Since the release of *Fourth Wing*, *Iron Flame*, and *Onyx Storm*, Violet Sorrengail has become one of the most talked-about fantasy heroines on BookTok and Bookstagram. Rebecca Yarros has deliberately sprinkled the *Empyrean* series with mysteries, hidden clues, and unanswered questions, leading readers to concoct countless theories about Violet's true destiny.
From her unusual silver hair to her mysterious second signet, and her unique bond with two dragons, many fans believe Violet's role extends far beyond that of a simple rider. Here are the most popular fan theories currently circulating within the Fourth Wing community.
If you want to discover theories about Xaden Riorson, click here
Violet is the cure for the Venin corruption
Among all the theories surrounding Violet, this is undoubtedly the most popular.
Many readers believe that Violet's destiny is not to destroy the Venin, but to save them.
Throughout the series, Rebecca Yarros repeatedly emphasizes balance in magic. The Venin draw their power directly from the earth, corrupting themselves and the lands around them. Violet's lightning, however, seems fundamentally different. Rather than stealing power, she channels raw energy from the sky.
Fans point to several moments where Violet's abilities seem linked to restoration and balance rather than simple destruction.
This theory gained even more popularity after Xaden's corruption at the end of *Iron Flame* and the events of *Onyx Storm*. Many readers believe that the story is heading towards a scenario in which Violet would become the only person capable of saving him.
A cure would fit perfectly with the themes of sacrifice, hope, and redemption that run through the entire *Empyrean* series.
Rather than ending with a final battle that merely destroys the enemy, Rebecca Yarros could offer a more nuanced conclusion in which Violet discovers how to reverse the Venin corruption herself.
Violet's second signet is far more powerful than the ability to dream-walk
When Violet's second signet was finally revealed, many fans were surprised — but not entirely satisfied.
On Reddit and BookTok, readers quickly began to hypothesize that "dream-walking" is only the first step of a much broader power.
The dreams Violet has often contain information she shouldn't reasonably possess. Some scenes feel less like dreams and more like visits to another plane of reality.
Readers have also noticed that Rebecca Yarros continues to describe the signet in a way that leaves the door open for future revelations.
Many fans believe that the bond between Violet and Andarna influences the development of this power.
One of the most popular versions of this theory is known as the "timeline theory."
According to this interpretation, Violet could eventually be able to see alternative futures, different outcomes, or divergent possibilities through "dream-walking."
Proponents of this theory highlight the recurring themes of fate versus free will throughout the series.
If this proves true, the fourth book could explore whether the future can be changed — or if some events are inevitable.
The later books still need to answer major questions about the gods, the Venin, the wardens, and the history of dragons.
Many readers believe that "dream-walking" could become the ideal narrative tool to reveal hidden truths of the past and future.
Violet is linked to an ancient prophecy
Another major theory suggests that Violet's role in history was never accidental.
Instead, many fans believe she is linked to an ancient prophecy that influenced events long before her birth.
Readers often point to the strange behavior of Lilith Sorrengail and Violet's father.
Throughout the series, it becomes increasingly clear that her parents knew much more about the world than they ever let on.
Her father's research into ancient texts, combined with Lilith's decisions regarding Violet's upbringing and survival, have convinced many readers that they were preparing her for something much greater.
Fantasy stories often place hidden prophecies at the heart of major conflicts.
Many fans believe that Violet's unusual appearance, rare powers, and her bond with both Tairn and Andarna are signs that she was destined to play a unique role in Navarre's fate.
Violet might be part Venin blood
This remains one of the most controversial theories within the fan community.
While many readers reject it completely, others continue to believe that Violet's origins hold more mysteries than we currently know.
Proponents of this theory often point to Violet's silver hair, which differs from that of all other main characters.
Some readers hypothesize that Lilith might have been in contact with Venin magic before Violet's birth, or that her father discovered secrets related to corruption long before the events of *Fourth Wing*.
Others argue that Violet's unusual resilience to powerful magic suggests she might be fundamentally different.
This theory would explain why Violet holds such a unique position between multiple worlds.
Rather than representing a single side of the conflict, she could embody both humanity and the forces that threaten it.
If Rebecca Yarros chose this path, it would completely upend everything readers think they know about Violet's identity.
Violet's father knew the truth all along
Few characters in the *Empyrean* series are as mysterious as Violet's father. Although he died before the events of *Fourth Wing*, his influence is felt throughout the story, and many fans believe he was investigating secrets that could change everything.
Throughout the series, Rebecca Yarros repeatedly references his extensive research into ancient history, dragons, and forgotten texts. Many of the clues that help Violet understand the world come from books, notes, or knowledge related to her father.
Many readers also find it suspicious that he seemed to know much more about the Venin and the wards than Navarre's leaders were willing to admit. Fans often point out that he may have discovered disturbing truths that were deliberately hidden from the population.
One of the most widespread versions of this theory suggests that Violet's father discovered the true origins of the Venin and the true history of the continent before his death. Some readers even go so far as to speculate that he intentionally left clues for Violet to find once she was ready.
Others believe he knew Violet's future role long before her birth and discreetly prepared her through her education, encouraging her curiosity and love of books rather than training her as a traditional warrior.
If this proves true, many of the answers Violet is seeking may have been hidden by her father years before the series even began.
Violet will unite dragons and humans
Another popular theory suggests that Violet's ultimate mission is not to win a war, but to unite divided worlds.
Unlike most riders, Violet has forged relationships with dragons that go far beyond tradition. Her bond with both Tairn and Andarna places her in a unique position within dragon society.
Throughout the series, dragons repeatedly treat Violet differently from other riders. Tairn chooses her despite her physical limitations, while Andarna's bond with Violet seems unusually personal.
The discovery of the Irids has strengthened this theory. Many readers believe that Violet's relationship with multiple dragon bloodlines could eventually allow her to bridge centuries-old divisions.
The "Empyrean" series constantly explores themes of cooperation between groups that distrust each other.
Fans believe that the final conflict may require humans, dragons, griffon riders, and even ancient enemies to work together. If this happens, Violet could become the figure capable of bringing these factions together.
Rather than simply being seen as a powerful rider, she could ultimately become the leader who will forever redefine the relationship between dragons and humanity.
Violet could command the sky itself
Many readers believe that Violet's lightning signet is just the beginning of her true abilities.
A growing theory suggests that she doesn't just wield lightning: she commands the entire sky.
Proponents of this theory often point to the language used throughout the books. Several characters and enemies describe Violet in a way that seems to go far beyond that of a simple lightning wielder.
Rather than focusing solely on lightning, some descriptions emphasize storms, power from above, and the heavens themselves.
Fans have also noticed that her abilities continue to evolve in a way that seems more complex than those of many other riders.
If Violet's power extends beyond lightning, she could eventually control:
- storms
- wind
- atmospheric energy
- weather phenomena
Such an evolution would explain why her signet is often considered exceptionally dangerous.
Many readers believe that Rebecca Yarros is deliberately hiding the true extent of Violet's power until the later books.
Violet will save Xaden
Among all the fan theories about romance, this is undoubtedly the most cherished.
Following Xaden's growing connection to Venin magic, many readers believe that Violet's story ultimately leads to his redemption.
The relationship between Violet and Xaden has always been one of the central pillars of the series. Throughout the books, they repeatedly save each other, whether physically, emotionally, or politically.
Fans point out that Rebecca Yarros has always anchored their relationship around themes of trust, sacrifice, and healing.
Combined with theories about Violet's lightning signet and her potential ability to reverse corruption, many readers believe she could become the only person capable of saving him.
Romantasy narratives often place lovers in impossible situations before allowing them to overcome these obstacles together.
For many readers, Xaden's corruption feels less like the end of his story and more like the beginning of Violet's greatest challenge.
If this theory proves true, the later books could focus on Violet's quest to find a way to bring Xaden back from the brink without losing herself in the process.
Violet could become much more than a human being
One of the most ambitious fan theories suggests that Violet is gradually evolving into something entirely unique.
According to this theory, the combination of her powers, her dragons, and her experiences is transforming her into an unprecedented being among all the riders who came before her.
No known rider has ever experienced the exact same situation as Violet:
Two bonds with dragons.
Two signets.
A connection to Andarna's mysterious species.
Direct involvement in the greatest magical conflict of her time.
Throughout the series, Violet continues to break rules that other characters deem impossible to transgress.
Fans argue that Rebecca Yarros is slowly making Violet a legendary figure whose role extends beyond the usual limits of a rider.
Some versions of this theory suggest that she could become a living bridge between dragons, humans, and magic itself.
Others speculate that she might eventually acquire abilities that would bring her closer to the ancient figures and myths mentioned throughout the series.
While this remains one of the most speculative theories, many readers believe that Violet's journey is leading towards something much greater than simply becoming the most powerful rider of her generation.
Violet can communicate with the dead
Before the "dream-walking" ability was revealed as Violet's second signet, one of the most popular fan theories was that she could communicate with the dead.
Although many readers abandoned this theory after *Iron Flame*, it never completely disappeared.
The main source of speculation comes from Violet's encounter with Liam after his death. Many readers found this scene exceptionally vivid and emotional, leading some to wonder if it was truly a hallucination or something more.
Fans also point out that Rebecca Yarros tends to embed hidden layers of meaning in seemingly simple scenes. Therefore, some readers believe that Violet's "dream-walking" abilities could eventually allow her to access memories, echoes, or spirits related to the deceased.
If this theory proves true, Violet could access the knowledge of ancient riders, legendary dragons, or historical figures whose experiences have been lost over time.
This would offer Rebecca Yarros a powerful way to reveal forgotten parts of this world's history.
Violet could physically travel through dreams
A more recent variation of the "dream-walking" theory suggests that Violet could, in time, go beyond simply observing dreams and begin to physically interact with them.
Proponents argue that "dream-walking" has already demonstrated characteristics that go beyond mere observation.
Some dream sequences seem surprisingly detailed and coherent, while others appear to involve actual exchanges of information rather than simple symbolic visions.
Fans hypothesize that future books could reveal that "dream-walking" is a gateway to a magical realm existing outside of ordinary reality.
If "dream-walking" continues to evolve, Violet could potentially:
directly witness past events,
access buried memories,
communicate across vast distances,
explore inaccessible locations in the physical world.
Such an ability would significantly expand the scope of the series.
Violet's silver hair hides a deeper secret
One of the oldest mysteries in the *Empyrean* series remains Violet's characteristic silver-tipped hair.
Although the books provide a medical explanation, many fans remain convinced that there is more to it than that.
Rebecca Yarros repeatedly draws attention to Violet's appearance throughout the series.
Proponents of this theory argue that authors rarely place such emphasis on a physical trait unless it has narrative significance.
Some fans believe that her hair reflects an ancient magical influence, while others associate it with dragon magic or an unknown lineage.
The mystery surrounding her hair has never completely disappeared from fan discussions.
Many readers suspect that the explanation will eventually be part of broader revelations about Violet's family, magic, or destiny.
Violet could become the most powerful rider in history
Another widely held theory suggests that Violet's journey is leading towards something unprecedented.
Rather than simply becoming powerful, she could surpass all known riders who came before her.
Fans frequently highlight her unique combination of assets:
Bonded to Tairn.
Bonded to Andarna.
Possesses two signets.
At the heart of multiple ancient mysteries.
Linked to several major prophecies and political conflicts.
No other rider in known history seems to combine all these characteristics at once.
Many readers believe the later books will require a rider capable of facing unprecedented threats.
As a result, Violet’s evolution could ultimately exceed the limits of traditional rider magic.
Violet Could Rewrite the Future Itself
Among the most ambitious theories circulating online is the idea that Violet’s second signet will eventually allow her to influence fate itself.
Proponents of this theory often combine several existing theories:
dream-walking,
alternative timelines,
ancient prophecies,
Andarna’s mysterious powers.
Together, they suggest that Violet could eventually gain access to possible futures and influence which one becomes reality.
The Empyrean series constantly asks whether fate is fixed or shaped by personal choices.
Many readers believe Violet’s ultimate challenge will be choosing between multiple possible futures for Navarre, Tyrrendor, Xaden, and the dragons.
If this proves true, her greatest power may not be lightning, but the ability to determine the destiny of the world itself.
