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
Book by Its Cover
Go ahead and judge a book by its cover! We'll send you a book cover as a prompt to inspire your 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.
[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
Racing Towards the Start by Agelast
Fingon and Maedhros in the bliss of Valinor.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Aredhel, Argon, Ecthelion of the Fountain, Fingolfin, Fingon, Glorfindel, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 32, 954 |
| Posted on 30 June 2013 | Updated on 6 March 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (22) |
Like Butterflies on the Wind by Elisif
Celegorm reflects on his life on the night before the assault on Doriath
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Curufin, Fëanor, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 300 |
| Posted on 5 March 2014 | Updated on 5 March 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Fallen Twilight by Kaylee Arafinwiel
(No, not *that* kind of Twilight! xD)
A mother and son do their best to escape from an abusive household and run to a place of safety. But will they be quick enough to escape their vengeful father and husband? Triple drabble and a half.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 350 |
| Posted on 4 March 2014 | Updated on 4 March 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
As Time Unrolls by Lyra
Chronicling history is never an easy job. It is even harder when you don't always agree with the management - and cannot quit...
| Major Characters: Vairë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental | Challenges: B2MeM 2012, Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 11 | Word Count: 4, 423 |
| Posted on 14 September 2010 | Updated on 3 March 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (42) |
Healing by Astris
Gildor rides out with the others from Nargothrond and is wounded in the Nirnaeth. A certain son of Fëanor finds him.
Written for Keiliss at the My Slashy Valentine exchange 2014.
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Gildor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 223 |
| Posted on 1 March 2014 | Updated on 1 March 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
SA 1856 (ii): Something Like Being a Consort by Ilye
Glorfindel, Gil-galad and a reflective moment on the beach. Irrepressibly fluffy, and slightly damp.
| Major Characters: Gil-galad, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 9, 581 |
| Posted on 27 February 2014 | Updated on 27 February 2014 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Ere the Nightingales cry by Rhapsody
After her husband is slain, Melian returns to Valinor and finds that even her home of old has been marred...
| Major Characters: Estë, Melian, Radagast |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 812 |
| Posted on 23 February 2014 | Updated on 23 February 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Sandcastles by Elisif
Throughout his life, Maglor refines the ability to shape sand with the power of his voice.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 986 |
| Posted on 22 February 2014 | Updated on 22 February 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Le trône de papier by Dilly
Extrait des "Vies des Noldor Illustres", de l’historien controversé Amilcar de Númenor. Un passage du chapitre consacré à Fingon, cinquième roi des Noldor.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 933 |
| Posted on 19 February 2014 | Updated on 19 February 2014 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 588 |
| Posted on 17 February 2014 | Updated on 17 February 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Stricken Anvil by Adlanth
Maeglin's first year in Gondolin. Written for MSV 2014.
| Major Characters: Idril, Maeglin, Rog, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 189 |
| Posted on 17 February 2014 | Updated on 17 February 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Remarkable by Luxa
Maglor is the musician and Maedhros is the artist with words. Events lead them to visit a simple homestead, and what they find there is harder to face than expected.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Torture, Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 953 |
| Posted on 17 February 2014 | Updated on 17 February 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Copper and Cinders by Elisif
In the aftermath of the Dagor Bragollach, Lady Maedhris attempts to console her next-to-youngest sister over the loss of her musical compositions in the dragon-fire.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 435 |
| Posted on 17 February 2014 | Updated on 17 February 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
An Amethyst Remembrance by IgnobleBard
Edrahil is Finrod's Captain and lover but they must hide their relationship. What will happen when Galadriel comes to visit?
| Major Characters: Edrahil, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 271 |
| Posted on 16 February 2014 | Updated on 16 February 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Lighter than Vanity by Agelast
From the birth of Annatar to the seduction of Celebrimbor.
Written for Red Lasbelin for My Slashy Valentine, 2014.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 8, 972 |
| Posted on 16 February 2014 | Updated on 16 February 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Beast by Ugly Duchess
A nightmare of an Elf, one of Finrod’s companions, in his new life.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 101 |
| Posted on 16 February 2014 | Updated on 16 February 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Go Upon Your Knee by Agelast
“Heaven-gates are not so highly arched / As princes' palaces; they that enter there /
Must go upon their knees.”
Porn Battle fill for the prompt - Curufin/Eöl, hate!sex, sordid.
| Major Characters: Curufin, Eöl |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 414 |
| Posted on 15 February 2014 | Updated on 15 February 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Weathering by Elleth
Under siege from the Orcs, Haleth tries to hold on to hope for herself and her people - but she is neither alone, nor entirely without counsel. Written for Rhapsody for the 2014 edition of My Slashy Valentine.
| Major Characters: Haleth, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 673 |
| Posted on 15 February 2014 | Updated on 15 February 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Phantom limb by Dilly
Maedhros, phantom limb. (drabble)
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 104 |
| Posted on 15 February 2014 | Updated on 15 February 2014 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A Quiet Life by rawr_balrog
Long after the final ship has come to harbor, the Valar have mercy, and release some of the longest dead from the Halls of Mandos. Maedhros is among the last.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Curufin, Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor, Mandos, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 102 |
| Posted on 14 February 2014 | Updated on 14 February 2014 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Single Combat by Uvatha the Horseman
Sauron accepts Gil-galad's challenge of single combat to end the siege of Barad-dur.
| Major Characters: Elendil, Gil-galad, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 575 |
| Posted on 13 February 2014 | Updated on 13 February 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Ambassador by Kaz
At Cuiviénen, Ingwë discusses his reasons for accepting Oromë's invitation to visit Aman and what he thinks the outcome will be with his sister. In Valinor, he learns how accurate those expectations were.
(Or: in which Ingwë knowingly walks into a trap and what comes of it.)
| Major Characters: Indis, Ingwë, Manwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 958 |
| Posted on 12 February 2014 | Updated on 12 February 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Songs of Power by zopyrus
A year into the crossing of the Helcaraxë, Finrod speculates about seal poets, Fingon inventively replaces his worn-out harp strings, and Aredhel gets drunk. In the meantime, Galadriel makes out with her new boyfriend, bonds with her favorite brother, and does battle with the Queen of the Ice Bears.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Celeborn, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel, Lalwen, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 106 |
| Posted on 10 February 2014 | Updated on 10 February 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Aspects of Nerdanel 2 - Memories of Seven by Erulisse
Seven sons had Fëanáro and Nerdanel, even after they had ended their marriage.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 666 |
| Posted on 9 February 2014 | Updated on 9 February 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Lost Home by Ugly Duchess
This poor Elf is crying about his home which disappeared forever for the lands covered with water after the War of Wrath.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 108 |
| Posted on 5 February 2014 | Updated on 5 February 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
