This lore breakdown is a helpful resource for understanding the Empyrean series! This lore guide includes spoilers, so please read AFTER you’ve finished Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, Onyx Storm, and Threshing Day.
Includes info from Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, Onyx Storm and Threshing Day, so this guide is spoiler in nature.
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Xaden Riorson is the son of Fen Rioson, the previous Duke of Tyrrendor, and Talia. Sgaeyl previously bonded Maxim Riorson, who according to records, was Xaden’s Great Uncle. But we know this is incorrect, Maxim was actually Xaden’s Grandfather.
Mother’s Side
Talia is now on the isle kingdom of Hedotis, residing with her current husband and two sons, Xaden’s half-brothers.
When Talia was young she entered into a marriage contract with Fen Riorson. The contract stated that she was to produce an heir for Tyrrendor. After she had Xaden, she was obligated to stay for ten years. On the evening of his tenth birthday she left and never went back to visit him or even write him a letter.
Once back in Hedotis, Talia married Faris and together they had two children: Simeon (approx. 11 years old) and Gaius, the younger of the two.
Father’s Side
Xaden’s father, Fen Riorson, is the son of Maxim Riorson; however, it is widely believed that he is the son of Maxim’s brother, Corbin Riorson. Fen is the previous Duke of Tyrrendor and leader of the apostasy. He wished to secede from Navarre but that unfortunately led to the death of him and those who sided with him. Before he was the Duke, Fen was conscripted into the Infantry quadrant.
Maxim Riorson is Sgaeyl’s previous rider and, according to the records, Xaden’s Great Uncle. He died before he graduated from the quadrant about forty years before Xaden bonds Sgaeyl. It is not until Sgaeyl calls Xaden the ‘grandson of Maxim Riorson’ that he learns his grandmother lied about the father of her children.
The man everyone thinks is Xaden’s grandfather, Corbin Riorson, is actually his Great Uncle. We don’t know anything else about him.
In Threshing Day, Xaden thinks “Dad is the oldest twin.” We can assume this means that Bodhi’s mother—Fen’s sister—is most likely his twin. But since Xaden’s thought was cut off, we do not know any further details or receive confirmation of who Fen’s twin was.
Speaking of Bodhi’s mother, aka Xaden’s Aunt, she is Fen’s sister and married into the Durran family. Unlike Fen and Talia, Bodhi’s parents were madly in love.
Bodhi, Xaden’s cousin, is an only child and bears a close resemblance to Xaden. He has been raised to take over in case anything happens to Xaden.
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