There were plenty of theories going into Rebecca Yarros' Empyrean Series' novels.

However, one line from Iron Flame quickly debunked this theory, and Onyx Storm's narrative later confirmed the theory to be mistaken. The mystery of the Venin Sage has been ongoing for several books, but the venin is finally given a name in Yarros' latest Empyrean novel, Berwyn. While this specific character didn't end up having any ties or clues to Naolin's whereabouts, I still think Yarros is planning something big with his character in future books.

Naolin Is The Venin Sage: Fourth Wing Theory Explained

With So Much Evidence, It's No Wonder Readers Believed This Theory Was True

Before Onyx Storm was released, many readers theorized Naolin was the venin Sage who had popped up previously in both Fourth Wing and Iron Flame. For one, no one understood how the Sage had the mysterious ability to enter into Violet's (actually Xaden's) dreams. And as Yarros had not yet explored the idea of dream walking, readers were convinced this connection had to have been made possible through Tairn — allowing Naolin, Tairn's previous rider, to utilize the mental bond that both Violet and Xaden shared.

They use very specific language when referring to him, and Brennan even says it "cost him everything" to save him.

Not only that, but his character's mysterious death — which both Tairn and Brennan refused to speak about — led many to become suspicious about the truth behind Naolin's loss. Naolin supposedly perished from burnout in his attempts to save Brennan from dying during the Tyrrish Rebellion, but neither Tairn nor Brennan ever explicitly state that he died. Instead, they use very specific language when referring to him, and Brennan even says it "cost him everything" to save him — again alluding to the fact that he may have reached for more power to do so.

This is again seen during the fight between Xaden and the Sage at the end of Iron Flame, as he begins to taunt Xaden and states, "It hurts, doesn't it? Nearing burnout?". This line, while it could have been a general statement, suggested that the Sage himself had experienced burnout before. Many readers made a connection between the statement and Naolin, who may have turned venin after nearing burnout in his attempts to save Brennan.

This Naolin Theory Was Debunked By The Sage's Conversation With Violet In Iron Flame

Naolin's Character Is Too Young To Be The Sage

While all the Venin Sage theories in regard to Naolin were rather convincing, one conversation from Iron Flame actually debunked them ahead of Onyx Storm's release. During one of Violet's dreams — which we now know was actually Xaden's — the Venin Sage states he'd "waited centuries" for someone with his power of wielding shadows — and that line alone ultimately took Naolin out of the running.

This Sage has clearly been alive for far longer than Naolin could have ever been — considering riders are in their early twenties when at Basgiath.

This is the most telling clue, and should have been a signal to many readers ahead of Onyx Storm that the Sage couldn't possibly be Naolin, as he'd only "ed away" six years prior to the start of Fourth Wing's narrative. This Sage has clearly been alive for far longer than Naolin could have ever been — considering riders are in their early twenties when at Basgiath. And while this arguably stopped all the "Naolin is the venin Sage" theories in their tracks, there's potential that Yarros could still reveal his character to be venin in a future Fourth Wing sequel.

Naolin May Not Be The Sage, But I Still Think He's A Venin After Onyx Storm

Yarros Still Has Plans For His Character In Some Way

Obviously, both Iron Flame's specific "waited centuries" comment and Onyx Storm's narrative confirmed Naolin was not the venin Sage — but that doesn't mean his character hasn't become a venin. The book series so far has treated Naolin's character in really mysterious ways, and Tairn and Brennan's refusal to speak about him or his "death" suggests there's more to the story that we haven't yet seen. Yarros has continuously hinted at Naolin throughout the first three Empyrean Series novels, and I don't think she would do so if she didn't intend for a bigger reveal.

The rune is suspiciously reminiscent of those that give wyvern's their sentience, and it's possible that Brennan's life is now tied to Naolin's venin magic.

Additionally, there are still many inconsistencies when it comes to Brennan's resurrection — more specifically the rune-shaped scar on his hand. We know from previous books that Naolin's signet ability was a siphon, which would have aided him in resuscitating Brennan to a degree. But it's also possible that in attempting to do so, Naolin would have needed to reach for more power from the earth to accomplish it. The rune is suspiciously reminiscent of those that give wyvern's their sentience, and it's possible that Brennan's life is now tied to Naolin's venin magic.

Onyx Storm also showcases Sloan's siphoning ability when attempting to heal Mira's mortal wound at the end of the novel. But the scene is made even more crucial as Violet notes there is no rune-shaped scar left behind on either Brennan or Dane from the exchange of power. This has only begun to make Violet question the mystery surrounding Brennan's survival six years prior and what the rune on his palm could mean — and I think this narrative will only become more important and telling in the next Fourth Wing book.

The Next Fourth Wing Sequel Needs To Address The Series' Long-Running Naolin Mystery

His Character Has Been Kept In The Dark For Too Long

Despite Naolin's name being mentioned in ing on countless occasions, we are no closer to truly understanding what happened between him, Brennan, and Tairn all those years ago — and the next Fourth Wing book needs to finally solve the ongoing mystery. Thankfully, the end of Onyx Storm sees Violet becoming more suspicious of Brennan's rune-shaped scar, and after continuously questioning what happened to Naolin, it seems Yarros is ramping up for the big reveal.

It's unlikely Yarros will continue to drag the mystery of Naolin past the fourth novel — or otherwise risk not having the time to do the long-awaited storyline justice.

Given the series is currently plotted for five books, it's unlikely Yarros will continue to drag the mystery of Naolin past the fourth novel — or otherwise risk not having the time to do the long-awaited storyline justice. Which could likely mean Naolin will play a major role in Yarros' next Empyrean Series novel. Onyx Storm has only continued to build anticipation around his character's storyline, and I'm excited to see how she plans to unveil the truth about Naolin in the narrative.