When readers first encounter Bodhi Durran in Rebecca Yarros’s Fourth Wing, they might dismiss him as just another supporting character. But that would be a mistake. This dragon rider has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, and for good reason. There’s something magnetic about his loyalty, his mysterious past, and the way he seems to know more than he lets on.
Who is Bodhi Durran in Fourth Wing?
Bodhi Durran isn’t your typical dragon rider at Basgiath War College. Sure, he’s got the skills and the rank—serving as Tail Section Executive Officer—but what sets him apart runs much deeper. He’s one of the marked ones, those unfortunate souls whose parents paid the ultimate price for their involvement in the Tyrrish Rebellion.
Walking through the halls of Basgiath, Bodhi carries himself with quiet confidence. His fellow cadets respect him, not just because of his position, but because he’s earned it. There’s something about the way he handles pressure that makes others want to follow his lead. Maybe it’s his tactical mind, or perhaps it’s the way he never seems to lose his cool, even when everything’s falling apart around him.
What really makes Bodhi fascinating is how he balances his official duties with his unofficial role in the ongoing rebellion. He’s not just following orders; he’s actively working to change the world. That takes guts, especially when you’re already walking around with a target on your back thanks to that rebellion relic marking you as a potential threat.
The Riorson Connection: More Than Just Cousins?
Here’s where things get really interesting. Officially, Bodhi and Xaden Riorson are cousins. But anyone who’s spent time reading fan forums knows that’s not the whole story. The way these two interact, the physical similarities that make people do double-takes, the emotional bond that goes way beyond typical family ties—it all points to something deeper.
Xaden himself has called Bodhi the “closest thing I have to a brother.” Now, you might think that’s just a figure of speech, but Rebecca Yarros doesn’t waste words. When she writes something like that, she means it. The resemblance between them is so striking that even Violet Sorrengail notices it immediately, describing Bodhi as a “softer” version of Xaden.
Fans have been theorizing about this since Fourth Wing first hit the shelves. The evidence keeps piling up with each book. Their mannerisms are similar, their loyalty to each other runs incredibly deep, and there are hints scattered throughout the series that suggest their family history might not be what it seems. Could they actually be brothers? The possibility has sparked countless discussions online, and honestly, it would explain a lot about their dynamic.
Bodhi’s Unique Powers and Dragon Bond
Let’s talk about what makes Bodhi truly dangerous on the battlefield. His signet ability to counter other riders’ powers is incredibly rare and devastatingly effective. Imagine facing an opponent who can simply turn off your magical abilities. That’s Bodhi in a nutshell. It’s the kind of power that can change the outcome of entire battles.
His partnership with Cuir, his green dragon, adds another layer to his capabilities. Green dragons aren’t just known for their intelligence—they’re strategic thinkers, much like their riders. The bond between Bodhi and Cuir seems particularly strong, which makes sense given Bodhi’s own tactical nature. They complement each other perfectly, creating a formidable team that enemies underestimate at their own peril.
But here’s what’s really got fans talking: the mystery of Bodhi’s second signet. Most marked ones develop a second ability, but Bodhi claims he doesn’t have one. When pressed about it, he gives this cryptic response about being “just like Xaden” with what’s described as a “wry smile.” That’s not the kind of answer you give when you’re being completely honest, is it?
Character Development Through the Series
Watching Bodhi evolve throughout the Empyrean Series has been one of the most rewarding aspects of following these books. In Fourth Wing, he starts as this competent but somewhat background figure. By Iron Flame and Onyx Storm, he’s stepping into his own as a leader and decision-maker.
The Battle of Resson really showcased what Bodhi is made of. When faced with the choice between following orders and doing what’s right, he chose to fight for innocent civilians. That moment revealed his true character—someone who won’t stand by while others suffer, even if it means risking his own life. His arm got broken in four places during that battle, but he never complained. That’s the kind of person Bodhi is.
His relationship with Violet Sorrengail has also been fascinating to watch develop. Initially, there was some distance there—understandable given the circumstances. But as the series progresses, they develop this genuine friendship built on mutual respect and shared experiences. Bodhi becomes protective of Violet, especially after she saves their lives at Resson.
What’s particularly interesting is how Bodhi isn’t afraid to challenge Xaden when he thinks his cousin is making a mistake. That takes courage, especially given Xaden’s position and temperament. But Bodhi does it because he cares, because he sees when Xaden is taking on too much or making decisions that could hurt him in the long run.
The Second Signet Mystery: What Bodhi Isn’t Telling
This is where things get really speculative, and fans love diving into the possibilities. When Bodhi tells Violet he doesn’t have a second signet “just like Xaden,” there are several ways to interpret that statement. The most obvious is that he’s telling the truth—he simply doesn’t have a second ability.
But then there’s the theory that he’s an inntinnsic, just like Xaden. Being able to read minds would certainly explain some of his tactical advantages and his ability to stay one step ahead of potential threats. If that’s the case, his cryptic response makes perfect sense. Admitting to being an inntinnsic is basically signing your own death warrant in their world.
Another possibility that’s gained traction among fans is that Bodhi bonded with the dragon of an indirect ancestor rather than a direct one. This could result in having one incredibly powerful signet instead of two separate abilities. It would explain why his countering ability is so effective and why he doesn’t seem to need a second signet to be formidable in battle.
The truth is, we might not get a definitive answer until later in the series. But that’s part of what makes Bodhi such a compelling character—there’s always more beneath the surface.
Bodhi’s Role in the Rebellion and Beyond
Bodhi’s commitment to the rebellion isn’t just about following Xaden’s lead. He genuinely believes in the cause and is willing to put everything on the line for it. His role in the resistance movement at Basgiath War College has been crucial, from helping with weapon drops to protecting fellow marked ones.
What adds another layer of complexity to his character is his position as second in line to become the Duke of Tyrrendor. That’s not just a title—it comes with real responsibility and power. The fact that Xaden has named him as heir apparent speaks volumes about the trust between them and Bodhi’s capabilities as a leader.
But here’s the thing about Bodhi: he doesn’t seem to want the title for its own sake. When Xaden talks about making him Duke, Bodhi protests, seeing it as Xaden giving up rather than planning for the future. That reaction tells us a lot about his character—he’s not motivated by power or prestige, but by loyalty and duty.
His strategic mind has been invaluable to the rebellion’s success so far. He’s the kind of person who can see the bigger picture while still paying attention to the details that matter. That combination of tactical thinking and genuine care for his people makes him exactly the kind of leader the rebellion needs.
Fan Theories and Future Predictions
The Empyrean Series fandom is incredibly active, and Bodhi is at the center of some of the most intriguing theories. One that’s gained significant traction is the possibility that he might turn venin. The evidence? His feelings of inadequacy, especially when his countering signet proves ineffective against venin, and his desperate desire to be useful to the cause.
Some fans point to his behavior during the Battle of Draithus, where he was last seen retching on the ground. Could this be a sign that he’s already made the choice to draw from the earth? The theory suggests that his loyalty to Xaden might drive him to make this ultimate sacrifice, especially if he believes it’s the only way to help save his cousin.
Then there’s the ongoing speculation about his true relationship to Xaden. If they are indeed brothers rather than cousins, it would have massive implications for the political landscape of their world. It could also explain some of the mysterious aspects of Bodhi’s character and his deep understanding of Xaden’s motivations.
Looking ahead to future books, fans are eager to see how Bodhi’s story unfolds. Will he embrace his potential role as Duke? Will the truth about his second signet finally be revealed? And perhaps most importantly, will his loyalty to Xaden ultimately be his salvation or his downfall?
What’s clear is that Bodhi Durran has become much more than a supporting character. He’s a complex, multifaceted individual whose choices will likely have far-reaching consequences for everyone in the Empyrean Series. Whether you’re team “Bodhi is Xaden’s brother” or you’re convinced he’s hiding a second signet, one thing is certain: this character has a lot more story to tell.
