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
Beyond the Circles of Middle-earth
Create a fanwork that places a Silmarillion character into a fictional setting from our real-world literature 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 Greatest of Gifts by Michiru
A double-study pair of vignettes concerning Maglor, who isn't quite so noble as we would like him to be.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 568 |
| Posted on 1 January 2010 | Updated on 1 January 2010 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
How I Wish by Dawn Felagund
Left behind by Finrod, Amárië considers the paradox of her situation: her wish for his return and the only means by which her wish would be granted. A sonnet.
| Major Characters: Amarië |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 122 |
| Posted on 31 December 2009 | Updated on 31 December 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Looking at the Stars and Counting the Hours by Himring
Falling in love helps Fingon cope with the death of his father, but on a visit to Himring a year later he finds love can't cure everything. Except I couldn't quite leave it at that...
Variation(s) on familiar theme(s). Not only do I not own the characters, I own very little else...
Fingon/Maedhros. Not rated this for incest, as cousins don't usually rate for incest on this site.
Character death only as per canon and also off-stage. Some angst and flashbacks.
This story has been nominated for the MEFAs 2010 by Angelica. Thank you very much!
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 944 |
| Posted on 30 December 2009 | Updated on 30 December 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Many Partings by Nightshade Scribe
Dialogue between father and son after Finwë informs Fëanor of his impending marriage
| 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: 1, 228 |
| Posted on 27 December 2009 | Updated on 27 December 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The Dreamer and the Minstrel by Aria
Last conversation of a Dreamer and a Minstrel at the end of the Third Age of Middle-earth.
| Major Characters: Gandalf, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 128 |
| Posted on 23 December 2009 | Updated on 23 December 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Perchance to Dream by Nightshade Scribe
Finwë remembers his wife's death.
| Major Characters: Finwë, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 453 |
| Posted on 22 December 2009 | Updated on 22 December 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Where the Shadows Lie by clotho123
A dark exploration of what might have happened if Maglor had submitted to the Valar after the War of Wrath
Includes horror themes, insanity and attempted suicide
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 679 |
| Posted on 13 December 2009 | Updated on 13 December 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
He Dreams Of Love with Men by Pink Siamese
A reinterpretation: It is Beren who seduces Morgoth with the help of Luthien's magic while she cuts the Silmaril from the iron crown.
| Major Characters: Beren, Lúthien Tinúviel, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 459 |
| Posted on 12 December 2009 | Updated on 12 December 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Mother Knows Best by Lady MSM
On his sixteenth birthday, Tuor finds a letter from his long-dead mother and comes to a harsh realization about his foster-family.
| Major Characters: Annael, Original Character(s), Tuor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Lost Letters |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 937 |
| Posted on 10 December 2009 | Updated on 10 December 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
To Sing Of... by darthfingon
Gil-galad, about to be married to a very nice lady, makes an important discovery about himself with Erestor's help. A heartwarming tale of cluelessness, ill-fitting clothing, impractical pets, and exploitation of Elvish linguistic ambiguity. Tame slash.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Erestor, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 8, 054 |
| Posted on 8 December 2009 | Updated on 8 December 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Blood as Warm as a Bird by darthfingon
At the Havens of Sirion, Elwing must make a choice, Elrond must be brave, and Maglor must keep a promise.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Elwing, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 413 |
| Posted on 8 December 2009 | Updated on 8 December 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Manwë's Birthday Party by Dawn Felagund, Tarion Anarore, Rhapsody, oshun, Isil Elensar, pandemonium_213, Beatrisu
Round robin. Feel free to join in! In honor of SWG's second birthday, we offer a sillyfic about what may have happened if Varda held a party for her beloved husband ... and invited all of Aman. Please see the Story Notes for more details before adding to the story.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Fingon, Lórien, Maedhros, Maglor, Mandos, Manwë, Nessa, Tulkas, Vairë, Varda, Yavanna |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 4, 780 |
| Posted on 30 July 2007 | Updated on 7 December 2009 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
At The Precipice by Beatrisu
Maedhros stands at the precipice and ponders his choices, his folly, and his release.
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Suicide, Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 221 |
| Posted on 6 December 2009 | Updated on 6 December 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Encounter in the Forest by Ellynn
While hunting on a cold day during the Fell Winter, one Noldo discovers that hope can come from the most unexpected source. Written for the fanfiction contest on the Croatian Tolkien forum; theme of the contest: Strange encounter. 2010 MEFA Second Place in Times: First Age and Prior: General.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 873 |
| Posted on 29 November 2009 | Updated on 29 November 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Plague by WendWriter
Furious at the theft of the Silmaril from his iron crown, Morgoth seeks revenge. He has become his own, and everyone else's worst enemy.
| Major Characters: Melkor, Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 7, 305 |
| Posted on 28 November 2009 | Updated on 28 November 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Turning of Angwë by WendWriter
When Angwë returns to Middle-earth after the War of the Powers, he discovers that Dwarves have moved into his mountain, Celebdil, and begun mining there. Then he meets his brother Sauron, who has plans for him.
| Major Characters: Melkor, Sauron, Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 12 | Word Count: 31, 548 |
| Posted on 28 November 2009 | Updated on 28 November 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Building of Celebdil by WendWriter
Angwë, a Maia, wants to make his mark on Arda. Melkor's rebellion complicates matters...
| Major Characters: Melkor, Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 4, 335 |
| Posted on 28 November 2009 | Updated on 28 November 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Lords and Lordship by WendWriter
Artíre and Sauron have put an end to their destructive feud... for the moment. How long can it last if others want to reignite it?
| Major Characters: Melkor, Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 12, 318 |
| Posted on 28 November 2009 | Updated on 28 November 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Artíre's Revenge by WendWriter
Furious at having been forced to take sides between Melkor's forces and the Ainur, Artíre seeks revenge on Sauron.
| Major Characters: Melkor, Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 12 | Word Count: 22, 911 |
| Posted on 28 November 2009 | Updated on 28 November 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Artíre's Return by WendWriter
Sequel to “Artíre's Choice.” After years of hiding from the wrath of the Valar, Artíre the Watcher decides to emerge, only to find that the world he knew has changed beyond all recognition.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 649 |
| Posted on 28 November 2009 | Updated on 28 November 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Temptation of Artíre by WendWriter
Artíre is accosted by Sauron, who invites him to take part in the dramas he loves to observe.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 201 |
| Posted on 28 November 2009 | Updated on 28 November 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Artíre's Choice by WendWriter
Artíre is induced by Sauron to choose between serving the forces of light and the forces of darkness, when he would rather be neutral.
| Major Characters: Manwë, Melkor, Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 260 |
| Posted on 28 November 2009 | Updated on 28 November 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Survivors by WendWriter
Amid the ruins of Doriath, the Elf-lord Oropher takes command.
| Major Characters: Oropher |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 3, 225 |
| Posted on 27 November 2009 | Updated on 27 November 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Brother Mine by wind rider
They say, even in the darkest of times and nightmares there is always a light, a silver lining, a hope… It comes in many forms and often in the most unexpected places, events and situations.
It was well known by Erestor and Ereinion, as they were struggling to find their places and roles in the dying society and stay alive in the end of the First Age to the time beyond.
| Major Characters: Erestor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: Strangers in Strange Lands |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 22, 168 |
| Posted on 22 June 2009 | Updated on 26 November 2009 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Blood for Blood, Soul for Soul by wind rider
When Space and Time Dissolve series.
An extendable one-shot in which fifteen-year-old Harry Potter and fifteen-year-old Curufinwë Fëanáro dreamt a strange dream indeed.
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 630 |
| Posted on 25 November 2009 | Updated on 25 November 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
