New Challenge: Potluck Bingo
Sit down to a delicious selection of prompts served on bingo boards, created by the SWG community.
SWG News
Bingo Cards Wanted for Potluck Bingo
Our November-December challenge will be Potluck Bingo, featuring cards created by you! If you'd like to create cards or prompts for cards, we are taking submissions.
Tolkien Meta Week, December 8-14
We will be hosting a Tolkien Meta Week in December, here on the archive and on our Tumblr, for nonfiction fanworks about Tolkien.
New Challenge: Orctober
Orcs on a quest for freedom seek a place sheltered and safe from the Dark Lord. Fulfill prompts to gather the clues needed to bring them to freedom.
New & Updated Fanworks
[Reference] Mapping Arda, Part III: The Second Age by Anérea, Varda delle Stelle
A series of articles featuring fan-made maps of all the lands of Arda. Part III explores the island of Númenor and mainland Middle-earth during the Second Age.
[Writing] Collection of Potluck Drabbles by Artano
This is a collection of true drabbles completed for the 'Four Words' drabble bingo card.
[Writing] Getting Dirty by Elleth
A collection of NSFW ficlets for the "Keep It Clean" bingo card of the 2024 Potluck Bingo.
[Reference] 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.
[Artwork] 2024 Potluck Doodles by silmalope
Assorted prompt fills for the 2024 Potluck bingo boards, to varying degrees of completion! :)
[Artwork] A Collection of Maps Exhibiting the Changing Political Landscape in Beleriand by Artano
Created for the 'Geography/Maps/Places' prompt on the "Tolkien meta" bingo board, this is a collection of maps marked with the various people groups showing how they arrived and moved about Beleriand. This collection focuses specifically on the time from the arrival of the Teleri, Vanyar, and…
[Writing] On the Nature of the Sindar’s Hunting the Petty-dwarves by Artano
This is an analysis on whether the Sindar ate the Petty-dwarves during the years they hunted them, completed for the 'Literary Analysis' prompt on the "Tolkien Meta" bingo card.
Current Challenge
Potluck Bingo
Help yourself to a collection of prompts on bingo boards designed by members and friends of the SWG. Read more ...
Random Challenge
Plot Thickens
Create a fanwork that depicts characters in the act of plotting something. Read more ...
New in References
Mapping Arda, Part III: The Second Age by Anérea, Varda delle Stelle
A series of articles featuring fan-made maps of all the lands of Arda. Part III explores the island of Númenor and mainland Middle-earth during the Second Age.
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.
Why People Don't Comment: Data and History From the Tolkienfic Fandom by Dawn Walls-Thumma
A reworking of the 2018 article for Long Live Feedback that includes data from the 2020 Tolkien Fanfiction Survey, pointing to a lack of comments as related to skill, confidence, and community connection.
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
[Artwork] Long-tressed Wingildi by Anérea
"... the long-tressed Wingildi ... spirits of the foam and the surf of ocean."
~ a painted sketch for Scribbles and Drabbles 2024.
[Writing] Partners in Craft by elennalore
Annatar realises that he might like Celebrimbor too much.
[Writing] Staging a Battle by StarSpray
He and Diamond were visiting, though Pippin had been disappearing every afternoon, and taking Frodo and Elanor and most other lads and lasses in the neighborhood with him—though why they couldn’t use Pippin’s own pony, Sam couldn’t imagine.
Around the World and Web
Teitho November/December Contest: Healing
The theme for Teitho's November/December contest is healing.
Lord of the Rings Secret Santa 2024
LotR SESA has been ongoing for twenty-one years and is running again this year as a prompt meme hosted on AO3 for all genres of Tolkien-based fanfiction.
Kiliel Week 2024
Kiliel Week is a Tumblr event for fanworks about the Kili/Tauriel pairing.
November challenge at tolkienshortfanworks
The challenge for November has been posted to the tolkienshortfanworks community on Dreamwidth. Thematic prompt: refuge. Formal challenge: include imitation of a sound. As always, these can be filled independently and also freely combined with SWG and other challenges. New participants welcome!
November 2024 Call for Papers and Proposals
Calls for papers and proposals for conferences and publications that are open during the month of November 2024.
Beyond the Silmarillion
Our Beyond the Silmarillion section exists for our creators to archive their non-Silmarillion fanworks. Works in this section are based on Tolkien's other texts or adaptations of Tolkien's writings. Find out more about eligibility to post in this section here.
Smith’s Faery by Independence1776
A moodboard inspired by Faery.
| Canon Source: Smith of Wootton Major |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Moodboard/Collage |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 26 February 2023 | Updated on 26 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
here at journey's end by Arveldis
“How will you know when it’s time?” Frodo asked.
“When I have seen the wonders of Fangorn and Aglarond with Gimli, when my father’s people and I have made Ithilien the fairest garden in Gondor, and when my friends have passed beyond the circles of this world—then I will know that it is time,” Legolas said.
They stay for those they love.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Frodo, Legolas Greenleaf |
| Major Relationships: Frodo Baggins & Legolas Greenleaf |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 568 |
| Posted on 7 July 2022 | Updated on 26 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Elrohir/Lindir moodboard by Independence1776
An Elrohir/Lindir moodboard in memory of Keiliss, using one of her prompts from Ardor in August.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Elrohir, Lindir |
| Major Relationships: Elrohir/Lindir |
| Artwork Type: Moodboard/Collage |
| Genres: Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 22 February 2023 | Updated on 23 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Heavy of Heart by StarSpray
In the wilds, Aragorn dreams one last time of his mother.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Aragorn, Gilraen |
| Major Relationships: Aragorn & Gilraen |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 405 |
| Posted on 9 February 2023 | Updated on 9 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Pilgrim in the Woods by Rocky41_7
Gandalf first encounters the Elves of Mirkwood forest.
| Canon Source: Hobbit, Jackson Hobbit (films), Jackson Lord of the Rings (films), Lord of the Rings, Unfinished Tales |
| Major Characters: Unnamed Female Canon Character(s), Gandalf, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 798 |
| Posted on 9 February 2023 | Updated on 9 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Sunshine by chrissystriped
After Sauron's defeat and the return of the army to Minas Tirith, Éomer goes to see his sister and finds her changed.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Éomer, Éowyn |
| Major Relationships: Éomer & Éowyn |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 791 |
| Posted on 18 December 2022 | Updated on 31 December 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Old Swords by StarSpray
Elrond and Gandalf chat about Glamdring.
| Canon Source: Hobbit |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Gandalf |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 674 |
| Posted on 31 December 2022 | Updated on 31 December 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Another Kind of Fun by chrissystriped
Shagrat has had a bad day and needs to blow off some steam. He seeks out Gorbag to have some fun.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Gorbag, Shagrat |
| Major Relationships: Gorbag/Shagrat |
| Genres: Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 353 |
| Posted on 20 November 2022 | Updated on 11 December 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Jewel Out of Reach is Ever the Fairest by Rocky41_7
Dwarves love gems, and the Elvenking bears a crown of gold. Thorin only wishes Thror were willing to admire it from afar.
| Canon Source: Hobbit |
| Major Characters: Thorin Oakenshield, Thrain II, Thranduil, Thror |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 9, 370 |
| Posted on 13 November 2022 | Updated on 14 November 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
My Heart is with the Sea, my Heart is with You by chrissystriped
Círdan has known and loved the Wanderer since the first age.
When he hears of Gandalf's fall in Moria he resolves to find him and retrieve his body, if nothing else.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Círdan, Gandalf |
| Major Relationships: Círdan/Gandalf |
| Genres: Adventure, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 11, 801 |
| Posted on 30 August 2022 | Updated on 23 October 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
In the Dark and the Light by chrissystriped
Adar's life through the First Age -- before he was even called Adar.
| Canon Source: Rings of Power (TV show) |
| Major Characters: Other Fictional Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Sexual Content (Mild), Torture, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 687 |
| Posted on 19 October 2022 | Updated on 23 October 2022 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Distant Peaks by Himring
In the Blue Mountains, quite some time before the Quest for Erebor, Gimli learns a bit of important dwarven lore from Ori.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Gimli, Ori |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 101 |
| Posted on 18 October 2022 | Updated on 18 October 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Uruk by chrissystriped
Adar thinks about his conversation with Galadriel and what is coming.
| Canon Source: Rings of Power (TV show) |
| Major Characters: Other Fictional Character(s), Orcs |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: In-Universe Racism/Ethnocentrism |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 381 |
| Posted on 2 October 2022 | Updated on 9 October 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
The Sleeping King by Rocky41_7
Elves really do sleep like the dead, and Thranduil probably should have warned Thorin about that ahead of time.
| Canon Source: Hobbit |
| Major Characters: Thorin Oakenshield, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: Thorin Oakenshield/Thranduil |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 944 |
| Posted on 1 October 2022 | Updated on 9 October 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Cold Falls the Night by StarSpray
Gilraen reaches the end of her life.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Aragorn, Gilraen |
| Major Relationships: Aragorn & Gilraen |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 925 |
| Posted on 4 October 2022 | Updated on 9 October 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
For Morning Came by StarSpray
The Gates of Minas Tirith are broken, but the wind is changing.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Bergil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 515 |
| Posted on 4 October 2022 | Updated on 9 October 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Left On the Hither Side of Death by kimikocha
In the wake of Elessar's passing, Arwen encounters a child in the fading woods of Lórien who is much older than she seems.
[Written for TRSB 2022, Art #9: Seeking a Favor]
| Canon Source: Jackson Lord of the Rings (films), Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Arwen |
| Major Relationships: Arwen & Original Character |
| Genres: Experimental, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 240 |
| Posted on 14 September 2022 | Updated on 15 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
It Should Be Made Again by StarSpray
“Narsil!” Malbeth coughed again. “It will be reforged—when Isildur’s Bane is found."
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Aragorn, Gilraen, Malbeth the Seer |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 437 |
| Posted on 14 September 2022 | Updated on 14 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Le prince des plaines by SonOfMandos
Vertbois-le-Grand s'assombrit. Les forces de Sauron se multiplient dans le royaume. Les Elfes sylvains s'affaiblissent. Avant qu'il ne soit trop tard, avant que le monde ne s'écroule complètement, Thranduil envoie son fils explorer la Terre du Milieu. Legolas n'a jamais quitté sa forêt. Le prince voyage et se joint aux Rangers du Nord, et son chemin croise celui des fils d'Elrond.
Elladan le suit.
Elladan/Legolas
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Elladan, Legolas Greenleaf |
| Major Relationships: Elladan/Legolas |
| Genres: Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 630 |
| Posted on 7 September 2022 | Updated on 12 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
With What a Glory by StarSpray
Goldberry has a song for each season.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Goldberry |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 937 |
| Posted on 10 September 2022 | Updated on 10 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Whatever I Shall Meet by StarSpray
Hildifons Took has gone off adventuring, but hasn't returned. So Belladonna and Donnamira decide to go searching.
| Canon Source: Hobbit, Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Belladonna Took Baggins |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 537 |
| Posted on 10 September 2022 | Updated on 10 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Out of the Shadows of History by StarSpray
When Estel was nine years old, Erestor gave him a large box filled with wooden blocks of various shapes and sizes.
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Aragorn, Elrond |
| Major Relationships: Aragorn & Elrond |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 154 |
| Posted on 10 September 2022 | Updated on 10 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Tumbalë Laiqua by Chestnut_pod
A traditional riddle-song passing along received wisdom on how to find shelter at the Last Homely House.
(Have you ever wanted to sing טום־באַלאַלײַקע in Quenya? Or… partly in Quenya, as much as my very limited skills allow?)
| Canon Source: Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Music | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 8 September 2022 | Updated on 8 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
An Ode to the King by SonOfMandos
Airheaded, stubborn, determined, a tad disorganised with his thoughts, Meludir is reminiscent of the past. In this diary he treats like a memoir, he writes an account of how he, a simple Silvan from the southern land of Rhovânion, came to be a royal guard, guided by undying devotion... and great optimism.
Meludir/Thranduil
| Canon Source: Jackson Hobbit (films), Jackson Lord of the Rings (films) |
| Major Characters: Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 825 |
| Posted on 6 September 2022 | Updated on 7 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Perfect for Storytelling by StarSpray
"There is little to tell about their stay," says The Hobbit of Bilbo and the Dwarves' visit to Rivendell. But Bilbo made a rather remarkable friend during that time.
| Canon Source: Hobbit, Lord of the Rings |
| Major Characters: Aragorn, Bilbo Baggins |
| Major Relationships: Aragorn & Bilbo |
| Genres: Ficlet, Fluff, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 788 |
| Posted on 4 September 2022 | Updated on 6 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
