Maybe it's a name from Merlin's homeland or has some special meaning in the lore of the fanfiction world.
It might be a name given to the horse as a symbol. Maybe it represents something important in Merlin's journey in the fanfiction. For instance, it could be related to a prophecy or a quest. Bitan could be the name of an ancient hero or a magical entity that Merlin wants to honor by naming his horse so.
Perhaps Bitan is a name that has a connection to Merlin's family or past. In fanfiction, authors often create such connections to add depth to the story. So, naming the horse Bitan might be a way to show that there are hidden secrets or powers associated with the name.
In Merlin fanfiction, Merlin calls Arthur sire as a sign of respect. In the Arthurian legend and related fictional settings, sire is a term used to address a nobleman or a person of higher status. Merlin, being Arthur's servant and advisor in many versions, uses this term to show his loyalty and deference to Arthur's position as king or prince.
It could be for comedic effect to lighten the mood and add some fun to the story.
One reason could be related to Arthur's relationships. If Arthur has a love interest or close friendships that Merlin wishes he could have with Arthur too. Like, if Arthur is spending a lot of time with a particular noble or a lady, Merlin might be jealous because he wants that same level of closeness with Arthur.
If Merlin forgets, it can create a lot of suspense. The other characters might not immediately realize what has happened, and they'll be confused by Merlin's changed behavior. This can lead to misunderstandings and tension within the group. For instance, if Merlin forgets his magical abilities, he might accidentally expose his powers in dangerous situations because he no longer has the knowledge to control them properly.
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.
These fanfictions often explore themes of acceptance and love in a different context. They can help fans to better understand the characters on a deeper emotional level. For example, seeing how Merlin navigates his identity as a gay man in a world full of magic and political intrigue gives a fresh perspective on his character.
He could become a Dark Lord due to betrayal. If someone he trusted deeply, like Arthur perhaps, turned on him because of his magic, it might push him over the edge.
One popular plotline is exploring Merlin's hidden powers more deeply. For example, fanfictions might have him discover new spells or abilities that were not shown in the original series. Another common one is alternative relationships. Instead of the canon relationships, writers may create different pairings for Merlin, like a friendship - turned - romance with a side character. There are also plotlines that involve Merlin changing the course of major events in Camelot's history, such as preventing certain battles or political upheavals.
She might be shocked at first. Given that in the original story Morgana has her own complex relationship with magic, seeing Merlin's magic could stir a mix of emotions in her, like envy or a sense of relief that she's not alone in her magical abilities.