Character Manifesto: Morgana le Fey
Fandom: Merlin BBC
Character: Morgana
Pairings Included in Manifesto: Morgana/Arthur Pendragon, Morgana/Gwaine, Morgana/Merlin Emrys
Note: Mentions of the third and latest series will abound in this manifesto. Be warned of the spoilers.
Blurb: Morgana of the Merlin 'verse is perhaps one of the most fascinating, complex characters in the show, despite how she has been written in the most recent series. Many have bemoaned what has become of her in canon, but in the fanfiction, the compelling woman everyone saw her as continues on.
When I initially set out to start this list of fic recs, I hadn't intended for it to become so loaded down with Morgana/Merlin stories, but once I started pawing through the various bookmarks and communities, I had to forcibly stop myself and move on to a different pairing. Morgana and Merlin are both complex and full of issues on their own, but put them together and you have a recipe that is addicting. Even despite the demise of their friendship in canon, the writers listed here have managed to keep their relationship (whatever its status) full of life and enticing.
Morgana/Gwaine is one of the more recent fanon pairings to come into existence, but it's definitely one of the most enjoyable. Gwaine's a good-natured rogue, the type to tease a girl until she explodes from frustrated rage (or lust). Since the pairing most often takes place in the third series, Morgana's current behavior is very often a factor in any story pairing them together. As a result, Gwaine and Morgana clashing with each other is always a sight to see.
Morgana/Arthur is a classic pairing that has also lost a bit of interest, given the revelation of their true relationship in the third series. However, it's because of things like this that we have AU fanfiction. Morgana and Arthur are both strong-willed, opinionated individuals, and so many writers have been able to capture that and pour it into the attraction between them that was so obvious to anyone who watched the first series.
I hope everyone enjoys the stories that I've picked out. They're by no means exclusive, but I hope everyone finds them an enjoyable selection!
Fic Rec #1: The Warlock's Reckoning
Pairing: Morgana/Merlin Emrys
Author: lunik_the_bard
Link: http://thezeppelins.wordpress.com/2011/01/29/the-warlocks-reckoning/#more-233
Rating/Warning(s): G | spoilers for the third series
Why This Must Be Read: A story only just recently written, and one I just couldn't resist sharing with the widest audience possible. Set in the timeframe of the third series, lunik_the_bard takes the Morgana of canon and breathes life into her, gives her dimension. She and Merlin are at odds, bitterly so, but the bond between them still lies between them, unbroken no matter how much they attempt to hate each other. No happy ending, I'm afraid, but still, it's one of the finest attempts at giving the conflict between Merlin and Morgana some real depth. Merlin remains in a coma-like state for nearly the entire story, but his presence is keenly felt, especially by Morgana, as she struggles to understand just what he means to her.
Fic Rec #2 The Lives that Weren't
Pairing: Morgana/Merlin Emrys (with Guinevere "Gwen"/Arthur Pendragon and Morgause/Nimueh as well)
Author: gnimaerd
Link: http://gnimaerd.livejournal.com/437040.html (note: this takes you to the final part in the story, but at the top of the page are the links to the previous eleven parts)
Rating/Warning(s): R for sexual situations
Why This Must Be Read: An outstanding, well-thought-out AU of the first series, where Merlin, Morgana, and Morgause are all brought up by Nimueh instead of Hunith, Uther, and whoever raised Morgause.Morgana is one of the characters who takes center stage and her relationship with Merlin is equal parts adorable, frustrating, and wonderful. You see a real development in how they relate to each other, from childhood to adulthood. Though the story covers the lives and relationships of the other characters as well, it all fits together nicely, and you'll love every minute of it.
Fic Rec #3: The Parsifal Chapel
Pairing: Morgana/Merlin Emrys
Author: Anonymous
Link: http://community.livejournal.com/kinkme_merlin/15563.html?thread=14205131
Rating/Warning(s): NC-17 | explicit sexual situations, vague spoilers for the third series
Why This Must Be Read: Enjoy angsty hate!sex? Then this is the fic for you. Merlin is in a very, very bad place in the aftermath of Camlann, and it is Morgana who must distract him and help him regain a sense of self, or even his sanity, before he does something terrible. There is a huge, huge amount of history between these two characters, and it's apparent in every. single. word.
Fic Rec #4: I'm Gonna Eat You Alive
Author: pockyxchan
Pairing: Morgana/Merlin Emrys
Link: http://pockyxchan.livejournal.com/13702.html
Rating/Warning(s): PG-13 | Spoilers for the third series
Why This Must Be Read: The story is in Merlin's voice, but Morgana's presence is just as palpable in it. They've both chosen their side, and yet something always draws them back together. So much sadness in this fic.
Fic Rec #5: It's not easy having yourself a good time
Pairing: Morgana/Merlin Emrys
Author: dollsome
Link: http://dollsome.livejournal.com/1486243.html
Rating/Warning(s): PG
Why This Must Be Read: A hilarious, tongue-in-cheek take on the changes to Morgana's character in the third series. Merlin sets out to provide a helping hand, to remind Morgana of the good things in life. Morgana just thinks he's an annoying little prat. You'll crack up reading this!
Fic Rec #6: Stalemate
Pairing: Morgana/Merlin Emrys
Author: nilecrocodile
Link: http://nilecrocodile.livejournal.com/34689.html
Rating/Warning(s): PG | spoilers for the third series
Why This Must Be Read: Honestly, it's a bit of a coin toss as to whether to classify this one as gen or het. I'm including it because whenever I read it, I can't help but feel an underlying attraction between both Merlin and Morgana, beneath the snarling and hate that flies between them. There's just something there in this short story, set in the aftermath of 3x03 Goblin's Gold.
Fic Rec #7: Awash with Shadows
Pairing: Morgana/Gwaine, hints of Morgana le Fey/Arthur Pendragon
Author: humbuggirl
Link: http://community.livejournal.com/burnishedspells/47572.html
Rating/Warning(s): R
Why This Must Be Read: Both Morgana and Gwaine are defiant people, forever poking and pushing against anyone or anything they consider unjust. In this story in particular, their very relationship and viewpoints highlight both their defiance and the flaws in the world that Arthur and the others struggled to build once he became king. Morgana and Gwaine's voices ring true, and it's an excellent, riveting read.
Fic Rec #8: The Home in Her Mouth
Pairing: Morgana/Gwaine
Author: gnimaerd
Link: http://gnimaerd.livejournal.com/415516.html
Rating/Warning(s): R | spoilers for the third series
Why This Must Be Read: A story that will bring a smile to your face, even in its more morose moments. Set during 3x04, Gwaine's introductory episode, we see how Gwaine and Morgana came to know one another, and discover a surprising connection between them. What I love about this fic is how quickly Gwaine is able to get Morgana's measure -- it takes a liar to spot a liar -- and yet still have her remain a mystery to him. In the eyes of a veritable stranger, one sees Morgana as she is -- a contradiction.
Fic Rec #9: light will guide you home and ignite your bones
Pairing: Morgana/Arthur Pendragon
Author: theangelunknown
Link: http://theangelunknown.livejournal.com/22205.html
Rating/Warning(s): PG-13
Why This Must Be Read: "Arthur and Morgana throughout the years." The summary, in all its simplicity, sums it up. From childhood to adulthood, Arthur and Morgana have a special bond to one another, one that never breaks, even in the wake of Morgana's actions. A lovely, simple fic.
Fic Rec #10: The Brush of Wildfire
Pairing: Morgana/Arthur Pendragon
Author: ed-84
Link: http://ed-84.livejournal.com/38867.html
Rating/Warning(s): NC-17
Why This Must Be Read: This one is an old classic, one I'm sure that many people have read (and if you haven't, OMG what are you waiting for?! click on the link!!), but it's such an outstanding fic that it deserves to be on any fic rec list regarding Morgana le Fey. Morgana's perspective and, yes, her folly all ring clear as a bell in this story, the love and the tragedy that all are such an enormous part of her. A beautiful story that still brings tears to my eyes whenever I read it.
Character: Morgana
Pairings Included in Manifesto: Morgana/Arthur Pendragon, Morgana/Gwaine, Morgana/Merlin Emrys
Note: Mentions of the third and latest series will abound in this manifesto. Be warned of the spoilers.
Blurb: Morgana of the Merlin 'verse is perhaps one of the most fascinating, complex characters in the show, despite how she has been written in the most recent series. Many have bemoaned what has become of her in canon, but in the fanfiction, the compelling woman everyone saw her as continues on.
When I initially set out to start this list of fic recs, I hadn't intended for it to become so loaded down with Morgana/Merlin stories, but once I started pawing through the various bookmarks and communities, I had to forcibly stop myself and move on to a different pairing. Morgana and Merlin are both complex and full of issues on their own, but put them together and you have a recipe that is addicting. Even despite the demise of their friendship in canon, the writers listed here have managed to keep their relationship (whatever its status) full of life and enticing.
Morgana/Gwaine is one of the more recent fanon pairings to come into existence, but it's definitely one of the most enjoyable. Gwaine's a good-natured rogue, the type to tease a girl until she explodes from frustrated rage (or lust). Since the pairing most often takes place in the third series, Morgana's current behavior is very often a factor in any story pairing them together. As a result, Gwaine and Morgana clashing with each other is always a sight to see.
Morgana/Arthur is a classic pairing that has also lost a bit of interest, given the revelation of their true relationship in the third series. However, it's because of things like this that we have AU fanfiction. Morgana and Arthur are both strong-willed, opinionated individuals, and so many writers have been able to capture that and pour it into the attraction between them that was so obvious to anyone who watched the first series.
I hope everyone enjoys the stories that I've picked out. They're by no means exclusive, but I hope everyone finds them an enjoyable selection!
Fic Rec #1: The Warlock's Reckoning
Pairing: Morgana/Merlin Emrys
Author: lunik_the_bard
Link: http://thezeppelins.wordpress.com/2011/01/29/the-warlocks-reckoning/#more-233
Rating/Warning(s): G | spoilers for the third series
Why This Must Be Read: A story only just recently written, and one I just couldn't resist sharing with the widest audience possible. Set in the timeframe of the third series, lunik_the_bard takes the Morgana of canon and breathes life into her, gives her dimension. She and Merlin are at odds, bitterly so, but the bond between them still lies between them, unbroken no matter how much they attempt to hate each other. No happy ending, I'm afraid, but still, it's one of the finest attempts at giving the conflict between Merlin and Morgana some real depth. Merlin remains in a coma-like state for nearly the entire story, but his presence is keenly felt, especially by Morgana, as she struggles to understand just what he means to her.
Fic Rec #2 The Lives that Weren't
Pairing: Morgana/Merlin Emrys (with Guinevere "Gwen"/Arthur Pendragon and Morgause/Nimueh as well)
Author: gnimaerd
Link: http://gnimaerd.livejournal.com/437040.html (note: this takes you to the final part in the story, but at the top of the page are the links to the previous eleven parts)
Rating/Warning(s): R for sexual situations
Why This Must Be Read: An outstanding, well-thought-out AU of the first series, where Merlin, Morgana, and Morgause are all brought up by Nimueh instead of Hunith, Uther, and whoever raised Morgause.Morgana is one of the characters who takes center stage and her relationship with Merlin is equal parts adorable, frustrating, and wonderful. You see a real development in how they relate to each other, from childhood to adulthood. Though the story covers the lives and relationships of the other characters as well, it all fits together nicely, and you'll love every minute of it.
Fic Rec #3: The Parsifal Chapel
Pairing: Morgana/Merlin Emrys
Author: Anonymous
Link: http://community.livejournal.com/kinkme_merlin/15563.html?thread=14205131
Rating/Warning(s): NC-17 | explicit sexual situations, vague spoilers for the third series
Why This Must Be Read: Enjoy angsty hate!sex? Then this is the fic for you. Merlin is in a very, very bad place in the aftermath of Camlann, and it is Morgana who must distract him and help him regain a sense of self, or even his sanity, before he does something terrible. There is a huge, huge amount of history between these two characters, and it's apparent in every. single. word.
Fic Rec #4: I'm Gonna Eat You Alive
Author: pockyxchan
Pairing: Morgana/Merlin Emrys
Link: http://pockyxchan.livejournal.com/13702.html
Rating/Warning(s): PG-13 | Spoilers for the third series
Why This Must Be Read: The story is in Merlin's voice, but Morgana's presence is just as palpable in it. They've both chosen their side, and yet something always draws them back together. So much sadness in this fic.
Fic Rec #5: It's not easy having yourself a good time
Pairing: Morgana/Merlin Emrys
Author: dollsome
Link: http://dollsome.livejournal.com/1486243.html
Rating/Warning(s): PG
Why This Must Be Read: A hilarious, tongue-in-cheek take on the changes to Morgana's character in the third series. Merlin sets out to provide a helping hand, to remind Morgana of the good things in life. Morgana just thinks he's an annoying little prat. You'll crack up reading this!
Fic Rec #6: Stalemate
Pairing: Morgana/Merlin Emrys
Author: nilecrocodile
Link: http://nilecrocodile.livejournal.com/34689.html
Rating/Warning(s): PG | spoilers for the third series
Why This Must Be Read: Honestly, it's a bit of a coin toss as to whether to classify this one as gen or het. I'm including it because whenever I read it, I can't help but feel an underlying attraction between both Merlin and Morgana, beneath the snarling and hate that flies between them. There's just something there in this short story, set in the aftermath of 3x03 Goblin's Gold.
Fic Rec #7: Awash with Shadows
Pairing: Morgana/Gwaine, hints of Morgana le Fey/Arthur Pendragon
Author: humbuggirl
Link: http://community.livejournal.com/burnishedspells/47572.html
Rating/Warning(s): R
Why This Must Be Read: Both Morgana and Gwaine are defiant people, forever poking and pushing against anyone or anything they consider unjust. In this story in particular, their very relationship and viewpoints highlight both their defiance and the flaws in the world that Arthur and the others struggled to build once he became king. Morgana and Gwaine's voices ring true, and it's an excellent, riveting read.
Fic Rec #8: The Home in Her Mouth
Pairing: Morgana/Gwaine
Author: gnimaerd
Link: http://gnimaerd.livejournal.com/415516.html
Rating/Warning(s): R | spoilers for the third series
Why This Must Be Read: A story that will bring a smile to your face, even in its more morose moments. Set during 3x04, Gwaine's introductory episode, we see how Gwaine and Morgana came to know one another, and discover a surprising connection between them. What I love about this fic is how quickly Gwaine is able to get Morgana's measure -- it takes a liar to spot a liar -- and yet still have her remain a mystery to him. In the eyes of a veritable stranger, one sees Morgana as she is -- a contradiction.
Fic Rec #9: light will guide you home and ignite your bones
Pairing: Morgana/Arthur Pendragon
Author: theangelunknown
Link: http://theangelunknown.livejournal.com/22205.html
Rating/Warning(s): PG-13
Why This Must Be Read: "Arthur and Morgana throughout the years." The summary, in all its simplicity, sums it up. From childhood to adulthood, Arthur and Morgana have a special bond to one another, one that never breaks, even in the wake of Morgana's actions. A lovely, simple fic.
Fic Rec #10: The Brush of Wildfire
Pairing: Morgana/Arthur Pendragon
Author: ed-84
Link: http://ed-84.livejournal.com/38867.html
Rating/Warning(s): NC-17
Why This Must Be Read: This one is an old classic, one I'm sure that many people have read (and if you haven't, OMG what are you waiting for?! click on the link!!), but it's such an outstanding fic that it deserves to be on any fic rec list regarding Morgana le Fey. Morgana's perspective and, yes, her folly all ring clear as a bell in this story, the love and the tragedy that all are such an enormous part of her. A beautiful story that still brings tears to my eyes whenever I read it.