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
First Meetings
Create a fanwork about the first meeting between a character from Valinor and someone just arriving from Middle-earth. 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.
Safety Net by Fernstrike
The year is 502 of the First Age. Doriath has already seen the Shadow seeping into its borders - and for Oropher, one of Thingol's chief counsels, it will not be long before it pierces into the vibrant heart of the realm.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Elu Thingol, Original Character(s), Oropher, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 691 |
| Posted on 23 June 2017 | Updated on 23 June 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Like a Shadow of Shifting Silver by Kimberleighe
The backstory to Waiting for the Thunder. A story of Anairë and Fingolfin.
Chapter 9 posted! As the Games grow closer, there's tension rising among the Eldar.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Anairë, Eärwen, Fëanor, Finarfin, Findis, Fingolfin, Finwë, Indis, Maedhros, Nerdanel, Noldor, Olwë, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, General, Het, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 32, 815 |
| Posted on 18 March 2012 | Updated on 20 June 2017 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Before The Dawn by Grundy
Though all seems bright in Gondolin, Idril is troubled.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elves, Idril, Maeglin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 508 |
| Posted on 19 June 2017 | Updated on 19 June 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Shape of Things To Come by Grundy
Eärendil would not realize it until years later, but the whole of his future unfolded before him the day they finally reached the Havens of Sirion.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elwing, Eärendil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 99 |
| Posted on 11 June 2017 | Updated on 11 June 2017 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Crownless Queen by Tyelca
She is a Queen without a crown and he is a shining opportunity.
Or, how Ungoliant and Melkor poisoned the Trees and stole the Silmarils.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Melkor, Ungoliant |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 99 |
| Posted on 10 June 2017 | Updated on 10 June 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
A Different Kind Of Peace by Tyelca
During various moments in his life, Celebrimbor is forced to reconsider the meaning of peace.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Curufin, Narvi, Orodreth, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Revolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Torture, Character Death |
| Chapters: 13 | Word Count: 29, 318 |
| Posted on 3 March 2017 | Updated on 8 June 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (28) |
One woman's journey by Lyra
From the bliss of Valinor to the turbulent shores of Middle-earth, the life of Galadriel never gets boring.
A series of vignettes following my set of prompts for the Matryoshka challenge.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 4, 138 |
| Posted on 8 June 2017 | Updated on 8 June 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Hero's Journey 5. by hennethgalad
Glorfindel confronts Celegorm.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 30 May 2017 | Updated on 30 May 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Hero's Journey 4 by hennethgalad
Glorfindel admits his fear.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 101 |
| Posted on 27 May 2017 | Updated on 27 May 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Fugue by Himring
Maedhros faces Elwing at the Havens of Sirion.
Chiefly from Maedhros's point of view.
With a cameo of little Elrond taking charge.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elwing, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 345 |
| Posted on 26 May 2017 | Updated on 26 May 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The Hero's Journey 3 by hennethgalad
The true nature of Celegorm becomes apparent to Glorfindel.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 38 |
| Posted on 25 May 2017 | Updated on 25 May 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Day In The Life by hennethgalad
The youth of Glorfindel in Valinor
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 22 May 2017 | Updated on 22 May 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The Hero's Journey 2 by hennethgalad
Celegorm and Glorfindel meet.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Hero's Journey |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 101 |
| Posted on 22 May 2017 | Updated on 22 May 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The trails of Nan Elmoth by Chiara Cadrich
The tale of Aredhel and Eöl.
Part 5 - Dark deeds
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Eöl |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 11, 395 |
| Posted on 4 March 2017 | Updated on 20 May 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
With Doom We Come by Lingwiloke
Gwindor and Finduilas meet for the last time before he leaves for what would afterwards be called the Battle of Unnumbered Tears.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Finduilas, Gwindor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 616 |
| Posted on 17 May 2017 | Updated on 17 May 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Just Deserts by Lingwiloke
Elros has found a starving Maglor on the beach. What now?
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 891 |
| Posted on 17 May 2017 | Updated on 17 May 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
A Queen For The Fourth Age by Kaylee Arafinwiel
Elessar’s great-great-granddaughter is set to become the Two Kingdoms’ first queen. After all, she was firstborn, before her twin brother – the Princess’ Champion. But there may be trouble ahead...
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 160 |
| Posted on 11 May 2017 | Updated on 11 May 2017 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
I Will Wait by Lotrfan
Turgon, after the Fall of Gondolin
For the SWG April/May A Woman's Sceptre Challenge.
Prompt:
“Some say cavalry and other claim infantry or a fleet of long oars is the supreme sight on the black earth. I say it is the one you love.” Sappho.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Mandos, Turgon, Vairë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 988 |
| Posted on 11 May 2017 | Updated on 11 May 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by oshun
For the April-May A Woman's Sceptre Challenge. Prompt:
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~ Maya Angelou
Fëanáro remembers Nerdanel. A story of redemption. If you do not like Fëanor, you will probably not want to read it.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Lórien, Mandos, Nerdanel, Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 575 |
| Posted on 10 May 2017 | Updated on 10 May 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
The Decadent Queen by Scribe of Mirrormere
Tar-Anducal and Alcarin remember Tar-Vanimeldë differently.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Herucalmo, Tar-Alcarin, Tar-Vanimeldë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 855 |
| Posted on 10 May 2017 | Updated on 10 May 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
An Education in Stone by Erulisse
Nerdanel is given a commission - present a sculptural work to the people of Valinor that will feature images of the Valar. But as an artist, she must remain true to her personal vision. What does that vision convey to the people and to the Valar who are depicted through her carved stone?
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Finarfin, Ingwë, Nerdanel, Olwë, Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 361 |
| Posted on 9 May 2017 | Updated on 9 May 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Words by Himring
A short extra scene in the Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth:
Finrod and Andreth discuss matters of language.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Andreth, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 831 |
| Posted on 9 May 2017 | Updated on 9 May 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Like a Shooting Star by StarSpray
For into darkness fell his star
In Mordor, where the shadows are
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Finduilas, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 364 |
| Posted on 9 May 2017 | Updated on 9 May 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Flight Through The Dark by Tyelca
In the form of a swan Elwing flies over the Sea, carrying a Silmaril and looking for her husband.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elwing |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 391 |
| Posted on 8 May 2017 | Updated on 8 May 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
"both the Seen and the Unseen" by hennethgalad
Melian takes Galadriel on a farewell trip
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Woman's Sceptre |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 507 |
| Posted on 7 May 2017 | Updated on 7 May 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
