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
Flowers After Spring by ohboromir
This was why he hated riding; most of the time it was dull and soggy and messy. Though he did have a nice view of Glorfindel’s hair, the waves of Valinorean gold tumbling down his back. Glorfindel almost never wore it up - at most, Erestor had seen the front sections adorned and braided for special occasions. Erestor didn’t know how he coped; his own hair constantly got in his way.
Erestor’s mind drifted. Glorfindel’s hair was like silk over his skin, brushing against him when he leaned over Erestor, smooth and soft and…
For platinum_firebird for My Slashy Valentine 2022
| Major Characters: Erestor, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: Erestor/Glorfindel |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 958 |
| Posted on 26 January 2022 | Updated on 29 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Hotsprings & Onsens by ohboromir
There was nothing better after a hunt than a soak in the springs. Hidden deep in the caves of Oromë’s forests, the hollow was thick with steam, and so warm that sweat beaded on Tyelko’s brow in moments.
He wasted no time, his tunic and trousers dumped in a heap, boots thrown haphazardly on top. Ammë always said he was less house trained than Huan.
(Tolkien Secret Santa NSFW Advent Calendar Day 6: Hotsprings & Onsens)
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Celegorm |
| Major Relationships: Aredhel/Celegorm |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 919 |
| Posted on 6 December 2022 | Updated on 29 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Winter's Kiss by ohboromir
Winter snows blanketed the forests. The trees bent under its weight, the leaves sparse, the shrubs bare. Shimmering crystals of ice formed out of the dew, glittering in the white starlight. In these deep dark hours, the mist gave the woodland a dreamlike haze, curling around the bare feet of the two elves, but its chill did not disturb them.
~
Beleg, Mablung, and winter in Nan Elmoth.
(For Tolkien Secret Santa 2022, for tumblr user lycheesodas)
| Major Characters: Beleg, Mablung |
| Major Relationships: Beleg/Mablung |
| Genres: Fluff, General, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 357 |
| Posted on 24 December 2022 | Updated on 29 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Whither Lies the Heart by cuarthol
The story of Ernis, wife of Fingon, and Erien, their daughter.
| Major Characters: Unnamed Female Canon Character(s), Erien, Finbor, Fingon |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Unnamed Canon Character, Erien/Orodreth |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: Hidden Figures |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 018 |
| Posted on 20 September 2023 | Updated on 23 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
More, More, More by sallysavestheday
Fëanor tolerates his brothers' children. Aredhel, however, he enjoys.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: Aredhel & Fëanor |
| Genres: | Challenges: Turgon's Rock Opera |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 604 |
| Posted on 22 September 2023 | Updated on 23 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
As You Wish by Rocky41_7
Maglor had not, in fact, lost the capacity to care for another.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: Maglor/Thranduil |
| Genres: Hurt/Comfort, Romance, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 029 |
| Posted on 22 September 2023 | Updated on 22 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Book of Lore by Anérea
Pages from a book of ancient Edain lore, including an illustration of their creation myth.
| Major Characters: Legendary/Mythical Character(s), Original Character(s), Arien, Manwë, Tilion, Ulmo, Yavanna |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Drawble/Finished Sketch, Illustration |
| Genres: General, In-Universe Artifact | Challenges: Roaring Twenties |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 7 September 2023 | Updated on 21 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (15) |
A New Day in Valinor by Lferion
Non-angsty ficlets set in Valinor (and one or two in Middle Earth), many featuring Feanor.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingon, Maedhros, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Maedhros, Fëanor/Nerdanel |
| Genres: Crackfic, Family, Fixed-Length Ficlet, Fluff, General | Challenges: Crackuary, Naturalist's Guide to Middle-earth, New Year's Resolution, Roaring Twenties, Soundtrack, Turgon's Rock Opera |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 819 |
| Posted on 5 February 2021 | Updated on 21 September 2023 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (16) |
Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind by between_thepages
Aredhel has returned to Gondolin, but she desires more than to be bound to a place and a person again.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Idril |
| Major Relationships: Aredhel & Idril |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Ficlet | Challenges: Turgon's Rock Opera |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 479 |
| Posted on 19 September 2023 | Updated on 20 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Hold me in your arms by firstamazon
Celegorm loves. Aredhel does, too - but not quite.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Celegorm |
| Major Relationships: Aredhel/Celegorm |
| Genres: Drama, Romance | Challenges: Turgon's Rock Opera |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 021 |
| Posted on 18 September 2023 | Updated on 19 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
your smile tells me I'm safe by EchoBleu
“I’m in love with you,” Fingon says one morning in September.
Maedhros is perched on the couch’s armrest, bent down, struggling to tie his laces. He looks up at Fingon as the words sink in. His unbound hair makes a curtain in front of his eyes, and he can only see parts of him, the hand on his shoulder bag, the golden beads in his perfectly braided hair, his hesitant, expectant smile.
His face falls the longer Maedhros takes to answer. They’re running late for the meeting, and there’s a lead weight in Maedhros’s gut that pulls painfully as words fail to form on his lips. I’m in love with you too, the words are right there, but it’s like someone has sucked all the sound out of him.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Fingon+Maedhros |
| Genres: Fluff, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 245 |
| Posted on 16 September 2023 | Updated on 16 September 2023 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
on that tree I'll carve your name by EchoBleu
Modern AU with Russingon QPR.
I have a full background for everyone and everything, though I envision this as a series of one-shots, rather than a linear story. Russingon QPR will be the main focus, but other characters will make appearances and maybe steal the light. It's a bit lighter on the trauma in the sense that everyone (beside Finwë and Míriel) is alive, but they each have their own issues.
For practical reasons (aka I didn't want to have to deal with it in-universe), Fëanor is only Míriel's son and was adopted by Finwë at a young age, so Maedhros and Fingon are not biologically cousins, and don't really consider themselves as such, though they have known each other since they were kids.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Fingon+Maedhros |
| Genres: Fluff, General, Hurt/Comfort, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on 16 September 2023 | Updated on 16 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
[podfic] Comfort Food by Himring by Anérea
Breakfast with the Feanorians, late in the First Age featuring Himring's OC Narye, ex-housekeeper of Himring.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 9 September 2023 | Updated on 15 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (3) |
[podfic] Examined Lives by Sallyavestheday by Anérea
Erestor and Pengolodh negotiate their respective truths, after sailing for Valinor.
| Major Characters: Erestor, Pengolodh |
| Major Relationships: Erestor/Pengolodh |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 15 September 2023 | Updated on 15 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (4) |
Dirty Deeds by AdmirableMonster
A young Númenorean has a close encounter with a deity of his mother's people.
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Makar, Meássë |
| Major Relationships: Meássë & Original Character |
| Genres: Horror, Suspense | Challenges: Turgon's Rock Opera |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 799 |
| Posted on 14 September 2023 | Updated on 15 September 2023 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
When All Other Lights Go Out by sallysavestheday
Fëanor and Maedhros craft a gift that lasts for generations.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 5, 463 |
| Posted on 14 September 2023 | Updated on 14 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Falling/Rising by sallysavestheday
Caranthir manages Maedhros' recovery from torment on Thangorodrim. A treat for TRSB 2023.
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 854 |
| Posted on 14 September 2023 | Updated on 14 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
sown as seed in the dark by Melesta
‘None of the Valar, but the King rides upon Rochallor, his great steed. Yea, and wrathful he is, flying ahead as an arrow.’
-
Ard-galen witnesses Fingolfin's final stand.
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Melkor, Setting as Character |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 844 |
| Posted on 13 September 2023 | Updated on 13 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Círdan's Guide to sailing the Straight Road by daughterofshadows
The sea is full of dangers, and the Straight Road is no exception.
As my people now leave these shores behind, it is my hope that this book will be of aid to those who choose to sail in the years to come.
May it guide you safely across the sea and to the shores of Valinor and may the wind and the waves be ever in your favour.
"Travel advice was very helpful, but we were glad the people of Dol Amroth helped us to build the boat. 4/5 stars." - L&G
"Perhaps finding this book was a sign to finally sail and face whatever awaits me across the sea." - M. F.
"Mighty helpful book. Wouldn't have made it across the sea without it. Hope I'll get to say thank you in person someday. 5/5 stars." - S. G.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Nonbinary Character(s), Círdan |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, General | Challenges: Roaring Twenties |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 5, 331 |
| Posted on 13 September 2023 | Updated on 13 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Something there is that doesn't love a wall by kimikocha
“Nana,” Legolas asks one day through a mouthful of stewed berries, “How come your eyes are so shiny?”
It’s an innocent question, and predictable in hindsight — neither of which help his parents in knowing how to answer it.
[Written for TRSB 2023, Art #77 - Exploring the Past. Posted for SWG Roaring Twenties Challenge - N1, Bright Young Things.]
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Nonbinary Character(s), Legolas Greenleaf, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: Legolas Greenleaf & Thranduil, Thranduil & Original Character, Thranduil/Original Character |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: Roaring Twenties |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Check Notes for Warnings, In-Universe Intolerance, In-Universe Racism/Ethnocentrism |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 130 |
| Posted on 12 September 2023 | Updated on 12 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
In the Light of the Trees and After by Lferion
Ficlets, drabbles, and other small pieces set primarily in early Valinor.
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: Fingon & Maedhros |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General, Poetry | Challenges: Crackuary, Naturalist's Guide to Middle-earth, New Year's Resolution, Roaring Twenties |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 508 |
| Posted on 7 February 2021 | Updated on 12 September 2023 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Risk of the Day by Independence1776
My second moodboard for TRSB 2023: a rule 63 Maglor in space AU.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Moodboard/Collage |
| Genres: Adventure, Alternate Universe, Science Fiction | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 27 August 2023 | Updated on 10 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (4) |
Maglor tortured moodboard by Independence1776
Moodboard for TRSB 2023, wherein I request Maglor to be tortured. The collage is not graphic, but does contain images of torture implements or things that can be used as such.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Moodboard/Collage |
| Genres: Horror, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Torture |
| Posted on 27 August 2023 | Updated on 10 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (2) |
When the Phoenix Cries by kimikocha
“It's not your fault,” whispers a voice very like Tyelpë’s — but Tyelpë isn’t here. There is no succor left for Mairon; no refuge in this land of Men permitted only to stand at the gates of the world and gaze in longing toward its glory.
In Númenor, Mairon longs for what he has lost. Tyelpë comes to find him.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Celebrimbor/Sauron |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Drama, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Domestic and Partner Violence, Mature Themes, Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 19, 946 |
| Posted on 15 July 2023 | Updated on 8 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Don't Look Back by Grundy
Elrond and Elros steal some time to go on a private adventure during the War of Wrath.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros |
| Genres: | Challenges: Roaring Twenties |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 370 |
| Posted on 8 September 2023 | Updated on 8 September 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
