Who is the 2nd Lich King?

The second Lich King is Arthas Menethil, the former Crown Prince of Lordaeron. He became the Lich King after merging with Ner’zhul, the original Lich King, within the Frozen Throne. This transformation marked a pivotal and tragic point in the history of Azeroth.

The Rise of Arthas to Lich King

The story of Arthas Menethil’s fall and subsequent rise to become the Lich King is a complex narrative of noble intentions, moral compromise, and ultimately, corruption. It is a tale deeply embedded in the lore of Warcraft.

The Scourge and the Plague of Undeath

Arthas, initially a noble paladin and heir to the throne of Lordaeron, was driven by a desire to protect his people from the rising threat of the Scourge, an undead army spreading across the land. As he pursued the Scourge, he made increasingly drastic decisions, culminating in the Culling of Stratholme. He believed that killing the infected citizens was the only way to prevent them from becoming undead and joining the Scourge’s ranks. This action marked the beginning of his moral descent.

The Pursuit of Mal’Ganis and Frostmourne

Driven by vengeance and a desperate need for power, Arthas traveled to Northrend in pursuit of Mal’Ganis, a dreadlord serving the Lich King Ner’zhul. In Northrend, he discovered the cursed runeblade Frostmourne, a weapon whispered to grant immense power but at a terrible price. Despite warnings from Muradin Bronzebeard, Arthas claimed the blade, believing it was the only way to defeat Mal’Ganis.

The Betrayal and the Fusion

Upon wielding Frostmourne, Arthas’ soul was fractured, and he became a death knight under the Lich King’s control. He returned to Lordaeron and betrayed his kingdom, killing his father, King Terenas Menethil II, and ushering in a new era of darkness. Eventually, following the Burning Legion’s defeat at Mount Hyjal, Arthas journeyed back to Northrend, where he shattered the Frozen Throne and merged with Ner’zhul, becoming the dominant personality within the Lich King. He effectively became the second Lich King, a being of immense power and chilling malevolence.

Arthas as the Lich King: Reign of Terror

Arthas as the Lich King was a far cry from the noble prince he once was. He commanded the Scourge with absolute authority, unleashing a wave of destruction upon Azeroth. His reign was characterized by:

• The Scourge’s Unstoppable March: He directed the Scourge’s expansion, raising the dead and spreading the plague across the Eastern Kingdoms.
• The War Against the Living: He orchestrated conflicts against the Alliance and the Horde, seeking to crush all resistance to his rule.
• Recruitment and Corruption: He sought out powerful individuals to corrupt and add to his ranks, including figures like Sylvanas Windrunner, who would later become the Banshee Queen.

The Fall of the Lich King

Arthas’ reign of terror eventually came to an end at the hands of champions from the Alliance and the Horde, led by Tirion Fordring. After a long and arduous battle within Icecrown Citadel, Arthas was defeated. With Frostmourne shattered, Arthas’ soul was released, allowing him a brief moment of clarity before fading away. This marked the end of the second Lich King’s reign and ushered in a new, albeit temporary, era for the Scourge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the second Lich King and related lore:

1. Was Arthas always destined to become the Lich King? No, Arthas’ transformation was a result of a series of choices he made. His initial intentions were noble, but his desperation and thirst for power led him down a dark path.

2. What was the role of Ner’zhul in Arthas’ transformation? Ner’zhul was the original Lich King, imprisoned within the Frozen Throne. He used Frostmourne to corrupt Arthas and ultimately merged with him, initially influencing Arthas’ actions. However, Arthas eventually became the dominant personality.

3. Did Arthas have any control over his actions after claiming Frostmourne? Initially, Arthas was under Ner’zhul’s influence. However, as time went on, Arthas’ own will began to assert itself, eventually overpowering Ner’zhul and becoming the true Lich King.

4. What made Frostmourne so dangerous? Frostmourne was a soul-stealing runeblade created by the Burning Legion to corrupt and control its wielder. It drained Arthas’ soul, turning him into a death knight and ultimately a servant of the Lich King.

5. Why did Arthas kill his father? Arthas killed his father under the influence of the Lich King, as part of a plan to weaken the defenses of Lordaeron and pave the way for the Scourge’s invasion.

6. What was the significance of the Culling of Stratholme? The Culling of Stratholme was a pivotal moment in Arthas’ fall. It marked his willingness to sacrifice innocent lives for what he believed was the greater good, demonstrating his moral compromise.

7. How did Tirion Fordring defeat Arthas? Tirion Fordring was able to defeat Arthas with the power of the Light, channeled through the Ashbringer, a legendary paladin weapon. The Light shattered Frostmourne, freeing the souls trapped within and weakening Arthas.

8. What happened to Arthas’ soul after his defeat? According to Shadowlands lore, Arthas’ soul was sent to the Maw, the inescapable prison of the damned in the Shadowlands, by Sylvanas Windrunner. His soul was then used by the Jailer to forge new weapons.

9. Was Arthas truly evil, or was he a victim of circumstance? This is a subject of much debate. While Arthas made terrible choices, he was also manipulated by Ner’zhul and corrupted by Frostmourne. Some argue he was a tragic figure, a victim of circumstance, while others believe he was ultimately responsible for his own actions.

10. Is there any chance of Arthas returning? The possibility of Arthas’ return is always present in the Warcraft universe, given the nature of souls and the Shadowlands. However, whether Blizzard Entertainment chooses to bring him back remains to be seen.

11. What was the impact of Arthas’ actions on Azeroth? Arthas’ actions had a profound and lasting impact on Azeroth. The Scourge’s invasion devastated entire kingdoms, and his transformation into the Lich King led to a period of immense darkness and conflict.

12. Who became the Lich King after Arthas? After Arthas’ defeat, Bolvar Fordragon, initially unwillingly, took up the mantle of the Lich King to keep the Scourge contained.

13. How did Bolvar become the Lich King? Bolvar was severely burned by the red dragonflight’s flames during the Battle of Angrathar the Unbreakable. This made him resistant to the Lich King’s influence, and he volunteered to become the new Lich King to control the Scourge.

14. What is the difference between Arthas as a death knight and Arthas as the Lich King? As a death knight, Arthas was a powerful warrior serving the Lich King. As the Lich King, he was the supreme commander of the Scourge, possessing immense power and influence.

15. What role did Uther the Lightbringer play in Arthas’ story? Uther was Arthas’ mentor and a prominent figure in the Silver Hand. Arthas’ betrayal and the subsequent murder of Uther were significant events in his descent into darkness, as he slew one of the few remaining anchors to his former self. Uther’s soul was also trapped within Frostmourne, adding another layer of tragedy to the story.