Who Became the Next Lich King After Arthas?
The mantle of Lich King is a weighty one, a cursed crown worn by those who would attempt to control the seemingly endless hordes of the undead Scourge. After the defeat of Arthas Menethil, the most powerful Lich King Azeroth had ever known, a power vacuum threatened to unleash the Scourge upon the world. The answer to who stepped into that void, who became the next Lich King, is Bolvar Fordragon. This valiant paladin, once a leader of the Alliance and tragically scarred by the wrath of the Red Dragonflight, made the ultimate sacrifice to contain the undead plague.
The Legacy of the Lich King: A Necessary Evil
Before delving deeper into Bolvar’s ascension, it’s crucial to understand the context. The Helm of Domination and Frostmourne, artifacts of immense power forged by the Jailer in the Shadowlands, serve as the core of the Lich King’s power. These artifacts allowed their wielder to control the Scourge, preventing the mindless undead from overwhelming Azeroth. Without a Lich King, the Scourge would become an unstoppable force, threatening to consume all life. This grim reality prompted Bolvar to accept the mantle. He understood that someone had to control the Scourge, even if it meant a lifetime of isolation and torment on the Frozen Throne.
Bolvar’s Sacrifice: From Champion to Jailer
Bolvar Fordragon’s journey to becoming the Lich King was born out of necessity and selflessness. During the battle against Arthas, Bolvar was exposed to the Red Dragonflight’s flames, which ravaged his body but also prevented him from being fully killed or raised as an undead thrall. This state, caught between life and death, made him a suitable candidate to contain the Scourge.
When Tirion Fordring and the champions of Azeroth defeated Arthas, the looming threat of an uncontrolled Scourge became apparent. Tirion initially considered taking up the mantle himself, but Bolvar intervened. He knew he was the best, and perhaps the only, option. Marked by the dragons’ fire, he was uniquely resistant to the Lich King’s influence and the Scourge’s corruption. Bolvar implored Tirion to place the Helm of Domination upon his head, effectively becoming the new Lich King. He vowed to keep the Scourge contained within Northrend, acting as their eternal jailer. Thus, Bolvar Fordragon, the former Highlord, became the second Lich King, encased in ice and burdened with the immense responsibility of controlling the undead.
The Fate of the Lich King in Shadowlands
Bolvar’s story didn’t end with his ascension. In the Shadowlands expansion, the Helm of Domination was shattered by Sylvanas Windrunner, releasing Bolvar from his icy prison and weakening the barrier between Azeroth and the Shadowlands. Stripped of his power and forced to confront the truth about the Helm’s origins, Bolvar became a key figure in the fight against the Jailer. However, he wasn’t simply discarded; he played a vital role in aiding the champions of Azeroth as they navigated the Shadowlands and ultimately defeated Zovaal.
The story ends with the helm of domination being reforged. This time around, no one sits the Frozen Throne. The power has been transferred to Azeroth herself and her Spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Lich King
Here are some frequently asked questions related to the Lich King, delving into the lore, power, and implications of this iconic figure:
1. Who created the Helm of Domination?
The Helm of Domination was forged by the Jailer, Zovaal, in the Shadowlands. It was one of the instruments he used to exert his influence over the mortal realm.
2. Was Ner’zhul the first Lich King?
While Ner’zhul was the first entity to be bound to the Helm of Domination and wield its power, he wasn’t technically the first Lich King in the same way as Arthas or Bolvar. He was more of a prisoner within the Helm, influencing and shaping the Lich King’s actions.
3. How powerful was Arthas as the Lich King?
Arthas was arguably the most powerful Lich King due to his unique combination of factors. He possessed immense martial prowess as a death knight, wielded the soul-devouring blade Frostmourne, and ultimately suppressed Ner’zhul’s influence to become the dominant personality in control of the Scourge. His personal ambition and ruthlessness further amplified his effectiveness.
4. What is the Scourge?
The Scourge is an undead army created by the Burning Legion and controlled by the Lich King. It consists of various undead creatures, including ghouls, zombies, skeletons, and powerful death knights.
5. Can the Lich King be defeated?
Yes, the Lich King can be defeated, as demonstrated by the defeat of Arthas by Tirion Fordring and the champions of Azeroth. However, the threat of the Scourge necessitates a new Lich King to maintain control over the undead.
6. Is there a connection between the Lich King and the Jailer?
Yes, the Jailer created the Helm of Domination and Frostmourne, effectively making him the architect of the Lich King’s power. The Lich King was initially intended to be a tool of the Jailer, but Arthas eventually defied his control.
7. What are the powers of the Lich King?
The Lich King possesses a range of powers, including:
- Control over the Scourge: The ability to command and direct the undead army.
- Necromancy: The power to raise and manipulate the dead.
- Frost magic: The ability to conjure and control ice and cold.
- Soul manipulation: The power to drain and corrupt souls.
- Telepathy and mind control: The ability to communicate telepathically and influence the minds of others.
8. What happened to Frostmourne after Arthas’s defeat?
Frostmourne was shattered by Tirion Fordring wielding the Ashbringer during the final battle with Arthas. The souls trapped within the blade were released.
9. Why did Bolvar willingly become the Lich King?
Bolvar willingly became the Lich King to prevent the Scourge from running rampant across Azeroth. He understood the necessity of having someone in control of the undead to protect the living.
10. How did the Red Dragonflight’s flames affect Bolvar?
The Red Dragonflight’s flames scarred Bolvar and prevented him from being fully killed or turned into a mindless undead thrall. This unique state made him a suitable candidate to control the Scourge, as he was resistant to the Lich King’s influence.
11. What role did Tirion Fordring play in the Lich King’s story?
Tirion Fordring was instrumental in the defeat of Arthas. He led the Argent Crusade to Northrend and ultimately shattered Frostmourne with the Ashbringer, paving the way for Arthas’s demise.
12. What is the Frozen Throne?
The Frozen Throne is the seat of power for the Lich King, located atop Icecrown Citadel in Northrend. It is where the Lich King communes with and controls the Scourge.
13. Was Anduin Wrynn ever controlled by the Lich King?
Yes, during the events of the Shadowlands expansion, Anduin Wrynn was controlled by the Jailer using domination magic similar to that used on the Lich King. He served as a powerful pawn in the Jailer’s plans.
14. Are there any good liches in Warcraft lore?
The concept of a truly “good” Lich King is contradictory given the power draws influence from the Jailer. The GamesLearningSociety.org studies such ethical dilemmas arising in game lore.
15. What is the current status of the Lich King after Shadowlands?
Following the events of Shadowlands, the mantle and Helm of Domination have been replaced by the Spirit of Azeroth herself. There isn’t a new Lich King in the traditional sense. The power is tied to the world soul herself. The cycle is, at least for now, broken. The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) could provide further research into the evolving narrative and its impact on player engagement.