Fourth Wing
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
by Yarros, RebeccaThe chapter opens with a mythic reference to a celestial conflict, emphasizing the tragic cost paid by the third brother who commanded the sky’s greatest power to defeat his jealous sibling. This allegory sets a tone of high stakes and formidable power struggles that resonate throughout the narrative. The scene quickly shifts to a tense, action-packed confrontation in the skies, where the protagonist, mounted on Tairn, faces a deadly venin—an enemy who has previously killed Soleil. The vivid description of the venin’s veins and her aggressive stance underscores the peril and intensity of the battle, highlighting the protagonist’s immediate need to adapt and survive amid chaos.
As the fight unfolds, the protagonist recognizes the increasing danger posed by the venin’s agility and cunning. Despite her own injuries and the loss of her dagger, she fights to stay alive, fighting off the venin’s relentless assault. The scene reveals her resourcefulness and determination, drawing on her training and the support of her dragon, Tairn. The protagonist’s awareness of her limitations and her resolve to protect her dragon and herself are central themes, emphasizing her growth as a fighter in a world fraught with deadly adversaries. The confrontation becomes a test of both combat skills and mental resilience, with the tension mounting as the venin’s speed and brutality threaten to overwhelm her.
The narrative takes a darker turn as the venin’s weaponry and tactics reveal a deeper, more sinister layer—she is a student of a dark sage, hinting at a larger, more dangerous enemy lurking behind the immediate threat. The protagonist’s realization that her opponent is not only skilled but also educated in dark magic adds complexity to the conflict. The scene shifts into a display of strategic combat, with Xaden’s shadow magic providing a crucial advantage by plunging the battlefield into darkness. This shift allows the protagonist to leverage her own light power, turning the tide of the fight momentarily and executing a decisive strike that mortally wounds the venin.
In the aftermath, the chapter captures the toll of battle—both physical and emotional. The protagonist’s victory is bittersweet, marked by her own injuries and the realization of the deadly force she has faced. She manages to declare the venin’s death amid her fading strength, emphasizing her resilience and the high cost of victory. As she stumbles toward safety, the chapter underscores the ongoing threat and the fragile line between life and death in this perilous world. The closing moments hint at the lingering pain and the need for recovery, setting the stage for future challenges and deepening the narrative’s tension.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What are the key events that occur during the confrontation between the protagonist and the venin, and how do these events illustrate the protagonist’s growth and strategic thinking?
Answer:
During the confrontation, the protagonist faces a deadly venin who has killed Soleil and is attacking with green-tipped daggers. The protagonist initially struggles, fighting defensively and sustaining injuries, including a dagger wound to the side. Despite this, they demonstrate resilience by unbuckling their thigh straps, attempting to fight back, and ultimately summoning their power to turn the tide. The use of darkness to disorient the venin, followed by a precise strike with a runed dagger between her ribs, shows strategic thinking. This sequence highlights the protagonist’s growth from a defensive fighter to someone who leverages their environment, harnesses their magic, and remains composed under pressure, reflecting their increasing confidence and tactical awareness.2. Question 2
How does the chapter depict the theme of inner strength versus physical vulnerability, and what message does this convey about overcoming adversity?
Answer:
The chapter vividly portrays the protagonist’s physical vulnerability through injuries like the dagger wound and the burning acid in their veins, yet it emphasizes their mental resilience and inner strength. Despite the pain, they refuse to succumb to fear, pushing through exhaustion and injury to fight back. Their decision to use their power of light to gain control and deliver a decisive blow demonstrates that inner strength—courage, determination, and strategic thinking—can overcome physical limitations. This portrayal conveys a message that true strength lies not in physical invincibility but in the ability to persevere, adapt, and harness one’s inner resources in the face of adversity.3. Question 3
In what ways does the chapter explore the concept of power—both magical and personal—and its role in combat and self-identity?
Answer:
The chapter explores power as a multifaceted concept—magical, represented by the protagonist’s ability to command light and manipulate darkness, and personal, reflected in their resilience, tactical skills, and emotional resolve. The venin taunts the protagonist about their potential to command the sky’s power, implying that understanding and controlling one’s power is crucial. The protagonist’s use of light to illuminate the battlefield and their strategic attack signifies mastery over their magical abilities. Simultaneously, their decision to fight through pain and injury underscores a developing self-identity rooted in perseverance and bravery. The chapter suggests that true power is not just innate talent but also the mastery of oneself and the ability to adapt under pressure.4. Question 4
Critically evaluate the significance of the environment—such as Tairn’s back, the parapet, and the fading light—in shaping the intensity and outcome of the battle.
Answer:
The environment plays a crucial role in shaping the battle’s intensity and outcome. Tairn’s back provides familiarity for the protagonist, allowing them to navigate and strategize effectively. The moving, flying parapet introduces a dynamic and unstable battleground, heightening the danger and chaos of the fight. The fading light and the glow of the burning city underscore the urgency and gravity of the situation, symbolizing the dwindling hope or clarity. The use of darkness and light as tactical tools—Xaden’s shadows versus the protagonist’s light—further emphasizes the environment’s influence on combat. Overall, the environment amplifies the stakes, forcing the protagonist to adapt quickly and showcasing how surroundings can impact tactics and emotional resilience during high-stakes conflicts.5. Question 5
What does the chapter reveal about the relationship between the protagonist and their allies, such as Tairn and Xaden, and how do these relationships influence the protagonist’s actions?
Answer:
The chapter highlights a relationship of mutual trust and strategic cooperation between the protagonist and their allies. Tairn’s concern and orders to stay level demonstrate a protective dynamic, while Xaden’s command to level the playing field with shadows indicates a coordinated effort to turn the tide of battle. These relationships influence the protagonist’s actions by providing support and tactical guidance, reinforcing that they are not fighting alone. The presence of allies encourages the protagonist to push beyond their physical and emotional limits, leveraging their collective strength. This interconnectedness underscores the importance of teamwork, trust, and shared purpose in overcoming formidable enemies and achieving victory.
Quotes
1. “But it was the third brother, who commanded the sky to surrender its greatest power, who finally vanquished his jealous sibling at a great and terrible price.”
This quote encapsulates the chapter’s mythic tone and themes of sacrifice and power, highlighting a key legend that frames the narrative’s underlying conflict between strength and consequence.
2. “She’s too fast! I doubt the dagger has struck anything vital from its position, and I fight through mouthwatering nausea to balance the only venin blade I have left and yank hers out. But something isn’t right. The wound begins to burn, and I immediately battle to keep my balance as acid races through my veins.”
This passage underscores the deadly threat of the venin, illustrating the heightened danger and the protagonist’s struggle to survive against an opponent wielding poisoned blades, emphasizing the stakes and brutality of the combat.
3. “Level the playing field,” Xaden orders. He’s split his power and shadows rush in from the cliffs at my left, throwing the world around me—and the venin—into a cloud of complete darkness.”
This moment marks a pivotal shift in the battle, showcasing the strategic use of shadow magic to regain control, symbolizing hope and the importance of adaptation in dire circumstances.
4. “I’m the one in control now, and I know the terrain of Tairn’s back like my own hand. Moving to the right, where I can feel the slope of his shoulder, I take up a fighting stance, grip my dagger in my good hand, and let my power explode through the dark, illuminating the sky for one crackling, priceless second.”
Here, the protagonist asserts agency and mastery over her environment and her power, emphasizing resilience and the pivotal moment of reclaiming strength amidst chaos.
5. “She staggers backward, her face turning an ashen gray before she falls from Tairn’s back. I falter, swaying as the acid in my veins burns brighter, harsher, incinerating me from the inside out.”
This closing image powerfully conveys the toll of battle and the protagonist’s suffering, encapsulating themes of sacrifice, pain, and the cost of victory.