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
Canon with a Twist
Choose a single moment in Tolkien's canon, have a character make a different choice, and create a fanwork about how the history changes. 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
Song for Two Voices by Zdenka
Írimë goes into exile and Elemmírë stays behind, but their thoughts are with each other, on the Ice or in the darkness. (A sequence of five drabbles.)
| Major Characters: Elemmírë, Lalwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Tolkien Femslash Week Bingo |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 524 |
| Posted on 19 July 2016 | Updated on 19 July 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Love Song Eternal by The Wavesinger
A song (or, more properly, a poem) from Elemmírë to Írimë.
| Major Characters: Elemmírë, Lalwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Tolkien Femslash Week Bingo |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 179 |
| Posted on 18 July 2016 | Updated on 18 July 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Confidence Restored by Scribe of Mirrormere
When Haleth feels hope fades she reaches for light within and seeks her out.
| Major Characters: Haleth, Nessa |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Tolkien Femslash Week Bingo |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 570 |
| Posted on 18 July 2016 | Updated on 18 July 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Sing You Home by The Wavesinger
The stream echoes Mithrellas' desperate search for Nimrodel.
| Major Characters: Mithrellas, Nimrodel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Tolkien Femslash Week Bingo |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 104 |
| Posted on 18 July 2016 | Updated on 18 July 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Haiku by The Wavesinger
I live under your/domain. You rule with gentle/kisses, golden smiles.
From Indis to Nerdanel.
| Major Characters: Indis, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Tolkien Femslash Week Bingo |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 131 |
| Posted on 18 July 2016 | Updated on 18 July 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Grant for Tindómiel by Scribe of Mirrormere
"My problem is Meril, father,” Tindómiel said and took another deep breath, her heart pounding with the confession reaching her lips. “I love her deeply, and that is the source of my pain."
| Major Characters: Elros, Meril-i-Turinqi, Other Fictional Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Tolkien Femslash Week Bingo |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 475 |
| Posted on 17 July 2016 | Updated on 17 July 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Long Years Numberless by The Wavesinger
In the Third Age, Varda and Galadriel reflect on change and love.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Varda |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Tolkien Femslash Week Bingo |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 831 |
| Posted on 17 July 2016 | Updated on 17 July 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Middle-earth Poetry (Silmarillion version) by Zdenka
Tolkien-related poetry on various subjects, mostly written for B2MeM. (I've only cross-posted the Silmarillion poems here; the version on AO3 and MPTT includes the LOTR-related ones also.)
| Major Characters: Erendis, Inzilbêth, Maeglin, Men |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Het, Poetry, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: B2MeM 2012, Tolkien Femslash Week Bingo |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 6, 366 |
| Posted on 17 May 2016 | Updated on 17 July 2016 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Dance, Oh Lover by The Wavesinger
A poem from Aredhel to Goldberry.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Goldberry |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Tolkien Femslash Week Bingo |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 97 |
| Posted on 17 July 2016 | Updated on 17 July 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
To an absent lover by Himring
Two (female) Sindar before the return of Morgoth from Valinor--one of them looking back on that time.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Sindar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Tolkien Femslash Week Bingo |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 75 |
| Posted on 17 July 2016 | Updated on 17 July 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Chain of Daisies by The Wavesinger
A moment with Finduilas and Níniel.
| Major Characters: Finduilas, Nienor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Tolkien Femslash Week Bingo |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 369 |
| Posted on 17 July 2016 | Updated on 17 July 2016 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Contrapunto by The Wavesinger
Ilmarë and her lover, before and after.
| Major Characters: Ilmarë, Thuringwethil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Tolkien Femslash Week Bingo |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 554 |
| Posted on 17 July 2016 | Updated on 17 July 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Lessons in Clay by The Wavesinger
Nerdanel fails to finish a sculpture, and admits to a defeat.
| Major Characters: Indis, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Tolkien Femslash Week Bingo |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 149 |
| Posted on 17 July 2016 | Updated on 17 July 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
and the song (forever) between us by Astris
Findis and Elemmírë meet in secret.
| Major Characters: Elemmírë, Findis |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Tolkien Femslash Week Bingo |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 415 |
| Posted on 16 July 2016 | Updated on 16 July 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Lyric by Idle Leaves
A short visit in the gardens.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Elenwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 653 |
| Posted on 16 July 2016 | Updated on 16 July 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Not by Sea by Idle Leaves
Hope gives way to truth.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Eärwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 218 |
| Posted on 16 July 2016 | Updated on 16 July 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The sweet song of Poppies by Rhapsody
Morwen is summoned by Acca to fulfill the need of the latter.
| Major Characters: Morwen, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Tolkien Femslash Week Bingo |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 200 |
| Posted on 16 July 2016 | Updated on 16 July 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Édebar by Urloth
Édebar was a tidal island. It had been a resting place of the Lady Uinen who had gifted it to a group of those who had pledged devotion to her to create a sanctuary for those who were mentally distressed or unhappy to find peace again. It was a far more discrete option than the long trip to Lorien, and Lorien was usually reserved for extreme cases.
Girls crying about their marriage prospects was not considered extreme.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Eärwen, Fëanor, Finarfin, Findis, Fingolfin, Finwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 22, 693 |
| Posted on 16 July 2016 | Updated on 16 July 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Little father by Calendille
Nerdanel considers her children, and why Curufin was always special to Fëanor’s heart.
| Major Characters: Curufin, Fëanor, Finwë, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 463 |
| Posted on 10 July 2016 | Updated on 10 July 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Oh Lift Me as a Wave by Zdenka
Elwing and the wind. (There are powers in Arda that are not told of in the histories.)
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Elwing, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 8 July 2016 | Updated on 8 July 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Dead Leaves and Beetles by Zdenka
Even before their fatal quarrel, Saeros is exasperated by Túrin's lack of grooming. (Triple drabble.)
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Saeros, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 7 July 2016 | Updated on 7 July 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
I Have Found The One My Soul Loves by The Wavesinger
"They say that the Elven-lady, along with her companion, a beautiful Elven-woman, watches over the line of the Princes and weeps for every one of her children, and children-of-her-children."
A story about Mithrellas and Nimrodel, after they find each other.
(Written for Karari for Ship Swap 2016.)
| Major Characters: Gilmith, Mithrellas, Nimrodel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 380 |
| Posted on 6 July 2016 | Updated on 6 July 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Drinks in the Dark by Lingwiloke
Orodreth has been crowned king of Nargothrond. He's not taking it particularly well.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2016 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 3 July 2016 | Updated on 3 July 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Golden Days by Lyra
Nerdanel recounts the development of her relationship with Fëanor - from their first proper meeting to married life. A fantasy of manners, pride, prejudice, love and craftsmanship.
| Major Characters: Aulë, Írimë, Fëanor, Findis, Fingolfin, Finwë, Indis, Mahtan, Nerdanel, Original Character(s), Yavanna |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 23 | Word Count: 93, 601 |
| Posted on 25 January 2009 | Updated on 26 June 2016 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (108) |
Distractions by Zdenka
Lalwen pays Elemmírë a sudden visit, trying to escape the growing divisions among the Noldor and her family. (250-word fixed-length ficlet.)
| Major Characters: Elemmírë, Lalwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 003 |
| Posted on 26 June 2016 | Updated on 26 June 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
