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
The Crossing of Celon by Himring
Sartandur is one of the servants of Celegorm who left the sons of Dior (Elured and Elurin) to die in the forest in revenge for the death of their master. Maedhros, son of Feanor, Celegorm's brother, is searching the woods of Doriath, trying to find the boys and rescue them. With the remaining Feanorians, Sartandur is waiting for Maedhros's return.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 092 |
| Posted on 24 November 2012 | Updated on 24 November 2012 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Gothmog and Draugluin by pandemonium_213
“Gothmog and Draugluin” follows the antics of two Tolkienian icons who were not all about smiting and devouring but had fun, too. Little Gothmog lives in Thangorodrim with his mom (Ulbandi Fluithuin) and dad (Melkor, Black Foe of the World). Melkor’s right-hand man and Gothmog’s babysitter -- Professor Thû ("I'm not a babysitter. I'm an observer!") -- makes appearances, too. Gothmog and Draugluin also share this space with “Stinky Pete” Mêshûgganâscar, Maia of Mandos, and his pals.
"Gothmog and Draugluin" appears monthly sporadically in the SWG newsletter. View the Table of Contents for a full listing of comics.
| Major Characters: Draugluin, Fingon, Gothmog, Maedhros, Mandos, Melkor, Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Comic Strip, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 20 | Word Count: 26, 029 |
| Posted on 19 September 2010 | Updated on 23 November 2012 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (40) |
A Kingly Gift by Russandol
Ten years of faithful service are rewarded. A double drabble.
A gift for elfscribe on her 10th Fandom Anniversary.
| Major Characters: Ar-Pharazôn, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 201 |
| Posted on 22 November 2012 | Updated on 22 November 2012 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Burning Bright by Agelast
The twins at Losgar: how they got there, and what they were left with. Written for B2MEM 2012.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 115 |
| Posted on 21 November 2012 | Updated on 21 November 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Tales from Rivendell: The Passing of Hurin by Richard_Inglorion
Elrond tells the story of Hurin's life, after his release from Angbad.
His audience are Valandil, sent from Arnor, and Gandalf, who has arrived from the West at the beginning of the Third Age.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Gandalf, Húrin, Tuor, Túrin, Valandil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 732 |
| Posted on 20 November 2012 | Updated on 20 November 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Thought by Rhapsody
That the relationship between Fëanor and Nernadel had its ups and downs is no secret, but what kind of impact did it have on their third son?
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2011 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 250 |
| Posted on 15 November 2012 | Updated on 15 November 2012 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Rolling in the Deep by Rhapsody
On board of a swan ship, Celegorm is isolated from his brothers and father. As he deals with the aftermath of his first battle as a man changed, his fate is sealed.
| Major Characters: Celegorm |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: B2MeM 2011 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 423 |
| Posted on 12 November 2012 | Updated on 12 November 2012 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
These Tears by Elvewen
Nienna's thoughts as the Nirnaeth Arnoediad ended.
| Major Characters: Nienna |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: B2MeM 2011 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 988 |
| Posted on 12 November 2012 | Updated on 12 November 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Goblin Town Gates, Long Gone Before by Dwimordene
Thou art that.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 213 |
| Posted on 24 October 2012 | Updated on 10 November 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Bird In A Cage by Himring
Of the House of Finwe, Aredhel may be the one who most values personal freedom--and nevertheless we see her spending long periods confined: first to Gondolin, then to Nan Elmoth. This is a story about Aredhel's choices.
Part I is the story of her last meeting with her cousin Maedhros before she departed for Gondolin, Part II deals with later events in Vinyamar, Gondolin and Nan Elmoth.
Includes vignettes of Aredhel and Maedhros in Valinor, glimpses of Turgon, and Maedhros's thoughts on a number of matters, including Losgar.
| Major Characters: Amrod, Aredhel, Fingon, Idril, Maedhros, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 8 | Word Count: 7, 214 |
| Posted on 2 November 2012 | Updated on 2 November 2012 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Tale Of The Telerin Flute Player by Himring
After the War of Wrath, Maglor's wife, a musician of Telerin descent who remained behind in Valinor, learns that her husband has written his most famous composition while in Middle-earth--and that it is entitled Noldolante: The Fall of the Noldor.
| Major Characters: Elemmírë, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 536 |
| Posted on 26 October 2012 | Updated on 26 October 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Yávië in Formenos by oshun
When he encounters a new harvest worker, a farmer in Formenos is reminded of the great march under starlight across the east of Middle-earth to the shores of the Great Sea. MPTT Harvest Challenge, October 2012; Prompts: waggon, help, young. Beta: Ignoblebard.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Original Character(s), Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Family Matters, Season of Change |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 516 |
| Posted on 23 October 2012 | Updated on 23 October 2012 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Unsnarl My Body by Agelast
Written in response Oshun's The Beautiful Battlements of the Fortress on Himring Hill. Maedhros has trouble sleeping. Maedhros/Fingon (vague) smut.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 955 |
| Posted on 17 October 2012 | Updated on 17 October 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The Beautiful Battlements of the Fortress on Himring Hill by oshun, IgnobleBard
Written at the request of Moetushie-–in the form of a comment fic on her LJ. Not much of a plot, simply Fingon and Maedhros sitting in a room at the top of Himring Hill Castle K-I-S-S-I-N-G. With a Beta read by Ignoble Bard and with some serious help from him in closing it--on the co-writing credit: he wrote the last sentence; I edited it lightly. (Without him, I probably couldn't write at all, too fraught with self doubt.)
| Major Characters: Erestor, Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Humor, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 153 |
| Posted on 13 October 2012 | Updated on 13 October 2012 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Of Draugluin by Huinare
Wherein a denizen of Utumno is roped into a peculiar project, the repercussions of which are inescapable.
**Update! Ch 9.
Of refugees and trees.
| Major Characters: Ancalagon, Draugluin, Maiar, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Torture, Character Death, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 20, 578 |
| Posted on 28 September 2011 | Updated on 5 October 2012 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (38) |
A Homecoming at the End of Time by Himring
In the far distant future, Maglor returns to Valinor.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Science Fiction | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 365 |
| Posted on 25 September 2012 | Updated on 25 September 2012 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
For Him I Cry by Elithien
A farewell between Finrod and Amarie at Aman.
| Major Characters: Amarië, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 578 |
| Posted on 23 September 2012 | Updated on 23 September 2012 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The Prisoner and the Hobbit by pandemonium_213, Dreamflower
A prisoner in the Halls of Mandos, although grateful to be alive, nonetheless finds his days to be monotonous, that is, until a most unusual person, and one whose life was affected greatly by the prisoner's masterwork, accepts an offer to begin a correspondence.
| Major Characters: Bilbo Baggins, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 62, 175 |
| Posted on 22 October 2011 | Updated on 20 September 2012 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (41) |
Hostile Nations by Agelast
We touch as though attacking.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Erotica | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 904 |
| Posted on 18 September 2012 | Updated on 18 September 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The Noon-tide Night by Agelast
Fingon and Maedhros, in space and what they did there.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Fingon, Gil-galad, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Romance, Science Fiction, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 14, 757 |
| Posted on 15 September 2012 | Updated on 15 September 2012 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Eastward by Idle Leaves
Glorfindel is still looking eastward.
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 298 |
| Posted on 13 September 2012 | Updated on 13 September 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
The Malleable Metal of His Mind by Firerose
No-one starts out evil. Two linked snippets based in Unfinished Tales
| Major Characters: Saruman |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 357 |
| Posted on 5 September 2012 | Updated on 5 September 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Swift music like an enchantment by Kimberleighe
A brief moment between cousins and friends at one of Tirion's many festivals.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Aredhel, Argon, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Ecthelion of the Fountain, Elenwë, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel, Glorfindel, Maedhros, Maglor, Original Character(s), Orodreth, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 822 |
| Posted on 2 September 2012 | Updated on 2 September 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Critic by oshun
In the bliss of Valinor in the Years of the Trees, Maglor plays a new song for Aredhel and Celegorm. It is mainly about the suffering of the artist unappreciated by the Philistines closest to him. Oh, yes, I like these two cousins together also. Tolkien hooked me when he said of Aredhel, “There she was often in the company of the sons of Fëanor, her kin; but to none was her heart's love given.” Ah, I see. But it could have been. Then he sends her later on to leave Gondolin, set upon visiting Celegorm. Obviously, they were wildly infatuated with one another in their youth. The story is still Gen Fic at its heart.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Celegorm, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Family Matters |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 435 |
| Posted on 2 September 2012 | Updated on 2 September 2012 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Maedhros and the Gardener by Himring
Fingon's gardener and his reactions to the invasion of his garden by a son of Feanor. Set in Tirion, a short time after Maedhros's re-embodiment.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 758 |
| Posted on 29 August 2012 | Updated on 29 August 2012 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
