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
Season of Change
Create a fanwork about seasons in Tolkien's world. 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
A Light in the Dark by Raiyana
When all other lights... go out.
| Major Characters: Elves, Valar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror | Challenges: Holiday Party |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 264 |
| Posted on 23 February 2022 | Updated on 23 February 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Scrolls of Knowledge by Raiyana
A suspicion realised among dusty tomes of days long past
| Major Characters: Gandalf |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Holiday Party |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 325 |
| Posted on 23 February 2022 | Updated on 23 February 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A forfeit by Raiyana
A display of skills destined for war turned playful; sword and horse and rider as one.
| Major Characters: Eagles |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Holiday Party |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 191 |
| Posted on 23 February 2022 | Updated on 23 February 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Starlit Waves by Raiyana
“Congratulations, my love, you have made a plank. Yet again.” Dry tones teased his ears softly, the silent footsteps of his beloved Ngilith giving him no warning of her approach.
Círdan smiled, running the pad of his thumb over the smooth surface of the wide board. “Not a plank, this, dearest,” he mused, leaning back against her chest for a moment when she drew near. Lifting the waiting pot, he watched a thin stream of oil catch the light of the torches someone had lit while he was busy smoothing the wood. “A board.” He spread the pool of oil with his fingers, feeling the smooth glide of skin against wood with a joyful satisfaction. “I wish to travel as the waves do, bare and unfettered as we rush towards shore.” He could see it so clearly, feel the rush and song of waves racing with him, Ossë’s laughter bright as noonlight on water.
She laughed, a sound he had missed more than he knew in her absence, pressing herself against his back, her chin resting lightly against his shoulder.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Círdan |
| Major Relationships: Círdan/Original Character |
| Genres: Erotica, Romance | Challenges: Opposites Attract |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 766 |
| Posted on 22 February 2022 | Updated on 22 February 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
In the Heart of the Storm by IgnobleBard
Ossë shows Círdan the passion at the heart of the storm.
| Major Characters: Círdan, Ossë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Erotica, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 4, 829 |
| Posted on 16 February 2017 | Updated on 19 February 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
The Wolf and the Woman by chrissystriped
Carnlóme finds some of his soldiers about to have their way with a prisoner and steps in to protect her. He soon comes to like her.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: Original Character/Original Character |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 126 |
| Posted on 17 August 2021 | Updated on 17 February 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
To Tell the Truth by chrissystriped
After his rebirth Nolofinwe knows he can't lie to Anaire any longer, even if the chance of Maedhros to ever be reborn is slim.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Fingolfin, Fingon |
| Major Relationships: Anairë/Fingolfin, Fingolfin & Fingon |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Incest, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 475 |
| Posted on 10 February 2022 | Updated on 17 February 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Fitting, In A Way by Anérea
Helevorn stirs from her repose.
| Major Characters: Unnamed Female Canon Character(s), Caranthir |
| Major Relationships: Caranthir/Unnamed Canon Character |
| Artwork Type: Character/Portrait, Drawing/Painting, Illustration |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 13 February 2022 | Updated on 16 February 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (8) |
Winds of the Western Shore by Anérea
Minyelmë discovers the far Western shore of Aman.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Elves |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Character/Portrait, Drawing/Painting, Illustration |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 13 February 2022 | Updated on 16 February 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (14) |
Artifacts of Ice by Lferion
Fingon's new hröa did not cross the Ice.
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: Book by Its Cover, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 105 |
| Posted on 11 February 2022 | Updated on 11 February 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
The Shipwright and the Hobbit by daughterofshadows
Belladonna goes to the sea and understands something of importance.
Círdan is there for emotional support, even if he doesn't know it.
| Major Characters: Belladonna Took Baggins, Círdan |
| Major Relationships: Belladonna Took Baggins & Círdan |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: New Year's Resolution, Queens of the Quill, Words of Wit and Wisdom |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 712 |
| Posted on 8 February 2022 | Updated on 10 February 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
King of beech and oak and elm by polutropos
Thingol contemplates the carvings of Menegroth, remembering Lúthien.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Lúthien Tinúviel, Melian |
| Major Relationships: Lúthien & Thingol |
| Genres: General | Challenges: New Year's Resolution, Times of Bliss |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 453 |
| Posted on 8 February 2022 | Updated on 9 February 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Light in a Ruined House by Himring
Celebrian asks Elrond about Maedhros and Maglor.
Elrond does not find it easy to talk to her about them, so he begins in a somewhat roundabout way...
| Major Characters: Celebrían, Elrond, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Celebrían/Elrond |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Holiday Party, New Year's Resolution, Queens of the Quill |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 201 |
| Posted on 6 February 2022 | Updated on 7 February 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
SeaLight by Anérea
Born on the Great Journey, I never knew Cuiviénen, but ever since we departed the shores of Rhûn I have missed the sensation of silky saltwater against my skin.
A Telerin Elf's first experience of the waters of Belegaer, at the end of the Great Journey.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Elves, Falathrim, Sindar, Teleri |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Ficlet, General | Challenges: Book by Its Cover, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 338 |
| Posted on 31 January 2022 | Updated on 2 February 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
The Last Home at the End of the World by elennalore
After stepping into a chasm filled with fire, Maedhros finds himself in an eerily familiar house.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Nienna |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: New Year's Resolution, Queens of the Quill |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Suicide |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 961 |
| Posted on 27 January 2022 | Updated on 27 January 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Adanel: never have I ever by Anérea
A young Adanel in two drabbles from the Holiday Party Instadrabbling event using the "Never have I ever" prompt.
| Major Characters: Adanel, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: Holiday Party, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 209 |
| Posted on 24 January 2022 | Updated on 24 January 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Pallando & Alatar: never have I ever... by Anérea
Two journeys of the Blue Wizards in two drabbles from the Holiday Party Instadrabbling event using the "Never have I ever" prompt.
| Major Characters: Alatar, Pallando |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: Holiday Party |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 204 |
| Posted on 24 January 2022 | Updated on 24 January 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Entwined by Anérea
First Age 116: in the foothills of the Orocani Mountains—west of Hildórien and far, far east of Beleriand.
Woman meets man in four 100-word drabbles.
(The first in my Hildórien to Beleriand series exploring the ancestors of Adanel and her brother Magor, from whom came many of the Edain heroes of the first age, as well as the Peredhil.)
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Maiar, Men |
| Major Relationships: Original Character/Original Character |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet, Fixed-Length Ficlet, Fluff, General, Het, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 406 |
| Posted on 31 December 2021 | Updated on 23 January 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Elendil! Elendil! by Himring
Fixed length-ficlets featuring Elendil the Tall, one set during this childhood in Numenor, the other after the Fall of Numenor.
| Major Characters: Elendil, Inzilbêth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Holiday Party, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 304 |
| Posted on 22 January 2022 | Updated on 22 January 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) |
Queen's Counsel by StarSpray
It was not Melian’s wont to speak against her husband in public. When she did she tried to do so gently. She would not undermine his authority before his people—she was not one of Bauglir’s creatures to bend others by force to her will.
But in the privacy of their chambers it was a different matter.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Lúthien Tinúviel, Melian |
| Major Relationships: Melian/Thingol |
| Genres: Family, Ficlet, General | Challenges: Gnome Tome, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 663 |
| Posted on 19 January 2022 | Updated on 19 January 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Stars, hide your fires by Lyra, Independence1776, Fernstrike, Raiyana
All things in Arda are filled with Song, and each Song is a story - even for that which does not seem to have its own voice. This is the tale of one such thing; of a smith, a dwarf, and a bowman, and the fallen star that sang its way through their histories.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Bard, Maeglin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental | Challenges: Block Party |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 3, 445 |
| Posted on 17 May 2020 | Updated on 17 January 2022 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (7) |
In Light Of Dreams by Anérea
FA346: Estolad, East Beleriand, and circa FA150: near the Orocarni Mountains, Eastern Middle-earth
Zimrahin, wife of Malach and mother of Adanel & Magor, relates a tale of one of their ancestors to a young Adanel, wise-woman-in-training.
(Third in my Hildórien to Beleriand series, connecting Adanel with her earlier OC ancestors.)
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Adanel, Zimrahin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Ficlet, General | Challenges: Holiday Party |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 186 |
| Posted on 27 November 2021 | Updated on 14 January 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (10) |
First Risings From Hildórien by Anérea
FA125: West of the Orocarni Mountains, and FA0: on the shores of of Hildórien
A great great grandmother relates her memories of the first time she saw the moon rise.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Men |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, General | Challenges: Holiday Party |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 681 |
| Posted on 9 January 2022 | Updated on 14 January 2022 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Hildórien to Beleriand Series by Anérea
Tolkien briefly mentions the Awakening of Men and then over 300 years later they appear in Beleriand with fully-formed culture and an apparently exciting and interesting history that's barely hinted at in the Athrabeth Finrod Ah Andreth.
The latter describes an oral tradition passed down through many generations, so while the Tale Of Adanel may contain a core of truth, the precise details of their ancestors' lives would naturally become embellished or forgotten according to each storyteller's memory and understanding, morphing and evolving over time.
The stories in this series explore the possible early history of Adanel's ancestors, the keepers of their wisdom traditions. (Adanel and her Brother happen to themselves be the ancestors of most of the First Age Edain and Peredhil heroes.)
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Adanel, Maiar, Men, Zimrahin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on 31 December 2021 | Updated on 14 January 2022 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
The Elf's Lullaby by Anérea
A pair of young twins are lost in the wood.
In the tradition of folktales changing over time, I've written three endings, narrated in different voices. So this tale comes in three sizes: happy, medium, and sad. (And I'm not entirely sure myself which is which.)
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Maglor, Men |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 2, 119 |
| Posted on 31 December 2021 | Updated on 12 January 2022 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
