@aostrek-236 said:
Would you mind sharing your list of podfic recommendations? I need some more Merthur podfics in my life, and I only have a couple that I listen to regularly.
It’s been a hot minute since you made this request, so thanks for your patience—and also for the excuse to relisten to a whole bunch of my favorite Merthur podfics so they’d be fresh in my mind for this, which was an absolute delight. (also tagging @theclockstrikingtwelve because some of these do have streaming options, which I've noted in green!)
I’m gonna start by saying that I have over 550 Merlin podfic files at the moment, almost exclusively Merthur, since I’m an OTP kinda gal, and I’ve listened to 90% of them at least once, and generally enjoyed the vast majority of those. What I’m getting at is that I really urge anyone to just go looking through the Podfic tag on AO3 and/or the audiofic archive with your own preferred filters, because a lot of what’s there is good. By its very nature, the act of podfic is generally an incredible recommendation in and of itself—that a reader enjoyed a fic enough to take the time and effort to podfic it. And Merlin is a fandom full of incredibly talented people, including some of my favorite writers and podficcers.
That said I’ve tried to pull out some of my absolute faves for you here. As with any rec list, this is gonna trend heavily toward my personal favorite things for this fandom, which include magic reveals, fealty, canon-era settings, and happy endings. I’ll try to avoid major spoilers in the main descriptions, but I will include a few *asterisks, with related notes that may contain spoilers at the end.
I’m also not listing alternate versions of any of these, even though several have been podded multiple times by equally amazing podficcers. Since you enjoy relistens, I would definitely recommend checking out All The Versions.
And now, on to the recs! (under the cut, since there are almost 30 of them!)
We’re going to start with a whole slew of FayJay. Not only is she incredibly talented, but she has a knack for choosing bangers to podfic (her own work included).
Crown of the Summer Court
written by astolat podficced by FayJay 2.5 hours | explicit
One of my favorite Merthur fics, full stop, brought to glorious life by FayJay’s narration and sfx. In which the Elven Summer Court comes to Camelot to hold the trials to choose their new ruler…because Merlin is one of the candidates. I’m also gonna rec the trailer vid by nerjaveika while I’m at it.
In Time of Trial
written by shine podficced by FayJay 4 hours | explicit
Uther fears his son's power, and Merlin has helped Arthur flee to escape imprisonment. Now the two of them must fight to regain Arthur's rightful place in Camelot. Just excellent all around. The fealty! The feels! Since I’m no longer able to find the written fic online, I’m all the more grateful to have the podfic. (Though if anyone knows where to find the written version or is willing to share a copy, I would be very grateful!)
Beltane Cycle
written by astolat podficced by FayJay 3 hours | mature
All 4 parts, though most can stand alone. The first two connect Merlin with the Wild Hunt. The next two don’t really deal with that, and I’d have to seriously spoil part 3 to say anything about part 4, but at the core they’re about how devoted Merlin and Arthur to one another and what they’d sacrifice to protect each another.
The Student Prince
written by FayJay herself and also podficced by FayJay 15 hours | explicit | period typical queerphobia, including off-screen gay-bashing of a minor character
An epic-length modern college not-quite-au. Arthur is still a prince and a prat, and Merlin is still magical, and they were roommates. (oh my god, they were roommates!) An amazing incarnation on the slash dragon. Plenty of joking about Arthurian legend and the astonishingly “coincidental” names and connections, since the legends do in fact exist in this verse much as they do in ours. A lot of uni culture and shenanigans, and of course, the complications of modern royalty.
Fools of Us All
written by adelagia podficced by FayJay 1.25 hours | explicit
Merlin accidentally makes everybody in Camelot fall in love with him. Everybody except Arthur, that is. Absolutely adorable. Set after Arthur is king and Merlin is his court sorcerer, and they’ve both been pining for each other like a whole damn forest.
Moving on to some more astolat by other incredible podficcers…
Onfindan
written by astolat podficced by RsCreighton and SomethingIncorporeal 1.75 hours | mature | streaming option
Arthur didn’t speak to him for a week after he found out. Rose and SomethingIncorporeal?!? Be still my heart! They’re so good in this, as in everything, and I could honestly just roll around in their voices. Starts on a more personal scale as Merlin tries to get back into Arthur’s good graces post-reveal, which leads to them going monster hunting on their own together… and accidentally becoming a bit too good at it. Eventually expands to a much broader scope as a war begins. I love Merlin’s magic in this (and the way it loves Arthur), and the way Arthur demonstrates what kind of king he’ll be.
Favorite
written by astolat podficced by Fleur Rochard 1.5 hours | explicit
Arthur and Merlin have a drunken tumble, only to discover to their mutual horror that the sex between them is mind-blowing on a previously unknown and deeply distracting level. When they finally concede that they are absolutely unable to keep their hands off each other, Arthur grudgingly decides to move Merlin in and officially install him as his favorite, complete with terrorizing him into submission through extremely generous and unwanted gifts. Uther meanwhile is determined to figure out what exactly Merlin wants to get out of Arthur in this arrangement—and he may even like the answer. Another dream team. Fleur is always a pure freaking delight. Her performance is so good—the timing, the delivery, the humor, the emotion, just everything—and astolat, of course, is always amazing.
…in fact, look, I’m just going to rec every one of astolat's Merlin fics that have been recorded. All but a couple of them have been podficced, including a fair few repods.
Three Tasks
written by syllic podficced by pennyplainknits 2.5 hours | explicit
Arthur is the Royal Arbiter for Suitable Suitors' Disputes. He (and his trusty companion, the golden-dragon-tasselled hat) alone can determine who is fit to woo royal servants and other assorted courtiers in Uther's court. (In light of the preceding sentence, the following may not appear to be a truthful statement, but: not as cracky as that makes it sound. Really.) Ridiculous and touching by turns (much like the show) as Arthur tries valiantly to set worthy challenges for everyone vying for Merlin’s attentions while ignoring his own feelings. I literally squeed a couple times. And of course, Penny’s podfics are always a treat. Chef’s kiss. Also one of my favorite flavors of magic “reveal”, wherein Arthur has been aware for quite some time and thinks that they’re both just pretending to ignore it, while Merlin is certain that he’s been completely stealthy.
Future Perfect (The Tale of the Sea Serpent and Job Orientation)
written by seperis podficced by EosRose 2 hours | explicit
Once there was a prince, and a sorcerer, and a sea serpent in a river, and a secret that was no secret at all. In the not so distant future, Merlin builds a tower. That's not suspicious at all. Eeeeeeeeee! I love this Arthur so much, and this Merlin is so simultaneously well-meaning and oblivious. Established relationship, communication issues but not in a way I find frustrating, and their deep devotion to each other. Warm fuzzies. Technically the same verse, but each easily stands on its own. And Rose, yet another of my podficcer heroes, is just incredible as always. I know I have at least one more from her on this list, but she has a treasure trove of Merthur pods that you should definitely check out.
Privileges of Rank
written by seperis podficced by xancredible 1 hour | explicit | streaming option
Arthur's biggest problem to date, Merlin thinks darkly as he carries yet another load of suspiciously not-really-dirty clothing down the stairs, is an unaccountable fear of anyone, anywhere, suspecting he's capable of being other than a complete and utter prat. This is actually more about what the job of a prince’s manservant would actually mean, how it fits in to the castle hierarchy, and how people might react to Merlin’s sudden promotion to such a position. But also a lovely show of Arthur’s feelings for Merlin.
Truth is a Whisper
written by seperis podficced by crinklysolution 3 hours | explicit
Words can also be mightier than the sword. As Uther negotiates Arthur’s betrothal to a woman he loathes and who loathes him in return, Merlin learns of some rumors about Arthur and isn’t going to stand for it. Very satisfying. *more spoilery synopsis at the end
The History of Two Conversations (On Paper)
written by Takadainmate podficced by such_heights 1 hour | not rated (but not explicit)
A delight. Merlin annotates his spellbook, and has an unfortunate habit of leaving it out. Initially this leads to some scolding replies from Gaius, but later Arthur discovers it. such_heights delivers both the funny bits and the serious parts perfectly.
Loaded March
written by Footloose (partially) podficced by EchoDeltaNine 18 hours thus far, ~3.5-5 hours per podfic | varying ratings throughout the series, but I think the podfics have only gone up to Mature so far | streaming option
The written series is complete at 1.2 million words plus a 78k series of “extras”, and bless them, EchoDeltaNine has worked their way through about a quarter of it. This is a modern army au, which doesn’t particularly sound like my kind of thing, actually, but it so is. Merlin is the new techie for British special forces unit, Excalibur, made up of the knights and led by Arthur. Featuring really great tight-knit team/found-family bonds with everyone in the of the unit, cool magic/tech interactions, a giant arching magical world war plot, adaptations of every character ever mentioned in canon, and, of course, a delicious slow burn Merthur romance, all excellently performed.
All Its Splendid Glory
written by Loz podficced by mildly_obsessed 45 min | mature
In the two years and five months Merlin has known him, Arthur has been enchanted to love people he ordinarily wouldn’t nine times. Merlin simply never expects Arthur to be enchanted to love him. The boys trying to figure out what the heck is going on with Arthur and then how to fix it. Just a delight, and mildly_obsessed does a great job with it.
Off The Beaten Path
written by AutumnalFire podficced by cookiemom6067 3 hours | explicit | streaming option
Merlin had been gone three hundred and seventy-two days when Morgana disappeared. This how they came home. Team Free Will, Merlin edition; aka all our fave characters tell their “great foretold destinies” to fuck right off. They’ll try to forge a better future together, regardless of what anyone else thinks about it.
For Your Information
written by reni_days podficced by Ceebee 50 min | teen and up | streaming option
Merlin sighs. "After your...announcement," he explains, "your father decided he needed a bit more information. Which is apparently where I come in. I'm sort of like his gay tutor, it's hard to explain." Hilarious modern/mundane au in which Uther is still a prick as well as an absolute failboat, but is actually making an effort in the most awkward, supercilious way ever. Happily, in this verse he has no power over Merlin, who is therefore free to just tell him off—even when Uther tries to set him up with Arthur. Arthur is surprised to find he’s very interested. Meanwhile Merlin has no intention of getting involved Uther’s son. But… The slow-growing, deeply dysfunctional semi-friendship between Merlin and Uther is also surprisingly endearing.
Into His Own
written by sarcasticchick podficced by regonym 50 min | teen and up | major character death*
Merlin flees Camelot after revealing his magic. A lovely, somewhat melancholic recounting of his years of wandering and becoming more like the legend we’re familiar with, until one day he’s drawn back to Camelot and his king. A lot of it feels slightly distant, the way stories often do when they cover a lot of time quickly, and it’s much more focused on Merlin himself than Merlin/Arthur, but still satisfying for my shipper heart. I also like the take on Merlin’s magic.
Charting Stars on a Stained Glass Ceiling
written by mornmeril podficced by Amanita_Fierce 9 hours | explicit | streaming option
Merlin leads a relatively content life — or as content as is possible under the rule of a magic-hating King. When the arrogant son of said magic-hating King starts becoming a regular at his coffee shop, Merlin is a little puzzled. When said Prince prat then proceeds to ingest a love potion on Merlin's watch that results in him having to move into the Royal Palace as Prince Arthur's (fake) boyfriend, Merlin wonders which deity he has angered. Things only get more complicated from there. An interesting scifi/fantasy mesh, but essentially feels like a modern society with known magic and better tech. This version of oppression against magic users involves suppression “bracelets”. Arthur grows to understand and care about their oppression as he gets to know Merlin, and it’s a good balance of their relationship and the politics/other plot—each element supports other. Some nice protectiveness and hurt/comfort, too. Also nice sfx, and of course, a great performance by Amanita_Fierce.
And None But We Can Be Such Kings
written by janne_d podficced by sissi 45 min | mature
They'd kissed. He and Arthur had kissed. And that was amazing and terrifying and completely insane, like a sheet of lightning from an empty blue sky. Uther has invited a bunch of nobles (and their daughters) to Camelot to woo and intimidate, and of course, Arthur must do his duty on both fronts, showing off his fighting skills to the men and to the daughters… “show attention to all but favour to none, give hope to each but commit to no-one,” all of which leaves him wrung out at the end of each day. Merlin disapproves and tries (with some success) to care for Arthur and also (with a distinct lack of success) to make him a less appealing target for the ladies. Arthur lets him know how much he appreciates his efforts. ;) I love how Arthur confides in Merlin, and Merlin’s protectiveness.
August
written by rageprufrock podficced by adazzledim 1 hour | explicit | streaming option
Merlin looked uncertainly to Arthur. “Have you ever made bread?” he asked. / “How hard could it be?” Arthur said. Merlin asks for leave to visit Hunith, and Arthur invites himself and a wagonload of gifts along to help out. Lovely and domestic, far from the pressures of Camelot, Arthur gets to know Merlin better, and adazzledim gives an equally lovely performance.
Fostered
written by rageprufrock podficced by dodificus 45 min | teen and up | streaming option
Kilgarrah yeets an egg at Merlin's head, knocking him out; Arthur finds both Merlin and the egg and insists on hatching and raising it. Absolutely adorable. Continues to Arthur’s kingship and repeal of the ban on magic.
*I’m going to note here that pru is one of my favoritest writers, but she uses little to no content tagging, including for ships. I haven’t gone back through all of her Merlin fics to verify, but I think they’re mostly Merthur, even when not tagged as such. Definitely worth exploring. (...but strongly consider looking for spoilers if you prefer to know what you're getting into.)
The Knights Have a Thousand Eyes
written by stakeaclaim podficced by beccaleelee 8 hours | mature
In which Arthur attempts to teach his knights, his knights attempt to woo Merlin, and Arthur is definitely not jealous…. Arthur is trying to teach the knights not only martial skills but respect and honor—and not by lecturing them on it. The knights try (ineptly) to set up Merlin and Arthur because they want what’s best for their prince. A mission gets more complicated than expected. Nice characterization of the knights, a couple fun comedies of errors, and a lovely show of everyone’s honor and loyalty.
Coffeeshop Muffins (romance version)
written by skellerbvvt podficced by xancredible 1.5 hours | mature | streaming option
Wherein Arthur And Merlin Are Dating, Save For the Part Where They Aren't. Also The Girl Version Of Bromance Is Fresbians. But That Isn't Applicable As Morgana And Gwen Are Actually Sleeping Together. Merlin and Arthur have been inseparable since childhood and are the kind of adorable over each other that makes everyone think they are or should be dating, even the girls they actually do date. But they're not. They're straight. Right? I chose to read the romo ending, because that’s what I’m here for, but there’s a bromance version as well.
Bonus rec for the remix: How to Win a Merthur: A Case Study in 9 Parts, written by anamuan, available at the same link, which foregrounds Gwen and Morgana’s equally adorable relationship. 20 min | teen and up | streaming option
If You'll Be My Star, I'll Be Your Sky
written by waldorph podficced by EosRose 30 min | teen and up | major character death
There is nothing Merlin won't do for Arthur. An exploration of Merlin’s power, and the depths of Merlin and Arthur’s love for each other, and how dangerous and terrifying that combination is. The last few paragraphs look forward to how this plays into the end of their story, making this one of the darker stories on this list overall, but it’s so well done, and I still love the way they love each other. Both waldorph and EosRose are absolute legends.
All The Laughter From Before
written by waldorph and also podficced by waldorph 40 minutes | teen and up | *
It's pretty, but very distressing. And lo, all is sunshine and daisies... and death, but what can you do? …very much recommend, but also warnings that I can’t specify without spoilers, so:*.
Steam
written by new_kate podficced by pennyplainknits 3.75 hours | explicit
Renaissance-era Steampunk reincarnation AU featuring brilliant engineer Prince Arthur, his savant mechanic Merlin, a robot bird, and an evil mecha. Neat worldbuilding and explanation of the history between canon-era and the story’s setting. And penny is always an absolute delight.
when the truth comes out
written by ingberry podficced by the24thkey 15 min | teen and up | streaming option
When Arthur wakes up from surgery, completely loopy from the anesthetics, he doesn’t recognise Merlin, but thinks he's really quite lovely. Modern au, as I’m sure you could guess, and no magic, but I like this trope, and it’s generally just a soft, adorable little pod.
In A Name
written by StarlightInHerEyes22 podficced by TalkingToMyselfAgain (DisasterDungeonMaster) 20 min | gen | streaming option
In the middle of some quest or another, Merlin, Arthur and the knights find themselves stuck in the middle of a shrine being told that, if they wish to proceed unharmed, they need only speak their true names and titles. Straight-forward enough, right? Wrong. Merlin really hates the Old Religion sometimes. This one is actually platonic, but Merlin and Arthur’s relationship is still very satisfying for me (a serious shipper). It also feels a little…I can’t find the right word, but maybe self indulgent? But in a way that’s enjoyable enough not to detract, imho.
Strange and Fearless
written by wangler podficced by Ceebee 9 min | teen and up
Short and sweet reveal story.
*
*Truth is a Whisper: A power-hungry noblewoman has, for years, been spreading rumors about Arthur’s sex life—that he’s impotent, gelded, prefers sheep, etc.—to try and ward off some of her competition for Arthur’s hand. Merlin decides to fight fire with fire, and immediately tells the knight who shared these rumors that he knows they aren’t true because Arthur’s been sleeping with him. Meanwhile Arthur hasn’t actually been sleeping with anyone. When Merlin informs him about the situation, he demands that Merlin stop sleeping around, since obviously if he’s supposed to be with Arthur, he shouldn’t be having sex with other people. Pretty soon, they turn at least Merlin’s rumor into a reality. Also, kind of surprisingly not a reveal.
*Into His Own:Major Character Death is Gaius, rather early in the story.
*All The Laughter From Before: temporary Major Character Death—Merlin is revealed and Uther has him burned at stake with everyone else helpless to prevent it. This cements a rift between Uther and…basically everyone, a kingdom just waiting for him to die so they can begin to heal. And then when he does die, Merlin is returned to them.
DEFINITELY saving for later.
