Rebecca Yarros, Violet, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in Fourth Wing

Introduction

Rebecca Yarros, a New York Times bestselling author, has emerged as a trailblazer in modern fantasy literature. With Fourth Wing, the first book in her Empyrean series, Yarros has captivated readers with a story set in a brutal military academy where aspiring dragon riders must navigate deadly challenges. However, beyond the dragons and epic battles, the novel breaks new ground by addressing an often-overlooked subject in fantasy: the lived experience of chronic illness.

Violet Sorrengail, the novel’s protagonist, faces not only the perils of a war college but also physical limitations eerily similar to those experienced by people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a group of connective tissue disorders. Yarros, who has hypermobile EDS (hEDS) herself, modeled Violet’s struggles on her own experiences and those of her four sons, who also have the condition. Through this heartfelt representation, Yarros provides visibility to invisible disabilities, highlighting their complexity and inspiring countless readers.

Rebecca Yarros: Author, Advocate, and Mother

Background and Career

Rebecca Yarros’ journey as a writer began amidst the challenges of military family life. Married to an Apache helicopter pilot, she spent years raising six children, managing deployments, and finding solace in books. Her debut novel, Full Measures (2014), was inspired by her personal experiences as a military spouse. Over the next decade, Yarros published over 25 novels, earning acclaim for her military romances and emotionally charged dramas.

In 2023, Yarros made a bold leap into fantasy with Fourth Wing. The novel’s success was unprecedented: it sold millions of copies worldwide, stayed atop bestseller lists for months, and sparked a passionate fanbase. Its sequel, Iron Flame, continued this momentum, with readers eagerly anticipating the five-book series’ next installments.

Personal Connection to EDS

For Yarros, writing about EDS is deeply personal. Diagnosed with hypermobile EDS in her early twenties, she endured chronic pain, frequent joint dislocations, and surgeries, including a major shoulder reconstruction at age 18. These challenges extended to her role as a mother; all four of her sons also live with hEDS and related conditions such as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), scoliosis, and pectus excavatum.

Through interviews and social media, Yarros has openly shared the realities of living with EDS, including the daily decisions shaped by pain and physical limitations. Like other celebrities with EDS, her advocacy extends beyond her writing, as Yarros uses her platform to educate others and foster awareness about this often misunderstood condition.

Writing Through Challenges

Balancing a prolific writing career with chronic illness is no small feat. Yarros has spoken candidly about the physical toll of her work, particularly during the intense process of writing Fourth Wing on a tight deadline. Using voice recognition software and pacing herself during book tours are just two of the ways she manages her condition. Writing Violet Sorrengail, she says, has been cathartic, allowing her to process her own struggles and find strength in storytelling.

Chronic Illness Representation in Fourth Wing

The Creation of Violet Sorrengail

Violet Sorrengail is not a typical fantasy heroine. Despite the high-stakes environment of a war college for dragon riders, she faces challenges rooted in physical limitations: joint instability, chronic fatigue, and the need for accommodations. These aspects of her character are not sidelined but woven into the narrative, shaping her journey of resilience and self-acceptance.

For Yarros, creating Violet was an opportunity to depict someone who thrives despite their struggles. “I wanted to tell a story about a girl who should not succeed, and who should not be able to endure an overly brutal environment,” Yarros told The New York Times. Violet’s intelligence and adaptability become her greatest strengths, proving that physical limitations do not preclude greatness.

Subtle Representation in a Fantasy Context

While EDS is not explicitly named in Fourth Wing, Violet’s condition is unmistakably inspired by Yarros’ own experiences with hEDS. This choice aligns with the novel’s world-building, as the fantasy setting lacks modern medical terminology. However, Yarros incorporates key symptoms—joint dislocations, muscle instability, and chronic pain—into Violet’s story with authenticity.

This subtle representation ensures that Violet’s condition is a natural part of the narrative, resonating with readers while maintaining the integrity of the fictional world.

Violet’s journey is not just one of survival; it is a story of self-acceptance. Early in the novel, she struggles to embrace the accommodations that help her navigate her physical challenges. Over time, however, she learns to view these adaptations as tools for success rather than symbols of weakness.

Her relationship with Xaden Riorson, the novel’s love interest, further underscores this theme. Xaden admires Violet’s intelligence and determination, treating her as capable and resilient rather than fragile. This dynamic challenges stereotypes about disability and romance, portraying a partnership built on mutual respect and strength.

Reader and Cultural Impact

Reader Connections

The representation of a protagonist with EDS in Fourth Wing has profoundly impacted readers. Many fans have shared stories of seeing themselves in Violet for the first time, with some even seeking medical diagnoses after recognizing their own symptoms.

“I discovered I have EDS after reading Fourth Wing and relating to Violet’s struggles,” one reader wrote online. “This book gave me the courage to bring my symptoms to my doctor.”

Impact on Healthcare and Awareness

Yarros’ novel has also found its way into healthcare discussions. Therapists and medical professionals have referenced Fourth Wing to better understand the experiences of patients with EDS and hypermobility disorders. This ripple effect demonstrates the power of literature to foster empathy and awareness.

Cultural Significance

The success of Fourth Wing has propelled EDS into mainstream conversations. By intertwining a chronic illness with a bestselling fantasy series, Yarros has not only increased visibility for the condition but also highlighted the need for more inclusive storytelling.

Balancing Writing and Chronic Illness Advocacy

For Yarros, writing is both a passion and a challenge. The physical demands of her career—long hours at a desk, book tours, and promotional events—often exacerbate her symptoms. She has adapted by setting limits, using assistive technology, and prioritizing self-care.

As an “own-voices” author, Yarros carries the weight of representing the EDS community authentically. She has embraced this role, using her platform to share her story and advocate for greater understanding of chronic illnesses.

Implications for EDS Representation in Media

Advocacy Through Storytelling

Fourth Wing challenges the misconception that characters with disabilities cannot lead powerful narratives. By centering Violet’s story on her intelligence and resilience, Yarros redefines what it means to be a fantasy hero.

Authors like Yarros bring authenticity and nuance to their storytelling, paving the way for more inclusive representation. Her success underscores the value of lived experiences in creating compelling and relatable narratives.

The Future of the Empyrean Series

As readers eagerly await the third book, Onyx Storm (due in January 2025), Yarros continues to expand the world of the Empyrean series. Meanwhile, a television adaptation by Amazon MGM Studios promises to bring Violet’s story to an even larger audience.

Conclusion

Rebecca Yarros is more than a bestselling author; she is an advocate, a role model, and a voice for those living with chronic illnesses. Through Fourth Wing, she has inspired readers to embrace their challenges, demand better representation, and find strength in their own stories. Her legacy as both a writer and an advocate ensures that the conversation about disability in literature will continue to grow, opening doors for more inclusive and impactful storytelling.

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FAQ

Does the author of Fourth Wing have Ehlers-Danlos?

Yes, Rebecca Yarros has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), specifically the hypermobile type (hEDS). She has spoken openly about how it affects her daily life and how it inspired her to write a protagonist in Fourth Wing with a similar condition.

Does Violet have EDS in Fourth Wing?

Yes, while EDS is not explicitly named in Fourth Wing, Violet Sorrengail is portrayed with symptoms consistent with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), including joint instability, chronic pain, and physical limitations.

Is Rebecca Yarros disabled?

Yes, Rebecca Yarros is disabled. She has hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), which causes chronic pain, joint instability, and other connective tissue-related challenges.

What kind of disability does Violet have in the Fourth Wing?

Violet Sorrengail has a condition modeled after hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). This includes symptoms such as joint hypermobility, chronic pain, and the need for accommodations to perform physical tasks.

Is Fourth Wing going to be a TV show?

Yes, Fourth Wing is being adapted into a multi-season television series by Amazon MGM Studios and Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society. Rebecca Yarros has shared that while she is not directly involved in casting decisions, she has significant input on the adaptation.

Does Violet in Fourth Wing have EDS?

Yes, Violet’s symptoms—such as joint instability, chronic pain, and the need for physical adaptations—are consistent with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). While the condition is not named explicitly, Rebecca Yarros has confirmed that Violet’s character was inspired by her own experiences with EDS.

How old is Violet Sorrengail in Fourth Wing?

Violet Sorrengail is 20 years old at the start of Fourth Wing. The events of the first and second books take place over the course of approximately a year and a half.

Why does Violet wrap her knees?

Violet wraps her knees to stabilize her joints and prevent injuries, a common practice for individuals with hypermobile joints or conditions like EDS.

How many books are going to be in the Fourth Wing series?

The Fourth Wing series, also called the Empyrean series, is planned to span five books.

Is Fourth Wing going to be a movie?

No, Fourth Wing is being adapted into a television series, not a movie. The adaptation will cover the entire five-book series.

Why is Violet's hair silver?

Violet’s silver hair is a unique trait that adds to her individuality in the story. While not explicitly linked to EDS, premature graying is sometimes associated with connective tissue disorders.

When will Fourth Wing 3 come out?

The third book in the series, Onyx Storm, will be released on January 21, 2025.

Who will play the characters in Fourth Wing?

Casting for the Fourth Wing TV adaptation has not been announced yet. Rebecca Yarros has expressed excitement about the project but has not revealed specific casting details.

Is Amazon making Fourth Wing into a show?

Yes, Amazon MGM Studios is adapting Fourth Wing into a television series.

Who has a red dragon in the Fourth Wing?

In Fourth Wing, no specific rider is bonded with a red dragon. The story focuses on the unique bonds between the main characters and their dragons, such as Violet and Tairn.

Is Fourth Wing 18+?

Yes, Fourth Wing is generally recommended for readers aged 18 and older due to mature themes, explicit content, and violence.

Can a 14-year-old read Fourth Wing?

Fourth Wing is recommended for an 18+ audience due to its mature themes and explicit content. Parents or guardians should consider its appropriateness for younger readers.

References

• Yarros, R. (n.d.). Official Website. Rebecca Yarros Official Website. Retrieved from https://rebeccayarros.com/
• Yarros, R. (2024, May 31). Because it’s the last day of May, which is EDS awareness month. Instagram Post. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/C7pqnkoh_VT/
• Straetker, R. (2023, August 9). Rebecca Yarros on Chronic Illness Representation in Fourth Wing. Health. Retrieved from https://www.health.com/rebecca-yarros-fourth-wing-interview-7569752
• Manfre, J. (2024, April 12). From Battlefields to Bestsellers: Author Rebecca Yarros Shares Her Journey as an Army Spouse. Military Families Magazine. Retrieved from https://militaryfamilies.com/entertainment/from-battlefields-to-bestsellers-author-rebecca-yarros-shares-her-journey-as-an-army-spouse
• Harris, D. (2024, August). Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in Movies and TV Shows. The EDS Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.eds.clinic/articles/ehlers-danlos-syndrome-in-movies-on-tv
• Lenker, M. L. (2023, November 22). Rebecca Yarros Says It’s Going to Be a Minute Before We Get Book 3 of the Empyrean Series. Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved from https://ew.com/rebecca-yarros-empyrean-series-book-three-8405856
• Cappadona, B. (2023, June 22). Exclusive: Rebecca Yarros tells all about the next Fourth Wing book — and the 3 more in store. TODAY. Retrieved from https://www.today.com/popculture/rebecca-yarros-fourth-wing-sequel-iron-flame-interview-t288673
• Harris, D. (2024, November). Celebrities with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility. The EDS Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.eds.clinic/articles/famous-celebrities-with-hypermobility-and-ehlers-danlos-syndrome-eds
• Alter, A. (2023, November 6). How Rebecca Yarros Packed Dragons, Magic and Steamy Sex Into a Blockbuster Fantasy. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/06/books/rebecca-yarros-fourth-wing-iron-flame.html

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