If Merlin died in the fanfiction, it could trigger a series of tragic events. The balance of power could tip, and the villains might seize the opportunity to attack. It could also bring out hidden strengths in the remaining characters as they try to cope with the loss.
If Merlin is a Dark Lord in fanfiction, it could be an interesting exploration of the 'nature vs. nurture' concept. Maybe he turned dark because of the constant fear of being discovered and persecuted for his magic. His actions as a Dark Lord might include taking over Camelot or exacting revenge on those who wronged him in the past. It gives a whole new perspective on his character.
It could be for comedic effect to lighten the mood and add some fun to the story.
In a more humorous take on the 'Merlin tied to a bed' fanfiction, it could be that Merlin has fallen ill and the overly - protective Gaius has tied him to the bed to make sure he rests. Merlin, being the active person he is, complains constantly. Arthur comes to visit and teases Merlin about finally being still for once. Meanwhile, Merlin tries to convince Arthur to let him loose, promising that he'll be fine. Eventually, Gaius relents and unties Merlin, who then immediately starts bustling around the room.
One possible reason could be a magical curse. In many Merlin fanfictions, magic is often used as a plot device. A dark sorcerer might cast a spell on Merlin to make him forget certain things, perhaps to prevent him from using his powerful magic to oppose them. Another reason could be a self - imposed forgetting due to trauma. Merlin has witnessed and endured a great deal of pain and suffering. To protect his own mental state, his mind might subconsciously block out certain memories.
One more idea is that Merlin is tied to the bed in a dream - like state created by an ancient magic. In this dream world, he is faced with his deepest fears and insecurities. His friends in the real world notice his strange behavior and try to wake him up. Merlin, while in the dream, has to find the source of the magic that is binding him and break free. Through his inner strength and the memories of his friends, he manages to do so and wakes up, having learned more about himself and his magic.
In Merlin fanfiction, Merlin might tell a story about his magic origins. Maybe he shares how he discovered his powers as a young boy in Ealdor. He could talk about the first time he made something extraordinary happen, like making a flower bloom in the dead of winter. This story would not only be about his powers but also about the fear and wonder he felt at that moment.
A sense of adventure would be in Merlin's story. He has been on many quests and journeys. He might talk about traveling to far - off lands in search of a solution to a problem in Camelot. He could describe the different landscapes he saw, from snow - covered mountains to vast deserts. And of course, there would be elements of good versus evil, as Merlin constantly battles against the forces of darkness to protect the light in Camelot.
Perhaps some of the snooty nobles who look down on Merlin and constantly try to get him into trouble. They could be making fun of his clumsy ways one too many times and he just snaps and hits them with a shoe. It would be a moment of satisfaction for the readers who don't like those arrogant characters.
One possible secret could be that Merlin is a powerful sorcerer from an ancient and powerful magical lineage. Maybe his family has a long - standing connection to Camelot that has been kept hidden.
One characteristic could be that he has a more modern personality. In fanfiction, writers might give him contemporary values or speech patterns.