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
End Is the Beginning
Take the ending of a story from "The Silmarillion" and use it as the beginning of a fanwork. 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.
Upsidedown's Favorites
Favorite Fanworks
A Beleriand Treasury of Childish Tales by Clodia
Teleporno is simply wonderful! I absolutely loved the portrayal of Celeborn. I adore literary mimicry, and this is just delightful!
Fanwork Information
This is a mere collection of frivolous experiments in literary mimicry; credit (so far) goes to Rudyard Kipling, Lord Dunsany, JRR Tolkien, HP Lovecraft, Terry Pratchett, CS Lewis, Gogollescent and Saki (HH Munro). MEFA 2010 Honourable Mention (Genres: Drama: Incomplete) for chapters 1-8.
(1) The children's version of the fall of Gondolin.
(2) Nevrast lies abandoned. Where did the king and all the people go?
(3) On the road to Rivendell, Bilbo, Thorin and Gandalf discuss dwarvish singing.
(4) Beneath Barazinbar, Sleeping Beauty... awakes.
(5) Trolls, tea parties and a touch of literary theory.
(6) Uncle Gorthaur has some words of advice for his dear Thuringwethil.
(7) Maglor confronts his ghosts on the beach.
(8) Domestic discontent in Lothlórien.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Durin I, Dwarves, Ecthelion of the Fountain, Elves, Erestor, Eärendil, Fëanor, Galadriel, Gandalf, Glorfindel, Gothmog, Idril, Maglor, Original Character(s), Sauron, Thorondor, Thuringwethil, Tuor, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major characters listed |
| Genres: Experimental, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
and one man, in his time, plays many parts by Duilwen
Fanwork Information
Lake Mithrim, in five acts. Maglor-centric.
| Major Characters: Amrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major characters listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
Another Man's Cage by Dawn Felagund
Fanwork Information
In the Time of the Trees, during the Bliss of Valinor, the young family of Fëanor experience the everyday triumphs and tragedies of life in paradise. But as Fëanor's genius blossoms and his sons grow into their roles in Tirion society, tensions build that will sunder the House of Finwë and drive the House of Fëanor to open rebellion.
Completed!
| Major Characters: Anairë, Caranthir, Celegorm, Eärwen, Fëanor, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finwë, Indis, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel, Original Character(s), Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major characters listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Torture, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Moderate) |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
Essecarmë by Dawn Felagund
Fanwork Information
Curufin, the fifth son of Fëanor, is said to have been his favorite. Why did Maedhros get passed over for this honor? This story looks at Eldarin naming traditions and the family dramas they create. 2008 MEFA nominee.
| Major Characters: Curufin, Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major characters listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
Golden Days by Lyra
I can't tell you how much fun this was. An Austenesque take on the Elves of the First Age in Valinor. I have been blessed. It is beautiful. It would be all the more satisfying if the story was complete. Please? Well, one can hope.
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. |
In the Town Called Acceptance by Dawn Felagund
Fanwork Information
Young Maglor and Celegorm come to an understanding that they will always be the sons most unlike their father.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Fëanor, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major characters listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Gift of a Story, Family Matters |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
Many Happy Returns by Tehta
Fanwork Information
(Or, One Flew Over the Halls of Mandos)
The Silmarillion is so full of heartbreaking, wasteful, tragic deaths that it sometimes seems as if the not-tragically-deadly parts of the narrative are there only to give the readers a little breather.
I expect that everyone has a death or two that they find particularly distressing. Amarië certainly does. But at least she can do something about it...
| Major Characters: Amarië, Finrod Felagund, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major characters listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
Surprise by Dawn Felagund
Fanwork Information
Mahtan on the birth of his daughter Nerdanel: on lives changed and dark destinies fulfilled. For Rhapsody.
MEFA 2008 nominee.
| Major Characters: Aulë, Mahtan, Nerdanel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major characters listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
The Coronation by Dawn Felagund
Fanwork Information
For Allie, Nerdanel, Finarfin, and Eärwen on the day of Finarfin's coronation.
| Major Characters: Eärwen, Finarfin, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major characters listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
