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
Vintage
Pick your prompts from four bingo cards themed around vintage literature, art, poetry, and fanworks. 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
Ski Gondolin by Erulisse
Summary: There’s a mountain, there’s snow…there must be skiing. Come visit the newest winter resort in Middle Earth – Gondolin (chalets are in the process of renting now…reserve yours while there are still some available).
| Major Characters: Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 109 |
| Posted on 3 September 2011 | Updated on 3 September 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Love is not consolation, it is light. by Agelast
Keep a light on those you love.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 604 |
| Posted on 31 August 2011 | Updated on 31 August 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Embers by Independence1776
Maglor's journey through the Ages. Linked ficlets leading directly into Rise Again From Ashes.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 694 |
| Posted on 31 August 2011 | Updated on 31 August 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Mid-Summer Celebration at Angband by Erulisse
Summary: What kind of celebration would occur at Angband for Mid-Summer’s Day? Elves don’t have the corner on how to party – orcs can party hardy too. Here is how a massive party might have commenced under Morgoth’s rule.
| Major Characters: Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 459 |
| Posted on 30 August 2011 | Updated on 30 August 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Oak and Willow by Marnie
The story of Celeborn and Galadriel, with a difference - this time it's from the Sindar POV.
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Angrod, Celeborn, Curufin, Daeron, Elu Thingol, Fingolfin, Fingon, 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: 16 | Word Count: 49, 270 |
| Posted on 27 August 2011 | Updated on 27 August 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Into Water by avi17
“...and so perished the lord of the Fountain after fiery battle in cool waters.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fall of Gondolin. The death of Ecthelion.
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Experimental | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 637 |
| Posted on 25 August 2011 | Updated on 25 August 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The Passing of the Storm by Erulisse
Summary: In response to the prompt “The Tempest”, a unique look at the closing events of the Years of the Trees.
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 109 |
| Posted on 23 August 2011 | Updated on 23 August 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
I was like smoke without the fire by Agelast
Maedhros stands aside at Losgar. As such actions go, it's remarkably inadequate.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 762 |
| Posted on 23 August 2011 | Updated on 23 August 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
The House that Fingon Built by Himring
Some time about the end of the Fourth Age, Fingon leaves Mandos, returns to Tirion and learns of the Second and Third Kinslayings and Maedhros's suicide. He finds a way of dealing with it.
Includes flashbacks to Fingon's youth in Valinor and touches on his thoughts about the end of the Nirnaeth.
Fingon/Maedhros.
Sexual content: hardly any. Warnings for references to cow pastures, puff pastry and the perfect tea pot. For the rest, see summary.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Parting's Sorrow |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 5, 154 |
| Posted on 23 August 2011 | Updated on 23 August 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
Spectrums by wind rider
Trying to answer my own set of challenges; "100 Prompts." A collection of drabbles (from true drabbles to triple drabbles, according to MS Word) spanning the Beginning to the First Age, told through various scenes, in the point of viewof various characters – Elves, Men, Ainur, Dwarves, Ents, animals, and even orcs; not chronologically. Ratings may vary. Enjoy!
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 717 |
| Posted on 29 July 2011 | Updated on 22 August 2011 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Veils by wind rider
A Ñoldorin youth from the recently-sacked Eregion, reared to fear and loathe the Valar and Maiar and look down upon people other than Ñoldor, finds himself injured and under the mercy of the very peoples he despises and looks down upon. How will he survive? Until when? But perhaps, a miracle might happen…?
For Big Bang Challenge 2011. Thanks for Vanimë for the beta-reading and Elleth for the art!
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama, General, Horror, Mystery | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 26, 685 |
| Posted on 3 August 2011 | Updated on 22 August 2011 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The Guardian of the Walls by Deborah Judge
On the failed romance of Aredhel and Celegorm.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Celegorm |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Het | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 259 |
| Posted on 20 August 2011 | Updated on 20 August 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Singer's Girl by Lady MSM
Andril didn't mean to get involved in all this, really. Is it her fault that an exiled prince and his family are living two miles away from her village? And is it her fault she's got a weakness for talkative, musical boys? A sort of romantic dramedy.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Fëanor, Finwë, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel, Original Character(s), Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Humor, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 14 | Word Count: 27, 295 |
| Posted on 22 December 2010 | Updated on 20 August 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Evelyn: The First Age and Valinor by Caunedhiel
REWORKED.‘I had a normal life once...’
At the beginning of the First Age the Elves of Beleriand rejoiced; Kin long sundered returned home. Yet all was not as it seemed. The real reasons for the return of the Noldor were kept hidden among themselves.
The Enemy, known among the returning elves as Morgoth stirred in the iron hell of Angband. Wars were fought and lost. Many Kingdoms were founded; some rose to glory, though in the end all fell in blood and fire.
Thrown into the chaos of Arda Marred, Evelyn must adapt to a world not her own. Arda is a dangerous place in which to be vulnerable.
Canon Based AU
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Aulë, Círdan, Curufin, Ecthelion of the Fountain, Elu Thingol, Eärendil, Eönwë, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Glorfindel, Idril, Maedhros, Maeglin, Maglor, Mandos, Manwë, Original Character(s), Sauron, Sons of Fëanor, Tuor, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 532 |
| Posted on 7 June 2011 | Updated on 20 August 2011 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The End of the Dream by Erulisse
As Sirion is sacked, Elwing must make a decision about her children and her own life. A response to the general prompt of Midsummer Night's Dream in drabble form.
| Major Characters: Elwing |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 108 |
| Posted on 15 August 2011 | Updated on 15 August 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
A Disgustingly Adorable Interlude in An Otherwise Perfectly Sad Piece of Silmarillion Fanfiction by Agelast
What it says on the tin. Also, some thought is given to tax policy.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 421 |
| Posted on 13 August 2011 | Updated on 13 August 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Father-Names by Finch
Maglor, rembembering the fate of Dior's sons, sets out to search for the sons of Elwing after the attack on the Havens of Sirion.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 3, 589 |
| Posted on 12 August 2011 | Updated on 12 August 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Cause and Effect by Erulisse
After the destruction of the stable, the Lord demands an answer… A response to the prompt: A Comedy of Errors.
| 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: 101 |
| Posted on 10 August 2011 | Updated on 10 August 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Under Stars by Idle Leaves
Sparring (and more) under stars.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 746 |
| Posted on 9 August 2011 | Updated on 9 August 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Loss by avi17
Pair of vignettes (each 200-250 words). The thoughts of two of the House of Finwe immediately after the deaths of their eldest and only remaining brothers.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 429 |
| Posted on 8 August 2011 | Updated on 8 August 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
View From the Top by Himring
In the halcyon days of Dor-lomin before the Evil Breath, Maedhros and Fingon go for a walk together in the mountains.
Dedicated to the bee-keepers of the Silmarillion Writers Guild.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Holidays in Arda |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 582 |
| Posted on 7 August 2011 | Updated on 7 August 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
I'll never pause again, never stand still by Agelast
Written for Porn Battle XII, for the irresistable prompt of Caranthir/Angrod, slander.
| Major Characters: Angrod, Caranthir |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Humor, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 014 |
| Posted on 7 August 2011 | Updated on 7 August 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
A Day in the Life of a Retired Kinslayer by Lipstick
This happened shortly after the move to the coast...
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 070 |
| Posted on 5 August 2011 | Updated on 5 August 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Postcards from Arda by Elleth
A set of ficlets for B2MeM 2011 (continued for the Season of Writing Dangerously).
New --- Day Twenty: As the new High King of the Noldor after the Dagor Bragollach, Fingon receives a reminder that not all is as grey as it seems. A double-drabble according to Open Office.
| Major Characters: Beren, Curufin, Edrahil, Elrond, Elros, Elves, Fëanor, Fingon, Gil-galad, Lúthien Tinúviel, Maedhros, Maglor, Míriel Serindë, Nerdanel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Experimental, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General, Het, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: B2MeM 2011 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 16 | Word Count: 6, 218 |
| Posted on 6 March 2011 | Updated on 4 August 2011 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (30) |
Questioning the Oath by Erulisse
Summary: On the eve of leaving Tirion for Alqualondë and Middle-earth, Fëanáro anguishes over his Oath and his choice.
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 105 |
| Posted on 1 August 2011 | Updated on 1 August 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
