Venin Theories: Origins, Motivations & Secrets of the Empyrean's Greatest Threat

Welcome to Dear Dragon Reader, a special series from Dear Fantasy Reader podcast! Hosted by Karly, each episode dives deep into a specific topic from Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean Series. In this episode, Karly unpacks the misunderstood lore of the Venin and challenges our assumptions about them. She explores their possible origins and initial motivations, positioning them as once-heroic figures who, through the pursuit of absolute power, transformed into villains. Next, Karly examines the Venin’s present-day motivations and their thirst for revenge, revealing how their goals seem to stretch far beyond the hatching grounds. She also traces the historical timeline of the Venin, analyzing their suspicious connection to Sgaeyl’s previous rider—Xaden’s grandfather. From there, Karly dives into the mysteries of the lures, presenting theories on what they’re used for and who created them. She then explores the Venin's potential connection to dreams, nightmares, and the power-blocking serum utilized by Basgiath leadership. So book up, Dragon Readers, and get ready for thoughtful analysis, exciting theories, and plenty of dragon-sized insights! *All episodes include spoilers for the entirety of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame* Want more from Dear Fantasy Reader? The DFRP chapters so far: • Season 1: Fourth Wing Deep Dive Through the Lens of Iron Flame • Season 2: Onyx Storm Prep • Season 3: Onyx Storm Deep Dive • Season 4: Dear Fantasy Author — our ongoing author interview series featuring your favorite romantasy writers! • Follow us on Instagram @dearfantasyreaderpod to see who we’re interviewing next! • Season 5: The Overflowing TBR — our ongoing collection of bonus book chats, reactions, wild theories, and anything that doesn’t fit into a formal season but absolutely deserve their moment. • & MORE TO COME! Visit the Dear Fantasy Reader website for more info: https://www.dearfantasyreader.com

00:00 Intro 02:23 Causes of Madness: Venin AND Dragons 04:19 Motivations of Venin: From Heros to Villians 05:14 Venin Parallels to Marvel’s WandaVision 10:15 Theories on The Origins of The Venin & Initial Motivations 11:50 Venin Present Day Motivations & Desire for The Hatching Grounds 13:20 Historical Timeline of The Venin (as we know it) 13:50 The Connection Between Venin & Xaden’s Grandfather 15:21 Xaden & Violet’s Venin Nightmares 16:57 Xaden & Violet: A Menacing Threat To Venin 17:30 Violet’s Silver Hair Theory: Connection to The Venin 18:15 Venin & Lure Theories 18:33 Who Made The Lures 18:56 What They Are Using Lures For 20:06 The Connection Between Venin, Dreams, & Power-blocking Serum Want more? Check out our Season 1: Fourth Wing Deep Dive Through The Lens of Iron Flame, Season 2: Onyx Storm Prep, & our current Season 3: Onyx Storm Deep Dive, here on Dear Fantasy Reader Podcast! DEAR FANTASY READER POD MERCH: https://dear-fantasy-reader-podcast.printify.me/ SUPPORT US ON PATREON—AD-FREE & FULL VIDEO EPISODES & MORE: http://patreon.com/dearfantasyreaderpodcast JOIN OUR DISCORD: https://discord.gg/9pcd3jBTVK ARCHIVES: Rebecca Yarros Author Talk in Columbus Ohio (Garrick Island Question) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Mu7LVjUhU_8 PREORDER ONYX STORM - https://amzn.to/40I2R6D Follow along: Instagram: @dearfantasyreaderpod TikTok: @dearfantasyreaderpod YouTube: @dearfantasyreaderpod Threads: @dearfantasyreaderpod Email us your favorite Empyrean theories & insights: dearfantasyreaderpod@gmail.com Visit the Dear Fantasy Reader website: www.dearfantasyreader.com Don't forget to share this podcast with all of your Empyrean friends! New episodes on Thursdays (Wednesday early access on Patreon)!