#thepandragons

[thepandragons]

@bbcone I'm begging you, please reboot Merlin, set it in the modern-day after Arthur has reincarnated, and cast the actors from Heartstopper to play a modern-day Merlin and Arthur who ARE IN LOVE.

THE WORLD NEEDS THIS.

[nerdhalla-blog1]

The pan dragons - Rosencrantz and Guildenstern #thepandragons #leopardgecko #leopardgeckosofig #pansexual #rosencrantzandguildensternaredead #leopardgeckosofinstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/BnK1QCShEvH/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=b9umc7efplb5

[maraleestuff]

If I’m being honest, I had a thought to do this but then forgot about it lol

Anyway, thank you for tagging me @daedriclorde!

Nickname: I guess my nickname would be Mara. Maralee is the name I use to sign my artwork and as my username.

Zodiac: Gemini, but truthfully I don’t pay much attention to horoscopes or zodiac stuff beyond entertainment.

Height: 5′6″.

House: I actually live in a 2-bedroom apartment.

The last thing I googled: “The son who faced the sun assassin’s creed odyssey”...I’ve been playing a lot of aco recently and it was eating at me that I couldn’t figure it out the ostraka riddle on my own.

Song in my head: Hmm, the last song I had stuck in my head was New Divide by Linkin Park.

Followers and Following: 486 followers; following 3,503 tumblrs. I’ve had this account for a few years and have dabbled in fandoms and the writing community mostly.

Amount of sleep: Usually somewhere between 8-10 hours.

Lucky number: Not sure if I have a lucky number, but my favorite number is 14.

Dream job: I’d like to be an archaeologist and a published author. I’ve always been interested in early human history, and I put “published” because “successful” is so subjective.

Wearing: Olive green cargo pants, a pink tanktop and a denim overshirt.

Favorite song: I have a lot of favorite songs, but that list would go on for a while so I’l just write my newest favorite song: Flowers by Svrcina.

Instrument: I wish I could say that I knew how to play an instrument, but beyond a vague recollection of Hot Cross Buns / Three Blind Mice on the piano and recorder, nothing. I’ve always wanted to learn how to play guitar, the violin, and piano.

Random fact: I’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights in person. Maybe someday.

Favorite author: Like songs, I have multiple favorite authors. But the ones I’ve read frequently and recently are Rick Riordan, Christopher Paolini, and Anthony Horowitz.

Aesthetic: I’ve made aesthetics before, but I’ve honestly never thought about one for myself. I guess it might be: leather bound journals, page pressed flowers, freshly fallen snow, distant thunderstorms and light rain, forests with the glow of late day sunlight.

I’ll tag (based on my recent notifs) @thepandragons, @curiousartemis, @nobeerreviews, @kickassfu, and anyone else who’d like to do this :)

[thepandragons]

Rant: Merlin’s “The Mark of Nimueh”

A/N: Now that I’m rewatching Merlin I’m going to be making my analyses in chronological order so you get more accurate analyses with me understanding where the character’s development is. 

Today’s episode is S1 EP3 The Mark of Nimueh. The episode starts with Merlin and Gaius discovering a dead body and attempting to transport it secretively. Gwen comes across them and their wheelbarrow inquiring what they were transporting but Merlin successfully deflects by asking if someone got her flowers, as she is holding a bouquet. She awkwardly laughs and denies it, offering him a purple flower cause purple “suits” him but then states that it’s not that the red top he’s wearing doesn’t suit him...I see you, Gwen. Merlin fans often forget that originally Gwen was crushing on Merlin...but then again, who doesn’t crush on Merlin at some point? 

Anyways the bouquet was for Morgana, who hasn’t been sleeping well lately but Merlin accepts the flower albeit awkwardly. Arthur comes to call for Merlin in an entitled manner...what’s new. Then he looks at Merlin’s flower both bewilderedly and lowkey aggravated. Merlin tells Arthur it’s from Gwen and Arthur ignores it, leaving with the same nonchalant and (entitled) tone. I can think of 3 possible reasons for this A. Arthur is pissed that Merlin apparently has time to pick flowers but not to be on time for his work. B. Arthur is wondering who the flower is from or for C. Arthur is judging Merlin, a male, for having a flower in his clothing, cause of a wonderful (not) thing called gender roles. Personally I believe all of those options are just as likely.

There is a deathly sickness in Camelot that is supposedly magic, the same sickness found in the dead body that Gwen and Merlin flirted over before. Uther orders Arthur to find the sorcerer responsible. Uther seems more concerned with how his street cred will be affected by the sickness than the fact that people are DYING. Arthur is searching Gauis’s things as well as most of Camelot for magical artifacts and Merlin has to find a way to hide his magic book. He  hides it thanks to Arthur calling Merlin over to pettily remark about the disorderly state of his room. Which to me proves that Arthur is both a b*** and doesn’t really view Merlin as a threat because he trusts him. Arthur is required to search Camelot so it’s not personal. 

Gaius discovers the disease is spread through water so Merlin goes to collect samples. Gwen’s father has been stricken by the disease and she goes rushing to Gaius. Merlin once again has to face the decision of using his magic for good and surviving in a society averse to magic. Eventually, Merlin’s value for human life wins out and he breaks curfew to successfully cure Gwen’s father. Arthur searches Gwen’s home finding it suspicious how  Gwen’s father is the only one to recover from the sickness and that Gwen was present. He discovers a magical artifact and Gwen is arrested much to Morgana’s anger. This no doubt adds on to Morgana’s distaste for Camelot and its laws hearing that her servant/friend is being sentenced. Arthur and Morgana try to reason with Uther but Uther is horrible so. It doesn’t work. Merlin comes to see Gwen, it doesn’t go unappreciated and Gwen asks Merlin to remember her.

 Merlin confesses to using magic to save Gwen’s father and is ALMOST ARRESTED in her place. Arthur IMMEDIATELY jumps to Merlin’s defense (unlike when he arrested Gwen might I add) and insists that Merlin can NOT be a sorcerer and that Merlin saved his life. Even creating a cover-up saying that Merlin has a mental illness but then realizing that’s not much better-given history’s spotty history with mental illness-and stating that Merlin is just in love with Gwen. He’s trying so hard to look not upset at it, it’s sad. Don’t worry Arthur his real soulmate is you. Kilgarrah- the dragon guy in case you’re new here- told Merlin that he needs Arthur “his other half” to help defeat the creature responsible for the disease. With Morgana as company, Arthur and Merlin successfully defeat the creature, just a typical date night.

In conclusion: To me, the standout Merthur moments of this episode are Arthur’s supposed jealousy, his protectiveness over Merlin, his trust in Merlin, and the fact that Arthur and Merlin are referred to two halves of a whole (both emotionally and in uniting Albion). Although Arthur is still an entitled piece of sh**, as one might say, and he still vastly underestimates Merlin, he still cares about him.

[thepandragons]

Rant: Merlin’s Gwaine (that sounds weird but it’s the episode’s name)

Arthur decides to go to a tavern under the excuse that it will allow him to measure the mood of  his people...ok. Merlin says “this is one of those moments where I tell you something isn't a good ideas and you ignore me” like Merlin why do you sound like a frustrated husband?

Now a lady hits on Merlin but Arthur thinks it's targeted towards him. Arthur’s ego is both wounded and he is also irritated that people other than him find Merlin attracted. Well buckle up baby Merlin is a hot commodity. Now this meanie walks into the tavern and demands money from the barmaid and of course Arthur swoops in. Merlin in his typical smart-*** fashion makes a sly remark and the big guy’s buddies come in at the sound of him whistling. I'm sure that they have committed crimes together and use that at their signal but the idea of this buff guy having several other buff guys at his beck and call is funny to me so shhhh.

Now, Gwaine comes into the situation and thus commences one of the best moments of the series: the bar fight. Both over dramatic and thrilling the instrumental backing this moment is one of my favorites of the series and I listen to it frequently. The song if you want to listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeuhjmPyOgs

Although Gwaine saves the day leaving time to introduce himself to Merlin (or flirt with him depending on who you ask) he still gets knocked out and our royal couple has to take him to the castle to get him help. During this Arthur gets a small moment to see a glimpse of one of Merlin's many talents, he gets to see Merlin demonstrate the medical knowledge he's learnt from Gaius, suggesting to use honey to fight the infection. It's a small moment but it goes to show how Arthur is consistently surprised by what he learns of Merlin.

Gwaine wakes up in Merlin's bed...that’s it. Oh and Gwaine flirts with Merlin by showing off his feathers like a peacock while stretching his arms. But anyways, let’s get back to the plot (this draft has been sitting on my google docs for weeks so my brain is confusion). Merlin acts like a mother hen to Arthur by trying to convince Arthur not to participate in the melee, and of course he gets abused for it :O. However, it turns out (once again) that Arthur should’ve listened to Merlin’s advice because the same oaf from the tavern purchases (or steals) an enchanted sword to use in the melee against Arthur; the sword takes on a blunt appearance but actually isn't. Meanwhile in Camelot, Gwaine flirts with Gwen. This is in no way really relevant to the plot but my cousin wanted me to point out that his body language with Merlin and Gwaine is the same but then again it could just be him feeling cocky in the fight with Merlin OR feeling cocky acting as though hes wooed Gwen it's up to you to decide.

Now back to the plot, Arthur offers Merlin up as a substitute servant for the melee contestants and he's still working for Arthur. This shows that although Arthur has developed a lot and he's trying to be considerate to the contestants, he's still being inconsiderate of Merlin’s time and energy. Merlin vents to Gaius about how poorly Sir Oswald (Dagr the tavern oaf in disguise) treated him and the first seed of doubt planted by Gaius as Merlin’s accounts didn’t match up with his past experiences with Sir Oswald, who he remembered as a kind man.

Gwaine gets drunk and gets friendly with Merlin. Gwaine and Merlin bond over their parental issues and the theme of accepting all classes is reasserted. Anyways, drunk Gwaine buys a lot of stuff at the tavern and Merlin hopes Arthur will pay for it. He’s so pure...but so foolish. Arthur gets mad at Merlin, believing he is a drunkard. It sounds like a couples spat. Merlin clarifies that it was Gwaine’s tab but that doesn’t make him any less mad (in fact, it probably made him jealous) and Merlin is the one left having to pay the bills. Shaking my head.

In “Sir Oswald”’s room Merlin sees the two swords and learns that one of them was enchanted. Gwaine offers to help out with stealing it showing that despite his supposed hatred for nobility he has a sense of justice and loyalty to help out his friends. However, ultimately Merlin decides to steal the blade himself because he would have an alibi as a servant. Merlin sees the crystal used to disguise Dagr (the bar meanie) and the dagger but he wakes up! Gwaine saves the day after checking up on Merlin but Leon comes in. Now don’t get me wrong Leon is definitely loved on this account but why does he have to be a snitch in this episode lol. 

Gwaine is taken to the king and he says “nobility is defined by what you do and not by who you are”. Powerful stuff. Arthur vouches for Gwaine and Gwaine’s perspectives on nobility are slowly changing as he realizes that not all nobility is bad. Gwaine’s life is salvaged but he is banished from Camelot. Despite all the risk, Merlin once again is determined to save Arthur at the melee. But it's especially delicate because the whole kingdom including the King will be there. Thankfully, he is not alone. Unexpectedly, Gwaine sneaks in the melee and fights alongside Arthur against the thugs. That’s it. What we’ve learned in this episode is that Arthur is the jealous type and learning to see Merlin in new ways. However, there's still a lot that Arthur is naive about as royalty. He still is ignorant to financial and class issues but his heart is in a good place. And before you ask we ARE just going to ignore the fact that Arthur is jealous of Gwaine and Gwen’s friendship because the ultimate ship here is Merthur lol. 

[thepandragons]

Rant: Merlin’s The Dragon’s Call

Hi everyone. It’s been a while since I’ve posted any original content on this blog and the only explanation I can offer is that I have a debilitating time management issue :’). But anyways I have fully watched Merlin so I’ve decided as my coming-back (coming out? hahahahah- I’m sorry) post that I should start from the very beginning of this emotionally tormenting show. It’s all downhill from here folks :’)

Ok for starter’s in Netflix’s description of this episode Merlin is described as a “country boy” I don’t know about you but the way that the description frames the show I’m expecting this to be a hallmark movie about a coming of age. And as we know a common trope in Hallmark movies is poor people ending up with princes...coincidence? Nah fam. 

Quick side note: It would be illegal of me not to notice how small our boy Merlin looks. Like, you have to love him :)

Anyways, after the small little montage of Merlin looking at Camelot with wide-eyed wonder, we are taken out of that moment abruptly. As an audience we see Uther is sentencing someone to death for magic and condemning magic. Merlin is clearly horrified. We are not aware he has magic yet but most people know that the name Merlin is associated with a sorcerer so....we been knew. While we don’t know Merlin yet we have been told he has a great destiny by a mysterious voice over so this just further grabs our attention.

 For fans of the show, it just goes to show how brave and selfless Merlin is. Merlin wasn’t just a brave magician gallivanting around saving people, who then realized that magic was illegal later on and was too attached to Camelot to stop helping out. No, Merlin was brave from the get-go. One (or Gaius) would even say stupidly brave. Merlin could’ve easily been so scared off by this initial encounter that he decided to keep his magic to himself. Instead we see Merlin become deeply moved by this display of ignorance and be further moved by the outburst of the mother of the man who has been executed (before it took a creepy turn). And while this may not be the gay light hearted Hallmark story you clicked on this rant for, these experiences will shape Merlin and his relationships with those around him (*cough,cough* and Arthur)

Mary being the mother of the accused who got executed takes on Helen’s appearance. Helen is an opera singer set to perform for a royal party. While the show presents a magical protagonist, the show also shows how magic can be used for evil. No doubt this is going to be a moral dillema that Merlin has to face in future episodes. 

But let’s get to one of the gayest parts of the episode! Merlin’s first meeting with Arthur can hardly be called romantic. They meet when Merlin comes across Arthur using a servant for target pracice. So things are not looking too hot right now. Our brave boy Merlin decides to speak up because being used as target pracitce is not in the servant’s job description as far as I’m concerned. Unfortunately, Merlin doesn’t know he’s talking to the prince. Or fortunately, because this is the first step to Arthur’s character development in viewing all classes equally. But most importantly for the entertainment value of this post it leads to some sexual tension :’). What an eventful first episode. 

Now although Arthur and Merlin are clearly irritated Arthur is laughing in a way which makes me think he is somewhat entertained by it. Dare I say...attracted? We can safely assume no one has ever talked to Arthur in this way before so it is a new and (sexually) confusing situation. Like the boy says “Do you know how to walk on your knees” this is some Shakespeare level sexual tension. He said “Would you like help” I can’t ya’ll. 

However, Merlin throws a punch and Arthur says he’ll have him thrown in jail. Merlin, our brave but very reckless boy says “Who do you think you are, the king.” and Arthur reveals he’s the king’s son. The sexual tension is dead and it replaced by shock and anger. Arthur is making a suprised Pikachu face because he is shocked that someone he threatened physically would attempt to fight him. 

Later, Merlin walk through town and passes Arthur and his crew and Arthur provokes him. When Merlin retaliates Arthur’s best comeback is “I could take you apart with one blow” Yes I know that it wasn’t intended to be dirty but that doesn’t make it any less entertaining given modern language. Once again Merlin’s bravery is asserted in a fight with a dubious vicotry. Arthur stops guards from arresting Merlin saying “There’s something about you Merlin, I can’t quite put my finger on it.” could it be Merlin’s magic? I highly doubt it, Arthur is fooled by magic people all the time in the series. I believe Arthur is perceiving the weird chemistry that comes from meeting someone who is brave enough to disregard their rank in comparison to his. The chemistry of meeting someone whose destiny is intertwined with his. Plus the sexual tension.   

The next event of importance to this analysis is Merlin meeting Kilgarrah, the dragon imprisoned in the castle. Merlin is told by Kilgrarrah that Arthur needs Merlin to succeed in uniting Albion and that Merlin’s destiny is to help him. Merlin says “But I'm serious! If anyone wants to go and kill him, they can go ahead. In fact, I'll give them a hand.” and for anyone who has watched at least five minutes of the show that statement is laughable. Merlin calls Arthur an idiot and Kilgarrah says maybe its his destiny to change that. Kilgarrah is telling Merlin that Arthur needs him and his help. He needs him to help him unite Albion and make him a better person. This shows how intertwined their destinies are, which gives them a completely different dynamic that they can’t replicate with anyone else. This is what intrigues viewers about the ship.

The epsiode ends with Merlin saving Arthur from dying due to the hands of the woman posing as Helen the opera singer. The same man who said he would help someone kill Arthur saves his life and is “rewarded” with the postion as Arthur’s manservant. With seemingly no reason to like Arthur this shows how Merlin is a good person. It also demonstrates that the words told to him about destiny hold more weight to him than he lets on. 

[thepandragons]

Rant: Merlin's The Drawing of the Dark

So this episode has less Merthur content because it is sad boi hours in Camelot. My next few rants are gonna be the last two episodes cause I have yet to watch them cause :,(.

The knights (and our boy Merlin) are patrolling the woods when they find a dead Camelot patrol. Mordred finds the perpetrator who happens to be an old druid (girl)friend, he sets her free and covers for her. Merlin however, saw the interaction. Mordred steals some of Gauis' options and heals the druid girl Kara. Kara is caught while Merlin and Arthur are patrolling the forests and she is revealed to be working for Morgana. The night before Kara is supposed to be hanged Mordred comes to Arthur's chambers and apologizes for covering for the druid girl and asks if she may be released. Arthur refuses and Mordred leaves heartbroken. Watching this scene where Mordred was apologizing for his actions made me feel as though he was really thanking Arthur for all hes done for him and apologizing in advanced for what his betrayl if Arthur didnt release Kara. Merlin tries to convince Arthur to release Kara and I think this scene gives Merlin even more evidence that magic isnt tolerated, although Merlin understands that Kara had plans to overthrow Arthur and wants to protect Arthur, its still a sobering moment. It really shows how much Merlin has grown. I believe a few seasons ago Merlin would've understood Mordred's desire to protect Kara but Merlin isn't as trusting as he used to be and his dedication to Arthur is greater. Mordred has plans to free Kara but Merlin #exposes him and the knights, Arthur and Merlin find him. Mordred volunteers himself and Kara to go into exile but Kara is too dangerous to release. Arthur offers Kara a release if she repents for her crimes but Kara doesn't see an issue with anything she did so being big dumb she does not repent and she dies. And then Mordred goes to Morgana and reveals that Merlin is Emyrs. At this point in the series I'm ready to throw hands. I have been avoiding the moment where the series comes to an end (which is why I haven't been posting smh); however, Netflix is taking Merlin off in December. Don't worry though guys I'm gonna buy the series so that I can keep making my shitty content :).

[thepandragons]

Rant: Merlin's "Moment of Truth"

This episode may not be so much gay as it is Arthur caring for Merlin (who am I kidding...its hella gay) In this episode, Ealdor is in severe distress and Arthur gives Merlin the special boyfriend privilege of having a meeting with the King to request aid. Uther rejects the case and so Merlin decides he has to go back to Ealdor to support his hometown and mother. Of course, Arthur can't stand being away from Merlin and he doesn't like seeing him sad so he decides to go and help Merlin personally. This shows how much Arthur cares about Merlin, not only does he owe Merlin for being so loyal but he cares. When Merlin arrives he greets his friend Will and Arthur being extremely needy and jealous hardly allows them time to speak. Not only is Arthur jealous of Will but Will is extremely resistant to Arthur's help. Merlin expresses to Will that he had a bad initial impression of Arthur but has come to respect, befriend and trust him. Will made Merlin enter sad boy hours by reminding him that he is just a servant to Arthur. Thus the dilemma with class differences in their friendship (*cough* relationship *cough*) But here the plot thickens, Merlin has to use magic in a battle to save Ealdor. With his hand out and a strange duststorm it is obvious that this is not a natural event and magic is at use here. Arthur sees Merlin's back and looks very confused and suspicious, he even comments on magic being present. Later when Merlin's friend Will is dying his friend pretends he was the cause of the dust to take the fall for Merlin, but Arthur knows that doesnt feel right. Arthur looks up at Merlin and Merlin looks at Arthur. Merlin isn't exactly a master at deception (or even trying). Before going into battle Merlin understands that this is a hopeless situation and he needs to use his magic. Merlin has a moment with Arthur where he makes him promise that no matter what happens Arthur won't see him differently. When Arthur points out the use of magic all Merlin does is softly say his name. And when Will tries to take the fall for Merlin, Merlin tries to stop him. But Arthur still denies that Merlin has magic because he still has predjudice imposed by his father and he can't associsate Merlin with evil or danger. He still wants to think of Merlin as a completely honest and simple person.

Bonus: Hunith says to Merlin " He"s here for you...He likes you". She says they are two sides of the same coin and they need eachother. She also believes that Arthur would be accepting of Merlin's Magic. That's some really gay good shit :,)

[thepandragons]

Rant: Merlin's The Kindness of Strangers

Ok so the episode starts off with Arthur and Gwen on a picnic and of course our boy Merlin's there. But Merlin teases Arthur (what's new) and Arthur says there's a special punishment for that and I'm gonna leave a link to that clip (the time stamp is 9:11) so you can just feel the homoerotic tension. Am I reading too into this...absolutely, but no one can tell me that Merlin is not in a nervous gay silence and that they arent eye fucking.

Now to the actual plot of the episode, Merlin plans on meeting a lady named Finna. The lady tells him she comes with warnings of a great battle. This lady is potentially a liar, and an informant for Morgana but Merlin said "if she can potentially help me protect Arthur from Mordred and I refuse to go will all not be lost then" So is Arthur or the kingdom everything to Merlin? The shipper in me says Arthur but the logical side says both. Merlin promises Gaius he won't meet with the lady...that was a lie. This shows just how desperate he is to save Arthur. Never before has he promised to Gaius in such a way. Turns out the lady Merlin spoke with was a servant for Alator and looking out for the good of the kingdom. Gaius had made the mistake of informing Arthur of Merlin and her meeting place, believing Merlin wouldn't go. Now Merlin's identity is at risk. Morgana saw the message given to Alator by Finna his servant so now Morgana is pursuing Finna to figure out who Emyrs is. Because of Gaius the knights are now after Finna believing she's a servant for Morgana. So now Merlin is risking his life and his identity for Finna and inadvertently Arthur. Finna hides Merlin in a watchtower. Morgana and her guards are approaching so Merlin proceeds to the roof while Finna stays behind. Finna is going to great lengths to protect Merlin's identity from being found out. Since Finna is easier to get information from, she must not let Morgana capture her in order to protect Merlin's identity. Using Merlin's sword, Finna kills herself. Meanwhile Merlin is near death and has to call the dragon to save him. This episode sets the tone for how high the stakes are and just how far people will go to protect Merlin and Arthur. We already know Merlin is willing to risk his life for Arthur but the audience and the characters in the show have started to view Merlin as invincible. We've thought that since Merlin has survived so many times and has such a great destiny no permenant harm can befall him and Arthur. This episode proves us wrong while showing just how great of a sacrifice Merlin is willing to make for Arthur.

Also f's in the chat for Kilgarrah

[thepandragons]

Rant: Merlin's Lamia

This episode doesnt have much Merthur but it may have evidence of Merlin having a same sex attraction and also assists in giving more depth to the Merthur dynamic.

This episode starts with one of Gwen's old friends arriving in Camelot seeking help for a strange sickness plaguing their village. Gaius can't leave Camelot as he's busy with domestic sicknesses so he requests that they send Merlin. Not only does Arthur doubt Merlin's capabilities so does Merlin. Again, the audience sees Merlin's desire to be seen as the talented and powerful person he is and Arthur's desire to view him as a simpleton. Arthur asks if Merlin can handle the responsibility like...bitch you drag him along on all your suicide missions stop asking dumb questions. 

In all honesty, I believe that Arthur, although he appreciates Merlin still underestimates him. And by that I mean Arthur underestimates him both explicitly and internally. Arthur likes to think that Merlin is dependent on him for protection. In addition, Arthur doesn’t want to feel like he is useless. To learn that Merlin has been protecting him the whole time would be devastating. So much of Arthur’s character is honor. Arthur wants to take care of his kingdom and to think that a lot of his victories were only a result of magic would rob him of his inner purpose and motivator. Of course, we know that without Merlin, Arthur is still a great asset, but Arthur knowing of Merlin’s magic would cause him to rethink everything he thought was true.

Nevertheless, someone needs to believe in Merlin...so thank you papa Gaius.  Back to our regularly scheduled rant. 

Merlin arrives in the village and but his magic cant heal them and neither can his treatments, he suspects magic. Merlin decides they need to go running back to papa Gaius. But on the way back to Camelot they find bandits with a girl locked up and the bois save her in an iconic montage. The girl "Lamia" oddly seems fearful of Merlin who shows her nothing but kindness. Even weirder, Percival shoves him and basically tells him to f off. Its really sus that they're all bullying Merlin and telling him he's worth nothing, trying to fight eachother and changing their route when people's lives are at stake. 

There are alot of questions like: a. why does Lamia feel so threatened by Merlin...what does he have the others dont...(magic) and why are Gwen and Merlin the only ones not enchanted...what do they have in common...maybe being attracted to men (and I oop-). That explains why he wouldn't be enchanted but not necessarily why he would be viewed as a threat. But if it was just his magic wouldn't she enchant him to get him out of the way as a threat?

Although now in hindsight I'm confused that Gwaine and Percival got enchanted like the authors didn't know they would make then gay asf later but maybe they’re bi idk we don't assume here. 

Also given Merlin’s experiences with Freya and checking out Morgana who knows what his sexuality is. Bi-erasure and erasure of any sexuality is not cool. Maybe it’s because Merlin’s heart is with Arthur at this point :’).  Or maybe it’s simply a plot hole. But again just a few theories to think about.

Gwen then questions why the Lamia hasn't affected them...and he says the victims were all men and knights which the latter is a lie. At this point, I feel like Merlin doesn't even really know the answer himself and he's not even trying to hide that he's the same sex attracted & magic. Then Gwen's not buying it and she's like "there's something about you", is she suggesting the fact that the Lamia is treating him like he is the enemy or that he's not traditionally masculine...given the fact that everyone likes to believe that Merlin is a regular old guy Gwen probably doesn't suspect him of magic, I think she suspects he's gay. But conveniently they hear a yell and Merlin gets to avoid any further conversation. Leaving us to theorize about why the Lamia didn’t target him. 

[thepandragons]

Rant: Merlin's The Dissir

Ok so before I get into this Merlin theory/rant I want to make it clear that I understand that the reason why Merlin is so disapproving of Mordered is that he sees him as a threat to Arthur's safety. But I have reason to believe he also sees him as a threat to his "friendship" (with homoerotic tension) with Arthur. When Arthur decides to go visit the Dissir and beg them to return Mordred Merlin highly discourages it under the guise of the dangers this presents. Really, Merlin is just taking this as an opportunity to rid them of Mordred because he knows their destinies are intertwined. But this is not the only level in which Merlin feels threatened by Mordred. It is no secret Arthur is incredibly fond of Modred. This is clear by their closeness after Modred makes progress while sparring Arthur, Arthur is really proud. After the spar is over Merlin approaches Arthur and calls his name but Arthur is preoccupied with giving Mordred further pointers. Not only that but he doesn't even seem to notice Merlin was there. Merlin then looks at their retreating forms like a sad boyfriend. Later, when Merlin and Arthur are going to save Mordred he once more attempts to talk Arthur out of it. Arthur then says he has to save Mordred and Merlin says "not me". Of course Arthur disputes this, he would give his life for Merlin's and he has shown that MANY TIMES. MERLIN IS ACTING LIKE A GIRL WHO GOT MAD THAT HER BOYFRIEND CALLED ANOTHER GIRL PRETTY AND LIES AND SAYS HE NEVER COMPLIMENTS HER. Like Merlin is not just concerned with Arthur's safety he is a petty bitch.