The Seven Shocking Secrets Of Dunne, Goddess Of War, In The Fourth Wing Universe

The role of Dunne, the formidable Goddess of War and Strength, has dramatically shifted from a background deity in *Fourth Wing* to a central, world-altering figure in the latest books of the Empyrean Series, *Iron Flame* and *Onyx Storm*. As of the current date, December 15, 2025, fan theories are exploding with speculation that the entire religious pantheon—including Malek, God of Death, and Zihnal, God of Luck—is far more active and manipulative than previously believed, with Dunne at the heart of the coming conflict against the venin. This article dives deep into the lore, the latest revelations from *Onyx Storm*, and the most compelling fan theories about Dunne’s true intentions and her mysterious connection to protagonist Violet Sorrengail. The Empyrean Series, penned by Rebecca Yarros, masterfully introduced a complex system of gods that govern the world of Navarre, but it is the Goddess Dunne who is most intrinsically linked to the dangers and training of the riders at Basgiath War College. Her domain is not just brute force, but also strategic understanding, martial prowess, and the harsh realities of combat. Understanding Dunne is key to predicting the trajectory of the series, especially as the stakes escalate and the line between myth and reality blurs.

The Pantheon of Navarre: A Quick Biography of the Gods

The religious structure of the Empyrean world is built around a hierarchy of powerful deities, each commanding a specific domain. While their active involvement was initially subtle, the events of *Onyx Storm* have brought them into sharp focus, suggesting a deeper, ancient conflict at play. * Dunne (Goddess of War and Strength): The most frequently mentioned deity after Malek. She is the patron of warriors and riders, embodying strategic understanding and the necessary ruthlessness of battle. Her temple and dedication process are central to the lore of the War College. * Malek (God of Death): The ever-present truth of mortality and sacrifice. He is often invoked in times of peril and is seen as the ultimate judge of life and death. His domain is the grim reality of the world. * Zihnal (God of Luck): Known for his capricious nature, Zihnal is invoked for fortune and good timing. His gifts are often seen as minor blessings, but fan theories suggest his domain might be more significant than mere chance. * Amari (Queen of the Gods/Goddess of Gods): Believed to be the head of the pantheon, representing a moral or overarching authority. Her role is still largely shrouded in mystery, but her title suggests a supreme power. * Hedeon: Another mentioned deity, though his specific domain and role are less defined in the early books, hinting at a wider, yet-to-be-revealed pantheon.

The Critical Shift: From Myth to Prophecy in Onyx Storm

The true importance of Dunne exploded with the release of *Onyx Storm*, where long-standing rumors about the gods’ involvement began to solidify into concrete lore. This shift has fueled the most intense fan speculation to date.

The "Touched by Dunne" Revelation

In *Onyx Storm*, a critical piece of lore is revealed: Violet Sorrengail began a dedication process to Dunne. Although the process was not completed, she is referred to as having been "Touched by Dunne." This status is highly unusual and suggests a divine selection or intervention that goes beyond simple piety. * Significance of the Touch: Being "Touched by Dunne" implies a unique connection between the protagonist and the Goddess of War. It suggests that Violet, despite her physical frailty, possesses the strategic mind, martial prowess, and ruthlessness that Dunne values. * The Three Signets Theory: Rebecca Yarros has stated that no one gets three signets. However, the "Touched by Dunne" status has led to a major theory that this divine connection is Violet’s *third* form of power—not a traditional signet, but a form of divine guidance or protection that will be crucial in the final battles against the venin.

Theophanie and the Corrupted Priesthood

Another major revelation linking Dunne directly to the series’ central conflict is the introduction of Theophanie, a main villain in *Onyx Storm*. Theophanie was a former priestess of Dunne, and her name itself means "a physical manifestation of a god." * A Corrupted Vessel: The fact that a priestess of the Goddess of War has become a major antagonist, potentially aligned with the venin or a darker power, suggests a corruption that has permeated the religious institutions of Navarre. * Dunne’s Retribution: This raises the question of whether Dunne is now actively guiding Violet—her "Touched" champion—to correct the corruption that has occurred within her own church and to fight the ancient evil that Theophanie now represents.

The Most Compelling Fan Theories About Dunne’s True Role

The community surrounding the Empyrean Series, particularly on platforms like Reddit, is rife with detailed, compelling theories about Dunne’s ultimate purpose. These theories often connect the lore of the gods to the physical world of the riders and their dragons.

Theory 1: The Six Pillars and the Dragon Riders

The Temple of Dunne on Isleis Unnbriel is described as having a grand sculpted tribute, with Dunne portrayed beside six columns, each representing an individual instrument of war. * The Character Connection: A prominent theory suggests that these six columns, or instruments of war, directly correlate to six key characters or their powerful signets. For example, one column might represent the "Claw" (Rhiannon’s signet), and another might represent the "Shield" (a defensive signet). * Dunne’s Chosen Warriors: If true, this means Dunne has been planning for the current war for centuries, selecting specific individuals—or their descendants—to wield the necessary powers to defeat the venin. Violet’s status as "Touched by Dunne" would place her as the central, perhaps final, pillar in this divine strategy.

Theory 2: Dunne and the Blue Dragons

There is a growing theory that Dunne has a special affinity for the blue dragons, or that she herself may be connected to the rare and powerful blue dragon line. * The "Queen" Vibe: Some fans note that Dunne, as the Goddess of War, is often described with a regal or "queen/king" vibe, which they connect to the powerful and strategic nature of blue dragons. Blue dragons are known for their calculating nature and strategic intelligence, aligning perfectly with Dunne’s domain of strategic understanding. * Andarna’s Role: This theory could tie into Andarna, the rare and unique dragon, or Sgaeyl, Xaden’s formidable blue dragon. Dunne may be influencing the dragon-rider bonds, particularly those with blue dragons, to ensure the strongest, most strategic fighters are on the front lines.

Theory 3: The Gods Are Not Benevolent

A darker, more cynical theory suggests that the gods—including Dunne—are not benevolent protectors but rather manipulative entities using the riders as pawns in an ancient, cosmic game. * The Power Vacuum: The venin are known to drain magic from the land, and the gods may be fighting to protect their own source of power, not the people of Navarre. Dunne’s focus on war could simply be her way of ensuring a continuous supply of conflict and strength to draw upon. * Malek’s True Intent: If Malek, the God of Death, is working in concert with Dunne, their combined goal may be to sacrifice the current generation of riders to achieve a greater, perhaps selfish, victory over the venin, ensuring the survival of their own domains. The journey of Violet Sorrengail is inextricably linked to the divine intervention of Dunne, the Goddess of War. The newest lore from *Onyx Storm* confirms that the gods are no longer passive observers but active participants in the war against the venin. Whether Dunne is a benevolent guide or a ruthless manipulator, her "touch" on Violet is the single most important mythological detail that will shape the future of the Empyrean Series. Fans must now look beyond the battlefield and into the temples to uncover the final, shocking secrets of the Navarre pantheon.