I'm Convinced By This Fourth Wing Theory About The Venin Sage, But Hope Onyx Storm Proves Me Wrong

The venin Sage first makes an appearance at the end of Fourth Wing, but Iron Flame expands on the character a bit more. That said, the Sage's identity, intentions for Violet, and greater role in The Empyrean Series remain shrouded in mystery ahead of Onyx Storm. With so much more to learn about the character, Onyx Storm has the opportunity to throw a truly shocking twist our way. And one theory about the venin Sage makes a lot of sense, but I'm hoping it doesn't happen for multiple reasons.

What's Been Revealed About The Venin Sage So Far

He's Interested In Violet's Powers & Incredibly Powerful

Fourth Wing and Iron Flame keep the venin Sage a mysterious character, but the books do reveal clues about the villain that could contribute to a greater reveal later on. Fourth Wing sees him entering the battlefield wielding a tall staff, and he immediately showcases enormous strength upon his arrival. He evades attacks from Sgaeyl and Garrick and is the only one to walk away from the confrontation at Resson. The female venin that Violet fights suggests he's interested in her lightning-wielding signet, and Iron Flame confirms her ominous words.

Violet's interaction with the female wielder also reveals that the Sage is a teacher of sorts, a scary prospect considering his own lethal abilities. While the other venin don't seem to be at the same level of power as the Sage, they're clearly learning from and training with him. Violet's encounter with another dark wielder in Iron Flame confirms that the venin Sage who wants Violet's power isn't the only teacher, either, as the venin responds to Violet's question about him by asking, "Which Sage?"

The venin Sage also begins appearing to Violet in her dreams in book two, and Iron Flame's ending reveals he's doing the same to Xaden. It's not clear how he's capable of this. However, during his nightmare interactions with Violet, he reveals that he's interested in her joining him and turning venin — and he even commands his followers not to kill her. Violet notes multiple times that he seems disappointed by her refusal, suggesting he has high hopes for her cooperation. If nothing else, this suggests a deeper connection between the two characters.

The Sage also tells Violet he's "waited centuries" for someone with her power, suggesting he's old. That would explain his massive strength, which he showcases again during Iron Flame's final battle. He's even able to overtake Xaden and push him to turn into a venin, another outcome he seems eerily invested in. He tells Xaden that he's a general, not a Sage, raising questions about where he falls in the enemy's hierarchy. But regardless of his rank, I'm convinced his true identity is important — and one theory suggests he could be a character we know of.

Naolin, Tairn's Previous Rider, Is The Venin Sage - Theory Explained

Saving Brennan Could Have Turned Naolin

There are numerous possibilities for whom the venin Sage could be, from Violet's father to General Daramor. However, one convincing Fourth Wing theory suggests that he could be Tairn's former rider, Naolin. While this doesn't add up with his "centuries" comment, it makes a surprising amount of sense otherwise. For one, there's no explanation given for why the venin Sage is able to get inside Violet's and Xaden's heads throughout Iron Flame. Having a connection to Tairn might grant him the ability to utilize the mental bond that Violet and Xaden share.

Additionally, we know that Naolin supposedly perished while saving Brennan Sorrengail during the Tyrrish Rebellion. The fact that Brennan is believed to be dead throughout Fourth Wing — and has a mysterious rune on his hand — suggests that Naolin may have gone so far as to resurrect him. They were clearly close, and some readers even theorize they were lovers. Whatever their relationship, it's obvious that Naolin drew upon a great deal of power to keep Brennan alive. And Brennan notably says that it "cost him everything," but not that it killed him.

As the venin Sage is incredibly interested in Xaden turning venin for love in Iron Flame, it would make sense if he had a similar backstory. He also tells Xaden, "It hurts, doesn't it? Nearing burnout?," suggesting he's experienced the same before. This turn of events would also add layers to Tairn's concerns about Violet wielding too much power. And it explains the dragon's outright refusal to discuss his former rider. It's not clear how becoming venin affects the dragon-rider bond, but Sgaeyl's response to Xaden and Jack's comments about Baide hint that it changes — and could eventually be severed.

What Naolin Being The Venin Sage Would Mean

This Would Have Huge Implications For Onyx Storm

I'm not totally convinced that Naolin is the venin Sage in The Empyrean Series, but there is solid evidence for this theory. And Naolin being the Fourth Wing villain would have huge implications for Onyx Storm, starting with Brennan's character arc. There are theories that Brennan Sorrengail could be a traitor, and that devastating twist is more likely if this Naolin theory is confirmed. But even if Brennan isn't helping the Sage, the revelation that the villain is Naolin will have a huge impact on him. Defeating the Sage could also mean removing Brennan's tether to the living world.

If Naolin is the venin Sage, it also means that Xaden's bond with Sgaeyl could be permanently destroyed at some point in Onxy Storm or its sequels. Naolin's fate paints a picture of what will become of characters like Jack Barlowe and Xaden if they give into the darkness. Given that Tairn is able to bond with Violet, it's safe to assume Naolin's connection to Tairn is pretty much gone. This happening to Xaden and Sgaeyl is unthinkable, but Yarros is known for tragic twists. As one Redditor notes, this could also set the stage for Xaden's dragon to die, even if he doesn't.

Why I Hope Naolin Isn't The Venin Sage In Onyx Storm

The Empyrean Series Has Had Enough Death Fakeouts

While Naolin being the venin Sage is believable, I really hope Onyx Storm doesn't confirm this Fourth Wing theory — and not just because of all the devastating implications that would accompany it. This Naolin theory would also repeat a twist that The Empyrean Series has already done twice before: a death fakeout. Brennan's demise is assumed for all of Fourth Wing, then upended during the final moments of the book. Jack Barlowe also supposedly dies in Fourth Wing, but Iron Flame undoes that satisfying moment.

Needless to say, Onyx Storm featuring another huge death fakeout would feel a bit repetitive, even if Naolin is never technically confirmed to be dead. This would weaken the finality of death in a series that's been good at depicting the brutal and permanent consequences of war. It would also just be unspeakably devastating, making Onyx Storm an even bleaker addition to The Empyrean Series.

Source: Reddit