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
Grief by Gwenniel
It may seem that Kanafinwë Macalaurë was never one to follow in the footsteps of his father. Yet he is bound to his father just like his brothers: not only because of fate, but also out of love.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 252 |
| Posted on 5 April 2012 | Updated on 5 April 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Good Servant by talktob3cks
The evil servants of Celegorm reflect on their deeds at Doriath.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Dior, Eluréd, Elurín, Elwing, Maedhros, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 286 |
| Posted on 3 April 2012 | Updated on 3 April 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Strand of Hair by talktob3cks
Gimli feels homesick after leaving Middle Earth with Legolas. He misses simple things like speaking Dwarvish and discussing cave delving. An expedition with Galadriel and Legolas might bring him the solace he seeks.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General, Humor | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 054 |
| Posted on 3 April 2012 | Updated on 3 April 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
| Major Characters: Elwing, Eärendil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 620 |
| Posted on 2 April 2012 | Updated on 2 April 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The muddled last thoughts of one Gelmir of Nargothrond by Huinare
Gelmir, on his way to the incident that shall spark the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, reflects on the circumstances that brought him to this point.
| Major Characters: Gelmir, Gwindor, Orcs, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Horror | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Torture, Character Death, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 680 |
| Posted on 1 April 2012 | Updated on 1 April 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Intruder by wind rider
How if Melkor got another undesired visitor aside from Beren and Luthien? How if the strange “creature” was even more undesirable than the former lord of Dorthonion and the daughter of pitiful Melyanna?
| Major Characters: Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover, Humor, Mystery | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 298 |
| Posted on 31 March 2012 | Updated on 31 March 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
First-Time Experience by wind rider
There was always a first time for everything and everyone. Kía of Belegost and her special orange cloth and the smell of orcs in the air, for instance.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Horror, Humor | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 864 |
| Posted on 31 March 2012 | Updated on 31 March 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Strange Apparition by wind rider
Maedhros built his fortress in Himring very well, and he was proud of it. But he had never considered to shield it against magic… Fortunately – or not? – the intruder was just a strange, benevolent-looking old man.
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover, Fixed-Length Ficlet, Mystery | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 520 |
| Posted on 30 March 2012 | Updated on 30 March 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
In Dreams, To Whom I Never Have by wind rider
Sometimes the dream that comes true is more horrifying than the dream itself, and living the said dream is even worse. A seven-year-old Ginny Weasley experiences that first-hand. But perhaps, there will still be a silver-lining even in the worst situation?
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Celegorm, Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Alternate Universe, Crossover, Drama, Experimental, General, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Suspense | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 4, 612 |
| Posted on 25 March 2012 | Updated on 30 March 2012 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Justice and Death by Gwenniel
There are Oaths that need to be fulfilled, there are quests that cannot be avoided. Caranthir knows that a sooner or later he and his brothers have to go to Doriath to regain the Silmaril.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Dior, Haleth, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 11, 557 |
| Posted on 28 February 2012 | Updated on 28 March 2012 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Immortality by wind rider
Was the view on life and death different between the Firstborn and Secondborn? What did the Firstborn think of Eru’s “gift” to the Secondborn? – Deep in Nargothrond, a particular Elf was wrestling with these questions and more upon the death of his first Mannish friend.
| Major Characters: Balan, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 382 |
| Posted on 25 March 2012 | Updated on 25 March 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Worse Than Bad by wind rider
Nothing was recogniseable, even the people he had once known. But still, Lindarion did not wish to give up on everything – not yet, not until he was taken himself, even though he was not terribly fond of this land.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Horror | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 216 |
| Posted on 25 March 2012 | Updated on 25 March 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Not Too Bad by wind rider
Everything had changed, and not necessarily for the better. Not even the very look of their new settlement was familiar to his sight and soul, but Lindarion was not about to complain – not too much anyway. He still got most of his family intact, and it was all that really mattered.
Sequel: "Worse Than Bad"
| Major Characters: Olwë, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Experimental, General | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 109 |
| Posted on 25 March 2012 | Updated on 25 March 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Meal by wind rider
”The Master tells us to kill them, but I see only good meal.” – What the Master wanted, he got it. What the Warg wanted, he got it too.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 108 |
| Posted on 25 March 2012 | Updated on 25 March 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Greatest of All by wind rider
”People always talk about the Powers they have met here, greater or lesser. I don’t think they will call my friend great though, just because his particular affinity and his less-than-perfect look. But he is, to me.” – Fire attracts fire, and water attracts water, but one day an insubstancial bit of water actually saved somebody from a raging fire.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 529 |
| Posted on 19 March 2012 | Updated on 19 March 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
I Choose... by wind rider
His siblings have much to say about the local king’s decision to band their tongue from speech in the land, but Ingoldo is grateful only on the mere fact that they are still allowed to dwell in the said land. How to tell them, though?
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 038 |
| Posted on 19 March 2012 | Updated on 19 March 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
For the Sake of Alliance by wind rider
Voldemort really, really, really wished to know what the prophecy between him and the brat Potter contained, but he was not getting closer to solving it after a year of research and obscure attempts. But now he had just discovered a very old manuscript that might bring the answer to his problem. Bellatrix Lestrange, his faithful servant, was going to hand him a very sought-after ally – or else.
| Major Characters: Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Crossover | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 985 |
| Posted on 19 March 2012 | Updated on 19 March 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Peace-Breakers by wind rider
What did the inhabitants of Tol Eressëa think of the impending arrival of a ship they were excited and fearful about in equal measures? Had Elves forgotten about mortals they had fought together in the War of Wrath? Had they forgiven those mortals who boldly attempted to claim Aman for themselves just because of selfish greed?
| Major Characters: Gandalf, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 897 |
| Posted on 19 March 2012 | Updated on 19 March 2012 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Metamorphosis by Agelast
She had only a moment to learn how to fly.
| Major Characters: Elwing, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 347 |
| Posted on 19 March 2012 | Updated on 19 March 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Spark by spark (the frost fires kindle). by Urloth
Of Fëanáro's coming into the world and what Handenésë saw.
| Major Characters: Míriel Serindë, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 748 |
| Posted on 16 March 2012 | Updated on 16 March 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Night the Sea Came In by Keiliss
After Beleriand is broken and drowned in the wreck of the War of Wrath, the survivors on Balar set out on a desperate voyage in search of a safe haven.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Elrond, Elros, Erestor, Galadriel, Gil-galad, Gildor, Lindir |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 10, 060 |
| Posted on 14 March 2012 | Updated on 14 March 2012 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
We of Far Lands by wind rider
Black hair, grey eyes, but not a Noldo? Finrod could not choose between disbelief, denial, and curiosity when a time-traveller with “magic” came for an unexpected visit to his unfinished underground city. Balan and his people were not the first Secondborn he met, after all…
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Crossover, Mystery | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 425 |
| Posted on 12 March 2012 | Updated on 12 March 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Highest Priority by wind rider
Elwing had choice between a single and double jewels. She chose the single jewel – because the silmaril was the highest priority.
| Major Characters: Elwing, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Horror | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 282 |
| Posted on 12 March 2012 | Updated on 12 March 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Memories of Winter by wind rider
They saw the ice crystals, she saw the devouring ice maws. They saw the snow-drift, she saw how it could suffocate and drown. They saw the dancing snowflakes, she saw the beating and wailing blizzard. They laughed, she cried; because there was no laughter in Helkaraxë.
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Erestor, Idril |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 565 |
| Posted on 12 March 2012 | Updated on 12 March 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Longer than the Road by wind rider
They left her side, she waited. They killed, shaming her, she forgave them. They might never come back to her, but she would take all that she had. She would wait until beyond the world’s breaking, because a mother’s love is longer than the road.
| Major Characters: Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: B2MeM 2012 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 382 |
| Posted on 12 March 2012 | Updated on 12 March 2012 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
