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
Cursed Commitment by Alassante
Celebrimbor's final conversation with his mother in Aman.
For OSA Drabble Challenge #76: Commitment
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Original Character(s) |
| 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 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 (2) |
The Harper by JunoMagic
A short story about the harper singing at the Field of Cormallen. It ties in loosely with my story "Lothíriel" and even more loosely with the Silmarillion. Fourth Age, approximately 3028.
| 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: 3, 976 |
| 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) |
The Illgotten Son by Gadira
Aredhel, princess of the Noldor, gets lost in the forest of Nan Elmoth and is forced to marry Eöl, the Dark Elf. Bound by an oath of revenge, she lives on to bear his son, and tries to make him hate his father. My oldest fic... or the oldest fic I´m ready to show anyway.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Ecthelion of the Fountain, Eöl, Idril, Maeglin, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Incest, Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Character Death, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 14 | Word Count: 30, 404 |
| 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) |
The Last Queen by Gadira
The cliché setting for the Downfall of Númenor... or maybe not so much? Dark themes.
| Major Characters: Ar-Pharazôn, Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Het, Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Incest, Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 675 |
| Posted on 6 June 2007 | Updated on 6 June 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Last Temptation by Gadira
Why didn´t Melian use her power? Why did she leave her kin to die? As Doriath falls to ruin, a Maia must come to a painful and controversial decision. Nominated for the MEFAs.
| Major Characters: Eluréd, Elurín, Melian, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 754 |
| 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) |
The Nightingale by Gadira
Melian the Fire Dragon? Thingol the Nightingale? Dior´s teenage wisdom cannot make sense of it at all.
| Major Characters: Dior, Galadriel, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 877 |
| 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) |
The Land of Gift by Gadira
On the final fate of Tuor and Idril, and the roots of certain important events of the Second Age. Slightly uncanonical, or at least Untolkienesque. Nominated for the MPAs and the MEFAs.
| Major Characters: Idril, Tuor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 294 |
| 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) |
Closing the Circle by Gadira
Of Fëanor´s death and the final fate of the Broideress. Warning for extremely archaic notions of thought. Part IV of the Broideress Arc.
| Major Characters: Míriel Serindë, Vairë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 306 |
| Posted on 6 June 2007 | Updated on 6 June 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
| Major Characters: Indis, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 588 |
| 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) |
The Last Work Of Her Hands by Gadira
Could an Elf live without a fëa? Part II of the Broideress arc.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Finwë, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 698 |
| Posted on 6 June 2007 | Updated on 6 June 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Facing the Darkness by Gadira
They had always been two, the Broideress and the Healer. Rumours said that they had awoken side by side under the stars, but now the Broideress must face the darkness alone. Part I of the Broideress Arc.
| Major Characters: Finwë, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 062 |
| Posted on 6 June 2007 | Updated on 6 June 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A Fair Trial by Gadira
At the end of the First Age, Sauron refused to submit to the judgement of the Valar. But, whose fault was it? And was he really alone in his decision? Maiarin humour.
| Major Characters: Eönwë, Melian, Saruman, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 822 |
| Posted on 6 June 2007 | Updated on 6 June 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
A Fairy Tale by Gadira
A desperate mother tells her newborn child a tale about the world. Companion piece to "The Wandering Queen" and "Promise Unfulfilled".
| Major Characters: Rían |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 603 |
| 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) |
Promise Unfulfilled by Gadira
Annael of the Grey Elves grieves over his unfulfilled promise after Rian´s son, Tuor, is lost. Sequel to "The Wandering Queen" (so it´s just a little less old. ^_^)
| Major Characters: Annael, Rían, Tuor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 482 |
| 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) |
The Wandering Queen by Gadira
After the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, Wood Elves stumble upon a distraught mortal lady.
(Another one of my old fics)
| Major Characters: Rían |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 479 |
| 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) |
The Accursed by Gadira
Who can tell what was in the betrayer´s mind as he performed his deed? Silmarillion-based, featuring a Very Shafted Character. (One of my old fics)
| Major Characters: Uldor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 695 |
| 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) |
The Blue Book of Bilbo Baggins, or, Tales of the Forbidden Silmarillion by Gandalfs apprentice
As readers know from Tyellas's Lost in the Translation, Bilbo made another book--one with a blue cover. This story tells of the fate of this mysterious volume, and, even better, has extracts from some of the tales....you know you want to read it. Seriously AU. Illustrations by greywing.
Thanks to Tyellas for allowing me to borrow the idea of the Blue Book from her superb story and to oshun for her thoughtful criticism and for being a good friend. Special thanks to Maeve Riannon and to greywing for their unique contributions, and to all the writers at the Garden of Ithilien.
| Major Characters: Ainur, Beren, Dior, Elu Thingol, Glorfindel, Idril, Lúthien Tinúviel, Maeglin, Manwë, Melkor, Nienna, Sauron, Sons of Fëanor, Tuor, Uinen, Ulmo, Valar, Varda |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 8 | Word Count: 8, 041 |
| Posted on 6 June 2007 | Updated on 6 June 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (22) |
Tales of Thanksgiving: A Drabble Collection by Dawn Felagund
Series of fixed-length ficlets written as holiday gifts for friends in 2006. Content varies for each drabble, so please heed the warnings posted at the top of each. Adult-rated ficlets are marked with an asterisk (*). MEFA 2007 winner: 3rd Place, First Age and Prior.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Caranthir, Celegorm, Eärwen, Fëanor, Finarfin, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Finwë, Haleth, Maedhros, Maglor, Mahtan, Nerdanel, Original Character(s), Rúmil (Valinor), Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Experimental, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General, Romance | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 25 | Word Count: 11, 978 |
| Posted on 3 June 2007 | Updated on 3 June 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (9) |
The Hunter's Song by Rhapsody
Two brothers in a family with nine members and seven sins. Follow Maglor and Celegorm through one's lifetime.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Fëanor, Finwë, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance, Suspense | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 2, 624 |
| Posted on 1 June 2007 | Updated on 1 June 2007 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Oaths Foresworn by Rhapsody
On the docks of the Mouth of Sirion, Maglor finds his brother Amrod injured. What transpired between them before Amrod passed away?
~ Mithril Awards 2005 finalist for 'Best Best Vignette or Short Story' and ' Best Silmarillion' ~
~ MEFA 2006 1st place in First Age and Prior: general. Thanks to Minuialeth for nominating it!~
| Major Characters: Amrod, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Family Matters, From Evil Comes Good, Gift of a Story, Parting's Sorrow |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 420 |
| Posted on 1 June 2007 | Updated on 1 June 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Letters in the Sand by Rhapsody
Maglor is trapped within a circle regarding his fate and destiny.
~ MEFA 2006 nominee - Thank you Robinka! ~
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: You Can't Go Home Again |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 518 |
| Posted on 1 June 2007 | Updated on 1 June 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Evening exercises by Rhapsody
Tuilinn watches Beleg Cúthalion while she is supposed to deliver a message.
| Major Characters: Beleg, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Het, Romance | Challenges: Gift of a Story, Hot Summer, Hot Stories |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 438 |
| Posted on 1 June 2007 | Updated on 1 June 2007 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Capturing the moonlight by Rhapsody
For years Beleg asked himself how one can capture the moonlight.
| Major Characters: Beleg, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Erotica, Het, Romance | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 066 |
| Posted on 1 June 2007 | Updated on 1 June 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Estranged by Dawn Felagund
The estrangement of Nerdanel and Fëanáro following his exile to Formenos.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Maedhros, Nerdanel, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Parting's Sorrow, Gift of a Story, Family Matters |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 4, 435 |
| Posted on 30 May 2007 | Updated on 30 May 2007 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
The Inner Light by Rhapsody
A Noldor elf has all the reasons not to sail to Valinor after the Ringbearers left Middle Earth. Wrapped in grief and bound by loyalty, he starts his own journey of redemption by reliving the past and struggling to remain.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Erestor, Galadriel, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Romance | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 557 |
| Posted on 29 May 2007 | Updated on 29 May 2007 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
