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
End Is the Beginning
Take the ending of a story from "The Silmarillion" and use it as the beginning of a fanwork. 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
River-Mother and River-Daughter by Zdenka
Before the Sun or Moon rose, the River-mother sang to the waters and they awoke.
| Major Characters: Goldberry, Melian, Tom Bombadil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 92 |
| Posted on 19 May 2016 | Updated on 19 May 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Green Eggs and Silmarils by Zdenka
A silly retelling of the Silmarillion in the style of Dr. Seuss.
| Major Characters: Eärendil, Fëanor, Melkor, Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Humor, Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 73 |
| Posted on 18 May 2016 | Updated on 18 May 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Responsibility by Elwing
Elwing and Melian meet in Valinor.
| Major Characters: Elwing |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 39 |
| Posted on 17 May 2016 | Updated on 17 May 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Memories of sorrows past by Elwing
The Unfinished Tales mention that Celeborn and Galadriel live in Rivendell some time in the second age. Elrond wonders why they have come.
| Major Characters: Elrond |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 103 |
| Posted on 15 May 2016 | Updated on 15 May 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
By the Rivers of Beleriand by Zdenka
As the end of their journey nears, Rían remembers Dorthonion.
| Major Characters: Morwen, Rían |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 144 |
| Posted on 15 May 2016 | Updated on 15 May 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Paths of Exile by Zdenka
Moments on a Fëanorian’s journey, from the Oath to the fall of Ost-in-Edhil. (A sequence of six drabbles.)
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 92 |
| Posted on 6 May 2016 | Updated on 6 May 2016 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Messengers of Celegorm by Zdenka
After Lúthien’s capture by Celegorm, the Silmarillion says “Celegorm sent messengers to Thingol urging his suit” and “Thingol was wrathful” (understandably!). But what happened to the messengers? (A sequence of eight drabbles.)
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 46 |
| Posted on 6 May 2016 | Updated on 6 May 2016 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Catch the Waves by Zdenka
Celebrimbor, his family, and unfixable problems. (Triple drabble.)
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 118 |
| Posted on 6 May 2016 | Updated on 6 May 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Voice Like the Sea by Zdenka
Elrond remembers an old song.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 123 |
| Posted on 6 May 2016 | Updated on 6 May 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
the heart's filthy lesson by Agelast
Celebrimbor learns a painful lesson in love.
Written for Smut Swap 2016.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Curufin, Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Erotica, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 200 |
| Posted on 4 May 2016 | Updated on 4 May 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Blood, Song, & Silver by MisbehavingMaiar
Celebrimbor, Lord of Eregion recieves an emissary from the West claiming to be a Vanya smith. The teachings he comes bearing are controversial; how to imprint thoughts and wills into matter using Song, and words of power. As the emissary gains support with king and court, their relationship becomes entangled with secrets and the weight of the past.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Círdan, Galadriel, Gil-galad, Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Erotica | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Torture, Character Death, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 216 |
| Posted on 3 May 2016 | Updated on 3 May 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
smile, for your lover comes by Agelast
Prodigal, you have given me love – therefore I to you give love!
O unspeakable passionate love.
Maedhros navigates new realities -- with the help of Fingon and Maglor.
Written for Smut Swap 2016.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Incest, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 626 |
| Posted on 1 May 2016 | Updated on 1 May 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Lake Helevorn: A Summer Romance by Himring
Uncanonical take on Caranthir's canonical wife: in my 'verse she is not an elf.
(No, not Haleth--and not a dwarf either, although I like that version.)
| Major Characters: Caranthir |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 616 |
| Posted on 1 May 2016 | Updated on 1 May 2016 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
In the Last Hour by Zdenka
What the Queen does and leaves undone, the day before the Downfall of Númenor. The Armada sets sail, and Míriel waits for the shape of their doom to reveal itself.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Sauron, Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: B2MeM 2011, B2MeM 2013 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 133 |
| Posted on 29 April 2016 | Updated on 29 April 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Killed With Kindness by Zdenka
A notorious future queen advances her plans. (Drabble. Written in 2012.)
| Major Characters: Berúthiel, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 96 |
| Posted on 28 April 2016 | Updated on 28 April 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Last Maker by Ecthelion
In the end, the master of lies made the mistake of underestimating him.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Curufin, Galadriel, Gil-galad, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 4, 689 |
| Posted on 26 April 2016 | Updated on 28 April 2016 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The West Wind Quartet by Himring
Emlinn, a Sinda, becomes Maglor's student and experiences the end of the Siege of Angband and the Battle of Sudden Flame.
Now added: Bonus chapter: Like a Friendly Touch Among the Crowd (ft. Elrond).
Illustrated by Alasse for B2MeM 2012: see link at end of Chapter Two!
Kindly nominated for MEFAs 2011 by Angelica. It won a Honorable Mention in the category "Elves: House of Finwë" and a Smaug's Treasure award.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Erestor, Glaurung, Maedhros, Maglor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 16, 871 |
| Posted on 22 August 2010 | Updated on 24 April 2016 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Foe and Friend by Zdenka
In Ar-Pharazôn's palace on Númenor, Isildur's wife encounters peril, temptation, and unlooked-for help. (Written in 2011.)
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Sauron, Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 47 |
| Posted on 21 April 2016 | Updated on 21 April 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
On the Wings of Storm by Zdenka
A woman of Númenor on the sea, in doubt and hope: Isildur's wife after the Downfall. (Written in 2011.)
| Major Characters: Amandil, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 70 |
| Posted on 21 April 2016 | Updated on 21 April 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
There Will Your Heart Be Also by Zdenka
In Númenor before the Downfall, Isildur watches over his treasure. (Written in 2011.)
| Major Characters: Isildur |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 68 |
| Posted on 21 April 2016 | Updated on 21 April 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Look, It's Spring by StarSpray
She had died in bloodstained Menegroth and woke again in flowering Lórien, and now she did not know what to do.
| Major Characters: Elwing, Nimloth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 54 |
| Posted on 17 April 2016 | Updated on 17 April 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Little Father by Harnatano - Lithenna
Curufin meets his son for the first time, and he isn't prepared. Or so he thinks.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Curufin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 637 |
| Posted on 12 April 2016 | Updated on 12 April 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Hardest Part by Ginger
The night before Fëanor and his sons leave for Formenos, nerdanel remembers her life with her husband and ponders the choice she made not to follow him in exile and how it'll change all their lives. She tries to find hope and courage in the midst of resenment, distress and determination.
Inspired by October 2013 challenge "Turning Point."
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Turning Point |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 199 |
| Posted on 10 April 2016 | Updated on 10 April 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Findis: On a Rock, Praying by Himring
Two pieces featuring Findis, eldest daughter of Finwe, and her choices after the Darkening.
I. A Season on Taniquetil (Findis, Fingon; quadrabble)
II. The Hermit (Findis, Finarfin)
| Major Characters: Finarfin, Findis, Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: B2MeM 2016 |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 297 |
| Posted on 10 April 2016 | Updated on 10 April 2016 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Her Black Prince Vorandil Aglamir by JT Tomas
Kyron Tramell is a black high school student waking up everyday in a caged life of cocaine fumes, gunshots and abuse at the hands of thugs and a drug addicted stepfather. Then one day he opens his eyes to a magical reality. Kyron's a changeling, the son of a Noldorin Prince will his heritage & romance save him from the vengeance his heart craves for past bullies?
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Dior, Ecthelion of the Fountain, Elu Thingol, Fëanor, Fingolfin, Finrod Felagund, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Experimental, General, Romance, Science Fiction | Challenges: B2MeM 2016, Beyond the Circles of Middle-earth, Canon with a Twist, Circle of Life |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 321 |
| Posted on 9 April 2016 | Updated on 9 April 2016 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
