Rebecca Yarros fans work out Fourth Wing character is 'still alive'

Daily Mirror

12-05-2025

The Empyrean series has gripped fans with its complex characters and world-building, and now some have come up with a mind-blowing theory about one supposed 'dead' character
Devotees of the Fourth Wing saga may have to hold their horses for the upcoming chapter, as author Rebecca Yarros has confessed she's yet to put pen to paper for the new book. Still, that hasn't deterred fervent fans from brainstorming possible twists and turns in The Empyrean series.
One theory focuses on Naolin, Tairn's rider, before our protagonist, Violet. Naolin met his demise ahead of the tale's commencement, valiantly sacrificing himself to resurrect Brennan. But a faction of followers are airing the possibility that Naolin's fate wasn't sealed by this heroic act, proposing instead that he morphed into one of the nefarious, shadow-manipulating venin.
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A theory debated zealously on Reddit suggests: "We know he died tried to resurrect Brennen (who isn't dead) so he either became venin and then had the power to bring him back to life, or Brennan never died and Naolin still reached for that power and turned."
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The speculation doesn't end there, as the same fan speculated: "It would make sense for leadership to say that he died rather than turned venin since they are hiding the existence from the citizens.
"They claim he 'burned out and died next to that rider' but that rider didn't die, so there's no guarantee he did either. I would think that would be a pretty convenient lie for someone who turned venin."
This theory further spirals into the hypothesis that Naolin is not merely a run-of-the-mill venin but the enigmatic venin general spoken of in hushed tones throughout the narrative, reports the Mirror US.
Some fans aren't convinced by a popular theory, with one questioning: "I don't think he's the general since the general mentions waiting centuries for someone with Violet's power and Naolin only 'died' a couple of years ago."
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They do however back another idea, adding: "I do support the theory of him being Venin though. It would definitely explain Tairn's redirection anytime Violet mentions him and how angry he gets when he comes up."
This fan has their own interpretation, speculating: "I think Naolin turned and Tairn had to break his bond. I think that makes more sense for Tairn's emotions behind Naolin versus him simply burning out. Because how angry could Tairn really be if Naolin burned out for love?".
The debate continues as some suggest Naolin might actually be the venin sage, pointing out that Brennan refers to Naolin saving him at the cost of "everything", not necessarily his life.
Meanwhile, there are those who believe the tale is less complex, suggesting that Naolin's death might just be that, without a hidden layer.