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
Accidentals by Agelast
Maglor overhears something that he (perhaps) should not have.
(Written for the prompt - Fingon/Maedhros/Maglor/Maglor's Harp.)
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Incest |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 140 |
| Posted on 7 January 2014 | Updated on 7 January 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Double inheritance by Dilly
Maedhros' double heritage... Drabble, english and french.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Maedhros, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 73 |
| Posted on 7 January 2014 | Updated on 7 January 2014 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Gold, Silver and Lead by Agelast
A young Indis meets Míriel Serindë for the first time.
Written for dear Elleth in Lord of the Rings Secret Santa Exchange 2013. She asked for either friendship or femslash for the requested characters, with an element of hurt/comfort and a hopeful ending.
| Major Characters: Finwë, Indis, Ingwë, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 882 |
| Posted on 3 January 2014 | Updated on 3 January 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Cage of Light by Astris
During the transition to Gondolin, Aredhel finds she is not the only one with doubts. (Written for Elleth at the 2013 Yule Fic exchange)
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Idril, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 646 |
| Posted on 2 January 2014 | Updated on 2 January 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Daytracer by Dawn Felagund
After the Darkening of Valinor, the Aulendur struggle to find a way to bear aloft the final fruit and flower of the Two Trees. Nerdanel finds a unexpected ally in Arien, who helps her discover the secret knowledge that will return the world to light. Written for Wheelrider for the MPTT Yule Fic Exchange.
| Major Characters: Arien, Mahtan, Nerdanel, Varda |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 839 |
| Posted on 2 January 2014 | Updated on 2 January 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Wreath in the Rapids by Elleth
After Niënor is gone from Doriath, Nellas cannot simply sit deedless. Written for Astris for the 2013 LotR SeSa challenge, for a request for a Nellas/Niënor fic. A sequel to Sweet Water and Gold.
| Major Characters: Mablung, Nellas, Nienor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Incest, Suicide, Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 8, 090 |
| Posted on 1 January 2014 | Updated on 1 January 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Exile to Exile by Elleth
After the Darkening not nearly all past resentments are extinguished, and Nerdanel begins to receive comfort from an unexpected source – and give some in return. - A gift fic for Dawn Felagund's request for the 2013 MPTT Yule Exchange: A story set during the Time of the Trees or the First Age about friendship between two (or more!) women of the House of Finwë.
| Major Characters: Míriel Serindë, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 249 |
| Posted on 1 January 2014 | Updated on 1 January 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Spirit of Fire by Caunedhiel
An insight into one doomed and forsaken in the void.
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 237 |
| Posted on 1 January 2014 | Updated on 1 January 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Come Morning Light by Astris
Fingon pays a visit to Himring and the cousin he has not seen in several years--and finds Maedhros changed in more ways than one. (Fingon/Maedhros)
Written for Burning_Night at the lotr_sesa exchange.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 187 |
| Posted on 1 January 2014 | Updated on 1 January 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Memory and Spice by Himring
The Sindar have found out about the Kinslaying in Alqualonde and that Fingon was involved. Not a good time for Fingon, even though the Sindar have decided that he is less to blame than the Sons of Feanor--especially as Maedhros remains in the Marches and the cousins are communicating only by letter.
| Major Characters: Círdan, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 383 |
| Posted on 1 January 2014 | Updated on 1 January 2014 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Wandering Wind by bluedancingkittykat
Interactive story! Ránsûl is on her way to Doriath to train with the warriors there. This is a right of passage for the men in her village and this is her story on how she got there and survived: at the same time. or perhaps she didn't make it and died. Or perhaps...
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 10, 890 |
| Posted on 30 December 2013 | Updated on 30 December 2013 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
SA 1856 (i): Something Like Being a King by Ilye
A contrast of constants and motion. Glorfindel reflects on his homes, his lives and his king - oh, and on sex in unusual places.
| Major Characters: Gil-galad, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 267 |
| Posted on 26 December 2013 | Updated on 26 December 2013 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Moving Forward by StarSpray
A drabble series written for Tolkien Weekly's "Trees" challenge, centered around the beginning of the Second Age.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Celebrimbor, Círdan, Daeron, Elrond, Elros, Eärendil, Galadriel, Gil-galad, Lindir, Sauron, Tom Bombadil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 8 | Word Count: 17, 910 |
| Posted on 14 December 2013 | Updated on 24 December 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Boys of Summer by Keiliss
This does not pretend to be the story of the Nirnaeth Arnoediad. That is a vast tale of a battle to rival the Battle of the Somme in our own time, with all its moments of terror and heroism (plus dragons, balrogs, and the death of a king). This is just about Gildor, son of Lalwen, and Glorfindel of the House of the Golden Flower (which Gildor assures me sounds better in Quenya) and something of their experience during those six days of horror.
| Major Characters: Gildor, Glorfindel, Maeglin, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 10, 906 |
| Posted on 21 December 2013 | Updated on 21 December 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Be Good and Be Warned by mangacrack
Instead of Morgoth, they released Míriel. It's only sightly less tragical.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Finwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 304 |
| Posted on 19 December 2013 | Updated on 19 December 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Halcyon Days by Himring
Fingon and Maedhros en route on their way to visit Hurin in Dor-lomin.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 651 |
| Posted on 18 December 2013 | Updated on 18 December 2013 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Annatar's triumph by Dilly
Annatar thoughts after Celebrimbor's death. Ficlet, english and french.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Torture, Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 788 |
| Posted on 18 December 2013 | Updated on 18 December 2013 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Return of the Balrog-Slayer by Tehta
So, how did Glorfindel of Gondolin make his (posthumous) way to Middle-earth in order to become Glorfindel of Rivendell? The relevant canon is full of uncertainties and contradictions.
I like to think it might have happened as follows...
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 347 |
| Posted on 16 December 2013 | Updated on 16 December 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The fever by Dilly
Back from Thangorodrim... Maedhros feelings for his former friend Fingon. English and french versions. (ficlet)
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 184 |
| Posted on 13 December 2013 | Updated on 13 December 2013 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Un très gros chagrin by Dilly
Maedhros pleure une fois tous les 400 ans, et sa mère tente de le consoler... Maedhros/Fingon, Fingon/OC.
| Major Characters: Eärwen, Fingon, Maedhros, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Het, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 004 |
| Posted on 12 December 2013 | Updated on 12 December 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
La ressemblance by Dilly
C'est jour de fête à Himring... (Ficlet, Beren/Luthien, Maedhros/Fingon) Version française + traduction en anglais.
| Major Characters: Beren, Fingon, Lúthien Tinúviel, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Het, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 185 |
| Posted on 10 December 2013 | Updated on 10 December 2013 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
| Major Characters: Elros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 587 |
| Posted on 10 December 2013 | Updated on 10 December 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Fell Meats by pandemonium_213
Sauron recounts his discovery of the fell beasts to Finrod, who visits the former Dark Lord during his imprisonment in the Halls of Mandos, in a tale of adventure and a bit of the macabre.
Pandë!verse-centric. A little gory, some coarse language, mild sexual references.
Chapter 2 added: Over tankards of ale, served in the replica of a familiar inn, Sauron continues his tale to Finrod: his instructions to the Lord of the Nazgûl (who receives a disagreeable task); his uncertainties concerning the wisdom of leaving Mordor; and his journey to Layla’s homeland, where the Forbidden Valley lies.
| Major Characters: Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Expletive Language, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 9, 079 |
| Posted on 28 November 2013 | Updated on 8 December 2013 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (19) |
The Mingling Hour by Urloth
The Royal Couple of Tirion Spent the Mingling Hour of the Trees Together
| Major Characters: Finwë, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Erotica, Het, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 752 |
| Posted on 7 December 2013 | Updated on 7 December 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Le seigneur des présents by Dilly
Maedhros, Fingon... Des cadeaux.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Curufin, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 875 |
| Posted on 6 December 2013 | Updated on 6 December 2013 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
