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
True Leader
Create a fanwork using one of our quotes from a woman in leadership. 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
O Sollemn Rose by Erurainon
Feanor parts ways with his wife, reflecting on the nature of their love.
| Major Characters: Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 75 |
| Posted on 2 June 2013 | Updated on 2 June 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Without a War by Erurainon
A man of Numenor meets a woman of the Faithful ere the deluge and reflects upon war and peace.
| Major Characters: Men |
| 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 2 June 2013 | Updated on 2 June 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Charged With Want by Erurainon
Maglor comes to terms with his curse and the dark glory of Middle Earth.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 78 |
| Posted on 2 June 2013 | Updated on 2 June 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
To See The Cherry Hung With Snow by Himring
Maedhros and Fingon and a cherry tree: first in Mithrim and later in Valinor, outside the gates of Lorien.
Now added: Take Two: The Fell Winter
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 724 |
| Posted on 18 May 2013 | Updated on 31 May 2013 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
The Last Whose Realm Was Fair and Free by Dwimordene
Gil-galad was an Elven King. We all know what this means, right?
Political economy does Second Age Elven (and other) kingdoms. Features Gil-galad, Galadriel, Celeborn, Celebrimbor, and Aldarion, primarily. Gives the other side, in a way, of Atalantë.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Celebrimbor, Círdan, Gil-galad, Tar-Aldarion |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 067 |
| Posted on 30 May 2013 | Updated on 30 May 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Five Ways from One by clotho123
Five different paths the history of the Noldor might have taken if Fëanor had sworn a different Oath
| Major Characters: Noldor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Experimental | Challenges: Canon with a Twist |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 455 |
| Posted on 30 May 2013 | Updated on 30 May 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Eärendil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 452 |
| Posted on 29 May 2013 | Updated on 29 May 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
Sparks by Independence1776
Short stories, ficlets, and drabbles set at many points in the RAFA 'verse, from the Years of the Trees to RAFA itself. Each story has a separate rating.
| Major Characters: Arwen, Celebrían, Elladan, Elrohir, Elrond, Elros, Elwing, Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: B2MeM 2009, B2MeM 2010, B2MeM 2012, B2MeM 2013 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 11 | Word Count: 6, 087 |
| Posted on 6 March 2012 | Updated on 29 May 2013 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (20) |
The First Day of my Life by mangacrack
In which Maglor is proud to be self confident enough to hold a grudge and refuse an offer in order to keep watching TV.
| Major Characters: Eönwë, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 575 |
| Posted on 29 May 2013 | Updated on 29 May 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Fame to fill the Void by mangacrack
Everything I'll never ever tell you.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Elrond, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 583 |
| Posted on 29 May 2013 | Updated on 29 May 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Tenn' Ambar-metta by Almare
AU in which the Ainur are a powerful magically/technologically advanced species and Ilúvatar was an invention to aid them in controlling the elves. Nothing that happened before the Awakening is necessarily true.
| Major Characters: Elwing, Eärendil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Suicide |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 469 |
| Posted on 27 May 2013 | Updated on 27 May 2013 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Sacrifice by Erurainon
The evil of the dark lord lives on in the wrongs the peoples of Arda commit against each other. This song is not one of light, but of dark horor.
| Major Characters: Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 68 |
| Posted on 26 May 2013 | Updated on 26 May 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
God's Song by Erurainon
The love of Eru for his people.
| Major Characters: Noldor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 106 |
| Posted on 26 May 2013 | Updated on 26 May 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Death at the Havens by Erurainon
The madness of one of Arda's most hated and powerful Noldor and the Eldar perspective on his kin-Slaying.
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 94 |
| Posted on 26 May 2013 | Updated on 26 May 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
At the Bidding of the Minstrel by Himring
Maglor's brothers: a kind of ghost story.
Alternative text for Elleth's powerful artwork At the Bidding of the Minstrel, written as a gift fic for her some time ago but not previously archived here.
| Major Characters: Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Humor | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 202 |
| Posted on 24 May 2013 | Updated on 24 May 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
A Poet's Curse by Elisif
A piece of somewhat AU Maglor insanity; dark.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Color of ... |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 778 |
| Posted on 23 May 2013 | Updated on 23 May 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Anon He Sleeps by Erurainon
A weary soldier comes upon the place where Huor and the men of Dor Lomen were slain to guard the retreat of Turgon.
| Major Characters: Huor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 106 |
| Posted on 22 May 2013 | Updated on 22 May 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Straight Road by Strawberry Mongol Elf
Written by my OC, Rochëru, son of Olwë, during his oh so long banishment in Middle-Earth.
I might write more about him some time soon.
| Major Characters: Olwë, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 90 |
| Posted on 21 May 2013 | Updated on 21 May 2013 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Stages of Longing by Strawberry Mongol Elf
After being re-embodied, Ecthelion learns that his beloved has sailed back to Middle-Earth. How is he supposed to understand it? And more importantly, how is he supposed to carry on now?
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 990 |
| Posted on 21 May 2013 | Updated on 21 May 2013 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Ere The Light Faded by Erurainon
The dark and vivid ride of Hurin and his kin unto the Battle of Unnumbered Tears.
| Major Characters: Men |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 62 |
| Posted on 21 May 2013 | Updated on 21 May 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Galadriel Learns a Lesson by Erurainon
Young Galadriel learns about the dangers of power through a simple childhood error
| Major Characters: Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 94 |
| Posted on 20 May 2013 | Updated on 20 May 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Dark Ships by Erurainon
A lamentation for The Doom of Men by a Bard of Numenor
| Major Characters: Men |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 125 |
| Posted on 19 May 2013 | Updated on 19 May 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Tearful Heath by Erurainon
The sorrow of Finduilas still marks her grave. A stranger wanders through the woodland green and stumbles across the mound.
| Major Characters: Finduilas |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 89 |
| Posted on 19 May 2013 | Updated on 19 May 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Mothers and Daughters by oshun
Just a scrap of not much of anything. For a Femslash Friday submission. Not very slashy even under a microscope. But if I say it is, it is. The requirements are actually flexible. Women liking women is sufficient. (Birthday girl, Zeen, I hope you do not think I am a cheapskate for doubling up a ficlet for you into a challenge entry!)
| Major Characters: Anairë, Aredhel, Eärwen, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Strong Women |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 268 |
| Posted on 17 May 2013 | Updated on 17 May 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Sing With the Land by The Wavesinger
You call us less wise, but what do you know of Arda, children of Valinor? AKA 'What the Avari really think about the Noldor'
| Major Characters: Avari |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: B2MeM 2013 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 855 |
| Posted on 17 May 2013 | Updated on 17 May 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
