One common theme is the struggle between Merlin's magic and his noble duties. He has to keep his magic a secret while still using it to protect Camelot, which is very noble. Another theme is friendship, like his relationship with Arthur. Merlin's noble acts often strengthen their bond.
Well, it could be special because Merlin is such an iconic character. In a noble fanfiction, it might depict Merlin in a way that emphasizes his noble qualities like his wisdom, loyalty, and magic skills in new and exciting scenarios that the original might not have fully explored.
Well, there is a 'noble merlin fanfiction' called 'Merlin: The Noble Heart'. In this story, Merlin's noble nature is really emphasized. He uses his magic not just for himself but for the good of the whole kingdom. It has a really interesting plot that involves Merlin making sacrifices for the greater good. Also, 'A Noble Merlin's Tale' is quite good. It delves into Merlin's relationships in Camelot while maintaining his noble character.
Sure. In the original stories, Merlin might have been more focused on serving Arthur. But in a noble fanfiction, he could be more independent, taking on noble causes on his own. For instance, he might be involved in helping the common people directly, rather than just through Arthur.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.