked. “My, that certainly leaves no question as to his claim, does it?” he commented mildly.
Maedhros shifted uncomfortably, which pleased Fingolfin more than he cared to admit.
“Which is why his mother name is Gil-Galad,” Nutunto added, “so the poor boy shall not be forced to utter that mouthful every time he wishes to introduce himself.”
“For his hair, I presume?” Fingolfin asked.
Nutunto nodded.
Fingolfin sighed, “It’s not the first hair-related name in our family either, but at least you are more creative than Nerdanel about it. Did she not at first want to call both of your youngest brothers Ambarussa, Russandol?”
“You think three redheads in one family too many, uncle?”
“Of course not, my dear nephew, only that they should not also all be called Redhead.”
Fingolfin was forced to give up his determined possession of Ereinion as the infant began to fuss.
“You knew,” Maedhros accused in the quiet that followed while Fingon found Nutunto a comfortable corner in which to feed him.
“Did you think Fingon was the only one that received a nocturnal visit from that fool Irmo?”
“When?” Maedhros was curious to know.
“Shortly before Finrod’s letter arrived. Incidentally, thank you for caring so well for my son in my absence.”
“I am glad I could be there to support him in this trying time. It has been my pleasure.”
Maedhros meant that very sincerely. He thought of the small moments of joy that had been an almost daily occurrence over the last year. How wonderful it felt to walk into a room expecting to find Fingon there, hale and whole, and not have to wonder if he was safe until the next letter came. His voice, singing out in its clear tenor tones, seldom went unheard for long, and how warm it made Maedhros feel to hear it. How nice it had been to have Fingon so close to him again. Maedhros knew it would have to end soon. He could not delay returning to Himring much longer, and they would be obliged to part again.
After a moment Maedhros added, “I have always loved Fingon, uncle.”
“And I am glad of it. Please don’t ever stop.”
Fingolfin reached up to place a hand on his shoulder.
“Do you think we should tell them?” Maedhros asked.
“Not yet. It is far too enjoyable watching them dance around the truth. Don’t you think?”
Chapter End Notes
Thank you for reading! Your thoughts and comments are always welcome. As this is a little different to what I've written before I'm especially keen to hear what you did or didn't like.
Gil-Galad managed to pick up quite a few names. Tolkien’s conceptions for the character, particularly his parentage changed quite a few times with different versions of the legendarium. Technically his name when he is Fingon’s son is Findor. Ereinion is given as his birth name and Artanáro his father name. He is also variously named Finwain, Finellach and Rodnar. Not quite as many names as Túrin, but still impressive.
Ambarussa, meaning "top russet" and Russandol "copper top" are both variations on the theme of redhead, as is Maedhros actually which means "shapely and redhaired". The naming practices within the House of Finwë, featuring politically charged and questionable name choices, is quite a fun deep dive if you are so inclined.
