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
Bestiary of Arda
Choose a prompt from our "bestiary" of music and images of animals found in Arda. 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
Threnody for the Dispossessed by Kenaz
When the Valar recall Maglor to Valinor to plead for clemency, it falls to a reluctant rival to find him.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 15, 194 |
| Posted on 21 August 2009 | Updated on 21 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
A Struggle with Darkness by Fireworks
Construction has begun on Sauron's temple in Armenelos, but strange, dark afflictions are plaguing those who go near ...
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 272 |
| Posted on 20 August 2009 | Updated on 20 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Three Sides to the Same Story by Fireworks
Three poems that tell of the tragic story of Gwindor, Finduilas, and Túrin, from three points of view.
| Major Characters: Finduilas, Gwindor, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 498 |
| Posted on 20 August 2009 | Updated on 20 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
So Beautiful, So New by IgnobleBard
>
After his release from Mandos, Celegorm renews his relationship with Orome.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Oromë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 227 |
| Posted on 20 August 2009 | Updated on 20 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A Game of Risk by Lyra
Isildur said no word, but went out by night and did a deed for which he was afterwards renowned.
Isildur discovers that heroic deeds are not nearly as simple as the poets make it sound.
| Major Characters: Isildur |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Suspense | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 666 |
| Posted on 19 August 2009 | Updated on 19 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
His Own Dark Designs by Independence1776
Ar-Pharazôn begins to worship Morgoth. Drabble.
| Major Characters: Ar-Pharazôn, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 102 |
| Posted on 19 August 2009 | Updated on 19 August 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
The Fated by SWE
A story about the dangers of giving your twins the same name. Starring... Ambarussa. And their parents.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Fanon Inverted |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 445 |
| Posted on 19 August 2009 | Updated on 19 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The Last Temptation by Fireworks
Sauron has been taken prisoner by Pharazôn but nurtures an ever-growing influence. In the midst of a Númenor increasingly divided, a young Anárion works quietly after rebellion, discovering both love and betrayal in its midst.
| Major Characters: Anárion, Ar-Pharazôn, Elendil, Isildur, Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 52, 177 |
| Posted on 18 August 2009 | Updated on 18 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
No Justice to Yourself by oshun
Erestor sails to Valinor and finds himself involved with someone he was infatuated with as a youth. Based upon the request by Darth Fingon, in the 2009 Ardor in August fic swap, for Finarfin/Erestor, set in the Fourth Age in Aman, including secrecy and moral doubt. Did not want a fluffy, happy romance and if Earwen is part of the story and/or finds out about the affair, she should not be soppily happy for them. Huge thank yous to: IgnobleBard, Lilithlessfair, and Aearwen, for reading and providing corrections and suggestions.
2010 Middle-earth Fanfiction Awards -- First Place in Races: Elves: Noldorin Elves
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Elrond, Eärwen, Finarfin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Fanon Inverted, Gift of a Story |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 8, 412 |
| Posted on 17 August 2009 | Updated on 17 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Hostage by SurgicalSteel
Ar-Pharazon takes Sauron as a hostage for the good behavior of his people.
| Major Characters: Amandil, Ar-Pharazôn, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 071 |
| Posted on 17 August 2009 | Updated on 17 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
The Day the Numenoreans Left by Aiwen
Pharazôn and Amandil's diplomatic mission to Middle-earth may do more harm than good ...
| Major Characters: Amandil, Ar-Pharazôn, Círdan, Gil-galad, Glorfindel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 6, 102 |
| Posted on 15 August 2009 | Updated on 15 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
To Stand Fast Against the Night by Fiondil
Tar-Palantir makes a decision upon receiving the Sceptre of Númenor, a decision that does not meet with universal approval.
| Major Characters: Amandil, Ar-Pharazôn, Elendil, Gimilkhâd, Inzilbêth, Original Character(s), Tar-Míriel, Tar-Palantir |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 934 |
| Posted on 14 August 2009 | Updated on 14 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Regret by vaoni
Maglor stills wanders upon the shores, searching for his lost obsession. His feet, once again, bring him to the cliff that he cast the Silmaril off from. One Shot. Modern day.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 189 |
| Posted on 13 August 2009 | Updated on 13 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Falling Stars by Independence1776
Mestië and Alagos suffer the consequences of breaking Ar-Gimilzôr’s laws. Dark.
| Major Characters: Mandos, Manwë, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Suspense | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Torture, Creator Chooses Not to Warn, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 135 |
| Posted on 11 August 2009 | Updated on 11 August 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (16) |
Every Wish by Independence1776
Mestië, a Faithful commoner, prepares for her wedding while dealing with Ar-Gimilzôr’s new laws forbidding the speaking of Elvish.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 271 |
| Posted on 10 August 2009 | Updated on 10 August 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (13) |
Brothers by Dawn Felagund
Two brothers face their father's death and the differences that have arisen between them, for one is of the King's Men and the other of the Elf-friends.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 493 |
| Posted on 7 August 2009 | Updated on 7 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (16) |
Mavoinë by Fiondil
On a lonely hill overlooking Andúnië, an Elf watches his mortal friend build a tower and is filled with grave misgivings as to its purpose.
| Major Characters: Ainur, Arminas, Isilmo, Original Character(s), Tar-Minastir, Tar-Telperiën |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 286 |
| Posted on 7 August 2009 | Updated on 7 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
The Ban of the Valar by Fiondil
The Valar meet to discuss how to prevent the Númenóreans from seeking the Undying Lands.
| Major Characters: Ainur |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 068 |
| Posted on 5 August 2009 | Updated on 5 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Seek the Horizon, Númenor's Sons by Dawn Felagund
"Above all arts they nourished shipbuilding and sea-craft, and they became mariners whose like shall never be again since the world was diminished; and voyaging upon the wide seas was the chief feat and adventure of their hardy men in the gallant days of their youth"--a Númenórean mariners' chant.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 279 |
| Posted on 5 August 2009 | Updated on 5 August 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (18) |
Tenn’ Ambar-Metta by Fiondil
Elrond receives a final letter from his brother.
| Major Characters: Círdan, Elrond, Elros, Erestor, Gil-galad, Vardamir |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 282 |
| Posted on 4 August 2009 | Updated on 4 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
Anadûnai by darthfingon
163 years after their parting in Middle-earth, Elrond travels to Númenor to see his brother again.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 28, 576 |
| Posted on 4 August 2009 | Updated on 4 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
How the East Was Won by pandemonium_213
During the earliest years of the Second Age, Melkor’s great lieutenant puts the destruction of Beleriand behind him and travels to the East...with a plan.
MEFA 2010 Winner. First Place; Races: Villains: General.
| Major Characters: Eönwë, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Science Fiction | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 227 |
| Posted on 2 August 2009 | Updated on 2 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (34) |
Eönwë Among the Edain by Fiondil
Eönwë has been chosen to teach the Edain who will go to Númenor what they need to know to succeed in their new life, but he’s not too happy about the assignment.
| Major Characters: Ainur, Círdan, Elros, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 333 |
| Posted on 1 August 2009 | Updated on 1 August 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Never Look Back by Independence1776
Elrond has difficulty coming to terms with Elros' choice and their impending separation.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Eönwë, Gil-galad, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 671 |
| Posted on 31 July 2009 | Updated on 31 July 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (34) |
Ar-Pharazôn by Russandol
In honor of Akallabêth in August, this bio explores the history, evolution, and some of the questions surrounding of Ar-Pharazôn, one of Arda's darkest characters. Originally featured August 2009.
