What Was Draenor’s Original Name? Unveiling the Planet’s History
The answer to the question of Draenor’s original name is actually quite nuanced. While the name Draenor itself is the one most commonly used and known throughout the Warcraft universe, it was not the name given to the planet by its initial inhabitants, the orcs. In fact, the orcs, in their simplicity and connection to the natural world, did not have a specific name for the planet, referring to it simply as “the world“. The name Draenor was bestowed upon the planet by the draenei upon their arrival, meaning “Exiles’ Refuge” in their language. This makes Draenor an adopted name, rather than the original one given by its first sentient species. However, other races on the planet did have names for their world. The ogres referred to the planet as Dawgar meaning, “the Known Earth,” and the arakkoa called it Rakshar, meaning, “the Sunstone.” Thus, while there wasn’t a single original name in the sense of a universally accepted one from the beginning, the diverse inhabitants did have their own unique ways of referring to their home.
Understanding Draenor: A World of Many Names
To understand the naming of Draenor, it’s essential to delve into its history and the diverse races that called it home. The story of Draenor is one of refuge, conflict, and ultimately, destruction.
The Orcs and Their Simple Nomenclature
The orcs, the indigenous inhabitants of the planet, were a tribal society deeply connected to their environment. Their worldview was not one that necessitated a specific name for the entire world; rather, their lives revolved around their clans and their immediate surroundings. Hence, their designation for the planet was simply “world,” or in some cases, specific terms related to their lands. This contrasts sharply with the more complex and often culturally rich naming conventions of other races.
The Draenei: Bestowing the Name Draenor
The draenei, fleeing their corrupted homeworld of Argus, sought a safe haven. Upon arriving on this unknown world, they named it Draenor, meaning “Exiles’ Refuge,” a testament to their purpose in coming to this place. This name not only reflected their situation but also their hope for a new beginning. As the most influential newcomers, their name for the planet eventually gained prominence and was adopted by other races, including the orcs. The significance of the name highlights the draenei’s perspective as exiled wanderers seeking sanctuary.
Other Names for Draenor
Before the draenei arrival and their popularization of “Draenor,” other races had their own names for the planet. The ogres, a simpler, yet also sentient race, called it Dawgar, a straightforward name signifying its grounding. The arakkoa, an intelligent and avian race, referred to it as Rakshar, a name that seems to emphasize the importance of the sun in their culture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Draenor
Understanding the intricacies of Draenor often raises several questions. Here’s a compilation of frequently asked questions to further enrich your knowledge about this fascinating world:
1. What is the significance of the name Draenor?
The name Draenor, meaning “Exiles’ Refuge,” signifies the draenei‘s intention to find a new home after fleeing their corrupted homeworld, Argus. It’s a name loaded with hope and the idea of a new beginning.
2. Why did the orcs eventually adopt the name Draenor?
While the orcs initially just called it “the world,” they eventually adopted the name Draenor due to the influence of the draenei. As the draenei became more prominent on the planet and the name more widely used, the orcs incorporated it into their lexicon.
3. Is Draenor the same as Outland?
No, Draenor is not the same as Outland. Outland is the shattered remnant of the planet Draenor, resulting from a cataclysmic event caused by the orc shaman, Ner’zhul, who recklessly opened dimensional portals. Outland represents the world after its destruction.
4. What caused the destruction of Draenor?
The destruction of Draenor was caused by the reckless use of interdimensional portals by Ner’zhul. In a desperate attempt to find new worlds to conquer, the portals he created tore the planet apart, leaving only a fragmented and unstable world that became known as Outland.
5. Were there dragons on Draenor?
Yes, there were dragons on Draenor. Notably, faerie dragons were found in areas like Shadowmoon Valley and used as mounts by the draenei. These dragons played a role in the draenei culture and daily life.
6. What is the main city in Draenor?
The main city on Draenor for the draenei was Shattrath City, located in Talador. It served as their capital and a hub of cultural and religious life.
7. What does the name Draenei mean?
The name draenei means “Exiled Ones” in their native eredar language. This name reflects their status as exiles from their homeworld of Argus and their journey to find a new home.
8. How are Draenei related to Tieflings?
The draenei share physical similarities with tieflings, such as horns, hooves, and muscular tails. However, they are not directly related, and tieflings originate from Dungeons and Dragons lore, whereas draenei are specific to the Warcraft universe.
9. When did the draenei arrive on Draenor?
The draenei arrived on Draenor many millennia before the events of the Warcraft games, seeking refuge from the corrupting influence of the demonic Burning Legion.
10. What expansion of World of Warcraft featured Draenor?
The Warlords of Draenor expansion in World of Warcraft was centered around an alternate timeline version of Draenor, before its destruction. This expansion allowed players to explore a pristine version of the planet and encounter its races in a time before its devastation.
11. Why does Draenor look like Outland?
Draenor doesn’t look like Outland, rather, Outland looks like a destroyed version of Draenor. Outland is what’s left of the planet after the magical cataclysm that tore it apart. Hence, Outland reflects the damage and chaos wrought on Draenor.
12. How did Garrosh Hellscream travel to Draenor?
Garrosh Hellscream traveled to an alternate version of Draenor with the assistance of the bronze dragon, Kairozdormu, and Wrathion as part of a scheme to prevent the Horde’s defeat. He did this in an effort to rewrite history and prevent the corruption that occurred in the original timeline.
13. What is the Black Temple on Draenor?
The Black Temple was originally a draenei temple called the Temple of Karabor, a sacred site located in Shadowmoon Valley. It was later corrupted and taken over by the orc warlock Gul’dan, who converted it into a base for the Shadow Council and renamed it the Black Temple.
14. What is the significance of Hellfire Citadel in Draenor?
Hellfire Citadel is a significant location on Draenor, particularly in the region of Tanaan Jungle. It was a fortress occupied by the Iron Horde and later served as a pivotal location for the war against the Iron Horde.
15. What are the Spires of Arak in Draenor?
The Spires of Arak is a region of Draenor home to the arakkoa and is characterized by its high peaks and dark, shadowy landscapes. The area holds mysteries and challenges that players encounter during their journey through Draenor.
In conclusion, while Draenor is the name most widely recognized, understanding the nuances of its naming reflects the rich tapestry of cultures that shaped this world and its eventual fate.