Self - discovery is also a frequent theme. Merlin may be in the process of realizing his true feelings for Arthur, and Arthur may be coming to terms with his own feelings towards Merlin. This journey of self - discovery is often intertwined with the development of their relationship.
One common theme is forbidden love. Since the Arthurian era was not very accepting of same - sex relationships, many fanfictions explore the idea of Merlin and Arthur's love being something they have to hide. It adds a sense of drama and secrecy to the story.
In Merlin and Arthur gay fanfiction, a prevalent theme is the exploration of identity. Arthur, as a prince, has certain expectations placed on him, and exploring his identity as a gay man is a significant aspect. Merlin, too, with his magical abilities and his role as a servant, has his own identity journey. Another common theme is the idea of sacrifice. They might be willing to sacrifice their own desires or positions for the sake of the other, which is a very romantic and noble concept often explored in these fanfictions.
Well, self - discovery is a big theme. Arthur, as a king, has to grapple with his new - found feelings for Merlin that go against what he has been taught about relationships and propriety. Merlin, on the other hand, has to come to terms with his love for Arthur while also being a sorcerer in a land that often fears magic. Another theme is the re - imagining of Camelot. The fanfiction often creates a more inclusive Camelot where their relationship can be more openly accepted, or at least where they fight for that acceptance. And of course, the theme of loyalty in a romantic context is also very prevalent, as they are loyal to each other not just as friends and comrades, but as lovers.
Another theme is the power of their love. Their love is often shown as something that can overcome great obstacles, whether it be political intrigue in Camelot or magical threats. It's a very strong and central part of many fanfics. For example, in some stories, their love gives them the strength to defeat an evil sorcerer who is trying to destroy Camelot.
One common theme is the clash of different magical systems. Merlin has his druidic magic and Loki has his Asgardian magic, so a lot of fanfics explore how these two types of magic interact. For example, in some stories, they might try to combine their powers to defeat a common enemy.
In sub Merlin fanfiction, a major theme is secrecy. Given Merlin's sub position, he must keep his magic a secret, and this secrecy drives a lot of the plot. Another theme is growth. He grows as a person and as a magic - user while being in a sub role. It's about how he overcomes the limitations of his position. Additionally, the theme of sacrifice is common. Merlin is often in situations where, because of his sub role, he has to sacrifice something for the greater good, whether it's his own safety or his relationships.
The theme of sacrifice is also quite prevalent. In many fanfictions, Merlin's father has made sacrifices for Merlin's future, which Merlin discovers as the story progresses. It gives a deeper understanding of their relationship.
In Merlin vampire fanfiction, the theme of acceptance is quite common. Whether it's Merlin accepting the existence of vampires or the vampires accepting Merlin's power. Another is the theme of transformation. Merlin might transform in some way due to his encounters with vampires, or the vampires themselves may transform, either physically or in their attitudes. And the theme of forbidden knowledge often pops up, as the vampires may possess knowledge that is both dangerous and alluring to Merlin.
Another theme is friendship. The neckerchief can be a focal point for the relationships Merlin has with Arthur, Gwen, and the other characters. For example, it might be a gift from a friend that holds special meaning.
Another theme is self - discovery. When Merlin crossdresses, he often discovers new aspects of himself or how others perceive him differently. For instance, he might learn that he can be more confident in a different guise. Also, it can be about breaking gender norms. In these fanfictions, Merlin challenges the traditional gender roles of the Camelot society, which adds an interesting layer to the story.
One common theme is the shock and disbelief among the characters. Given Merlin is male in the original series, his pregnancy is quite unexpected, so characters often struggle to come to terms with it.