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
Many Meetings
Create a fanwork centered on a nonviolent conflict. 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.
Whatever You Say, Ace by Isilme_among_the_stars
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Nine
It turned out to be quite difficult to hide a pregnancy, even in a place so cold and remote as Himring. It was at least not considered unusual that Fingon insisted on wearing his cloak absolutely everywhere, even in front of the roaring fire in the dining hall. However, even with this helpful piece of nicely concealing garb, the shape of his growing abdomen was becoming harder to hide.
“Why are there so many blasted men here?” Fingon demanded of Maedhros as the sixth month of his unfortunate condition wore on, “it’s really rather rude you know. I came out here to hide and I’m beset with people that I must constantly dodge.”
“We are running a frontline defense here,” Maedhros replied mildly, “that requires a certain amount of manpower. We could arrange a little cottage for you in the woods? Nice and quiet, and far from the garrison?”
“Out in the cold, all by myself? No thank you!”
Maedhros chuckled, “Well stop your complaining then. Why are you in such a mood today?”
“A letter from father came. He wants to know how much longer my survey of the Eastern defenses is likely to require and laments my absence at Barad Eithel.”
“Ah, I see, which is a very Fingolfin way of saying “get your arse back here right now”. Shall I write to him for you? Pretend there is some sort of trouble in Thargellion that requires your attention?”
“What, and risk Caranthir working it out?”
That was risking extortion and they both knew it.
“The Gap then?”
Fingon gave him a withering look. Maehdros already knew his opinions on Maglor’s ability to keep a secret, which was about as effectively as a thunderstorm could imitate silence.
“Why not here?” Fingon suggested.
“Because your father knows I run a tight ship. It would only raise more suspicion.”
Fingon could not argue with that.
“Your opinion of Maglor may not be high,” Maedhros voice became quiet and serious all of a sudden, “and you have just cause not to trust him, terrible gossip and rumour monger that he was in Aman, but he has kept my confidence for many years.”
Fingon’s withering look softened to one that was merely suspicious.
“Truly. It appears he can keep quiet about a thing if he so chooses, and as no one believes that he is able to, it makes him remarkably effective at it.”
“I confess myself surprised.”
Maedhros leaned in very close, “He is the only one, apart from yourself, who knows quite how desperately hopeless I became in Angband. You know to what I refer, I will not speak it aloud.”
“Everyone knows you went a little bit mad there. Who wouldn’t after hanging from a blasted cliff for years?” Fingon whispered back.
“Ah, but almost no-one knows just how much. Only you and Maglor, and neither of you have told another soul.”
Fingon was silent for a moment. It was not a memory either of them enjoyed re-living.
“What manner of difficulties is your brother experiencing at the Gap? Pray tell! I shall be only too glad to help him resolve them.”
Maedhros smiled, “I do believe you should see them for yourself my prince. I expect you shall want to depart for my brother’s lands shortly?”
“Have you gone insane?” It was hard enough to stay low key at Himring, with a borderline antisocial host who actively avoided large gatherings. How much harder would it be when prevailing upon the hospitality of a socialite like Maglor?
“Once perhaps, but I assure you I am perfectly sane now. A change of scenery will do us both good. And I believe Nutunto shall be pleased.”
It was all over once Maedhros mentioned her name. Fingon knew when he was beaten, but whoever said he should be gracious in defeat?
“Maedhros?”
“Yes?”
“If Maglor blabs to Finrod I will personally cut off your other hand and see how much you like holding your sword between your toes.”
Irmo tiptoed up to Yavanna as she coaxed fruit from a vine in her garden.
“Manwë wants to know: do you have plans for the birth?”
“Sorry what?” Yavanna glared at Irmo.
“Birth. It is the process of pregnancy ending and the child becoming separate. Plans for the process by which this will occur is required by Manwë immediately,” Irmo informed her with some hesitation.
“Will it not just drop off of him like a fruit, or a discarded branch? That is how entings become separate.”
“No. Eldar do not function in quite the same way as ents.”
“Of course,” Yavanna lowered her voice, “Do not breathe a word to Manwë. As far as he is concerned, I am suitably aware of their anatomy. He will have his plans tomorrow.”
Irmo did not look convinced. Irmo did look rather soundly intimidated, “…if you say so.”
It was a rather long night for Yavanna. Aulë had nothing useful to share, so she was obliged to consult with Ulmo and Oromë, because they at least knew about animals. Neither were afraid to laugh in her face. Yavanna supposed she deserved that, but it was not an enjoyable experience. They had at least pitied her enough to come up with a workable solution that she could present to Manwë the next day.
