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Symbols are objects, characters, figures, and colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.
The Marked
The large, bold marks etched magically into the skin of Xaden and other children of the Rebellion represent more than just a physical reminder of their parents’ defiance; they’re also a symbol of the deep-seated prejudice and systemic inequities within Navarrian society. These tattoos are a constant visual indicator of the Rebellion’s legacy. marked people are not allowed to gather in groups, for fear that they will continue to conspire against the Navarrian monarchy. Children of loyalists are taught to hate and distrust those with marks and are told that they are traitors just as their parents were. Because Xaden made a bargain with the military as the son of the rebel leader, the marked children are allowed to join the Riders Quadrant and attempt to become riders as a way of proving their loyalty. Xaden wagers his life against the promise that the marked won’t step out of line. If even one does, he dies.
However, the mark is not just a visual reminder of the stigma against the seditionists in Navarre. Although they are meant to be demoralizing, the marks become a unifying symbol of resilience, joining the children of the rebels together. For the marked, this visible sign of their heritage is both a burden and a rallying point. Seeing their own marks every day reminds them of the sacrifices their families made to try to create a fairer world. Through this symbolism, Fourth Wing explores the effects of legacy, illustrating how characters like Xaden and Liam navigate a world that labels them based on their family histories. The “Rebellion relics,” as they are sometimes known, are both a burden and a badge of honor.
The Dual Bond
The unprecedented dual bond between Violet, Tairn, and Andarna is a symbol of the delicate balance of life in Navarre. Fourth Wing is a book full of pairs and dualities, so it initially seems strange that its protagonist would form part of the novel’s only team of three. Violet is the first person in history to form a rider bond with two dragons; Andarna and Tairn are also polar opposites in terms of age, power, and character. Dragons and teachers alike are startled by Violet’s dual bond, because it also defies tradition within the dragon community. Riders and dragons also gain the ability to communicate psychically, and dragons can read their rider’s thoughts. Bonds are seen as sacred, as a dragon typically forms an exclusive connection with a single rider, and the rider’s life becomes dependent on the life of the dragon. Tairn and Andarna choose Violet because of her unique combination of intelligence, magical potential, and courage. Because they both share their powers with her, giving her abilities the War College calls “signets”, Violet gains access to an unusual combination of strengths. Tairn embodies the physical power, aggression, and authority typical of the strongest and oldest dragons of Navarre. His power is dangerously strong, and he’s always cautioning Violet to pull back when channeling his magic for fear of burning her out. Andarna is technically too young to bond with a rider, but once she meets Violet her fate is sealed. Her power to stop time and Tairn’s signet of lightning wielding provide Violet with the unique advantage of blending brute elemental power with a purely tactical advantage.
This dual bond also metaphorically mirrors Violet’s journey to find her place as someone who relies on intellect in a world that values traditional strength. Physically less powerful than many of her peers, Violet relies on her smarts and her creative problem-solving to survive and succeed. The bond with both Tairn and Andarna reflects her need to balance these aspects of her character. Their voices in her head alternately chastise and encourage her, helping her to make the choices she needs to survive. Both dragons also save her life on more than one occasion, using their telepathic connection and physical might to make up for Violet’s comparative vulnerability.
Shadows
In Fourth Wing, shadows symbolize secrecy. Marked cadets like Xaden can only meet in secret, and so any gathering of the marked always happens under the cover of shadow. The dark marks on their skin also somewhat resemble shadows, especially when compared to the unmarked skin of other cadets. Xaden’s signet power reflects this, as he inherits the rare talent of wielding shadows through his connection with Sgaeyl. His magical powers allow him to use shadows to his advantage, hiding things when they need to be hidden and telekinetically moving objects with a high degree of control. Xaden is very dexterous with shadows, able to use them forcefully as dangerous weapons or protective shields. Mastery over shadows also allow Xaden to maintain emotional and physical distance from others, giving him control over how much of himself he reveals. The way this helps and hurts him simultaneously mirrors how he’s learned to work with, rather than against, his status as the ringleader of the marked cadets. For all of this group, shadows represent the ongoing legacy of their families’ choices. They are forever metaphorically “shadowed” with the aftereffects of their parents’ actions, and are constantly confronted with prejudice and suspicion. In a place like Basgiath, where information is a closely guarded resource, real shadows also cover a lot of truths which might change everything if they were to come to light. Violet’s signet of lightning wielding is the opposite of shadow wielding; her arrival is the impetus for all of the events which draw back the shadows of Navarrian military corruption.
