Tolkien Fanartics: Mapping Arda - The Second Age
In the third part of the Mapping Arda series, Anérea and Varda delle Stelle present a selection of fan-created maps of the lands of the Second Age.
SWG News
New Challenge: Potluck Bingo
Sit down to a delicious selection of prompts served on bingo boards, created by the SWG community.
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 & Updated Fanworks
[Writing] Collection of Potluck Drabbles by Artano
This is a collection of true drabbles completed for the 'Four Words' drabble bingo card.
[Writing] An End to All Things by Thorveig
Mairon stood in utter stillness for it seemed to him that the voice of his master mocked him from afar...
At the end of the First Age, Sauron makes a choice.
[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] The Reckless Hearts of Mortal Men by mouse
Two years before the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, Húrin and Huor journey from Dor-lómin to Eithel Sirion for a war council with their new allies from the East. A story about the stirring of hope and foreshadowing of woe. Well-peppered with humour.
[Artwork] Valier & colours by daughterofshadows
Semi-abstract arts representing the queens of the Valar.
[Artwork] 2024 Potluck Doodles by silmalope
Assorted prompt fills for the 2024 Potluck bingo boards, to varying degrees of completion! :)
[Writing] Ransom of the Fairy Twins by Rocky41_7
Maglor and Maedhros trade Elrond and Elros to King Gil-galad in exchange for a Silmaril, but they have miscalculated.
Current Challenge
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
Love Conquers All
Show how one character helps another to overcome a difficulty in his or her life through love. 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
[Writing] Homage to the Song of Durin by Flora-lass
Legolas is inspired by Gimli's song - and by Gimli himself.
[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.
Around the World and Web
Festival of Lights Fest 2024
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.
Fluffcember 2024
Fluffcember is a Tumblr event with daily fluffy prompts during the month of December.
Hidden Paths 2025
Hidden Paths, an event dedicated to the celebration of smaller Tolkien canons, has released their early prompts for the 2025 event.
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.
Truly All Fanworks
This page includes all fanworks from the main SWG archive and the Beyond the Silmarillion section.
Who is the tallest? More Heat than Light on Height in Tolkien’s World by oshun
I beg your indulgence for this, my entry for the "Solve a problem" challenge. I realize the problem is all mine. Who IS the tallest? Or does it matter? What was Tolkien thinking?
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Ancalagon, Aredhel, Azaghâl, Beleg, Celeborn, Dwarves, Edain, Elendil, Elves, Fëanor, Galadriel, Galdor (Edain), Glaurung, Húrin, Indis, Legendary/Mythical Character(s), Maedhros, Melkor, Nerdanel, Noldor, Númenóreans, Other Fictional Character(s), Real Person(s), Turgon, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: Solve a Problem |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 446 |
| Posted on 15 August 2019 | Updated on 15 August 2019 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Solve a Problem |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 401 |
| Posted on 15 August 2019 | Updated on 15 August 2019 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Future Set In Stone by Tyelca
The truth behind the Mirror of Galadriel.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Solve a Problem |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 028 |
| Posted on 13 August 2019 | Updated on 13 August 2019 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Neither Linguist Nor King by eris_of_imladris
There is no word for what he is now.
Written for the "Solve a Problem" challenge for the Silmarillion Writers Guild.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Solve a Problem |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 098 |
| Posted on 12 August 2019 | Updated on 12 August 2019 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
A Hairy Situation by eris_of_imladris
A young Celegorm questions his hair color after a remark from his older brother.
Written for the "Solve a Problem" challenge on the Silmarillion Writers Guild.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Fëanor, Finarfin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Solve a Problem |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 271 |
| Posted on 12 August 2019 | Updated on 12 August 2019 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Playing With Fire by liruinielfeanoriel
Some happy and sad times of Findarato's romance to oc "I"; some hints to Findarato's relationship with Amarie; throw in a few comments from Celegorm and Curufin; it became a short story.
And it all started with a poem.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amarië, Celegorm, Curufin, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 443 |
| Posted on 12 August 2019 | Updated on 12 August 2019 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Maeglin. by hennethgalad
Maeglin is delighted with Gondolin.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maeglin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 351 |
| Posted on 10 August 2019 | Updated on 10 August 2019 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Water. by hennethgalad
Turgon sends Idril away, but Tuor follows her.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Idril, Tuor, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 406 |
| Posted on 9 August 2019 | Updated on 9 August 2019 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Non fiction: the problem of orcs by hennethgalad
some observations concerning orcs
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: Solve a Problem |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 353 |
| Posted on 7 August 2019 | Updated on 7 August 2019 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Nan Dungortheb. by hennethgalad
The Ride of Aredhel Ar-Feiniel through the Vale of Dreadful Death.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Aredhel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 505 |
| Posted on 6 August 2019 | Updated on 6 August 2019 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Ant and the Wall. by hennethgalad
A drunk Fingon is questioned about the rescue of Maedhros.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 508 |
| Posted on 5 August 2019 | Updated on 5 August 2019 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A half-life, a cursed life by Lyra
Anárion discusses the specifics of Maedhros' and Húrin's captivity with his brother, and comes to a chilling conclusion.
Rated Adult for some discussion of torture.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Anárion, Isildur |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Solve a Problem |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 144 |
| Posted on 2 August 2019 | Updated on 2 August 2019 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Elostirion by hennethgalad
Gildor Inglorion invites Merry and Pippin to ride to Elostirion with him, in the second year of the fourth age.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Gildor, Merry, Pippin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Solve a Problem |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 364 |
| Posted on 1 August 2019 | Updated on 1 August 2019 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Fair vs Fair: A Meta by StarSpray
A look at Tolkien's use of the word "fair" as a descriptor in The Silmarillion.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: Solve a Problem |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 057 |
| Posted on 31 July 2019 | Updated on 31 July 2019 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (13) |
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Orcs |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: Solve a Problem |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 754 |
| Posted on 27 July 2019 | Updated on 27 July 2019 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (17) |
Herenya by hennethgalad
Following Ingwë’s orders, Glorfindel interviews guards for Aistalar.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Erotica | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 527 |
| Posted on 25 July 2019 | Updated on 25 July 2019 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Carriage held but just Ourselves by StarSpray
Melian cannot know death. Of her daughters, one embraces it, one rejects it, one accepts it, and one does not understand.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Arwen, Elwing, Lúthien Tinúviel, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Sirens and Songstresses |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 1, 357 |
| Posted on 2 May 2019 | Updated on 24 July 2019 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
no other star by arriviste
“You would be dead to a man if I had not come,” said Caranthir. “To a woman!”
Haleth meets three Elven-Kings as the Haladin search for a homeland in Beleriand, and deals with mourning, survival, and culture clash.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Elu Thingol, Finrod Felagund, Haleth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 557 |
| Posted on 22 July 2019 | Updated on 22 July 2019 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
the dawn from on high by arriviste
“I have an errand to attend to, but I will join your party at the Havens in good time,” said Gandalf before the great convoy set out from Imladris.
Elrond gave him a sideways look. “Indeed? I had thought your business in Middle-Earth was at last at an end, Mithrandir.”
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Galadriel, Gandalf, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 215 |
| Posted on 22 July 2019 | Updated on 22 July 2019 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Legacy. by hennethgalad
It is year 15 of the fourth age. King Elessar, having forbidden Men to enter The Shire, is camped beyond the Brandywine Bridge to greet his friends.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elladan, Elrohir, Merry, Pippin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 885 |
| Posted on 20 July 2019 | Updated on 20 July 2019 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
'his eyes unclosed' by hennethgalad
in the year of Sauron’s return to Middle-earth, Gil-galad replies to a letter from Celebrian.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 277 |
| Posted on 20 July 2019 | Updated on 20 July 2019 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The River. by hennethgalad
Gwindor comes to Tol Sirion to propose to Finduilas.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Finduilas, Gwindor, Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 550 |
| Posted on 19 July 2019 | Updated on 19 July 2019 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Boundaries by Dawn Felagund
Fingon is constantly pushing Maedhros's boundaries, but this time, he has gone too far. Put on mandatory sick leave after an injury, Maedhros decides to spend his three weeks recuperating alone, setting Fingon on a chase across Aman to find and make amends to his lover ... and yes, transgress one more boundary, one more time. Maedhros/Fingon. Written for Oshun, for the occasion of her 100th character biography.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingolfin, Fingon, Maedhros, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Caprice and Chance |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 13, 627 |
| Posted on 18 July 2019 | Updated on 18 July 2019 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Time and Tide by Keiliss
Early in the second age, Celeborn and Galadriel take a walk on the beach and talk about the future.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 007 |
| Posted on 18 July 2019 | Updated on 18 July 2019 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Seahorses. by hennethgalad
Finarfin first meets Eärwen in Alqualondë.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Eärwen, Finarfin, Írimë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 393 |
| Posted on 18 July 2019 | Updated on 18 July 2019 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
