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
A Far Green Country by StarSpray
"And then it seemed to him that as in his dream in the house of Bombadil the grey rain-curtain turned all to silver glass and was rolled back, and he beheld white shores and beyond them a far green country under a swift sunrise." - The Return of the King
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Fiber/Textile Art |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 19 June 2023 | Updated on 19 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (7) |
A Crack in the Ice by yletylyf
Irissë crosses the ice, loses a sister and a brother, and battles her way towards a reunion with the cousin who deserted her.
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Celegorm |
| Major Relationships: Aredhel/Celegorm |
| Genres: Adventure, Hurt/Comfort, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 927 |
| Posted on 19 June 2023 | Updated on 19 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The first moonrise by yletylyf
Angband is not what Maedhros expected.
In which Mairon uses charm to get what he wants, Maedhros learns a great deal about the Enemy, Melkor eventually loses his patience, and Fingon is vailant.
(mostly featuring Maedhros & Sauron, but with Melkor/Mairon and Maedhros/Fingon as well)
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Maedhros & Sauron |
| Genres: Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Torture, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 26, 508 |
| Posted on 19 June 2023 | Updated on 19 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Hanno by dalliansss
Ficlets exploring the brotherly bond and dynamics of Finrod and Aegnor, and the beginnings of the lifelong friendship of Aegnor and Fingon.
| Major Characters: Historical Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: Aegnor & Finrod, Aegnor & Fingon |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Family, Ficlet, Fluff, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 10, 758 |
| Posted on 8 June 2023 | Updated on 18 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Guilt-Stricken, Sobbing by Elwin Fortuna
Turin, just after killing Beleg, sinks into despair.
| Major Characters: Túrin |
| Major Relationships: Beleg/Túrin |
| Genres: Drama, Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 422 |
| Posted on 18 June 2023 | Updated on 18 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Affirmational Fandom, Transformational Fandom, and Two Old Tolkien Fanfics by Dawn Walls-Thumma
The two oldest known Tolkien-based fanfiction works illustrate the concepts of transformational and affirmational fandom and how both approaches are vital to Tolkien fanworks fandom.
Fandom Voices: Defining Canon and Using Canon in Fanworks by Dawn Walls-Thumma
Fan responses show how complex is the understanding of the concept of "canon" within the Tolkien fandom. The first part analyzes responses around how fans navigate the complicated issue of Tolkien's canon. Update: Added responses from three additional fans.
Archives of Beleriand by Ermingarden
Letters, poems, and other documents left behind by the civilizations of Beleriand.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on 13 October 2022 | Updated on 17 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
The Shadow of Wings by Ermingarden
Two artifacts from the Minas Tirith Museum of Art's Beleriandic collection.
| Major Characters: Manwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 608 |
| Posted on 17 June 2023 | Updated on 17 June 2023 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Earliest Years of the Sun by Ermingarden
A Gondorian academic in the Fourth Age explores the development of a solar calendar system among the Noldor in Beleriand.
| 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: 1, 295 |
| Posted on 17 June 2023 | Updated on 17 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
sorrow for sea-fare by Ermingarden
And it came to pass, while the wood of Nimloth burned, that Tar-Míriel – who had ever loved the night-blossoming Tree – slipped from the palace, and came in secret to the westward shore.
| Major Characters: Tar-Míriel, Uinen |
| Major Relationships: Tar-Míriel/Uinen |
| Genres: Experimental, Femslash, Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 634 |
| Posted on 17 June 2023 | Updated on 17 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
That were yet to be by ohboromir
Prompt from @melestasflight: Idril and "shadows of things that were yet to be"
| Major Characters: Idril |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 136 |
| Posted on 2 June 2023 | Updated on 16 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Cranesbill by Chestnut_pod
As the bells began to ring alarms at another five black-sailed Corsair ships hoving into view, Ulloth’s mind and pen alighted upon the pelargoloth, her namesake, the common and beloved flower of the city’s balconies and courtyards, just opening its scarlet petals with the dawn of the the Second Siege of Pelargir.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Elanor Gardner |
| Major Relationships: Original Character & Original Character, Elanor Gardner & Original Character |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: In-Universe Racism/Ethnocentrism, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 14, 062 |
| Posted on 15 June 2023 | Updated on 16 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Feast by ohboromir
As they prepare for a grand celebration, memories of the past return to haunt Gondolin’s royal family.
-
@gondolinweek Day 1: Feast - Idril, Eärendil, Turgon
| Major Characters: Idril |
| Major Relationships: Idril & Turgon |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 045 |
| Posted on 15 May 2023 | Updated on 16 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Insult by Himring
A Noldorin academic may express her opinions quite forcefully, sometimes.
Tatiel already had a bit of a reputation, even before the Darkening, and she is not cowed.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Noldor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 234 |
| Posted on 16 June 2023 | Updated on 16 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 16 June 2023 | Updated on 16 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
End of a Reign Unrecorded by Himring
The usurper Tar-Anducal has closed the theatre in Armenelos that his deceased wife, Tar-Vanimelde, so loved.
The group of dancers that conspired with her against his usurpation have been touring everywhere except in the capital, hoping not to draw his notice.
Are their fortunes about to change?
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Númenóreans |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 113 |
| Posted on 16 June 2023 | Updated on 16 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
No New Grief by ohboromir
Nolofinwë did not want to be here.
If he could have been anywhere else in the world, he would have fled there at this moment.
~
Fingolfin and Feanor's complicated relationship in four scenes.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor/Fingolfin |
| Genres: Hurt/Comfort, Romance, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Incest |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 332 |
| Posted on 27 January 2023 | Updated on 16 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
I risk my life to make my name by ohboromir
This is the tale of Ser Galadriel, the Lady of Light, one of the mightiest that dwelt in that great realm, and how she became one of the most fearsome sorceresses known to elvenkind.
~~~Gawain and the Green Knight retelling, in which Ser Artanis learns a lot about herself.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Melian |
| Major Relationships: Galadriel/Melian |
| Genres: Adventure, Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 10, 281 |
| Posted on 3 March 2023 | Updated on 16 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Starlight by ohboromir
'There fell Mablung of the Heavy Hand before the doors of the treasury wherein lay the Nauglamír; and the Silmaril was taken.' (The Silmarillion, Ch. 22 'Of the Ruin of Doriath')
~
The death of Mablung of Doriath.
| Major Characters: Mablung |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 955 |
| Posted on 15 March 2023 | Updated on 16 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
On the same ruinous path by ohboromir
The Void welcomes Mairon the Admirable, at the end of all things.
-
A little drabble I wrote for @angbangweek Day 4: The Void.
| Major Characters: Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Melkor/Sauron |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 504 |
| Posted on 4 May 2023 | Updated on 16 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Stress Relief by ohboromir
“You were looking for me?” She arched an eyebrow as she leant back against him, enjoying the solid warmth of his chest.
“I always am.” Tuor’s chuckle reverberated through his chest and through her.
Idril sighed.
-
Tuor makes sure Idril relaxes.
| Major Characters: Idril, Tuor |
| Major Relationships: Idril/Tuor |
| Genres: Erotica | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 570 |
| Posted on 18 May 2023 | Updated on 16 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A queen she would be by ohboromir
Ar-Zimraphel and her companions discuss marriage
-
For @aspecardaweek : aroace Tar-Míriel.
| Major Characters: Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 951 |
| Posted on 27 May 2023 | Updated on 16 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Echo of the Music by StarSpray
Yet this newest tapestry was different. Elu saw that immediately upon walking into the room. Melian’s hands moved swiftly across the the tapestry, woven in brilliant colors and shapes, picking out new details and marvelous things in clever embroidery, her silver needles flashing in the lamplight.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Melian |
| Major Relationships: Melian/Thingol |
| Genres: Ficlet, Fluff, Het | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 471 |
| Posted on 16 June 2023 | Updated on 16 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Beasts of Dubious Nature by Anérea
A wolf, a spider, a bat, a dragon... what do they have in common?
| Major Characters: Draugluin, Glaurung, Thuringwethil, Ungoliant |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Character/Portrait, Illustration |
| Genres: | Challenges: Bestiary of Arda |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 15 June 2023 | Updated on 16 June 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (13) |
