Understanding Violet's Condition in the Fourth Wing

Violet Sorrengail is the main character in Fourth Wing, where she aims to become a dragon rider at Basgiath War College. Despite facing challenges due to a joint condition, she shows determination and strength. Initially trained for the Scribe Quadrant, she is pushed into the Riders Quadrant by her mother, known for its physical demands. As a new recruit at Basgiath, Violet proves her abilities as a dragon rider, despite her physical symptoms.

Facing various tests at Basgiath, Violet uses her creativity to overcome physical differences with her classmates. Her dragon also helps by having a specially designed saddle for her comfort. This highlights the importance of accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The role of Violet's condition in Fourth Wing and its sequel, Iron Flame, leaves readers curious about the specifics of her condition.

Violet Sorrengail's Condition In Fourth Wing Is Based On Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

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Violet's condition in Fourth Wing is similar to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a disorder affecting connective tissues like joints, skin, and blood vessels. This can lead to excessive flexibility in the body, increasing the risk of injuries. There are different types of EDS, but Violet shows symptoms such as joint instability, easy bruising, and chronic pain.

Author Rebecca Yarros, who wrote Fourth Wing, has shared on Instagram that she and her sons have EDS. It is possible that Yarros drew inspiration from her own experiences with the condition when writing about Violet. By including a character with EDS, Yarros provides representation for others with similar tissue disorders, even though it may not be explicitly mentioned in the book. Readers with EDS or similar conditions may find comfort in seeing a character like Violet in the story.

Why Fourth Wing's Violet Has EDS & Why It's Important

An image of a golden dragon in front of a cover of Rebecca Yarros' Fourth Wing turned blue - Why Fourth Wing's Violet Has EDS & Why It's Important

In Fourth Wing, author Yarros intentionally gave the character Violet a condition similar to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. This decision was made to provide representation of disability within the fantasy genre. Yarros highlighted this during a book event, pointing out that in fantasy stories, heroines are often depicted as tough and physically strong right from the start. However, she believed it was crucial to showcase a main character with a disability who could still embark on adventures similar to able-bodied characters, relying on different forms of strength to become a hero.

Violet sends a powerful message in a place like Basgiath, where physical strength is valued above all else. Despite being perceived as "weak" by her peers, Violet proves them wrong by relying on her intelligence, bravery, and dedication. Her character challenges the notion that fantasy heroines must be able-bodied to be successful in saving the day or captivating an audience. Hopefully, Fourth Wing will encourage more authors to include representation of disabilities and chronic illnesses in their stories.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides an insightful exploration of Violet Sorrengail's condition in "Fourth Wing" as an allegory for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). It highlights the importance of representation and the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Violet's determination and resilience despite her physical limitations serve as a powerful message that true strength and heroism extend beyond physical abilities.

The article also sheds light on the significance of accommodations and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. Violet's specially designed saddle allows her to overcome physical differences and pursue her dreams. This emphasizes the need for a society that acknowledges and supports the diverse needs of all its members, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed and contribute.