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
End Is the Beginning
Take the ending of a story from "The Silmarillion" and use it as the beginning of a fanwork. 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.
[Writing] Partners in Craft by elennalore
Annatar realises that he might like Celebrimbor too much.
[Writing] Staging a Battle by StarSpray
He and Diamond were visiting, though Pippin had been disappearing every afternoon, and taking Frodo and Elanor and most other lads and lasses in the neighborhood with him—though why they couldn’t use Pippin’s own pony, Sam couldn’t imagine.
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
RIBBONS OF RED, RIBBONS OF GOLD by bluehair
Just the star-crossed lovers, doing their thing, I guess. Or, how did Fingon end up with gold ribbons in his hair.
| Major Characters: Fingon, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 812 |
| Posted on 25 April 2020 | Updated on 25 April 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
HIS SONS by bluehair
What happens after the battle at the Havens of Sirion, when Ambarussa die, when Nerdanel feels their death.
| Major Characters: Amras, Amrod, Eärwen, Indis, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: Differing Perspectives, Discovery |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 739 |
| Posted on 25 April 2020 | Updated on 25 April 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
A WORLD WITHOUT GRANDPARENTS by bluehair
It's not the first pandemic Maglor sees.
| Major Characters: Finwë, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe | Challenges: End Is the Beginning, From Evil Comes Good, In Memory |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 993 |
| Posted on 25 April 2020 | Updated on 25 April 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Last night by Dilly
Drabble, Hurin/Morwen. (drabble, english and french versions)
| Major Characters: Húrin, Morwen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet, Het | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 6, 593 |
| Posted on 26 June 2014 | Updated on 25 April 2020 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Embodiment of Valor by My blue rose
A great party has been thrown to celebrate Fingolfin’s return to life but Anairë finds not everyone is pleased by it. Gift fic for Isilloth and Grundy.
| Major Characters: Anairë, Fingolfin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Hurt/Comfort | Challenges: Block Party |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 658 |
| Posted on 23 April 2020 | Updated on 23 April 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Wishes Fulfilled by My blue rose
The women of the house of Hador receive some welcome news. Gift fic for Himring for the Block Party challenge.
| Major Characters: Gildis, Hareth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Block Party |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 709 |
| Posted on 20 April 2020 | Updated on 20 April 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Who was the High King? by AndyC
Maglor has an unwelcome visitor who insists on asking questions about the High-Kingship of the Noldor.
| Major Characters: Herucalmo, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 5 | Word Count: 4, 227 |
| Posted on 20 April 2020 | Updated on 20 April 2020 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (11) |
Homecoming by Grundy
The ships bearing the Army of the West are returning to Alqualondë. Eärwen's mother is waiting.
| Major Characters: Eärwen, Finarfin, Olwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Block Party |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 160 |
| Posted on 20 April 2020 | Updated on 20 April 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Under the Birch Leaves by My blue rose
Caranthir is terrible with people in general and women in particular. That does not stop him from trying. A monment in Caranthir and Haleth's courtship. Gift Fic for Grundy for the Block Party challenge.
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Haleth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Romance | Challenges: Block Party |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 830 |
| Posted on 19 April 2020 | Updated on 19 April 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
And Murder Whiles I Smile by Narya
A moodboard inspired by Starspray's OFC, Lady Tanith, who is Khamûl's mother, and a gardener and poisoner. A gift for the SWG Block Party.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Block Party |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1 |
| Posted on 19 April 2020 | Updated on 19 April 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
In Bloom by Lilith
Not exactly a remix or even a gap-filler, but, perhaps a prequel of sorts, of Himring's "Lilac," in which Maedhros, still fairly newly returned and living in Fingon's house in Tirion is visited by his nephew. That nephew has a few thoughts on grief, guilt and time wasted.
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Maedhros |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Block Party |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 600 |
| Posted on 19 April 2020 | Updated on 19 April 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (8) |
Fëanor's Perfect Milk Rolls by Elwin Fortuna
Fëanor talks through how to make glorious enriched bread. Better than lembas!
| Major Characters: Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Experimental, Family, General | Challenges: Block Party |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 424 |
| Posted on 19 April 2020 | Updated on 19 April 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Moonrise by StarSpray
A group of Vanyar gather on a hilltop outside of Valmar to witness the moon's first rising.
| Major Characters: Elemmírë, Elves, Original Female Character(s), Vanyar |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Block Party |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 652 |
| Posted on 18 April 2020 | Updated on 18 April 2020 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Falling Fire by LadyBrooke
She fell in the darkness of the forest, a poisoned arrow in her shoulder, her youngest daughter clasped in her arms, and Celeborn likely the one to find them.
But she escaped the Dark Rider, and that was close enough to victory.
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Family | Challenges: Block Party |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 309 |
| Posted on 18 April 2020 | Updated on 18 April 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
The Power of an Oath by AndyC
Maglor reflects on the Oath of Feanor. Elros learns of the power of Fate over the Eldar and the freedom of Men.
| Major Characters: Elros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 159 |
| Posted on 18 April 2020 | Updated on 18 April 2020 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Notation and Improvisation by ArizonaPoppy
Dorthaniel's college professor gives her class a seemingly impossible homework assignment: turn a fragment of strange music from the Second Age into a modern score, and then explain its origins. Well, her guess is as good as anyone's!
| Major Characters: Original Female Character(s), Tar-Ancalimë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Fluff, General | Challenges: Notion Club Revival |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 3, 177 |
| Posted on 14 September 2019 | Updated on 17 April 2020 |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
An Expected Party: A Tea for 22 September by Lindariel
Appropriate food choices for an ongoing observance of Bilbo's and Frodo's birthday.
| Major Characters: Bilbo Baggins, Frodo |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: Block Party |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 505 |
| Posted on 17 April 2020 | Updated on 17 April 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Silent words by Rhapsody
During the retreat from the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, the two famous elves from Doriath come to a decision.
A tripple drabble for Robinka, my dear and loyal friend for so many years. And just because I can, with love.
| Major Characters: Beleg, Mablung |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: Gift of a Story |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 300 |
| Posted on 17 April 2020 | Updated on 17 April 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Promise you will come back by Calendille
At the Feast of Reuniting, Maedhros tells Fingolfin of Fëanor's end.
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Curufin, Fëanor, Maedhros, Maglor, Sons of Fëanor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 541 |
| Posted on 17 April 2020 | Updated on 17 April 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Comfort Food by StarSpray
March 25th is a difficult day for Frodo, but Bilbo knows how to cheer him up. Glorfindel helps.
| Major Characters: Bilbo Baggins, Frodo, Glorfindel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fluff, General | Challenges: Block Party |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 395 |
| Posted on 17 April 2020 | Updated on 17 April 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Overture by Lyra
After his exam to become a master smith, young Fëanor has an important announcement to make.
Written from Nerdanel's POV. Will probably be incorporated into "Golden Days" at some point.
| Major Characters: Fëanor, Nerdanel |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: Soundtrack |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 764 |
| Posted on 14 April 2020 | Updated on 14 April 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Guest Drabble by Lindariel
Posted for a friend, J. Mortimer Tarantula, who wanted to try drabbling, but with dark prompts: charnel, dire, spectre, vain.
| Major Characters: Fingolfin, Melkor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on 14 April 2020 | Updated on 14 April 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
Starting Over by Himring
We know Celebrimbor canonically worked together with Narvi; whether he ever watched his grandmother's father Mahtan at work, Tolkien does not tell us.
It was my idea that Mahtan and Narvi might have something in common, in his eyes...
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Mahtan, Narvi |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 97 |
| Posted on 13 April 2020 | Updated on 13 April 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Fair Elwing by Lindariel
A singable verse for Elwing.
| Major Characters: Elwing, Eärendil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 91 |
| Posted on 12 April 2020 | Updated on 12 April 2020 |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Lockdown Instadrabbling by Lindariel
From the Discord server sessions on 25 March, 29 March, and 12 April 2020.
| Major Characters: Ancalagon, Caranthir, Celeborn, Elu Thingol, Elwing, Eärendil, Eöl, Fingon, Finrod Felagund, Galadriel, Gamil Zirak, Glorfindel, Idril, Maedhros, Melian, Mîm, Original Character(s), Rog, Thorondor, Tuor, Turgon |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 21 | Word Count: 2, 097 |
| Posted on 25 March 2020 | Updated on 12 April 2020 |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (12) |
