Warning! Spoilers for The Empyrean Series!
Summary
- The theory about Naolin's potential return as a venin in Onyx Storm could complicate relationships and world rules.
- If alive, Naolin could manipulate Tairn and Violet through their bond, putting them in physical danger.
- The lack of details and certain dialogue choices hint at Naolin's survival, setting up his possible return.
One of Onyx Storm's best theories regarding Naolin would, if true, repeat a twist readers have already seen in Iron Flame. Naolin's presence in the series is quite minimal and little is known about him beyond the fact that he was Tairn's former rider, he was a siphon, and he sacrificed himself to save Brennan during the Tyrrish Rebellion. As a result, theories about his character have abounded, including the idea that he may not actually be as dead as everyone assumes.
The idea that Naolin is alive and could possibly have turned venin is a Onyx Storm, as his power could drain two magical sources and leave the riders at a disadvantage. It can also complicate several characters' relationships and even a few established rules of the world, especially regarding Violet and Tairn.
Did Violet Sorrengail's Dad Turn Venin?! This Fourth Wing Theory Is Dark AF (But Genius)
One of the dark but intriguing theories fans of Fourth Wing have crafted is that Violet's father may have turned venin, leading to his death.
Onyx Storm's Naolin Theory Would Be A Huge Deal For Violet & Tairn
Naolin Could Destroy Tairn And Violet's Bond
If Naolin is a venin, Violet and Tairn's bond could be in danger as Naolin could manipulate Tairn through their connection, as seen in Iron Flame. Within Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, a rider's bond to their dragon is vital to them and devastating when broken. Tairn is one of Fourth Wing, yet losing his rider put him out of commission for years. If this theory is true, it would complicate his connection with Violet as he may wish to return to his former rider but also feel devastated seeing him as a venin.
Naolin being alive could also put Tairn and Violet in physical danger. During Iron Flame's ending, Jack Barlowe was able to manipulate Baide through their bond, overpowering her mind using his abilities as a venin. Naolin's venin powers could cause something similar with Tairn, forcing him to hurt other riders against his will. This could also put Violet in danger as Naolin could manipulate her through the bond, cutting off her power and potentially taking over her mind, too, giving this continued trend a new, devastating twist.
Naolin Returning In Onyx Storm Would Continue A Trend For The Empyrean Series
Both Empyrean Series Books Have Had Surprise "Resurrections"
Allowing Naolin to return to the series as a venin would work story-wise, as it would continue the trend of revealing a character is not truly dead and mirror another character's seeming resurrection. Brennan and Barlowe were assumed dead in Fourth Wing, with Brennan dying before the series began and Barlowe being killed by Violet the first time she manifested her signet. Both characters are revealed later to be alive, which allows the possibility to exist for Naolin. Barlowe's resurrection as a venin in Iron Flame specifically lends credence to the theory, as it showcases a venin's true capabilities.
Barlowe also had similar powers to a siphon as a venin, allowing him to absorb and redistribute energy, which may have let him survive.
Barlowe was able to both manipulate his own dragon and hide his new status within the wards, showcasing that Naolin could be concealing the fact that he is still alive and connected to Tairn. Barlowe also had similar powers to a siphon as a venin, allowing him to absorb and redistribute energy. Naolin's story could mimic this, as he could have absorbed the energy from another source, such as the earth, and distributed it to save Brennan to avoid burnout, paying off the hints in both Fourth Wing and Iron Flame.
How Fourth Wing & Iron Flame Have Hinted At Naolin's Survival
The Lack Of Details And Certain Phrasing Choices Hint At Naolin's Survival
A combination of a lack of details regarding his body and the dialogue choices of several characters have hinted at Naolin's survival, allowing Onyx Storm the opportunity to bring him back into the narrative. In Fourth Wing, Professor Kaori mentions how a rider as powerful as Naolin might not accept his limits. The venin possess various powers the riders do not and seem capable of using them without burning out. This could hint at how Naolin, desperate and unable to accept Brennan's approaching death, could have pulled directly from the source in an attempt to save him and turned venin as a result.
Naolin's choice and subsequent betrayal could explain why Tairn rarely talks about him and Brennan's comment that saving him cost Naolin everything. Tairn and Brennan could know that Naolin is alive and are hiding it due to their still strong loyalty to him, which is in character for both of them. Adding to this is the fact that there is no mention of his body in Fourth Wing or Iron Flame much like Brennan and Barlowe, further showcasing how Naolin could return in Onyx Storm as a venin.
Onyx Storm will be released on January 21, 2025.
Based on the novel series by Rebecca Yarros, Fourth Wing is an action-adventure fantasy series in development for Prime Video. Announced in 2024, Fourth Wing will follow the adventures of a young woman named Violet Sorrengail, who has been taken from her peaceful book-reading life and thrust into a world of danger when she is forced by her mother to an elite group of dragon-riding warriors.
- Seasons
- 1
- Creator(s)
- Rebecca Yarros
- Where To Watch
- Prime Video
