Warning! Spoilers for The Empyrean Series!

Summary

• The dragons in The Empyrean Series are key characters with unique abilities that drive the story forward.
• Cath, Deigh, Aotrom, Silseag, and Teine are all formidable dragons despite their brief appearances.
• Feirge, Andarna, Sgayel, Tairn, and Codagh are some of the strongest dragons in the books, with the potential to grow even more powerful.

The dragons of The Empyrean Series are not only powerful creatures who inhabit the world of the books, but are also strong characters in their own right, with incredible moments in Fourth Wing and Iron Flame that leave fans reeling. The Empyrean Series follows Violet Sorrengail, who volunteers for the Riders Quadrant and, in an unprecedented moment, bonds with two dragons, leading her on a journey of self-discovery. That journey gets complicated by secrets of possible world-ending proportions, as she discovers an ancient enemy of the dragons who are making their way to her home of Navarre once more.

The dragons of Navarre at large play a significant role in both their rider's stories and the broader narrative. With their unique personalities and traits, they guard and guide their riders, amazing readers with their brutality as well as occasionally making audiences laugh with their humor. Despite their many differences, fans have compared and contemplated which of them is the strongest, taking evidence from both the canon universe and their own reasoning to compare each dragon's strength in the first two books.

10 Cath (Red Swordtail)

Rider: Dain Aetos

While there are few mentions of Cath during the series, the glimpses of Dain's dragon audiences have seen are of a fearsome creature who does have a strong protectiveness over his and other riders. Dain describes Cath in chapter four of Fourth Wing as a "nasty piece of work when he gets worked up". This would make sense considering that he can channel a significant amount of power compared to other dragons, resulting in Dain's signet of retrocognition, which is incredibly rare in the world of Navarre.

This can also be glimpsed in Iron Flame, as Violet mentions Cath's foul breath at the first formation of new cadets, further increasing his intimidation factor as he lets his breath steam out. However, he proceeds to try and protect those same cadets from Solas as he torches a cadet for fleeing. Though he ultimately fails, Cath's few moments reveal a strong yet principled dragon whose power can be further explored as Dain continues fixing his mistakes from Fourth Wing.

9 Deigh (Red Daggertail)

Rider: Liam Mairi

Despite his brutal death at the end of Fourth Wing, Deigh was considered one of the most powerful Red dragons in his den. Considered large by Red dragon standards, Deigh was also considered "exceptionally strong" according to Xaden Riorson, both physically and mentally. Liam's inability to block Deigh out when angered showcases this strength as well as a powerful measure of control, as Liam mentions Deigh being able to keep control of himself otherwise, highlighting his even temperament which complimented his rider.

Liam's signet is another example of Deigh's power, as its strength and multi-faceted uses allow Liam and Deigh to be formidable foes. Liam's Farsight is a key element of the battle at Resson at the end of Fourth Wing, as Liam was able to spot and identify the venin swarming the area before anyone else could perceive them, giving the group time to formulate a plan. Though Deigh died during the battle, his strength and fortitude destroyed many wyverns and allowed his rider a chance to say goodbye to Violet.

8 Aotrom (Brown Swordtail)

Rider: Ridoc Gamlyn

Though audiences see little of Aotrom, his strength during the Battle of Basigath in Iron Flame as well as the power of Ridoc's signet showcase a powerful and protective dragon. Aotrom seems to have a similar disposition to Tairn, as seen by his complaints during the hike in Iron Flame. Despite this, he continues to fight to protect his rider during the Battle of Basigath despite the injuries he sustains. This, coupled with him allowing Violet to jump onto his back to save Ridoc, showcases Aotrom's fortitude and cunning.

Ridoc's signet also showcases Aotrom's power as, despite being more common, Ridoc is able to wield it with staggering results. Ridoc's ice manipulation saves the group from Baide's fire in the ward chamber during Iron Flame's climax, creating a wall of ice that does not melt until the fire dissipates. Though his hands are burnt as a result, Ridoc's channeled power from Aotrom saved the group, demonstrating Aotrom's might as his filtered power assisted Ridoc at that moment and could allow Ridoc to perform similar feats in future books.

7 Silseag (Red Swordtail)

Rider: Sawyer Henrick

Silseag's signet and his fortitude during the Battle of Basigath showcase his might as well as his battle prowess. Though audiences see little of him, Silseag's battle with the wyvern highlights his strength, as he rushes to Aotrom's aid and is able to turn the wyvern's attention away by decimating the hordes surrounding him. Though a wyvern does end up biting into him, Silseag continues to fight, defending his fellow dragon no matter the cost.

Sawyer's metal manipulation also demonstrates Silseag's power and the bond they share could be further highlighted in future books. Sawyer is the first of the group to manifest a signet and has a hard time controlling it, as Silseag's magic is quite strong. Once he gains control, Sawyer is able to use that signet with ease, using it to both break into General Sorrengail's office and escape their interrogation training in each book. This power not only demonstrates Silseag's prowess but could feature in future Empyrean Series books as Sawyer continues to use his abilities for himself and his friends.

6 Teine (Green Clubtail)

Rider: Mira Sorrengail

Teine's strength is hinted at and is reflected in Mira's signet, which may come into play in later books. Teine's reputation as a fierce dragon is hinted at throughout both books, earning Mira the Order of the Talon after the Battle of Strythemore. Audiences mostly know of Teine due to the scales he shed that Mira used to make Violet's armor, hinting at Teine's protective side. However, during the second half of Iron Flame, Xaden explains how Mira and Teine were able to command and assist the riders as they faced down venin, showcasing Teine's might.

Mira's signet of ward extension is completely unique, making her one of two riders who can sense and manipulate other forms of magic.

Mira's signet is another example of Teine's power, as her abilities assisted the main group in current books and could also assist in future installments. Mira's signet of ward extension is completely unique, making her one of two riders who can sense and manipulate other forms of magic. Her power also extends beyond existing wards as seen with her and Violet's battle with the venin in Iron Flame, showcasing the possibility to see not only Mira's signet, but Teine's power in future books as his magical strength unlocks Mira's potential.

5 Feirge (Green Daggertail)

Rider: Rhiannon Matthias

Feirge's strength lies in her intellect and strategy as well as the signet she grants Rhiannon, becoming a clear example of why Green dragons are known for their intelligence. Feirge and Rhiannon were instantly drawn to each other in Fourth Wing, demonstrating their compatible mindsets and Feirge's wisdom, as she was able to preselect her rider before any other dragon. Her intellect extends to battle as, during Iron Flame, she was able to seamlessly allow Rhiannon to dismount and quickly remount her as she saved Violet from the venin on Tairn's back.

Rhiannon's signet is also an example of Feirge's strength, as the signet's versatility and uses throughout the book assist the main group in major ways. Rhiannon's summoning signet saves her friends from many situations throughout both books, an example being when she summoned the dagger out of Violet's borrowed flight jacket and through her bedroom wall, saving her from Varrish in Iron Flame. This feat demonstrates not only Feirge's power but also how her cunning can be paired with that power, giving Rhiannon and the Iron Squad at large a strategic advantage.

4 Andarna (Seventh Breed/Multicolored Scorpiontail)

Rider: Violet Sorrengail

Andarna's current strength is somewhat behind a few of her elders, but it could grow beyond them throughout the rest of The Empyrean Series. Andarna bonds Violet as a feathertail in Fourth Wing, seeming to appear defenseless. However, as their bond grows, Violet manifests the ability to stop time due to her connection to Andarna. This demonstrates Andarna's potential as her feathertail signet was already beyond that of many older dragons. Andarna also showcased her potential through her rapid growth and quick development of a scorpion tail, demonstrating her mounting strength despite her young years.

Andarna's reveal as the last of the seventh breed creates the potential for her to grow beyond this already solid foundation of strength, as her growing power could be key in saving Navarre. Andarna's den went extinct around the time that the venin were strongly pushed back, hinting at Andarna's role in future Empyrean Series books as the key to the rider's victory. Though it has not fully manifested yet, Violet's second signet can also showcase Andarna's growth, as her original was already unheard of, setting Andarna up as a potential replacement for the title of the strongest dragon.

3 Sgayel (Blue Daggertail)

Rider: Xaden Riorson

Sgaeyl's ruthless nature and the power of Xaden's signets make her strength evident in The Empyrean Series, a fact that may negatively affect future installments. Sgaeyl is a Blue Daggertail, which according to Fourth Wing is the rarest type of Blue dragon. On top of the whole breed being known as ruthless, Sgaeyl's own personal ruthlessness can be seen in both books through the Battles of Resson and Basigath, where she tore through several wyverns with little effort.

Xaden's shadow manipulation and status as an inntinnsic have made him a powerful fighter.

Xaden's two signets also highlight her abilities, as the magic she channels through him makes him one of the most powerful riders of his generation. Xaden's shadow manipulation and status as an inntinnsic have made him a powerful fighter, as seen in both his containment of Jack Barlowe and his assessment of Melgren and his forces during Iron Flame. This level of power, however, could also be a hindrance, as Xaden's new status as a venin could put Sgaeyl in danger in Onyx Storm if Xaden decides to control her like Barlowe did with Baide.

2 Tairn (Black Morningstartail)

Rider: Violet Sorrengail

Tairn's military experience, status as one of two active Black dragons, and Violet's signet all showcase his strength, making Fourth Wing's universe. Tairn, before the events of the books, is credited for his service as a battle dragon during the Tyrrish Rebellion and was instrumental to Navarre's victory. Despite five years of inactivity, Tairn is still a strong flier and fighter, as seen throughout both books. His ability to bind Violet to her seat also shows some of his magical prowess, which is further demonstrated by Violet's signet.

Violet's signet of lightning-wielding makes her a formidable rider but also showcases the full breadth of Tairn's power. Tairn only begins to channel his power to her after she has proven her strength, showcasing why when Violet quickly gets overwhelmed, using her power to take Barlowe down. Throughout Iron Flame, Violet's power has only increased, forcing her to carry a small glass orb that absorbs the excess energy from Tairn's channeled energy. This demonstrates Tairn's well of magic and how Violet could further manipulate it as she strengthens her control in future books.

1 Codagh (Black Swordtail)

Rider: General Augustine Melgren

Though audiences do not see much of Codagh in The Empyrean Series, his physical size and Melgren's signet firmly place him as the most powerful dragon in Navarre. Codagh was the one who executed the leaders of the Tyrrish rebellion before the events of the books and, as he is in his elder years, is described as a powerful battle dragon throughout the series. His appearances demonstrated his sheer size and intimidation factor, as even Tairn was worried for Violet as she approached Codagh to persuade him to help reignite the wards.

Melgren's signet also showcases Codagh's power, as its singular existence is the reason Navarre is able to be the military power it is. Melgren's signet is foresight, the ability to see a battle's outcome before it happens; this ability is singular in the world of dragon riders, as seen in Markham's quote in chapter fifty-seven of Iron Flame. That foresight is also central to Iron Flame's conflict, as Melgren's signet is why the group learns of the venin's Solstice attack, demonstrating Codagh's magical potential despite his brief appearances.

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