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
Ancestors
Create a fanwork in which a character's resemblance or connection to an ancestor plays a central role. 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
In Flame Of Swords by Elwin Fortuna
Ninnachel fights, dies, returns to life.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Gothmog, Mandos |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: B2MeM 2015 |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 833 |
| Posted on 7 April 2015 | Updated on 7 April 2015 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Still In The Closet by Elwin Fortuna
In the midst of last plans before battle, Fingon and Maedhros discuss the complexities of gender, avoid the complexities of politics, and embrace the complexities of their dreams for the future.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: B2MeM 2015 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 165 |
| Posted on 7 April 2015 | Updated on 7 April 2015 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
In The Planting Season by Elwin Fortuna
Fingon asks Ninnachel to take a letter to his son, and grants Ninnachel an unasked-for favour.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2015 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 469 |
| Posted on 7 April 2015 | Updated on 7 April 2015 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Save One Good Thing by Elwin Fortuna
In the wake of the Battle of Sudden Flame, Fingon finds himself isolated except for his son, and then has to make the hardest decision of his life so far.
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Fingon, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2015 |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Suicide, Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 254 |
| Posted on 7 April 2015 | Updated on 7 April 2015 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
From The Wrack And Ruin by Elwin Fortuna
Fingon falls head over heels in love for the second time in his life.
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Fingon, Gil-galad, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: B2MeM 2015 |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 711 |
| Posted on 7 April 2015 | Updated on 7 April 2015 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
In The King's Closet by Elwin Fortuna
Ninnachel has been called in to see Fingon again, and this time it's much less stressful an experience, for them both.
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Experimental, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: B2MeM 2015 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 483 |
| Posted on 7 April 2015 | Updated on 7 April 2015 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Reprimand And Redress by Elwin Fortuna
Fingon must reprimand the unfortunate poet, but soon realises that the situation is somewhat more complicated.
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2015 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 316 |
| Posted on 7 April 2015 | Updated on 7 April 2015 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Twenty Two Words by Elwin Fortuna
Bilbo struggles to understand some of the words in a poem he's found.
| Major Characters: Bilbo Baggins, Elrond, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, Humor, Poetry | Challenges: B2MeM 2015 |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 114 |
| Posted on 7 April 2015 | Updated on 7 April 2015 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Tevildo's Lament by Agelast
After his humiliation at the hands (and paws) of Lúthien and Huan, Tevildo decides to strike out for himself and has advice for young cats everywhere. [Poetry.]
| Major Characters: Melkor, Sauron, Tevildo |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Humor | Challenges: B2MeM 2015 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 651 |
| Posted on 5 April 2015 | Updated on 5 April 2015 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Sundry Apocrypha by Huinare
Here be where I shall anthologize ficlets that are somewhat AU or otherwise "off."
Update, 2015: At last, two new stories to add to this thingy, thanks to B2MeM 2015: a humor fic ("A Bear There Was, A Bear, A Bear"), and a shameless contemporary AU ("Silmarachnis").
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Finwë, Gothmog, Imin, Iminyë, Indis, Mandos, Melkor, Original Character(s), Ungoliant, Varda |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Crossover, Drama, Experimental, Humor | Challenges: B2MeM 2012, B2MeM 2015 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 6, 651 |
| Posted on 31 March 2012 | Updated on 4 April 2015 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Old Maid's Tale by Elleth
Tar-Míriel takes on a new handmaiden, and tells her part in the history of Númenor.
| Major Characters: Ar-Pharazôn, Original Character(s), Sauron, Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: B2MeM 2015 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 276 |
| Posted on 2 April 2015 | Updated on 2 April 2015 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
my blood approves by Agelast
Fingon's lives and loves.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Romance | Challenges: B2MeM 2015 |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 133 |
| Posted on 27 March 2015 | Updated on 27 March 2015 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The Havens by MaedhrosFeanorian
Maglor makes a rare venture out of his solitude to bid a private farewell to Elrond, but ends up finding an unexpected connection with a certain halfling...
| Major Characters: Maglor, Samwise Gamgee |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 105 |
| Posted on 26 March 2015 | Updated on 26 March 2015 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Numbered Tears by Luxa
“They were right. The Valar were right all along.” Maglor watches Maedhros mourn.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 683 |
| Posted on 25 March 2015 | Updated on 25 March 2015 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Stand Against The Storm by Elwin Fortuna
Idril and Huor, on top of the highest tower in Gondolin, defy a weather metaphor.
| Major Characters: Huor, Idril |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2015 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 534 |
| Posted on 22 March 2015 | Updated on 22 March 2015 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Mereth Aderthad by oshun
Newest Chapter: 8 - "Promises and Negotiations." This is the story of the events of the Feast of Reuniting. A continuation of my interpretation of the tales of the Noldor in the First Age, focusing principally, but not solely upon Fingon and Maedhros. (See Maitimo and Findekáno and A New Day, which precede this one in the story cycle.) I'd like to thank the writers of the Lizard Council, including IgnobleBard, Elfscribe, Erulisse, Russandol, Hallbera, Lilithlessfair, Surgical Steel, and particularly Pandemonium. Also, want to thank Spiced Wine for her ongoing support of this story.
MEFA 2009, First Place - Elves: Incomplete
| Major Characters: Daeron, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Mablung, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 10 | Word Count: 28, 423 |
| Posted on 14 September 2008 | Updated on 18 March 2015 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (58) |
Thine In All Ways by Elwin Fortuna
Artanis Nerwen of the Noldor is eager to learn all that Melian of Doriath has to teach.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 191 |
| Posted on 17 March 2015 | Updated on 17 March 2015 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elwing, Eärendil, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Mystery | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 421 |
| Posted on 15 March 2015 | Updated on 15 March 2015 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Reel On, Love! by Agelast
Fingolfin adjusts to new realities and Fëanor tests boundaries until they break.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: B2MeM 2015 |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Incest, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 140 |
| Posted on 13 March 2015 | Updated on 13 March 2015 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: B2MeM 2015 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 134 |
| Posted on 8 March 2015 | Updated on 8 March 2015 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Mountains High Above by Independence1776
Maglor, mountains, and ruling in Valinor during the First Age.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: Canon with a Twist, First Lines, International Fanworks Day, Living Land |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 025 |
| Posted on 28 February 2015 | Updated on 28 February 2015 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Where Our Hearts are not so Frail by StarSpray
Nellas returns to the Withywindle valley after seeking news in Lindon.
| Major Characters: Goldberry, Nellas |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 088 |
| Posted on 28 February 2015 | Updated on 28 February 2015 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
As Through a Lit Window by Elleth
The story of Galadriel, Nimrodel, and the land that would become Lothlórien.
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Galadriel, Mithrellas, Nimrodel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 202 |
| Posted on 22 February 2015 | Updated on 22 February 2015 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Our Share of Night to Bear by Elleth
Aman lies in Darkness and the Noldor have been banished. The Rebellion has torn families apart and left children to fend for themselves in a darkened world with no one to rely on, while the leaders of the Noldor struggle to overcome their grief and rebuild order out of turmoil.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Indis, Nerdanel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Slash/Femslash, Suspense | Challenges: Arda Underground |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 21, 562 |
| Posted on 27 December 2014 | Updated on 22 February 2015 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (18) |
whatever we lose by Astris
The Havens of Sirion are a home for the refugees of two great slaughters, and the broken find a home by the sea. The queens-in-exile of Gondolin and Doriath meet there, and find something new from what they have lost. (MSV 2014 for Calima.)
| Major Characters: Círdan, Elwing, Idril, Nimloth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 329 |
| Posted on 21 February 2015 | Updated on 21 February 2015 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
