The Lord of the Rings/Fanfic Recs

Proof that the remaining 10% is worth being corrupted by the ring for here.

These are recommendations made by Tropers for Lord of the Rings fanfics, all of which have to be signed to stay on the page. Feel free to add a fanfic of your own to the list, but remember to use the template found here.

You can also add to the current recommendations if you want. Refrain from posting Conversation in the Main Page though; that goes in the discussion page.

Authors and Websites
Morwen Tindomerel
 * Recommended by: Tonnocal
 * Summary: This author is amazing. She takes the mythic of Middle Earth and gives it just enough humanity to make it seem even more epic. The continuity of her LOTR fiction is singular, each building upon the other, but able to be read one at a time. A range of stories from the Silmarillion, Estel's youth following through Thorongil in Gondor, the War of the Ring and into the Restored Kingdoms. Has an excellent exposition of the fate of Arnor. This troper recommends starting with "The Last Homely House""

Camp Glingal by Araiona Dubois
 * Recommended by Cathal Picard
 * Summary: Basically, it is a Crack Fic of epic proportions! Gwen and Kisha are the only counsellors left at camp when suddenly, a ton of Tolkien characters show up. Gwen has a prank war with Morgoth, Varda leaves, and Frodo isn't the only one who lives! Morgoth becomes a good guy! The Witch King's name is Tim! People fall in love who you'd never suspect!

The Official Fanfiction University of Middle-Earth by Miss Cam
 * Recommended by Ansela
 * Summary: The original (and some say the best) Official Fanfiction University. This is what started mini-Balrogs, the colour urple and the concept of Learning Through Pain. It has an as-yet-unfinished sequel, Once More Into The Urple Depths Of OFUM.

Baylor's Fanfiction
 * Recommended by Polaris
 * Summary: Hobbit-centric stories, mostly G-rated and entirely gen, that are nevertheless wonderful character explorations and often attempt to fill in some of the events glossed over by the epic nature of the books. For instance, The Care and Feeding of Hobbits, Boromir's perspective of the Fellowship's journey and his friendship with Pippin in particular, and Fate and the High King's Falcon, about Pippin's recovery after the final battle.

Shirebound's Fanfiction
 * Recommended by Ainu Laire
 * Summary: Hobbit-centric stories with quite a few stories including Fellowship members as well. Most of the fiction is rated G and follows book-canon with many references to film appearances. Especially delightful is her AU 'Quarantined' series, in which, by the first story, Frodo and Aragorn know one another years before the quest and become friends. If AU is not your thing, she has many strictly canon one-shots and multiple chapter stories as well.

The Fourth Age: Total War by various.
 * Recommended by Revelo
 * Status: ongoing.
 * Has its own Trope Page
 * Synopsis: What if a group of fans of Total War games and the books got together and expanded on an unfinished manuscript for sequel to the books? Where in the fourth age of Middle-earth a dark cult has appeared in the lands of the Reunited Kingdom and caused a civil war. With the ancient alliance with Rohan strained and the armies of Harad, Rhun and Dunland rising up. What fate now awaits Middle-earth now the New Shadow has awoken?
 * Comments: The Lord of the Rings is a popular subject for game mods and this one is probably the the most well researched and comprehensive one out there. Done using Rome: Total War, it is beautifully made, filled to the brim with lore and references and made in the style of Tolkien in such a way that feels like a natural continuation of the legendarium. Amazingly it's still in development, with the final installation out this year. Whether or not it is stictly fan-fiction is your choice. But it was developed by fans for fans and seeks to create an original experience.

Nili's Fanfiction
 * Recommended by Zephyr7
 * Summary: Stories focusing on the friendship of Aragorn and Legolas, along with Elladan and Elrohir, with a good side helping of Elrond, Glorfindel and Erestor. The writing, plot, fighting scenes and characterization are all incredible and the author is very well-researched in LOTR-verse, as well as creating amazing original characters and villains for each of the stories. Nili's stories usually have a great combination of angst, humour and heartwarming moments to balance it out. A definite recommendation to read their stories.

Thundera Tiger’s fanfiction
 * Recommended by Pryderi
 * Summary: Probably best-known for her short stories about Legolas and Gimli, but Thundera Tiger seems able to master any character or genre and any story length. Her work ranges from comic subversions (Hewing Naught but Wood) through character pieces (Broken) and gapfillers (Questing) to horror (The Unwilling). Highly recommended.

General Fics
''Stories focused on the family and the friendly relationships of the cast. Plot-focused stories or light day-in-the-life stories. Pretty much anything that isn't focused on romance.''

Morlindale by The One Ring
 * Recommended by Psyonif
 * Synopsis: A scrupulously-researched (with footnotes!) Perspective Flip retelling of the events of The Silmarillion and LOTR, from Morgoth & Sauron's perspective.
 * Comments: An excellent read if, like User:Psyonif, you were rooting for Morgoth all the way through The Silmarillion anyway.

Tales of a Dark Continent by Morthoron
 * Recommended by The Enmity Of Ages 1994
 * Synopsis: Well researched and daring, set in the 4th Age, as it's summary says it is The untold history of the Far-east of Middle-earth as told by the great chronicler of the 4th Age, Greagoir the Scribe, whose life & love is inextricably wound with the shadowy lore of the East. Essentially exploring the far eastern reaches of Middle Earth, talking of subjects from Eldarion to the blue wizards.
 * Comments: A fascinating subject with a remarkable depth and utterly gripping prose, this is for those who wish to see Tolkein's world explored and illuminated in the best fashion possible. Also entered into the 2009 MEFA AWARDS, 2nd place, DRAMA/GENERAL.

A Secret Gate by elandulin
 * Recommended by Robert
 * Pairings: Canonical (Pippin/Diamond and Merry/Estella) but not plot central.
 * Synopsis: How Merry and Pippin came to set out on their final journey, many decades into the Fourth Age.
 * Comments: A good story, very well told, though not yet complete. There are a few illustrations. The family scenes are heartwarming, and some of the descriptive passages are nearly poetic. There are also lengthy flashbacks to the courtships of Pippin and Merry, which show the damage Saruman did and the lasting effects of the pair's adventures, both good and ill. Much of the story is from the POV of Jamie Bucket, a charming teenage-equivalent working-class hobbit with an outsider's perspective on the Shire gentry.

The Adventures of Peregrin Took by Tom Fairbairn
 * Recommended by Robert
 * Synopsis: Several years after the quest, Pippin leaves the Shire and tumbles into adventure, touring much of the world and meeting legends.
 * Comments: Good worldbuilding for the bits of the mortal world off the map. Pippin is the only familiar character for much of the fic. Some historical in-jokes, since Lord of The Rings is supposed to be our past.

 Don't Panic and the sequel Okay, NOW Panic as well as Moments of Panic, short vignettes based on the first two stories, by boz4PM
 * Recommended by Ansela
 * Synopsis: The rare "Modern Girl Winds Up In Middle Earth" fic where the transplantee doesn't get things all their own way. Penny is lost, alone, and unable to speak the language, and has no useful skills to help her survive. The story follows her as she tries to fit in, first at Rivendell, and then in Rohan and Gondor.
 * Comments: Both stories are complete.
 * Nnnnyeeuh....The first one is good, but the second one gets really preachy after about thirty chapters. Anti-war sentiments get really annoying when I can't go anywhere without them.
 * Not so much anti-war as war really, really sucks and people with post-traumatic stress disorder need treatment. The main character lambasts the shallow flirt who badmouths a soldier suffering from PTSD, and it's never said that war is evil. Penny never even tries to stop it, implying that it was necessary to stop Sauron.
 * These stories are shockingly intelligent and thoughtful (what would it really be like for a 21st-century girl to appear in Middle Earth?) and frequently too funny for the reader's good. If you don't laugh out loud at least once every few chapters, there may be something wrong with you.
 * Seconded. Poor Penny - she reacts just as you'd expect a Lord of the Rings fanatic to upon being lost in a fantasy world and meeting people and seeing places from the books - fear upon seeing Amon Sul, for example, and wanting to weep upon coming to Imladris - but combined with amazement and awe and joy upon meeting Elrond and Gandalf. You identify with her because, let's face it, who among us wouldn't freak out then go into paroxysms of awe and amazement upon meeting Elrond Peredhel? There's also some good humour, such as Penny mixing up her Elvish dialects and Aragorn remarking in disbelief, "She speaks Quenya now!" Toloth ellyn, Halbarad. Toloth!
 * A bit of an exaggeration above. The stories are good and often humorous, but the entire thing ends up in YMMV territory pretty quickly.
 * Agreed with the Troper Above. The story can come as too much: Too much drama, too much crying, too much angst that it robes the "Real Life" sense is trying to implement and it seems to hurl it to parody. This troper couldn't finish because it found her desire to "stay in Middle Earth" (Chapter 24) to be incredible stupid and was simply tired (not to mention disturbed by her lack of sickness) of her crying/screaming over the top at every single action around 15 to 20 times for chapter. YMMMV full stop. I wouldn't recommend it unless you had seen too many Mary Sue Insert Fic and want something to mock them.
 * Jcatgrl would like to know if there should be two separate works pages for the stories that would have to be ptitled, or if one works page titled "Panicverse" would suffice.

A time and times and half a time by Honesty
 * Recommended by Hekateras
 * Synopsis: Legolas, captured by Saruman, discovers *exactly* how Orcs were made; and Gimli must keep a vigil he will never forget.
 * Comments: Short. Beautifully written. Torture, Body Horror, you'll be on the edge of your seat wondering how it ends till the very last line, and beautifully, beautifully written. And it's short. There's no reason not to read it.

The Mellon Chronicles by Cassia and Siobhan (offscreen rape, torture)
 * Recommended by Kilyle
 * Synopsis: This series follows the friendship of Legolas and Aragorn, starting well before Lord of the Rings gets started. It makes up a lot of events whole cloth - it has to - but it maintains a close (nonsexual) friendship between the two leads, and a close kinship between Elrond and his two sons and Aragorn (who was raised as their foster brother). Highly dramatic in places; the first story (of Legolas a long time ago) sets up Legolas's mistrust of humans with enslavement and (offscreen) rape, and there's torture and despair in places as well.
 * Comments: The best long fanfic series Kilyle ever read.
 * Bear in mind, as I read this series, I got sucked into the action but kept feeling like I could write the writing much better. But I suppose that's the case with a lot of fanfiction where the storyline is cool but the writing isn't polished - comes from lack of editors, I think.

The Burning of the Year by Raksha the Demon
 * Recommended by Gemmifer
 * Gondor celebrates the New Year's Eve of their calendar. With Boromir gone to Rivendell, Faramir takes his place as the Year King, while Denethor broods and the people try to enjoy themselves.
 * Comments: Basically it's the heaps of foreshadowing that makes this story so enjoyable. Knowing everything that will happen to the characters in the coming year, you can shiver and grin as you recognize the omens. It's also very well written, with a voice that rings true for Tolkien's writing and the personality of Faramir without trying too hard.

Love Me and Despair by Edoraslass (AU, horror, character death, HASA link, Stories of Arda link)
 * Recommended by sauronlulz
 * Synopsis: What if Galadriel had taken the Ring?
 * Comments: Very dark, and the casual tone in which the characters' fates are revealed makes it all the worse. The beautiful writing makes it worth the read.
 * *Shivers* This fic is really quite disturbing, all the more so because it is probably very close to what would have happened. Definitely worth the read though.

The Battle of the Golden Wood by Marnie
 * Recommended by Oracle Seven
 * Synopsis: What Haldir was really doing during the Battle of Helm's Deep! Celeborn, Galadriel, Haldir and Thranduil and a host of OC's battle against Dol Guldur.
 * Comments: The epic, untold tale of things that actually happened in the books. The canon cast are all refreshingly in-character, and the OCs, while prominent, are extremely likable.
 * Also recommended by Goodwrench. This is the single best action/adventure LOTR fic I've ever read.

Devoted by Mariole
 * Recommended by nicknack
 * Synopsis: The young master of Bag End is brutalized in his home. His friends band together to help him heal emotionally and physically.
 * Comments: A wonderful Hurt Comfort Fic revolving around Frodo's friends and family helping him to recover after he is attacked and raped. A subplot deals with Sam's unrequited love for Frodo, and how it is resolved. Steer clear if you don't like rape fics or slash stories, but other than that a great fic.

Crossed Paths, Crossed Blades by Kwaj
 * Recommended by Kwaj
 * Synopsis: A knight of Gondor. A soldier of Harad. An Orc of Mordor. On the fields of Pelennor their lives will cross...as will their swords.
 * Comments: Written in homage of Tolkien's writing style, this fic focuses on four otherwise faceless soldiers during Return of the King's climactic battle. The story's strength lies in its focus on its characters: they are each well-crafted, believable individuals, whose differing cultural backgrounds plainly contribute to their worldviews.

The River by Indigo Bunting
 * Recommended by Goodwrench
 * Synopsis: The Fellowship must cross a river before it can enter the land of Hollin. When disaster strikes, Sam and Legolas find themselves trapped between the river, a party of malicious strangers, and each other.
 * Comments: Very powerful action/adventure. Has all the angst and drama you could want.

Orcbrat by The Lauderdale [OC-centric, horror, Nausea Fuel, violence, out-of-focus non-con...]
 * Recommended by D Hugo
 * Synopsis: Orcs killed Maevyn's family and took her with them as a captive. It was never intended she survive.
 * Comments: I wouldn't be put off by all the warnings, as this story is brilliant. It focuses on a band of orcs, plus one human girl and one elf that are their sort of captives. Yes, a large part of the fic is as disturbing as that requires, yet Lauderdale doesn't revel in that- it's simply part of the fic and is not embelished, and furthermore, she manages to balance the horror out with humour, and she does it well. Her take on the Orcs in question is intelligent- although they aren't mindless monsters here, they certainly aren't nice, yet all of the group has separate personalities, that, in context don't seem unrealistic at all. The protagonist of the piece, Maevyn, is a very well written character, pragmatic and brave, yet still very much the young girl that she is- her fight for survival is again, realistic, and the group dynamics are both dangerous and humorous... you just have to read it, really. And also, the non-con does not involve Maevyn (don't worry), is really a background thing (sort of a brutal fact of life for poor Lennie), and is certainly not played for kink. I suppose the best way to summarise the fic is as the author once had in her synopsis -- creepy, though probably not in the way you're thinking.

"What Needs Looking After" by Westel [Some corporal punishment]
 * Recommended by Mad 4 T
 * "Synopsis": Sam takes care of Frodo, who is recovering from an illness, while The Gaffer and Bilbo visit a fair in another town. The tables turn somewhat when Sam takes ill himself.
 * "Comments:" This is a very sweet friendship fic about Frodo and Sam. It explores some of the tension caused by class differences, and their devotion to one another transcending it (Not slash). It manages to be both humorous and heartbreaking at times, with an incredibly sweet (though maybe a bit sappy) ending. Note to the squeamish: both Frodo and Sam get whipped (moderately, with a switch) as a punishment at one point.

Delw yomenie Deadly Encounter and The Roots of Evil by Imaginigma
 * Recommended by Zephyr7
 * Synopsis: First story. When Aragorn vanishes from Imladris without any trace and an attack scares Imladris' inhabitants, can the twins and Legolas solve the mystery before they too fall into the hands of evil?
 * Second story: An old enemy seeks revenge on Aragorn by using a most wicked poison, but not only Aragorn has to pay, but his brothers as well. When Legolas is drawn into the evil game as well, things turn for the worst. And this time, not even Imladris can offer healing.
 * Comments: Just amazing writing throughout the two stories. The first one is continued in the second one, where the author knows exactly how to pull the heartstrings of the readers, as well as to the characters, since the mortal Aragorn (unlike the elven Elladan and Elrohir) is dying faster and there is nothing Elrond, his brothers or Legolas could do about, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats when symptoms worsen and they are left wondering whether Aragorn will truly survive this ordeal.

The Captain and the King by plasticChevy ([)
 * Recommended by Acacia
 * Synopsis: AU story - Saruman believes Isildur's Heir is carrying the Ring, so he sends his orcs to capture the Men of the Fellowship. Aragorn and Boromir are taken prisoner at Parth Galen.
 * Comments: A little more is different here than in the average Boromir-lives AU. I really can't say enough in its praise. It's not just a story about Boromir as a Handicapped Badass, it's about deep friendships, good people who do bad things, forgiveness, grief, trauma, and acceptance. Potential trigger warning: The early story has a number of scenes of prisoner abuse, and later, prejudice against the disabled forms a major plot point.

Moria's Revenge by Kookaburra
 * Recommended by fruitstripegum
 * Synopsis: AU story - The denizens of Moria decide to take revenge on the Fellowship—by way of its littlest member. WARNING: RAPE AND TORTURE.
 * Comments: Pretty much Exactly What It Says on the Tin - Pippin is captured by the Orcs, who proceed to rape, torture, and generally play Break the Cutie with him. Even when he's rescued, it's not over. But this isn't your average Hurt Comfort Fic, oh no. The writing is simply wonderful, with the author showing that they know EXACTLY how to make one laugh or cry depending on the situation, and while there's a bit of Ron The Death Eatering later on, the character in question gets better - I'd tell you who it is, but that would be a MASSIVE spoiler. There's also a few Original Characters, but only one has a really big role. All in all, a fantastic story that could conceivibly exist in canon. Highly recommended.

Bee-Elves by Darth Fingon
 * Recommended by Pryderi
 * Synopsis: At the end of the First Age, Finarfin travels far into the backwoods of Middle Earth, hoping to bring the lost tribes of the Moriquendi back to Valinor. Oropher may take some convincing …
 * Comments: A charming comic romp with melancholy undertones at certain points. The use of Finarfin – pompous, clueless and yet still sympathetic – as a narrator is a delight, particularly with the unorthodox Oropher running rings around him at every opportunity. We also get a probably AU but entirely credible origin story for Oropher’s dynasty. Still trying to get the freckle song out of my head!

The Song in the Darkness by Mirach
 * Recommended by YTDN
 * ''Synopsis: AU. After the battle on Pelennor fields, Aragorn is captured by the Nazgûl and brought to the Dark Tower. His will is the only thing that stands between Sauron and the One Ring.
 * Comments: From the synopsis seems like your average torture fic, however it's nothing but. Beautifully written and utterly tragic, the writing and atmosphere is pure Tolkien, and it combines equal doses of Tear Jerker and Crowning Moment of Heartwarming to create a fic that tugs all the heartstrings. The characterisations are spot on, and the author just gets Aragorn. Also contains wonderful references to The Silmarillion. Truly a stunning piece of work.

Shipping Fics
Down Like Rain by Anais Lacquestar
 * Recommended by Ged's Apprentice
 * Pairings: Luthien and Morgoth (not as weird as it sounds)
 * Synopsis: A non-canon story, though it fits into the canon, about how Luthien really stole the Silmaril from Morgoth. Only makes any sense if you've read the Silmarillion. It explores the character of Morgoth, who the author calls Tolkien's 'fallen angel', and the character of Luthien.
 * Comments: The writing is marvelous, far, far about normal fanfic standards, and it's just one chapter. There is sexual content, but nothing explicit. I recommend it as a piece that gives a different view of the villain, as well as being delicately and elegantly done. Very sad; i cried, though perhaps i'm just sentimental.
 * YMMV here: The writing is good, if occasionally maudlin, but I'm not sure if I'd call it marvelous. The...foreplay, I suppose it could be called, is rather detailed. I'm not entirely sure if I would call it "delicate," although "elegant" might fit, and it seemed like the writer was fitting out Morgoth for leather pants.

The King's Surgeon by Surgical Steel (AU, slash, explicit sex, surgery)
 * Recommended by Ansela
 * Pairings:
 * Synopsis: An OC fic following Serind Ã«, a Gondorian surgeon, through life, marriage, motherhood and death.
 * Comments: It's long (over 120 chapters and counting, including a happy AU where certain characters don't die) but worth it. It does contain m/m relationships and graphic medical and sexual scenes. Although the concept of OCs and the ever looming threat of Mary Sue (Sauron who?) may cause you to pause, this fic neatly sidesteps the common traps. If you want to read about the Middle Earth behind the gloss of bardic lyricism, this is an excellent choice. Tackles political intrigue, racism, sexism, education and war while promoting an endearing plot.

The Heads of One Thousand Goblins: A Love Story by SickleYield
 * Recommended by Grumman
 * Pairings: OC/Gimli
 * Synopsis: How does one impress a dwarf lord?
 * Comments: The only Lord of the Rings romance fic I'd ever recommend. Lacks Mary Sues, elves, OOC behaviour or any of that horrible stuff.

All That I Had by Elenya (slash, explicit sex)
 * Recommended by Rosie Bloom
 * Pairings: Frodo/Sam
 * Synopsis: "Frodo and Sam return to the Shire. How is their relationship affected by Frodo's illness? Why does Sam marry Rosie? Why does Frodo leave the Shire, and to what lengths is he prepared to go to keep Sam safe?"
 * Comments: This epic, novel-length love story spanning six decades is famous in both online and offline circles. It's been the subject of academic papers. ATIH is obsessively faithful to canon and includes detailed authors notes.

The Price of Freedom by Erin Lasgalen (AU, some semi-explicit sex)
 * Recommended by riahchan
 * Pairings: Eowyn/Legolas
 * Synopsis: "In the aftermath of the War of the Ring, Eowyn comes to the painful realization that the wounds of the heart she still bears cannot be healed by going back to the cage, however gilded, however loving the master. Four years and hundreds of leagues later, her past is about to catch up with her in more ways than one."
 * Comments: I found this novel-length, finished story when I thought I was done with LotR fan fiction and almost didn't click the link. Now it has become one of my favorites in any genre. Eowyn's decisions make sense in the context of the story and build much sympathy for her character and the world around her. The world building is also really well done, giving a look at the effects of the War on the lands that fought with Mordor. I thought the pairing would feel strange but it was pulled off incredibly well.
 * "Comments": Complete in seven chapters, this is Eowyn as Tolkien posthumously wishes he could have written her. While YMMV on her characterisation in the context of medieval concepts of self and femininity, the modern reader will rejoice. This is the Eowyn who killed the Witch King of Angmar, who defied honour and the rules of society to seek death on the Pellenor fields. She's fragile, strong and utterly as she was before she met Faramir, settling down to the propriety of Gondorian society. The romance is in character and loving rather than hawt. The exploration of monarchic rulers and social mores, as well as the reach of Sauron's domination is fascinating.

Snowdrops and Bluebells by Regina L.
 * recommended by Theweirdwarrior
 * Pairings: Faramir/Eowyn
 * Synopsis: Expands on Eowyn recovering in the House of Healing. The main focus of the story is of her growing friendship with Merry and how it influences her decision to hook up with Faramir.
 * Comments: If there's one aspect of the original books that I wish Tolkien had devoted more time to, it's Eowyn and Merry's relationship. This fic not only does that, but the writing style and characterization manage to have the feel of the books. From the charm of Eowyn eagerly learning about Merry's childhood and Hobbit culture, to the absolutely heartbreaking scene where she confides in him about all the inner turmoil she had to endure at the hands of Grima, this fic's tone is all over the place (and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible).

Once in a Fair Green Country by Space Weavil
 * Recommended by Pryderi
 * Pairings: Gandalf/Olórin and OFC
 * Synopsis: Gandalf shares a few glasses of wine (and more) with Elrond, and remembers the life he left behind in Aman.
 * Comments: Yes, you did read that pairing correctly. From such an unlikely source, the author weaves a haunting and bittersweet love story. We get to see Gandalf long before he became the cantankerous wizard we know, and the characterisation of the youthful Olórin – naïve, curious and compassionate – is one of the triumphs of the story. Some knowledge of the Silmarillion will be helpful to the reader.

Humourous Fics
Walt Disney Presents: The Lord of the Rings by jules14
 * Recommended by clickclack
 * Synopsis: There are many diehard Tolkien fans that complain that either Peter Jackson's films destroyed their cherished images of Middle Earth or didn't capture the spirit of Middle Earth. My answer? It could have been a thousand times worse.
 * Comments: A super-hilarious parody which imagines what would happen if Disney ever made an animated version of Tolkien's books. Complete with Tastes Like Diabetes and cheesy songs (all of which were written by the author themselves), although it draws the line at having talking animals. Highly recommended for those who hate Jackson's films - after they read this, they'll never complain about them again!

The Very Secret Diaries by Cassandra Clare (we hope) (slash)
 * Recommended by Ack Sed
 * Synopsis: We get to peek in the Fellowship's diaries of their travels, and the entries are somewhat... odd. And gay.
 * Comments: First written when the films came out. This story was responsible for spawning one or two memes because it's straight-up funny—no exceptions. Sadly, abandoned after three entries were written for The Two Towers.
 * User:Fish Called Waldo: Also, the source for a great gnashing of teeth because of Reality Subtext from Clare's other fandom. Try to enjoy this story on its own merits.

The Game of the Gods by Limyaael
 * Reccommended by Queen of Dorkness, Veloren, sauronlulz
 * Synopsis: Varda and Morgoth play a board game. Morgoth's pieces are Mary Sues. Varda's moves represent reality and canon, which she has to use to kill the Sues. The story uses a Framing Device involving Feanor trying to steal the Silmarils. Complicating matters are an incriminating diary belonging to a certain Dark Power of the World, bad crossovers, and Nienna. The first few chapters focus on the parodies, the last few on the story's actual plot.
 * Comments: The grammar is excellent, and everything ties in together. There is some OOC-ness and character exaggeration, which may bug you if you want a serious story rather than a lighthearted comedy. A few references to slashy material, but nothing explicit.
 * Hilarious. Parodies every type of Sue, while developing its own plot. Poor, poor Morgoth.

Nine Men and a Little Lady by Kielle
 * Recommended by Looney Toons
 * Synopsis: Mary Sue shoulders her way into the Fellowship. And judging by the journal entries, not everyone is happy with that...
 * Comments: Funny short set during The Fellowship of the Ring suggesting (with no small amount of Breaking the Fourth Wall) that despite her best efforts and special gifts, the other characters can see Mary Sue for what she is. Don't miss Galadriel's summary of the party's departure from Lothlorien.
 * Also recommended by Goodwrench. This is the one LOTR humor piece that everyone needs to read. Simply terrific.

How To Write a Lord of The Rings Badfic by locust
 * Recommended by Goodwrench
 * Synopsis: Ever wondered what goes on in the minds of LOTR badficcers, and why they come up with their horrible creations? Here's a handy primer.
 * Comments: Does a good job of covering all those cringe-inducing fanfic disasters.

Diary of the Trials and Tribulations of Saruman by Hilary Thomson
 * Recommended by Goodwrench
 * Synopsis: A chronicle of Saruman's progression into evil, from the original diary.
 * Comments: Saruman as pure essence of gleeful, hand-rubbing villain, and his downfall. Radagast makes great cameos.

Pippin's Diary by Hilary Thomson
 * Recommended by Goodwrench
 * Synopsis: What Pippin REALLY thought happened during the War of The Ring.
 * Comments: Pippin as a self-serving dingbat. Filled with dark, mordant humor.

Never Leave Fanfiction Lying Around by Crazyroninchic (Mary-Sue, some sex)
 * Recommended by Siofra
 * Synopsis "Several members of the Fellowship come across a strange fanfic, and begin to read. To their horror, it is a Mary-sue Legomance. Chaos ensues…A bit of light humor and M-S satire. If for nothing else, read to imagine the looks on Leggie's face…"
 * Comments I found this story years ago, and I still read it every now and then. It's a great send-up of Mary-Sues, and it's one of the funniest things in the fandom.
 * Seconded by Hindu Goddess. The humor is gut-bustingly funny, and no matter how many times you read it, it manages to stay funny. One of the few Mary-Sue parodies that manages to get through the entire trilogy. Warning, however, sometimes the actual characters slip into OOC moments (although some of it is the story taking affect on them).
 * This fic now has its own page.

Malcom Of The Rings by Hibob.
 * Recommende: Surt Noir.
 * Status: Finished-10 chapters.
 * Synopsis: By actions beyond their comprehension, Malcom, Reese and Dewey find themselves thrown in Middle Earth just after the beggining of Frodo Travesy. Now they must find a way to survive while pissing everysingle powerful Lord of Middle Earth and be put between the Titanic Fight of Good and Evil. They are far from amused.
 * Comments: Irreverent, sarcastic, well thought, kind of breve, Malcom of The Rings is a good way to pass an afternoon. It follow the life of the Three brothers in parallel with the Fellowship of the Rings, exploring middle Earth and its culture by Malcom and Co. while trying to adapt and find a way home, helped by a phone (and its introduction to other key characters)and Francis and Steve. While their adventures are quite independent of the rest of the cast they still are present in some of the most crucial moments, either help it happen or hindering with their inane actions. Worth a check.

The Mushroom: Middle Earth's Finest News Source by Marauder the Slash Nymph
 * Recommended by sauronlulz
 * Synopsis: The Middle-earth version of The Onion.
 * Comments: Somewhat OOC and slashy. My favorite headlines are "I'm Sorry, Rosie, But Your Husband Is As Flaming As The Pyre of Denethor" and "Completely Unrelated Hobbits Wed".
 * Seconded by Goodwrench. The story shows real creative imagination, and is terribly funny.

How to Save Your Marriage by eleveninches
 * Recommended by Goodwrench
 * Synopsis: Aragorn needs an heir. Arwen wants to go home. Legolas is just there for the free food.
 * Comments: Breakup fics aren't normally funny. This one is.

Should've Thought of That One, Bori by Eggo Waffles
 * Recommended by Goodwrench
 * Synopsis: We all wish that Boromir had survived Amon Hen, but have we ever considered the implications?
 * Comments: Boromir is alive, sort of. Extremely funny.

What's Up Doc? by KR Rouse
 * Recommended by Goodwrench
 * Synopsis: Sam's just a normal guy trying to make his way in today's world, but with roommates like Frodo, Merry and Pippin, and neighbors like Gimli and Gollum, it's not easy. Modern AU.
 * Comments: The story wins my vote for the most lunatic LOTR humor piece out there. It's a real marvel.

Of Archery and Stuff by Draken XIII
 * Recommended by Goodwrench
 * Synopsis: Imagine being transported into Middle Earth only to end up in an unfashionable backwater with a World War Two fighter pilot for company.
 * Comments: It's a work in progress and it's about original characters, a description that normally puts people off. This time you need to read, because the story is brilliantly hysterical.

The Fellowship of the Ring: The Breadbox Edition by Evadne
 * Recommended by Goodwrench
 * Synopsis: This is a condensed summary of the first Lord of The Rings movie.
 * Comments: The author has a whole series of these parodies here Breadbox Editions and they're very funny.

Elladan's Biograph Script by Claudi Elf
 * Recommended by Amala
 * Synopsis: A modern AU in which Elladan keeps a diary, and Rivendell strongly resembles modern-day Canada. The story begins the summer before the formation of the Fellowship, when Elladan is fed up with his day-to-day life and decides to run away from home.
 * Comments: Absolutely hilarious. A little bit OOC, but it actually works. The links to the fanfiction are at the top of the page. Start with the Vacation Log (How I Spent My Summer Vacation) and read on from there.

Crossover Fics
The Black Company in Middle Earth by McJunker
 * Recommended by Mc Junker
 * Fandoms: Lord of the Rings, The Black Company
 * Synopsis: In those days the Company was in service to the Eye of Barad-dur. ..
 * Comments: Crossover with Glen Cook's famous series of military fantasy novels. Tries to reconcile Tolien's narrative with the Black Company's worldview. If you are unfamiliar with the Company, then try to imagine the War of the Ring from the point of view of the bad guys.

End Of The Line by Peladon.
 * Recommended by User:Sharklady 35
 * Fandoms: Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean
 * Synopsis: There's a long-standing theory in the PotC Fandom, that Jack Sparrow's ancestral roots may extend beyond human boundaries (see the Pirates of the Caribbean list at WMG.) This entertaining yarn confirms it- and not a moment too soon for Jack! General Audience.
 * Comments: A short rescue tale which explains quite a lot.

Monty Python: Fellowship of The Ring by Hstaphath
 * Recommended by Goodwrench
 * Fandoms: Lord of the Rings, Monty Python
 * Synopsis: Humorous Crossover script of the Fellowship of The Ring movie.
 * Comments: Very funny work. The Two Towers and Return of The King are here Towers and here King

"Policing Middle Earth" by aoteoran.
 * Recommended by: Ag Prov
 * Fandoms: Lord of the Rings, Discworld
 * Synopsis: Lord Vetinari has made contact with Steward Denethor via a possibly malfunctioning palantir. He is prevailed upon to send Sam Vimes into Middle Earth as a tenth member of the Fellowship of the ring, so as to hold together a party of inept dreamers and make a long-shot desperate idea work. Watch and laugh as Discworld conceptions of elves, trolls, wizards, Dwarfs, etc., clash with Middle Earth's rather nobler ideals. Vimes duly treats the War of the Rings with the same "breach of the peace" attitude he expressed over the Leshp war...
 * Shipping: none. don't waste time looking for it.
 * Comments:- gleefully anarchic crossover written in the best Discworld tradition as two divergent cultures collide.

Mystery Science Theater 1000 by Hardman5509
 * Recommended by Hardman5509 (Currently desperate to hear anything.)
 * Fandoms: Shadow Hearts, Mystery Science Theater 3000, Legolas By Laura
 * Synopsis: In the style of Mystery Science Theater 3000, the main characters from the Shadow Hearts series, Yuri Hyuga, Alice Elliot, Johnny Garland, and Shania are forced to watch/read horrible Fan Fics by Proffesor Gilbert and Nicolai. In the 9th chapter, they face Legolas By Laura, a story that sends them up the wall. (For some reason, the link to the story's trope page is broken. It's there, you will just have to Google it.)
 * The link got deleted because it involves incest and paedophilia.

The Wizard in the Shadows by Nimbus Llewelyn
 * Recommended by The Enmity Of Ages 1994
 * Fandoms: Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings
 * Synopsis: Harry decides to get some rest and recuperation in an out of the way world after the 2nd Wizarding War on the recommendation of Dumbledore's portrait. Unfortunately, that world was Middle Earth. 4 years later, Harry joins the Fellowship with a view to finding his way back.
 * Shipping: Sticks firmly to canon shipping.
 * Comments: Yo-yo's from angst to snarky humour, and a hint of Discworld and the Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy in the narrating. While the first chapter is short, the rest get steadily longer and rather better. Harry is powerful, but not invincible by any stretch of the imagination, and has distinct vulnerabilities. Notable also for giving the Rohirrim a day in the sun and crafting a decent Theodred, on a Word of God rationale that he deserved day in the sun because he spent his appearances in the film dead or dying.
 * Also impressive in that it manages to make Denethor likable. At the start of his appearance in the story, he is the same as in the films, but then manages to convince him to do better.
 * Now has a one short prequel, with the promise of more to follow and eventually an Expanded Universe, with sequels being hinted at.