Aug 22, 2025
Two sides of the same idiot.
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Two sides of the same idiot.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
“What—“ Before Arthur could finish the question something changed— Merlin’s hand in his was no longer smooth and warm. Instead, something hard and rough, like well-worn fabric, was between their palms. Arthur gripped what he realized was a hilt (was it damp?) and pulled.
The blade came forth from thin air, spraying water, of all things, as it materialized. The attacking sorcerers stopped in their tracks, and Arthur thought he heard someone scream, but he wasn’t sure if it was friend or foe.
Arthur whirled, swinging the blade. It moved like an extension of his arm, perfectly balanced and almost unnervingly light. It sang as it cut the air, and he realized he was smiling. “Come on, then!” He cried, swinging the sword and grinning like a fool. “Come and see what you make of me!”
Merlin was at his side again, and his pleasure was a small bonfire in Arthur’s chest, “Of us,” He corrected, “Come, and see what you make of the prophecies now!”
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Arthur deals with a siren. Merlin comes to his rescue.
I need more bamf!Arthur in fics and not just for Merlin but his whole kingdom.
someone starts disrespecting Gwen? Arthur threatens to assure they never speak again if they say another word.
someone called him a son of bitch? Broken nose because you can insult him but never his mother
bandits knocked out and threaten to kill his knights? Arthur kills five men with one dagger.
just more badass Arthur in general he was well known for his skills as a warrior let’s remember🙏🏽
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Title: Evil Overlord, Inc.
Author: Footloose, mushroomtale
Rating: Mature
Summary: Merlin is a recent graduate with a double doctorate in metaphysics and physics. Arthur is a low-level paper pusher with a desk in the sub-basement of MI5. They live in a world with ridiculous laws and restrictions against anyone who might be supernatural in any way, shape, or design.
Merlin has huge debts looming over this head, a few quid left in his bank account, and no job prospects. Arthur is pushing thirty, in a dead-end job with no chances of promotion to fieldwork agent, and is thoroughly bored with his life.
One ill-advised Craigslist advert, five pushy mates, one nosy all-knowing sister, and a hacked email account later, Merlin and Arthur take the world by storm.
(Or, more precisely, they take over the world.)
hi!! I was wondering if you have some fanfic recommendations with BAMF!Arthur or just him being like an amazing King/leader? <3
Preferably Gen, but if it's good, I wouldnt mind if its Slash 🫶🫶
hiiii !! sorry i'm getting to this so late! there aren't a lot of gen bamf arthur fics (at least tagged on ao3) but here r some recs 💙
Unfit by s0mmerspr0ssen (rated t, 106k)
Summary: Shortly after coming to Camelot, physician’s apprentice Merlin learns that Prince Arthur is suffering from a mysterious ailment nobody is willing to talk about. The Prince keeps exclusively to his chambers and is in danger of losing his status as heir apparent to the throne. When Merlin finally comes face to face with him, the Prince and he do not exactly hit it off. But in spite of Prince Arthur’s initial hostility, Merlin finds himself determined to help him – with medicine as much as with magic.
↳ this is not a typical bamf arthur fic but it is so incredible to read abt him dealing with his disability and come out the other end a great leader
Five Times Arthur Protected Merlin by Howlingdawn (rated gen, 5k)
Summary: …and one time he didn't. Or, Arthur and Merlin are always getting into fights, but Arthur is always there to get Merlin out of danger. Except when he's too slow.
Lies Undone by kimirce (rated gen, 4k)
Summary: The day after Morgause's deception nearly tricked Arthur into killing his own father, Arthur overhears a very interesting conversation between his manservant and King Uther.
How Arthur Got His Groove Back by thegeminisage (rated t, merthur, 134k)
Summary: Arthur Pendragon is at an all-time low: he’s still suffering from the day he nearly dueled his father to the death, his sword arm has been wounded so grievously he may never fight again, and, worst of all, every last soul in Camelot and the kingdoms beyond have had magic forced on them overnight. Now Arthur must contend with the chaos of magic run rampant, his father’s dangerous instability, Morgana’s increasing distance, catching Merlin in more lies than he can count, and the magic that is now threatening to consume him—all while searching for a way to break the curse before it consumes them all. It’s not going to be easy: Arthur grapples with a destiny he’s not sure he can handle, and a past he’d rather forget—and if he wants to save his people, he must be prepared to confront hard truths and harder choices. It’s a trial by fire, one that risks destroying everything Arthur has left to hold dear should he fail. But with enough courage, enough understanding, and maybe just a touch of magic, there’s nothing he can’t face.
↳ ngl i will always rec this is somebody is looking for smth remotely arthur-centric. what can i say! he's sexy, he's got a flaming sword, and he's iconic!
and i'm usually a canon girlie but i canNOT not put you only live twice in an ask about bamf arthur. yolt is a reincarnation/james bond merthur fic and arthur is so sexy in it i cannot stress that enough! i will also redirect u to this arthur-centric fic rec post bc most arthur-centric fic do have elements of bamf arthur!
Favourites Friday (Aug 2022) – BAMF characters: Merlin and/or Arthur
TML Favourites Friday round-up! August 2022
What is Favourites Friday? – The Basics
a different theme is announced on Friday each week; FF recs must match the theme of the week
only one FF rec per person per week/theme
FF recs must be unique within that week/theme; no double-posting the same fic for one theme!
no self-recs during regular rounds
only self-recs during self-rec rounds (last Friday of each month)
Theme for week 1: BAMF Merlin and/or Arthur!
For Want of a Nail by 0hHeyThereBigBadWolf T, 235k, Merlin/Arthur Canon AU; Merlin grows up as Leon's brother
Throw Me in the Water by kaneshon T, 23k, Merlin/Arthur Modern Sports AU
Bought and Sold by PeaceHeather T, 103k, Gen Canon Era
Dying to Return by StormDancer T, 20k, Merlin/Arthur Canon Era
Come Alive by kianspo E, 60k, Merlin/Arthur Modern AU
Born of Magic by KingPrat T, 77k, Merlin/Arthur Canon Era
Evil Overlord, Inc. by Footloose + art by mushroomtale M, 138k, Merlin/Arthur Modern with Magic AU
Real Men Don't Wear Girdles by HalfFizzbin T, 13k, Gwaine/Merlin Canon AU; Arthurian mythology
Loaded March (series) by Footloose G–E, 1.26M, Merlin/Arthur Military AU
What I'd Have Done by Flight_of_Fantasy G, 119k, Gen Canon Era
They call him Emrys by quothme M, 78k, Merlin/Arthur Canon Era
Charting Stars On A Stained Glass Ceiling by mornmeril E, 80k, Merlin/Arthur Modern with Magic AU
it goes to show you never can tell by eat_crow T, 5.5k, Merlin/Arthur Superhero AU
i like my body when it is with your body by greenforsnow E, 30k, Merlin/Arthur Modern with Magic AU
A masterlist of all round-ups can be found here.
If you want to make sure you never miss a FF rec, or would like to participate and share your own favourites; join us on the Discord TheMerlinLibrary! Happy reading!
About the FF round-up lists:
Recs are listed in the order they were posted on the Discord; the order does not imply any sort of ranking.
The pairing given in this list is the main pairing of each respective fic – please read the tags for any possible minor or side-pairings, as well as any potential warnings or triggers.
Pairings and Eras are given as tagged in each respective fic. (?) signifies that the tags were unclear and I do not know enough about the fic to fill the gaps.
Round-ups are compiled on the weekend of the week after the respective theme of the post (when the new theme has already been anounced), to avoid omitting potentially belated FF recs.
Since I (Zaharya) am running FF alone, it is not always possible for me to have the round-up list up immediately – please be patient.
The weekly round-up is not a guarantee! Again, I'm running this alone, so it can only be posted for weeks when I have enough time on my hands to compile a list. If you'd like to help out, feel free to contact me on Tumblr ( @zaharya ) or Discord.
omg guys i forgot to tell you we added a secret santa/gift exchange addition to the bamfmerthur week ( @merthurweek2021 ) if anyone was interested!!
https://archiveofourown.org/collections/bamfmerthurgiftexchange
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works