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.
Riders in the Rain by Fiamma Galathon
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Quiet nights
In which Tyleko is anxious, Huan feels helpless, and Aredhel would like to sleep, honestly, why the fuck the Fenorioni aren't patented as pillows, suprisingly comfortable, really.
The tent wasn’t big, just enough for two bedrolls one next to the other and a third one squeezed in the back, perpendicular. Celegorm hummed thoughtfully, carefully lowering himself down on one of the bags, trying not to wake up Aredhel.
She looked peaceful sleeping like that, Lómion cocooned in the shawl and a small blanket tucked close to her, but far enough she wouldn’t crush him if she moved. Something in his chest melted at the sight, and with a sigh he settled on his side, watching them.
He took careful note of how Lómion slept, and how far away she was, exactly. If he wanted to help her, he needed to know these things. And he would help. He had to. He could not ruin this.
He clenched his jaw, anxiety churning in his gut. He was very likely to ruin this, wasn’t he.
Aredhel’s ear twitched, and she blinked wearily, mumbling a detached;. -...Tyleko?-
Celegorm made a face, feeling like an awful person. Much help he was, waking her up.
-I’m here.- he replied quietly, stretching his hand so he could brush his fingers against hers.
-Its so fucking cold.- She exhaled heavily, rubbing her nose with her other hand. - Come here.-
Celegorm did as he was bid, carefully making his way to her other side. - Cuddle, right?- he covered them both with his blanket, but carefully kept a half-handspan of distance between them.
-Yeah.- Aredhel pressed her back to his chest.
-Where should I put my hands?- he asked, voice soft. After Neylo’s return they all got used to asking.
Celegorm felt slightly nauseous at the comparison.
-I don’t know? I…midsection, I guess. Thank you.- she exhaled, and he carefully hugged her closer, tucking her head under his chin. Her hair smelled weird, of some sort of herb she had never used for it before.
It was still damp, little braids coming undone. She didn’t have any of the hair ornaments he remembered, not even the ribbon stolen from Fingon that she never parted with, nor the bead of Orome’s Hunt.
Something angry opened its jaw in his chest. Those things were hers.
She relaxed against him, a hesitant smile on her face. - You are warm. Pity we didn’t have some Fenorioni on the Ice. Ah, I know, I know, I can feel your grimace. Water under the bridge, by now, I think. I already punched you for that in Mithrim.- she mumbled, coughing into her hand, a sharp, awful sound like barking. Celegorm froze, mind suddenly numb.
Fuck. Fuck no, not her, not now.
-Tyleko?- Aredhel wheezed out once she caught her breath again. - What’s it?-
He gathered her closer, trying not to panic. -Nothing, Íri, just.- he exhaled. - I was just wondering how the fuck am I supposed to hold you both, you know?- Celegorm lied, summoning a fake smile. She snorted.
- You will figure something out, don’t worry. Enlist Curufin all I care, he is also warm. Or Tyelpe. Hmm, actually, a cuddle pile sounds nice.- with a small smile she patted his hand.
Celegorm swallowed harshly. -Yeah, I think I will. Curvo gets quite sweet when he has a baby to hold, actually, and Tylepe will get all starry eyed at the prospect of a little cousin. It will be fine, yeah.- he swallowed again, and placed a soft kiss on the crown of her head. - Sleep now. -
Aredhel huffed another short laugh, and relaxed fully into his hold, eyes slowly going misty with sleep.
Celegorm exhaled slowly, mind screeching at him.
She could not be sick. She could not .
Gritting his teeth, he reached around her to gently put one hand around Lómion too. He could feel his own heart hammering against his ribs with stomach-turning terror, and the small heartbeat of the boy under his palm.
She cannot. Fuck, its still three days to Aglon. If she…then Lómion too, and… No, fuck no, I just got them back.
Celegorm squeezed his eyes shut, feeling tears gather in the corners of his eyes. A prickly, thorny feeling wrapped itself around his heart.
He had to get himself under control. He needed too, else all of his brothers would feel an echo down their bonds and come investigate like the snoops they are.
The flickering spirit of the boy nudged his hand, seeking something, and he did his best to pass some reassurance to him.
Aredhel would not die. Not with him there.
*****
Huan curled up on himself, flicking one ear to get rid of an annoying drop of water. It was calm now, amongst other orc-hunt-people. His Tyleko had smelled awfully of fear for the whole trip until now. Protective fear, not even something he could do anything about.
Huan huffed, tracking the movement of one of the other people in the camp with his eyes. The pup was tiny, and he understood the need to protect.
But it was the Lady who worried him more. She smelled of foul magics, of a deeper fear, and of something slightly sick. Huan bared his teeth at the thought. The Lady was sick, and Eldar didn’t get sick, not unless something really bad happened to them.
His Tyleko’s eldest littermate had been sick, after Kano-with-gold-ribbons rescued him from the Iron Prison. Huan didn’t want the Hunt Lady to be sick. She was one of his, and she had a tiny pup, and he couldn't really do anything. He didn’t have hands like his Tyleko did. He had already bitten the Foul-elf-smelling-of-sorcery where it hurt the most, because it had been his fault Hunt Lady was sick. But Huan couldn’t do much more.
He growled. The tiny portable roof behind him where his close-pack slept was well guarded. That was as much as he could help. The pup was still too tiny to need playmates, his Tyleko was just worried, and the Hunt Lady was sick, and Huan could not do anything about these things. But he could keep them safe.
Chapter End Notes
hope you enjoyed!
Aredhel, with a cold and elf-asthma from magic whiplash: Mhhh warm cousin good for snuggles, pity didn't have him underfoot earlier
Tyleko, five seconds from a panic attack, generational baby and new mother realted trauma: activated : please don't die I can't become a single father five minutes after I got you back, pleasepleasepleaseplease
Aredhel: coughs
Tyleko: FUCK NO
