Feathertails, Papa Sorrengail’s Research & Jack Barlowe: An Empyrean Theories Deep Dive

Summary

Dear Fantasy Reader Podcast: Episode Summary Episode Title: Feathertails, Papa Sorrengail’s Research & Jack Barlowe: An Empyrean Theories Deep Dive
Release Date: January 3, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of Dear Fantasy Reader’s Dragon Reader series, host Carly takes listeners on an intricate exploration of key theories surrounding Violet’s father, Papa Sorrengail’s research, and the enigmatic character Jack Barlowe within Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean series. This deep dive is a must-listen for fans eager to unravel hidden connections and speculate on forthcoming plot developments in the Fourth Wing and Iron Flame books.

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1. Unraveling the Identity of Violet’s Father

Carly begins by examining the possible identities of Violet’s father, referencing subtle Easter eggs scattered throughout Fourth Wing. She posits two primary candidates:

• Colonel Daxton: Carly highlights an epigraph from Chapter 18 titled "Guide to Excelling in the Scribe Quadrant," penned by Colonel Daxton. She notes that the quote, “There is nothing more sacred than the archives. Even temples can be rebuilt, but books cannot be rewritten,” mirrors the wisdom Violet’s father imparts to her, suggesting a strong resemblance (Timestamp: 04:15).

• Captain Lawrence Medina: The author of the Book of Poisons mentioned in Chapter 1 and later attributed to Captain Lawrence Medina in an epigraph from Chapter 8 is another strong contender. Carly finds it fitting that Violet’s father could be the elusive Captain Medina, especially given his continued influence on Violet’s training and knowledge (Timestamp: 07:50).

Additionally, Carly discusses a potential anagram found in Iron Flame’s Chapter 18 epigraph, where "Sagar Olson" may be a creative rearrangement of “Sor Andale,” reinforcing the possibility that Violet’s father’s surname starts with an “S” (Timestamp: 10:30).

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2. The Significance of Papa Sorrengail’s Research on Feather Tales

Delving deeper, Carly explores why Violet’s father was intensely researching Feather Tales. She theorizes that his primary motive was to find a cure for Violet’s physical limitations, believing it would enable her to survive and thrive in the Scribe Quadrant. Although Violet does not require such a cure, her father’s determination reveals his deep-seated fears for her safety and aspirations (Timestamp: 12:05).

Carly connects this research to the broader lore, suggesting that Feather Tales hold the key to understanding different types of signets—magical manifestations in the Empyrean world. She speculates that Feather Tales correspond to seven core gift types (e.g., time, light, darkness), from which various signets derive. This revelation could play a pivotal role in addressing the Venin threat by potentially healing the land drained of magic (Timestamp: 13:45).

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3. The Mysterious Demise of Violet’s Father

Carly presents a compelling theory regarding the circumstances surrounding Violet’s father’s death. While leadership within the Quadrant is suspected, she posits an additional layer: his extensive knowledge of Feather Tales may have made him a target for dragons or the marked ones seeking revenge. She considers the possibility that Garak, who shares a direct connection with Dahl and the signet system, could have been responsible (Timestamp: 14:30).

This twist not only adds complexity to Violet’s mistrust of leadership but also sets the stage for future confrontations and character development as Violet navigates treacherous alliances (Timestamp: 14:50).

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4. Jack Barlowe’s Connection to Violet’s Father

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to unraveling Jack Barlowe’s unexpected knowledge about Feather Tales. Carly notes that Jack recites information Violet is only familiar with through her father’s teachings, hinting at a deeper connection. She offers two potential explanations:

• Illegitimate Heritage: Jack might be an illegitimate child of Violet’s father, explaining the genetic markers (blue eyes) and his deep-seated resentment towards Violet and the Sorengel family (Timestamp: 15:10).

• Indirect Connection Through Brennan: Alternatively, Jack could be linked to Nayland through Violet’s sibling Brennan, suggesting a network of shared secrets and vendettas that tie back to Papa Sorrengail’s research (Timestamp: 15:25).

Carly further theorizes that Jack’s motivations may stem from a desire to dismantle what he perceives as his father’s legacy, adding another layer of intrigue to his antagonistic role (Timestamp: 15:40).

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5. Implications for Future Plotlines

Carly concludes by connecting these theories to upcoming narrative arcs, emphasizing how the unraveling of Papa Sorrengail’s research and Jack’s true motivations will significantly impact Violet’s journey. She anticipates that revelations about Feather Tales will not only solve the Venin crisis but also redefine the magical system within the Empyrean universe, setting the stage for Season 3’s deep dive into Onyx Storm (Timestamp: 15:55).

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Notable Quotes

• Colonel Daxton on Archives: “There is nothing more sacred than the archives. Even temples can be rebuilt, but books cannot be rewritten.” (Chapter 18 Epigraph, Timestamp: 04:15)

• On the Art of Poison: “There is an art to poison not often discussed. And that is timing.” (Chapter 8 Epigraph, Timestamp: 07:50)

• Jack’s Knowledge of Feather Tales: “They don’t fight, they don’t like violence.” (Threshing Scene, Timestamp: 15:25)

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Conclusion

Carly’s in-depth analysis offers a treasure trove of insights and theories that enrich the Empyrean series’ intricate lore. By meticulously connecting dots between character motivations, hidden clues, and overarching plot mechanics, she provides listeners with a deeper understanding of the narrative’s complexities. As Dear Fantasy Reader gears up for Season 3’s exploration of Onyx Storm, episodes like this one ensure fans remain engaged and eagerly anticipating what’s to come.

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Subscribe and Stay Updated

Don’t miss out on future episodes packed with theories, analyses, and fangirl moments. Subscribe to Dear Fantasy Reader and join Hannah, Karly, and Kinsey as they continue to explore the captivating world of Empyrean every Tuesday!

Transcript

[Ella]

How did Ella bake her way to the top? It all started with one smart decision. She test drove a certified used truck from her local Ford dealer. It was inspected, backed by a Ford warranty, and fit her budget. A Carfax report was the cherry on top. Soon a pinch of confidence became a truckload of ambition. Cupcakes became customers. Customers became regulars.

[Carly]

Hola.

[Ella]

Turns out Ella's next great investment was herself. Ford Blue Advantage used car buying that's built for you. See dealer for full program and limited warranty details.

[Aisha]

How do you make an Airbnb a vrbo? Imagine trying to get your four best friends to agree on the perfect vacation house. Aisha wants spacious, Abby wants a cowboy tub, and Sophia keeps sharing one that's not available that weekend. Now imagine you have a property comparison tool that makes it easy to compare different houses. Suddenly, four friends who can't agree on an appetizer quickly agree on the perfect house for their trip. Because now it's a vrbo. Wish it was simpler to plan a vacation. Make it a vrbo.

[Carly]

Welcome to the Dear Dragon Reader series segment of Dear Fantasy Reader Podcast. These episodes were originally part of the Dragon Readers Podcast, but we have since merged. My name is Carly, and in each of these episodes we dive deep into a single topic from the Empyrean series. And this week's episodes will be on Violet's dad and the Feather Tales, and I promise you it will make sense why they are both in the same episode once you listen to it. Please note that this podcast will have spoilers for 4th Wing and Iron Flame 2. Do not listen if you have not read these books in their entirety. And there's also a content warning for language and adult themes. First, I want to get into just a few guesses of what I think Violet's dad's identity might be if it has been Easter egged into Fourth Wing already. We're not sure of that, but I do have a few guesses if it has been, and then I'm going to talk about why he was researching Feather Tales, what that research turned into, what I suspect he found, and how I think it could cure the Venin problem. While Violet's dad is generally called Papa Sorrengail across the Fourth Wing fandom, I want to point out we don't know the standard naming convention in this world. It's possible his last name is not Sor Andale. It's possible that Violet was named after her mom's last name and carried that name, because I think it's possible in this world that they take the last name of whoever is higher ranked in the military. We don't know that, but I think it's a possibility. So it's worth noting that if the dad's name has been Easter Egged into the books, it's likely because his last name isn't Sor Andale. If his name has been Easter Egged into Fourth Wing, I have two main possibilities. And the first one is in the chapter 18 epigraph of 4th Wing. It is the guide to excelling in the Scribe Quadrant, and it is written by Colonel Daxton. And the reason why I think that this might be Papa Sorrengale is because of the quote. It says there is nothing more sacred than the archives. Even temples can be rebuilt, but books cannot be rewritten. And this is so reminiscent of the things Violet's dad has told her as she was training for the Scribe Quadrant. And it just sounds so much like him that if his name is Easter Egg Den, I think this is a good possibility. And the other Easter Egg name I think it might be is actually the author of the Book of Poisons Violet brings with her to Baz Goeth. It's mentioned in the very first chapter of Fourth Wing. So I think it would be very fitting if it was Easter Egged in here. We don't get the name in chapter one of Fourth Wing, but we do get the mention of the Book of Poisons, and it's the thing that she wants to bring with her. And we find out later in an epigraph that author is likely Captain Lawrence Medina. And so I think that's another possibility. It's mentioned in the epigraph for chapter eight, where it is titled Effective Uses of Wild and Cultivated Herbs. But in the quote it says there is an art to poison not often discussed. And that is timing, which we know Violet talks about later and that she likely gets from that book. So that's the other possibility. And I would love if that was written by her dad, because I would just find that so fitting that he still helped her so much through the Writer's Quad, even after his demise. So the only other thing regarding the Sorengel family name that I could find that was interesting was in the chapter 18 epigraph from Iron Flame. There is a passage there where we get several listed authors, as this passage has been translated and retranslated over time from different curators of the Scribe Quadrant. And the very first author is the very first scribe of the Scribe Quadrant, and the name is Sagar Olson. And this is Actually an anagram for a first initial S. Last name, Sorrengale. Sorrengale is spelled differently, but it is still the last name Sor Andale. And I found that very interesting. So if the father's last name was originally Sor Andale, it would not surprise me if his name turns out to start with an S. Okay, I think we can move on to why I think Violet's dad was researching feather tales in the first place. Because I. I think Dain actually is the one to have told us. In I think, the third chapter of Fourth Wing, when Dain is helping Violet after Parapet, he is checking in with her to see if she needs to wrap her knees. And then he questions, unless you found some miracle cure I don't know about. In the last year, I believe this was a hint that he was in fact searching for a way to help strengthen Violet's ligaments and joints, because he thought that was the only way the Writer's quadrant would be an option for her. Because we do get a couple flashbacks of Violet thinking back to being a child and wondering if she could be a writer like Meera and Brennan. And Violet's dad makes it clear to her that that's not her path, that it's essentially not an option for her. But I believe he recognized in her the deep down desire to be a writer, but feeling like she couldn't be because of the ruthlessness of that world and the differences she had in her physicality. And I want to be very clear here. Violet is not broken. She was not something that needed to be fixed or cured. But from her father's perspective, I felt like he believed she would not survive the Quadrant, much like Dane had a hard time seeing that she could in fact survive and thrive in the Riders Quadrant. And because of this belief, I think this led her dad on a path to search for a cure. Again, a cure she does not need. But I do believe that that's what he was searching. And in that search, I think it led him to feather tail gifts. And I think as part of this research, he discovered how powerful these gifts were. And I think he had a suspicion of the different types of feathertail gifts that might exist in this world. And this gets to the next part of this theory of why the feather tales are so important and what I think their gifts are and how I think that's going to play into the war on the Venin. I believe the feathertail gifts are a clue for the different types of signets that can manifest. So far, the only feather Tail gift we know of for sure is Indarna's. And she had the gift of time. She could stop time, slow down time. And I think this is a big clue. I believe we are going to find out that there are these large, encompassing feathertail gifts such as light, time, mind work, darkness, space elements, and healing, and that from these original feathertail gifts, we get these different signets that manifest in writers like lightning, shadows, truthsayer, ice wielding, distance wielding, and so on. I started to notice when I made a list of all the signets that they all tended to kind of categorize together. You have all these different elemental signets, different mind work signets, different ability to move through space, whether you're moving objects to you or you yourself are moving through space. And I think we are going to find that all of the signet possibilities are going to come down to these original seven core feather tail gift types. And I believe that Violet's dad felt if he could find a feather tail with the ability to heal anything, that they might be able to heal Violet. And I don't think that that's what that ability is for. I think we are going to find that we need that ability to heal the land from the Venon, draining it of magic. And I don't necessarily know that they're going to need feather tales or that they're going to need writers who seem to be manifesting these original feather tale gifts in some of their most purest forms, which I believe we are already seeing with Violet and Zaden. And I believe that the unraveling of this information about feather tales is likely what led to Violet's father losing his life. And while I know we all believe that leadership had something to do with it, I believe there is going to be an extra twist to this knife in Violet's story. Violet already doesn't trust Leadership, and so it's not going to be this shocking revelation for her character arc for her to find out that her dad knew too much and leadership had him taken out. I think the bigger twist would be that because he knew too much about feather tales, dragons demanded he be taken out. Or possibly in another twist, that before Leadership could have him taken out, that one of the marked ones was one of the ones that actually killed her dad in revenge for what her mom did. I think it would be very possible for this person to be Garak because him and Daden were in the Quadrant at the same time. And he could have done this after his signet manifested, but before Zaden got his intrinsic ability because we knew that happened a month after he got his shadow ability. And if he is only reading people's intentions, if Garak has already done this, he doesn't intend to hurt the dad anymore, because he's already done. And so I think that would be an extra twist to this story if it turned out that it was either the dragons or the marked ones behind Violet's dad's demise. Because I think that will be an interesting arc for her character to have to continue to work with the last people she thought she could trust when it turned out they're the ones that took her dad from her. And the last odd connection I want to talk about when it comes to Violet's dad and the Feather Tales is the fact that Jack seems to know the same information Violet knows about Feather Tales. Violet recites some information about Feather Tales to herself, trying to calm herself during Gauntlet. And it is about how Feather Tales abhor violence, and Jack seems to know this information. At threshing, she overhears him saying that they don't fight, that they don't like violence. And she is very, very confused about how Jack knows this information, which tells me that the information she has about Feather Tales almost certainly came from her dad. And how does Jack know this information if the only other person that Violet knows of that could have known this information was her dad? Which tells me that Jack must have a connection somehow to Violet's dad. I can only think of two possibilities for this. The first one being that Jack is somehow related to Violet's dad. And one of those possibilities could be that he could be an illegitimate child. Jack does have blue eyes, and Violet's eyes are half blue, half amber, telling me that likely one of her parents has blue eyes. And one of her parents has amber eyes. It is noted that her sibling, Brennan, has amber eyes. People understandably, do not like this theory. They do not like the idea that Violet's dad would have been unfaithful. However, I do think it would explain a couple of things regarding Jack's character. Jack hates Violet immediately on site. And this could be for the simple fact that she was a Soren Gael. She was a legitimate, recognized daughter, and she was the dad's favorite. And he also ruthlessly goes after Andarna at threshing simply for the fact that she is a feathertail. And this could be because the dad was also obsessed with researching Feather Tales. And perhaps this is Jack's way of getting back at the dad posthumously, by destroying all of the things the dad loved for never recognizing Jack publicly and keeping him a secret. The other connection potentially is, oddly through Brennan. We know that Brennan and Nayland were almost certainly close. Rebecca Yarros has hinted at this in Views and what if Jack had a connection to Nayland? It's possible that the dad shared the information with Brennan, who shared it with Nayland, who then shared it with Jack. And this would mean that Jack potentially was obsessed with taking out Violet and the Feather Tales because he's obsessed with taking out things that are weak because he blames that for the loss of Nayland. However, if Jack has a closer relationship with the dad than we realize, like being an illegitimate son or another unknown family member, that the dad was, for whatever reason keeping his relationship with Jack private but also trying to bond with him and talk to him and teach him things, this one might mean that Jack knows where the research is and when Violet goes to retrieve it. Perhaps Jack has already taken it and that is going to add an extra hurdle in this story to her getting the information that her dad has that seems so critical to them solving some of these problems. I also want to point out that these connections that Jack might have to this information might also explain why Lilith allowed Nolan to work so hard to save Jack and allowed him to stay on campus after turning Venin. Perhaps she saw Jack as either another piece of the father still alive in the world and did not want to let him die. Or perhaps she felt obligated to try to save him since Nayolyn died trying to save her son. And so I think either of those could be an explanation for why Lilith had Nolan work so hard to save him. That is it for the deep dive on Violet's dad and the Feather Tales. I will be taking a break for a couple weeks from making new content and after that we will have another episode up. I will announce what the new episode will be on my bookstagram ookishisbetter.

[Ella]

How did Ella bake her way to the top? It all started with one smart decision. She test drove a certified used truck from her local Ford dealer. It was inspected, backed by a Ford warranty and fit her budget. A Carfax report was the cherry on top. Soon a pinch of confidence became a truckload of ambition. Cupcakes became customers. Customers became regulars.

[Carly]

Hola.

[Ella]

Turns out Ella's next great investment was herself. Ford Blue Advantage used car buying that's built for you. See dealer for full program and limited warranty details.