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
Eönwë's Narrow Escape by Uvatha the Horseman
Enemies fighting on opposite sides of the War of Powers, no one considered the possibility that Eönwë and Sauron, childhood friends, were still looking out for each other.
| Major Characters: Eönwë, Gothmog, Melkor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 799 |
| Posted on 20 October 2011 | Updated on 20 October 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Morgoth's Crown by Chilled in Hithlum
Just playing with words
looking for inspiration, really!
| 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: 55 |
| Posted on 17 October 2011 | Updated on 17 October 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
About words by Aerlinn
Your brother would have me believe it was your noble spirit that made you turn away from me. Yet I would not be so easily convinced, talk of the One be damned.
Andreth speaks her mind. About Finrod, about words. About Aegnor, about fear.
Song against ink, voice against fire.
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Andreth, Elves, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 354 |
| Posted on 16 October 2011 | Updated on 16 October 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Truth Against the World by Lipstick
Maglor and the Dragon
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 743 |
| Posted on 15 October 2011 | Updated on 15 October 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Four Times Nelyo by Robinka
A set of drabbles. The title says it all.
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 406 |
| Posted on 14 October 2011 | Updated on 14 October 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Bathing by Platinum Firebird
The bathing habits of the Sindar leave much to be desired, in Lady Galadriel's humble opinion.
| 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, 088 |
| Posted on 10 October 2011 | Updated on 10 October 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Confessions of a Sharp Glance by Mercurie
In the Halls of Mandos, Maeglin reveals the darkest moments of his life to an unusual listener
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Eöl, Idril, Maeglin, Melkor, Tuor, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 13, 637 |
| Posted on 8 October 2011 | Updated on 8 October 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Love and Loss in Three-Quarter Time by Erulisse
Summary: The movements of friendship are like the movements of a dance, when it is performed properly, it is exquisite to participate in.
| Major Characters: Glorfindel, Original Character(s), Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 637 |
| Posted on 8 October 2011 | Updated on 8 October 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Gathering the Pieces by Tehta
A Maedhros-sans-hand story which is darker than most. Maedhros views his life's work as a game. He plots his moves and gathers some important pieces.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 768 |
| Posted on 1 October 2011 | Updated on 1 October 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Onlooker by Himring
A short time after Fingon has handed over his realm of Dor-lomin to Hador Lorindol of the Edain, there is a gathering of Noldorin princes in Barad Eithel, the dwelling of Fingolfin and his son Fingon. Fingon's cousin Maedhros attends the gathering.
Unrequited (pre-requited) Maedhros/Fingon, mostly implied.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 053 |
| Posted on 28 September 2011 | Updated on 28 September 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
The Invisible Man by Erulisse
Summary: The relationship between Maeglin and Idril is complex. His feelings for her were obsessive, and finally led to the betrayal and destruction of Gondolin and death of 1000’s. A response to the assigned prompt “Hit the Books – The Invisible Man”
| Major Characters: Idril, Maeglin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 469 |
| Posted on 27 September 2011 | Updated on 27 September 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A Promise Fulfilled by Erulisse
Summary: Glorfindel left the West at the request of the Valar to help fight evil in Middle Earth. As he finally returns, will happiness be waiting for him on the shores of Valinor? A response to the prompt “All’s Well that Ends Well”.
| Major Characters: Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 299 |
| Posted on 27 September 2011 | Updated on 27 September 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Ultimate Gift by Erulisse
Summary: The measure of a man can be done in many ways, one of which is by what he gives. Glorfindel gave the ultimate gift when he fought the Balrog. Some thoughts… A response to the prompt "Measure by Measure".
| Major Characters: Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 138 |
| Posted on 27 September 2011 | Updated on 27 September 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Mommy? by LadyBrooke
Feanor can see her, so why don't they believe him?
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Suspense | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 337 |
| Posted on 26 September 2011 | Updated on 26 September 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Advancement of Learning by Cloaked Eagle
Some twelve thousand years after the War of Wrath, a Vanyarin scholar is researching Finrod Felagund, and meets someone she did not expect.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Galadriel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 4, 292 |
| Posted on 24 September 2011 | Updated on 24 September 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Fly Away by Michiru
When the death of his father goes unpunished, Fëanáro takes matters into his own hands and establishes his own dynasty. His half-brothers' children, determined to oppose him, are drawn into a dangerous realm of intrigue as they work to bring his rule to an end. AU
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Angrod, Caranthir, Celeborn, Curufin, Fëanor, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 15, 992 |
| Posted on 17 August 2009 | Updated on 24 September 2011 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Dancing to the Fall by LadyBrooke
It's the end of the world, and Celebrian waits.
Torture warning is included because of desciption of what torture has caused, there is not actual torture depicted.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Celebrían |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Suspense | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Torture, Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 357 |
| Posted on 23 September 2011 | Updated on 23 September 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The Parentage of Gil-Galad by avi17
Ereinion learns the shocking truth of his lineage from an unexpected source. (Total crack.)
| Major Characters: Círdan, Fingon, Gil-galad, Maedhros, Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 614 |
| Posted on 19 September 2011 | Updated on 19 September 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Mending by Himring
Maedhros's first conversation with Idril in Mithrim.
Originally written as a get-well-soon present for Erulisse.
| Major Characters: Idril, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 896 |
| Posted on 13 September 2011 | Updated on 13 September 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Broken Bond by avi17
In Aman, Anairë feels the death of her husband.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Fëanor, Fingolfin, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 223 |
| Posted on 13 September 2011 | Updated on 13 September 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
A madness most discreet by Agelast
In fair Tirion upon Túna, where we lay our scene, young Fingon must learn that if you want something, you must first ask for it. But asking, alas, isn't getting.
| Major Characters: Angrod, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Humor, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 5, 224 |
| Posted on 10 September 2011 | Updated on 10 September 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Twins by Platinum Firebird
Fëanáro is not quite sure how he feels about being the father of seven children...
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 395 |
| Posted on 10 September 2011 | Updated on 10 September 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The Dying Fire by Vasiliki
Andreth's last night
| Major Characters: Andreth, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 593 |
| Posted on 9 September 2011 | Updated on 9 September 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Fingon, Galadriel, Idril, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 310 |
| Posted on 7 September 2011 | Updated on 7 September 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Interview with a Kinslayer by Lipstick
Maedhros and Maglor receive unexpected visitors.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 558 |
| Posted on 3 September 2011 | Updated on 3 September 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
