Violet’s name itself serves as a significant clue. Violets, the flowers, have long been associated with healing properties in herbal remedies. If you remember, I wrote about poisons and remedies in this article Violet knows the herbal remedy for…venin?

The Violet Antidote Theory

The Symbolism of Her Name

Violet’s name itself serves as a significant clue. Violets, the flowers, have long been associated with healing properties in herbal remedies. In traditional medicine, violets were used for their soothing, purifying, and antidotal qualities. If Violet Sorrengail’s father, an expert in herbal remedies (and poisons), foresaw the need for an antidote to the venin threat, naming his daughter “Violet” could symbolise that she embodies the cure—both metaphorically and literally.

Andarna’s Prophecy

The connection between Violet and prophecy becomes undeniable with Andarna’s long wait. Andarna hatches specifically for Violet, recognizing her as the one foretold to bring balance. This suggests a larger destiny at play, one tied to Violet’s unique qualities, intelligence, and resilience. If Violet is the embodiment of the cure to venin, Andarna’s choice of her as a rider becomes even more significant—Andarna, with her time-altering powers, would inherently understand the importance of Violet’s role in the grand scheme.

Clues in General Lilith’s Words

General Lilith’s comment, “Your father made sure you’d know everything you needed or where to find it,” implies a deep, deliberate preparation for Violet’s future. Her father’s research into feathertails and herbal antidotes, combined with her training and knowledge, positions Violet uniquely to wield this knowledge effectively. Lilith’s words could be hinting that Violet herself is the culmination of that research—whether through her unique genetics, training, or inherent power.

Xaden and the Violets

The violets that Xaden leaves for her are not just romantic gestures; they symbolise something much deeper. These flowers thrive in Basgiath, the very place where venin corruption is a constant threat. Their survival and growth in the dark mirror Violet’s ability to persevere and bring hope. By surrounding her with violets, Xaden could be unconsciously reinforcing her role as the antidote to his inner darkness and, by extension, the venin.

Violet as the Light to the Darkness

Violet’s role is not only as a combatant but as a force of balance and healing. Xaden, marked by darkness and conflict, is drawn to her purity and strength. Their partnership could symbolize the union of light and dark, where Violet tempers and transforms the destructive potential of power into something life-saving. If venin represent unchecked ambition and corruption, Violet stands as the natural counterforce—balancing destruction with creation, corruption with purity.

A Genetic or Alchemical Cure?

It is possible that Violet’s uniqueness stems from an alchemical or genetic component. Her father’s research into feathertails might hint at a connection between their physiology and the cure for venin. Perhaps Violet, through her bond with Andarna or her innate qualities, contains the secret to synthesising a cure. This could manifest as a serum or an ability inherent within her to destroy venin corruption at its core.

The Bigger Picture: Violet’s Destiny

Violet is not just a fighter; she is a symbol of hope and healing. Her intelligence, determination, and compassion make her uniquely suited to solve the venin crisis in ways that others cannot. Whether through knowledge, power, or an alchemical essence, Violet is positioned to be the key that unlocks the future free of venin—a beacon of light in a world shrouded by darkness.

Conclusion: Violet IS the Antidote

Violet Sorrengail’s name, her connections to prophecy, and the careful preparations made by her parents all point to one inescapable truth: she is the antidote. Whether through her actions, her power, or something intrinsic to her being, she represents the light that will dispel the venin darkness. Her journey is not only one of survival but of becoming the force that will heal the world. And as we will find out, I think actual violets might just help cure (or control) Xaden’s predicament.

Thank you so much to our fan, Liz, who came up with this theory. She’s been brilliant to point this out. Loved it!

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• Onyx Storm Theory: We know the herbal remedy for venin. It’s in every single book
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