| Name | Bodhi Durran |
|---|---|
| Age | 21 (Fourth Wing), 22 (Iron Flame, Onyx Storm) |
| Species | Human |
| Status | Alive |
| Quadrant | Riders Quadrant, Basgiath War College |
| Rank/Title | Former Executive Officer, Tail Section (Fourth Wing); Section Leader, Flame Section (Fourth Wing) |
| Signet | Countering signets |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Dragon Bond | Cuir (Green Swordtail) |
| Family | Fen Riorson † (uncle); Talia Riorson (aunt); Xaden Riorson (cousin); Violet Sorrengail (cousin-in-law); father (surname Durran); mother (surname Riorson) † |
| Love Interests | Not specified |
| Appears in | Fourth Wing (2023), Iron Flame (2023), Onyx Storm (2025) |
Biography
Bodhi Durran is a dragon rider in the Riders Quadrant at Basgiath War College and the cousin of Xaden Riorson. He is one of the marked ones, descended from the rebellion lineage, and carries a rebellion relic because his family was tied to the Tyrrish Rebellion. Through his mother’s Riorson bloodline, Bodhi is closely connected to Xaden, Fen Riorson, and the future of Tyrrendor.
Before entering Basgiath, Bodhi belonged to the same generation of children punished for their parents’ rebellion. Like the other marked ones, he was eventually forced into the Riders Quadrant as part of the deal that allowed the rebellion’s children to live. His survival and rise through the quadrant show that he is not only loyal to Xaden’s cause, but also highly capable in his own right.
Bodhi is especially close to Xaden Riorson. Xaden views him as family in the deepest sense, and Bodhi often acts as one of the people closest to him, alongside Garrick Tavis and Imogen Cardulo. While Xaden carries the main burden of leadership, Bodhi often functions as a steadier, more approachable presence within the group.
During Fourth Wing, Bodhi serves as Executive Officer of Tail Section in the Fourth Wing. He attends meetings with the marked ones, participates in secret weapon-related missions, and helps protect the younger cadets connected to the rebellion. He is also present after Violet Sorrengail is attacked in her room, helping deal with the aftermath alongside the other marked ones.
Bodhi plays an important role during the events surrounding Athebyne and the Battle of Resson. When the group realizes that civilians are under attack, Bodhi argues that they should stay and fight instead of abandoning the town. During the battle, he helps protect and evacuate civilians, fights venin and wyvern, and suffers serious injuries when a venin fractures his arm in multiple places.
After Resson, Bodhi supports taking Violet to Aretia so she can be saved. His reactions during this period show both his loyalty to Xaden and his growing respect for Violet, who fought beside them and saved lives during the battle. In Aretia, he remains close to Xaden and continues to help hold the group together while the truth about venin, wyvern, and Navarre begins to unravel.
In Iron Flame, Bodhi returns to Basgiath and continues working with the rebellion from inside the Riders Quadrant. After leadership restructures the wing, Bodhi becomes Section Leader of Flame Section in Fourth Wing. He often helps protect Violet, manage information, and support Xaden’s wider plans, even when Xaden orders him to keep Violet away from dangerous parts of the rebellion’s work.
Bodhi’s signet is revealed when he counters Professor Carr’s fire signet, preventing Carr from using his power during the confrontation at Basgiath. His ability to counter other signets makes him one of the most strategically important riders in the rebellion, because he can reduce or stop another rider’s magical advantage in a critical moment.
By Onyx Storm, Bodhi’s position becomes even more politically important because of his connection to House Riorson and Tyrrendor. He remains deeply loyal to Xaden and the Revolution, but his role is not only personal; as Xaden’s close family and possible successor within the Tyrrish line, Bodhi carries political weight as well as military value.
Physical Description
Body & Build
- Handsome and approachable in appearance
- Features resemble Xaden Riorson’s, though Bodhi is described as softer and less angular
- Strong brow line
- Athletic build, consistent with the physical demands of the Riders Quadrant
Hair
- Thick black curls, described as forming a cloud around his head
- His curls are later seen freshly trimmed in Iron Flame
Eyes & Skin
- Brown eyes
- Tawny-brown skin
- His smile is said to resemble that of his deceased mother
Clothing & Gear
- Wears rider gear as a member of the Riders Quadrant
- Known to wear a collection of patches under his cloak
- Often associated with a quick grin and an approachable demeanor
Personality
Bodhi is often presented as one of the more reasonable members of Xaden’s inner circle. He is loyal, protective, and serious when the situation requires it, but he also has a lighter, more approachable presence than Xaden. Violet sees him as a softer version of his cousin, which makes him stand out among the marked ones.
His loyalty to Xaden is one of his defining traits. Bodhi frequently supports Xaden’s decisions, carries out dangerous tasks for the rebellion, and helps manage situations when Xaden is absent or emotionally strained. At the same time, he is not simply a follower; he can challenge Xaden, question harsh decisions, and speak up when he believes more should be done.
Bodhi also has a strong protective instinct. He defends Violet after Resson, supports her when she is vulnerable, and repeatedly acts as a stabilizing presence in moments of tension. His humor and quick grin help ease difficult situations, but his actions show that he is fully committed to the rebellion and to the people he considers family.
As a leader, Bodhi appears practical and responsible. His rise from Executive Officer to Section Leader shows that the Riders Quadrant trusts him, and his ability to bring Flame Section through the conflict intact reinforces his competence as both a rider and commander.
Powers
Lesser Magic
Through his bond with Cuir, Bodhi can perform lesser magic. Like other bonded riders, this includes locking and unlocking doors without touching them, moving with preternatural speed, manipulating mage lights, powering ink pens, and placing runes.
Bodhi’s lesser magic comes through his dragon bond, but his true strategic value lies in how his signet interacts with the powers of other riders. In battles or confrontations involving signets, Bodhi can change the balance of power very quickly.
Signet
Countering Signets: Bodhi possesses the rare ability to counter another rider’s signet. This means he can reduce or eliminate someone’s ability to use their signet, making him a highly dangerous opponent against riders who rely heavily on magical abilities.
His signet is revealed in Iron Flame when he counters Professor Carr’s fire signet, stopping Carr from using his power during a crucial confrontation. The moment shows how powerful Bodhi’s ability can be, especially against signets that would otherwise give an opponent overwhelming force.
We still do not know whether Bodhi can only reduce or suppress signets, or whether he can also amplify a signet to the point of burnout. The books confirm that his power works as a kind of balance, making him one of the most strategically important marked riders.
Abilities
Leadership
Bodhi holds leadership positions in Fourth Wing, first as Executive Officer of Tail Section and later as Section Leader of Flame Section. These roles show that he is trusted with responsibility despite being younger than many of the most powerful third-year cadets.
Combat
As a rider, Bodhi is trained for combat on foot and in the air. He fights during the Battle of Resson, helps defend civilians, and survives a severe venin-inflicted injury. His survival and continued service show both endurance and combat readiness.
Strategy & Rebellion Work
Bodhi supports the rebellion’s internal operations, including secret missions, information control, and Xaden’s plans. The Revolution often trusts him with sensitive tasks, making him more than just a fighter.
Relationships
| Xaden Riorson | Xaden is Bodhi’s cousin and one of the most important people in his life. Their bond is close enough that Xaden describes Bodhi as one of the closest things he has to a brother. Bodhi often acts as Xaden’s ally, confidant, and voice of reason, supporting him in the Revolution while also pushing back when he believes Xaden is taking too much on alone. |
|---|---|
| Violet Sorrengail | Bodhi’s relationship with Violet grows through their shared role in the rebellion and the events after Resson. He defends her place among them, supports her after dangerous missions, and recognizes how important she becomes to Xaden. While he sometimes follows orders to keep her out of certain plans, he also shows concern for her safety and respects what she did at Resson. |
| Garrick Tavis | Garrick and Bodhi are both close allies of Xaden and active members of the rebellion. They work together during secret missions and are often seen as part of the same inner circle around Xaden. |
| Imogen Cardulo | Imogen and Bodhi are both marked ones and members of the rebellion. They work alongside each other in Basgiath and Aretia, and both are part of the group trusted with sensitive information and dangerous missions. |
Dragon
Cuir
Bodhi is bonded to Cuir, a green swordtail dragon. Through Cuir, Bodhi gains access to lesser magic and manifests his signet of countering other riders’ powers.
The books reveal little about Cuir’s individual personality, but his bond with Bodhi makes Bodhi a capable rider and a valuable member of the rebellion. As a green dragon, Cuir reflects the intelligence and tactical strength often associated with green dragons in the Empyrean series.
