Jubilee Instadrabbling, January 18-19, 2025
As part of our upcoming Jubilee amnesty challenge, we will be instadrabbling on our Discord on January 18 and 19.
SWG News
We are currently accepting proposals to present your meta, research, and scholarship! Learn more about presenting your meta, research, and scholarship here.
So You Want to Present at a Tolkien Conference? Writing the Proposal
With Mereth Aderthad coming next year, we offer this session to support fans who want to present their meta/scholarship at Mereth Aderthad or any one of the many other Tolkien conferences.
Tolkien Meta Week Starts December 8!
Join us December 8-14, here and on Tumblr, as we share our thoughts, musings, rants, and headcanons about all aspects of Tolkien's world.
Artists Needed to Create 2025 Challenge Stamps
We are soliciting help from artists who want to help create the stamps we award to challenge participants.
New & Updated Fanworks
[Artwork] Nienor and the Golden Fish by Anérea
An illustration for a very loose crossover concept with Nienor and the magic golden fish from the Chinese fairytale of Ye Xian, a Cindarella tale predating the European version by over 1000 years.
[Writing] Delicacies by sallysavestheday
Drabble and micro-fic responses to 2024 Potluck Bingo prompts.
[Writing] Dancing In The Dark by Grundy
History remembers Curufin as the villain. There are a few who think better of him.
Written for the Taboo challenge - will give warnings on chapters as appropriate.
[Writing] It is not a word by AdmirableMonster
In the wake of the fall of Eregion in the Second Age, the loremaster Pengolodh comes to the newly-founded refuge of Rivendell. Although Elrond has never seen eye to eye with the reserved loremaster, can they work through the pain of their pasts and come to a common understanding?
[Writing] Finding Peace by StarSpray
“You seemed so unhappy when you arrived yesterday, but today you are so much more relaxed. Did you quarrel with Nolofinwë? Or with Fëanáro?”
[Writing] Unhappy Into Woe by StarSpray
Maglor's wanderings take him up the Anduin, where orcs find him and take him to Dol Guldur--where the Necromancer dwells.
[Writing] Insight by polutropos
While practicing their jumps, Angaráto confesses to being distracted after a rather embarrassing quarrel in the marketplace. Artanis listens and offers her insight.
Current Challenge
Jubilee
This January, for our annual amnesty challenge, any challenge from January 2017 onward is fair game! Read more ...
Festival of Lights Fest
This is a fun and low-key event meant to encourage works about or inspired by Hanukkah, running this year in conjunction with the Potluck Bingo challenge. Read more ...
Potluck Bingo
Help yourself to a collection of prompts on bingo boards designed by members and friends of the SWG. Read more ...
Random Challenge
Hero's Journey
Prompts for this Matryoshka challenge are based on the stages of the hero's journey archetype. Read more ...
New in References
So You Want to Present at a Tolkien Conference? Writing the Proposal by SWG Newsletter Staff
Video and materials from our session on how to write a proposal for a Tolkien conference. The session covers how conferences work, the different types of sessions, and how to structure and write a proposal.
Libraries at the Edge of Middle-earth: Fanworks, Archives, and Communities as Heritage by Dawn Walls-Thumma
Tolkien fanfiction archives both preserve the "libraries of Middle-earth" in the form of keeping Tolkien's original words alive and promote conversations around heritage as community and fan identity that keeps those central texts relevant to diverse fans in a rapidly changing world.
Doom and Ascent: The Argument of ‘Beowulf: the Monsters and the Critics’ by Simon J. Cook
Simon reads 'Beowulf: the Monsters and the Critics' to conclude his account of the Anglo-Saxon tower of its allegory.
Featured Themed Collection
Part of our Themed Collection series for our newsletter, this collection features fiction, artwork, and essays that transcend the idea of Orcs as the enemy, instead considering their humanity.
Alliterative Verse for Arda by Rhunedhel
Part of our Themed Collection series for our newsletter, this collection features alliterative poems about Middle-earth.
Beyond the Silmarillion
[Writing] Seven Names by Anne Wolfe
Seven names a princess of Rohan and daughter of Helm Hammerhand might have borne, and the fates that accompany them.
[Multimedia] Entwined {text + podfic} by Anérea
First Age 116: in the foothills of the Orocani Mountains, west of Hildórien and far, far east of Beleriand.
Woman meets Maia in four perfect drabbles.
[Writing] Homage to the Song of Durin by Flora-lass
Legolas is inspired by Gimli's song - and by Gimli himself.
Around the World and Web
Purimgifts 2025
Purimgifts is an annual all-fandoms-welcome exchange for fanfic and/or podfic (participant’s choice) with a side helping of art, focused on characters who are at least one of: women, Jewish, or persecuted by evil viziers.
January 2025 Call for Papers and Proposals
Calls for papers and conference proposals that are open during the month of January.
January Challenge at tolkienshortfanworks
The January challenge has been posted to the tolkienshortfanworks community on Dreamwidth. The prompts are: small comforts; include a list of ingredients. New participants welcome.
Fandom Snowflake Challenge 2025
Fandom Snowflake is an annual challenge with prompts and tasks related to fandom, posted on the odd-numbered days of January.
Arafinwëan Week 2025
Arafinwëan Week is an event held on Tumblr and AO3 that celebrates the House of Finarfin and all of its descendants.
New and Updated Fiction
Yavanna Kementári by hennethgalad
Maglor relinquishes the Silmarils. (One-shot)
| Major Characters: Maglor, Yavanna |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: No genre listed | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 271 |
| Posted on 14 September 2017 | Updated on 14 September 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Daeron the Bard by Elwin Fortuna
Once the favorite of his king, Daeron the wanderer remembers. (Ficlet)
| Major Characters: Daeron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: No genre listed | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 617 |
| Posted on 14 September 2017 | Updated on 14 September 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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If their skill were great enough by Lyra
The Dwarves decide how to go about setting a Silmaril in the Nauglamír. (Ficlet)
| Major Characters: Dwarves |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: No genre listed | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 490 |
| Posted on 14 September 2017 | Updated on 14 September 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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The Stone of the Hapless by Elwin Fortuna
Glirhuin sings a song ... but not what he expected. (Ficlet)
| Major Characters: Glirhuin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: No genre listed | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 735 |
| Posted on 14 September 2017 | Updated on 14 September 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Finrod Fashions a World by oshun
Finrod shares his notion of the creative process with his sister. (Ficlet)
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: No genre listed | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 628 |
| Posted on 14 September 2017 | Updated on 14 September 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Nerdanel: The Creations of Grief by Elwin Fortuna
Nerdanel's creations reflect her passage through the stages of grief. (Ficlet series)
| Major Characters: Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: No genre listed | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 989 |
| Posted on 14 September 2017 | Updated on 14 September 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
To Voyage in Their Courses by Vulgarweed
The choosing of Arien and Tilion. (Ficlet)
| Major Characters: Arien, Tilion |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: No genre listed | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 247 |
| Posted on 14 September 2017 | Updated on 14 September 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Inside the Fire by Lyra
Feanor ponders the price of his gift. (One-shot)
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: No genre listed | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 932 |
| Posted on 14 September 2017 | Updated on 14 September 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Míriel Þerindë: The Art of the Needle by Elwin Fortuna
The art of Miriel stitches together key moments in the legendarium. (Ficlet)
| Major Characters: Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: No genre listed | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 190 |
| Posted on 14 September 2017 | Updated on 14 September 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
A Purpose Beyond Beauty by just_jenni
Melian realizes that she has a higher purpose of creation in the world. (One-shot)
| Major Characters: Estë, Lórien, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 510 |
| Posted on 14 September 2017 | Updated on 14 September 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Varda by hennethgalad
Ingwe learns hope and inspiration from Varda. (One-shot)
| Major Characters: Ingwë, Varda |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: No genre listed | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 997 |
| Posted on 14 September 2017 | Updated on 14 September 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
The Prancing Pony by hennethgalad
Gandalf reveals his origins to Bilbo. This short story was for "Subcreation: A Collection" for Silmarillion40.
| Major Characters: Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: No genre listed | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 998 |
| Posted on 14 September 2017 | Updated on 14 September 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
It Came into the Heart of Melkor by Elwin Fortuna
Melkor creates rebellion and chaos. (Ficlet)
| Major Characters: Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: No genre listed | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 050 |
| Posted on 14 September 2017 | Updated on 14 September 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
The Re-Creation of Arda by Angelica
The Ainulindale. (Ficlet)
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: No genre listed | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 172 |
| Posted on 14 September 2017 | Updated on 14 September 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Star Kindler by feanorusrex
Varda creates the stars. (Art)
| Major Characters: Varda |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: No genre listed | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 736 |
| Posted on 14 September 2017 | Updated on 14 September 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Tra la la. by hennethgalad
The actor Melairë writes to his lover to tell of meeting Glorfindel.
| Major Characters: Erestor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 511 |
| Posted on 11 September 2017 | Updated on 11 September 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Fill My Heart With Fire by The Wavesinger
Turgon dies on the Ice instead of Elenwë. This is the story of what happens after that.
Written for Solanaceae for Ardor in August 2017.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Elenwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 12, 884 |
| Posted on 11 September 2017 | Updated on 11 September 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Written In Blood by hennethgalad
Glorfindel tells Aragorn of the attempted return of Húrin to Gondolin.
| Major Characters: Aragorn, Glorfindel, Húrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: No genre listed | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 280 |
| Posted on 11 September 2017 | Updated on 11 September 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Survivor by Tyelca
A creature-something between Elf and Orc flees from the Shadow, only to realize the Shadow has been inside him all along.
| Major Characters: Elves, Orcs, Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Horror | Challenges: Song of Exile |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Torture, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 785 |
| Posted on 10 September 2017 | Updated on 10 September 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
The Last Exile by Grundy
Celeborn had never properly understood exile before Galadriel sailed. He knows better now.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Celebrían, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: No genre listed | Challenges: Song of Exile |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 954 |
| Posted on 9 September 2017 | Updated on 9 September 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Cutting Ties by Himring
Anarion, son of Elendil, on his way into exile.
| Major Characters: Anárion |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Song of Exile |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 197 |
| Posted on 9 September 2017 | Updated on 9 September 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Upon these shores by Lyra
The fate of Maglor, after he cast away the Silmaril, is pretty much open for speculation. Here are some glimpses at his adventures throughout human history, in no particular order.
Newly added: Exiles. In the Roman province of Macedonia, two exiles meet. Written for the August 2017 challenge, Song of Exile.
| Major Characters: Historical Character(s), Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Around the Fire, B2MeM 2009, B2MeM 2012, B2MeM 2016, Song of Exile |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 16, 270 |
| Posted on 21 May 2010 | Updated on 7 September 2017 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Echoes by grey_gazania
Galwen encounters two figures from her past.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Song of Exile |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 758 |
| Posted on 6 September 2017 | Updated on 6 September 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Exile. by hennethgalad
Nerdanel looks back on her marriage as she watches the return of Finarfin with Anairë and Eärwen.
This is as grim as you would expect.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Eärwen, Fëanor, Finarfin, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Song of Exile |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 150 |
| Posted on 6 September 2017 | Updated on 6 September 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Stolen Evenings by Tyelca
A collection of short stories, each one focusing on a different pairing sharing one (stolen) evening.
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Celegorm, Haleth, Huan, Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Romance | Challenges: Just an Old-Fashioned Love Song |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 515 |
| Posted on 10 August 2017 | Updated on 5 September 2017 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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