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] 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! :)
[Writing] Ransom of the Fairy Twins by Rocky41_7
Maglor and Maedhros trade Elrond and Elros to King Gil-galad in exchange for a Silmaril, but they have miscalculated.
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
Heroes
Create a fanwork about a hero, whether the typical saves-the-world type or the unlikely, unsung, and accidental, those who have been forgotten or perhaps were never noticed at all, who made their worlds a better place. 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
Inspiration from surprising sources by Aprilertuile
Is is too much to ask for a day of peace?
| Major Characters: Maglor, Celegorm, Curufin, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 271 |
| Posted on 12 July 2024 | Updated on 12 July 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Celegorm by Aprilertuile
"And a hunter also was Celegorm, who in Valinor was a friend of Oromë, and often followed the Vala's horn." The Silmarillion, chapter 5
Celegorm started his life, trusting Oromë, having faith in a Vala.
What does it mean for the rebellion? What happened?
And his life in Beleriand?
| Major Characters: Celegorm |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on 12 July 2024 | Updated on 12 July 2024 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Long live the King by Aprilertuile
Fëanáro was dead.
Maitimo was gone to parley with Moringotto.
The remaining brothers were restless.
In other words, Makalaurë's time as king of the Noldor in Beleriand, as seen through Tyelkormo's eyes.
Long live the king, may he stop singing sometimes soon.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Huan, Maglor, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 7 | Word Count: 8, 959 |
| Posted on 12 July 2024 | Updated on 12 July 2024 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Toward Beleriand by Aprilertuile
After the disaster in Alqualondë, the house of Fëanor had stolen the ships and left by sea.
A storm was raging, and on a ship with at least one of his siblings, Tyelkormo was taking care of Huan... And thinking.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Huan, Curufin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 2, 322 |
| Posted on 12 July 2024 | Updated on 12 July 2024 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
From good to bad by Aprilertuile
Tyelkormo is a faithful follower of Oromë. He knows his father would disapprove on principle alone.
This story is his point of view on the events leading to the noldor's exile.
Very biased opinion.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Oromë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 8, 568 |
| Posted on 12 July 2024 | Updated on 12 July 2024 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
friendship and a harp by Aprilertuile
Tyelkormo wasn't supposed to be in his wood trying to teach unteachable baby hunters, Oromë was pretty sure.
No seriousness inside.
Murder of a harp mentionned.
Prompt Harp for Back to Middle-Earth Month 2024
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Oromë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 122 |
| Posted on 12 July 2024 | Updated on 12 July 2024 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The start of a beautiful friendship by Aprilertuile
Once upon a time, before the darkening of Valinor, a young hunter goes to Oromë to learn... And meet one who would be a dear companion until life, oaths and tragedy separates them.
This story is their meeting
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Huan, Tilion, Oromë |
| Major Relationships: Celegorm & Huan |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 12, 828 |
| Posted on 12 July 2024 | Updated on 12 July 2024 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The adventures of tiny Crablor by Aprilertuile
Elrond sets out to go find Maglor, having a good feeling about it for once.
He finds Maglor... more changed than he thought he'd be...
A crablor story inspired by a fantastic art from Sortumavaara
Thank you for sharing your art.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Elrond, Elladan, Elrohir, Glorfindel, Erestor, Lindir |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Maglor |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 4 | Word Count: 5, 042 |
| Posted on 12 July 2024 | Updated on 12 July 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The wandering of Maglor and Elrond by Aprilertuile
The Lost Road and other writings tell us : "Yet not all the Eldalië were willing to forsake the Hither Lands where they had long suffered and long dwelt; and some lingered many an age in the West and North, and especially in the western isles and in the Land of Leithien. And among these were Maglor, as hath been told; and with him for a while was Elrond Halfelven, who chose, as was granted to him, to be among the Elf-kindred; but Elros his brother chose to abide with Men."
Let's imagine that at some point during the War of Wrath, for safety's sake, Maedhros and Maglor send Elrond and Elros to Gil Galad... That there, Elros would learn to work with men, and would make his place among them...
How then would Elrond find himself back with Maglor for a time? And how long is a time anyway?
This is my answer.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Maglor |
| Genres: Adventure, Family | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Warnings: No warnings apply | |
| Posted on 28 August 2021 | Updated on 12 July 2024 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Frustration and lament by Aprilertuile
It was time that maglor face some of his feelings about his brother's suicide.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Elrond |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Maglor |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 380 |
| Posted on 12 July 2024 | Updated on 12 July 2024 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
song writing: an end to the Noldolantë? by Aprilertuile
Elrond fails to try to sleep.
Maglor fails to write the song he wants to write.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Elrond |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Maglor |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 392 |
| Posted on 12 July 2024 | Updated on 12 July 2024 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The first Spring Equinox by Aprilertuile
After spending the winter in one place, Maglor and Elrond decide to spend the spring equinox with the nearby human settlement before leaving, going back on the road.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Elrond |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Maglor |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 463 |
| Posted on 12 July 2024 | Updated on 12 July 2024 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Under the storm by Aprilertuile
A storm arrives over the area where Maglor and Elrond settled their little shelter.
Now they know what they forgot to do at least....
| Major Characters: Maglor, Elrond |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Maglor |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 705 |
| Posted on 12 July 2024 | Updated on 12 July 2024 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
A shelter for winter? by Aprilertuile
7th story in the series relating the wanderings of Elrond and Maglor at the end of the first age.
Winter is fast approaching, and while they've found a land rich in resources, Elrond and Maglor must think of finding or building a shelter for winter.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Elrond |
| Major Relationships: Elrond & Maglor |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 2, 663 |
| Posted on 12 July 2024 | Updated on 12 July 2024 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Moon in the heat of summer by Quente
The rider loosed the arrow before Dior could call a warning, and so he did what he needed to without a second thought – he leapt from the bush where he’d been hiding, and yelled to startle the deer into motion.
The doe ran; the herd ran; the arrow sank into the ground behind Dior with a deep wet thwock.
And then the rider came up to him, and Dior saw that this rider too was naked.
| Major Characters: Celeborn, Dior, Elu Thingol, Galadriel, Galathil, Nimloth, Morwen, Nienor, Melian |
| Major Relationships: Dior/Nimloth |
| Genres: Adventure, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 6, 129 |
| Posted on 22 June 2024 | Updated on 7 July 2024 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Fandom Chocolate … or Authors Love Comments by Dawn Walls-Thumma
Tolkien Fanfiction Survey data shows that authors view comments as driving their motivation to create fanfiction. However, perception of comments by authors is part of a larger shift in fandom around how and how often fans interact with each other.
Funky Balrog by cílil
A funky chibi Balrog for the funky 70s!
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Balrogs |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: No type listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Funky 70s |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 5 July 2024 | Updated on 5 July 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (18) |
A Storm Above the Sea by SonOfMandos
As Isildur and Elendil leave Númenor to the Falas, black clouds circle the island. A strange fortune teller makes her appearance in Tar-Míriel's garden, claiming she talks to the rain. A power Sauron does not possess.
| Major Characters: Elendil, Isildur, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Suspense | Challenges: Meet & Greet |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 5, 770 |
| Posted on 15 March 2024 | Updated on 4 July 2024 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The Patience of the Oak by Rocky41_7
Galadriel is determined to show Melian she is capable of more than Melian believes. Melian wonders if her pupil grasps her lessons.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Melian |
| Major Relationships: Galadriel/Melian |
| Genres: Drama, Femslash, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 068 |
| Posted on 1 July 2024 | Updated on 1 July 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Those whom Doom will not release by AdmirableMonster
As the refugees regroup in the first aftermath of the Fall of Gondolin, one loremaster survives and tries to understand.
| Major Characters: Pengolodh, Salgant |
| Major Relationships: Pengolodh & Salgant |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 974 |
| Posted on 1 July 2024 | Updated on 1 July 2024 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
We are not lost in the mortal city by AdmirableMonster
Gil-galad and Círdan arrive at the Mouth of Sirion, too late.
| Major Characters: Gil-galad, Pengolodh |
| Major Relationships: Gil-galad & Pengolodh |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 892 |
| Posted on 30 June 2024 | Updated on 30 June 2024 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Harp and Liar by AdmirableMonster
Stinging from his defeat in a musical competition at the Mereth Aderthad, Maglor unexpectedly makes friends with a deaf child.
| Major Characters: Maglor, Pengolodh, Salgant |
| Major Relationships: Pengolodh & Salgant, Maglor & Pengolodh |
| Genres: Family | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: In-Universe Intolerance |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 773 |
| Posted on 28 June 2024 | Updated on 29 June 2024 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The leaving of Hithlum by clotho123
Hithlum is lost and Fingon is dead. In the aftermath an aunt and nephew have a last meeting and parting.
| Major Characters: Amras, Lalwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 321 |
| Posted on 22 June 2024 | Updated on 23 June 2024 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Back in Time by Lyra
What if, instead of taking Marty and Jennifer to 2015, Doc accidentally took them to Years-of-the-Trees Valinor?
| Major Characters: Other Fictional Character(s), Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Illustration |
| Genres: Crossover | crossed with Back to the Future | Challenges: Crossroads of the Fallen King |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 15 June 2024 | Updated on 23 June 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (10) |
Lover of All Things That Grow by StarSpray
"[Yavanna] is the lover of all things that grow in the earth, and all their countless forms she holds in her mind..." - The Valaquenta
| Major Characters: Yavanna |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Artwork Type: Fiber/Textile Art |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Funky 70s |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 22 June 2024 | Updated on 22 June 2024 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (24) |
