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
Into the Mountains by StarSpray
Ohtar and his companion make their way into the Misty Mountains.
| Major Characters: Ohtar, Original Male Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Postcards from Middle-earth |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 626 |
| Posted on 10 December 2020 | Updated on 10 December 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Laughter as light as a feather by firstamazon
Every summer, Macalaurë’s entire family takes a trip to the woods and sets up camp for a few days, enjoying the nice weather and each other’s companies.
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Anairë, Angrod, Aredhel, Argon, Caranthir, Celegorm, Curufin, Fëanor, Finarfin, Findis, Fingolfin, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel, Glorfindel, Írimë, Maedhros, Maglor, Nerdanel, Sons of Fëanor, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, Fluff, General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 595 |
| Posted on 9 December 2020 | Updated on 9 December 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The City Over the Mountains by Narya
A midwinter dalliance grows into something neither Elemmakil nor Voronwë expect. Duty, family and the ghosts of their past lie between them, and beyond the Hidden City, the shadows lengthen and grow deep...
| Major Characters: Ecthelion of the Fountain, Elemmakil, Idril, Voronwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Postcards from Middle-earth, Pride |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 758 |
| Posted on 13 July 2019 | Updated on 6 December 2020 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Now and Evermore by Katie Tran
The journey through the life of the legendary balrog-slayer, Glorfindel and a mortal woman as they pass through the ages of the world.
| Major Characters: Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 5, 142 |
| Posted on 5 December 2020 | Updated on 5 December 2020 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The King of Flames by Katie Tran
After relinquishing his Silmarils to the Two Trees and Yavanna, Fëanor had returned from Mandos to Arda Remade. Swarmed with past haunts and wounds, he was in need of a personal healer.
Khánh, a mortal woman and friend of the wisewoman Andreth, had grown bored of her current work with herbal lore in a small children's school and wanted expand her career.
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 095 |
| Posted on 5 December 2020 | Updated on 5 December 2020 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Imprisonment by Elsane
Morgoth hangs Maedhros on Thangorodrim.
| Major Characters: Maedhros, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 914 |
| Posted on 4 December 2020 | Updated on 4 December 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Different beat of the heart by firstamazon
Maitimo suffers an accident and can't quite understand if it's him or his head that it's making him think funny. In other words, Maitimo slowly realizing.
| Major Characters: Amrod, Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fluff, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 323 |
| Posted on 3 December 2020 | Updated on 3 December 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Guarded Heart by Narya
Gwindor's attention is not where it should be, and his brother has noticed.
| Major Characters: Finduilas, Gelmir, Gwindor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 96 |
| Posted on 30 November 2020 | Updated on 30 November 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Out Over Open Waters by Himring
The first of the great seafarers of Numenor is inspired by the tales of Elvish mariners of the First Age.
Update: another chapter / drabble added
| Major Characters: Erellont, Vëantur, Voronwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Naturalist's Guide to Middle-earth |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 199 |
| Posted on 28 September 2020 | Updated on 28 November 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Bëor and the Faërie King by Aerlinn
The humans have their own story of how they met the Faërie King, what they gained and one they lost.
The story of Finrod and Balan later named Bëor, as told by an old woman in a mountain cabin.
| Major Characters: Balan, Bëor, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Adventure, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 023 |
| Posted on 21 November 2020 | Updated on 21 November 2020 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The Natatorium by Gabriel
All Tyelkormo wanted was time to himself, away from his parents, his brothers and his obligations. But circumstance deemed otherwise.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Finrod Felagund, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Humor | Challenges: Soap Opera |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 890 |
| Posted on 10 November 2020 | Updated on 10 November 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Trouble in Tirion by lightofthetrees
Maitimo’s heart thudded in his chest with the finality of a falling hammer. We. Had the Valar pronounced this sentence upon all of them, or did Fëanáro assume the unwavering loyalty of his family in accepting his Doom as their own?
The unrest of the Noldor, and the aftermath of the confrontation between Feanor and Fingolfin, told from Maedhros' perspective.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General | Challenges: Soap Opera |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 559 |
| Posted on 8 November 2020 | Updated on 8 November 2020 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Photosynthesis by Himring
Elrond and Bilbo discuss the importance of light.
| Major Characters: Bilbo Baggins, Elrond |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Soap Opera |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 7 November 2020 | Updated on 7 November 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (5) |
Shining Black by SkyEventide
The forest of Nan Elmoth is warded by magic and, apparently, inhabited. Celegorm and Curufin head into the woods, discovering who exactly lives in it. A "dark elf", who is a blacksmith. And is friends of the dwarves, and speaks Khuzdul. Curufin camps outside of the forest, to check that trade with the dwarves isn't disrupted by the encounter -- and to see if perhaps he could learn more about the enchantments that protect this land, and about its dweller.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Curufin, Eöl, Telchar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, General, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 7, 851 |
| Posted on 4 November 2020 | Updated on 4 November 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
In Arien's Light by Lferion
At the midsummer festival, is it necessary that one be shirtless?
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Romance | Challenges: Soap Opera |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 200 |
| Posted on 1 November 2020 | Updated on 1 November 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Wisp'light Through the Trees by heget
A young boy is lost during the long hunt of the Eglath for their missing king.
| Major Characters: Dwarves, Eöl, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Horror, Suspense | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 882 |
| Posted on 31 October 2020 | Updated on 31 October 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Finding Irmo. by hennethgalad
Galadriel has a vision in the Gardens of Lórien.
for namotober2020
| Major Characters: Galadriel, Gandalf, Lórien |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 849 |
| Posted on 31 October 2020 | Updated on 31 October 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Meditation on Leadership by heget
Two High Kings and the calm acceptance of guilt, grace, and pressures of decision-making, leadership, and family.
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Ingwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 557 |
| Posted on 25 October 2020 | Updated on 25 October 2020 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Regencies of Child Kings by heget
Gil-galad's earliest memories are shadowed by the dynastic intrigue of kings and princesses. He was supposed to be a child of the Long Peace.
| Major Characters: Círdan, Fingolfin, Fingon, Gil-galad, Lalwen, Meril |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 409 |
| Posted on 25 October 2020 | Updated on 25 October 2020 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Young Bucks of Cuiviénen by heget
Side Stories from Of Ingwë Ingwerion - anything that did not fit into the main tale but worked as supplemential material. More world-building and character studies or a switch in point of view or timeline. Most are set during the period between the Awakening of the Elves and the Great Journey.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Finwë, Imin, Iminyë, Indis, Ingwë, Lalwen, Original Character(s), Rúmil (Valinor) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Family, General, Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 8 | Word Count: 4, 977 |
| Posted on 4 November 2015 | Updated on 24 October 2020 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Shadows of Old Heroes by bunn
In dark Ossiriand, in one of the undocumented early minor confrontations during the War of Wrath, Maedhros, Maglor and Elrond confront an unexpected enemy. The story is seen from the point of view of Fëanor's unhoused spirit.
This is an excerpt from my longer story Quenta Narquelion that I have put here so I can use it for a SWG discord fanfic book club event.
| Major Characters: Elrond, Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 168 |
| Posted on 24 October 2020 | Updated on 24 October 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Meet the Eye of the Morai by heget
A scene before the start of Service to the Dead. Aegnor shares works with another ghost in Mandos.
| Major Characters: Aegnor, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 558 |
| Posted on 23 October 2020 | Updated on 23 October 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Xenia and Philia by heget
The Teleri and the Vanyar during the Darkening of Valinor.
How healing begins.
| Major Characters: Teleri, Vanyar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 329 |
| Posted on 23 October 2020 | Updated on 23 October 2020 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
"She walks in beauty, like the night" by heget
Melian's first steps in her new life.
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 322 |
| Posted on 23 October 2020 | Updated on 23 October 2020 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Of procedure and penetration by Fadesintothewest
Noldorin finishing school is boring, but at least Findekáno has Nelyafinwë as his instructor. Inspired by the soap opera prompts: Stock Characters: The Virgin; Plot Tropes: Amnesia; Typical Setting: School/University; Special Episode: Hallowe'en
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Maglor, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fluff, General, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: Soap Opera |
| Rating: Adult | Warnings: Expletive Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Graphic) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 571 |
| Posted on 22 October 2020 | Updated on 22 October 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
