New Challenge: Bestiary of Arda

SWG Challenge - Bestiary of Arda - 15 May through 15 June

Beasts and animals are a central part of the legendarium. They are faithful companions, frightening foes, or the alter-egos of shape-shifters. They are heroes, villains, and literally overhead and underfoot, contributing to the sights, sounds, and smells of Arda.

For this challenge, we consider the many animals that appear in Tolkien's works (or would have likely existed in Arda). We've put together a "bestiary" full of image and music prompts related to animals. You can select whichever prompt(s) you want for this month's challenge, and as always, any part of the prompt is fair game. (The song's title? That weird-looking thing in the background? The artist's intriguing signature??) Your fanwork does not need to include the animal featured in your prompt or any animal at all.

Find challenge prompts on the "Bestiary of Arda" challenge page.

In order to receive a stamp for your fanwork, your response must be posted to the archive on or before 15 June 2023. For complete challenge guidelines, see the Challenges page on our website.

This month's banner and stamps were made by Anérea.

Posted on 15 May 2023 (updated 17 June 2023) by SWG Moderators

Thanks so much for saying this! I put a lot of work (well, play is more accurate) into making them and I'm so pleased that others might enjoy them as much as I did.

I was also inspired somewhat by your gorgeous adaptations from ancient illustrations, so thank you for that too!