The Shadow Wielder's Secret: When Is Xaden Riorson's Birthday And Why It Matters In The Empyrean Series

The question of when the formidable Wingleader, Xaden Riorson, celebrates his birthday has been a hot topic among fans of Rebecca Yarros’s *Fourth Wing* and *Iron Flame* since the series exploded onto the literary scene. For a character defined by his secrets, his age and birth date are crucial pieces of the puzzle that reveal much about his journey, his relationship with Violet Sorrengail, and the entire timeline of the Tyrrish Rebellion. As of December 14, 2025, the mystery is officially solved, with the date being confirmed in the lore of The Empyrean series.

The official, canon birthday for the brooding Duke of Tyrrendor is March 31st. This date, which marks the last day of the month, is a significant detail for understanding Xaden’s personality traits, his age progression throughout the books, and the timeline of pivotal events, including his conscription into the Riders Quadrant and his complicated relationship with Violet. His birth year is established as 611 AU (Aretian Unit), providing a clear chronological anchor for all major events in his life.

Xaden Riorson: Full Biography and Profile Overview

Xaden Riorson is one of the most complex and powerful characters in *The Empyrean* series. His background as the son of a traitor and the leader of the marked ones makes his profile a fascinating study in loyalty, rebellion, and power. Here is a complete breakdown of his canonical profile, including his key relationships and abilities.

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• Full Name: Xaden Riorson
• Aliases/Titles: Duke of Tyrrendor, Wingleader (formerly), Lieutenant Rider, Shadow Wielder, Dark One
• Date of Birth (DOB): March 31st, 611 AU (Last day of March)
• Age: 22 (in *Fourth Wing*), 23 (in *Iron Flame*), 24 (later in *Onyx Storm*)
• Place of Birth: Aretia, Tyrrendor Province, Navarre
• Dragon Bond: Sgaeyl (Black Dragon, mated to Tairn)
• Signets: Shadow Wielder (Primary), Intention Reading (Inntinnsic, Secondary)
• Family: Fen Riorson † (Father), Talia Riorson (Mother), Liam Mairi † (Foster Brother), Bodhi Durran (Cousin)
• Romantic Interest: Violet Sorrengail (Lover/Wife)
• Notable Scars: A dark, shimmering rebellion relic on his left arm and neck, 107 silver scars across his back (for taking responsibility for the separatist children), and a scar over his heart.
• Political Seat: The Assembly, Senarium
• Favorite Food: Chocolate Cake

The Significance of March 31st: Xaden's Aries Zodiac Sign

Knowing that Xaden Riorson was born on March 31st places him firmly under the Aries Zodiac sign (March 21 - April 19). For a character as intensely driven and passionate as Xaden, this astrological alignment is incredibly fitting and adds a layer of topical authority to his character analysis.

Aries is a Fire sign, known for embodying traits that define the Duke of Tyrrendor. They are natural leaders, fierce competitors, and possess a powerful, often headstrong, demeanor. Xaden exemplifies these traits through his role as the Wingleader of the Fourth Wing and the leader of the separatist children.

Furthermore, Aries individuals are known for their passion and stubbornness, qualities that are constantly on display in his relationship with Violet Sorrengail. His unwavering dedication to the Tyrrish cause, his willingness to take 107 lashes for the other children, and his ruthless fighting style all align perfectly with the determined and pioneering spirit of an Aries.

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Xaden's Age and Timeline in The Empyrean Series

The timeline of Xaden’s life is marked by tragedy and rebellion, with his birthday serving as a clear chronological marker. Understanding his age is vital for grasping the weight of his responsibilities at various points in the story.

A Life Defined by Milestones

Xaden was born in 611 AU. His life was irrevocably changed on July 1, 627 AU, when he was just 16 years old. This was the date of the "Calldyr Executions," where he was forced to watch the execution of his father, Fen Riorson, and the parents of the 107 separatist children. This moment is the foundation of his character, leading him to take responsibility for the children and receive the 107 scars on his back.

He entered the Riders Quadrant in July 631 AU, after his twentieth birthday, alongside his best friend Garrick Tavis. This means that when Violet Sorrengail arrives at Basgiath War College, Xaden is already a third-year cadet, making him approximately 22 years old during the events of *Fourth Wing*.

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The Missed 21st Birthday and *Iron Flame*

A particularly poignant detail in the series involves Xaden’s 21st birthday. The events of the Battle of Resson, which concludes *Fourth Wing*, lead to Violet being severely poisoned. While Violet is recovering in a coma for three days in Aretia, Xaden’s cousin, Bodhi, delivers a message, and it’s mentioned that Xaden had slept right through his 21st birthday. Brennan Sorrengail, Violet's brother, even quips that his mending of Violet should be considered a "twenty-first-birthday present" for Xaden. This moment highlights the constant turmoil and high stakes that overshadow any chance for normalcy in his life.

By the time *Iron Flame* begins, Xaden is already 23 years old, a recent graduate of Basgiath, and assigned to the eastern wing at Samara's outpost. The narrative of the sequel covers a period where he turns 23 and is on the cusp of his 24th birthday, which is expected to occur during the events of the forthcoming novel, *Onyx Storm*.

The Future: Xaden Riorson's Journey as a Venin Initiate

The most recent and dramatic development in Xaden’s story is his transformation into a venin initiate at the end of *Iron Flame*. This shocking turn of events, a desperate act to save Violet and stay alive during the Battle of Basgiath, fundamentally changes his character and his future.

His new status as a venin will undoubtedly be a central conflict in the next book, *Onyx Storm*. The knowledge of his March 31st birthday and his Aries nature—fierce, stubborn, and protective—will be key to how he handles this new, darker reality. His signet as a Shadow Wielder, which already aligns with the darkness, makes his battle against the venin influence even more compelling.

Fans are eagerly anticipating how the relationship between Xaden and Violet Sorrengail, already complicated by their dragons’ mated bond (Sgaeyl and Tairn), will navigate the ultimate betrayal of his new condition. His birthday remains a simple, human detail in a life now consumed by dragons, shadows, and the fight against the venin, reminding readers of the man beneath the legend.