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
Not Love, Perhaps by The Wavesinger
As the Haladin travel through Nan Dungortheb, their warriors fight to protect their people, and their lady is at their head.
(Written flor Zdenka for Chocolate Box 2015)
| Major Characters: Haleth, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 568 |
| Posted on 29 February 2016 | Updated on 29 February 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Pale Stars Rising (Over The Oaks) by The Wavesinger
A girl stumbles upon a woman in a clearing, and learns of an ancient sorrow.
(Written for Elleth for Chocolate Box 2015)
| Major Characters: Goldberry, Haleth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 730 |
| Posted on 29 February 2016 | Updated on 29 February 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
An Ordinary Abrasion by The Wavesinger
Aredhel and a friend, and a conversation in Valinor.
(Written for Scribe_of_Mirrormere for Chocolate Box 2015)
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 700 |
| Posted on 29 February 2016 | Updated on 29 February 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
An Orchid on the Salt White Beach by The Wavesinger
Tar-Míriel and the Keeper of Gardens of the Palace, from first meeting to last. A story told in snapshots and snippets.
(Written for Sigridhr for Chocolate Box 2015.)
| Major Characters: Ar-Pharazôn, Original Female Character(s), Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 143 |
| Posted on 29 February 2016 | Updated on 29 February 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Offer by swampdiamonds
An idea proposed by Túrin leads to uncomfortable conversations.
| Major Characters: Finduilas, Guilin, Gwindor, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 201 |
| Posted on 28 February 2016 | Updated on 28 February 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Crowned by Nibeneth
Fingon's crown is too heavy to bear. Maedhros, as always, tries to make it lighter.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 755 |
| Posted on 24 February 2016 | Updated on 24 February 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
In Cavern's Shade by Castile181
During the first age, when Beleriand itself stands on the brink of destruction and Doriath falls from the height of glory to begin its long decline, Celeborn, a Sindarin prince as quick to wisdom as he is to anger, meets Artanis, a Noldorin princess plagued by a dark secret, and, amidst a budding romance, they soon find themselves plunged into a world of intrigue, lies, and mystery as ties between their peoples grow turbulent.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Mystery, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 699 |
| Posted on 23 February 2016 | Updated on 23 February 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Fire That Grew So Low by The Wavesinger
Two time Ancalimë stumbled, and two times she tried to make it right again. A tale of lovers in Númenor.
(Written for Tallulah for My Slashy Valentine 2016.)
| Major Characters: Nessanië, Original Female Character(s), Tar-Ancalimë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 860 |
| Posted on 22 February 2016 | Updated on 22 February 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Warriors All by Erulisse
Sent by Gil-galad to scout the old fortress of Amon Lanc, Glorfindel and Thranduil go south. They discover their mutual feelings while on their quest to the evil citadel. Written for My Slashy Valentine 2016 for Elladan's Girl.
| Major Characters: Glorfindel, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 140 |
| Posted on 21 February 2016 | Updated on 21 February 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Fistful of Swoons by Agelast
Fingon arrives in Formenos on a clandestine mission -- to spend some time with his cousin, Maedhros. Written for My Slashy Valentine 2016, for Nuredhel.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 279 |
| Posted on 20 February 2016 | Updated on 20 February 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A Trickle of Hope by Luxa
“This was supposed to be different,” he says, his eyes focused beyond them. “I was supposed to warn different people, help others. You two were not part of the tale.”
| Major Characters: Amarië, Elenwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 613 |
| Posted on 20 February 2016 | Updated on 20 February 2016 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 639 |
| Posted on 20 February 2016 | Updated on 20 February 2016 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Not A Victory March by The Wavesinger
Ilmarë comes upon an old friend, and finds that much has changed.
Written for Isilloth for silmladylove's Femslash Drabbletag challenge on Tumblr.
| Major Characters: Ilmarë, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 127 |
| Posted on 6 February 2016 | Updated on 6 February 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Stars of Morning by Sleepless_Malice
Based on the following prompt: Tar-Telperiën falls in love with an Elven ambassador from Lindon
| Major Characters: Other Fictional Character(s), Tar-Telperiën |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Akallabêth in August, International Fanworks Day |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 084 |
| Posted on 5 February 2016 | Updated on 5 February 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Wildflowers by StarSpray
There are flowers everywhere and Nienor isn't quite sure why.
| Major Characters: Morwen, Nellas, Nienor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 652 |
| Posted on 3 February 2016 | Updated on 3 February 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Golden by Sleepless_Malice
Eönwë and Glorfindel share an intimate moment after their victory in the War of Wrath when a young herald interrupts them.
(this story includes a commissioned art made by the wonderful tosquinha)
| Major Characters: Erestor, Eönwë, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 394 |
| Posted on 3 February 2016 | Updated on 3 February 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Orodreth: the hollow crown by Encaitariel
Orodreth and the crown of Nargothrond.
| Major Characters: Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 18, 208 |
| Posted on 1 February 2016 | Updated on 1 February 2016 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Gildor and Lindan: homecoming by Encaitariel
Is home a resting place, or a starting point? Gildor, Lindan, and the decisions resulting from the War of Wrath.
| Major Characters: Gildor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 041 |
| Posted on 1 February 2016 | Updated on 1 February 2016 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Ereglas and Silmë: convergent point by Encaitariel
Two young, orphaned Noldor meet the sons of Finarfin; and Finrod has cause to re-appreciate his foster-son. Takes place in FA 20 at the Mereth Aderthad.
| Major Characters: Angrod, Edrahil, Finrod Felagund, Gildor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 010 |
| Posted on 1 February 2016 | Updated on 1 February 2016 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Gildor and Elrond: amalindë by Encaitariel
A weary return from an arduous journey, and a conversation with a young ellon, makes Gildor realized that heroes are perhaps a matter of perspective.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Gildor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 201 |
| Posted on 1 February 2016 | Updated on 1 February 2016 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Finrod: se wídfarende cyning by Encaitariel
While the title is Anlgo-Saxon, this is a character study of Finrod Felagund, "the far-wandering king" of Nargothrond; written from... an unusual perspective.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 139 |
| Posted on 1 February 2016 | Updated on 1 February 2016 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Finduilas: object in motion by Encaitariel
A character study in prose form of Finduilas, Lady of Nargothrond.
| Major Characters: Finduilas |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 844 |
| Posted on 1 February 2016 | Updated on 1 February 2016 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Gildor and Lindan: point of reference by Encaitariel
In Lindon, in the middle of the Second Age, Gildor Inglorion and his oldest friend both give and receive some unexpected news.
| Major Characters: Gildor, Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 12, 796 |
| Posted on 1 February 2016 | Updated on 1 February 2016 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Second Gamble by Keiliss
Fate, Ulmo's goodwill, and a family history of stubborn determination bring Idril to a reunion she had never thought possible.
| Major Characters: Idril, Tuor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 423 |
| Posted on 18 January 2016 | Updated on 18 January 2016 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Behind the mask of bitterness by Harnatano - Lithenna
An exploration of the dynamic between Curufin and Celebrimbor in Nargothrond, how the father struggles with his own issues and mental blindness after the loss of Himlad and how Celebrimbor tries to bring his father back the way he used to be.
Celegorm as the 'unfortunate' witness of it.
+ a cat.
Illustrations by the talented Soraniizu
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Celegorm, Curufin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 512 |
| Posted on 18 January 2016 | Updated on 18 January 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
