Fans of Fourth Wing are abuzz with theories about the fate of a character thought to be dead.
Although author Rebecca Yarros has confirmed that work on the next Fourth Wing installment has yet to begin, the fandom remains as active as ever, with passionate fans theorizing possible plot turns and character development.
One fan theory gaining traction focuses on Naolin — Tairn’s previous rider before Violet. Though he’s believed to have died heroically before the series began, some readers are starting to wonder if he might still be alive… or rather, part of the venin. One 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.”
Some theories go even further, proposing that Naolin may have risen through the venin ranks to become the mysterious venin general hinted at throughout the series, according to The Mirror.
Some fans are zeroing in on a key detail of the theory, with one expressing doubt: “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 offered a different perspective, suggesting that Naolin becoming venin could explain Tairn’s reactions — particularly how he avoids discussions about Naolin and grows visibly angry whenever his name is mentioned.
Adding further context, one fan reasoned that Tairn may have been forced to break his bond with Naolin after his turn to the venin. This, they argued, would better account for Tairn’s emotional turmoil, as it’s unlikely he would react with such intense anger if Naolin had simply burned out for love.
The debate continues, with some proposing that Naolin might be better suited to the role of the venin sage instead of the general. Supporters of this view point to the scene where Brennan reveals Naolin’s sacrifice; the word “everything” implies a loss that goes beyond mere death.
On the other hand, some fans believe it’s straightforward—that Naolin simply dies, with no deeper twist to his story.
