As readers delved into Rebecca Yarros’ Onyx Storm, numerous theories emerged, particularly surrounding Violet’s second signet and the fate of Xaden post-transformation into a venin. A widely discussed hypothesis suggested that Naolin, the former rider of Tairn, could be the elusive Venin Sage. Naolin has been mentioned repeatedly throughout the series, yet his backstory remains largely unexplored, leading fans to anticipate his return in upcoming novels of the Empyrean Series.
However, a pivotal moment in Iron Flame swiftly dispelled this notion, and subsequent developments in Onyx Storm substantiated that speculation. The quest to unveil the identity of the Venin Sage has persisted throughout the series, but Yarros has finally named the character: Berwyn. While this new revelation does not directly connect Berwyn to Naolin, it suggests that Yarros may have grand plans for Naolin in the series’ future installments.
Naolin Is The Venin Sage: Fourth Wing Theory Explained
Plenty of Clues Bolstered This Theory
Theories about Naolin being the Venin Sage were compelling, backed by specific nuances in dialogue that hinted at deeper connections. For instance, Brennan mentions that it “cost him everything”to save Naolin, cultivating empathy and suspicion surrounding Naolin’s death. According to the story, Naolin allegedly succumbed to burnout while trying to save Brennan during the Tyrrish Rebellion. However, the ambiguity persists, as both Tairn and Brennan choose their words carefully when discussing Naolin, suggesting a more complex narrative than initially assumed.
This ambiguity continues to intrigue as we see a fight between Xaden and the Sage at the climax of Iron Flame. The Sage’s taunt to Xaden—”It hurts, doesn’t it? Nearing burnout?”—while seemingly benign, hints at a personal experience with burnout. Many readers drew parallels between this line and Naolin, surmising that he may have chosen to turn venin during his desperate attempts to rescue Brennan.
Debunking the Naolin Theory through Iron Flame
Naolin’s Age Disqualifies Him as the Sage
Despite Naolin’s had compelling narrative links to the Venin Sage, one crucial dialogue in Iron Flame effectively debunked the theory before the arrival of Onyx Storm. In a pivotal sequence, the Sage articulates that he has “waited centuries”for a wielder of shadows, eliminating Naolin’s candidacy since he had only “passed away”a mere six years before the events of Fourth Wing.
This revelation serves as a significant indication that the Sage’s lifespan vastly exceeds Naolin’s, who was still relatively young during his time. With riders typically starting their journey at a young age, the notion further solidifies that Naolin cannot be the Venin Sage. Yet, there remains a possibility that Yarros may still unveil Naolin as a significant character in a future installment.
Naolin May Not Be the Sage, but His Connection to Venin Persists
Potential for Naolin’s Return
While the dialogues in Iron Flame and the narrative on Onyx Storm appear to confirm that Naolin is not the Venin Sage, they do not exclude the possibility that he could still become a venin. The mysterious aura surrounding Naolin’s character has been a recurring theme throughout the series, particularly influenced by Tairn and Brennan’s reticence to discuss his circumstances. Such hints from Yarros throughout the initial three novels indicate intentions for a significant revelation involving Naolin.
Moreover, inconsistencies surrounding Brennan’s resurrection add another layer to this enigma. Notably, the rune-shaped scar on his hand piques curiosity. Given that Naolin’s signet ability functions as a siphon, one could theorize that this power was instrumental in bringing Brennan back to life. This raises the question of whether Naolin had to draw additional power from a deeper source to achieve this resurrection, suggesting a deeper connection between him and the venin’s magic.
Notably, Onyx Storm presents an intriguing moment when Sloan attempts to heal Mira’s severe injury; Violet observes that neither Brennan nor Dane bears a rune-shaped scar from this exchange. This detail amplifies Violet’s growing suspicion about the origins of Brennan’s extraordinary survival and the implications of the rune on his palm—a storyline that is likely to develop further in the next entry of the Fourth Wing series.
The Upcoming Sequel Must Resolve the Naolin Mystery
Unraveling the Mystery of Naolin
While Naolin’s character has been consistently mentioned, the intricate connections between him, Brennan, and Tairn remain elusive. The import of these characters and their intertwined fates necessitates clarity in the forthcoming Fourth Wing installment. Fortunately, the conclusion of Onyx Storm signals Violet’s rising skepticism regarding the nature of Brennan’s scar and compels her to reflect on Naolin’s fate, suggesting that Yarros is gearing up for a significant disclosure.
With the series projected to span five novels, it is unlikely Yarros will allow the mystery surrounding Naolin to linger beyond the fourth installment. Doing so could undermine the depth of a storyline long awaited by fans. The mounting intrigue surrounding Naolin’s character continues to grow, and readers are eager to see how Yarros intends to unfold this narrative arc in the future.