The Lord of the Rings film trilogy is the perfect rainy day binge-watch. Or, as is the case, quarantine trilogy binge. Clocking in at a little longer than nine hours, this series will keep you entertained for a long time. Centering around Frodo Baggins, a hobbit of no special importance, as he journeys to destroy a ring of power, the series has won praise for its adaptational prowess.
Luckily, even when the films are complete, fans have written stories to continue working in the universe. Therefore, here are ten fanfics to read after watching the film trilogy of Lord of the Rings.
I Have Made My Choice by Morwen Tindomerel
Written by Morwen Tindomerel, this story posits that Arwen goes with Aragorn and company during the Return of the King. Though she doesn't join in the fighting, her choice to go with Aragorn does give her more agency than the film, where her illness (somehow connected to the One Ring) is poorly written and explained. Therefore, here Arwen is able to truly become the Queen of Gondor even while the war is still going on.
Beneath the Surface by Canafinwe
Here, Aragorn is still in his years as Strider. It's a bitterly cold January, and he just wants to get into Bree in order to spend the night in a warm place. He manages to get into the Prancing Pony, though the innkeeper, Barliman, is worried about finding a place for him to sleep because of the storm.
This story takes a slow, contemplative look at what a ranger's life would be like, especially working on remote roads, alone, for months on end. The descriptions in this story by Canafinwe of how Strider cares for his things are touching and honestly fascinating.
The Last Quest by Darkover
Author Darkover elected to follow the final ruling Steward of Gondor, Denethor, after his death. He is met by Boromir, who convinces him to take a final look at the events of his life and see how he could have been a better father, husband, and ruler.
Though moralistic, this tale humanizes Denethor and tries to answer the question of why he's such a harsh parent to Faramir in particular. Boromir's coaxing and Denethor's slow understanding make this story worthwhile.
Circles of the City by Linda Hoyland
Written by Linda Hoyland, who has completed many stories for the Lord of the Rings fandom, which mainly set before and after the main story, "Circles of the City" concerns Faramir and Aragorn as they try to find a woman in need of help in Minas Tirith. The duo ends up having to travel entirely throughout the city in search of the woman.
The care that Aragorn and Faramir take in searching for someone who they believe to need help is touching and says a lot for their characters in the rest of Linda's stories.
The Leavetaking of Arwen by Anna_Wing
Tolkien wrote extensive appendices for the Lord of the Rings. One of them more fully tells the story of Aragorn and Arwen, and the reader learns that after Aragorn's death, Arwen went to Lorien, where they betrothed themselves to one another.
This story, by Anna_Wing, digs more fully into Arwen's decision. She meets with Maglor, one of the sons of Feanor, and he offers her the gift of eternal life and the possibility of remaining Queen of Gondor and Arnor. She rejects it, choosing the life and death of the people she swore to rule.
Withered Tree by Altarial
Pippin tells a new version of an old story to his son, Faramir, in this story by Altarial. Denethor does not throw himself onto the fire when he fears that Faramir is dead during the Return of the King.
Instead, Pippin convinces him to live, and he witnesses Aragorn's arrival and Faramir's acceptance of him as the King of Gondor and Arnor. It's a nuanced picture of Denethor that the films skim over, and is worth the read.
Faramir's Lament by Spike368
An archivist finds private papers of Faramir's after his death. Faramir reflects on Boromir in this piece by Spike368, and considers the world he and Aragorn have built.
This story delves into Faramir's grief, as well as his thoughts on the passage of time. The archivist's note is also quite interesting, as he considers the differences between the official records of statesmen and their private papers. He is the last person to read something personal of Faramir's before it gets carted away to the archives.
Survivor's Guilt by The_Lady_Meg
Boromir survives Amon Hen, and the story twists to fit itself around this new reality. By The_Lady_Meg, this story switches the brothers' deaths, as Faramir dies instead. The word isn't used, but it's clear that Boromir develops a yearslong depression because of his brother's death.
However, he learns to cope and, eventually, to actively want to keep living. It's a difficult subject handled well, in that Boromir isn't exactly suicidal, but as the title shows, he wishes Faramir had lived instead.
Legacy (what is a legacy) by the-mighty-pen325
After the War of the Ring, Faramir discovers more of his brother's legacy. This story, by the-mighty-pen325, is exceedingly wholesome, which makes it fun to read. Faramir's cousin Lothiriel is a delight, and her enthusiasm for the project Boromir began is invigorating.
She and Eowyn get on well, which bodes well for Lothiriel's canon marriage to Eowyn's brother. Faramir's understanding and acceptance of his brother's work is a great social justice message, as well as being fitting for his character. Overall, this story is a lovely read.
The Green Knight by Le Rouret
Writer Le Rouret has composed a lovely story centering around Legolas. They have chosen to draw inspiration from the High Middle Ages rather than the Low Middle Ages that Tolkien preferred, but that adds to the story's charm.
A few years after the War of the Ring, Aragorn's privy council advises him to hold a tournament in order to test his knights' skill. Legolas joins in, somewhat secretly. One reviewer compared the story to Ivanhoe, commenting that it was different from most Lord of the Rings pieces.