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
Caprice and Chance
Prompts for this Matryoshka challenge are loosely based on the plot arcs and tropes of romance novels. 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.
A Stitch in Time by grey_gazania
The quilt stayed with him — first on Balar, then in Lindon, then in Rivendell. It kept his children warm at night and, later, covered the bed of a small boy named Estel. And when Sauron was finally defeated — the One Ring destroyed at the tiny hands of two brave Hobbits — and it was time for the Ringbearers to depart Middle-earth forever, Elrond took the quilt, worn and threadbare though it was, with him.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Unnamed Female Canon Character(s), Elrond |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: 10th Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 694 |
| Posted on 16 July 2015 | Updated on 1 June 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
And Every Single One of Us Still Left in Want of Mercy by grey_gazania
Parmë's voice was calm, but when she turned, Canyanis saw that her face was ashen and her hands were trembling.
"Parmë?" Something clenched in her chest, and she walked over and took hold of Parmë's shaking hands. Something was horribly, horribly wrong.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Unnamed Female Canon Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: Caranthir/Unnamed Canon Character |
| Genres: General | Challenges: 10th Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 387 |
| Posted on 17 July 2015 | Updated on 1 June 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Beneath the Willow Tree by grey_gazania
Elenwë is stressed. Luckily, Aredhel knows exactly how to help.
Written for Rhapsody the Bard for the 2013 My Slashy Valentine exchange.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Elenwë |
| Major Relationships: Aredhel/Elenwë |
| Genres: Femslash, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 304 |
| Posted on 15 February 2013 | Updated on 1 June 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Five Letters Caranthir Sent His Wife (And One Letter He Didn't) by grey_gazania
When Fëanor is exiled to Formenos, his seven sons accompany him, but Caranthir's wife stays behind in Tirion. A selection of their correspondence.
Written for the Vintage challenge prompts "epistolary" and "five things".
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Unnamed Female Canon Character(s), Caranthir |
| Major Relationships: Caranthir/Unnamed Canon Character |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Vintage |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 3, 088 |
| Posted on 26 May 2022 | Updated on 31 May 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Nightmares by grey_gazania
A brief moment between Maedhros and ten-year-old Elrond.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros & Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 669 |
| Posted on 30 May 2022 | Updated on 30 May 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Dull My Blades by grey_gazania
A brief moment in Eglarest between Fingon and his wife.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Unnamed Female Canon Character(s), Fingon |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Unnamed Canon Character |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 064 |
| Posted on 27 May 2022 | Updated on 27 May 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Bed We Share by grey_gazania
With his first child on the way, Fingon struggles to reconcile his divided heart.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Unnamed Female Canon Character(s), Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Unnamed Canon Character, Fingon/Maedhros |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 051 |
| Posted on 26 May 2022 | Updated on 26 May 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Spiders in the Mist: An Arachnid Love Story by Maggie Honeybite
On a mission to the Valley of Dreadful Death, two giant spiders encounter adventure, tackle moral issues and find love. Inspired by Tehta's "Flawed and Fair." AU, humour, giant spider slash.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Erotica, Humor, Romance, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 8, 963 |
| Posted on 23 May 2022 | Updated on 23 May 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Promise of Fire by Maggie Honeybite
Fingon tries to keep a promise made long ago.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Maedhros |
| Genres: Drama, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 501 |
| Posted on 23 May 2022 | Updated on 23 May 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
As Rivers of Water in a Dry Place by Maggie Honeybite
During the siege of the Barad-dûr, Gil-galad struggles with the burden of leadership and the grim reality of war. Elrond helps.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: Elrond/Gil-galad |
| Genres: Drama, Erotica, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 255 |
| Posted on 22 May 2022 | Updated on 22 May 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
In the Bleak Midwinter by Maggie Honeybite
On a cold winter night in Lindon, things heat up between the High King and his herald for the very first time. PWP.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: Elrond/Gil-galad |
| Genres: Erotica, Romance, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 556 |
| Posted on 22 May 2022 | Updated on 22 May 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Spark by grey_gazania
A brief moment between a young Curufin and his future wife.
Started for a B2MeM prompt from a few years ago, "meeting your future spouse".
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Unnamed Female Canon Character(s), Curufin |
| Major Relationships: Curufin/Unnamed Canon Character |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 543 |
| Posted on 21 May 2022 | Updated on 22 May 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
On Secret Looms Entwined by Lindariel
Episodes from the life Galadriel wove for herself in Middle-Earth.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Círdan, Galadriel, Ulmo |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on 7 March 2021 | Updated on 21 May 2022 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Loyalty by grey_gazania
Who were Ulfang's people, and why did they betray the Elves?
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Bor, Brodda, Caranthir, Dwarves, Maedhros, Uldor, Ulfang, Ulfast, Ulwarth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on 7 March 2021 | Updated on 20 May 2022 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
A Glimpse of the Harbor by Rocky41_7
Elwing watched for the return of Earendil's ship.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elwing |
| Major Relationships: Eärendil/Elwing |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 640 |
| Posted on 16 May 2022 | Updated on 16 May 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Second Lives, Second Chances by chrissystriped
They meet again by accident and that could have been all that was, if Glorfindel's never-voiced feelings for Rog hadn't come alive again.
Rog does not want to get tangled up in the affairs of the Noldor again, but how could he decline when Glorfindel asks him to come back with him to Middle-earth? That's what he has wanted since he was reborn, after all.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Glorfindel, Rog |
| Major Relationships: Glorfindel/Rog |
| Genres: Adventure, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 11 | Word Count: 15, 167 |
| Posted on 15 May 2022 | Updated on 15 May 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Knocking on nameless doors by daughterofshadows
A fragment of a rohirric nursery rhyme, presumably about the death of prince Baldor.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: On a Different Page |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 50 |
| Posted on 10 May 2022 | Updated on 10 May 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Illuminating Now and Dark Hath-been by polutropos
Two great bards meet during the Sack of Sirion. Written for the SWG Challenge "On a Different Page."
Prompt from Mythopoeia:
“Such isles they saw afar, and ones more fair,
and those that hear them yet may yet beware.
They have seen Death and ultimate defeat,
and yet they would not in despair retreat,
but oft to victory have turned the lyre
and kindled hearts with legendary fire,
illuminating Now and dark Hath-been
with light of suns as yet by no man seen.”
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Dírhavel, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Dírhavel & Maglor |
| Genres: General | Challenges: On a Different Page |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 823 |
| Posted on 10 May 2022 | Updated on 10 May 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Improbable Beautiful & Afraid of Nothing by StarSpray
The body wanted to look forward, however accustomed the spirit was to looking back.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Curufin, Dior, Eärendil, Elwing, Nimloth |
| Major Relationships: Dior/Nimloth, Dior & Elwing |
| Genres: Family, General, Het | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 9, 361 |
| Posted on 7 May 2022 | Updated on 10 May 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Telchar of Nogrod by Lindariel
Telchar emerges in some of Tolkien's early writings but remains elusive, despite his status as a great Dwarven smith. However, some of what is known about his character is revealed in his creations.
The Love of Their Mothers by Rocky41_7
Anaire and Earwen discuss the upcoming births of their children on a mild summer afternoon.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Anairë, Eärwen |
| Major Relationships: Anairë & Eärwen |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 333 |
| Posted on 6 May 2022 | Updated on 6 May 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Pet from Next Door by Rocky41_7
Nerdanel and Earwen disagree about free-roaming pets.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor/Nerdanel |
| Genres: Family, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 658 |
| Posted on 5 May 2022 | Updated on 5 May 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Horseman Wild in Windy Clouds by Himring
Annael tells his fosterling Tuor about the rides of Orome in Beleriand, before the Darkening of Valinor.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Annael, Oromë, Tuor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: On a Different Page |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 553 |
| Posted on 1 May 2022 | Updated on 2 May 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Sleepless in Lórien by elennalore
Elwë is one of the three Elven ambassadors in Valinor. Melyanna is a Maia, and their guardian. Their story did not begin in Nan Elmoth. It first began here, in the gardens of Lórien, when Elwë could not sleep.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Finwë, Melian |
| Major Relationships: Melian/Thingol, Finwë & Thingol |
| Genres: General, Romance | Challenges: On a Different Page |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 178 |
| Posted on 2 May 2022 | Updated on 2 May 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Amarië, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: On a Different Page |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 231 |
| Posted on 1 May 2022 | Updated on 1 May 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
