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
Notion Club Revival
Select any (or several) of the "mysterious documents" from our prompt set and let them feature in your fanwork. 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.
Home is a Second Chance by eris_of_imladris
A young Gondorian guardswoman encounters an elf on a cliff and discovers a way they can both find home again. No romance here, just friendship. Will be writing more soon!
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: New Year's Resolution, Song of Exile |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 541 |
| Posted on 25 January 2018 | Updated on 25 January 2018 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Up In Smoke by eris_of_imladris
Fëanor is the architect of his doom by making the Silmarils for all the wrong reasons.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Hero's Journey, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 25 January 2018 | Updated on 25 January 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Marilliën and the Fall of Doriath by Kaylee Arafinwiel
Marilliën has always been devoted to the Sindar, ever since her beloved kinswoman ensnared their King. But with Melyanna gone, she at least had tried to serve as a protection to Doriath, and to Melyanna's family.
The tale of one 'young' Maia OC as she gets caught up in the Second Kinslaying. For October's "Behind the Scenes" and January 2018 "New Year's Resolution".
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Oropher |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Behind the Scenes, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 290 |
| Posted on 25 January 2018 | Updated on 25 January 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Garden Secret. by hennethgalad
The family of Dior move to Menegroth after the death of Thingol.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Eluréd, Elurín, Elwing, Nimloth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 496 |
| Posted on 23 January 2018 | Updated on 23 January 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Winter's Lease by Narya
One shot. Celegorm recovers in Nargothrond after losing the battle for the Pass of Aglon.
Finwëon friendship with a little darkness and foreshadowing. A belated birthday present for Ziggy.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Finrod Felagund, Huan |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 915 |
| Posted on 21 January 2018 | Updated on 21 January 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Our Lady of Canine Compassion by heget
A dangling plot thread from Chapter Eight of Release from Bondage answered.
Early into the Second Age, Faron has a most unexpected visitor.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 079 |
| Posted on 21 January 2018 | Updated on 21 January 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
To See the End Beyond All Doubt by mainecoon
Maedhros and Maglor, after the War of Wrath. Maedhros wants it all to end. Maglor wants something different, and receives help from an unexpected side.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Dior, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Suspense | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Suicide, Creator Chooses Not to Warn, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 15 January 2018 | Updated on 15 January 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Days of Peace by bunn
Celebrimbor and Narvi meet, plan a city and build a life together.
Written for Tolkien Secret Santa 2017, for Rogercat, who wanted a sweet moment between Celebrimbor & a female Narvi and ended up with four moments and a rather longer story than intended - sorry! :-) [thanks to Raiyana for beta-reading.]
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Narvi |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 400 |
| Posted on 15 January 2018 | Updated on 15 January 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Da Capo by Lordnelson100
Da Capo - musical term: an instruction to play over from the beginning.
"There must have been another way to solve the equation, a different path to other results," he thought.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 15 January 2018 | Updated on 15 January 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
Sandcastles by StarSpray
It was a beautiful day, cloudless, the sun shining brightly on the sea and making the wave tips glitter like diamonds. Fishing boats dotted the bay, and in the distance Balar rose dark and solid out of the water. Gulls wheeled overhead, calling to one another, as Elwing followed Elrond and Elros to the beach.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Elwing, Eärendil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Het | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 14 January 2018 | Updated on 14 January 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
At The Battle of Sarn Athrad. by hennethgalad
Beren hands on his mantle to Dior.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Beren, Dior, Gildor, Lúthien Tinúviel, Nimloth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 11 January 2018 | Updated on 11 January 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Vignettes of Elmo by LadyBrooke
A collection of short vignettes concerning Elmo (with appearances by basically all his family and quite a few members of Finwë's family prior to going to Valinor, among others).
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elmo |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 122 |
| Posted on 10 January 2018 | Updated on 10 January 2018 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Lanthir Lamath. by hennethgalad
Dior burns the toast...
(More 30 day character study.)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Beren, Dior, Eluréd, Elurín, Nimloth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 10 January 2018 | Updated on 10 January 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Nimloth. by hennethgalad
Nimloth and Gildor speak at her wedding to Dior.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Dior, Gildor, Nimloth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 9 January 2018 | Updated on 9 January 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Letters. by hennethgalad
News comes slowly to Tol Galen.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Beren, Dior, Gildor, Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 7 January 2018 | Updated on 7 January 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Eluchíl by hennethgalad
Ents and Eldar gather on Tol Galen to sing of past grief and future hope.
Dior meets Nimloth again.
part 5 of the 30-day character study.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Beren, Dior, Gildor, Lúthien Tinúviel, Nimloth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 5 January 2018 | Updated on 5 January 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A Dancing Queen by feanorusrex
The third ruling queen is more than she seems.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Tar-Vanimeldë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 5 January 2018 | Updated on 5 January 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Sundering Sea by feanorusrex
'Erendis perished in the water in the year 985,'- Aldarion and Erendis, The Book of Lost Tales. But she did not die because she missed Aldarion.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Erendis |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Suicide |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 5 January 2018 | Updated on 5 January 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Many Journeys by Elleth
A gathering place for ficlets of varying length written in response to prompts, prods and as gift ficlets.
New (added January 2018)
Strength of Mountains: Nerdanel and Curufin's wife, through the ages.
Re-Singing: After the Darkening of Valinor, Findis and Elemmírë set out to do their part in the restoration of Valinor.
Sweeter Blessings: As summer nears harvest, Morwen and Aerin dance in the meadows. NSFW.
In Exchange: Whatever happened to the Lady of the Blue Brooch?
An Exercise: Some magic is altogether wordly. NSFW.
A Better Lot: Aerin and Rían change their stories.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Aerin, Amarië, Amras, Amrod, Anairë, Aredhel, Arien, Aulë, Belen, Brodda, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Daeron, Dwarves, Ecthelion of the Fountain, Elemmírë, Elenwë, Elwing, Erendis, Eärwen, Fëanor, Finarfin, Findis, Finduilas, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Finwë, Galadriel, Gwindor, Haleth, Idril, Indis, Lalwen, Lúthien Tinúviel, Maedhros, Maglor, Mahtan, Mandos, Meleth (Elf), Melian, Meril, Míriel Serindë, Mithrellas, Morwen, Nellas, Nerdanel, Nienna, Nienor, Nimloth, Nimrodel, Númenóreans, Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Rían, Sons of Fëanor, Tar-Míriel, Thuringwethil, Uinen, Vairë, Valar, Varda, Yavanna |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Alternate Universe, Crossover, Drama, Erotica, Experimental, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General, Het, Horror, Humor, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: International Day of Femslash, Tolkien Femslash Week Bingo |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Mild), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 94 | Word Count: 26, 257 |
| Posted on 20 August 2007 | Updated on 5 January 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (72) |
Scenes from the Glass Parlour by Elleth
Nerdanel and Indis make it through the Dark.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Indis, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 101 |
| Posted on 5 January 2018 | Updated on 5 January 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Away to the Waters by Elleth
After the Five Armies, Tauriel travels East.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Avari, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Experimental | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 236 |
| Posted on 5 January 2018 | Updated on 5 January 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Auld Acquaintance by Narya
Something for the season. A retired maths teacher has a surprise visitor on New Year's Eve. Over the course of the evening, secrets are told and an old friendship is renewed.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Gandalf, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Crossover, Drama, Mystery | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 382 |
| Posted on 3 January 2018 | Updated on 3 January 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
New Vintage. by hennethgalad
Being the fourth part of the 30 day character study.
In which Dior meets Nimloth.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Dior, Elu Thingol, Melian, Nimloth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 748 |
| Posted on 3 January 2018 | Updated on 3 January 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Lemon Cakes by heget
The group of elves who were harrowed by the dungeon of Tol-in-Gaurhoth join with friends and family early in the peace of the Second Age to have a sweet snack.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Edrahil, Finrod Felagund, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 227 |
| Posted on 2 January 2018 | Updated on 2 January 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Last Days in the Magic Kingdom by Lordnelson100
It was never the right moment to leave Doriath.
One of the first big leaks happened in the Hall of Ages, once used for the spectacular Autumn Moon dances. Formerly a favorite room of the Queen. A section of gilded woodwork, encrusted with carven grapes and flowers, gave way and fell to the floor. Water streamed in, ruining a delicate mural of the Great Journey. The polished parquet floor swelled and warped beyond repair.
No one was thinking about dancing, so soon after the King’s death and the Sack. They shut up the room and left it be.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Dior, Elu Thingol, Elves, Melian, Original Character(s), Oropher |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Het, Suspense | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Expletive Language, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 140 |
| Posted on 2 January 2018 | Updated on 2 January 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
