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
Aching Wings by Narya
Of Yavanna, Melian, birdsong, and birds.
Written for TRSB22, for Grundy's wonderful moodboard.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Melian, Yavanna |
| Major Relationships: Melian & Yavanna |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 5, 203 |
| Posted on 24 September 2022 | Updated on 24 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Who Are We? Tolkien Fanfiction and Demographics by Dawn Walls-Thumma
When you picture a Tolkien fanfiction writer, who comes to mind? The Tolkien Fanfiction Surveys of 2015 and 2020 provide insight on who is present in the fandom and which fans are missing.
Through the Snowy Wood by StarSpray
Thranduil, Oropher, and Elwing have escaped Menegroth and must make their way through the forests of Doriath.
| Major Characters: Elwing, Oropher, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General, Suspense | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 199 |
| Posted on 22 September 2022 | Updated on 22 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
After the Fall by Lferion
The aftermath of the Fall of Numenor, from two different shores and three perspectives. Three drabbles.
| Major Characters: Littleheart |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August, Restoration and Rebuilding |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 307 |
| Posted on 14 September 2022 | Updated on 22 September 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Her Gift to the Secondborn by Ellynn
In the ancient time before the Children of Iluvatar and all other beings of Arda woke up, Yavanna thinks about men and their vulnerability, and uses her power to help them – even if only in an indirect way.
| Major Characters: Yavanna |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 875 |
| Posted on 21 September 2022 | Updated on 21 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
There in the Fragrant Pines by Maggie Honeybite
A story about the two times that Bëor called Finrod “lad” and one time he didn’t. Or, after the angst of the Helcaraxë, Finrod finds some love and happiness at last. A sequel to Same Shade of Gold. But also stands alone.
| Major Characters: Bëor, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: Bëor/Finrod |
| Genres: Adventure, Erotica, Romance, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate), Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 518 |
| Posted on 14 September 2022 | Updated on 15 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
What Your Life Is by StarSpray
"Surely not." At the sound of his voice the great shaggy shape stirred, and turned its head. Behind him Asar called out, asking a question, but Maglor barely heard him. He fell to his knees in the wet sand, staring into eyes that gleamed with ancient Treelight and even older starlight. Then his face was being licked clean of tears by a giant tongue, and he was both laughing and crying as he flung his arms around the dog's shoulders, burying his face in wet fur, hardly caring that it was still crusted with sand that scraped against his cheeks. "Huan, what are you doing here?"
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Elladan, Elrohir, Huan, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 20, 025 |
| Posted on 14 September 2022 | Updated on 14 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Story-Telling Wanderer by JazTheBard
Aragorn doesn't meet the hobbits in Bree. Maglor, however, does.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Frodo, Maglor, Samwise Gamgee |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Maglor |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 019 |
| Posted on 13 September 2022 | Updated on 14 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Incubation by elennalore
Melkor in the Void. A poem in free verse and accompanying art.
| Major Characters: Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Posted on 12 September 2022 | Updated on 12 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (7) |
The Crow and the Swan by SonOfMandos
Tuor came to the Hidden City with a message from the Lord of the Seas. He urges the King to flee, but to avail. Confined, he despairs. He crosses paths with Maeglin, the prince who wishes to elope from these immaculate walls. A story of the inevitable battle against fate, and of freedom. Maeglin/Tuor
| Major Characters: Maeglin, Tuor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Family, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 8, 970 |
| Posted on 7 September 2022 | Updated on 12 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
An Endless Tide on Endless Shores by Rocky41_7
A familiar face finds Maglor on the beach and he cannot decide if this is a blessing or a torment.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Daeron/Maglor |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 14, 255 |
| Posted on 12 September 2022 | Updated on 12 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Elrond in Ar-Pharazôn's Númenor by Independence1776
My second artwork for TRSB 2022. Elrond is secretly visiting Númenor during the reign of Ar-Pharazôn, years after Sauron’s capture, and is captured himself.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Sauron, Tar-Míriel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Moodboard/Collage |
| Genres: General, Horror, Hurt/Comfort, Suspense | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Posted on 30 August 2022 | Updated on 11 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (4) |
“I can see in the acorn the oak tree. I see the growth, the rebuilding, the restoring.” - Maya Angelou by MirienSilowende
The Entwives are forced to flee when Sauron wipes out their homes but at the end of a long journey, they find a place that suits them very well.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, Fluff, General | Challenges: Akallabêth in August |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 277 |
| Posted on 11 September 2022 | Updated on 11 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
At the Edge of the Water by Independence1776
Nienna, Maglor, and a lighthouse on Tol Eressëa.
Written for Lferion as a treat in TRSB 2022.
| 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: 633 |
| Posted on 11 September 2022 | Updated on 11 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
On Oaths by Angelica
Oaths were a part of the history of many cultures across time and feature heavily in the legendarium as well.
Rewilding by Himring
It sounds as if none of the people of Enedwaith who were defeated by the Numenoreans returned.
But maybe a few did, once the Numenorean port was falling into ruin?
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Restoration and Rebuilding |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 10 September 2022 | Updated on 10 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Call of the Loon by SonOfMandos
Captured by Lúthien and her Marchwardens, Celegorm is the prisoner of the princess in Menegroth. Against his will, he finds himself the personal retainer of the daughter of Melian. Desiring to repent and heal his soul from his sins, Celegorm accepts his fate as a servant. Warned of the situation by Galadriel, Finrod tries to resolve it with his great-uncle. Naturally, Lúthien has a strange sense of humour and refuses to give the Fëanorian back to his family.
| Major Characters: Beren, Celegorm, Lúthien Tinúviel |
| Major Relationships: Beren/Luthien |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Crackfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 12, 538 |
| Posted on 8 September 2022 | Updated on 8 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
L'imbécillité by SonOfMandos
S’il y avait une chose qu’Erestor méprisait, c’était l’imbécillité.
Alors Erestor, une personne « comme il faut », s'est donné le droit de rouspéter.
| Major Characters: Erestor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crackfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 626 |
| Posted on 6 September 2022 | Updated on 7 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Worthy of the Valar by Ellynn
Modern-day Maglor discovers one new drink invented by humans. He is doubtful at first, but after he tries it, the result will shock him.
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 518 |
| Posted on 7 September 2022 | Updated on 7 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Two Birds in Love by chrissystriped
Eonwe and Reviahûn have been a couple for many centuries. When Reviahûn manages to flee from his captivity in Angband, their world changes completely not only because the trees are gone.
| Major Characters: Eönwë, Maiar, Manwë |
| Major Relationships: Eönwë/Original Character |
| Genres: Hurt/Comfort, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on 6 September 2022 | Updated on 7 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Going to War by chrissystriped
Eonwe leaves to fight in the War of Wrath, hoping he'll be able to take vengeance for what Sauron did to Reviahûn. Reviahûn just hopes he'll come back home safely.
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Eönwë, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Eönwë/Original Character |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 382 |
| Posted on 26 July 2021 | Updated on 7 September 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Tamed Falcon by chrissystriped
When he can't bear wearing an elvish shape, Reviahûn turns into a falcon to find peace. But when he's starting to feel better, he realises he might enjoy it beyond that.
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Eönwë, Maiar |
| Major Relationships: Eönwë/Original Character |
| Genres: Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 995 |
| Posted on 10 October 2019 | Updated on 7 September 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Freedom is Mine by chrissystriped
Tarilanya, freed from Angband and back home in Valinor, enjoys her life.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 148 |
| Posted on 7 September 2022 | Updated on 7 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
To Grow a Forest by chrissystriped
A fire has destroyed part of a forest, but the elves are there to help it regrow
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 178 |
| Posted on 7 September 2022 | Updated on 7 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Road to the Havens: The First Step by Himring
Andvir later supplies information about Turin to the poet who wrote a poem about him, but what does it mean for him, personally, to be the son of one of the most agressive of Turin's outlaws and nevertheless end up at the Havens?
| Major Characters: Andvír |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Restoration and Rebuilding |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 6 September 2022 | Updated on 6 September 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
