One common theme is the struggle between Merlin's magic and the military structure. In most of these fanfictions, Merlin has to keep his magic a secret among the soldiers who may not be accepting of it. Another theme is loyalty. Whether it's his loyalty to his comrades as a soldier or his loyalty to his true self as a sorcerer. And of course, heroism. Merlin often becomes a hero in these stories, using his magic to save the day in the military situations.
One common theme is the power of magic in a military setting. Merlin's magic often provides an edge in battles or helps solve military - related problems.
One common theme could be loyalty. Merlin, being a soldier, would show loyalty to his comrades, his cause, or his kingdom. Another theme might be sacrifice. Soldiers often have to make sacrifices, and in a Merlin - as - a - soldier fanfiction, he might sacrifice his personal desires for the greater good. Also, the theme of honor could be prominent. He would strive to uphold his honor in battle and in his interactions with others.
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.
Redemption is also a common theme. Since Morgana often takes a darker path in the original, many fanfictions explore the possibility of her redemption, with Merlin being a key factor in that journey. Love, in various forms, is another theme. It could be a platonic love born out of mutual understanding or a more romantic love that defies the odds.