What Killed Arthas?
Arthas, the Lich King, was killed by a band of adventurers led by Tirion Fordring who stormed his fortress, Icecrown Citadel, and defeated him in battle, leaving him mortally wounded. This pivotal event marked the end of Arthas’s reign as the Lich King, a position he had held after being consumed by the power of Frostmourne, a cursed sword that had ultimately led to his downfall.
Understanding Arthas’s Demise
To fully comprehend the circumstances surrounding Arthas’s death, it’s essential to delve into the events and motivations that led to his final confrontation. The following FAQs provide insight into Arthas’s journey, his transformation into the Lich King, and the consequences of his actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What happened to Arthas after his death? The Afterlives: Bastion animation reveals that upon his death, Arthas’s soul was claimed by the Kyrian Paragon Devos and Uther the Lightbringer, and then cast into The Maw, which serves as Warcraft’s version of Hell.
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Why did Arthas take Frostmourne? Arthas was tempted by the power of Frostmourne and, in a fateful decision, took the sword, becoming the new Lich King and committing numerous atrocities against his own people.
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Why was Arthas getting weaker? Without a host body or an intact prison, Arthas began bleeding energy, and since his Death Knight power came from Frostmourne, which is powered by the Lich King, he grew weaker along with the Lich King.
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Why did Arthas’s hair turn white? After killing Mal’ganis and continued exposure to Frostmourne, Arthas was driven insane by the Lich King’s voice, leading to his blonde hair turning white, along with his skin growing pale.
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Was Arthas still alive as a Death Knight? Yes, Arthas was very much alive when he was a Death Knight, despite the common misconception that Death Knights are undead.
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What led to Arthas’s insanity? Arthas, once a paladin of the Silver Hand and the crown prince of Lordaeron, was corrupted by the cursed blade Frostmourne in a misguided attempt to save his people.
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Is Arthas stronger than Sylvanas? Without a doubt, Arthas is considered stronger, having wiped out nearly the entire established population of Lordaeron and Quel’thalas.
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What happened to Illidan in the Legion? Illidan assisted in disrupting the Legion’s plot and was later imprisoned for thousands of years after recreating the destroyed Well of Eternity.
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Does Arthas have a son? In an alternate timeline, Arthas has a son named Prince Uther Menethil, with Jaina Proudmoore as the mother.
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Why did the Lich King sleep? A battle for power within Arthas’s head led the Lich King to enter a long slumber on the Frozen Throne, eventually awakening after the events of The Burning Crusade.
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What did Arthas do to Sylvanas? Arthas killed Sylvanas and raised her as an incorporeal banshee in his service as punishment for hindering his invasion.
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Who is the true Lich King? The true Lich King is Ner’zhul, a spectral being of unfathomable power created when he was encased within a frozen cask and warped by demon lord’s chaotic powers.
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Is Arthas Anduin’s father? There is currently no official canon to suggest Arthas is Anduin’s biological father; Varian is confirmed as Anduin’s father in official lore.
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Was Arthas right to purge Stratholme? As Arthas struck down citizens, his Light-Radiant body started to dim, indicating that even he felt the morality of his actions was questionable.
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What did Illidan do for 10,000 years? Illidan was imprisoned for 10,000 years, primarily for remaking the Well of Eternity.
Conclusion
The story of Arthas, the Lich King, is one of tragedy and corruption, with his demise marking a significant turning point in Warcraft lore. Through understanding the events and motivations that led to his death, fans can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the Warcraft universe and its richly detailed characters. Arthas’s legacy continues to shape the world of Azeroth, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.