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
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
The Light of Other Stars by Grundy
Not many elves travel in deep space. Most stay close to home. Elnor is an exception.
| Major Characters: Original Male Character(s), Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover | Challenges: Crackuary |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 519 |
| Posted on 16 February 2020 | Updated on 13 July 2022 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Everything In Order by Grundy
I've said many times that nearly everything I write is in the same continuity. So here's an attempt at collecting it all in order. (Still a work in progress at this point...trying out link collections to see if this is the way to go, or if it would make more sense to just start a new story and plunk it all there.)
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 13 July 2022 | Updated on 13 July 2022 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Maudits silmarils, livre 2 by Dilly
À Gondolin, pendant que ses chevaliers parcourent le monde, Turgon déprime... Une parodie crack du Silmarillion façon Kaamelott et Sacré Graal. Suite du livre I. Nouveau chapitre : L'absence.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Aredhel, Ecthelion of the Fountain, Egalmoth, Elenwë, Fingolfin, Fingon, Glorfindel, Maedhros, Meleth (Elf), Men, Meril, Noldor, Orodreth, Penlod, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General, Humor, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 22 | Word Count: 60, 429 |
| Posted on 12 January 2016 | Updated on 10 July 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Bloody silmarils, book I by Dilly
In Gondolin, Turgon is depressed... A comedy and parody of the Silmarillion with a lot of characters and chapters. Chapter 20: Fear.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Aredhel, Ecthelion of the Fountain, Egalmoth, Elenwë, Elves, Fingolfin, Fingon, Glorfindel, Idril, Maedhros, Maglor, Men, Noldor, Orodreth, Penlod, Rog, Sindar, Thorondor, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: Elenwë/Turgon, Fingon/Maedhros, Fingon & Turgon, Fingolfin & Fingon |
| Genres: General, Het, Humor, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 20 | Word Count: 23, 889 |
| Posted on 27 March 2015 | Updated on 10 July 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Gladden Fields by Himring
Photo of yellow iris with an inset photo of yellow water lilies.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Photography |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 10 July 2022 | Updated on 10 July 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (4) |
Tapestries and Fate by ArizonaPoppy
Finrod visits Andreth at her museum, where she works as a conservationist.
A museum/magical realism AU retelling of the Athrabeth for the "Also Appearing" Monthly Challenge.
| Major Characters: Andreth, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: Andreth & Finrod, Aegnor/Andreth |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Ficlet | Challenges: Also Appearing |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 577 |
| Posted on 7 July 2022 | Updated on 9 July 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (16) |
Hier, mit dir im Dämmerlicht by daughterofshadows
Sometimes life creates the most beautiful symmetries.
Or two times, Túrin and Beleg sat together during a blackout.
| Major Characters: Beleg, Túrin |
| Major Relationships: Beleg & Túrin |
| Genres: Fluff, General, Science Fiction | Challenges: Also Appearing |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 860 |
| Posted on 8 July 2022 | Updated on 8 July 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Family Heirlooms by grey_gazania
A collection of stories about Elrond\'s childhood with the Sons of Fëanor, and its impact on his later life.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Celebrían, Elrond, Elros, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on 7 March 2021 | Updated on 6 July 2022 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Little Drop of Poison by grey_gazania
Maedhros is injured, and Elrond discovers his talent for healing.
Written for Tolkien Gen Week on Tumblr (prompt: grey spaces).
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Elrond, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros & Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 339 |
| Posted on 6 July 2022 | Updated on 6 July 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
A Miracle of Infectiousness by kimikocha
It's supposed to be impossible for the Ainur to get sick, but Mairon has always been exceptional.
| Major Characters: Melkor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Melkor/Sauron |
| Genres: Crackfic, Fluff, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 577 |
| Posted on 6 July 2022 | Updated on 6 July 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Tolkien Fanworks Scholarship Bibliography by Dawn Felagund
This collection includes links to online open-access scholarship about Tolkien-based fanworks.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Reference Collection | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Posted on 11 June 2022 | Updated on 6 July 2022 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Aurë Entuluva by StarSpray
Gil-galad comes face to face with Sauron.
| Major Characters: Gil-galad, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 293 |
| Posted on 6 July 2022 | Updated on 6 July 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Sawdust by StarSpray
Findis watches, entranced, as he takes up his tools and begins a new carving, taking a shapeless lump of wood and turning it into a leaping hound before her eyes.
| Major Characters: Findis, Finwë |
| Major Relationships: Findis & Finwe |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 559 |
| Posted on 4 July 2022 | Updated on 6 July 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Calls from the other end of the galaxy by daughterofshadows
Sometimes you just need a little help with a code from the author, even if you've been working with it for decades. If only they would answer their dang phone!
So, instead Maeglin calls an old friend, hears an amusing anecdote and passes on a message.
It's all in a day's work.
Except for the autopilot. That took a lot longer.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Maeglin |
| Major Relationships: Celebrimbor & Maeglin |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Also Appearing |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 601 |
| Posted on 6 July 2022 | Updated on 6 July 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
So It Is Said by StarSpray
Elros befriends some gulls
| Major Characters: Elros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, Fluff, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 364 |
| Posted on 5 July 2022 | Updated on 5 July 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Walking in the Woods by daughterofshadows
Welcome to Eryn Lasgalen, the only space station with trees.
Yes, you heard that right. Actual, real life, full-sized trees.
Not the tiny shrubs they have over on Balar.
They may not quite reach the glory of the forests of old Doriath (before it all burned, of course), but what truly can?
Join Thranduil's spouse Alcarinna for a walk in the woods as she contemplates the past, meet Oropher and his husband, Ethuilass, newly returned from their diplomatic mission and despair with Legolas' older brother, Beriathal, and Tauriel over younger siblings who cannot stay in the same spot for longer than a minute, dammit!
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Original Nonbinary Character(s), Oropher |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: Also Appearing |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 135 |
| Posted on 4 July 2022 | Updated on 4 July 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Not Too Far by grey_gazania
Celebrimbor has a conversation with his cousin and ponders the future of his estranged father and uncles.
Written for Tolkien Gen Week on Tumblr (prompt: family). Part of my Woman King AU.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: Celebrimbor & Gil-galad |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 783 |
| Posted on 4 July 2022 | Updated on 4 July 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
A long ripple of notes by Himring
Before the Fall of Eregion, a minstrel who once was taught by Maglor is asked to revive a performance of his songs in the Hall of the Jewel-smiths in the presence of Celebrimbor.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Gwaith-i-Mírdain |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 901 |
| Posted on 1 July 2022 | Updated on 1 July 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Bór by Himring
As one of the loyal Easterlings during the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, Bór and his sons reflect Tolkien's development of lands and peoples beyond Beleriand.
The Rain against My Window by Himring
Rain reminds Gil-galad of his childhood in Hithlum.
| Major Characters: Gil-galad |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 304 |
| Posted on 1 July 2022 | Updated on 1 July 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
While the Arrow Flies by Himring
While the arrow flies: that's the arrow in "speed now this feathered shaft".
What to do in the time we have?
Especially if the eagle never comes.
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Maedhros |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 122 |
| Posted on 1 July 2022 | Updated on 1 July 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Love and Superstition by grey_gazania
A fanmix for Curufin and Nyellë, his wife.
| Major Characters: Unnamed Female Canon Character(s), Curufin |
| Major Relationships: Curufin/Unnamed Canon Character |
| Genres: Music | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Posted on 28 June 2022 | Updated on 28 June 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Proceedings of the Angband Poets' Society by kimikocha
Selections from the latest edition of the Angband Poets' Society magazine.
What's that, you say? You didn't realize Angband had a poets' society? Well, now you know.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Balrogs, Orcs, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Melkor/Sauron |
| Genres: Crackfic, Humor, Poetry | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 1, 701 |
| Posted on 24 June 2022 | Updated on 24 June 2022 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Down Through the Ages by StarSpray
Five times Daeron meets Maglor by accident, plus one time it happens on purpose.
| Major Characters: Daeron, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Daeron/Maglor |
| Genres: Ficlet, Fixed-Length Ficlet, Fluff, Slash | Challenges: Also Appearing |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 2, 253 |
| Posted on 19 June 2022 | Updated on 24 June 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
The Nargothrond Cordial by jamcake_muses
A recipe from Finrod's cookbook "From the Pans of Beleriand".
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crackfic, Humor | Challenges: Also Appearing |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 428 |
| Posted on 23 June 2022 | Updated on 23 June 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
