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
Storyteller
Storytelling is an interactive art, using words and actions to bring a story to life while encouraging the listener’s imagination. This challenge is all about storytellers in the Silmarillion tapestry. 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.
Fanworks Tagged with Elros
Touch of a Vanished Hand by elfscribe
When Elendil and his group of Númenórean refugees wash up on Lindon's shores, Elrond's past comes back to haunt him.
MEFA 2010 First Place winner:Times, Second & Early Third Age
Wounded by WendWriter
When little Elrond asks Maglor to play a game that reminds him of his part in the Kinslayings, how does he deal with it?
Blood as Warm as a Bird by darthfingon
At the Havens of Sirion, Elwing must make a choice, Elrond must be brave, and Maglor must keep a promise.
The Tale of the Twin Stars by Cirdan
Elros and Elrond fall in love and must cope with the Laws and Customs of the Eldar.
Kindreds Apart by Cirdan
The tale of Elrond and Gildor coming together. Elros sees Elrond again, has sex with Gildor, meets up with Maglor, and dies.
A Great Ocean by Cirdan
Elros and Gil-galad have had a fight, and even Elrond sides with Gil-galad. Elros feels miserable and chats with Cirdan.
The Full Tragedy of the Kinslaying by Cirdan
Elros and Elrond must decide their fates at the end of the First Age. Maglor comes Eonwe's camp and reveals that the Elves can stay in Middle-earth for a while longer. Maglor then sings of the full tragedy of the Kinslaying at Alqualonde.
Fated Twins by Cirdan
Amrod and Amras go to the Havens of Sirion. Morgoth attacks. They help fight against Morgoth and save Elros and Elrond.
Abandoning Middle-Earth by Cirdan
Maedhros and Maglor are driven out of Eastern Beleriand. They flee to the Falas with Elros, Elrond, Legolas, Gimli, and other followers. Cirdan meets them and ferries them to the Isle of Balar.
Tenn’ Ambar-Metta by Fiondil
Elrond receives a final letter from his brother.
Anadûnai by darthfingon
163 years after their parting in Middle-earth, Elrond travels to Númenor to see his brother again.
Eönwë Among the Edain by Fiondil
Eönwë has been chosen to teach the Edain who will go to Númenor what they need to know to succeed in their new life, but he’s not too happy about the assignment.
Never Look Back by Independence1776
Elrond has difficulty coming to terms with Elros' choice and their impending separation.
Judgement by Independence1776
AU. After the War of Wrath, Maglor surrenders to Eönwë. Nominated in the 2009 MEFAs.
Elros Tar-Minyatur by oshun
The first king of Númenor, Elros's heritage manifests itself in the portrayal of various central characters of The Lord of the Rings.
Falling to a Low Place by Ithilwen
The surviving sons of Fëanor attempt to regain the Silmaril from Elwing. Warnings for violence and disturbing themes.
The Choice by Ithilwen
A conversation between a pair of brothers, reflecting on the choices they've made in their lives. Takes place near the beginning of the Second Age.
Beyond Hope by clotho123
Of the sack of Sirion and the power of the Oath of Fëanor
A Ponderous Tome by oshun
A short character study of a youthful Elrond and a reflection on an aspect of his relationship with Maedhros and Maglor; in response to Day 26 of the B2MeM challenge. The prompt is: “a teacher who played a key role . . . . write a character who educated his people in some way.”
MEFA 2009, Third Place - First Age and Prior:
Featuring Maedhros or Maglor
Tree and Flower Awards 2013, First Place
Favorite Characerization of Elrond
As Little Might Be Thought by Marta
"For Maglor took pity upon Elros and Elrond, and he cherished them, and love grew after between them, as little might be thought; but Maglor's heart was sick and weary with the burden of the dreadful oath."
Stones of Seeing 1. Vardamir Nólimon by clotho123
At the end of his reign Elros receives a visitor. How the palantíri came into Númenor.
Even Quicker Than Doubt by Keiliss
Set in the weeks before Elros departs for Númenor, Doubt explores the reason the twins chose different paths, Elrond’s emotional coming of age, the evolving relationship between Gil-galad and Glorfindel, and the reborn Elf’s adjustment to his new life in Second Age Lindon.
MEFA nominee 2007, my thanks to Oshun
Diplomacy by Vicki_Turner
What power enables the cursed Feanorions to inspire such intense loyalty that elves would be willing to kill their kin for the sake of their Lords? A short story where young Elros glimpses the Maedhros power for this "diplomacy".
My Shining Stars by oshun
And now for something a bit controversial: Elrond stands on the deck of the ship carrying him to Aman writing notes in a journal.
MEFA 2008, Second Place, Elves: House of Elrond
SWG Silmarillion Anniversary Contest, Third Place Winner, Short Works
