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
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.
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.
Teitho November/December Contest: Healing
The theme for Teitho's November/December contest is healing.
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!
Truly All Fanworks
This page includes all fanworks from the main SWG archive and the Beyond the Silmarillion section.
A Cloak of Magic by LadyBrooke
Thuringwethil was once an elf, and perhaps she will be again.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Thuringwethil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Strength and Beauty |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 200 |
| Posted on 9 April 2017 | Updated on 9 April 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Feanor Never Planned to Fall in Love by Erulisse
I made an original artwork from charcoal and pastels for 2014's B2MeM. It was entitled "Feanor Never Planned to Fall in Love". Now, three years later, I have developed the story behind that picture. Here's the full effort - Feanor Never Planned to Fall in Love in illustration and text.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: Strength and Beauty |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 479 |
| Posted on 9 April 2017 | Updated on 9 April 2017 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
'the hidden paths' by hennethgalad
Orodreth and Curufin in Nargothrond.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Curufin, Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Strength and Beauty |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 638 |
| Posted on 6 April 2017 | Updated on 6 April 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
In Wisdom... by just_jenni
Melian wrestles with her feelings about Elu Thingol and laments some of her decisions concerning the Doom that befell them.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Lúthien Tinúviel, Mablung, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Strength and Beauty |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 735 |
| Posted on 6 April 2017 | Updated on 6 April 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
In Arda Fair by Tyelca
Two brothers and their thoughts about Arda.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Manwë, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Strength and Beauty |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 317 |
| Posted on 5 April 2017 | Updated on 5 April 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
A Handful of Light by Zdenka
If Míriel never married Finwë or had a child, if she put all her energy into her craft instead of giving birth to Fëanor . . . what might have happened?
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Arien, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 509 |
| Posted on 5 April 2017 | Updated on 5 April 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Wise and the Lovely by StarSpray
Melian knew even before she went to see her daughter that Lúthien was planning an escape from Hírilorn.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 507 |
| Posted on 4 April 2017 | Updated on 4 April 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Stone and Light by Fernstrike
The Silmaril is set in the Nauglamir, and nothing good comes of it on either side of the ensuing conflict.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Dwarves, Elu Thingol, Elves, Mablung, Original Character(s), Oropher, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 926 |
| Posted on 4 April 2017 | Updated on 4 April 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Bat's Tale by Lingwiloke
Even the mighty ones sometimes need help.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Ilmarë, Original Character(s), Thuringwethil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Romance | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 897 |
| Posted on 3 April 2017 | Updated on 3 April 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Weaver and the Broideress by Lingwiloke
Vairë's thoughts on a certain resident of the Halls of Mandos. (Written for the Tolkien Secret Santa 2016 on tumblr)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Míriel Serindë, Vairë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 143 |
| Posted on 3 April 2017 | Updated on 3 April 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
A Garden of Plots by LadyBrooke
Nimloth is reborn, builds her own house, and starts a garden.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Anairë, Nimloth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Strength and Beauty |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 410 |
| Posted on 2 April 2017 | Updated on 2 April 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Don't Explain by Gwidhiel
Galadriel's return to Aman prompts Indis to reflect on the state of her fragmented family and defunct marriage.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Estë, Eärwen, Finarfin, Findis, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel, Indis, Lórien, Melian, Míriel Serindë, Nienna, Vairë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Strong Women |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 15 | Word Count: 37, 024 |
| Posted on 13 April 2008 | Updated on 1 April 2017 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (29) |
A Song of Ice and Fire by My blue rose
“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” ~ Leo Tolstoy. A non-chronological look at the early life of House Fëanor in Aman, from its various members.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Fëanor, Maedhros, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 31, 816 |
| Posted on 23 July 2016 | Updated on 1 April 2017 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The Golden Dancer by Lyra
Fëanor first sees Indis as she practices a traditional Vanyarin spear-dance. Fascination turns into life-long antipathy.
Inspired by the B2MeM prompt, "when he first stood near her and recognized her dimly through the shadows, like one who, at the beginning of the month, either sees or thinks he has seen the moon rise through clouds." ~Vergil, The Aenid
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Finwë, Indis |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: B2MeM 2017, Strength and Beauty |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 084 |
| Posted on 30 March 2017 | Updated on 30 March 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
Reunion : Maedhros and Fingon in the Halls of Mandos. by bunn
“Your safety is assured,” the Maia said. “They will not be allowed to do you any harm.”
Of course, that made it impossible to refuse. Fingon gave the Maia his best incredulous expression. “I have fought dragons and Balrogs. I think I can handle a cousin and an uncle. Lead the way.”
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 211 |
| Posted on 30 March 2017 | Updated on 30 March 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Nerdanel and Fëanor : Messages by bunn
A series of extracts from the Mandos Messaging Service.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 161 |
| Posted on 30 March 2017 | Updated on 30 March 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Black and White by Lingwiloke
Maeglin realizes that during his visits to the dwarves he felt less of a stranger than during his time in Gondolin.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Maeglin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Poetry | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 836 |
| Posted on 28 March 2017 | Updated on 28 March 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Sons of Fire and Blood by Ar-Feiniel
A tragic poem for each tragic son of Fëanor - their glorious rise and disasterous fall. Fëanorian week 2017.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Torture, Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 21, 565 |
| Posted on 22 March 2017 | Updated on 28 March 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Things of Beauty by LadyBrooke
Thingol bargains for a necklace, the dwarves make a crown to scare dragons, and Narvi decides to make up for Celebrimbor's failings.
Three linked drabbles.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Azaghâl, Celebrimbor, Narvi, Nimloth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: B2MeM 2017, Strength and Beauty |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 306 |
| Posted on 27 March 2017 | Updated on 27 March 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Do Not Go Gentle by StarSpray
Lúthien dies, but on her own terms.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Beren, Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Het | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 18, 734 |
| Posted on 27 March 2017 | Updated on 27 March 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
One day in Doriath: Strength and Beauty. by hennethgalad
The relationship between Celeborn and Thranduil, the engagement of Celeborn and Galadriel.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Elu Thingol, Galadriel, Melian, Oropher, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Erotica | Challenges: Strength and Beauty |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Torture, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 134 |
| Posted on 27 March 2017 | Updated on 27 March 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
A Story of Seven by NelyafinweFeanorion
A story for Feanorian week. One chapter for each brother. Based on the seven deadly sins and the seven virtues.
I am an unapologetic fan of the sons of Fëanor. I find them (and their parents and extended family) to be the most fascinating, complex and morally ambiguous characters in Tolkien's writings.
I usually tend to view and write them in a positive, redemptive light. This was an attempt for me to write a darker or less appealing side of them. Of course, being me, I had to counter each negative I wrote with its opposing positive.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Elrond, Elros, Erestor, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 9, 714 |
| Posted on 21 March 2017 | Updated on 26 March 2017 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
See How They Burn by Grundy
Vignettes from the relationship of Fëanor and Nerdanel, from beginning to parting.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Findis, Fingolfin, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 470 |
| Posted on 26 March 2017 | Updated on 26 March 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Artanis to Alatiriel: Earweniel's Homecoming by Kaylee Arafinwiel
Written for B2MEM 2017 and the March Strength and Beauty challenge: loosely linked tales of Galadriel's welcome in Alqualonde at the end of the Third Age.
Idril remembers, as she walks on the shore of Alqualonde.
Some time after Idril greeted Galadriel at the quay (see "Itarilde and Tani"), they, Elwing, and Nimloth get together for a good catch-up. They don't intend to run into Galadriel's uncles (and aunt) at the tavern...Lindar s the term the Teleri use for themselves.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elwing, Eärendil, Galadriel, Gimli, Idril, Nimloth, Tuor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2017, Strength and Beauty |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 814 |
| Posted on 25 March 2017 | Updated on 25 March 2017 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Widow's Walk by heget
What Elwing seeks at the end of their long ocean voyage.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elwing, Eärendil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 176 |
| Posted on 25 March 2017 | Updated on 25 March 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
