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
Fanon Inverted
Take a fanon you feel passionately about and turn it on its head, creating a fanwork that goes against the fanon norm. 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
Radiance by StarSpray
Maitimo was crossing the courtyard, thinking of lunch, when his father burst out of his workshop, where he had been holed up for the last several days, neither eating nor, as far as anyone could tell, sleeping. “Maitimo!” he cried, eyes alight with the fire of success. “Come! Come and see!”
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor & Maedhros |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 663 |
| Posted on 15 December 2022 | Updated on 16 December 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Far Over Land and Sea by polutropos
Maglor's use of Songs of Power. Currently includes Alqualondë and the Dagor-nuin-Giliath.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: X Marks the Spot |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 628 |
| Posted on 15 November 2022 | Updated on 13 December 2022 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
Sisters Such As Us by Elleth
Anairë travels to Alqualondë for research. Little did she expect to be swept off her feet by its princess, nor what follows.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Eärwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Erotica, Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 603 |
| Posted on 20 March 2018 | Updated on 12 December 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Any Wise and Wintry Thing by Elleth
Evranin and Gereth meet in the woods of Doriath on a midwinter night, long before the birth of Elwing and the fall of Doriath. They share a night of passion, and when Doriath falls, they meet again.
| Major Characters: Evranin, Gereth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 027 |
| Posted on 20 March 2018 | Updated on 12 December 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Dreams of Far Lands by Elleth
Lalwen receives a gift, and takes heart.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Aredhel, Lalwen |
| Major Relationships: Aredhel & Lalwen |
| Genres: Femslash, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 242 |
| Posted on 23 June 2015 | Updated on 11 December 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Revels in Silence by Elleth
Níniel meets a wraith at night. Written for the Hearts in Council fic fest.
| Major Characters: Finduilas, Nienor |
| Major Relationships: Finduilas/Nienor |
| Genres: Femslash, Mystery, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 522 |
| Posted on 16 February 2014 | Updated on 11 December 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Counting Stars by chrissystriped
One-shots and shorter works set in my AU centered around my long fic 'Mighty Love', which is currently only posted on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/11790954/chapters/26591097
Sorted chronologically.
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on 3 October 2022 | Updated on 11 December 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
That Attraction Between Us by chrissystriped
Laiglas stared at him, his mouth hanging open. “I beg your pardon?”, he stammered and blushed when some things shot through his head, he sometimes dreamed of. Melkor and Mo in one bed with him... But: “Mablung... I’m sorry, but... you are my friend, I love you, but I don’t think of you like that.” Mablung laughed cheerfully. “You don’t have to be sorry for that, I feel the same about you. But I still think the four of us could have fun.”
Melkor and Mablung have a proposal for their friends.
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Melkor |
| Major Relationships: Melkor/Original Character |
| Genres: Poly, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 7, 995 |
| Posted on 5 June 2020 | Updated on 11 December 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
First Times by chrissystriped
Sinthoras just said it in jest, but Galathil thinks it might be the thing to make him feel save enough to try sex again.
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Gothmog |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 3, 513 |
| Posted on 4 June 2019 | Updated on 11 December 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Taste of Strawberries by chrissystriped
After moving into their new house, Melkor goes to the market to buy food. He finds something he knows Mablung will like.
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Melkor |
| Major Relationships: Melkor/Original Character |
| Genres: General, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 997 |
| Posted on 1 May 2019 | Updated on 11 December 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A Birthday Morning by chrissystriped
Mablung opened his eyes with a happy sigh as he was kissed awake.
“Good morning, love”, Melkor smiled down at him. “And happy birthday.”
Mablung wakes to a tasty birthday present by Melkor.
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Melkor |
| Major Relationships: Melkor/Original Character |
| Genres: Fluff, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 773 |
| Posted on 1 August 2021 | Updated on 11 December 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
We meet again by chrissystriped
After the War of Wrath, Sinthoras hears that his daughter came to Aman and visits her in Tirion. There's someone in her house, he didn't expect.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Gothmog |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 534 |
| Posted on 10 July 2019 | Updated on 11 December 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Inaudible: Three Words by chrissystriped
This was what he enjoyed the most about being allowed to sleep in his Master’s bed most of the time now. Not the soft mattress and the warm blankets, though that was comfortable. No, it was the fact that this way he was sometimes woken by his Master’s gentle touches.
It's Mablung's birthday again, though he remembers it only after a while.
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Melkor |
| Major Relationships: Melkor/Original Character |
| Genres: Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 367 |
| Posted on 5 November 2019 | Updated on 11 December 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Galadriel: Parallels among Women in History and Literature by MirienSilowende
Tolkien may have taken inspiration for Galadriel's character—an outspoken queen figure—from literary and historical figures like Circe, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and Joan of Arc.
The Breathing Sea by StarSpray
‘Alas! there are some wounds that cannot be wholly cured,’ said Gandalf.
‘I fear it may be so with mine,’ said Frodo. ‘There is no real going back. Though I may come to the Shire, it will not seem the same; for I shall not be the same. I am wounded with knife, sting, and tooth, and a long burden. Where shall I find rest?’
Gandalf did not answer.
- The Return of the King, “Homeward Bound”
| Major Characters: Bilbo Baggins, Elves, Frodo, Gandalf |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 10 | Word Count: 18, 709 |
| Posted on 18 February 2019 | Updated on 8 December 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
Friendship and Stern Demand by polutropos
The letters exchanged between Maedhros Fëanorion and Elwing Dioriel, c. FA 534-537.
| Major Characters: Elwing, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Elwing & Maedhros |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 885 |
| Posted on 5 December 2022 | Updated on 7 December 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
You're going out like that? by Rocky41_7
Sometimes you try a new look and suddenly your whole family becomes a panel of fashion critics. Maglor hates it here.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 617 |
| Posted on 5 December 2022 | Updated on 5 December 2022 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Galadriel by polutropos
Galadriel, based on a Greek vase painting of Circe.
| Major Characters: Galadriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Drawing/Painting, Mixed Media |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 5 December 2022 | Updated on 5 December 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (5) |
To Justify Your Existence by JazTheBard
In which Maedhros dies and has some explaining to do to his family.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Maedhros, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor & Maedhros, Amras & Amrod & Caranthir & Celegorm & Curufin & Fëanor & Maedhros & Maglor, Elrond & Elros & Maedhros |
| Genres: Drama, Family | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death, Suicide |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 257 |
| Posted on 3 December 2022 | Updated on 4 December 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Embrace by chrissystriped
Melkor is in a rare gentle mood and grants his slave a wish.
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Melkor |
| Major Relationships: Melkor/Original Character |
| Genres: Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 071 |
| Posted on 3 October 2018 | Updated on 4 December 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The way he needs me by chrissystriped
Melkor is angry and Mablung knows it is going to be a hard night. But if his pain is what his Master needs to feel better, he'll bear it for him.
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Melkor |
| Major Relationships: Melkor/Original Character |
| Genres: Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Sexual Content (Graphic), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 186 |
| Posted on 6 October 2019 | Updated on 4 December 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
In the Mirror of your Eyes by chrissystriped
Celebrimbor wants to show Maeglin how beautiful he is. Maeglin has a hard time believing it.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Maeglin |
| Major Relationships: Celebrimbor/Maeglin |
| Genres: Hurt/Comfort, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: In-Universe Racism/Ethnocentrism, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 115 |
| Posted on 26 November 2022 | Updated on 4 December 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Hearken Still Unsated by polutropos
When the Noldor return to Middle-earth to make war on Morgoth, only rumours reach Menegroth of their reasons for coming, but Doriath's minstrel experiences their loss and longing through his connection to Music and the gift of his Queen. Years later, he is sent to the Feast of Reuniting and meets the Elf whose grief he felt. A story about the Eldar returning home, their connection to the land and to each other, and their relationship to Music and fate, love and free will.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Maglor, Melian |
| Major Relationships: Daeron/Maglor, Daeron & Melian |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Posted on 4 December 2022 | Updated on 4 December 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (4) |
In After Days by StarSpray
Something out near the entrance to the bay caught his eye. It was a small, dark shape on the water, slowly growing larger. As it passed into Eldamar out of Belegaer, Eärendil felt his breath catch. “Elwing,” he said.
“I see it.” She leaned farther out of the window, as though those few inches might grant her a better look. She had one hand raised to shield her eyes from the sun’s glare. “It looks like—”
“Yes, but it can’t be.”
| Major Characters: Eärendil, Elwing, Idril, Tuor, Voronwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, Fluff, General | Challenges: Manwë's Mailbag |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 358 |
| Posted on 4 December 2022 | Updated on 4 December 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (13) |
Lords of Amon Ereb by JazTheBard
Maedhros and Maglor have stolen the Silmarils and disappeared. Beleriand is sinking. Finarfin, Gil-Galad, and all the people moving east pay a visit to Amon Ereb, assuming that the Sons of Fëanor returned there.
Instead, they find Elrond and Elros.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Gil-galad, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros & Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 11, 138 |
| Posted on 3 December 2022 | Updated on 3 December 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
