One popular story could be about Merlin secretly having more powerful magic than anyone realizes and using it to save the knights in a very dangerous quest. For example, he might be able to conjure up powerful shields to protect them from a dragon's fire.
Some fanfictions focus on a time - travel aspect. The knights and Merlin are sent to a different era, like the modern world. Merlin has to figure out how to use his magic without being discovered while the knights are trying to adapt to strange new technologies. It makes for an interesting and often humorous story.
There are often fanfictions where Merlin has to prove his worth to the knights after they initially doubt his abilities. He could end up showing them his true potential in a battle against a powerful sorcerer who has been plaguing Camelot. This kind of story explores themes of loyalty and friendship.
One popular story could be 'The Knight's Unwavering Pursuit'. In this, a knight uses his charm and acts of valor to win Merlin's attention. He might start by protecting Merlin during a dangerous quest and gradually their relationship deepens. Another could be 'Knightly Devotion to Merlin' where the knight is secretly in love with Merlin and tries to court him in a world full of magic and mystery. There are also some where the knight and Merlin are brought together by a magical bond that they must figure out how to navigate.
One popular 'knights hurt merlin fanfiction' might be 'The Wounded Mage'. In this story, Merlin gets injured during a battle while the knights are around. They then have to deal with the guilt of not protecting him well enough. Another could be 'Merlin's Hidden Pain' where the knights unknowingly cause Merlin emotional hurt through their actions.
It's popular because it creates a lot of drama. The idea of the knights, who are supposed to be Merlin's friends, causing him harm adds an interesting layer of conflict.
One reason is the rich source material. The Arthurian legend has so many elements that can be explored further. The characters are already well - loved, like Merlin with his mysterious magic and the noble knights. Fanfiction allows people to play with these elements and create new stories.
Obviously Merlin is a very popular choice. His magic and his role as the hidden protector of Arthur make him a central and interesting character. Writers can explore his inner struggles with his magic and his loyalty to Camelot.
A plot could involve Merlin getting cursed and the knights having to find a way to break it without Merlin's magic to guide them. They might have to rely on old legends and their own wits to save him. This could lead to some great character development for the knights as they face challenges they usually rely on Merlin to solve.
Perhaps Merlin has to save the knights from a curse. He could go on a long journey to find the ingredients for an antidote while facing many obstacles along the way. He might have to outwit evil spirits or solve difficult riddles to get what he needs to break the curse on the knights.
One popular Merlin fanfiction story is 'The Once and Future King Reimagined'. It takes the classic Arthurian legend and adds a new twist with Merlin's character development. Another is 'Merlin's Hidden Powers', which delves deep into the untapped magic that Merlin might possess. And 'Merlin and the Quest for the Enchanted Artifact' is also well - liked as it combines adventure and magic.
One popular Merlin 2008 fanfiction might be those that explore the deeper friendship between Merlin and Arthur. For example, some stories focus on how Merlin uses his magic secretly to protect Arthur in different situations that weren't shown in the original series.
Some of the knights may be filled with guilt. They might think that they should have been there to protect Merlin and prevent him from getting those scars. Others could be in awe, seeing Merlin in a whole new light, realizing that he has a hidden past full of pain and heroism that his scars represent.