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
Beyond the Circles of Middle-earth
Create a fanwork that places a Silmarillion character into a fictional setting from our real-world literature 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
To Dream by Day and Roam by Night by chrissystriped
Celebrimbor, summoned to Nan Elmoth by a dream, finds an elf who sleeps through the days and turns into a wolf by night.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Maeglin |
| Major Relationships: Celebrimbor/Maeglin |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 887 |
| Posted on 18 February 2023 | Updated on 18 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
the wise and the lovely by elwinged
Silmariën and Isilmë, from the beginning to the end.
| Major Characters: Elatan of Andúnië, Isilmë, Silmarien |
| Major Relationships: Isilmë & Silmariën, Elatan of Andúnië/Silmariën |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet | Challenges: Hidden Figures, Jubilee |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Posted on 15 February 2023 | Updated on 17 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (1) |
Dust of Snow by ArizonaPoppy
Trapped in a cabin by a blizzard, Caranthir is forced to revisit his harsh feelings for Angrod. This was written for the Fellowship of the Fics Trope Roulette Wheel Challenge of January 2023 for the prompts "roommate AU" and "huddling for warmth."
| Major Characters: Angrod, Caranthir |
| Major Relationships: Angrod & Caranthir |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 516 |
| Posted on 15 February 2023 | Updated on 17 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Lemon Balm, Comfrey and Sage by Narya
After being injured in a riding accident, Eldarion stays behind in Minas Tirith while his mother and father embark on their spring tour. He is not best pleased when he is assigned to help in the Houses of Healing, but soon finds he has much to learn...
(This is a work in progress.)
| Major Characters: Eldarion, Ioreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Jubilee, Manwë's Mailbag |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 460 |
| Posted on 17 February 2023 | Updated on 17 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
Tinker, Tailor, Bromance, Spar by Gwanath Dagnir
A wine-fueled faux pas has left a rift between Gil-galad and Elrond, maybe. If a week out of town and a new wardrobe can't set things right, there's always the sparring ring.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Gil-galad |
| Genres: General, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 10, 067 |
| Posted on 1 January 2023 | Updated on 17 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Review of "The Fall of Númenor" by Lyra
The Fall of Númenor conveniently compiles the majority of Tolkien's Second Age materials in a single volume alongside delightful new art from Alan Lee, making it an immensely useful publication.
In Service, Love by sallysavestheday
From the ruin of the Gladden Fields, where Isildur perished, three men only came ever back over the mountains after long wandering. One of these was Ohtar, the esquire of Isildur, who bore the shards of the sword of Elendil; and he brought them to Valandil, the heir of Isildur, who being but a child had remained in Rivendell. The Fellowship of the Ring, Ch 2, The Council of Elrond.
Ohtar is faithful.
| Major Characters: Isildur, Ohtar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Cheesy Corn Chips |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 671 |
| Posted on 15 February 2023 | Updated on 16 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (26) |
Fabric of Love by Anérea
Young Andreth receives a very special gift from her mother.
(A drabble.)
| Major Characters: Andreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Holiday Party, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 101 |
| Posted on 16 February 2023 | Updated on 16 February 2023 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Wise Hearts by Anérea
An evolving series exploring the life and times of the two wise-women of the Edain in Beleriand, Adanel and Andreth.
| Major Characters: Adanel, Aegnor, Andreth, Finrod Felagund, Zimrahin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on 16 February 2023 | Updated on 16 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Aeluin Revisited by Anérea
A nonagenarian Andreth thinks back on her life, and love. (Featuring cameo appearances by Finrod and Adanel.)
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Andreth |
| Major Relationships: Aegnor/Andreth |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: Jubilee, Manwë's Mailbag |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 413 |
| Posted on 14 February 2023 | Updated on 16 February 2023 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: International Fanworks Day, Jubilee, Taboo |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 111 |
| Posted on 16 February 2023 | Updated on 16 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Aesthetic Appreciation by Lferion
Fingon, Returned, takes in some of the sights of spring. A quadruple drabble.
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Fluff | Challenges: International Fanworks Day, Jubilee, Soap Opera, Words of Wit and Wisdom |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 404 |
| Posted on 16 February 2023 | Updated on 16 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Resemblance by Lferion
Elrond did not know what to expect of Aman - a quadruple drabble.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Fingon |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros & Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: Family, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: Block Party, International Fanworks Day, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 414 |
| Posted on 15 February 2023 | Updated on 15 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Through Dreaming Trees by Lferion
Returned, Fingon walks in Lorien -- four drabbles.
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: Holiday Feast, International Fanworks Day, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 424 |
| Posted on 15 February 2023 | Updated on 15 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
House of Refuge by Independence1776
Jedi Padawan Caleb Dume finds temporary sanctuary in Imladris.
| Major Characters: Other Fictional Character(s), Celebrían, Elrond, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover, Hurt/Comfort | crossed with Star Wars | Challenges: Jubilee, X Marks the Spot |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 13, 737 |
| Posted on 10 February 2023 | Updated on 12 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Finrod: 30-Day Character Study - Study Days by cuarthol
Following the 30-day Character Study Challenge for Finrod.
This will contain the days which call for reading, thoughts on or creating headcanons for, or perusing other creative works as part of the challenge.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 30 | Word Count: 12, 293 |
| Posted on 12 January 2023 | Updated on 11 February 2023 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
The Fall of Gondolin Reflected in History by MirienSilowende
The Fall of Gondolin has historical antecedents in sacks of cities in the ancient and medieval world, all featuring military destruction and a grievous impact on innocent civilian survivors.
Túrin, Part 3 by firstamazon
The final installment of Túrin's biography considers his life in Nargothrond, his return to Dor-lómin and time in Brethil, his fateful marriage to Nienor, his battle with Glaurung, and the ever-disastrous consequences of all of these, culminating in his death by his own hand.
Extinguished by Rocky41_7
Nerdanel had hoped to beat Feanor to Formenos, but she came too late.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor/Nerdanel, Fëanor & Finwë |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 651 |
| Posted on 10 February 2023 | Updated on 10 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Finrod: 30-Day Character Study by cuarthol
Following the 30-day Character Study Challenge for Finrod Felagund. To include notes/thoughts, fic, art, and more.
All 30 days are finished!
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Mixed Media, General, Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study, Jubilee |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on 16 January 2023 | Updated on 9 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (1) |
Finrod: 30-Day Character Study - Writings by cuarthol
Story/fiction writing prompts for the 30-Day Character Challenge.
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Amarië, Finarfin, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: Finarfin & Finrod, Amarië/Finrod |
| Genres: General | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 2, 622 |
| Posted on 16 January 2023 | Updated on 9 February 2023 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Finrod: 30-Day Character Study - Artwork by cuarthol
Art created for the related prompts for the 30-Day Character Study Challenge.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: Andreth & Finrod, Aegnor/Andreth |
| Artwork Type: Drawing/Painting |
| Genres: General, Het | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 20 January 2023 | Updated on 9 February 2023 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (12) |
The Last Scion of Tevildo by Lindariel
What happens to the offspring of a cat possessed by a Maia of sharpness?
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Eagles, Glorfindel, Melkor, Tevildo |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Crackfic, Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 9, 111 |
| Posted on 21 January 2021 | Updated on 8 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Dawn of a New Era by Varda delle Stelle
At the beginning of the Fourth Era in Aman Maedhros and Fingon are reunited.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Maedhros |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Fluff | Challenges: Gnome Tome, Jubilee |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 664 |
| Posted on 8 February 2023 | Updated on 8 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Possession by elennalore
In captivity, Celebrimbor draws the diagram of the tower where he’s held.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor |
| Major Relationships: Celebrimbor/Sauron |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: Jubilee, Notion Club Revival |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 122 |
| Posted on 4 February 2023 | Updated on 4 February 2023 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
