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
Potluck Bingo
Help yourself to a collection of prompts on bingo boards designed by members and friends of the SWG. Read more ...
Random Challenge
Hidden Figures
Create a fanwork featuring a rare character or textual ghost in a leading role. 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.
Bears and Bees by StarSpray
Eluréd, Elurín, and Radagast are traveling through Wilderland, and discover the Carrock—and that someone has carved steps into it.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Eluréd, Elurín, Radagast |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 228 |
| Posted on 7 March 2017 | Updated on 7 March 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Book Blubs by oshun
Chapter 5 – Bird Talk - Known for his popular TV show “Shut Up and Listen,” specialist in bird behavior from early childhood Turko Fëanárion insists that his methods work with the most resistant birds and the clumsiest of humans. Get all the details in this water-resistant 100-page paperback guide.
These blurbs are written by a reader who is on the mailing lists of far too many publishing companies. Why not use some of the dozens of prompts of yet another annual B2MeM to design covers or ads, write ad copy, review, or draft summaries of books I would not be likely to write?
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Elu Thingol, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Finwë, Indis, Maglor, Mandos, Olwë, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Humor | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 11, 471 |
| Posted on 3 March 2017 | Updated on 7 March 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Uncertain Seas by Grundy
Today changed everything, and Artanis isn't certain of anything now.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Curufin, Fëanor, Galadriel, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Revolution |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 310 |
| Posted on 5 March 2017 | Updated on 5 March 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Give Me Freedom, Give Me Fire by Fernstrike
In the week after the beginning of Dagor Bragollach, an elfling and his mother flee their settlement near the Fens of Serech. With his father's fate unknown and his home destroyed, the elfling considers what is to come next.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Revolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 010 |
| Posted on 5 March 2017 | Updated on 5 March 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Three by the Door by Himring
Elros, future King of Numenor, makes the acquaintance of some of his future subjects--and finds out that some traditions that he thought forgotten have survived the drowning of Beleriand.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elros, Men |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Revolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 688 |
| Posted on 4 March 2017 | Updated on 4 March 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
The Fosterling Prince Arrives by Kaylee Arafinwiel
The young Túrin is led to the gates of Menegroth. What welcome will he receive?
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Beleg, Elu Thingol, Gethron, Grithnir, Mablung, Melian, Nellas, Saeros, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 831 |
| Posted on 3 March 2017 | Updated on 3 March 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
On Writing Aman, or the Balance between the Mythic and the Real by Dawn Felagund
Fantasy writers, including creators of Tolkien-based fanworks, have long struggled to depict the "otherness" of realms like Aman. In the past, the Tolkien fan fiction community showed a preference for an idealistic portrayal of Aman that left little room for imperfection. My work has long taken the opposite approach, and in this essay, I argue for the artistic need and canonical basis for grounding stories set in Aman in a more recognizable reality of human experience. This essay was written for Back to Middle-earth Month 2017 for the orange/nonfiction path with the prompt "Worldbuilding."
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Melkor, Ungoliant, Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: B2MeM 2017 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 841 |
| Posted on 3 March 2017 | Updated on 3 March 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Romennie by Kaylee Arafinwiel
Meneldil was the fourth child of Anarion, and succeeded him on the throne of Gondor. Who were Meneldil's elder siblings? This is the story of Romennie, Anarion's moon-touched child, a victim of Zigur's evil.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Anárion, Elendil, Mandos, Meneldil, Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 720 |
| Posted on 2 March 2017 | Updated on 2 March 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The World Will Know by Lotrfan
written for the Revolution Challenge 2017. The prompt was the song “The World Will Know” from Newsies.
“And the world will see that we had to choose
that the things we do today will be tomorrow’s news.
And the old will fall
And the young stand tall
And the time is now
And the winds will blow
And our ranks will grow and grow and grow and so
The world will feel the fire
And finally know!”
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Finarfin, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Revolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 402 |
| Posted on 1 March 2017 | Updated on 1 March 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Musical Interpretation by Erulisse
Feanaro intended his sons to be smiths or artists as he and Nerdanel were. His second son seems to have a different idea and when he spends a day at the Forge, it is a eye-opening experience for both Feanaro and his young son, Maglor. Written for the Challenge - Revolution.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: Revolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 447 |
| Posted on 1 March 2017 | Updated on 1 March 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
No Small Dreams by just_jenni
After the Noldor are victorious in the Dagor-Nuin-Giliath Finrod and Turgon fall asleep beside the River Sirion while on a camping trip. Ulmo, having come up the river to find them, lays a deep sleep complete with heavy dreams upon them. Each elf will remember that his dream involved building new cities or realms which are places of refuge or retreats for their people during a peaceful time; for at any moment this peace could be broken by Morgoth and his evil army waging war on them once more.
This fic deals with the fact that despite being best friends (perhaps even closer than that) since childhood, neither Finrod nor Turgon will disclose each other's dream to one another. I tried to understand why they would not and describe the reasons they might have for not doing so.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Erotica, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Revolution |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 936 |
| Posted on 27 February 2017 | Updated on 27 February 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
An Act of Faith by Himring
Finarfin, recently crowned king of the Noldor remaining in Valinor, summons Curufin's wife, because a certain rumour has reached his ears.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Finarfin, Noldor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 513 |
| Posted on 25 February 2017 | Updated on 25 February 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
The Fall Of Doriath by gamil-zirak
This is an attempt at writing an account of the destruction of Doriath by the Sons of Feanor. It shall include the battle and aftermath. Hope you enjoy it.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Dior, Eluréd, Elurín, Elwing, Fëanor, Nellas, Nimloth, Original Character(s), Sindar, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 11 | Word Count: 125, 548 |
| Posted on 20 October 2009 | Updated on 24 February 2017 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Fire and Worms by Tyelca
The ground is wet and rotten and the fire is wasteful, and madness slowly turns vices into virtues. Or is it the other way around?
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Fëanor, Finwë, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama, Horror | Challenges: Taboo |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 722 |
| Posted on 23 February 2017 | Updated on 23 February 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
In the Bleak Midwinter by Zdenka
Aerin, despairing after the losses of Nirnaeth Arnoediad and her forced marriage to Brodda, receives a moment of comfort.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Aerin, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 543 |
| Posted on 22 February 2017 | Updated on 22 February 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Flowers of Vardarianna by Zdenka
Míriel finds a source of loyalty in dark times. (Míriel/Original Female Character)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 114 |
| Posted on 22 February 2017 | Updated on 22 February 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Not Wholly Fruitless by maeglin
More about Erestor.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Aragorn, Bilbo Baggins, Celeborn, Círdan, Dior, Elladan, Elrohir, Erestor, Galadriel, Legolas Greenleaf |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 41, 271 |
| Posted on 14 November 2015 | Updated on 21 February 2017 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Morning Hath Broken by Kaylee Arafinwiel
One fair morning in Harlindon, Oropher tells the story of the Iathrim's first sunrise to the most precious light of his life - his only remaining son.
Chapter Two is up! (And silly me, Oropher had to include the first moonrise first!)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Oropher, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Revolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 580 |
| Posted on 19 February 2017 | Updated on 21 February 2017 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
100 Days of Silence by just_jenni
Amras, realizing that he cannot bear to continue fighting, ostracizes himself from his family. Choosing to retreat into the forests of Beleriand, he meets someone unexpected.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amras, Haldar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Taboo |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 3, 586 |
| Posted on 18 February 2017 | Updated on 18 February 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Something Un-Feanorian by Himring
Elrond has a posthumous conversation with Maedhros at the time of the Fall of Eregion.
With glimpses of Elros and of the Third Kinslaying.
Now added: The Decision (gapfiller for the main story, Elrond's POV)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 6, 956 |
| Posted on 29 August 2011 | Updated on 18 February 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (20) |
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Finwë, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, General | Challenges: Revolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 422 |
| Posted on 16 February 2017 | Updated on 16 February 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Of Masters Fëanor and Galadriel and the Flight of the Ñoldor by The Wavesinger
A collection of documents and sources for a research paper, and a glimpse of an event three hundred years before the fall of the Jedi Order.
(Or, yet another Star Wars AU.)
Written for amyfortuna for Crossovering 2016.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Crossover, Science Fiction | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 652 |
| Posted on 16 February 2017 | Updated on 16 February 2017 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Aftermath by The Wavesinger
Immediately after the Darkening, Findis and Elemmírë attempt to adjust.
Written for IdleLeaves for Sultry in September 2016.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elemmírë, Findis |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 046 |
| Posted on 16 February 2017 | Updated on 16 February 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Love Me Now by Grundy
Elves, mortals, peredhil, and love.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Beren, Celebrían, Dior, Elrond, Idril, Lúthien Tinúviel, Tuor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 024 |
| Posted on 14 February 2017 | Updated on 14 February 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Aftermath by Lyra
After the Darkening, Nerdanel struggles to pick up the pieces of her life - a difficult job with the legacy her husband has left her.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Finarfin, Findis, Indis, Nerdanel, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama | Challenges: Taboo |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 8 | Word Count: 8, 656 |
| Posted on 7 February 2017 | Updated on 12 February 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (20) |
