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
Our Most Beloved Star by Uvatha the Horseman
Six-year old Elrond and Elros are kidnapped by the Sons of Feanor and held for ransom in exchange for Luthien's Silmaril.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 11 | Word Count: 5, 056 |
| Posted on 4 April 2022 | Updated on 4 April 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Fëanor, The World's Worst Son-In-Law by Uvatha the Horseman
In which the sons of Feanor watch funny cat videos on the Palantir
| Major Characters: Ainur, Amras, Amrod, Aulë, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Maedhros, Maglor, Mahtan, Maiar, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 12 | Word Count: 6, 908 |
| Posted on 1 April 2017 | Updated on 4 April 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Diplomatic Relations by Uvatha the Horseman
50 years before the War of the Ring, the Mouth of Sauron is pranked by the Nazgul on his first day as Chief Ambassador for Mordor.
| Major Characters: Nazgûl, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 908 |
| Posted on 1 April 2016 | Updated on 4 April 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Another Man's Trash by Uvatha the Horseman
The Ring has been destroyed, yet Barad-dur still stands. Saruman goes inside to search for anything Sauron might have left behind that will tell him how to make a Ring.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Gríma Wormtongue, Saruman, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 11 | Word Count: 12, 493 |
| Posted on 1 May 2019 | Updated on 4 April 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Writing by Candlelight by Himring
Maedhros writes to Fingon.
| Major Characters: Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Fingon/Maedhros |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 3 April 2022 | Updated on 3 April 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Becoming Bookverse: Jackson's Films as an Initiation Point for Tolkien's Book Fandom by Dawn Walls-Thumma
As the debut of Amazon's Rings of Power series approaches, fans wonder how their Tolkien fandom communities will be changed by the new show. Using Tolkien Fanfiction Survey data, this article makes the case that, while Tolkien-based media franchises bring new fans to the fanfiction fandom, the stories those fans write become almost wholly book-based.
Starlight, Moonlight, light my sky tonight by Himring
Celeborn and Tom Bombadil watch the moon above the Ered Luin.
For the first time, Celeborn begins to have faith in the Second Age.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Tom Bombadil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 1 April 2022 | Updated on 1 April 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Ongoing Efforts of the Healer by Rocky41_7
In the wake of the queen's death, Elrond attempts to ease Thranduil's pain, and soothe his worries for his child.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Thranduil |
| Genres: General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 215 |
| Posted on 28 March 2022 | Updated on 28 March 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
What was, what is, and what might be by chrissystriped
Osse and Nowe share some private time together. Nowe has a question about Osse's past. Osse does not want the Teleri to leave for Aman.
| Major Characters: Círdan, Ossë |
| Major Relationships: Círdan/Ossë |
| Genres: Slash | Challenges: Arda on Ice |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 410 |
| Posted on 27 March 2022 | Updated on 27 March 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
| Major Characters: Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 101 |
| Posted on 25 March 2022 | Updated on 25 March 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Wandering Woodcarver by Himring
During the Siege, one of the more peaceful times in the history of Beleriand:
Oderen, the woodcarver, and his wife Emlinn have returned from their travels to their home in Brithombar in the Falas.
But not for very long.
Soon they will set out again...
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: Original Character/Original Character |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 205 |
| Posted on 25 March 2022 | Updated on 25 March 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
In the Glittering Halls of King Felagund by Rocky41_7
In his youth, Thranduil went on a diplomatic mission to Nargothrond on behalf of Elu Thingol. His report on the trip was remarkably brief.
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: Finrod/Thranduil, Male/Male |
| Genres: Romance, Slash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 16, 566 |
| Posted on 1 March 2022 | Updated on 24 March 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Da Capo by Grundy
Everyone has to start somewhere - though not all children realize it. Drabble written for the Opposites Attract challenge.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Elros & Maedhros & Maglor |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Opposites Attract |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 105 |
| Posted on 14 March 2022 | Updated on 14 March 2022 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
How I met your mother by daughterofshadows
Rog tells Celebrilmal how he first met her mother when Celebrilmal is in need of some patching up
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Rog |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Opposites Attract |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 554 |
| Posted on 14 March 2022 | Updated on 14 March 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The way of things by firstamazon
Maitimo helps Fëanáro, and Fëanáro decides something important.
Written for the Monthly Challenge Opposites Attract with the prompt "organized-chaotic"
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor & Maedhros |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet, General | Challenges: Opposites Attract |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 707 |
| Posted on 13 March 2022 | Updated on 13 March 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
A Sudden Outcry: The Tolkien Estate and Fanworks by SWG Newsletter Staff
In March 2022, the Tolkien Estate opened a newly designed website, including an FAQ that left fans asking: Did the Tolkien Estate just ban fanworks? We use the Estate's history, along with copyright law, to make the case that fans have nothing to fear.
Death of an Orc by Himring
Sometime in the Fourth Age, Maglor, wandering along the shore, comes across a dying orc.
This leads him to question some of his beliefs and reconsider earlier experiences.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Orcs |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 237 |
| Posted on 13 March 2022 | Updated on 13 March 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
United We Stand by Rocky41_7
The Feanorians had not looked for their Exile kin, and had expected no reunion. When Nolofinwe arrives in Middle-earth, they must determine if he has come as friend or foe.
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Celegorm, Fingolfin, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Family | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 862 |
| Posted on 11 March 2022 | Updated on 11 March 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Come Back to the Valley by StarSpray
Celebrían sees Elrond off when he departs for Mordor, and she is there to greet him when he returns.
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Elrond |
| Major Relationships: Celebrían/Elrond |
| Genres: Het | Challenges: Opposites Attract |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 596 |
| Posted on 9 March 2022 | Updated on 10 March 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A Difference of Interpretation, A Similarity of Intent by Rocky41_7
Nerdanel is certain she and Prince Fëanáro are not courting; Fëanáro has another perspective.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: Fëanor/Nerdanel, Female/Male |
| Genres: Fluff, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 587 |
| Posted on 9 March 2022 | Updated on 9 March 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Sky was Cloudless Blue by Rocky41_7
The Feanorians leave blood and ash in their wake, and Thranduil searches for Elrond and Elros in the wreckage of the Havens.
| Major Characters: Unnamed Female Canon Character(s), Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: Thranduil/Unnamed Canon Character, Female/Male |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 281 |
| Posted on 3 March 2022 | Updated on 9 March 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Insomnia by Sublime Penguin
Anairës nightly vigil before Ñolofinwë leaves, illustration for Till Morning Breaks by Raiyana
| Major Characters: Anairë, Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: Anairë/Fingolfin |
| Artwork Type: Drawing/Painting |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 5 March 2022 | Updated on 5 March 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (5) |
Transcript of Divorce Proceedings: Mairon v. Melkor by Rocky41_7
Official family court transcript of the divorce proceedings in the matter of Mairon v. Melkor.
Expletives have been redacted from the transcript.
| Major Characters: Melkor, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: Melkor/Sauron |
| Genres: Humor, Script/Play/Screenplay | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 783 |
| Posted on 5 March 2022 | Updated on 5 March 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Forge by Sublime Penguin
Gereth at her forge.
As far as I know, there's no lore regarding elves and tattoos. I love the idea that they might have had them, but with special ink that made them appear differently, or not at all, depending on circumstances like day, mood, and words spoken.
Notes:
Done for the Worldbuilding Exchange 2018, for Lunarium and heavily inspired by their works featuring Gereth
| Major Characters: Gereth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Drawing/Painting |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 5 March 2022 | Updated on 5 March 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (10) |
Under Cloud and Under Star by StarSpray
Peony Took intends to outdo her cousin Bilbo in her travels, and heads to Rhûn. There she finds the growing presence of servants of Mordor, but also Elves--and one in particular in dire need of rescue.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama, General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 20, 340 |
| Posted on 11 September 2021 | Updated on 5 March 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
