How Long Ago Did Draenei Flee Argus? A Journey Through Time and Warcraft Lore
The Draenei fled Argus approximately 25,000 years before the opening of the Dark Portal. This pivotal event marks a significant turning point in their history, separating them from their Eredar brethren and setting them on a millennia-long journey seeking refuge and purpose.
A Look at the Timeline: Argus to Azeroth
Understanding this timeline requires a bit of context within the broader Warcraft chronology. The sundering of Azeroth, a cataclysmic event separating the continents, occurred roughly 10,000 years before the Dark Portal. The Draenei escape predates even that earth-shattering event by a significant margin.
This means the Draenei spent millennia wandering the cosmos aboard the Genedar, their interdimensional vessel, before eventually crash-landing on Draenor (later to become Outland), renaming themselves after their new home. This period of travel and adaptation shaped their culture and worldview considerably.
The Significance of 25,000 Years
The vastness of this timeframe cannot be overstated. Twenty-five thousand years encompasses countless generations, untold hardships, and ultimately, the preservation of their faith and culture in the face of overwhelming adversity. It’s a period of both immense loss (the destruction of their home and the corruption of their kin) and incredible resilience.
Consider the monumental changes that occurred on Azeroth during a similar period. Civilizations rose and fell, empires crumbled, and magic flourished. The Draenei endured all of this as refugees, a people adrift in the vast expanse of the cosmos. Their journey represents one of the most compelling narratives of survival in the Warcraft universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Draenei Exodus
1. What prompted the Draenei to flee Argus?
The Draenei fled Argus due to the corruption and betrayal of Sargeras, the fallen Titan. Sargeras offered the Eredar, including Velen, Kil’jaeden, and Archimonde, power beyond measure if they would join his Burning Legion. Velen, guided by a vision from the Naaru, foresaw the destruction and enslavement this would bring and led a group of followers away from Argus.
2. Who was Velen?
Velen was one of the three leaders of the Eredar on Argus, alongside Kil’jaeden and Archimonde. He was a powerful seer, gifted with the ability to perceive visions of the future. His visions warned him of Sargeras’s true intentions, leading him to reject the Titan’s offer and orchestrate the escape of his people. He became the Prophet of the Draenei and a key figure in their history.
3. What role did the Naaru play in the Draenei’s escape?
The Naaru, beings of pure Light, intervened to help Velen and his followers. One Naaru, named K’ure, provided Velen with a vision of the Burning Legion’s true nature. The Naaru also gifted the Draenei with the Genedar, a dimensional ship capable of traversing the cosmos. Without the Naaru’s assistance, the Draenei would likely have been consumed by the Burning Legion.
4. What is the Genedar?
The Genedar is the name of the dimensional ship that the Draenei used to escape Argus. It served as their home and sanctuary for thousands of years as they wandered the cosmos, searching for a safe haven. The Genedar eventually crash-landed on Draenor. Over time, sections of the ship became integrated into Draenei cities and settlements.
5. Why did the Draenei rename themselves?
Upon arriving on Draenor, the Draenei renamed themselves. Draenei, in the Eredun language, translates to “Exiled Ones”. This new name reflected their status as refugees and their separation from their corrupted brethren, the Eredar who followed Sargeras.
6. What happened to Kil’jaeden and Archimonde?
Kil’jaeden and Archimonde accepted Sargeras’s offer and became powerful lieutenants in the Burning Legion. They remained among the most formidable antagonists in the Warcraft universe, relentlessly pursuing the Draenei across the cosmos, seeking revenge against Velen for his betrayal.
7. What was the Burning Legion’s objective regarding the Draenei?
The Burning Legion sought to destroy the Draenei, viewing them as traitors who rejected Sargeras’s “gift.” Kil’jaeden, in particular, harbored a personal vendetta against Velen, fueling his relentless pursuit of the Draenei across the cosmos.
8. How did the Draenei end up on Draenor?
After millennia of wandering the cosmos, the Genedar crash-landed on a planet that the Draenei named Draenor, meaning “Refuge of the Exiles.” They hoped to find peace and establish a new civilization on this world, far from the reach of the Burning Legion.
9. What impact did the Draenei have on Draenor?
The Draenei’s arrival on Draenor had a profound impact on the planet and its native inhabitants, the Orcs. Their advanced technology and knowledge significantly influenced Orcish society, though this influence would ultimately lead to tragic consequences.
10. How did the Orcs become corrupted?
Kil’jaeden, still seeking revenge on the Draenei, manipulated the Orcs through the warlock Gul’dan. He tricked them into drinking the blood of Mannoroth, a powerful pit lord, which corrupted them and turned them into a savage, bloodthirsty horde. This corruption led to the Orcish Horde’s war against the Draenei.
11. What happened to Draenor?
Due to the excessive use of fel magic by the Orcs, Draenor began to tear itself apart. Gul’dan attempted to open multiple portals to other worlds, but the strain on the planet was too great. Draenor shattered, becoming the fragmented world known as Outland.
12. How did the Draenei survive the destruction of Draenor?
A portion of the Draenei, led by Velen, managed to escape Draenor aboard a section of the Genedar known as the Exodar. They intended to travel to Azeroth to seek aid from the Alliance.
13. Where did the Exodar crash on Azeroth?
The Exodar crash-landed on Azuremyst Isle, a small island off the western coast of Kalimdor on Azeroth. The crash resulted in significant damage to the Exodar, and the Draenei have since been working to repair it.
14. Are there any uncorrupted Eredar left besides the Draenei?
In the main timeline, the Draenei are the only known group of uncorrupted Eredar left in existence. However, alternate realities explored in expansions like Warlords of Draenor offer glimpses of other possibilities.
15. What is the current status of the Draenei in the Warcraft universe?
The Draenei are now a prominent member of the Alliance faction on Azeroth. They continue to fight against the Burning Legion and other threats to the world, guided by their unwavering faith in the Light and their commitment to justice. Their story is a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and the enduring power of hope in the face of overwhelming darkness.
Further Exploration of Warcraft Lore
Delving into the rich and expansive lore of Warcraft can be an enthralling experience. Understanding the nuances of the Draenei’s history, their struggles, and their triumphs, provides valuable context for appreciating their role in the ongoing narrative. Exploring educational resources can deepen your understanding of the storytelling and world-building that make Warcraft so compelling. Consider researching the educational aspects of gaming through platforms like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, to see how gaming concepts enhance learning and engagement. GamesLearningSociety.org offers insight into the educational benefits of engaging with games, providing a deeper understanding of how storytelling, problem-solving, and collaboration can be fostered through interactive experiences.