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
Season's Greetings
Create a fanwork in which one (or several) of the holidays of Middle-earth plays a 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.
[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
Discord and Harmony by Independence1776
Young and in love, Nerdanel and Fëanor investigate the reality behind the Ainulindalë.
| Major Characters: Aulë, Fëanor, Manwë, Nerdanel, Varda |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Het | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 331 |
| Posted on 5 September 2018 | Updated on 5 September 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Name Every Star by StarSpray
After Doriath's fall, Nellas heads east, with Dior's sons in tow.
| Major Characters: Eluréd, Elurín, Nellas |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Discovery |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 694 |
| Posted on 4 September 2018 | Updated on 4 September 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The darkening of hearts by Nuredhel
When Fëanor realize the truth about his son's realtionship with his cousin he tries to break the two apart by forcing Maedhros into a marriage. What he fails to realize is that he by doing this is introducing an innocent third person into the family, a young nis who does firmly believe that this will be the end of everything. How can she survive when hearts turn dark and cold and the light itself is stolen from them. Can she ever find true love? And will the truth about her unusual life ever be revealed?
| Major Characters: Ainur, Amras, Amrod, Aredhel, Argon, Beleg, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Elves, Finarfin, Findis, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Finwë, Galadriel, Indis, Mablung, Maedhros, Maglor, Maiar, Mandos, Manwë, Melian, Melkor, Nerdanel, Noldor, Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Sons of Fëanor, Turgon, Valar, Vanyar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Erotica, Het, Horror, Romance, Slash/Femslash, Suspense | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Incest, Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic), Sexual Content (Mild), Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 14 | Word Count: 116, 996 |
| Posted on 23 August 2018 | Updated on 23 August 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
"Home is behind" by hennethgalad
Hador Lórindol travels with his father Hathol to the home of Gildis to meet her parents.
| Major Characters: Hador, Hathol |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 841 |
| Posted on 21 August 2018 | Updated on 21 August 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Eglairaith. by hennethgalad
Fingolfin sends Hador away before Nargothrond lest he fall in love with Finrod.
(Assumes that Finrod loves Glorfindel. See 'Eithel Ivrin' if you like, though it’s not necessary)
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Hador, Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Erotica | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 205 |
| Posted on 20 August 2018 | Updated on 20 August 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Beyond All Hope by Independence1776
After the War of Wrath, Maglor is released from Angband-- but there is still the matter of his Oath.
| Major Characters: Eönwë, Maglor, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 486 |
| Posted on 19 August 2018 | Updated on 19 August 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
This...socks!! by Nuredhel
Ever wondered where the socks which disappear in the washing machine end up? Well, wonder no more, here is the answer to that age old conundrum....
| Major Characters: Elves, Melkor, Orcs, Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 962 |
| Posted on 17 August 2018 | Updated on 17 August 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A herbal disaster by Nuredhel
When a small bottle of shampoo takes a plunge through space and time and end up in a war meeting during the war of wrath the forces of the valar are given a most terrible weapon....
| Major Characters: Elves, Eönwë, Melkor, Original Female Character(s), Sauron, Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Erotica, Humor, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 872 |
| Posted on 17 August 2018 | Updated on 17 August 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Consign Me Not to Darkness by Lotrfan
Finrod accompanies Beren to retrieve a Silmaril and is captured, along with his companions. His encounter with Sauron in Tol-in-Gaurhoth leads to an epic battle of will and skill. Written for the Teitho contest prompt Songs.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 431 |
| Posted on 16 August 2018 | Updated on 16 August 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Why? by elvntari
Elros liked to get drunk on the rooftop and philosophise. Elrond liked to make sure he didn't get caught.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Teen Spirit |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 677 |
| Posted on 15 August 2018 | Updated on 15 August 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Strangeness and Charm by elvntari
The Mereth Aderthad. Daeron is sent as one of the two reptresentatives of Doriath, expecting to be bored and offended by those he encounters there, instead he is amazed by the talent and charm of a certain Maglor Feanorion, a bloodstained mystery with a brilliant ear.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Fingolfin, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 908 |
| Posted on 15 August 2018 | Updated on 15 August 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
What REALLY Happened; The Coronation of Gil-galad by Cee Cee
An unlucky young ellon learns that he has become the latest victim in a long line of unlucky High Kings of the Noldor.
| Major Characters: Círdan, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 756 |
| Posted on 14 August 2018 | Updated on 14 August 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
A Path Drenched in Blood by Kaz
Why didn't Dior give the Silmarils to the Sons of Fëanor? Why didn't Elwing, knowing the likely result? An attempt at a sympathetic explanation.
In which Lúthien worries, Nimloth plots, Dior learns about bargaining, Eärendil sees what most do not, Galadriel is not maternal and - throughout - Elwing dreams.
| Major Characters: Beren, Dior, Elwing, Lúthien Tinúviel, Nimloth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 322 |
| Posted on 14 August 2018 | Updated on 14 August 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Maurn. by hennethgalad
Crossing the plain of East Beleriand, they meet some wood-elves.
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Hador |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 975 |
| Posted on 14 August 2018 | Updated on 14 August 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Beware of the things that go bump...in the privy.... by Nuredhel
Elladan and Elrohir have joined their father visiting Greenwood, little do they know that one of Elladan's bed time stories is about to unleash unknown horrors upon the unsuspecting woodland elves.... Prepare for mayhem!
| Major Characters: Elladan, Elrohir, Elrond, Elves, Legolas Greenleaf, Original Character(s), Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Humor, Mystery | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 618 |
| Posted on 12 August 2018 | Updated on 12 August 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Of storks and elflings by Nuredhel
When King Oropher arranges a marriage for his son Thranduil he does to his horror discover that the elleth he has chosen is so uninformed and innocent she still believes that elflings are delivered by the stork. Something must be done! Be prepared for a piece of bizarre education and a letter of enlightenment.
| Major Characters: Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Erotica, Humor, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 14, 933 |
| Posted on 12 August 2018 | Updated on 12 August 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
This Is Growing Up by Grundy
Artanis reflects as she faces the choice of whether to cross the Helcaraxë or return to Tirion.
| Major Characters: Eärwen, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Teen Spirit |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 310 |
| Posted on 11 August 2018 | Updated on 11 August 2018 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
'Soiled with blood' by hennethgalad
Gildis meets Maglor at Himring. They speak of music.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 325 |
| Posted on 10 August 2018 | Updated on 10 August 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Sunrise Before I Ever Saw the Sun by Himring
Scenes featuring Maedhros and Fingon in Valinor, set during the Years of the Trees.
Now added: "The Bear Incident".
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Fingon, Maedhros, Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2018, Living Land, Teen Spirit |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 10 | Word Count: 4, 808 |
| Posted on 30 December 2011 | Updated on 8 August 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (42) |
running down to the riptide by RaisingCaiin
It is dawn, early dawn, when Voronwë slips away from Sirion, letting the briny tang of salt and the soft murmur of distant waves guide him west along faint paths through the shivering reeds. After near on twenty years lived in the City of Refuge he knows full well the direction in which the Sea lies, and how to best reach it, but it is good to have his senses – and darkness take him, the world – confirm that he is going the right way.
And so Voronwë lets himself be guided, his bare and calloused feet nudged a certain way along the sandy trail, and it feels appropriate, somehow. For what has come and what has yet to come, all at once.
[cross-posted from Ao3]
| Major Characters: Voronwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 381 |
| Posted on 7 August 2018 | Updated on 7 August 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Horses. by hennethgalad
They leave the House of Angrod and cross Ard-galen, where they are met by Aegnor, and Fingolfin meets Rochallor for the first time.
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Fingolfin, Hador, Lalwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 8, 774 |
| Posted on 5 August 2018 | Updated on 5 August 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
"when all other lights go out" by hennethgalad
Fingolfin tries to persuade Maedhros to join in attacking Morgoth before Dagor Bragollach.
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 256 |
| Posted on 5 August 2018 | Updated on 5 August 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Engaged. by hennethgalad
Hador realises he is Mortal and turns to Gildis.
| Major Characters: Hador |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 368 |
| Posted on 3 August 2018 | Updated on 3 August 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Mightiest of the Dragon Horde by Astris
A naturalist of the Noldor makes observations during the War of Wrath. Her companion is unamused.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 601 |
| Posted on 2 August 2018 | Updated on 2 August 2018 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
13th birthday insta-drabbles! by RaisingCaiin
insta-drabbles written for prompts posted on SWG Discord!
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 750 |
| Posted on 2 August 2018 | Updated on 2 August 2018 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
