Fourth Wing » Tairn (Tairneanach)

Tairn (Tairneanach)

Tairn is a massive black morningstartail dragon, over a century old and descended from the Dubhmadinn line. He is bonded to Violet Sorrengail and mated to Sgaeyl, a navy daggertail dragon.

Tairn and Violet
Name Tairneanach
Gaelic name meaning Thunder
Age 100+
Species Dragon
Status Alive
Gender Male
Rider Violet Sorrengail
Tail Morningstartail
Scale Color Black
Appears in Fourth Wing (2023), Iron Flame (2023), Onyx Storm (2025)

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Biography

Tairneanach, more commonly known as Tairn, is a black morningstartail dragon in Rebecca Yarros’s Empyrean series, appearing in Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm. He is bonded to Violet Sorrengail and mated to Sgaeyl. Over a hundred years old and descended from the Dubhmadinn line, Tairn is renowned as one of the deadliest dragons in Navarre and is credited with helping secure victory in the Tyrrish Rebellion alongside his former rider, Naolin.

After Naolin’s death at the Battle of Aretia, Tairn refused to bond again until Violet’s Threshing, when her courage in defending Andarna convinced him to choose her. Fiercely protective and commanding, he adapts to Violet’s limitations while ensuring her survival, relying on his immense strength, telepathic bond, and battlefield presence. 

Physical Description

  • A massive Black Morningstartail, among the largest dragons in service.
  • Scarred black wings, rock-hard underbelly, long claws, and thick, ridged scales.
  • Neck lined with pointed spikes resembling a mane.
  • Carries a saddle of black leather with pommels, straps, and stirrups designed to stabilize Violet.

Powers and Abilities

Tairn possesses a powerful telepathic bond with Violet, which extends through his mating bond with Sgaeyl to include Xaden as well, allowing rare four-way communication. He can create invisible bands of power to secure Violet in the saddle, compensating for her physical limitations during flight. Known for his immense size and strength, Tairn combines speed, aerial combat prowess, and battlefield experience to intimidate both riders and dragons alike. His reputation as a battle dragon is legendary, with Professor Kaori describing him as “one of the deadliest dragons in Navarre.”

Relationships

Sgaeyl Tairn is mated to Sgaeyl, who is bonded to Xaden Riorson. Their connection is regarded as the strongest mating bond in centuries, and being apart for too long poses a danger to both dragons’ lives.
Andarna Tairn has always been protective of Andarna, taking on an almost paternal role toward her. He watches over her well-being, offering both guidance and correction when needed.
Violet Sorrengail Violet is Tairn’s bonded rider, chosen at Threshing after she defended Andarna. Their relationship is marked by his fierce protectiveness and loyalty, evolving into one of the most powerful rider–dragon bonds in Navarre.
Naolin Naolin was Tairn’s previous rider, with whom he fought during the Tyrrish Rebellion. Tairn nearly died in the Battle of Aretia when Naolin burned out to save Brennan Sorrengail.