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
Teen Spirit
In honor of the SWG becoming a teenager, create a fanwork about an adolescent character or adolescence using our prompt generator. 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
(Not So) Cheap Sunglasses by UnicornsInSpace
In a modern/all human AU, Celeborn meets Galadriel while going to eat with his family and is smitten.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Galadriel, Lúthien Tinúviel, Melian |
| Major Relationships: Celeborn/Galadriel, Celeborn & Melian, Beren/Luthien, Celeborn & Lúthien |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: New Year's Resolution, Turgon's Rock Opera |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 477 |
| Posted on 19 January 2024 | Updated on 14 February 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
After The End by cuarthol
[F]or his father was dearer to him than the light of Valinor or the peerless works of his hands; - The Silmarillion
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Finwë |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor & Finwë |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Dip the Ladle, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 205 |
| Posted on 13 February 2024 | Updated on 13 February 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
| Major Characters: Draugluin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Illustration, Word Art |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: New Year's Resolution, Understory |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Posted on 11 February 2024 | Updated on 11 February 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (10) |
Forest-dwellers by chrissystriped
Rog helps a visitor with his prosthesis.
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Rog |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Middle-earth Is Multitudes, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 649 |
| Posted on 11 February 2024 | Updated on 11 February 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
Herbal Aroma by Adoraincerta
When Maedhros and Elros were away, Maglor had his problem to solve with no one else but Elrond.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Elrond/Maglor |
| Genres: Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 013 |
| Posted on 9 February 2024 | Updated on 9 February 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Five Turning Points for Turin (drabble series) by periantari
5 key instances in Turin's tragic life
| 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: 520 |
| Posted on 6 February 2024 | Updated on 6 February 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Northern Stars by Idrils Scribe
Aboard Galdor's warship, Glorfindel returns in triumph from a dangerous expedition deep into enemy territory. He has found Elrond's missing son, but all is not well: the Elf-child that was abducted by the Corsairs of Umbar is now a Man grown. War and darkness have left Elrohir deeply scarred, and he is not the mission's only casualty.
An alternate universe for the Under Strange Stars series, in which Elrohir goes with Glorfindel instead of running away from him after the events of Under Strange Stars. This story covers the events of ‘Northern Skies’, but it can be enjoyed without having read the original.
Many thanks to Grundy for all of her excellent beta-reading and brainstorming.e
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Elrohir, Elrond, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: Elrohir & Glorfindel |
| Genres: Family, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 11 | Word Count: 29, 640 |
| Posted on 23 September 2023 | Updated on 4 February 2024 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Untidy Souls by StarSpray
As the Fourth Age begins, Elu Thingol at last returns from the Halls of Mandos.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Dior, Elmo, Elu Thingol, Ingwë, Melian, Nimloth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, Het | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 6, 123 |
| Posted on 31 December 2020 | Updated on 3 February 2024 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Scion of— by stormfallen
Galadriel does not see what she wants to see in the High King.
| Major Characters: Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: Galadriel & Gil-galad |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 216 |
| Posted on 30 January 2024 | Updated on 3 February 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
In love that we are made by stormfallen
They say there are cities far to the East and South, for those who can find them, whose entire populations slowly forgot the need for flesh and faded into memory of routine, living in their empty homes and walking their empty streets even when those homes and streets are no more.
For thousands of years the City has awaited you.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Setting as Character, Avari |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental | Challenges: Experimental, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 307 |
| Posted on 31 January 2024 | Updated on 31 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Dispossessed by stormfallen
The sons of Fëanor find their places. Or lose them.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 202 |
| Posted on 30 January 2024 | Updated on 30 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Cerulean Shores by stormfallen
The Singer at the Shore reminisces on mornings, and meets a stranger.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Pallando |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 894 |
| Posted on 30 January 2024 | Updated on 30 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The setting of pyres by Angamaite
"...for none of the Eldalië ever hated Melkor more than Fëanor son of Finwë, who first named him Morgoth; and snared though he was in the webs of Melkor's malice against the Valar he held no converse with him and took no counsel from him."
Fëanor meets a stranger. There aren't many strangers in Tirion.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 402 |
| Posted on 29 January 2024 | Updated on 29 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Than All the Roses of the World by StarSpray
And even after he and Lúthien settled in Tol Galen, where the air smelled of roses and pine and the nightingales sang merrily through the summertime, word of the outside word came in bits and pieces, often many years late.
| Major Characters: Beren, Lúthien Tinúviel, Morwen, Rían |
| Major Relationships: Beren/Luthien, Beren & Rían, Beren & Morwen |
| Genres: Family, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 123 |
| Posted on 28 January 2024 | Updated on 28 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Assistance by Himring
Early in the Second Age, Gil-galad receives an important collaborator.
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fluff | Challenges: Cheesy Corn Chips, Middle-earth Is Multitudes, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 182 |
| Posted on 28 January 2024 | Updated on 28 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
By the eyes of beasts of prey by Angamaite
After the Nírnaeth Arnoediad, Celegorm and Curufin occasionally range far from Amon Ereb in an attempt to stem the tide of Morgoth's armies into Beleriand somewhat. This kind of idleness does not become the Oath once the Silmaril has appeared in Doriath again; Celegorm only needs a willing ear.
The academic conversation that stood at the beginning of the end.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Curufin |
| Major Relationships: Celegorm & Curufin |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language, In-Universe Intolerance, In-Universe Racism/Ethnocentrism, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 644 |
| Posted on 27 January 2024 | Updated on 28 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
L'appel du vivre by Angamaite
Celegorm, Curufin, a balcony of Finwë's royal residence, oblique discussions of death before death became more than an abstraction. And a little bit of parkour.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Curufin |
| Major Relationships: Celegorm & Curufin |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 393 |
| Posted on 28 January 2024 | Updated on 28 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Portraits of Elves by between_thepages
A collection of my portraits of various elves and the headcanons that lead to their depictions
| Major Characters: Anairë, Eärwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Character/Portrait, Clothing, Drawing/Painting | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on 28 January 2024 | Updated on 28 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Portrait of Anairë by between_thepages
A portrait of Anairë, wife of Nolofinwë.
| Major Characters: Anairë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Character/Portrait, Drawing/Painting |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 28 January 2024 | Updated on 28 January 2024 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (6) |
Quantum Song by Lferion
Fingon attends a concert given by the Tirion Academic Symphony.
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: New Year's Resolution, Roaring Twenties |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 204 |
| Posted on 28 January 2024 | Updated on 28 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Things Tolkien Fanfiction Readers and Writers Like to Do (Other Than Fanfiction) by Dawn Walls-Thumma
Tolkien fanfiction writers and readers are involved in fandom in ways other than fanfiction. What else do they do and what patterns can we find in their preferences, using Tolkien Fanfiction Survey data?
Flames by elennalore
From an account of an enslaved Elf in Angband.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Balrogs |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Middle-earth Is Multitudes, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 203 |
| Posted on 27 January 2024 | Updated on 27 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Olwë by LadySternchen
About Olwë, the king of the Teleri in Aman, little is known, but a series of difficult events marked his life until he fades from the pages of The Silmarillion in the First Age.
Dénouement by sallysavestheday
Amrod and Aredhel shared a common ending in being killed by people they loved. Making peace with that pain in Valinor is hard.
| Major Characters: Amrod, Aredhel |
| Major Relationships: Amrod/Aredhel |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 895 |
| Posted on 21 January 2024 | Updated on 21 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Region Cloud Hath Mask'd Him From Me Now by sallysavestheday
Maedhros and Fingon meet in the mists, again and again. Until they don't.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Maedhros |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 176 |
| Posted on 21 January 2024 | Updated on 21 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
