Garrosh’s Warlords of Draenor Saga: A Time-Twisting Tale
In Warlords of Draenor, Garrosh Hellscream’s presence is a pivotal, yet paradoxical one. He is not simply present in the conventional sense. Instead, he’s the catalyst for the entire expansion’s conflict, setting the stage for an alternate timeline where the Iron Horde rises. Garrosh himself, however, spends the majority of the expansion’s storyline confined to the confines of Nagrand. This is a version of Nagrand on an alternate Draenor, not the one adventurers are familiar with. After his escape, Garrosh is the driving force behind the altered past and is not part of the standard timeline the adventurers travel to. This makes his existence in this Draenor particularly complex and crucial to the narrative.
The Seeds of Chaos: Garrosh’s Time-Twisting Journey
Garrosh’s involvement in Warlords of Draenor begins after the events of Siege of Orgrimmar. To understand his role, it’s essential to trace his steps backward. Following his defeat as Warchief in Pandaria, Garrosh was meant to stand trial. However, the rogue bronze dragon Kairoz, with the help of Wrathion, orchestrated his escape. Instead of imprisonment, Garrosh was sent back in time to an alternate Draenor, about 35 years in the past, preventing the Orcs from drinking the demon blood of Mannoroth and forging their new destiny.
Alternate Draenor: A World Remade
Upon arriving in this altered past, Garrosh wastes no time. He seeks out his father, Grommash Hellscream, and reveals the events that were to transpire, warning the Orcs about the consequences of their choices. This knowledge empowers the Orcs to reject the demonic pact and unite the various clans into the formidable Iron Horde, a technologically advanced war machine bent on conquering Draenor and then Azeroth.
The alternate Grommash Hellscream, now a more powerful and cunning leader, takes this information to heart. Garrosh becomes a sort of “hidden hand” within this new order, sharing his future knowledge and shaping the Iron Horde’s strategy. He doesn’t rule directly, but his influence is undeniable, making him the architect of this alternate timeline’s war machine.
Garrosh’s Final Stand in Nagrand
Ultimately, Garrosh’s role in Warlords of Draenor concludes in the alternate Nagrand, where he has established himself as the warlord of the Warsong Clan. This was not a position of supreme authority but rather a strategically important one. It’s here where the story comes full circle. The adventurers fighting the Iron Horde eventually confront Garrosh in a climactic battle, where he refuses to surrender and is finally killed in a mak’gora (a traditional Orcish duel) by Thrall, using his elemental powers. This duel was not only a physical confrontation but also a powerful conclusion to their complex and long-standing animosity. This is where his physical story in Warlords of Draenor ends. It is essential to remember this Garrosh is from another timeline.
After Death
Garrosh’s story doesn’t end with his death on alternate Draenor. His soul was then sent to Revendreth for judgment and punishment. However, due to the magnitude of his sins, he was later moved to the Maw. His soul became a source of anima for the Jailer, the main antagonist of the Shadowlands expansion. This ultimately provides a sense of finality for his story, ensuring that his actions have lasting consequences in the afterlife. His true “death” happens in the Shadowlands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Garrosh in Warlords of Draenor
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Garrosh’s role and fate in Warlords of Draenor:
1. Did Garrosh directly rule the Iron Horde?
No, Garrosh did not rule the Iron Horde directly. While he was the catalyst for its creation and played a key advisory role, Grommash Hellscream was the leader of the Iron Horde in this alternate timeline. Garrosh’s influence was subtle but instrumental.
2. How did Garrosh get to alternate Draenor?
Garrosh was taken to alternate Draenor through the manipulation of Kairoz, a bronze dragon. Wrathion also aided in the escape from his trial. He used a time-traveling device that sent Garrosh back roughly 35 years in the past.
3. What was Garrosh doing in Nagrand?
In alternate Draenor, Garrosh was the warlord of the Warsong Clan in Nagrand. This provided him with control of a key military outpost for the Iron Horde. This was also where he fought his final battle with Thrall.
4. What was the “vision of time” used in Garrosh’s trial?
The “vision of time” is a reference to the mechanism used during Garrosh’s trial. It allowed witnesses to see past events, showcasing his actions and the consequences thereof. This is not a tool for time travel, but rather a method for visualizing past occurrences.
5. How old was Garrosh compared to Thrall?
Garrosh was older than Thrall. He was left on Draenor when his father left for the war. Thrall was born on Azeroth after the Orcish Wars began and was raised in captivity.
6. Did Garrosh return to Azeroth in Warlords of Draenor?
No, the Garrosh present in the expansion was from an alternate timeline. The original timeline Garrosh was confined to the Shadowlands after his defeat by Thrall on alternate Draenor. This Garrosh does not come back to Azeroth in Warlords.
7. Why did Garrosh get sent to the Shadowlands?
Garrosh’s soul was judged and sent to the Shadowlands after his death on alternate Draenor. His extreme acts of violence and warmongering warranted his consignment to the realm of Revendreth and then the Maw.
8. Is Garrosh dead in the Shadowlands?
Yes, Garrosh is definitively dead in the Shadowlands. The narrative implies that his time in the Maw effectively put an end to his existence. His soul’s purpose was to fuel the Jailer’s power.
9. What is the Kor’kron Juggernaut and how is it related to Garrosh?
The Kor’kron Juggernaut is a mount that drops from Mythic Garrosh Hellscream in the Siege of Orgrimmar. This mount is a mechanical war machine and a highly sought after item by collectors. It’s a symbol of the power Garrosh wielded as Warchief. This is NOT obtained from anything in Warlords of Draenor.
10. Where does the Siege of Orgrimmar take place?
The Siege of Orgrimmar raid takes place in the Vale of Eternal Blossoms in Pandaria. It is not in Warlords of Draenor. The raid concludes with Garrosh’s defeat as the Warchief of the Horde.
11. Is there a way to skip to Garrosh in Siege of Orgrimmar?
Yes, there is a way to skip to the final fight with Garrosh in Siege of Orgrimmar. If you have previously defeated him, you can use the Scroll of Past Deeds located at the beginning of the raid to skip to the inner sanctum.
12. What was the primary motivation behind Garrosh’s anger?
Garrosh’s anger was primarily driven by his belief that Thrall was failing the Horde by making peace with the Alliance and not prioritizing the Horde’s interests. He was a firm believer in Orcish superiority, which lead to his racism. He was also incredibly proud and didn’t want the Horde to appear weak.
13. Did Garrosh get corrupted by an Old God in Warlords of Draenor?
While Garrosh was indeed influenced by the Old God Y’Shaarj during the events of Mists of Pandaria, this corruption dissipated with his defeat. He was not corrupted by an Old God in Warlords of Draenor.
14. Why did the Horde ultimately abolish the position of Warchief?
The Horde abolished the position of Warchief after the disastrous tenures of Garrosh and Sylvanas. They moved toward a more egalitarian system with a council of racial leaders working together.
15. Was Warlords of Draenor considered a successful expansion?
While the concept behind Warlords of Draenor was intriguing, the expansion was met with mixed reactions. It was criticized for its slow content releases, the laggy launch, and the issues with garrisons, despite having a promising premise.
Conclusion
Garrosh Hellscream’s role in Warlords of Draenor is undeniably significant, but it is one that defies expectations. He is not the main villain of this Draenor. His actions as the architect of the Iron Horde have ripple effects across multiple timelines, and his ultimate demise serves as a complex conclusion to his saga. His presence, though indirect at times, is felt throughout the expansion, cementing his place as one of Warcraft’s most controversial and impactful characters. Understanding his journey from Warchief to the driving force behind the Iron Horde’s uprising is crucial for fully grasping the events of Warlords of Draenor and the subsequent consequences within the World of Warcraft universe.