Delving into Draenei Anatomy: More Than Just Space Goats
The Draenei, with their imposing physiques, horns, hooves, and tails, present a fascinating question: what animal are they based on? While often referred to as “space goats,” this is a significant oversimplification. The Draenei are not directly based on any single animal. Instead, they are a carefully crafted blend of influences, drawing inspiration from various sources, including tieflings from Dungeons & Dragons, and incorporating elements that evoke a sense of the otherworldly and the divine. Their design prioritizes a unique visual identity over strict adherence to any real-world animal.
Unpacking the Draenei Design
The Draenei are an original creation, taking cues from a multitude of places. Their features, while sharing superficial similarities with goats (primarily the hooves), are far more complex and purposefully designed to convey their lore and identity within the Warcraft universe.
- Tiefling Influence: The horns, tails, and sometimes even skin coloration of the Draenei strongly echo the tiefling race from Dungeons & Dragons. The lore even has similarities with the Eredar being masters of the demon legions in Warcraft lore.
- Anthropomorphic Humanoids: The Draenei are fundamentally humanoid in form, with a bipedal stance, human-like facial features, and hands capable of complex manipulation.
- Exotic Features: The addition of horns, hooves, and tails immediately sets them apart from humans and other familiar fantasy races. These features hint at their otherworldly origins and connection to magic.
- Cultural Significance: The Draenei’s physical appearance is also intricately tied to their lore as exiled Eredar. Their design reflects their history, their devotion to the Light, and their struggle against the demonic Burning Legion.
Essentially, the “space goat” moniker is a tongue-in-cheek nickname that focuses on one aspect of their design but misses the broader picture. The Draenei are a product of deliberate design choices intended to create a unique and memorable race within the Warcraft universe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Draenei
1. Are Draenei Just Goats in Space?
No. While they possess hooves, the Draenei are far more complex than simply being goats in space. Their design incorporates elements of demonic races and humanoid forms. Their lore is also based on Jewish culture.
2. What is the Origin of the Term “Space Goats?”
The term originated from the superficial resemblance of Draenei to goats due to their hooves. It’s a lighthearted nickname that has stuck with the race.
3. Are Draenei Based on Tieflings?
There are strong visual similarities between Draenei and tieflings, particularly in their horns, tails, and sometimes skin color. The eredar in the lore are also masters of the demon legions. The tiefling influence is undeniable.
4. What Does “Draenei” Mean?
“Draenei” translates to “Exiled Ones” in their own language. This reflects their history as Eredar who fled their homeworld to escape corruption.
5. How Old Can Draenei Live?
Draenei and Eredar are effectively immortal, not aging or dying of old age. Some, like Velen, have lived for tens of thousands of years.
6. What is the Draenei Accent Based On?
Most Draenei NPCs have a Baltic accent, most notably Latvian.
7. Why Do Draenei Have Hooves?
The in-universe explanation isn’t explicitly detailed, but it’s thought to be the result of a retcon from an original demon race design.
8. What Do Draenei Eat?
Draenei cuisine includes a variety of imported fruits and vegetables, as well as locally sourced meats like roast moongrazer and roast talbuk.
9. What is the Relationship Between Draenei and Eredar?
The Draenei are uncorrupted Eredar who fled their homeworld of Argus to avoid joining the Burning Legion. The Eredar who remained became corrupted demons.
10. What Did the Orcs Call Draenor Before It Was Called Draenor?
According to lore, the Orcs called Draenor “World.”
11. How Did the Draenei Get to Azeroth?
The Draenei traveled to Azeroth aboard the Exodar, a dimensional ship. However, the ship crash-landed on Azuremyst Isle.
12. Are There Different Types of Draenei?
There are the original Draenei, also known as the unbroken. There are also corrupted versions like the Lost Ones and the Broken, who have suffered from demonic influence and mutation.
13. What is the Draenei’s Connection to the Light?
The Draenei are deeply connected to the Holy Light, drawing strength and guidance from it. This devotion to the Light is a key aspect of their culture and identity.
14. How Did the Draenei Avoid Corruption by the Burning Legion?
The prophet Velen received a vision warning him of the Burning Legion’s corruption. He and a group of followers fled Argus with the help of the Naaru.
15. What Role Do the Draenei Play in the Warcraft Universe?
The Draenei are a major playable race in World of Warcraft, known for their strong connection to the Light, their rich history, and their unwavering dedication to fighting against the Burning Legion. They bring a unique perspective and a powerful presence to the ongoing conflicts of Azeroth.
The Bigger Picture
The Draenei serve as an excellent example of how fantasy races are created through a blend of influences, cultural considerations, and narrative requirements. While the “space goat” label is a common joke, it’s important to recognize the complexity and depth of their design and lore. They are more than just the sum of their individual parts; they are a carefully crafted race that adds depth and richness to the Warcraft universe. The design and lore of the Draenei, and other elements within video games, offer opportunities for deep learning and analysis. To further explore this, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for valuable resources and insights into the educational aspects of gaming.
The careful design of the Draenei reflects the wider trend in fantasy world-building, where creators draw upon various cultural and mythological sources to craft unique and engaging races that resonate with players and enrich the overall narrative experience.