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
B2MeM 2011
Back to Middle-earth Month 2011 featured a daily postcard from a different location in Middle-earth with a creative prompt inspired by that location. 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
In-Betweens by Elleth
The story (or stories) of Nerdanel and Fëanor. The little things, the in-betweens that are not mentioned in the Silmarillion or History of Middle-earth, starting with the beginning of their romance.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, Romance | Challenges: Anniversary Contest |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 2, 551 |
| Posted on 30 September 2007 | Updated on 28 July 2009 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (20) |
Mourning Glory by minuiloss
The morning after Tarnin Austa at the end of the first age, Glorfindel awakens to find himself somewhere wholly unfamiliar. Glorfindel/Erestor, multi-chapter WIP
| Major Characters: Elrond, Erestor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 199 |
| Posted on 28 July 2009 | Updated on 28 July 2009 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Prince of Hearts by Rhapsody
One day Elrond decides to acknowlegde a request that changed his life and that of others forever.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 399 |
| Posted on 21 July 2009 | Updated on 21 July 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (13) |
The Piggolantë by whitewave
Another unusual take on my favorite Noldor elves.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Finwë, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: All Good Beasts |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Torture, Expletive Language, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 903 |
| Posted on 17 July 2009 | Updated on 17 July 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
| Major Characters: Bëor, Finrod Felagund, 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: 4, 287 |
| Posted on 14 July 2009 | Updated on 14 July 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Without a Past by wind rider
He lost the one dearest to him by his mere existance. He lost his childhood in a childish hope of gaining his prize back. And he lost his remaining, other prize for a stranger.
A peak into Fëanáro's early childhood. What inspired me: Why did Fëanar resent the Valar so deeply?
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Untold History |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 003 |
| Posted on 14 July 2009 | Updated on 14 July 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
We Speak through Music by wind rider
How did the Ents learn their unique, beautiful language? Surely not from the Elves? Because if the Elves did teach them, then Legolas must have known about it… Fangorn hid many secrets, indeed, but not all of them were only about the old, old forest of his realm. Legolas and Gimli were lucky; they got the privilege of knowing about one of the most important secrets to be ever shared by the Ent kind.
| Major Characters: Ainur |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: First Meetings |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 642 |
| Posted on 13 July 2009 | Updated on 13 July 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Walking into Darkness by Aiwen
A detailed retelling of the Nargothrond element of the lay of Leithian from the points of view of Finrod and Orodreth.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 11 | Word Count: 18, 409 |
| Posted on 18 February 2009 | Updated on 13 July 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
Swan Song by Ithilwen
A terribly wounded Maglor finally makes his way back to Valinor, where he finds things have changed greatly during his long absence. Will he be able to come to terms with his injuries and find new meaning in his life? Warnings for psychiatric violence and medical squick, dubiously consensual (and somewhat graphic) sex, plus general weirdness.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Het | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 10 | Word Count: 24, 453 |
| Posted on 7 July 2009 | Updated on 9 July 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (34) |
Coming of Age in Beleriand by Ithilwen
An adolescent Celebrimbor, while on a hunting trip with his uncles, encounters a young Moriquende and learns that the customs of the Elves of Aman are not as universal as he was taught they were. WARNING: Explicit sex, Not Safe For Work.
| Major Characters: Amrod, Celebrimbor, Curufin, Maedhros, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Erotica, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 8, 718 |
| Posted on 2 July 2009 | Updated on 2 July 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Maeglin by Russandol
Maeglin is one of Tolkien's most notorious characters, credited with almost single-handedly bringing Gondolin unto its ruin. Was this his fate, and did his betrayal serve a necessary purpose in the history of Middle-earth? Russandol surveys Tolkien's sources to reveal much of this dark and oft-maligned character. Originally featured July 2009.
The Journey Back by Erins Daughter
Maedhros want to die on Thangorodrim, Fingon won't let him.
| Major Characters: Caranthir |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 427 |
| Posted on 29 June 2009 | Updated on 29 June 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Geography Lessons by Ithilwen
Amrod and Amras get a lesson in map-reading (both physical and political) from Maedhros. Written for the "Fanon Inverted" Silmarillion Writers' Guild Challenge, taking on the "twins as pranksters" fanon convention.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Fanon Inverted |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 445 |
| Posted on 28 June 2009 | Updated on 28 June 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Comes the Dawn by Ithilwen
Maedhros enters the Halls of Mandos, and his final fate is revealed. Adult themes.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor, Mandos, Nienna |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 8, 105 |
| Posted on 28 June 2009 | Updated on 28 June 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Heir of Fëanor by Ithilwen
Maedhros and Maglor at last regain the Silmarils. But have they redeemed their Oath? Violence, disturbing themes.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor, Mandos |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 233 |
| Posted on 28 June 2009 | Updated on 28 June 2009 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Chance's Strange Arithmetic by Ithilwen
In the trenches of a French battlefield, two young British officers and a forgotten figure from the dim past have a fateful encounter. Violence, character death.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Crossover, Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 7, 221 |
| Posted on 28 June 2009 | Updated on 28 June 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
No title yet. by ladyoflight
Written to cheer up JDav/JDE who is going through a tough time in RL.Pairing:Gil-Galad/ElrondDrabbleSummary:I know this is one of the most common pairings. JDE will groan on seeing this. Her novel pairings and dizzying epic plot twists in the Sunset AU is panoramic. Genres:Crackfic, AU, slash, fluff, romance, bad language. Humor, fluff, 4 letter explicit language and predictable happy ending, all things that JDE hates.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 255 |
| Posted on 28 June 2009 | Updated on 28 June 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Do Not Go Gentle by Elleth
The death of Fëanor and its immediate aftermath as narrated by Maedhros, and how the story took its shape as we know it. MEFA Nominee 2009. Thank you, Lyra! Won: Second Place in Times: First Age and Prior: Featuring Maedhros or Maglor. Thank you to all who reviewed.
| Major Characters: Curufin, Fëanor, Maedhros, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 606 |
| Posted on 26 June 2009 | Updated on 26 June 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
About Time by SWE
What happens when still-exiled Feanorians are released from Mandos? The adventures of Fitzroy 'Curufin' Smith across two continents in the 19th-20th century, and his reunion with his wandering brother Maglor.
| Major Characters: Curufin, Maglor, Mandos |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 118 |
| Posted on 26 June 2009 | Updated on 26 June 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
A Little More Conversation by Keiliss
A story told through letters of the friendship that grows between Glorfindel, sent to take charge of the newly-discovered valley of Imladris, and Erestor, an assistant to one of Gil-galad’s military advisors.
MEFA 2009 Races: Elves: Featuring Glorfindel or Erestor: First Place
| Major Characters: Erestor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 11 | Word Count: 36, 257 |
| Posted on 5 May 2009 | Updated on 23 June 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (26) |
The Unforgettable Fire by Ithilwen
The relationship between Caranthir and Haleth. Adult themes
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Haleth, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Het, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 16, 054 |
| Posted on 20 June 2009 | Updated on 20 June 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Ceremonies of Innocence by Ithilwen
Sequel to "Nightfall". After the death of Finwë, Fëanor and his sons return to Tirion, and Maedhros makes a fateful decision.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 7, 967 |
| Posted on 20 June 2009 | Updated on 20 June 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Fëanor, Finwë, Maedhros, Maglor, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 12, 638 |
| Posted on 20 June 2009 | Updated on 20 June 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Alliance by SurgicalSteel
Míriel considers her options to avert civil war in Númenor as she prepares for her father's funeral.
| Major Characters: Ar-Pharazôn, Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Fanon Inverted |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 105 |
| Posted on 18 June 2009 | Updated on 18 June 2009 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Nightingales and Starlight by Clodia
For many years, Thingol's minstrel Daeron made lament for Lúthien Tinúviel beside dark waters... but not forever. A look at love, loss and the Lay of Leithian. MEFA 2009 First Place (Genres: Character Study: The Silmarillion).
| Major Characters: Daeron, Erestor, Goldberry, Lúthien Tinúviel, Original Character(s), Tom Bombadil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 9, 912 |
| Posted on 17 June 2009 | Updated on 17 June 2009 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
