New Challenge: Potluck Bingo
Sit down to a delicious selection of prompts served on bingo boards, created by the SWG community.
SWG News
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 Challenge: Orctober
Orcs on a quest for freedom seek a place sheltered and safe from the Dark Lord. Fulfill prompts to gather the clues needed to bring them to freedom.
New & Updated Fanworks
[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.
[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...
[Writing] Collection of Potluck Drabbles by Artano
This is a collection of true drabbles completed for the 'Four Words' drabble bingo card.
[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
Jubilee
This January, for our annual amnesty challenge, any challenge from January 2017 onward is fair game. 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.
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.
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.
Necessity is the Mother of Invention by MisbehavingMaiar
The First Music goes off without a hitch; Arda is unmarred, and the Theme goes on and on without one dissonant voice in the choir.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Ainur, Elves |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 532 |
| Posted on 5 April 2014 | Updated on 5 April 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Houses of Might by MisbehavingMaiar
Melkor reflects upon his past dwelling places, and the lessons learned in failure.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 673 |
| Posted on 4 April 2014 | Updated on 4 April 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Time's Arrow by Russandol
Two elves of the Greenwood, a troubled warrior and a prince, confront the shadows from their past in the less than perfect paradise of Valinor. There, a tradition that has been kept every four long-years since the ancient days of the Great Journey is about to take place once more.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Beleg, Elrond, Eönwë, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel, Gandalf, Ingwion, Legolas Greenleaf, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 10 | Word Count: 41, 123 |
| Posted on 6 January 2014 | Updated on 4 April 2014 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (26) |
Bright and Terrible by zopyrus
Not everyone at Losgar is thrilled about burning the fleet. The captain of one of Fëanor's ships questions her orders.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Curufin, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 883 |
| Posted on 4 April 2014 | Updated on 4 April 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
By the Margin of the Sea by StarSpray
After a very long journey, Elwing comes to Alqualondë.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elwing, Eärendil, Olwë, 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, 559 |
| Posted on 3 April 2014 | Updated on 3 April 2014 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
First to Leave by Agelast
Fingon/Maedhros, a political PWP.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Incest, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 466 |
| Posted on 2 April 2014 | Updated on 2 April 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Forging Arda: in the Beginning by MisbehavingMaiar
Mairon, maia of Aulë, is given a body, a purpose, his tools, and a warning.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Ainur, Aulë, Melkor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Comic Strip | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 986 |
| Posted on 31 March 2014 | Updated on 31 March 2014 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Snowed In by Keiliss
Gil-galad, his Herald and his SO (Senior Organiser?) are separated from their hunting party by a blizzard and are forced to spend the night in a cave.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Erestor, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: B2MeM 2014 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 369 |
| Posted on 30 March 2014 | Updated on 30 March 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Crowns of Holly by Kitt Otter
Gil-galad and Círdan attend mid-summer festivities in Eregion. An unwelcome guest crashes the party.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Círdan, Gil-galad, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2014 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 415 |
| Posted on 30 March 2014 | Updated on 30 March 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Nightingale by Agelast
Lúthien and Beren, their first springtime. Written for B2MeM 2014.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Beren, Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: B2MeM 2014 |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 771 |
| Posted on 29 March 2014 | Updated on 29 March 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Constant Gardener by Tehta
Running Yavanna’s errands in First Age Middle-earth is a tough job, but someone has to do it.
(Written for the B2MeM prompt, “Write or create art in which a character plants something.” Not a light-hearted humour fic. At all. A little quirky, though.)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: B2MeM 2014 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 898 |
| Posted on 28 March 2014 | Updated on 28 March 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Vana's Day by Tehta
Some people are naturally good at romance. Others struggle with it, even when surrounded by flowers, love songs, and heart-shaped cakes. Guess which group is featured in this story?
(The usual caveat applies: these are my versions of these characters, and my version of Gondolin, and so might not be to everyone's taste.)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 2, 582 |
| Posted on 27 March 2014 | Updated on 27 March 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Noise of Thunder by Astris
During the Dagor Bragollach, a captain of the Fëanorian soldiers in Lothlann finds herself caught in the flames.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2014 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 205 |
| Posted on 26 March 2014 | Updated on 26 March 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Nothing in the World is Single by StarSpray
Befriending Elwing is not an easy task. Neither is trying to kiss her.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Elves, Elwing, Eärendil, Galadriel, Idril, Tuor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 8, 567 |
| Posted on 4 November 2013 | Updated on 26 March 2014 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Carmina Brethilia by Robinka
Or an account of the battle in the forest of Brethil as seen by Beleg Cúthalion, told in two parts.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Beleg, Elu Thingol, Haldir, Halmir, Huor, Húrin, Mablung, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 18, 835 |
| Posted on 14 July 2011 | Updated on 24 March 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Mother of the Flame by Kaylee Arafinwiel
As the rebellious Noldor begin to destroy themselves, one fëa in Mandos is forced to watch the destruction, and to know its source.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Mandos, Manwë, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 410 |
| Posted on 23 March 2014 | Updated on 23 March 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Old Eagle by Agelast
In Númenor, Elros tells his children a tale from his long-ago childhood. Written for B2MeM 2014.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2014 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 946 |
| Posted on 23 March 2014 | Updated on 23 March 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
A Sad Tale's Best for Winter by oshun, Dawn Felagund
Prompt: B2MeM 2014 - Write a story or create art about the midwinter holiday (Yule or another midwinter holiday of your choosing).
Elrond looks back on Yuletides past at two distinct periods in his life, nearly an Age and a half apart. “The famous saudade of the Portuguese is a vague and constant desire for something that does not and probably cannot exist, for something other than the present, a turning towards the past or towards the future; not an active discontent or poignant sadness but an indolent dreaming wistfulness.” (In Portugal, by AFG Bell, 1912.)
Artwork included is by Dawn Felagund. (Calligraphy and illumination of brief passages from the story. Artist's note: The calligraphy utilizes a script I developed based on Tolkien's own writing in the Tengwar of "Namárië" and "A Elbereth Gilthoniel." The illumination is based on a style used in the 15th-century Bible of Borso d'Este. Ink, acrylic, and gold leaf on Bristol vellum.)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Elladan, Elrohir, Elrond, Elros, Erestor, Lindir |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: B2MeM 2014 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 6, 386 |
| Posted on 22 March 2014 | Updated on 22 March 2014 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Night-time Encounters by Cirth
Finwë does not want Míriel's company. Drabble.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Finwë, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 98 |
| Posted on 22 March 2014 | Updated on 22 March 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Winter's Drums by pandemonium_213, Huinare
Story by pandemonium_213: The grisly banner having served its purpose, Sauron enlists the assistance of his soldiers and bodyguard to bear Celebrimbor's corpse to its final resting place in the foothills of the Misty Mountains while a snowstorm approaches from the southwest.
Note: Descriptions of torture and a deteriorating corpse may be too intense for some readers (roughly equivalent to MPAA R-rating or TV Ratings Mature Audience); some expletive language. Pandë!versecentric.
Illustrations by Huinárë: Title: 1. "Examining His Work" / 2. "Thundersnow" Pencil illustration / Construction paper collage. Rating: G
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Torture, Character Death, Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 166 |
| Posted on 22 March 2014 | Updated on 22 March 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
A Foretelling of Blood by Kaylee Arafinwiel
A brief conversation between Lord Oropher of Doriath and Aran Thingol's sixteen-year-old adopted human son causes Oropher a few moments of unease. Triple drabble.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Oropher, Saeros, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 300 |
| Posted on 20 March 2014 | Updated on 20 March 2014 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Brothers by Keiliss
Near the end of the First Age, Maglor faces a decision that will change the future of the world.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 134 |
| Posted on 18 March 2014 | Updated on 18 March 2014 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The Talisman by Keiliss
Gil-galad rides to Forlond on an important errand which may not turn out quite as he, Elrond or Erestor expect.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Erestor, Gil-galad, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor, Mystery | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 353 |
| Posted on 18 March 2014 | Updated on 18 March 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Commander by Cirth
Fëanor names his second son.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 410 |
| Posted on 17 March 2014 | Updated on 17 March 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Prayers about Rain by Dawn Felagund
Finwë has left his people and chosen exile alongside his son Fëanor. Indis, left behind as his regent, must determine the best course of action for his forsaken people, but her choice to pass the regency to her son Fingolfin seems fraught with peril amidst the divided Noldor.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Finwë, Indis, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Experimental, General | Challenges: B2MeM 2014 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 8, 546 |
| Posted on 17 March 2014 | Updated on 17 March 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
