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
Teen Spirit
In honor of the SWG becoming a teenager, create a fanwork about an adolescent character or adolescence using our prompt generator. 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
Three Year's Thrall by Anu
More about the Man that Idril married.
| Major Characters: Tuor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Erotica | Challenges: Canon with a Twist |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Rape/Nonconsensual Sex |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 223 |
| Posted on 18 September 2008 | Updated on 18 September 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Shades of Glory by Anu
Glorfindel's return to Arda, and Elrond's salvation.
| Major Characters: Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Erotica, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: It's Magic! |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 010 |
| Posted on 18 September 2008 | Updated on 18 September 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Golden-Haired by Anu
Turgon's tale; briefly spoken.
| Major Characters: Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Canon with a Twist |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 406 |
| Posted on 18 September 2008 | Updated on 18 September 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
House of the Golden Flower by Anu
The story of Glorfindel's life, in his own terms. (Began 2003, Completed 2008)
| Major Characters: Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Erotica, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Canon with a Twist |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 59, 732 |
| Posted on 18 September 2008 | Updated on 18 September 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The People of Akallabeth by Hamfast Gamgee
A tale set at time of the end of Numenor, involving original characters, Amandil, Elendil, some Elves a bit of angst and some of my own ideas thrown in, and a bit of poetry!
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 16, 130 |
| Posted on 19 August 2008 | Updated on 13 September 2008 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Cold light by Mantida
On the strange gift of the heirs of Azaghâl and the final fate of Maedhros the Kinslayer. A Third Age ghost story.
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 183 |
| Posted on 26 August 2008 | Updated on 26 August 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Of Durin and Kibil-nâla by Mantida
A legend remembered by the dwarves, but never told by the elves.
| Major Characters: Durin I |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 292 |
| Posted on 26 August 2008 | Updated on 26 August 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
| Major Characters: Oropher, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 802 |
| Posted on 25 August 2008 | Updated on 25 August 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Downfallen by pandemonium_213
Sauron recounts the first human sacrifice in the temple of Armenelos.
MEFA 2009: First Place - Races: Villains: General
| Major Characters: Ar-Pharazôn, Sauron, Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 812 |
| Posted on 15 August 2008 | Updated on 15 August 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Factions by Marta
Isildur's theft of the fruit of the White Tree, from a different perspective. (Beta: annmarwalk)
| Major Characters: Isildur, Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 707 |
| Posted on 7 August 2008 | Updated on 7 August 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Of Numenor That Was by Marta
The story of the last sacrifice offered to Morgoth by Numenor, told in four true drabbles from the perspectives of four OCs.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 402 |
| Posted on 1 August 2008 | Updated on 1 August 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Mirror of Lies by Alassante
Celebrimbor reflects on his father's final act.
~Triple drabble~
OSA Drabble Challenge #101 - Reflection and Tolkien Tango Challenge - Silence
2009 MEFA Honorable Mention, Genres: Drama: House of Finwe
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 290 |
| Posted on 28 July 2008 | Updated on 28 July 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Past Deeds by Marta
During the attack on Sirion, Maglor is reminded of past deeds. (300 words)
| Major Characters: Maglor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 312 |
| Posted on 25 July 2008 | Updated on 25 July 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Blue by Red Lasbelin
The day Glorfindel became Lord of the Golden Flower. Nominated for MEFA 2008 by Phyncke.
| Major Characters: Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 165 |
| Posted on 22 July 2008 | Updated on 22 July 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Taming the Wildflower by Sulriel
A Lady of Doriath, the cherished young Wildflower of that court, is swept up in the flame of Fëanor's heir.
“… Maedros the eldest appears to have been unwedded”
The Peoples of Middle-earth, History of Middle-earth Vol XII
2nd place in the Silmarillion-Romance Category in the 2004 MEFA
many many thanks to the gang at the Garden for their help with this long-overdue rewrite. (now complete!)
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Het | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 18, 440 |
| Posted on 8 July 2008 | Updated on 21 July 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
How Careless by oshun
Summary: In observance of the International Day of Femslash (July 19, 2008): Galadriel/Aredhel, a true drabble. According to my research there is one year between the births of these two women, with Galadriel being the younger. Why femslash these two? Why not? They both seem adventurous, rebellious even, and I would imagine quite close in their youths.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: International Day of Femslash 2008 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 117 |
| Posted on 19 July 2008 | Updated on 19 July 2008 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Woolgathering by pandemonium_213
In the waning years of Tar-Palantír's reign, a young woman of the Númenórean nobility and a shepherdess of Hyarastorni find pleasure in one another's company. They know that they must guard the nature of their relationship, but Elerína recalls what her grandmother told her of a great queen who loved a woman.
Written for the International Day of Femslash Challenge.
MEFA 2010. WInner, Second Place. Times: Second and Early Third Age: Fall of Númenor.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: International Day of Femslash 2008 |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 841 |
| Posted on 19 July 2008 | Updated on 19 July 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Awakening by Dawn Felagund
Shortly after the Elves awaken at Cuiviénen, the young Þerindë begins to learn about love and Elven nature. This story seeks to explore the origins of the Elven mores concerning sexuality that are discussed in Laws and Customs and Quendi and Eldar.
| Major Characters: Finwë, Míriel Serindë, Original Character(s), Tata |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: International Day of Femslash 2008 |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 6, 068 |
| Posted on 19 July 2008 | Updated on 19 July 2008 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
All About Names by Still Anonymous
When Melkor and Sauron next meet after their humilation at the hands [or paws] of Luthien, Beren, and Huan, they discuss how best to restore their damaged reputations. Humor. Very definitely humor.
| Major Characters: Melkor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 337 |
| Posted on 18 July 2008 | Updated on 18 July 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
"They Are Called Man's Best Friend" by Still Anonymous
The death of Huan, the Hound of Valinor, as seen through his eyes.
| Major Characters: Huan |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 982 |
| Posted on 18 July 2008 | Updated on 18 July 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Blasphemy by Feta
In the gardens of Lórien, a young Fingon picks a flower, speaks with a cousin, and learns the concept of blasphemy. Oneshot. Can be read as pre-slash, or not.
| Major Characters: 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, 285 |
| Posted on 12 July 2008 | Updated on 12 July 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
The Son of Curufin by Caranthol
Celebrimbor faces a hard choice when his father tries to usurp the crown of Nargothrond.
| Major Characters: Beren, Celebrimbor, Celegorm, Curufin, Finrod Felagund, Huan, Lúthien Tinúviel, Original Character(s), Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 6, 084 |
| Posted on 5 July 2008 | Updated on 11 July 2008 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
My Blood, Your Blood by Robinka
A take on the famous hunt of the wolf, written as a response to the "Breaking-Type" challenge at OSA. It would have been a nice contribution to the challenge "All Good Beasts"... if there had been anyone considering Carcharoth good ;)
| Major Characters: Carcharoth, Huan |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 5, 004 |
| Posted on 5 July 2008 | Updated on 5 July 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Shards of Courage by Alassante
A squire is trusted with an heirloom of the king but at what cost to his honor
Written for the 'Breaking Type' challenge on Open Scrolls
2009 MEFA 3rd Place Winner, Times: Second and Early Third Age: Akallabeth
| Major Characters: Ohtar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 557 |
| Posted on 3 July 2008 | Updated on 3 July 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Above It All by Alassante
The final drabble in the Singing Silmarils Series (say that five times fast!)
2009 MEFA 3rd Place Winner, Genres: Humor: General (Singing Silmarils Series)
| 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: 198 |
| Posted on 3 July 2008 | Updated on 3 July 2008 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
