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
Wayward Sister by Iavalir
An only child though she was, Idril never felt alone. She had Aredhel.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Idril |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2013 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 575 |
| Posted on 20 September 2013 | Updated on 20 September 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Plunge by Fadesintothewest
Set just prior to and in the first years of the Years of the Sun in the First Age. Fingolfin’s host has made it to Middle Earth where they encounter orcs in the Battle of Lammoth. This is the story of the consequences of that battle and the Noldor coming to terms with their new home and identities, centering on Fingon. Part of a series where I will explore the House of Fingolfin in the early years of the Years of the Sun.
| Major Characters: Argon, Ecthelion of the Fountain, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 754 |
| Posted on 18 September 2013 | Updated on 18 September 2013 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Star in Shadow Shimmering by StarSpray
Elwing cannot stand the sight of the Silmaril.
| Major Characters: Elwing |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 962 |
| Posted on 18 September 2013 | Updated on 18 September 2013 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Haunted by StarSpray
The journey from Gondolin to the Mouths of Sirion is long, and there are ghosts waiting for them.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Elves, Elwing, Eärendil, Galadriel, Idril, Tuor, Voronwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 571 |
| Posted on 16 September 2013 | Updated on 16 September 2013 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
To Gaze Upon Stars by Caunedhiel
Before the sun and the moon, when only great powers wandered the wilds, the Eru-begotten woke. The First Born of Illuvator. In a land lit by starlight the journey of one person will help to mould the fate and doom of an entire people...
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Finwë, Imin, Iminyë, Ingwë, Olwë, Oromë, Tata, Tatië |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 1, 805 |
| Posted on 7 June 2011 | Updated on 11 September 2013 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Of Mithrellas by Urloth
There is not much said of the Elf Maiden Mithrellas, servant of Nimrodel. That does not mean there is nothing to tell of her. A Sultry in September fic written for Rhapsody.
| Major Characters: Amroth, Gilmith, Imrazor, Mithrellas, Nimrodel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Erotica, Humor, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 18, 372 |
| Posted on 9 September 2013 | Updated on 9 September 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Something Stronger by Tehta
This story was written a fic swap, where I was assigned Aegnor/Glorfindel as a pairing, and asked for the following additional story elements: Friendship which grows into love, parting and reunion in Valinor, hardship on the long trek over the ice, wonderment at the discoveries in the new world of Middle Earth.
I believe I have managed to include all of the above, after a fashion. I have also managed to amuse myself by giving Aegnor some unique views on controversial issues such as Kinslaying, Luthien's choice, and the Gift of Men.
So: come for the meta, stay for the relationship drama!
Important note for any fans of my usual Glorfindel: this is a different take on the same character! I hope you’re not disappointed. (Although Ecthelion/Glorfindel fans should really be relieved.)
Vague note for everyone: all of the scenes occur in times and/or places where Quenya would have been the natural language. Thus, Glorfindel goes by Laurefindil, Aegnor -- by Aikanáro, and so on.
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 5, 833 |
| Posted on 8 September 2013 | Updated on 8 September 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Nine Black Cats and One White by Narya
The musings of Beruthiel's white cat, who is more than she seems. A double drabble, rated General Audiences. Features nods to various other literary felines.
| Major Characters: Berúthiel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 192 |
| Posted on 8 September 2013 | Updated on 8 September 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Nor Love Nor Wisdom by Elleth
After an Orc incursion leaves Finrod wounded, he finds himself in close quarters with Curufin, who is pursuing an agenda of his own. A Sultry in September 2013 fic, written for ParadifeLoft.
| Major Characters: Curufin, Edrahil, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 049 |
| Posted on 4 September 2013 | Updated on 4 September 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Be more cruel, Love, and so be kind. by Agelast
All of Caranthir's preconceived notions are turned on their head when he finds himself falling for the most unlikely person possible -- his annoyingly perfect half-cousin, Finrod.
Written for Dawn Felegund for Sultry in September 2013.
| Major Characters: Amarië, Caranthir, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 12, 314 |
| Posted on 3 September 2013 | Updated on 3 September 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Unconquered by Rhapsody
Once Morwen finally arrives in Doriath to be reunited with her son, she learns that not all of her sacrifices made have been in vain.
Written for Ludovica for Sultry in September 2013.
| Major Characters: Aerin, Brodda, Galadriel, Lorgan, Melian, Morwen, Nienor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Erotica, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Canon with a Twist, Gift of a Story, International Day of Femslash 2013, Strong Women |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Torture, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 7, 610 |
| Posted on 2 September 2013 | Updated on 2 September 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
The Sovereign and the Priest by Dawn Felagund
Long ago in Valinor, Finrod and Celegorm faced opposing expectations, one a symbol of Eldarin potential and the other abandoned to a life of leisure, and neither fully certain of his place among the Noldor. Now, after the Dagor Bragollach, their fates collide when Celegorm and Curufin, fleeing the destruction of their realm, take harbor in Nargothrond. As both work to mend the myriad hurts between their houses, each discovers a secret about the other and, most surprising of all, the desire that grows between them. But as each of their oaths begin to call, their growing love might not survive the inevitability of their fates. Written for Urloth for Sultry in September 2013.
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Angrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Finrod Felagund, Original Character(s), Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Erotica, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 40, 601 |
| Posted on 1 September 2013 | Updated on 1 September 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (45) |
Maglor Plays For His People After Doriath by Himring
The Feanorians have retreated to Amon Ereb after the Fall of Doriath. The first night after their arrival, they assemble in the hall, waiting for Maglor to play for them.
Includes a flashback to Maglor's encounter with Daeron at the Mereth Aderthad.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 2, 382 |
| Posted on 31 August 2013 | Updated on 31 August 2013 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Maitimo by Luxa
By the time she saw one of her sons again, the world was nearly at an end. She did not expect him to return so scarred.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 020 |
| Posted on 31 August 2013 | Updated on 31 August 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
While These Visions Did Appear by oshun
These are my responses in graphic format to B2MeM 2013 prompts.
If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended,
That you have but slumber'd here
While these visions did appear.
--Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream
| Major Characters: Ar-Pharazôn, Aulë, Beren, Dwarves, Elves, Eärendil, Fëanor, Finarfin, Glaurung, Lúthien Tinúviel, Maedhros, Maglor, Melkor, Men, Númenóreans, Tar-Ancalimon, Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Alternate Universe, Comic Strip, Crossover, Drama, Erotica | Challenges: B2MeM 2013 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 14 | Word Count: 11, 581 |
| Posted on 3 March 2013 | Updated on 29 August 2013 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The Bait by semper_eadem
Sitting together for tea, Curufinwë reveals that he actually cares and Artanis realises that she does not know.
A story of the Time of the Trees.
| Major Characters: Curufin, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 895 |
| Posted on 26 August 2013 | Updated on 26 August 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
To Love What Is Mortal by Astris
Thuringwethil pays a visit to someone she once knew. (Rather onesided Lúthien/Thuringwethil).
| Major Characters: Lúthien Tinúviel, Thuringwethil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 510 |
| Posted on 23 August 2013 | Updated on 23 August 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A Dream That Words Can No Longer Define by Independence1776
Elrond on the night before he sails to Middle-earth to search for Maglor.
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Elladan, Elrohir, Elrond |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 600 |
| Posted on 22 August 2013 | Updated on 22 August 2013 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
| Major Characters: Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 72 |
| Posted on 18 August 2013 | Updated on 18 August 2013 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
A Sense of Place by mistrali
Prompt by blondebabe800 at comment_fic - "Any, any, is this the place that I've been dreaming of?" Turgon considers Gondolin.
| Major Characters: Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 66 |
| Posted on 18 August 2013 | Updated on 18 August 2013 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 50 |
| Posted on 18 August 2013 | Updated on 18 August 2013 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Het | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 101 |
| Posted on 18 August 2013 | Updated on 18 August 2013 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
| Major Characters: Gandalf, Nienna |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 101 |
| Posted on 18 August 2013 | Updated on 18 August 2013 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
| Major Characters: Círdan, Gandalf |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 101 |
| Posted on 18 August 2013 | Updated on 18 August 2013 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
| Major Characters: Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 101 |
| Posted on 18 August 2013 | Updated on 18 August 2013 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
