Introduction
If you’ve ever fallen in love with BBC’s Merlin and found yourself wishing the story gave more space to the undeniable bond between Merlin and Arthur, you’re not alone. The fandom has flourished for years, creating a thriving community that explores this relationship through fanfiction. At the heart of this fan-driven creativity lies Merthur fics—a genre dedicated to reimagining and expanding the story of Merlin and Arthur beyond what we saw on-screen.
Merthur fanfiction isn’t just about romance; it’s about diving deeper into the characters’ loyalty, destiny, and friendship. Fans have taken the threads woven in the original series and expanded them into thousands of imaginative stories. Whether you’re a longtime Merlin fan or someone curious about fandom culture, exploring Merthur fics is like stepping into a magical library where every story offers a new adventure.
What Are Merthur Fics?
Merthur fics are a subgenre of Merlin fanfiction that focus on the relationship between Merlin, the powerful yet humble sorcerer, and Arthur, the future king of Camelot. The name “Merthur” comes from merging their names, a common practice in fandoms to represent romantic or close bonds.
These fics vary widely in tone and style. Some are heartfelt romances, while others are epic adventures, humorous takes, or even modern alternate universe (AU) settings. What unites them all is the central exploration of Merlin and Arthur’s deep connection—whether platonic, romantic, or somewhere in between.
Why Are Merthur Fics So Popular?
The Unspoken Connection
One of the biggest draws of Merthur fics is the chemistry between the two characters on-screen. Even without overt romance in the show, their banter, loyalty, and sacrifices spoke volumes. Fanfiction gave space for what the series left unsaid.
The Endless Possibilities
Another reason for their popularity is the flexibility of fanfiction itself. Writers can place Merlin and Arthur in countless scenarios—whether that’s modern-day London, a Hogwarts-style school of magic, or a Camelot where magic was never outlawed. The possibilities are as endless as the imagination of the fandom.
Common Themes and Tropes in Merthur Fics
1. Canon Divergence
Stories that rewrite key moments from the show. For example, what if Arthur had discovered Merlin’s magic earlier?
2. Modern AUs
Merthur fics often imagine Merlin and Arthur as college roommates, coworkers, or even celebrities. These fics bring the medieval duo into contemporary settings, making their bond feel timeless.
3. Slow Burn Romance
Many readers love the tension of slow-developing relationships. These fics build on longing, small moments, and gradual confessions.
4. Reincarnation Stories
Since the show hints at destiny and cycles of return, reincarnation fics explore Merlin and Arthur meeting again in different lifetimes.
5. Fix-It Fics
Fans often rewrite the ending of Merlin to give Arthur a happier fate, healing the heartbreak left by the series finale.
Where to Read Merthur Fics
1. Archive of Our Own (AO3)
This is the most popular platform for Merthur fanfiction. With powerful tagging and search options, you can filter stories by length, rating, and themes.
2. Fanfiction.net
An older platform still housing many classic Merthur stories. While less modern in design, it remains a treasure trove.
3. Tumblr & Reddit
Fans often share recommendations, prompts, and discussions about Merthur fics on social media platforms.
4. Dedicated Rec Lists
Several fans have compiled curated lists of the best Merthur fics across different genres, making it easier for newcomers to dive in.
Recommended Merthur Fics for Beginners
While fanfiction is highly personal, here are some beloved types of Merthur fics that many fans recommend:
- The Reveal Fic: Arthur discovers Merlin’s magic, leading to conflict, acceptance, or romance.
- The Royal Advisor AU: Merlin as Arthur’s trusted counselor, exploring loyalty and love in equal measure.
- The Reincarnation AU: Arthur and Merlin finding each other again in the modern world.
- Humor and Banter: Light-hearted stories focusing on the comedic side of their relationship.
How to Start Writing Merthur Fics
If reading Merthur fics inspires you to write your own, you’re in good company. Thousands of writers have found joy in expanding the universe of Merlin. Here are some tips to get started:
- Know the Characters: Understand the traits of Merlin and Arthur, their strengths, flaws, and dynamics.
- Pick a Trope: Choose a theme you enjoy, like reincarnation or canon divergence.
- Start Small: Don’t pressure yourself to write a massive epic. Short one-shots are a great entry point.
- Engage with the Fandom: Sharing your work on AO3 or Tumblr can connect you with supportive readers.
Conclusion
Merthur fics have become a cornerstone of the Merlin fandom, offering fans a chance to explore the bond between Merlin and Arthur in deeper and more meaningful ways. Whether you’re drawn to romance, adventure, humor, or alternate realities, there’s a Merthur fic out there that will capture your imagination.
The beauty of these stories lies not just in what they say about the characters, but in what they say about fandom itself: the power of community, creativity, and shared passion. So, whether you’re a seasoned fan or someone just discovering this world, dive into the realm of Merthur fics—you might just find your new favorite story.
FAQs About Merthur Fics
Q1: Do I need to have watched Merlin to enjoy Merthur fics?
Not necessarily! While having context from the show enhances the experience, many fics stand on their own, especially modern AUs.
Q2: Are Merthur fics only romantic?
No. Some focus purely on friendship, loyalty, or destiny without romance.
Q3: Where should I start as a beginner?
AO3 is the easiest entry point thanks to its search filters. Start with highly rated or recommended fics.
Q4: Are Merthur fics still being written today?
Yes! The Merlin fandom remains active, with new stories appearing regularly.
Q5: Can I write my own Merthur fic even if I’m new to writing?
Absolutely. The fandom welcomes creativity at all levels, and writing fanfiction is a great way to improve your storytelling.
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