Since the release of Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm, Violet Sorrengail has become one of the most discussed fantasy heroines on BookTok and Bookstagram. Rebecca Yarros has deliberately filled the Empyrean series with mysteries, hidden clues, and unanswered questions, leading readers to develop 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 throughout the Fourth Wing fandom.
If you want to see theorys about Xaden Riorson, click here
Violet is the cure for Venin corruption
Among all the theories surrounding Violet, this is arguably the most popular.
Many readers believe 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 power directly from the earth, corrupting both themselves and the land around them. Violet's lightning, however, appears fundamentally different. Rather than stealing power, it channels raw energy from the sky.
Fans point to several moments where Violet's abilities seem connected to restoration and equilibrium rather than simple destruction.
The theory gained even more popularity after Xaden's corruption at the end of Iron Flame and the events of Onyx Storm. Many readers believe the story is building toward a scenario in which Violet becomes the only person capable of saving him.
A cure would perfectly align with the themes of sacrifice, hope, and redemption that run throughout the Empyrean series.
Rather than ending with a final battle that simply destroys the enemy, Rebecca Yarros could deliver a more nuanced conclusion in which Violet discovers how to reverse Venin corruption itself.
Violet's second signet is far more powerful than dream-walking
When Violet's second signet was finally revealed, many fans were surprised—but not entirely satisfied.
Across Reddit and BookTok, readers quickly began speculating that dream-walking represents only the first stage of a much larger ability.
The dreams Violet experiences often contain information she should not reasonably possess. Some scenes feel less like dreams and more like visits to another plane of reality.
Readers have also noted that Rebecca Yarros continues to describe the signet in ways that leave room for future revelations.
Many fans believe Violet's connection to Andarna is influencing 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 may eventually be able to see alternate futures, different outcomes, or branching possibilities through dream-walking.
Supporters point to recurring themes of destiny versus free will throughout the series.
If true, Book Four could explore whether the future can be changed—or whether some events are inevitable.
The final books still need to answer major questions about the gods, the Venin, the wards, and dragon history.
Many readers think dream-walking could become the perfect storytelling tool to reveal hidden truths from the past and future.
Violet is tied to an ancient prophecy
Another major theory suggests that Violet's role in the story was never accidental.
Instead, many fans believe she is connected to an ancient prophecy that has been influencing events long before her birth.
Readers often point to the strange behavior of both Lilith Sorrengail and Violet's father.
Throughout the series, it becomes increasingly clear that her parents knew far more about the world than they ever revealed.
Her father's research into ancient texts, combined with Lilith's decisions regarding Violet's education and survival, has convinced many readers that they were preparing her for something much larger.
Fantasy stories frequently place hidden prophecies at the center of major conflicts.
Many fans believe Violet's unusual appearance, rare powers, and connection to both Tairn and Andarna are signs that she was destined to play a unique role in the fate of Navarre.
Violet may be part Venin
This remains one of the most controversial theories in the fandom.
While many readers dismiss it entirely, others continue to believe there is more to Violet's origins than we currently know.
Supporters often point to Violet's silver hair, which differs from that of every other major character.
Some readers speculate that Lilith may have encountered Venin magic before Violet's birth, or that her father discovered secrets connected to the corruption long before the events of Fourth Wing.
Others argue that Violet's unusual resilience around powerful magic suggests there may be something fundamentally different about her.
The theory would explain why Violet occupies such a unique position between multiple worlds.
Rather than representing one side of the conflict, she could embody both humanity and the forces threatening it.
If Rebecca Yarros chooses this route, it would completely transform 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 can be 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. Several of the clues that help Violet understand the world originate from books, notes, or knowledge connected to her father.
Many readers also find it suspicious that he appeared to know far more about the Venin and the wards than the leadership of Navarre was willing to admit. Fans often point out that he may have discovered uncomfortable truths that were deliberately hidden from the population.
One of the most popular versions of this theory suggests that Violet's father uncovered the true origins of the Venin and the real history of the continent before his death. Some readers even speculate that he intentionally left behind clues for Violet to discover once she was ready.
Others believe he knew about Violet's future role long before her birth and quietly prepared her through education, encouraging her curiosity and love of books rather than training her as a traditional warrior.
If true, many of the answers Violet seeks 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 purpose is not to win a war but to unite divided worlds.
Unlike most riders, Violet has formed 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 connection to Violet appears unusually personal.
The discovery of the Irids has strengthened this theory. Many readers believe Violet's relationship with multiple dragon lineages could eventually allow her to bridge divisions that have existed for centuries.
The Empyrean series constantly explores themes of cooperation between groups that distrust one another.
Fans believe the final conflict may require humans, dragons, gryphon riders, and even former enemies to work together. If that happens, Violet could become the figure capable of bringing those factions together.
Rather than being remembered solely as a powerful rider, she may ultimately become the leader who reshaped the relationship between dragons and humanity forever.
Violet may command the sky itself
Many readers believe that Violet's lightning signet is only the beginning of her true abilities.
A growing theory argues that she does not simply wield lightning—she commands the entire sky.
Supporters often point to the language used throughout the books. Several characters and enemies describe Violet in ways that seem broader than a simple lightning wielder.
Rather than emphasizing lightning alone, some descriptions focus on storms, power from above, and the heavens themselves.
Fans have also noticed that her abilities continue to evolve in ways that appear more complex than those of many other riders.
If Violet's power expands beyond lightning, she could eventually control:
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storms
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wind
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atmospheric energy
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weather patterns
Such an evolution would explain why her signet is often treated as exceptionally dangerous.
Many readers believe Rebecca Yarros is deliberately hiding the true scale of Violet's power until the final books.
Violet will save Xaden
Among all the fan theories involving romance, this is arguably the most beloved.
Following Xaden's growing connection to Venin magic, many readers believe Violet's story is ultimately leading toward 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 one another physically, emotionally, and politically.
Fans point out that Rebecca Yarros has consistently framed their relationship around themes of trust, sacrifice, and healing.
Combined with theories about Violet's lightning signet and possible ability to reverse corruption, many readers believe she may become the only person capable of saving him.
Romantasy stories often place lovers in impossible situations before allowing them to overcome those 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 final books may focus on Violet finding a way to bring Xaden back from the brink without losing herself in the process.
Violet may become something more than human
One of the most ambitious theories in the fandom suggests that Violet is gradually evolving into something entirely unique.
According to this theory, the combination of her powers, dragons, and experiences is transforming her into a being unlike any rider who came before.
No known rider has ever shared Violet's exact circumstances:
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Two dragon bonds.
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Two signets.
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A connection to Andarna's mysterious species.
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Direct involvement in the largest magical conflict of her era.
As the series progresses, Violet continues to break rules that other characters consider impossible.
Fans argue that Rebecca Yarros is slowly building Violet into a legendary figure whose role extends beyond the normal limits of a rider.
Some versions of the theory suggest she may become a living bridge between dragons, humans, and magic itself.
Others speculate that she could eventually gain abilities that place her closer to the ancient figures and myths referenced throughout the series.
While this remains one of the more speculative theories, many readers believe Violet's journey is leading toward something far greater than simply becoming the most powerful rider of her generation.
Violet can communicate with the dead
Before the reveal of dream-walking as Violet's second signet, one of the most popular theories in the fandom was that she could communicate with the dead.
Although many readers abandoned the 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 the scene unusually vivid and emotional, leading some to question whether it was truly a hallucination or something more.
Fans also point out that Rebecca Yarros tends to leave hidden layers within seemingly straightforward scenes. As a result, some readers believe Violet's dream-walking abilities may eventually allow her to access memories, echoes, or spirits connected to the dead.
If the theory proves true, Violet could gain access to knowledge from past riders, ancient dragons, or historical figures whose experiences have been lost to time.
This would provide a powerful way for Rebecca Yarros to reveal forgotten parts of the world's history.
Violet may physically travel through dreams
A more recent variation of the dream-walking theory suggests that Violet may eventually move beyond observing dreams and begin physically interacting with them.
Supporters argue that dream-walking has already demonstrated characteristics that go beyond simple observation.
Some dream sequences appear surprisingly detailed and coherent, while others seem to involve genuine exchanges of information rather than symbolic visions.
Fans speculate that future books may reveal dream-walking to be a gateway into a magical realm existing outside normal reality.
If dream-walking continues to evolve, Violet could potentially:
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witness past events directly,
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access hidden memories,
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communicate across vast distances,
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explore locations inaccessible in the physical world.
Such an ability would dramatically 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 distinctive silver-tipped hair.
While the books provide a medical explanation, many fans remain convinced that there is more to the story.
Rebecca Yarros repeatedly draws attention to Violet's appearance throughout the series.
Supporters of this theory argue that authors rarely emphasize a physical trait so often unless it has narrative significance.
Some fans believe her hair reflects an ancient magical influence, while others connect it to dragon magic or an unknown lineage.
The mystery surrounding her hair has never completely disappeared from fan discussions.
Many readers suspect the explanation will eventually tie into larger revelations about Violet's family, magic, or destiny.
Violet may become the most powerful rider in history
Another widespread theory suggests that Violet's journey is leading toward something unprecedented.
Rather than simply becoming powerful, she may surpass every known rider who came before her.
Fans frequently point to her unique combination of advantages:
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Bonded to Tairn.
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Bonded to Andarna.
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Possesses two signets.
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Central to multiple ancient mysteries.
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Connected to several major prophecies and political conflicts.
No other rider in recorded history appears to share all these characteristics simultaneously.
Many readers believe the final books will require a rider capable of confronting threats unlike anything previously encountered.
As a result, Violet's growth may ultimately exceed the limits of traditional rider magic.
Violet may 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.
Supporters often combine several existing theories:
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dream-walking,
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alternate timelines,
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ancient prophecies,
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Andarna's mysterious powers.
Together, they suggest that Violet may eventually gain access to possible futures and influence which one becomes reality.
The Empyrean series repeatedly asks whether destiny is fixed or shaped by personal choices.
Many readers believe Violet's final challenge will involve choosing between multiple possible futures for Navarre, Tyrrendor, Xaden, and the dragons.
If true, her greatest power may not be lightning at all—but the ability to determine the fate of the world itself.
