Iron Flame

The treacherous journey through Medaro Pass symbolizes the tenuous alliance between riders and fliers. The path, which includes a parapet-like stretch the fliers and their gryphons must successfully cross, is representative of the parapet every rider candidate must conquer before being inducted into the Riders Quadrant. As Brennan says before they embark on the journey, “No rider will respect a cadet who hasn’t crossed the parapet” (406). Their joint journey toward Aretia serves as a way for the fliers and riders to form relationships based on mutual respect and trust, which will allow them to fight together effectively against the venin in the coming war. The fact that the gryphons must accompany their fliers on the path, which the dragons never have to do with their riders, exemplifies the heightened stakes of their alliance. For a rider candidate, there is a celebration on the other side of the parapet; for the fliers, there is former enemy territory and a dawning war.

The parapet Violet crossed in Fourth Wing symbolizes leaving her old life and family behind; once she joins the Riders Quadrant, her trust, and loyalty are placed foremost in her new squad members at Basgiath. The Medaro Pass represents the same for the gryphon riders leaving Poromiel to receive instruction and training at Aretia.