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
A Bow of Burning Gold by Lferion
What bow, what arrows will serve against such a foe as Glaurung? A single drabble.
| 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: 103 |
| Posted on 21 January 2024 | Updated on 21 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Cocktail Party, Reprise by Lferion
The competition cocktail party was a regular event, and Fingon gradually learned to appreciate, if not always enjoy it.
A triple drabble, with images and recipes for 9 cocktails.
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, Family, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: Experimental, New Year's Resolution, Roaring Twenties |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 664 |
| Posted on 20 January 2024 | Updated on 21 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Foreboding by chrissystriped
Círdan's ship arrives in Forochel to take Arvedui south.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Arvedui |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental | Challenges: Experimental, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 179 |
| Posted on 20 January 2024 | Updated on 20 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
I Never Meant To Kill You by Narya
Celegorm and Dior speak. A sequel to Broken Silver. Canon divergence AU.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Dior |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 137 |
| Posted on 20 January 2024 | Updated on 20 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Broken Silver by Narya
Sometimes the history books can't be trusted. Celegorm/Lúthien; canon divergence AU in which the butterfly flaps its wings.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Eluréd, Elurín, Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: Celegorm/Lúthien |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 339 |
| Posted on 20 January 2024 | Updated on 20 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Nature of My Game by elennalore
Fëanáro needs Melkor's secret knowledge to create his Silmarils, but Fëanáro will also be an invaluable asset to Melkor in the Vala’s own game.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor/Melkor |
| Genres: Drama, Slash | Challenges: New Year's Resolution, Turgon's Rock Opera |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 557 |
| Posted on 20 January 2024 | Updated on 20 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
What Old Tales Say by StarSpray
How oddly the old tales changed and twisted through the years!
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, Fluff, General | Challenges: New Year's Resolution, Understory |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 267 |
| Posted on 17 January 2024 | Updated on 17 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Portrait of Eärwen, Swan Maiden of Alqualondë by between_thepages
A portrait of Eärwen, created for Middle-earth is Multitudes
| Major Characters: Eärwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Character/Portrait, Drawing/Painting |
| Genres: | Challenges: Middle-earth Is Multitudes, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 17 January 2024 | Updated on 17 January 2024 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (24) |
The Watchfires Burned Low by cuarthol
There came a time of winter, when night was dark and without moon; and the wide plain of Ard-galen stretched dim beneath the cold stars, from the hill-forts of the Noldor to the feet of Thangorodrim. The watchfires burned low, and the guards were few;
The Silmarillion - JRR Tolkien
| Major Characters: Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: New Year's Resolution, Turgon's Rock Opera |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 201 |
| Posted on 14 January 2024 | Updated on 15 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
'The sea-gift well hath throve' by Himring
It is a bit nerve-wracking, courting a princess of the House of Elros.
Elatan of Andunie hopes he is up to her standards.
| Major Characters: Elatan of Andúnië, Silmarien |
| Major Relationships: Elatan of Andúnië/Silmariën |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Understory |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 101 |
| Posted on 14 January 2024 | Updated on 14 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
Devotion by Flora-lass
Beleg loves Turin. Despite everything, because of everything, forever.
| Major Characters: Beleg |
| Major Relationships: Beleg/Túrin |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Cheesy Corn Chips, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 122 |
| Posted on 14 January 2024 | Updated on 14 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (21) |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Drawing/Painting, Landscape |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 14 January 2024 | Updated on 14 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (10) |
The Pendant by Gabriel
Curufin visits his wife in the forge with another creation in mind.
| Major Characters: Historical Character(s), Unnamed Female Canon Character(s), Curufin |
| Major Relationships: Curufin/Unnamed Canon Character |
| Genres: General, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 813 |
| Posted on 13 January 2024 | Updated on 14 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Drunken Lullabies by Grundy
News of the Sudden Flame has reached Nargothrond.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Gildor |
| Major Relationships: Finrod & Gildor |
| Genres: | Challenges: Experimental, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 386 |
| Posted on 13 January 2024 | Updated on 13 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Echoes By The Water by Grundy
Círdan has a curious guest.
| Major Characters: Círdan |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover | crossed with Buffy the Vampire Slayer | Challenges: Understory |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 002 |
| Posted on 13 January 2024 | Updated on 13 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
The Light of the Trees of Valinor by Varda delle Stelle
Through the Light of the glass shine the Light of Laurelin
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Craft, Drawing/Painting |
| Genres: | Challenges: Experimental, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 12 January 2024 | Updated on 13 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (18) |
Organum by mairoff
When Melkor approaches him it is not necessarily out of ill intents - he thinks. As Aulë’s second he enjoys a certain reputation - one that gives him the moniker Admirable.
No, Mairon does not start evil at all.
Though, perhaps it is in his nature to ever evolve, ever iterate, he is fond of empirical processes and his surroundings feel small and smothering sometimes. But Mairon laughs, Mairon cares, Mairon even loves.
And that is his own doom.
| Major Characters: Melkor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Melkor/Sauron |
| Genres: | Challenges: Cheesy Corn Chips, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 513 |
| Posted on 12 January 2024 | Updated on 12 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Twice He Answered by Adoraincerta
After the War of Wrath they were taken again.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Maedhros/Sauron, Maedhros/Maglor |
| Genres: Erotica, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Incest, Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Sexual Content (Graphic), Torture, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 132 |
| Posted on 6 January 2024 | Updated on 11 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Miriel Hath My Love by Rocky41_7
Indis knows that Miriel is the only one who understands their connection. This is why it should be Indis who looks after Miriel's body.
| Major Characters: Finwë, Indis |
| Major Relationships: Indis/Míriel, Finwë/Indis |
| Genres: Femslash, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 9, 589 |
| Posted on 8 January 2024 | Updated on 8 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Blood and Light by SonOfMandos
Mother, let me live to see the day go by
Save me from myself, for I will sacrifice
Anything and Everything, to feel Him one more time
--Sacrifice, Aleah.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Maedhros/Sauron |
| Genres: Mystery, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 035 |
| Posted on 7 September 2022 | Updated on 8 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Shards Of Memory by LadySternchen
Written for Understory-challenge, inspired by StarSpray's story 'Rising as if Weightless'.
While his court is still enjoying the feast he gave in honour of the Princes of Doriath That Was, Olwë stands alone before the mosaic depicting him and his brothers.
| Major Characters: Olwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet | Challenges: Understory |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 656 |
| Posted on 7 January 2024 | Updated on 7 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
In These Altered States, Rejoice by sallysavestheday
Fingon and Maedhros shape new lives after Mandos. One chapter from Fingon's point of view and one from Maedhros'.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 376 |
| Posted on 7 January 2024 | Updated on 7 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Long Was the Way that Fate Them Bore by sallysavestheday
Elrond makes sense of his complicated family, and his complicated self.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Glorfindel, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 583 |
| Posted on 7 January 2024 | Updated on 7 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
When the Hurly-Burly's Done by sallysavestheday
Elrond and Gil-galad and Celebrimbor picnic on the edge of the world.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Elrond, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 878 |
| Posted on 7 January 2024 | Updated on 7 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Caused Fire to be Set by Narya
Maglor, on Losgar, and what might have been.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental | Challenges: Experimental, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 282 |
| Posted on 7 January 2024 | Updated on 7 January 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
