Fans of Fourth Wing may be waiting a while for the next book in the series, with author Rebecca Yarros sharing that she hasn’t started writing the book yet. Nonetheless, die-hard devotees have taken to dissecting potential plot twists and character arcs.
One such fan theory spotlighting Naolin, Tairn’s last rider before Violet, is grabbing attention. Despite his apparent heroic death prior to the series, some are pondering if Naolin might still tread among the living — or rather, in the twisted ranks of the venin. A Reddit user speculated: “We know he died tried to resurrect Brennan (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.
“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.”
Theories further suggest that Naolin may have ascended into the venin upper echelons, perhaps as the enigmatic venin general alluded to throughout the series, reports themirror.com.
Some enthusiasts of the theory are throwing their weight behind a particular aspect, as one fan expressed skepticism: “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.”
Another supporter shared another angle: “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.”
One more added context to their reasoning: “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 extends further with some suggesting that Naolin could fit the venin sage profile rather than assuming the role of the general.
Proponents cite the scene where Brennan reveals Naolin’s sacrifice; the phrase “everything” hints at a cost beyond death, not synonymous with it.
However, other fans have argued that perhaps it is as simple as Naolin dying, and there is no further twist in his story.