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] Collection of Potluck Drabbles by Artano
This is a collection of true drabbles completed for the 'Four Words' drabble bingo card.
[Writing] Getting Dirty by Elleth
A collection of NSFW ficlets for the "Keep It Clean" bingo card of the 2024 Potluck Bingo.
[Reference] 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.
[Artwork] 2024 Potluck Doodles by silmalope
Assorted prompt fills for the 2024 Potluck bingo boards, to varying degrees of completion! :)
[Artwork] A Collection of Maps Exhibiting the Changing Political Landscape in Beleriand by Artano
Created for the 'Geography/Maps/Places' prompt on the "Tolkien meta" bingo board, this is a collection of maps marked with the various people groups showing how they arrived and moved about Beleriand. This collection focuses specifically on the time from the arrival of the Teleri, Vanyar, and…
[Writing] On the Nature of the Sindar’s Hunting the Petty-dwarves by Artano
This is an analysis on whether the Sindar ate the Petty-dwarves during the years they hunted them, completed for the 'Literary Analysis' prompt on the "Tolkien Meta" bingo card.
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
Plot Thickens
Create a fanwork that depicts characters in the act of plotting something. 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
[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.
[Writing] Staging a Battle by StarSpray
He and Diamond were visiting, though Pippin had been disappearing every afternoon, and taking Frodo and Elanor and most other lads and lasses in the neighborhood with him—though why they couldn’t use Pippin’s own pony, Sam couldn’t imagine.
Around the World and Web
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.
Kiliel Week 2024
Kiliel Week is a Tumblr event for fanworks about the Kili/Tauriel pairing.
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!
November 2024 Call for Papers and Proposals
Calls for papers and proposals for conferences and publications that are open during the month of November 2024.
New and Updated Poetry
Glorfindel's Dream by Esteliel
Glorfindel thinks back on his life. A sestina written for the Lays of Beleriand Reloaded theme.
| Major Characters: Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 333 |
| Posted on 8 September 2010 | Updated on 8 September 2010 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Ainulindalë - I by Idril_Vanimedle
An interesting attempt at creating a poem that can be read in more than one way. About the destruction of the Lamps and the flight of the Valar from Middle Earth.
Can be for the 5th birthday challenge "The Lays of Beleriand Reloaded".
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 37 |
| Posted on 21 August 2010 | Updated on 21 August 2010 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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At the dawn of the world by Ithildae
A poem, based on my impressions after reading the book for the first time.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 105 |
| Posted on 16 August 2010 | Updated on 16 August 2010 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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The OTHER Lays of Beleriand by Aiwen
The Lays JRR Tolkien did not write for very good reasons. Part Eight: The Harp and other poems. MEFA 2010 nominee.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Glorfindel, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor, Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 8 | Word Count: 1, 414 |
| Posted on 23 March 2009 | Updated on 18 June 2010 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Tears for the Fallen by pandemonium_213
Melkor considers a flower.
Written for International Poetry Month, April 2010.
MEFA 2010. Winner, First Place; Genres: Poetry: Drama.
| Major Characters: Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Duel of Songs |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 266 |
| Posted on 6 April 2010 | Updated on 6 April 2010 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Love is no argument by Himring
Poem (or song lyrics) for two voices. Well, Fingon and Maedhros, obviously.
For International Poetry Month.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Suicide, Character Death, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 81 |
| Posted on 5 April 2010 | Updated on 5 April 2010 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
I seek answer by ford_of_bruinen
'The petition to Manwe to allow the banned elves to return'
| Major Characters: Eärendil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 131 |
| Posted on 18 February 2010 | Updated on 18 February 2010 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Nargothrond by ford_of_bruinen
Curufin and Celegorm arriving at Nargothrond
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Curufin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 42 |
| Posted on 18 February 2010 | Updated on 18 February 2010 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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Lost by ford_of_bruinen
Glorfindel is reborn
| Major Characters: Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 47 |
| Posted on 18 February 2010 | Updated on 18 February 2010 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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A little jewel by ford_of_bruinen
Mahtan is watching is daughter.
| Major Characters: Mahtan, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 98 |
| Posted on 18 February 2010 | Updated on 18 February 2010 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Regrets by ford_of_bruinen
Mahtan and nerdanel thoughts.
| Major Characters: Mahtan, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 98 |
| Posted on 18 February 2010 | Updated on 18 February 2010 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
A letter at the twilight of my days. by ford_of_bruinen
Aegnor is writing a letter to Finrod.
| Major Characters: Aegnor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 88 |
| Posted on 18 February 2010 | Updated on 18 February 2010 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
How I Wish by Dawn Felagund
Left behind by Finrod, Amárië considers the paradox of her situation: her wish for his return and the only means by which her wish would be granted. A sonnet.
| Major Characters: Amarië |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 122 |
| Posted on 31 December 2009 | Updated on 31 December 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
A Mighty Bridge Invisible by Noliel
A mariner finds himself, alone, on the Old Road to the West.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 376 |
| Posted on 4 September 2009 | Updated on 4 September 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
"Zimraphel" and "I who loved her" by Noliel, Dawn Felagund
Tar-Miriel faces the wave that will drown Númenor while, in the midst of the forbidden realm of Valinor, Ar-Pharazôn is granted sudden awareness of her fate.
| Major Characters: Ar-Pharazôn, Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 197 |
| Posted on 31 August 2009 | Updated on 31 August 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Bedtime Tales of the Sun by Dawn Felagund
A young daughter in the House of Anárion asks how the world came to be rounded.
| Major Characters: Arien, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, Poetry | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 714 |
| Posted on 30 August 2009 | Updated on 30 August 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Maedhros the Red-haired Elfie by Cirdan
Maedhros the Red-haired Elfie to the tune of Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 112 |
| Posted on 28 August 2009 | Updated on 28 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Three Sides to the Same Story by Fireworks
Three poems that tell of the tragic story of Gwindor, Finduilas, and Túrin, from three points of view.
| Major Characters: Finduilas, Gwindor, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 498 |
| Posted on 20 August 2009 | Updated on 20 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Seek the Horizon, Númenor's Sons by Dawn Felagund
"Above all arts they nourished shipbuilding and sea-craft, and they became mariners whose like shall never be again since the world was diminished; and voyaging upon the wide seas was the chief feat and adventure of their hardy men in the gallant days of their youth"--a Númenórean mariners' chant.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 279 |
| Posted on 5 August 2009 | Updated on 5 August 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
The Longings of the Eruhíni by Ithilwen
The Children of Ilúvatar reflect on their natures.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 005 |
| Posted on 8 June 2009 | Updated on 8 June 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
The Wanderer by Ithilwen
A bit of light verse featuring our favorite Wandering Elf, Maglor!
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 295 |
| Posted on 8 June 2009 | Updated on 8 June 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Songs of Arda Marred by Ithilwen
A Silmarillion sonnet cycle.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 816 |
| Posted on 8 June 2009 | Updated on 8 June 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
After Amputations by Ithilwen
Reflections of Maedhros following the loss of his hand.
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 249 |
| Posted on 1 June 2009 | Updated on 1 June 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
The Dancers by Elleth
A ghostly night long after the fall of Gondolin. 'Poetry'.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Mystery, Poetry | Challenges: Duel of Songs |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 203 |
| Posted on 30 May 2009 | Updated on 30 May 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
| | |
Rising by Dawn Felagund
Tar-Míriel's final ascent to the Meneltarma. A "dribble" poem.
| Major Characters: Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 56 |
| Posted on 23 May 2009 | Updated on 23 May 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters |
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