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
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
Telpetari's Tapestry: Tales of a Silver Queen by Kaylee Arafinwiel
What was Celebrian, daughter of Celeborn and Galadriel, wife and cousin of Elrond, the Lady of Imladris like? We really don't get to see her, but these (mostly previously unrelated) stories will feature her along with her family.
| Major Characters: Aerandir, Celeborn, Celebrían, Celebrimbor, Elrond, Elwing, Erellont, Estë, Eärendil, Falathar, Galadriel, Original Character(s), Oropher, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 574 |
| Posted on 30 November 2011 | Updated on 30 November 2011 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Dispelling Rumours by Kaylee Arafinwiel
Soon after Fingon rescues Maedhros from his imprisonment, the two Exiles discuss a rumour that has been spreading in Maedhros' camp...
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 615 |
| Posted on 30 November 2011 | Updated on 30 November 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Strange Beginnings by Urloth
The elves were content and dwelt long under the stars of the forest Cuiviénen. After many years with many groups and cultures multiple and different rites of passage and ways of living will evolve.
Under the ever dark sky a child awakens in the forest and knows only that she is young and her name is Míriel.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Finwë, Ingwë, Míriel Serindë, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Experimental, Het, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 187 |
| Posted on 27 November 2011 | Updated on 27 November 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
A Length Of Ribbon by Himring
The fate of a bit of blue-and-silver ribbon before and after the Nirnaeth Arnoediad.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Orcs |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 3, 694 |
| Posted on 27 November 2011 | Updated on 27 November 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
At least Elegance, at most a Revelation. by Urloth
Indis is strong, brave and loves her Queen so very much.
| Major Characters: Indis, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 311 |
| Posted on 26 November 2011 | Updated on 26 November 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
In Darkness Bound by Fiondil
In the aftermath of the Darkening, three kings search for meaning in the midst of tragedy. One seeks absolution; another, vengeance, while the third merely endeavors to salvage what he can from the disaster and protect his people from future harm. All may find what they are looking for, though not necessarily in the way they expect, for, as always, the Valar have their own agenda. Many thanks go to my betas, Alassiel and Ellie.
| Major Characters: Amarië, Anairë, Elenwë, Eärwen, Fëanor, Finarfin, Findis, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Finwë, Galadriel, Gandalf, Ilmarë, Indis, Ingwë, Maedhros, Maglor, Maiar, Melkor, Nerdanel, Olwë, Original Character(s), Turgon, Ungoliant, Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 131 | Word Count: 466, 786 |
| Posted on 6 September 2010 | Updated on 25 November 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Sand and Music by avi17
"The only constants as time passes are the sand and the music, and the lingering ghosts..." Maglor wanders.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Experimental | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 760 |
| Posted on 20 November 2011 | Updated on 20 November 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Arrange Your Face by Agelast
A pair of drabbles about Fingon and Maedhros.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 218 |
| Posted on 17 November 2011 | Updated on 17 November 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
In the Seventh Age by Deborah Judge
The final fate of Maglor son of Feanor.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 360 |
| Posted on 11 November 2011 | Updated on 11 November 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Of Stars and Kings by Kimberleighe
The reign and life of Ereinion Gil-Galad.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Celebrimbor, Círdan, Elrond, Elros, Eärendil, Fingon, Galadriel, Gil-galad, Idril, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, General, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 112 |
| Posted on 11 November 2011 | Updated on 11 November 2011 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Maglor's Star by Cirth
Maglor asks his big brother for something.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 487 |
| Posted on 8 November 2011 | Updated on 8 November 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
| Major Characters: Glirhuin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 59 |
| Posted on 6 November 2011 | Updated on 6 November 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Binding Shadow by Erurainon
Of the shadow of Maeglin
| Major Characters: Maeglin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 647 |
| Posted on 6 November 2011 | Updated on 6 November 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
True Priorities by Himring
Celegorm's first reaction on hearing about the outcome of the Hunting of the Wolf in Doriath.
| Major Characters: Celegorm |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 101 |
| Posted on 5 November 2011 | Updated on 5 November 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Silver and Gold by Oboe-Wan
Galadriel and Celeborn meet in Doriath
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Elu Thingol, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel, Lúthien Tinúviel, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 10 | Word Count: 13, 543 |
| Posted on 4 November 2011 | Updated on 4 November 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
The Song of the Seafarer by Erurainon
The lay of the strange fate of one man of the seas
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 87 |
| Posted on 1 November 2011 | Updated on 1 November 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Run Rabbit! by Chilled in Hithlum
Tuor and Voronwë, travelling from Nevrast to Gondolin, stop to prepare a meal and as it cooks the young man tells the Elf of his former life as a thrall...
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 143 |
| Posted on 1 November 2011 | Updated on 1 November 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
By the Shores of Nevrast by Erurainon
A brief lay of the grief of Arda and the shadow of Morgoth upon a traveler on a lonesome quest which ends in darkness
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Season of Change |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 105 |
| Posted on 1 November 2011 | Updated on 1 November 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Harvester of the Dead by Erulisse
Summary: When the fëar coming to Námo’s Halls suddenly consist of mostly women and children, the Vala of the Dead calls into question his ability to continue performing his job. A response to the prompt “Harvest”. Tied for First Place in ALEC September 2011 Contest.
| Major Characters: Mandos, Vairë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 848 |
| Posted on 31 October 2011 | Updated on 31 October 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The Fall of the Noldor by Erurainon
A lay of the Elder Days focused on the fortunes of the house of Feanor, the Silmarils of yore, the dark magesty of Morgoth, and the ending of the wars of Balariand all in verse.
| Major Characters: Ainur |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Poetry | Challenges: Differing Perspectives |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 393 |
| Posted on 30 October 2011 | Updated on 30 October 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Ill Chance or Strange Fates by Ivanneth
Fingon baby-sits, and has an unexpected visitor.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Aredhel, Fingolfin, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 531 |
| Posted on 28 October 2011 | Updated on 28 October 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Walking On the Dark Side by Erulisse
A series of drabbles focusing on Morgoth. Take a walk through the Dark Side. Responses to a variety of prompts for Tolkien Weekly drabble challenges.
| Major Characters: Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 743 |
| Posted on 8 October 2011 | Updated on 27 October 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Sauron's Worst Nightmare by Uvatha the Horseman
A dream sequence in which Sauron finds himself in Melkor's old cell, waiting to be put into the Void.
| Major Characters: Aulë, Mandos, Manwë, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 5, 935 |
| Posted on 23 October 2011 | Updated on 23 October 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Oath Renewed by Inglor
Narsil was 3000 years old before it came to Elendil, how did he get it?
| Major Characters: Beren, Celeborn, Edrahil, Elendil, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel, Gil-galad, Gildor, Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 4, 176 |
| Posted on 22 October 2011 | Updated on 22 October 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
A Game Of Chess by Uvatha the Horseman
Sauron went to Umbar wearing the Ring, not expecting to be captured and taken to Númenor. How did the Ring get back to Barad-dûr?
| Major Characters: Ar-Pharazôn, Nazgûl, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 657 |
| Posted on 20 October 2011 | Updated on 20 October 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
