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
[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] Seeking Sunlight by StarSpray
It was winter, and the sunlight that came into the caves was cold and pale, but Rían still sought it out, bundled up in all of the furs and blankets that they could give her.
[Writing] Primordial Daydream by Anérea
The Queen of Faery takes a little light trip down memory lane.
[Writing] Silence Under Starlight by StarSpray
In Valmar, after the Darkening and the Flight of the Noldor, Indis receives a visitor.
[Writing] Where Memory Walks by StarSpray
Neldoreth was both like and unlike the forests of Dior’s childhood and youth.
[Writing] Eä's Redemption by AaronAzrael
This is my new poetical attempt to add my own interpretation to Tolkien's Cosmology as to Eru's Creation and the Valar's minds and behind-the-scene providence reasons and mechanisms.. I often review Eä as part of our own world, just in another dimension, this is why I have always seriously…
[Writing] Collection of Potluck Drabbles by Artano
This is a collection of true drabbles completed for the 'Four Words' drabble bingo card.
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
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.
[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
Festival of Lights Fest 2024
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.
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.
New and Updated Fanworks
Include Beyond the Silmarillion Fanworks
The Dance of the Lights by Narya
Aredhel and Egalmoth share a quiet moment on the Grinding Ice.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Egalmoth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Holiday Feast |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 535 |
| Posted on 29 December 2018 | Updated on 29 December 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Second Crossing by Narya
On the voyage back to Middle-earth, Glorfindel remembers, and makes some new friends.
| Major Characters: Alatar, Glorfindel, Pallando |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 031 |
| Posted on 29 December 2018 | Updated on 29 December 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Smoldering by Grundy
Finrod discovers at least one family feud he'd hoped was settled hasn't been laid to rest yet.
| Major Characters: Angrod, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Holiday Feast |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 344 |
| Posted on 28 December 2018 | Updated on 28 December 2018 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Long Time Passing by Grundy
Eärwen's thoughts on a journey to Alqualondë prior to the War of Wrath. Written for the Fish course of the Holiday Feast.
| Major Characters: Eärwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Holiday Feast |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 666 |
| Posted on 27 December 2018 | Updated on 27 December 2018 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
One Step Closer by NelyafinweFeanorion
Maitimo and Findekano in Valinor during the time of the Two Trees when they are first realizing their feelings for each other. Mutual pining, both painfully oblivious to each other's true feelings. Maitimo is helping Findekano study for his upcoming examinations and they naturally are spending an significant amount of time alone together which brings their repressed feelings for each other further to the fore. They have support from an unexpected source.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Finwë, Indis, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 063 |
| Posted on 27 December 2018 | Updated on 27 December 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Naurthoniel and the Heroism of Housekeeping in Mithrim by Himring
The Feanorians are camped on one side of the lake of Mithrim, the Fingolfinians on the other. Many of the Feanorians would welcome the Fingolfinians, but do not dare--what action then might they take?
The back-story of Maedhros's housekeeper.
Extra double drabble added: The Bitterest North (OFCs and Fingon)
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Maedhros, Maglor, Noldor, Original Character(s), Sindar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 5, 446 |
| Posted on 17 April 2013 | Updated on 23 December 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Food For Thought: A Meta Feast by Grundy
Meta collection written for the 2018 Holiday Feast Challenge. Each course will be presented as its own chapter.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: Holiday Feast |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 4, 322 |
| Posted on 21 December 2018 | Updated on 22 December 2018 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (17) |
The King's Peace by Idrils Scribe
In the dead of Hithlum's icy winter a battered Maedhros restores what peace he can to himself and his people, much to his brothers' chagrin.
This story is a gift for Dawn Felagund, who requested Fëanorian family dynamics, but without the holiday fluff. Consider this one a most unfluffy palate cleanser ;-)
Many thanks to Grundy, who did a wonderful and very thorough job beta-ing this story. All remaining mistakes are mine.
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Holiday Feast |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 985 |
| Posted on 18 December 2018 | Updated on 18 December 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Going Through These Stages by Lyra
Elrond receives fateful news from Númenor, and has to come to terms with them.
Written for the "Competition" Challenge, for the prompt Lights and Shadows by O'G3NE. Rather less encouraging than the song, I'm afraid.
| Major Characters: Elrond |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Competition |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 1, 944 |
| Posted on 10 June 2018 | Updated on 11 December 2018 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Drabbles: The Silmarillion, part 2 by Zdenka
Tolkien drabbles set in the First and Second Ages of Middle-earth. (Exactly 100 words as counted by MS Word.) Please see table of contents for individual summaries and warnings.
| Major Characters: Aerin, Aredhel, Curufin, Elemmírë, Elenwë, Ents, Eöl, Húrin, Lalwen, Maeglin, Melkor, Míriel Serindë, Nellas, Nienor, Original Female Character(s), Oromë, Rían, Thuringwethil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General, Het, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: B2MeM 2018, Tolkien Femslash Week Bingo |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 18 | Word Count: 24, 515 |
| Posted on 23 July 2016 | Updated on 10 December 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Deeds in Days of Old by janeways
A Fëanorian Hanukkah,
Or,
Fëanor and his seven sons: eight drabbles for eight nights.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celebrimbor, Celegorm, Curufin, Elrond, Fëanor, Haleth, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 8 | Word Count: 796 |
| Posted on 2 December 2018 | Updated on 9 December 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (30) |
nightshade morrowless by kimaracretak
Melian and Galadriel share a moment alone.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 9 December 2018 | Updated on 9 December 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Aftermath by Independence1776
In the brief period of calm between the end of the War and the Valinorean army sailing home to Aman, Maglor makes a decision.
| Major Characters: Eönwë, Finarfin, Galadriel, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 3, 113 |
| Posted on 1 December 2018 | Updated on 9 December 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Aerin and Broddun by Himring
The story of Aerin of the House of Hador and Broddun of the Easterlings, Brodda's sister. After the crushing defeat of the Edain in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, the Easterlings have occupied Dor-lomin. Brodda has taken Aerin to wife by force.
Aerin and Broddun find ways of dealing with it and with each other. Their friendship grows and survives amid difficulties, but the end is bitter.
Now added: an extra drabble.
| Major Characters: Aerin, Brodda, Lorgan, Morwen, Original Character(s), Sador Labadal |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 3, 930 |
| Posted on 20 July 2013 | Updated on 9 December 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Owl by curufinweatarinke
A series of snapshots from Fëanor’s early life, centred around a beloved stuffed owl.
(Or, adventures in single fatherhood with Finwë)
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Curufin, Fëanor, Finwë, Ingwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 4, 173 |
| Posted on 8 December 2018 | Updated on 8 December 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Scorched by curufinweatarinke
Celebrimbor, Curufin and Celegorm in the aftermath of Fëanor’s death.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Celegorm, Curufin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 537 |
| Posted on 8 December 2018 | Updated on 8 December 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Habeas Corpus by curufinweatarinke
Curufin is accused of a crime he didn’t commi, but wishes he did.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Celegorm, Curufin, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 304 |
| Posted on 8 December 2018 | Updated on 8 December 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Silver by curufinweatarinke
Finwë reflects on the similarities between Tyelkormo and Míriel
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Finwë, Indis, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 691 |
| Posted on 8 December 2018 | Updated on 8 December 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Stars by curufinweatarinke
Celebrimbor is his father’s son.
(snapshots from the life of a more Fëanorian Celebrimbor)
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Celegorm, Curufin, Fëanor, Maedhros, Narvi, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Torture, Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 255 |
| Posted on 8 December 2018 | Updated on 8 December 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Negotiations by arafinwean
Haleth looks at Caranthir and wonders what he's lost.
Or the first meeting between the two. Written for the Starter Prompt for the Holiday Feast.
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Haleth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Holiday Feast |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 922 |
| Posted on 8 December 2018 | Updated on 8 December 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
A Place in Time by Nienna
A ficlet or drabble a day, various subjects.
For independence1776‘s Hanukkah themed prompts: independence1776.tumblr.com/post/180634928943/hanukkah-themed-prompts
| Major Characters: Eärwen, Galadriel, Lúthien Tinúviel, Thuringwethil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 508 |
| Posted on 3 December 2018 | Updated on 7 December 2018 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Fate and Free Will in Arda by Lyra
I have been meaning to write an essay on this topic this year, but it's such a complicated topic that I haven't even begun to read up on it. I have, however, assembled a list of material I would read if I got around to tackling the essay. So here: have an informal bibliography, with unqualified commentary by yours truly.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: Holiday Feast |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 216 |
| Posted on 3 December 2018 | Updated on 3 December 2018 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Song and Smoke by Zdenka
During her forced marriage to Brodda, Aerin is consoled by the presence of Rían’s ghost. (Two versions of the story: chapter 1 in prose and chapter 2 in alliterative verse.)
| Major Characters: Aerin, Rían |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn, Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 240 |
| Posted on 3 December 2018 | Updated on 3 December 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Finding a Word by Zdenka
Níniel needs Finduilas to help her remember a word. Or maybe she just wants to kiss her.
| Major Characters: Finduilas, Nienor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 282 |
| Posted on 3 December 2018 | Updated on 3 December 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Miracles Great and Small by janeways
Spending the holidays with your family is always difficult. Especially if you've disowned them.
Or, Celebrimbor discovers you can choose your own family (sometimes, it's even the people you're related to).
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Elrond, Erestor, Gil-galad, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 894 |
| Posted on 2 December 2018 | Updated on 2 December 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
