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
[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.
[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...
At the end of the First Age, Sauron makes a choice.
[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.
[Artwork] 2024 Potluck Doodles by silmalope
Assorted prompt fills for the 2024 Potluck bingo boards, to varying degrees of completion! :)
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
Heroes
Create a fanwork about a hero, whether the typical saves-the-world type or the unlikely, unsung, and accidental, those who have been forgotten or perhaps were never noticed at all, who made their worlds a better place. 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
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
Yes, please do by Himring
A moment in the recovery of Celebrian in Valinor.
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 172 |
| Posted on 16 March 2024 | Updated on 17 March 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
peaches we devour, dusty skin and all by NiennaWept
Elenwë did not marry for love, and finds herself longing through the years for something forbidden.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Elenwë |
| Major Relationships: Aredhel/Elenwë |
| Genres: Drama, Femslash, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 327 |
| Posted on 16 March 2024 | Updated on 16 March 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
On the Second Singing by Lferion
Various thoughts and question about the end of the world, and what part the Elves might play. A drabble poem.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General, Poetry | Challenges: Meet & Greet |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 130 |
| Posted on 15 March 2024 | Updated on 15 March 2024 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Interpreting Memories by Anérea
Andreth contemplates the different interpretations of her people's lore, memories handed down by word of mouth through the generations.
| Major Characters: Andreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Drawble/Finished Sketch |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Meet & Greet |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 15 March 2024 | Updated on 15 March 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (17) |
Meet & Greet by cuarthol
Matryoshka inspired art for the Meet & Greet Challenge
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Beren, Celebrimbor, Edain, Elu Thingol, Eöl, Finrod Felagund, Lúthien Tinúviel, Maeglin, Melian, Narvi, Oromë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Drawing/Painting |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Meet & Greet |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 14 March 2024 | Updated on 14 March 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (14) |
The Last Dance by SonOfMandos
Harad, Second Age. Tar-Ardamin's favourite dancer comes back to him.
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Mystery | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 877 |
| Posted on 14 March 2024 | Updated on 14 March 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Come Together, Broken Things, and Grow by UnicornsInSpace
Idril and Meleth (my OC) welcome Finduilas, Niënor, and other refugees into Havens after the Fall of Doriath, hoping they can start anew there. Finduilas's daughter is distraught about the situation. Also, how did Finduilas and Niënor make it to the Havens after the Fall of Doriath?
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Finduilas, Idril, Mablung, Nienor |
| Major Relationships: Mablung/Nienor, Oropher/Unnamed Canon Character, Finduilas & Original Character, Idril & Original Character |
| Genres: Adventure, Alternate Universe, Drama, Family, General, Het, Poly, Romance, Slash, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Meet & Greet |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 067 |
| Posted on 12 March 2024 | Updated on 12 March 2024 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Whatever Can Go Wrong, Will by sallysavestheday
A wet night in Rivendell has some of its residents in a bit of a snit.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Meet & Greet |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 481 |
| Posted on 6 March 2024 | Updated on 12 March 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Strands by Flora-lass
Elrond asks Maglor to do his hair.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 128 |
| Posted on 11 March 2024 | Updated on 11 March 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The Trial of a Dream by chrissystriped
A Maia arrives in Ost-in-Edhil. Maeglin cannot share Celebrimbor's excitement, he feels something is wrong with 'Annatar'.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Maeglin, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Celebrimbor/Maeglin |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: Meet & Greet |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Torture |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 158 |
| Posted on 11 March 2024 | Updated on 11 March 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Not yet weary are my feet by Quente
I read the Athrabeth and decided that Andreth was far too centered and wise to let a little thing like pity get in the way of true love.
| Major Characters: Andreth, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: Andreth & Finrod |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 235 |
| Posted on 11 March 2024 | Updated on 11 March 2024 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
That could have gone worse by daughterofshadows
Barhador was so not prepared for getting his period.
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Rog |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Meet & Greet |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 104 |
| Posted on 11 March 2024 | Updated on 11 March 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
To Whatever End by Grundy
Interludes with Finwë, from before the Journey to after.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Finwë, Indis, Ingwë, Míriel Serindë, Olwë |
| Major Relationships: Finwë/Indis/Míriel, Finwë & Ingwë & Thingol |
| Genres: | Challenges: Meet & Greet |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 2, 538 |
| Posted on 10 March 2024 | Updated on 10 March 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Prelude by Independence1776
Jedi!Maglor, meet Daeron. A double drabble.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Daeron & Maglor |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Crossover, Fixed-Length Ficlet | crossed with Star Wars | Challenges: Meet & Greet |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 210 |
| Posted on 10 March 2024 | Updated on 10 March 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Fear the Thunder by between_thepages
Thunderstorms never bring good news, Anairë has noted. And the one keeping her up this night is certainly no exception.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: Anairë/Nerdanel |
| Genres: Femslash, Ficlet, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: Meet & Greet |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 451 |
| Posted on 8 March 2024 | Updated on 8 March 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
The Water Is Fine by Gwanath Dagnir
Elrond, newest addition to Gil-galad's court, pays an unexpected visit to Mithlond's luxurious spa house for the first time.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Gil-galad |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 855 |
| Posted on 8 March 2024 | Updated on 8 March 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Seeing Stones in Dark Towers by Simon J. Cook
As inscribed above the western doors of the Mines of Moria, that magical illustration of Elf-Dwarf collaboration, the name of the game is treachery. From Frodo’s far-seeing dream of Orthanc in his first night in the house of Tom Bombadil, the post draws in the person of Frodo Baggins the image of the Stone by which the will of the Necromancer enters a Tower.
The Peaks of Taniquetil by Simon J. Cook
In 1946, two towers appeared in Tolkien's writings. The tower found in The Fall of Númenor may shed light on the meaning of the tower analogy of "Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics."
Meet & Greet Challenge Drabbles by cílil
A small drabble collection for the 2024 Matryoshka Meet & Greet Challenge.
Ainur-centric, canonverse, various pairings.
| Major Characters: Eönwë, Estë, Lórien, Manwë, Melkor, Sauron, Ulmo, Varda |
| Major Relationships: Manwë/Varda, Melkor/Sauron, Manwë & Melkor, Manwë/Ulmo, Estë/Lórien, Eönwë/Gothmog |
| Genres: Ficlet, Fluff, Romance, Slash | Challenges: Meet & Greet |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 904 |
| Posted on 5 March 2024 | Updated on 6 March 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Paradigm by Chestnut_pod
In Tirion, science advances one departure across an ice bridge at a time.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: In-Universe Sexism/Misogyny |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 921 |
| Posted on 6 March 2024 | Updated on 6 March 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Golden Lads and Girls All Must by sallysavestheday
Argon sees the world with an artist's eyes. All the way to the end.
| Major Characters: Argon, Fingon |
| Major Relationships: Argon & Fingon |
| Genres: | Challenges: Meet & Greet |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 969 |
| Posted on 2 March 2024 | Updated on 6 March 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (15) |
Are You Proud of Me? by MourningGlory
In his brother's final moments, Curufin must play an unexpected role.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Curufin, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Celegorm & Curufin |
| Genres: Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 805 |
| Posted on 4 March 2024 | Updated on 4 March 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Awakening by MourningGlory
A very tired Maglor wakes in an unfamiliar place. There, a familiar voice gives his diminished spirit the strength to live again.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Gandalf, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Maglor |
| Genres: Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 696 |
| Posted on 1 March 2024 | Updated on 3 March 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The Blue Line Between Sea and Sky by sallysavestheday
Voronwe drowns. And drowns. And drowns.
| Major Characters: Voronwë |
| Major Relationships: Idril/Tuor/Voronwë |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 947 |
| Posted on 2 March 2024 | Updated on 2 March 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
From Clamor, Consonance by sallysavestheday
Maedhros and Maglor, singing.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 818 |
| Posted on 2 March 2024 | Updated on 2 March 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
