Say hello to an outstanding Onyx Storm theory which is all about Violet’s poison knowledge. It goes without saying that there are many spoilers ahead so please proceed with caution.
Alright, ready? This theory belongs to Jessica, a lovely fan who commented on my Lilith theory (Lilith Sorrengail was venin).
Jessica’s theory on why Violet knows about poisons
“Xaden mentions that when he’s with Violet, he has no control—a notable point since venin need to maintain control.
Could Violet be the cure or antidote to the venin? Interestingly, I researched the violet flower and its uses in Gaelic and Scottish culture.
It turns out violets were routinely used for healing due to their medicinal properties.
This leads me to wonder: could General Sorrengail have been a venin while pregnant and was given a concoction containing violet flowers, prompting her to name her daughter Violet because of that?
Additionally, Violet is skilled at creating herbal concoctions to weaken her opponents before training, a skill she learned from her father.
Could it be that her father knew how to make these remedies because he used them for her mother?”
My take on the theory
First of all, this theory is beyond brilliant. And it would make so much sense. I love it! I also love that Rebecca Yarros potentially named her protagonist Violet with a dual purpose: to be called Violence by Xaden, but also because it’s a frail flower which packs a (medicinal) punch.
I wanted to double check what Jessica said about violets and here’s what I’ve found.
Violet’s name based on a healing flower
Violets have been used for medicinal purposes throughout history, including in Gaelic and Scottish cultures. The violet plant, particularly species like Viola odorata, has been valued for its healing properties. Traditional uses of violets include treatments for respiratory issues like coughs and bronchitis, as well as skin conditions due to their anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. The flowers and leaves contain compounds such as salicylic acid, which has pain-relieving properties similar to aspirin.
Mind blown yet? Me too.
Daddy Sorrengail obsessed with poisons
I have so much to unpack here. We know that Violet is brilliant with poisons. But not as brilliant as Brennan (according to Xaden anyway).
Mira herself says that she never had the aptitude for poisons. “Poisons,” she answers, flicking another dagger at the target. “Never had the aptitude for them like you and Brennan. Or maybe it’s just that I could never sit still long enough to listen to Dad’s lessons.”
And then, even Lilith herself told Violet that Daddy Sorrengail had really taught her everything she needs to know.
“I’d tell you to take arnica and see a healer, but you already know that. Your father made sure you’d know everything you needed or where to find it. You’re all that’s left of him, you know.”
This theory, while brilliant, it also opens up the room to so many more questions. One must wonder why such emphasis on poisons and healing items. Did Daddy Sorrengail (clearly) know that there are venin and potentially his children needed to know about antidotes?
Brennan managed to cure Violet after being stabbed with that poison. Does he know a lot more that he lets on? Is he also venin somehow? (you know I have many theories about Brennan).
Does this mean that Violet’s second signet is NOT control somehow, but she will have a herbal remedy for Xaden? Will it be something like churram? Which is conveniently forbidden.
So many questions and it pains me that we just need to wait until January 21st to be able to read the new book. I pray to Zinal that maybe they will release Onyx Storm faster OR have a much smaller gap between Onyx Storm and book 4.
What are your thoughts?
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