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
Míriel Þerindë: The Art of the Needle by Elwin Fortuna
The art of Miriel stitches together key moments in the legendarium. (Ficlet)
| Major Characters: Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 190 |
| Posted on 14 September 2017 | Updated on 14 September 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A Purpose Beyond Beauty by just_jenni
Melian realizes that she has a higher purpose of creation in the world. (One-shot)
| Major Characters: Estë, Lórien, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 510 |
| Posted on 14 September 2017 | Updated on 14 September 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Varda by hennethgalad
Ingwe learns hope and inspiration from Varda. (One-shot)
| Major Characters: Ingwë, Varda |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 997 |
| Posted on 14 September 2017 | Updated on 14 September 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The Labours of Varda by Elwin Fortuna
Varda makes the stars. (Poem)
| Major Characters: Varda |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 005 |
| Posted on 14 September 2017 | Updated on 14 September 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The Prancing Pony by hennethgalad
Gandalf reveals his origins to Bilbo. This short story was for "Subcreation: A Collection" for Silmarillion40.
| Major Characters: Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 998 |
| Posted on 14 September 2017 | Updated on 14 September 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
It Came into the Heart of Melkor by Elwin Fortuna
Melkor creates rebellion and chaos. (Ficlet)
| Major Characters: Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 050 |
| Posted on 14 September 2017 | Updated on 14 September 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Re-Creation of Arda by Angelica
The Ainulindale. (Ficlet)
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 172 |
| Posted on 14 September 2017 | Updated on 14 September 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Star Kindler by feanorusrex
Varda creates the stars. (Art)
| Major Characters: Varda |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 736 |
| Posted on 14 September 2017 | Updated on 14 September 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
Tra la la. by hennethgalad
The actor Melairë writes to his lover to tell of meeting Glorfindel.
| Major Characters: Erestor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 511 |
| Posted on 11 September 2017 | Updated on 11 September 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Fill My Heart With Fire by The Wavesinger
Turgon dies on the Ice instead of Elenwë. This is the story of what happens after that.
Written for Solanaceae for Ardor in August 2017.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Elenwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 12, 884 |
| Posted on 11 September 2017 | Updated on 11 September 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Written In Blood by hennethgalad
Glorfindel tells Aragorn of the attempted return of Húrin to Gondolin.
| Major Characters: Aragorn, Glorfindel, Húrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 280 |
| Posted on 11 September 2017 | Updated on 11 September 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Survivor by Tyelca
A creature-something between Elf and Orc flees from the Shadow, only to realize the Shadow has been inside him all along.
| Major Characters: Elves, Orcs, Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Horror | Challenges: Song of Exile |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Torture, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 785 |
| Posted on 10 September 2017 | Updated on 10 September 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The Last Exile by Grundy
Celeborn had never properly understood exile before Galadriel sailed. He knows better now.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Celebrían, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Song of Exile |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 954 |
| Posted on 9 September 2017 | Updated on 9 September 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Cutting Ties by Himring
Anarion, son of Elendil, on his way into exile.
| Major Characters: Anárion |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Song of Exile |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 197 |
| Posted on 9 September 2017 | Updated on 9 September 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Upon these shores by Lyra
The fate of Maglor, after he cast away the Silmaril, is pretty much open for speculation. Here are some glimpses at his adventures throughout human history, in no particular order.
Newly added: Exiles. In the Roman province of Macedonia, two exiles meet. Written for the August 2017 challenge, Song of Exile.
| Major Characters: Historical Character(s), Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Around the Fire, B2MeM 2009, B2MeM 2012, B2MeM 2016, Song of Exile |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 16, 270 |
| Posted on 21 May 2010 | Updated on 7 September 2017 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (35) |
Echoes by grey_gazania
Galwen encounters two figures from her past.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Song of Exile |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 758 |
| Posted on 6 September 2017 | Updated on 6 September 2017 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Exile. by hennethgalad
Nerdanel looks back on her marriage as she watches the return of Finarfin with Anairë and Eärwen.
This is as grim as you would expect.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Eärwen, Fëanor, Finarfin, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Song of Exile |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 150 |
| Posted on 6 September 2017 | Updated on 6 September 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Stolen Evenings by Tyelca
A collection of short stories, each one focusing on a different pairing sharing one (stolen) evening.
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Celegorm, Haleth, Huan, Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Romance | Challenges: Just an Old-Fashioned Love Song |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 515 |
| Posted on 10 August 2017 | Updated on 5 September 2017 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Hawthorn Sword by swampdiamonds
Back in Nargothrond after several seasons on the northern border, Túrin finds himself entangled in Gwindor's personal and political conflicts and comes to a decision about his own future.
| Major Characters: Finduilas, Gwindor, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 11, 785 |
| Posted on 4 September 2017 | Updated on 4 September 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Old Friends - part two. by hennethgalad
Glorfindel and Erestor attend the celebration, but leave early.
| Major Characters: Erestor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Erotica | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 200 |
| Posted on 3 September 2017 | Updated on 3 September 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Old Friends by hennethgalad
Olórin introduces Erestor to Glorfindel, they climb Taniquetil for their coming of age ceremony.
| Major Characters: Erestor, Gandalf, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 200 |
| Posted on 3 September 2017 | Updated on 3 September 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
With the Stars in the Darkness, and Love in the Light by Zdenka
At Nienor's request, the women of Brethil share stories and songs about Haleth, the river's daughter, and those they loved. (Goldberry/Haleth, Goldberry/Nellas, Haleth/OFC)
| Major Characters: Goldberry, Haleth, Nellas, Nienor, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 200 |
| Posted on 2 September 2017 | Updated on 2 September 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Exiled and The Exiles by LadyBrooke
The Exiles are coming to Lórien, though Oropher and Amdír have been exiled for far longer than these Noldor.
| Major Characters: Amdir, Oropher |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Song of Exile |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 359 |
| Posted on 31 August 2017 | Updated on 31 August 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Defiant Hope, Take Wing by Lordnelson100
Caranthir the Dark does business with an Edain, and unwittingly gives rise to the hope of Middle-earth. Maedhros forms a plan.
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Haleth, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Alternate Universe, Drama, Het | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 602 |
| Posted on 30 August 2017 | Updated on 30 August 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
| Major Characters: Rían |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 200 |
| Posted on 30 August 2017 | Updated on 30 August 2017 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
