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
Utopia/Dystopia
To reflect both the idealistic beginnings and the dark endings that are so frequent in the Legendarium, we invite you to create a fanwork inspired by utopian or dystopian prompts from novels, songs, artworks, or films. 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
Another Bite at the Apple by Himring
In Mithrim, after the rescue of Maedhros: Fingon and his half-orphaned niece Idril and an apple, a special one.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Idril, Maedhros, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 699 |
| Posted on 16 January 2016 | Updated on 16 January 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Silmarillion : Flight of the Noldor by R A Sharkey
A dramatic retelling of the events depicted in The Silmarillion and The Unfinished Tales. Part 1 of 6, Flight of the Noldor deals with the war between Feanor and Melkor over the Silmarils, and the exodus of the Noldor from Valinor to Middle Earth.
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Script/Play/Screenplay | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 152 |
| Posted on 15 January 2016 | Updated on 15 January 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Memories of Starlight by Levade
Bits and bobs, drabbles from challenges and other small stories that don't fit anywhere else. Some are related to other stories, like Malaise, and others are just oddbits. Various ratings and characters.
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Elemmakil, Elrond, Galadriel, Gil-galad, Gothmog, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, General, Horror, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 900 |
| Posted on 13 January 2016 | Updated on 14 January 2016 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 361 |
| Posted on 13 January 2016 | Updated on 13 January 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Somewhere I Have Never Travelled by The Wavesinger
Finduilas makes a decison that will alter certain paths, including Nienor's.
(Written for Amy Fortuna for Fandom Stocking 2015)
| Major Characters: Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 355 |
| Posted on 13 January 2016 | Updated on 13 January 2016 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Voices of the Sea by The Wavesinger
Always, always, Mithrellas hears the sea: Nimrodel, Nimrodel.
(Written for Elleth for Fandom Stocking 2015)
| Major Characters: Galador, Gilmith, Imrazor, Mithrellas, Nimrodel, Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Het, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 473 |
| Posted on 13 January 2016 | Updated on 13 January 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Not The Last Farewell by The Wavesinger
In the chaos that follows the Oath, Elemmírë says farewell to her lover.
(Written for Scribe_of_Mirrormere for Fandom Stocking 2015)
| Major Characters: Írimë, Elemmírë, Lalwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 148 |
| Posted on 13 January 2016 | Updated on 13 January 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
An Oath Once Sworn by The Wavesinger
Just before the Union of Maedhros, Araloth overhears one conversation, and remembers several others.
(Written for Himring for Fandom Stocking 2015)
| Major Characters: Fingon, Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 056 |
| Posted on 13 January 2016 | Updated on 13 January 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Master of Mirecourt by The Wavesinger
A young luthier is apprenticed to the one they call the Master.
(Written for Independence1776 for Fandom Stocking)
| Major Characters: Maglor, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 712 |
| Posted on 13 January 2016 | Updated on 13 January 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
New Year's Night by Elleth
On the plains of Northern Rhûn in the early Years of the Sun, a young woman of the Kinn-lai goes on a perilous journey to rescue her missing sister.
| Major Characters: Avari, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, General, Slash/Femslash, Suspense | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 5, 354 |
| Posted on 3 January 2016 | Updated on 11 January 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Reminders by Elleth
One winter in Eriador, Maglor receives a summons to Imladris for the season, and finds more than he bargained for along the way.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Original Female 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, 826 |
| Posted on 10 January 2016 | Updated on 10 January 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Mystery of the Missing Cake by The Wavesinger
The Midwinter cake is missing, and Idril, Aredhel, and Meleth go on a quest to find it.
(Written for Elleth for the 2015 MPTT Yule Exchange)
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Idril, Meleth (Elf), Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General, Mystery | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 771 |
| Posted on 10 January 2016 | Updated on 10 January 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
An Enquiry into the Matter of Gilmith of Dol Amroth by Elleth
As it is part of my own and Éomer's shared origin, we have taken some interest in the geneaologies of Dol Amroth, Lothíriel wrote, and although the Line of Princes is documented in detail, mysteries continue to surround the women of its beginning, namely the Silvan Elf Mithrellas and her daughter Gilmith.
| Major Characters: Gilmith, Mithrellas, Nimrodel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 784 |
| Posted on 10 January 2016 | Updated on 10 January 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Swanships by heget
They are the equal -if not greater- in worth to the Silmarils.
| Major Characters: Teleri |
| 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, 631 |
| Posted on 9 January 2016 | Updated on 9 January 2016 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Where the Lilies Grow by Elleth
Niënor takes Finduilas into the gardens of Nargothrond - and it turns out far better than either of them imagined.
| Major Characters: Finduilas, Nienor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 798 |
| Posted on 9 January 2016 | Updated on 9 January 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
An Unexpected Welcome by Independence1776
They stared at their father and then at Maglor. Arwen eventually said, “Welcome to Imladris.”
| Major Characters: Aragorn, Celebrían, Elladan, Elrohir, Elrond, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 129 |
| Posted on 8 January 2016 | Updated on 8 January 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
What Comfort I May by The Wavesinger
Afrer Alqualondë, Aredhel grieves for her lover.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Elenwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Experimental, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 584 |
| Posted on 7 January 2016 | Updated on 7 January 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Beating the Bounds by Kenaz
When Erestor was young, his father had shown him their family’s heirloom: a primitive map of Cuiviénen and the inland sea scratched out on deer hide in ink made from soot and oak galls, the work of his father’s father. To the east of the Orocarni was written in the ancient cirth, Here be Monsters; a warning that what lay beyond was unknown, and best left unexamined. Erestor knew, as his grandsire had known, that some things were best left unexplored. Yet like his grandsire, he pressed on in spite of this knowledge.
| Major Characters: Erestor, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 12, 082 |
| Posted on 5 January 2016 | Updated on 5 January 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Tall and Bright and the Wind in Her Hair by The Wavesinger
Snippets from the tale of Galadriel and Andreth, and a love never meant to be.
Written for as a treat for Elleth for the 2015 LotR Secret Santa exchange.
| Major Characters: Andreth, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 553 |
| Posted on 4 January 2016 | Updated on 4 January 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Taking the Endless Way by The Wavesinger
A queen (and general) finds her way into the Forest, again, and the past finds its way to her.
Written as a treat for Amy Fortuna and Elleth for the 2015 LotR Secret Santa exchange.
| Major Characters: Goldberry, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 283 |
| Posted on 4 January 2016 | Updated on 4 January 2016 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Like Mother, Like Daughter by The Wavesinger
Except not really. Two moments from the lives of Erendis and Ancalimë.
Written as a treat for Tallulah for the 2015 LotR Secret Santa exchange.
| Major Characters: Erendis, Nessanië, Tar-Ancalimë, Uinen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 097 |
| Posted on 4 January 2016 | Updated on 4 January 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Slow, Tremulous Cadence by The Wavesinger
A ball in which no-one dances, and the morning after. (Featuring angst, politics, conversations, foreshadowing, and a guest appearance by doors. Yes, actual doorways. Also some Maedhros/Fingon.)
Written for Platinum_and_Diamonds for the 2015 LotR Secret Santa exchange.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Celegorm, Fingon, Maedhros, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 966 |
| Posted on 4 January 2016 | Updated on 4 January 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Butterfly Wings by The Wavesinger
The queen of Arthedain is rescued by a stranger. Random conversation ensues. (AKA there isn't much plot the backstory makes up for it?)
This is the last of my B2MeM stories from last year.
| Major Characters: Goldberry, Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Het, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: B2MeM 2015 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 979 |
| Posted on 4 January 2016 | Updated on 4 January 2016 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Song of the Stone by Dawn Felagund
Newly arrived at Khazad-dûm in the Second Age, the Elven loremaster Pengolodh presents a portion of his new book to Narvi only to discover that his understanding of the “great profit” that existed between the Dwarves of Belegost and the people of Caranthir in the First Age is not quite what he assumed. Written for Zdenka for the 2015 LotRGenfic/MPTT Yule Exchange.
| Major Characters: Dwarves, Narvi, Original Female Character(s), Pengolodh |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 306 |
| Posted on 3 January 2016 | Updated on 3 January 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
Two for Tragedy by Sleepless_Malice
Finrod thinks it's a wise idea to throw a masquerade ball. Orodreth thinks it is wise to change his looks completely. Finrod thinks it is wise to get drunk and flirt shamelessly in public with the one he thinks is Curufin. Orodreth cannot resist his brother's charms...
[written for the following prompt] - FinrodxOrodreth with mistaken identities AND Nauglamir-kink (it is not on the list but I need it in my life!!)
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Incest, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 485 |
| Posted on 3 January 2016 | Updated on 3 January 2016 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
