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
The Northern Sea (I) by Gadira
Vignette based on Full of Wisdom and Perfect in Beauty. No spoilers.
Alissha, entombed in her prison, surrenders to desperation.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Sea Voyages |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 598 |
| Posted on 4 July 2007 | Updated on 4 July 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Elfstone by Gandalfs apprentice
Celebrimbor creates the Elessar.
| 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: 100 |
| Posted on 2 July 2007 | Updated on 2 July 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Another Prometheus by Gandalfs apprentice
There's more than one way to see Feanor's rebellion. A scholar of the Fourth Age interprets his story.
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 2 July 2007 | Updated on 2 July 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Maedhros Rising by Isil Elensar
There's more than one way to interpret 'tall', and Maedhros wasn't called the Tall for nothing...
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 747 |
| Posted on 2 July 2007 | Updated on 2 July 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
We Said We'd Live Forever by Ilma
An ultimately doomed love.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Finwë, Indis, Mahtan, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 998 |
| Posted on 1 July 2007 | Updated on 1 July 2007 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Seven in '07 Character Biographies by Dawn Felagund
In July 2007, the Seven in '07 event honored the House of Fëanor and the inspiration it has given to the Tolkien fandom. Each character's page included a brief biography, archived here for ease of reference. Please see the Table of Contents for a listing of all available characters.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celebrimbor, Celegorm, Curufin, Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 117 |
| Posted on 31 July 2007 | Updated on 1 July 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Remembrance by ford_of_bruinen
A chance meeting between elves of Doriath, led by Daeron, and Amrod son of Feanor brings back bad memories and feelings...
| Major Characters: Amrod, Daeron, Nimloth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 724 |
| Posted on 29 June 2007 | Updated on 29 June 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Courage by Tarion Anarore
A quick drabble written for Finarfin Appreciation Month (January 2006).
| Major Characters: Finarfin |
| 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: 98 |
| Posted on 28 June 2007 | Updated on 28 June 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Target Practice by spookystoy
Archery practice at Nargothrond. Curufin + bow = OTP. Set not long after Curufin's people settle at Finrod's halls.
| Major Characters: Curufin |
| 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: 102 |
| Posted on 28 June 2007 | Updated on 28 June 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
I alone shall lead you by Rhapsody
Celegorm gathers his men to wage war on an army of Orcs.
| Major Characters: Celegorm |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 99 |
| Posted on 27 June 2007 | Updated on 27 June 2007 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
A tribute to love by Rhapsody
A Fëanorian and his wife share a special moment of love and reverence.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Het, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 26 June 2007 | Updated on 26 June 2007 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Stigmas by Robinka
A stabber in the dark, treacherous to foes, faithless to friends, and a curse unto his kin. Túrin Turambar: master of doom; by doom mastered.
A series of drabbles originally written for the Seven Deadly Sins Challenge at OSA. Túrin's POV.
| Major Characters: Beleg, Finduilas, Gwindor, Nienor, Saeros, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 952 |
| Posted on 26 June 2007 | Updated on 26 June 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Fëanorian Fates Series by Alassante
Thus at last the Teleri were overcome, and a great part of their mariners that dwelt in Alqualondë were wickedly slain. For the Noldor were become fierce and desperate, and the Teleri had less strength, and were armed for the most part but with slender bows. Then the Noldor drew away their white ships and manned their oars as best they might, and rowed them north along the coast.
Chapter 9 ~ Of the Flight of the Noldor Silmarillion
Finally complete!
Part 1 ~~2005 MPA 2nd Place Winner~~
Part 1 ~~2006 MEFA Honorable Mention~~
Part 2 ~~2007 MEFA Nominee~~
A poem and a series drabbles based on the series of events beginning with the creating of the Silmarils and including the kinslayings.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celebrimbor, Celegorm, Curufin, Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet, Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 11 | Word Count: 2, 394 |
| Posted on 6 June 2007 | Updated on 24 June 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
Nothing but Dreams by Unsung Heroine
Caranthir Feanorion after Nirnaeth Arnoediad and in a less than stable state of mind. Featuring recollections of Dagor Bragollach and an appearance of Haleth as your not-so-average ghost. Initially written as a submission for a challenge at Parma Eruseen, this story won 2nd place at the MEFAs 2006 (Drama: First Age Elves).
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Haleth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 091 |
| Posted on 23 June 2007 | Updated on 23 June 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
The Eyes of a Muse by Rhapsody
A young artist cannot seem to draw the eyes of her subject.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 838 |
| Posted on 22 June 2007 | Updated on 22 June 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Maglor's Song by Robinka
Maglor on the shore.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 134 |
| Posted on 21 June 2007 | Updated on 21 June 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Midwinter thoughts by Rhapsody
Maedhros muses on his purpose in life.
MEFA 2008 nominee
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 496 |
| Posted on 19 June 2007 | Updated on 19 June 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Vengeance's Folly by Rhapsody
Celegorm observes his brother's when all lick their wounds after the Nirnaeth Arnoediad.
~MEFA 2008 Third place in Races: Elves: Noldor Fixed-Length Ficlets~
| Major Characters: Celegorm |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 199 |
| Posted on 19 June 2007 | Updated on 19 June 2007 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Fighting for Hope by Rhapsody
Amras considers his future and that of his House when he holds a newborn baby.
| Major Characters: Amras |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 199 |
| Posted on 19 June 2007 | Updated on 19 June 2007 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Written in the Starlight by Rhapsody
Thus ended Beleg Strongbow, truest of friends, greatest in skill of all that harboured in the woods of Beleriand in the Elder Days, at the hand of him whom he most loved.
Or did he not? What would have happened if, by a slight change of fate, Beleg Strongbow survived?
This story ends here and is not going to be ever continued because my co-author Rhapsody is no longer with us. She died on October the 22nd 2020 and it is when my heart shattered.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Beleg, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Elu Thingol, Finduilas, Gwindor, Mablung, Maedhros, Maeglin, Maglor, Melian, Nellas, Original Character(s), Túrin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, Het, Romance, Suspense | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Mild), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 27, 015 |
| Posted on 19 June 2007 | Updated on 19 June 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
Droplets by Dawn Felagund
The life of Elrond, First Age through Fourth Age, told in double drabbles. 2007 MEFA winner: 2nd Place, Multi-Age Fixed-Length Ficlet.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 1, 813 |
| Posted on 16 June 2007 | Updated on 16 June 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (24) |
Return to Me by Dawn Felagund
Finarfin assists with the re-embodiment of his son Finrod.
| Major Characters: Finarfin, Finrod Felagund, Mandos |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, Horror | Challenges: Nature of Fear, Halls of Mystery, Gift of a Story |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild), Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 496 |
| Posted on 13 June 2007 | Updated on 13 June 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Starlit Nights by Alassante
A lost elf stumbles upon an expected vision in the woods.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 105 |
| Posted on 6 June 2007 | Updated on 6 June 2007 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Holding Onto Hope by Alassante
Celebrimbor comes to the aid of his uncle in his greatest time of need.
A birthday fiction for Vlad, my evil twin.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 521 |
| Posted on 6 June 2007 | Updated on 6 June 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Too Close to the Fire by Alassante
Fëanor and Nerdanel get to know each other a bit better before they are married.
Birthday Fiction for Oshun and Lace Trim Challenge Entry for OSA
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Het, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 023 |
| Posted on 6 June 2007 | Updated on 6 June 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
