This Wild Empyrean Series Theory Makes Me Question Everything I Know About Ridoc

Summary

• One Reddit theory suggests Ridoc bonded with a second dragon, potentially retroactively changing
  The Empyrean Series’
  storyline
  .
• Ridoc’s actions and new tattoo in
  The Empyrean Series
  could support the theory of a double dragon bond.
• If true, Ridoc’s double bond could expand on dragon law and give him a bigger role in future books.

One Reddit theory regarding Ridoc in The Empyrean Series has me seriously questioning everything I know about his character. Ever since Onyx Storm‘s cover reveal, I have been so nervous about my favorite Fourth Wing characters. As the stakes rise in The Empyrean Series, many previously protected side characters may end up on the chopping block, darkening the tone. Rebecca Yarros has already shown that she is unafraid of breaking our hearts, leaving me worried about Violet and her friends, who have become very precious to me.

Violet’s friendships in Fourth Wing are one of my favorite parts of the series. Specifically, her friendship with Ridoc always makes me smile, which in part might be due to his amazing characterization in The Empyrean Series. Ridoc is not only funny but also loyal, tough, and a surprisingly knowledgeable member of The Iron Squad, which is showcased especially in Iron Flame. Therefore, when I stumbled upon one wild Empyrean Series theory about Ridoc, I was both shocked and intrigued by – if it is proven true – what it could mean for Onyx Storm and beyond.

This Wild Empyrean Series Theory Reveals Ridoc Secretly Bonded A Second Dragon

Dragon Law In The Empyrean Series Makes This Theory Plausible

According to this Reddit theory, Ridoc could have bonded with a second dragon alongside Aotrom, with details from both books being evidence of this double bond. If true, this would shift the biggest part of Violet’s story so far as she is meant to be the first rider to bond two dragons. That being said, this theory to me would also work considering the laws of dragons in The Empyrean Series.

Fourth Wing‘s dragons are powerful creatures, who have their own laws outside human influence. One example of this is in Fourth Wing, when the riders yield to Tairn and Andarna’s choice to both bond Violet as there is no draconic law against two dragons bonding one rider. If The Empyrean were lying about how many had done this before or after Fourth Wing‘s Threshing, it would not surprise me. This fact, however, is not the theory’s only piece of evidence, as many details in the first two books of The Empyrean Series could point to Ridoc’s double bond.

Fourth Wing & Iron Flame Feature Plenty Of Evidence For This Unbelievable Twist

Ridoc’s Tattoo And Word Choices Could Point To This Theory Being True

Ridoc’s tattoo and a few of his key moments in The Empyrean Series are used as evidence for this theory, recontextualizing some of these smaller scenes. One big piece of evidence this theory has is regarding Ridoc’s tattoo. Many of Fourth Wing‘s characters do not get a lot of detailed focus, so the multiple mentions of Ridoc’s new tattoo in Iron Flame could point to a deeper meaning. The Reddit theory goes on to posit how, as it is a dragon tattoo, it would be odd to place it so close to Aotrom’s relic, as he would likely take offense.

Some of Ridoc’s answers and phrasing in Iron Flame strengthen this theory. Ridoc’s defensiveness after he shares his fear of snakes, his response in chapter 30 that “The dragons know” and Violet and Ridoc’s quick exchange on the mountain could all point to him bonding with two dragons. Furthermore, the theory claims that, if he bonded two dragons, Ridoc may also be a distance wielder, as he mentions in chapter 49 that he “woke up somewhere I hadn’t expected.” It may also explain his shock after Violet landed on Aotrom as she mimicked his second signet using her own.

What This Ridoc Theory Would Mean For Onyx Storm & Future Empyrean Books

This Ridoc Theory Could Give Us More Information About The Empyrean

If this Ridoc theory turns out to be true, it would allow The Empyrean Series to give us more information and shift Ridoc’s character in Onyx Storm. Ridoc having two dragons, especially if that second dragon is also a feathertail as we have not seen them, would give allow the story to expand on The Empyrean and dragon law. The Empyrean would obviously know about the bond, so their explanation may give us insight into their decision-making and mark a shift in dragon-human relations as the two groups open up to each other.

If Ridoc has a second dragon, he could train with Violet on honing his second signet, making him stronger and giving him more action-packed moments in battle as he wields it.

Ridoc having a second dragon would also allow him to gain more responsibility and focus in future books. Onyx Storm‘s cover hints at a darker shift for the series, so Ridoc being solely there for comedic relief would no longer fit the tone. If Ridoc has a second dragon, he could train with Violet on honing his second signet, making him stronger and giving him more action-packed moments in battle as he wields it. It could also give his tried and true comedic arc a refreshing twist, allowing The Empyrean Series to keep us guessing until the end.

Onyx Storm
is set to be released on January 21, 2025.

Source: Reddit