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
Season of Change
Create a fanwork about seasons in Tolkien's world. 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
Love Like Winter, Hands Like Ice by Himring, Agelast
Summer, winter--some things change, while others never do.
AU: Maedhros and Fingon in Mithrim.
Mild Horror.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 343 |
| Posted on 20 January 2013 | Updated on 20 January 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Candlework by Agelast
Nargothrond, afterwards. Curufin receives an unexpected visitor.
| Major Characters: Curufin, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 974 |
| Posted on 16 January 2013 | Updated on 16 January 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Walls Will Serve by Himring
A series of three vignettes, set beside the springs of Little Gelion below Himring Hill:
i. Maedhros decides to build a fortress on Himring Hill (Maedhros, original characters)
ii. After the Dagor Bragollach, Maedhros shows Himring to his cousin (Maedhros/Fingon)
iii. In the Second Age, Elrond visits Tol Himling (Elrond, Arminas, Erestor)
| Major Characters: Arminas, Elrond, Erestor, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 2, 368 |
| Posted on 11 January 2013 | Updated on 11 January 2013 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (19) |
A Ghost is Haunted by Iavalir
A ghost he was yet he was haunted.
| Major Characters: Eluréd, Elurín |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 082 |
| Posted on 8 January 2013 | Updated on 8 January 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
And After A Time The Elf-Kings by Aerlinn
A series for those of you who have always wondered how a people known to argue about things like TH vs. S pronounciation came to be known for gems like “Go not to the elves for counsel, for they will say both yes and no".
Basically, this is a saga about officious Noldorin lords, their meddling in human affairs and its unexpected results...
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Noldor, Sindar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, General, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 001 |
| Posted on 6 January 2013 | Updated on 6 January 2013 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Earth by Aerlinn
He is walking through a garden. He is walking right over someone's carefully tended crops and carrots.
Maglor, the politics of war, farming, hunger and adoption.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 041 |
| Posted on 6 January 2013 | Updated on 6 January 2013 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Starlight by Aerlinn
Some bridges can only be crossed by starlight.
She will always have to run to keep up with his strolling.
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Andreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 828 |
| Posted on 6 January 2013 | Updated on 6 January 2013 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Five Things That Never Happened to Caranthir's Wife by grey_gazania
Five ways Parmacundë's life could have been different.
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 012 |
| Posted on 3 January 2013 | Updated on 3 January 2013 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Fire and the Hearth by Elleth
An evil winter has come upon Mithrim, and it is Makalaurë's responsibility to look out for his brothers – in particular for Curufin, who is nursing a strange remnant of their father.
Written for the MPTT Yule Fic Exchange, for Iavalir.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Curufin, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 863 |
| Posted on 2 January 2013 | Updated on 2 January 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Double Edges by Elleth
Maedhros returns to his brothers from the Fingolfinian camp in Mithrim, after recuperating there from his captivity. Not everyone is unreservedly happy to have him back.
| Major Characters: Curufin, Maedhros, Original Character(s), Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 768 |
| Posted on 1 January 2013 | Updated on 1 January 2013 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Nainië by Laurefinde
Maglor realizes he has become a legend among albatrosses.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 026 |
| Posted on 31 December 2012 | Updated on 31 December 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Elf Friend by Narya
A Saxon boy and his father remember the Elder Days.
| Major Characters: Eriol |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 480 |
| Posted on 30 December 2012 | Updated on 30 December 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 232 |
| Posted on 29 December 2012 | Updated on 29 December 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Divine Perception by belegur
As Iluvatar and his servant talk, the history of Arda unfolds.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 875 |
| Posted on 28 December 2012 | Updated on 28 December 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Peculiar by Ada Kensington
Finwë is worried about Fëanor, and enlists the help of a scholar, Rúmil, to help him understand his son.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Finwë, Indis, Rúmil (Valinor) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 83, 051 |
| Posted on 19 May 2010 | Updated on 27 December 2012 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Seed of Hope by lindahoyland
Isildur's deeds continue to inspire his descendants.
| Major Characters: Amandil, Ar-Pharazôn, Elendil, Isildur |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 104 |
| Posted on 24 December 2012 | Updated on 24 December 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Fool's Hope by Gwenniel
Turgon has lost someone he loves and so has Fingon. Therefore Turgon cannot understand how his brother manages to keep hoping, to hold onto his trust that everything will be all right, pursuing somebody who left nothing but fire and ice in his wake.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 244 |
| Posted on 10 December 2012 | Updated on 10 December 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Cold stars heave up and black birds migrate. by Urloth
"Sire….please! You came for the boats but… but can you sail them?"
At Alqualondë the Noldor found that there were unexpected helping hands waiting for them. Hands that trimmed the sails, manned the rudder and guided ill-gotten swan-ships to the Twilight Lands.
| Major Characters: Amrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Fëanor, Finrod Felagund, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama, General, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 154 |
| Posted on 2 December 2012 | Updated on 2 December 2012 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Peonies bloom and the world is full of liars. by Urloth
Summer has come to Sirion, bringing heat and the unhoused. Baradui, a refugee from Doriath, finds her life threatened and that her only source of help might be a pitiously ill patient who can barely care of themself.
| Major Characters: Elwing, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Erotica, Horror, Mystery, Suspense | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 27, 259 |
| Posted on 4 November 2012 | Updated on 2 December 2012 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Take a Bow by Zaatar
In the wake of Alqualondë and Finarfin's departure, Fëanor shores up power and Finrod must prove his loyalty.
| Major Characters: Amras, Celegorm, Curufin, Fëanor, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 414 |
| Posted on 2 December 2012 | Updated on 2 December 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Follow the Leader by Zaatar
It's Curufin's game but Finrod plays to win.
| Major Characters: Curufin, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 285 |
| Posted on 1 December 2012 | Updated on 1 December 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Light play. by Urloth
The illusion that a silmaril can be stolen. The illusion that a silmaril is anything more than a silmaril.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Finwë, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama, Experimental, General, Humor | Challenges: It's Magic! |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 5, 197 |
| Posted on 24 November 2012 | Updated on 1 December 2012 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Gold Thread by Himring
Fingon used to wear gold braided into his hair. How did that come about?
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 855 |
| Posted on 1 December 2012 | Updated on 1 December 2012 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Ask Galadriel by NerdyNerdanel
Confused? Concerned? Beset with worries? Then why not ask Galadriel! Whether you're an angsty teenager looking to get away from Nan Elmoth and explore the Noldorin side of your heritage or a hobbit consumed with envy over the size of your neighbour's taters, the Lady of the Golden Wood is here to help.
| Major Characters: Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 075 |
| Posted on 25 November 2012 | Updated on 25 November 2012 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Lost Boys by Lady MSM
Scenes from the lives of the lads of Gondolin.
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Glorfindel, Idril, Tuor, Voronwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Expletive Language, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 11 | Word Count: 4, 005 |
| Posted on 23 September 2012 | Updated on 24 November 2012 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
