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The second book in the Empyrean Series, Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros, was released on November 7, 2023. With the next book in the series expected in December 2024, there are many theories for the major cliffhanger Yarros left her readers on.

Warning: Major Iron Flame spoilers ahead.

Iron Flame left us with Xaden as a venin, a dead mother, and so much more! But, one of the biggest causes for theories is Xaden finally meeting the mysterious Sage. Since he didn’t reveal his identity, many fans are compiling their knowledge to identify this unknown villain.

After spending some time on the internet and scrolling through the Empyrean Series Subreddit, I have collected some of the best theories for the sage so far.

The Sage Is General Daramor

General Daramor was a dragon rider during The Great War. Referenced only a handful of times during Iron Flame, we do not have enough data on the likely deceased general, but that didn’t stop a fan from collecting some possibly related data on him.

The Sage told Xaden he would turn “for love”. The name Daramor, translated from Spanish to English, means to give love (Dar Amor). So given that he is the cause of Xaden turning it could provide a sneaky double meaning for his claim that Xaden would turn for love. He turned for General Daramor.

u/Fluke1389, r/fourthwing

While this theory doesn’t have as much information as other theories, I wouldn’t put it past Yarros to eventually tie in some details we are not yet aware of.

The Sage Is Violet’s Father

With one Sorrengail already rising from the dead, it would be a family tradition for another to follow.

While much of this theory rests on the fact that Violet’s father seems to conveniently have access to forbidden knowledge, it becomes convincing after the final chapter’s excerpt. A message is as follows:

We have tried every method we know of, as you requested. There is no cure. There is only control.

Missive from Lieutenant Colonel Nolon Colbersy to General Lilith Sorrengail

It appears that Violet’s mother was connected to a venin and in pursuit of a sure at some point. It could be another dragon rider, but it would be in true Yarros fashion to bend and break familial ties.

The Sage Is Naolin, Tairn’s Former Rider

Probably one of the biggest and most well-supported theories so far: Naolin is the Sage!

Naolin was Tairn’s first rider and the close friend (possible lover) of Brennan Sorrengail. The story is told that Naolin sacrificed his life in an attempt to save Brennan, but he was already “too far gone.” This story was already proven incorrect since Brennan lived, so what else was wrong?

The Sage is actually Naolin, Tairn’s previous rider. He didn’t actually die when he saved Brennan he went venin to do so and became the Sage, setting him up to be the main villain against his former dragon. It’s also why he can get inside Violet and Xaden’s heads.

u/QueenMabTheRed, r/fourthwing

The most convincing part of this theory is the fact that Naolin would possess the power to communicate with Xaden and Violet via Tairn’s bond. This is the only theory that explains how Violet dreamt of the sage prior to Xaden’s encounter.

So Who Is The Sage From Fourth Wing?

After reviewing these theories, who do you think the sage from Iron Flame is? Do you have a theory I didn’t list? Please let me know in the comments!