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
The Difference Between a Seagull and a Phoenix by Lipstick
Maedhros lives, and my is he bitter and twisted. That's about it for plot really, more of a character study or perhaps more accurately character assassination.
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 474 |
| Posted on 10 June 2011 | Updated on 10 June 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
The Hildor by Odinsbard
An original story based on the Ardaen Mythology, set in the more southern parts of West Beleriand: A young man from a southern city below Taur-im-Duinath travels northward to said Forest often on long travels; this time, makes an unexpected encounter with a mysterious Wisard, who was sent to redeem the Men of the South from Morgoth's Tyranny, and the young man (called 'the Hildor') has been chosen by the Gods to lead this rebellion!
Written in blank verse.
| 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: 1, 721 |
| Posted on 4 June 2011 | Updated on 4 June 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
In Time, Stronger than Silima by Himring
In Mandos, Namo wrestles with the temptation to cast Maedhros into the Outer Darkness.
With a vignette of Finrod and Celegorm and a couple of thoughts on Luthien.
Warning: High levels of angst.
Very generously nominated for the MEFAs 2011 by Elleth; it won Third Place in the category: "Cross-Cultural: Elder Days".
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Finrod Felagund, Maedhros, Mandos |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 891 |
| Posted on 4 June 2011 | Updated on 4 June 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Naming the Stones by Deborah Judge
Elrond and Galadriel remember the First Age, the Silmarils, and the guilt of their people.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Elrond, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 5, 004 |
| Posted on 3 June 2011 | Updated on 3 June 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A Rose By Any Other Name by pandemonium_213
A sequel to Flame of the Desert.
On a hot summer afternoon, Glorfindel visits Elrond at his estate in Kortirion Province of Tol Eressëa. Elrond's longtime friend brings word from Gilfanon: invitations to a party in celebration of the blooming of one of Gilfanon's favorite roses; the Vanyarin ambassador and his retinue have been invited as special guests. Gilfanon also sends peculiar garments that he has specifically instructed Elrond and Glorfindel to wear. Elrond is wary. He remembers all too well that escapade with Gilfanon in the desert of Valinor, but his inner imp of adventure inspires him, and Elrond experiences a night to remember.
Cameo appearances by Erestor and Mablung.
A bit risqué, a little bawdy, so let's rate this Teen/PG13.
Now complete! And illustrated! Thanks a million-fold to Robinka (see Chapter 2) and Elf of Cave (see Chapter 6).
MEFA 2011 Winner. First Place, Humor, General
| Major Characters: Elrond, Erestor, Gilfanon, Glorfindel, Mablung, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: B2MeM 2011 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 21, 895 |
| Posted on 5 May 2011 | Updated on 2 June 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (25) |
The Dower of Dol Amroth by Dwimordene
Once upon a time, Dol Amroth was elven land. So how did "Dol Amroth" come to name a city ruled by Princes of Men? Imrazor receives an unusual gift.
| Major Characters: Imrazor, Nimrodel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 759 |
| Posted on 1 June 2011 | Updated on 1 June 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Making Colored Light by Erulisse
A grandchild of Fëanor finds her niche in his forge. Winner of Honorable Mention in ALEC April 2011.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 954 |
| Posted on 1 June 2011 | Updated on 1 June 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Deepest Cut by Erulisse
Some decisions cut deeply. A response to Tolkien Weekly Challenge prompt “cut”.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros |
| 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 June 2011 | Updated on 1 June 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Life After by Keiliss
Life after rebirth: Once around the sun, Glorfindel's first year in Imladris.
MEFA 2011: First Place: Character study, General
my thanks to Elfscribe
| Major Characters: Elrond, Erestor, Gildor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 11, 601 |
| Posted on 29 May 2011 | Updated on 29 May 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Lasciate Ogne Speranza? by Finch
A meeting in early 14th-century Italy between a condottiere and a poet
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 5, 920 |
| Posted on 28 May 2011 | Updated on 28 May 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Love by Moonlight by Erulisse
A drabble for Tolkien Weekly Challenge - Curl. A mother's love in Gondolin.
| Major Characters: Eärendil, Idril |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 106 |
| Posted on 24 May 2011 | Updated on 24 May 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Strange Fortunes by Tehta
The city of Gondolin is at peace, and yet several of its citizens harbour resentments, ambitions, and unnatural desires: Maeglin longs to assume his rightful position as Turgon's heir and Idril's spouse; Salgant hopes to avenge himself for past humiliations; and Ecthelion and Glorfindel indulge in deception even as they devote their lives to duty. Many secrets will be revealed, but only slowly and with much confusion, in this comedy of misunderstandings.
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Egalmoth, Elemmakil, Glorfindel, Idril, Maeglin, Meleth (Elf), Salgant, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 44, 262 |
| Posted on 21 May 2011 | Updated on 21 May 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Once Were Ours by Himring
Celegorm and Curufin learn of the Fall of Nargothrond--how do they react?
A "gap-filler", if you like, except that, this being the Silmarillion, there is almost more gap than story...
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Curufin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 132 |
| Posted on 20 May 2011 | Updated on 20 May 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Laughter of the Valar by Erulisse
Why does Tulkas laugh, and is he the only Vala who does? A response for HASA Nazgul of the Month for May - Heroes and Demons.
| Major Characters: Melkor, Tulkas |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 734 |
| Posted on 18 May 2011 | Updated on 18 May 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Morning Song by Erulisse
On its final day, a woman awakens to face her fate in the doomed city of Ost-in-Edhil. A response to the prompt "comb" in Tolkien Weekly Challenge.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| 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 18 May 2011 | Updated on 18 May 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Lady of Colored Light by Erulisse
A challenge that assigned the phrase: "Are you mad?" This fictlet places my OFC, Helyanwe, into an early part of her childhood.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Glorfindel, Indis, 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: 3, 507 |
| Posted on 17 May 2011 | Updated on 17 May 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Moving Apart by Marnie
Cultural differences among Elves did not sink with Beleriand
| Major Characters: Amdir, Celeborn, Oropher, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 342 |
| Posted on 14 May 2011 | Updated on 14 May 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Reflections by helenjones
A friend told me that according to one place in HoME, Feanor gave the Elessar to Maedhros just before his death. If the gem was so important as being able to come into Feanor's mind in his last moment, that Maedhros should (casually??) send it to Fingon later would seem strange - unless he was instructed to.
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Incest, Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 470 |
| Posted on 14 May 2011 | Updated on 14 May 2011 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Wind Song by Erulisse
Before the waves bury Beleriand, the wind returns for a last visit to the destroyed hidden city of Goldolin.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 436 |
| Posted on 13 May 2011 | Updated on 13 May 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Song of Fire by Erulisse
For Tolkien Weekly Challenge - Fell Creatures: Balrog. A drabble going back to the creation of all under the eye of Iluvatar.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| 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 11 May 2011 | Updated on 11 May 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Mayday by Lipstick
A Fingolfian springtime celebration by the shores of lake Mithrim, complete with gatecrasher.
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, 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, 991 |
| Posted on 7 May 2011 | Updated on 7 May 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Mariner's Wife by Odinsbard
The lament of Erendis, after Aldarion Prince of Numenor rideth hence from Erendis' country-home when returning from a long journey; and she realises what hath truly become of life. It is written in 1st person as Erendis speaking and thus neither of their names are actually mentioned.
Written in alliterative verse, after the style of the ancient Anglo-Saxon metres...
| Major Characters: Erendis |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 575 |
| Posted on 5 May 2011 | Updated on 5 May 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Troll Guard by Erulisse
A drabble written for the Tolkien Weekly Challenge - Fell Creatures - Trolls.
Summary:
Battle plans are laid for the Nirnaeth Arnoediad.
| Major Characters: Gothmog, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 152 |
| Posted on 4 May 2011 | Updated on 4 May 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Across the Sea by Alena
A lost young woman comes to Alqualondë with tales of pity and wonder, bringing hope, heartbreak, and most unexpectedly, the beginnings of healing.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Elwing, Eärwen, Olwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 12, 566 |
| Posted on 1 May 2011 | Updated on 1 May 2011 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Soul Brothers by Erulisse
At the Awakening, two brothers experience the good and bad about life on Middle Earth. A drabble for Tolkien Weekly - Fell Creatures-Orcs.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 102 |
| Posted on 27 April 2011 | Updated on 27 April 2011 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
