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
Heroes
Create a fanwork about a hero, whether the typical saves-the-world type or the unlikely, unsung, and accidental, those who have been forgotten or perhaps were never noticed at all, who made their worlds a better place. 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
Broken Star by pandemonium_213
Sauron's last request of Celebrimbor. A double drabble epilogue of sorts to Cat's Paws.
MEFA 2008: First Place, Villains, Fixed Length Ficlet
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 200 |
| Posted on 9 September 2007 | Updated on 9 September 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (17) |
Risk Assessment by pandemonium_213
Noldorin journeymen and masters of the Gwaith-i-Mírdain discuss the secrets of lembas with a Sindarin apprentice to the Yavannildi/Ivonwin.
This was written as a lark in response to the Lembas SWG challenge, but I suppose it could also address the Secret Knowledge challenge. It was meant primarily for SWG site owner’s entertainment, but since I have already embarrassed myself thoroughly via The Apprentice and other self-indulgent hackery, what the heck…I may as well toss this up here on the SWG.
MEFA 2008: Honorable Mention, Elves, General.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Journey Bread |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 680 |
| Posted on 8 September 2007 | Updated on 8 September 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
The Small and Secret Things by Dawn Felagund
An attempt at writing a drabble or other short fiction every day, based on the Dictionary.com Word of the Day. Please see the story notes for more information. ETA: This project is on indefinite hiatus. I am working on my second degree as well as working full-time and so have had to tell the muses to take a hike. Hopefully, once my classes end, I'll be able to get back into writing.
| Major Characters: Amandil, Ar-Pharazôn, Aulë, Caranthir, Celegorm, Eärwen, Fëanor, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Finwë, Haleth, Maedhros, Maglor, Mandos, Melkor, Míriel Serindë, Nerdanel, Original Character(s), Tar-Míriel, Tar-Palantir, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Torture, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 36 | Word Count: 11, 218 |
| Posted on 21 June 2007 | Updated on 6 September 2007 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (47) |
Luthien Tinuviel by Endaewen
Short stories about Beren and Luthien. Filling the Doom'n'Gloom prompt set from the arda100 Challenge.
| Major Characters: Beren, Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 19 | Word Count: 7, 880 |
| Posted on 5 June 2007 | Updated on 4 September 2007 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Unbearable Smugness of Being (Fëanor) by IgnobleBard
The Void Beyond the Stars becomes rather crowded.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 800 |
| Posted on 4 September 2007 | Updated on 4 September 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Longing for lost love by hugesilmfan
after almost an age on middle earth many things still linger, and how could one forget whom one most loved and left behind?...... maedhros remembers and talks to maglor.
My first silm. fan fiction ever ( actually my first fiction at all ) so please be kind and review. constructive criticism WANTED!
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor, Mahtan, Nerdanel, Original Character(s), Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 2, 456 |
| Posted on 24 July 2007 | Updated on 29 August 2007 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
The Most Beautiful by Meril
Melian has reasons for staying.
| Major Characters: Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 639 |
| Posted on 23 August 2007 | Updated on 23 August 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Scribe and the Heir by Dawn Felagund
For Oshun, a story about the time (in my personal storyverse) where young Maedhros worked as a royal scribe. He is forced to consider his role as his father's heir and how his decisions might worsen the disintegrating relationship between Fëanor and Fingolfin. 2008 MEFA nominee.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 117 |
| Posted on 20 August 2007 | Updated on 20 August 2007 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Two for Trouble by oshun
Written for the SWG July 2007 "The Terrible Twos!" Challenge.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Maedhros, Nerdanel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Terrible Twos, Ankle Biters |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 527 |
| Posted on 5 August 2007 | Updated on 5 August 2007 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
The Apprentice by pandemonium_213
An ambitious young Noldorin man of Ost-in-Edhil lands a coveted appointment as an apprentice to the most skilled master smith of the Gwaith-i-Mirdain: Istyar Aulendil. The apprentice's mentor, a prodigy of the Aulënossë, has been sent to Middle-earth by the Valar and has knowledge of exotic and wondrous technology. Istyar Aulendil also has notoriously high standards. The apprentice must meet his mentor's expectations if he is to become a journeyman and work on an important new initiative.
MEFA 2008: First Place, Villains, General.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Original Character(s), Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General, Science Fiction | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Expletive Language, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 13 | Word Count: 37, 101 |
| Posted on 4 August 2007 | Updated on 4 August 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (126) |
By the Light of Roses by Dawn Felagund
What if Erestor had been part of the House of Fëanor from the beginning, in Aman? An AU look at the crumbling house of Fëanor through the eyes of one of Middle-earth's loremasters.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Fëanor, Original Character(s), Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Gift of a Story, One True Love |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 15 | Word Count: 68, 795 |
| Posted on 2 August 2007 | Updated on 2 August 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
The Western Sea (II) by Gadira
Second fic in my arc about a certain Númenorean family of notorious traitors. This time I give you Melkorbazer, a character who also gets mentioned in my fic Full of Wisdom.
| Major Characters: Inzilbêth, Lindórië, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Sea Voyages |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 837 |
| Posted on 2 August 2007 | Updated on 2 August 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
On the Lake by Vicki_Turner
Maglor, and Elrond and Elros, and their tutor enjoy an afternoon sailing on a lake.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 647 |
| Posted on 1 August 2007 | Updated on 1 August 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
In the Town Called Acceptance by Dawn Felagund
Young Maglor and Celegorm come to an understanding that they will always be the sons most unlike their father.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Fëanor, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Gift of a Story, Family Matters |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 505 |
| Posted on 31 July 2007 | Updated on 31 July 2007 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
To Be a King by Keiliss
The watch fire is lit.
MEFA 2008 Races: Elves: General: Honorable Mention
| Major Characters: Círdan, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 079 |
| Posted on 25 July 2007 | Updated on 25 July 2007 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
The Broken Throne by Ilma
Their first showdown.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 666 |
| Posted on 22 July 2007 | Updated on 22 July 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Spaces in the Heart by Keiliss
Glorfindel's first meeting with Idril's grandson.
MEFA 2008 Races: Elves: House of Elrond: Third Place
| Major Characters: Elrond, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 616 |
| Posted on 20 July 2007 | Updated on 20 July 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Circle of Silver by Keiliss
Gil-galad is told of the destruction of Gondolin.
MEFA 2008 Races: Elves: House of Finwe: Third Place
| Major Characters: Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 146 |
| Posted on 20 July 2007 | Updated on 20 July 2007 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Consumed by Vicki_Turner
The night of the infamous oath-swearing; seen through the eyes of a Feanorion.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 46 |
| Posted on 17 July 2007 | Updated on 17 July 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Salt by Dawn Felagund
How Caranthir's strange temperament, the sea, and his love for his mother changed the fate of Middle-earth. A strange tale about a strange Elf. 2007 MEFA winner: 2nd Place in First Age and Prior.
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Nerdanel, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Experimental | Challenges: It's Magic!, Gift of a Story, From Evil Comes Good |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 7, 964 |
| Posted on 16 July 2007 | Updated on 16 July 2007 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
The Truth Shall Set You Free by Vicki_Turner
After the destruction of Sirion, Maglor took pity on Elrond and Elros and cared for them. It's known that love grew between them, but how long can one remain ignorant?
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 000 |
| Posted on 14 July 2007 | Updated on 14 July 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
All Our Yesterdays by Keiliss
At the end of the War of the Last Alliance.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Gil-galad, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 721 |
| Posted on 14 July 2007 | Updated on 14 July 2007 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The Broideress Arc by Gadira
Four-story arc, centered on Míriel the Broideress, queen of the Noldor. Those four stories have also been published separately.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Finwë, Indis, Míriel Serindë, Vairë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Horror, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 9, 264 |
| Posted on 14 July 2007 | Updated on 14 July 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Safety's Price by Keiliss
Gondolin - the reality of a gilded cage.
| 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, 014 |
| Posted on 11 July 2007 | Updated on 11 July 2007 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Fire of Their Hearts Was Young by oshun
Response to the Slashy Santa (Jingle Bells in June) request by Ennorwen for a story “Set sometime after The Flight of The Noldor, and despite everything at least somewhat hopeful in tone." The story is slash and the pairing is Finrod and Fingon.
**MEFA 2007 Nominee**
| Major Characters: Amarië, Aredhel, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Idril, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 741 |
| Posted on 7 July 2007 | Updated on 7 July 2007 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
