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
The Only Thing To Fear
Create a fanwork about fear that involves a prompt you select from our list of common fears. 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.
Beatrisu's Favorites
Favorite Fanworks
Blood as Warm as a Bird by darthfingon
Darthfingon explains how it was that Elrond and Elros ended up with the sons of Fëanor. Very moving.
Fanwork Information
At the Havens of Sirion, Elwing must make a choice, Elrond must be brave, and Maglor must keep a promise.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Elwing, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major characters listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
By the Light of Roses by Dawn Felagund
Very well written story. Dawn Felagund really pokes on a lot of troubles that bisexuals, gays and lesbians face throughout their lives. Universal, and still, a story of magnificent beauty.
Not surprising when coming from her, though.
Fanwork Information
What if Erestor had been part of the House of Fëanor from the beginning, in Aman? An AU look at the crumbling house of Fëanor through the eyes of one of Middle-earth's loremasters.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Fëanor, Original Character(s), Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major characters listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Gift of a Story, One True Love |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Moderate) |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
Golden Days by Lyra
Absolutely excellent. Lyra does a good job in describing Nerdanel's worries as she first meets Fëanor, and later falls in love with him. This is a work of art, and one can clearly see the inspiration that has been taken from both Shakespeare and Jane Austen. Well worth the read, indeed!
Fanwork Information
Nerdanel recounts the development of her relationship with Fëanor - from their first proper meeting to married life. A fantasy of manners, pride, prejudice, love and craftsmanship.
| Major Characters: Aulë, Írimë, Fëanor, Findis, Fingolfin, Finwë, Indis, Mahtan, Nerdanel, Original Character(s), Yavanna |
| Major Relationships: No major characters listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
How I Wish by Dawn Felagund
Amazing poetry. Very sweet, somewhat dark, and just beautiful.
Fanwork Information
Left behind by Finrod, Amárië considers the paradox of her situation: her wish for his return and the only means by which her wish would be granted. A sonnet.
| Major Characters: Amarië |
| Major Relationships: No major characters listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
Maitimo and Findekáno by oshun
A beautiful story of love, written in words that paint pictures in your mind. Both wonderfully romantic and deliciously erotic. Well worth the read.
Fanwork Information
Story of young Fingon’s love for Maedhros and its reciprocation. Set in Tirion before the creation of the Simarils. (Slash.)
MEFA 2007, Second Place: Romance: Second Age or Earlier
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Curufin, Fëanor, Fingolfin, Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major characters listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
Swan Song by Ithilwen
A wonderful story written by Ithilwen, where she explains the challenges of handicap rather splendidly. Well worth the read!
Fanwork Information
A terribly wounded Maglor finally makes his way back to Valinor, where he finds things have changed greatly during his long absence. Will he be able to come to terms with his injuries and find new meaning in his life? Warnings for psychiatric violence and medical squick, dubiously consensual (and somewhat graphic) sex, plus general weirdness.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major characters listed |
| Genres: Drama, Het | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
The Apprentice by pandemonium_213
Truly superb and well worth the read.
Fanwork Information
An ambitious young Noldorin man of Ost-in-Edhil lands a coveted appointment as an apprentice to the most skilled master smith of the Gwaith-i-Mirdain: Istyar Aulendil. The apprentice's mentor, a prodigy of the Aulënossë, has been sent to Middle-earth by the Valar and has knowledge of exotic and wondrous technology. Istyar Aulendil also has notoriously high standards. The apprentice must meet his mentor's expectations if he is to become a journeyman and work on an important new initiative.
MEFA 2008: First Place, Villains, General.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major characters listed |
| Genres: Drama, General, Science Fiction | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Expletive Language, Violence (Moderate) |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
The Dance of Flute and Harp by Amaranth
Such a wonderful story ^_^
Fanwork Information
Maglor and Tinfang Gelion (Warble). Two great minstrels, elves of like mind and skill; yet so very different. A conflict and the unique, captivating way those two masters of their art deal with it. Set sometime between 1700-1900 Second Age. Oh, and my Tinfang has no beard!
| Major Characters: Maglor, Tinfang |
| Major Relationships: No major characters listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
The Silmarillion Gospel by Araloth the Random
Holy crap, this is hilarious stuff!
Fanwork Information
What happens when a group of clueless fangirls try to "translate" The Silmarillion into Biblical English? Utter chaos, of course!
Nominated for MEFA 2010, with many thanks to elfscribe!
| Major Characters: Dwarves, Elves, Maiar, Sons of Fëanor, Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major characters listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
To Sing Of... by darthfingon
Very, Very, VERY well worth the read. Beautiful with a hint of slashy. Very nice.
Fanwork Information
Gil-galad, about to be married to a very nice lady, makes an important discovery about himself with Erestor's help. A heartwarming tale of cluelessness, ill-fitting clothing, impractical pets, and exploitation of Elvish linguistic ambiguity. Tame slash.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Erestor, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major characters listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
Wind and Fire by elfscribe
Amazing! Enough said.
Fanwork Information
Manwe discovers both the delights and the dangers of assuming corporeal form as he is drawn into a relationship with the brilliant, prideful Feanor. In trying to dissuade Feanor from leaving the Undying Lands, he learns more than he would like about why Feanor created the Silmarils and why they hold him enthralled. An elemental clash of titans.
This story won first place in the MEFA 2008 awards for First Age and Prior: General
and 2nd place in the 2007 My Precious Awards for LOTR fanfic in the “Best Minor Character” category.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Manwë |
| Major Relationships: No major characters listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Mild) |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
