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
Bestiary of Arda
Choose a prompt from our "bestiary" of music and images of animals found in Arda. 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
Eönwë after the War of Wrath by Ruiniel
Eönwë, Maia and herald of Manwë, after the War of Wrath and after seeing Angband. He has long silver-grey wings, and his appearance is tattered and bloodied, he's exhausted after the long war and what he's seen. His hair is silver-white and long. He wears a knee-length surcoat over his armor. He wields a polearm.
| Major Characters: Eönwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Character/Portrait, Drawing/Painting |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Heroes, Of All That Remains, Season of Change, Strangers in Strange Lands |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Posted on 5 July 2023 | Updated on 5 July 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (7) |
hand in hand, as brothers we will stand by Arveldis
Conflicted, Aegnor seeks Angrod's counsel.
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Angrod |
| Major Relationships: Aegnor & Angrod |
| Genres: Family, General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 078 |
| Posted on 26 May 2023 | Updated on 5 July 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Hard Is the Heart by Arveldis
Indis tries to mend the rift within the House of Finwë. Fëanáro does not take kindly to it.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Indis |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor & Indis |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 898 |
| Posted on 21 June 2023 | Updated on 5 July 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
It's not easy, but it's worth it by daughterofshadows
Three characters, three moments. Three stages of the same journey. The road of self-acceptance is never smooth.
| Major Characters: Arwen, Círdan, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Secret Gate |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 280 |
| Posted on 4 July 2023 | Updated on 4 July 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
| Major Characters: Andróg |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 663 |
| Posted on 4 July 2023 | Updated on 4 July 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Fell Beast, Dreadful Spirit by Narya
Tolkien's werewolves are not the lycanthropes of popular myth. What happens when they die?
A drabble.
| Major Characters: Draugluin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 102 |
| Posted on 4 July 2023 | Updated on 4 July 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Heat Wave in the City of the Moon by Himring
It is the time before the War of the Last Alliance, before the first fall of Isildur's recently built city of Minas Ithil to Sauron's attack.
One of its inhabitants is sensitive to the unseasonable weather; she does not quite realize she is also suffering from premonitions.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 516 |
| Posted on 4 July 2023 | Updated on 4 July 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
On the Noldor, Exiled by Lferion
A sonnet addressing some of the challenges the Noldor faced as Exiles.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General, Poetry | Challenges: Secret Gate |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 107 |
| Posted on 4 July 2023 | Updated on 4 July 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Stone-spun by Arveldis
Stone could tell stories, her father had said, balancing her upon his knee, and stories she spun at his side in his workshop—stories strange and marvelous and beautiful.
Or, Nerdanel and Mahtan through the years.
| Major Characters: Mahtan, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: Mahtan & Nerdanel |
| Genres: Family, General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 289 |
| Posted on 3 July 2023 | Updated on 4 July 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Draugluin by Narya
Though appearing just briefly, the fierce wolf Draugluin is characterized using elements from myth and folklore, leaving him a character memorable for his dread.
A kiss with joy by ohboromir
Elwë and Lenwë share a joyful moment by the shores of the Great River.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Lenwë |
| Major Relationships: Lenwë/Thingol |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 316 |
| Posted on 30 June 2023 | Updated on 30 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Listen to the Song by polutropos
Young Daeron has many questions. This time, they lead Beleg to a vision of a dark future for the elves on the westward journey.
| Major Characters: Beleg, Daeron |
| Major Relationships: Beleg & Daeron |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: Secret Gate |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 996 |
| Posted on 29 June 2023 | Updated on 29 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
The Nightingale Sang by ArtificialEnt
Luthien runs into a strange and batlike creature on her way to rescue Beren.
| Major Characters: Lúthien Tinúviel, Thuringwethil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Femslash, General, Poly | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 015 |
| Posted on 12 December 2018 | Updated on 29 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Laughing All the Way by polutropos
It's a ridiculous Yule for all. Maglor discovers much about his cousin Turgon after he is sent off to spend the evening with him, and Maedhros and Fingon receive a surprise visit from a well-pickled Finrod.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Maedhros, Maglor, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: Maglor & Turgon |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 357 |
| Posted on 26 December 2022 | Updated on 26 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Everlasting Darkness by polutropos
When Maedhros and Maglor attempt to steal the Silmarils after the War of Wrath, they are seized and taken as prisoners back to Valinor. As it turns out, a pardon has been negotiated on their behalf - but no one bothered to tell them this, or the unique conditions on which they have been released from their oath. They have simply been tied up and dumped in two different remote locations: Maglor outside a white tower near the borders of the Sundering Seas, and Maedhros on a dock at the rim of the world.
[Maedhros and Maglor are Eärendil and Elwing's war prizes and everyone has sex.]
| Major Characters: Eärendil, Elwing, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Elwing/Maglor, Eärendil/Maedhros |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Het, Humor, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Expletive Language, Incest, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 10, 521 |
| Posted on 10 January 2023 | Updated on 26 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Mightiest of the Children by polutropos
At the End of the World, reconciliation and renewal.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Manwë |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor & Manwë |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 423 |
| Posted on 9 March 2023 | Updated on 26 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Who By Fire by polutropos
A Fëanorian hunter is seriously injured near the Nolofinwëan camp at Lake Mithrim. Though Fingolfin scarcely knew Fëanor's youngest sons, he at once recognises and is drawn to his nephew, whose presence offers him a semblance of closure to the irreparable relationship with his dead half-brother. After taking on the role of Amrod's healer himself, he discovers that their wounds, and their need for each other, run far deeper than he thought.
| Major Characters: Amrod, Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: Amrod/Fingolfin |
| Genres: Drama, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Incest, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic), Suicide, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 052 |
| Posted on 4 May 2023 | Updated on 26 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
First Contact by polutropos
Shortly after the unexpected release of Fëanor, Daeron — now loremaster of Alqualondë and chief minstrel of the Eldar — finally reaches out to Maglor. Maglor is perplexed about his motives, but agrees to meet.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Fëanor, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Daeron/Maglor |
| Genres: General, Humor, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 805 |
| Posted on 4 June 2023 | Updated on 25 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Singer of Old by polutropos
Distrust and suspicion have been upsetting the peace of Rivendell since the arrival of an exceptionally talented minstrel who calls himself Lindir. Elrond seems oblivious to the problem, so Erestor takes it upon himself to confront his lord about it.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Erestor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 950 |
| Posted on 25 March 2023 | Updated on 25 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
If You Are the Healer by polutropos
Maedhros' decision to cede his claim to the High Kingship drives a rift between him and the brother who held the crown for him through his captivity. Through their reconciliation, Maedhros grapples with shame over the feelings that Maglor's devotion awakens in him, before he at last accepts the balm for loss and failure that Maglor offers.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Maedhros/Maglor |
| Genres: Drama, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Incest, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 671 |
| Posted on 21 February 2023 | Updated on 25 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Gift by polutropos
Maglor was born without sight and a unique gift for Song. Maedhros helps him understand his gift; years later, Maglor returns the favour.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 933 |
| Posted on 20 February 2023 | Updated on 25 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Chance Enchantment by polutropos
Maglor is curious about the land bordering the Girdle of Melian. Lúthien and Daeron happen to be having a nice time nearby. Some nightingales help make things happen.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Lúthien Tinúviel, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Daeron/Lúthien/Maglor |
| Genres: Erotica, Poly | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 919 |
| Posted on 26 November 2022 | Updated on 25 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
His Hour Had Come by polutropos
Saeros' daughter reflects on the life and actions of her father.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Saeros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: In-Universe Racism/Ethnocentrism, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 348 |
| Posted on 26 November 2022 | Updated on 24 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
And She Vanished by polutropos
“Kementári,” she prays, “please forgive me. I have failed to protect even this fragment of your creation.”
After the death of Thingol, Melian seeks guidance.
| Major Characters: Melian, Yavanna |
| Major Relationships: Melian & Yavanna |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 445 |
| Posted on 26 November 2022 | Updated on 24 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Herb for Ragnir by Himring
At the lowest ebb of her fortunes, Morwen was left with only two of her former servants: Sador, who was lame in one foot, and Ragnir, who was blind.
We know she had sometimes been unsympathetic to Sador's failings, until her family changed her mind.
We need not assume she had a similar history with blind Ragnir, though.
| Major Characters: Morwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 24 June 2023 | Updated on 24 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
