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
Utopia/Dystopia
To reflect both the idealistic beginnings and the dark endings that are so frequent in the Legendarium, we invite you to create a fanwork inspired by utopian or dystopian prompts from novels, songs, artworks, or films. 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
The Little Boy by LadyBrooke
Once upon a time, a little boy made his mother a promise.
| Major Characters: Eldalótë, Orodreth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Posted on 15 July 2013 | Updated on 7 March 2021 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Spring Cleaning by Russandol, Dawn Felagund
One day during the Noontide of the Blessed Realm, Manwë and Varda get ready for a celebration at Ilmarin, their halls upon the peak of Taniquetil.
Written for B2MeM 2011, Day 31: Valinor.
2nd Place, Humour: General & Smaug's Treasure, MEFA 2011
| Major Characters: Mandos, Manwë, Oromë, Tulkas, Varda |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: B2MeM 2011 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 1 July 2013 | Updated on 7 March 2021 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
No Traveler Returns by IgnobleBard, Tanis
Namo confronts a newly dead Elf.
| Major Characters: Mandos |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 1 January 2014 | Updated on 7 March 2021 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Gentleman's Night Out by oshun, Tanis
The Hangover Redux set at the victory celebration at the Fields of Cormallen following the Battle of the Morannon, starring Legolas, Elladan, Elrohir, and Prince Erchirion of Dol Amroth. No, seriously, it is a consideration of Laws and Customs of the Eldar, Morgoth’s Ring, Volume 12, History of Middle-earth, with particular attention given to Noldorin, Sindarin, Silvan and Gondorian interpretations of that essay. (Actually, it is really not very serious.)
| Major Characters: Elrond, Legolas of Gondolin, Thranduil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Posted on 1 February 2014 | Updated on 7 March 2021 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Heart-stung by Agelast, abbyforth
The thought of their ancient friendship stung his heart.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: B2MeM 2013 |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Posted on 2 March 2014 | Updated on 7 March 2021 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Five Fires by Elleth, Dawn Felagund
Ambarussa is afraid of fire to this day. There were four instances in life that made him fear.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 1 February 2013 | Updated on 7 March 2021 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (1) |
Do You Believe in Ghosts? by oshun, Dawn Felagund
Fëanor allows Amrod and Amras to sleep outside on a spooky autumn evening and the question of ghosts comes up.
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Expletive Language |
| Posted on 1 October 2013 | Updated on 7 March 2021 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
A Ponderous Tome by oshun, Dawn Felagund
A short character study of a youthful Elrond and a reflection on an aspect of his relationship with Maedhros and Maglor; in response to Day 26 of the B2MeM challenge. The prompt is: “a teacher who played a key role . . . . write a character who educated his people in some way.”
| Major Characters: Elrond, Elros, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: B2MeM 2009 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 1 March 2013 | Updated on 7 March 2021 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Five Bells by Dawn Felagund, anuhealani
The people of Tirion learn of Miriel's death. For the Five Things challenge for SWG's fifth birthday. 2011 MEFA nominee.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Finwë, Indis, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: Finwë/Míriel |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Posted on 1 June 2013 | Updated on 7 March 2021 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
A Minor Talent by Lyra, Dawn Felagund
Young Findekáno develops a passion for a song that continues to follow him as the events of the Silmarillion unfold.
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: Fifth Birthday Celebration |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 1 August 2010 | Updated on 7 March 2021 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
The Doom of Men by Erurainon
A song about a man passing through to the other side.
| Major Characters: Men |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Check Notes for Warnings |
| Posted on 1 July 2013 | Updated on 7 March 2021 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
| Major Characters: Glirhuin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 1 July 2013 | Updated on 7 March 2021 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Death Is Mine by Erurainon
A noldo laments loss facing the grinding ice
| Major Characters: Noldor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 1 July 2013 | Updated on 7 March 2021 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
By the Shores of Nevrast by Erurainon
A brief lay of the grief of Arda and the shadow of Morgoth upon a traveler on a lonesome quest which ends in darkness
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: Season of Change |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Posted on 7 March 2021 | Updated on 7 March 2021 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
A Binding Shadow by Erurainon, Dawn Felagund
Of the shadow of Maeglin
| Major Characters: Maeglin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 7 March 2021 | Updated on 7 March 2021 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Glimpses of a Life in Ennore by Lferion
Maentâl Sílorion appeared in chapter 7 of Pages from the Archives of Cîr Imladris. He insisted on having more of his story told. Each chapter is intended to be able to stand alone.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Experimental, Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: Naturalist's Guide to Middle-earth, New Year's Resolution, Times of Bliss, Utopia/Dystopia |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 726 |
| Posted on 9 February 2021 | Updated on 7 March 2021 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Scout of the Third House by Himring
In the days of Fingolfin and Malach Aradan, an unnamed scout of the Third House of the Edain (later called the House of Hador) returns from a long journey in the North to Hithlum.
| Major Characters: Edain, Men |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry | Challenges: Times of Bliss |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 109 |
| Posted on 6 March 2021 | Updated on 6 March 2021 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
At the Root of the Tree of Tales: Using Comparative Myth and "On Fairy-Stories" to Analyze Tolkien's Cosmogony by Dawn Felagund
This paper, presented at the Mythmoot II conference in Baltimore on 15 December 2013, looks at J.R.R. Tolkien's creation story, the "Ainulindale," in comparison to other world creation myths. The paper touches on similarities between Tolkien's story and other myths and the reasons for those connections but emphasizes how the differences--particularly the use of subcreation and creation through music--emphasize themes of integral importance to Tolkien's fictional world and life as an author.
| Major Characters: Eru Ilúvatar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Presentation | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Posted on 28 November 2020 | Updated on 6 March 2021 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
Paper by Dawn Felagund
Curufin escapes to the realms of fantasy to escape the pressures of his family and discovers the thrill of first love.
| Major Characters: Unnamed Canon Character(s), Curufin |
| Major Relationships: Curufin/Unnamed Canon Character |
| Genres: Podfic | Challenges: Family Matters, Gift of a Story |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Posted on 6 March 2021 | Updated on 6 March 2021 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| View Fanwork | Comments (0) |
A Septad of Silvestris Variables by Lferion
Fingon and inexplicable kittens
| Major Characters: Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Humor | Challenges: B2MeM 2020 |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 691 |
| Posted on 21 March 2020 | Updated on 4 March 2021 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
The Eagle. by hennethgalad
Olwë witnesses Estë soothing an injured eagle.
back to middle earth month 2021
day 2: Valar.
| Major Characters: Estë, Gandalf, Manwë, Olwë, Radagast |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 195 |
| Posted on 2 March 2021 | Updated on 2 March 2021 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Aurora: What Cold, Clear Air May Show by Lferion
Having traveled North and up a mountain in Aman, Fingon builds himself a house, and works on putting himself back together. A drabble sequence. Follows Aurora: Seeking the Northern Sky.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Fingon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, Crackfic, Drama, Experimental, Fixed-Length Ficlet, Poetry | Challenges: Archetypes, Block Party, Crackuary, Naturalist's Guide to Middle-earth, New Year's Resolution, Postcards from Middle-earth, Soundtrack, True Leader |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 473 |
| Posted on 13 February 2021 | Updated on 2 March 2021 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
A Return is Heralded by Lferion
Eönwë makes an announcement. Four drabbles.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Eönwë, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: New Year's Resolution, Soap Opera |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 404 |
| Posted on 14 February 2021 | Updated on 2 March 2021 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Intimate Adventures in Arda and Aman by Lferion
Ficlets of an intimate nature set in various places and times, generally with minimal angst.
| Major Characters: Original Character(s), Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Fluff | Challenges: Crackuary, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 200 |
| Posted on 6 February 2021 | Updated on 2 March 2021 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Reflection, Refraction, Release by Lferion
A view from two sides of a mirror, and what happens when those trapped are freed.
A Drabble sequence: 1,2,2,1.
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Experimental, Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Crackuary, New Year's Resolution, True Leader, Utopia/Dystopia |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 603 |
| Posted on 6 February 2021 | Updated on 2 March 2021 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
