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
After the Fall by Alassante
The Silmaril of Earth has her say.
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: 98 |
| 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) |
A Beggar of Distinction by Alassante
Aragorn has an interesting meeting at his wedding that leaves him speechless.
Prompt #118 for Aragorn Angst - Speechless. This prompted a belated birthday fiction for Gwynnyd
2009 MEFA 1st Place Winner, Genres: Mystery: General
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 742 |
| Posted on 1 July 2008 | Updated on 1 July 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
A Little Closer to the Edge, My Love … by Sulriel
The marring of Míriel Serindë by her lord Finwë - how he taught her not to fear, taught her to give all of herself rather than hold too tight...
| Major Characters: Finwë, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 2, 688 |
| Posted on 26 June 2008 | Updated on 26 June 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Dark Foe Wears Feanaro by whitewave
Timeline of major events in the trend-setting House of Fëanaro, the undisputed leader in the Eldarin fashion industry.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Fëanor, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Finwë, Huan, Indis, Ingwë, Melkor, Míriel Serindë, Nerdanel, Olwë, Original Character(s), Sons of Fëanor, Turgon, Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: All Good Beasts |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 2, 116 |
| Posted on 25 June 2008 | Updated on 25 June 2008 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (21) |
Reflections in the Deep by Alassante
One of the greatest of all times doubts the current situation.
~This is a birthday fiction for Robinka/Binka~
2009 MEFA 3rd Place Winner, Genres: Humor: General (Singing Silmarils Series)
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 99 |
| Posted on 25 June 2008 | Updated on 25 June 2008 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Blood and Fire by Wise Queen
Calimon and his father take part in the taking of the Telerin ships at Alqualondë. They have to deal with the kinslaying - and do so in different ways.
| Major Characters: Curufin, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 610 |
| Posted on 16 June 2008 | Updated on 16 June 2008 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Five Fires by Elleth
Ambarussa is afraid of fire to this day. There were four instances in life that made him fear.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Experimental | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 658 |
| Posted on 15 June 2008 | Updated on 15 June 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Your Dungeons are Inadequate by Aiwen
A letter from Sauron to Finrod Felegund sent shortly after the fall of Minas Tirith. Sauron has some complaints he wishes to make.
| Major Characters: Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: Differing Perspectives |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 192 |
| Posted on 15 June 2008 | Updated on 15 June 2008 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (14) |
Star's End by Keiliss
Maglor meets Arwen on the road to Lorien after Aragorn's death.
MEFA 2008 Races: Elves: House of Elrond: First Place
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 832 |
| Posted on 14 June 2008 | Updated on 14 June 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Last Words by Rhapsody
Nerdanel finally meets her nemesis: the one who caused the rift in her marriage to Fëanor. What did she had to say to them?
*added: The Silmarillion Writers Guild Back to Middle-earth 2008 narrative*
~ MEFA 2008 First Place in Genres: Drama: Featuring the Noldor - Thank you Robinka for nominating it! ~
| Major Characters: Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Strong Women |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 3, 241 |
| Posted on 1 March 2008 | Updated on 14 June 2008 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
Duty, Honour, Country by Rhapsody
Maglor's life and, in the end, fate seems to be influenced a great deal by the Oath. But what defined him at the very core? A tripple drabble or actually a drabble series with three true drabbles.
*added: The Silmarillion Writers Guild Back to Middle-earth 2008 narrative*
~ MEFA 2008 Second Place in Races: Elves: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets, thank you Pandemonium for nominating it! ~
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 975 |
| Posted on 12 February 2008 | Updated on 12 June 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Findekáno the Valiant by oshun
Response to Claudio/Darth Fingon's challenge to write how Fingon got the label of "the Valiant." Warnings: crack fic, language (somewhat crude), and could be read as foreshadowing slash (years down the road).
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Celegorm, Fëanor, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: Ankle Biters, Family Matters |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 911 |
| Posted on 8 June 2008 | Updated on 8 June 2008 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (21) |
Embers by Elleth
Elleth's stories, drabbles and double-drabbles for Seven in '07 and B2MeM 2008. Please refer to the chapter summaries for further info.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Elendil, Fëanor, Maedhros, Maeglin, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Experimental, Fixed-Length Ficlet, Poetry, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 8 | Word Count: 1, 531 |
| Posted on 31 July 2007 | Updated on 7 June 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
I Ain't Got No Body by IgnobleBard
Glorfindel can't seem to stay out of Mandos.
| Major Characters: Glorfindel, Mandos |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 669 |
| Posted on 5 June 2008 | Updated on 5 June 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (22) |
All I know is Penance. That is all I need know. by Lindale
Maglor reflects on the Oath and how he regrets it.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 870 |
| Posted on 29 May 2008 | Updated on 29 May 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Diplomacy by Vicki_Turner
What power enables the cursed Feanorions to inspire such intense loyalty that elves would be willing to kill their kin for the sake of their Lords? A short story where young Elros glimpses the Maedhros power for this "diplomacy".
| Major Characters: Elros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 878 |
| Posted on 24 May 2008 | Updated on 24 May 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Flawed by Feta
AU. In earlier drafts, Tolkien had Morgoth send Maedhros back, but maimed. This is my take on that. Fingon is just as much in love as ever.
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Fingolfin, Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Experimental, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 062 |
| Posted on 23 May 2008 | Updated on 23 May 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
The Work of Small Hands by Dawn Felagund
Valinor has been plunged into darkness, most of the Noldor have gone into exile, and the Teleri grieve for those lost in the kinslaying. The Valar have turned their backs on the remaining Noldor--left without a king--and chaos rules the streets of Tirion. Can Eärwen, the quiet wife of a third-born prince, find the courage and strength to save her husband's people? 2008 MEFA nominee.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Eärwen, Finarfin, Indis, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama | Challenges: Strong Women |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 11 | Word Count: 30, 443 |
| Posted on 2 April 2008 | Updated on 18 May 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (51) |
Never Met a Fore Before by viv
Finwe and Elwe discuss descriptive language and wine in those first days at the Cuivienen. (For the SWG "Inventions" challenge.)
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Finwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: Inventions |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 353 |
| Posted on 13 May 2008 | Updated on 13 May 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
One Last Wish by Dawn Felagund
Shortly before the Darkening of Valinor, Fëanor returns briefly to Nerdanel to beg one last wish of her. MEFA 2008 nominee.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 342 |
| Posted on 12 May 2008 | Updated on 12 May 2008 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
Honor, Courage, Commitment by Rhyselle
In the caverns of Nargothrond, Finrod Felagund receives a mortal visitor who will change the course of his life. An oath sworn a generation before requires a choice that will shape the future of Middle-earth for ages to come.
Nominated for 2008 Middle-earth Fanfiction Awards (MEFA).
| Major Characters: Beren, Finrod Felagund, Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 531 |
| Posted on 11 May 2008 | Updated on 11 May 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Essecarmë by Dawn Felagund
Curufin, the fifth son of Fëanor, is said to have been his favorite. Why did Maedhros get passed over for this honor? This story looks at Eldarin naming traditions and the family dramas they create. 2008 MEFA nominee.
| Major Characters: Curufin, Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 852 |
| Posted on 8 May 2008 | Updated on 8 May 2008 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
Silver Blossoms Blown by IgnobleBard
Varda gets her first look at the Elves
| Major Characters: Varda |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 370 |
| Posted on 7 May 2008 | Updated on 7 May 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
Philosophia to Philomythus and Misomythus by pandemonium_213
For The Duel of Songs challenge: a counterpoint to Tolkien's Mythopoeia.
MEFA 2008: First Place, Poetry, General.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Duel of Songs |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 311 |
| Posted on 24 April 2008 | Updated on 24 April 2008 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (16) |
Love Poem by oshun
In the interests of being a good member of a community that has chosen to observe National Poetry Month and the risk of great personal embarrassment, I present my humble effort in two blessedly short verses. So, before I lose my courage, I offer my view, tin-ear and all, on what I see as the greatest almost-canon love story of The Silmarillion. (Implied slash.)
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry, Romance | Challenges: Duel of Songs, One True Love, Promises Made/Promises Broken |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 41 |
| Posted on 22 April 2008 | Updated on 22 April 2008 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
