Who Rules the Horde Now? Understanding the Post-Warchief Era in World of Warcraft

The question of who leads the Horde is one that has undergone significant shifts over the years within the World of Warcraft universe. From the brutal reign of Blackhand to the controversial leadership of Sylvanas Windrunner, the position of Warchief has been a constant source of drama and change. So, who currently holds the reins of power? The answer is, no one individual. The Horde is now governed by a council, a concept that has profoundly altered the faction’s leadership structure. There is no current Warchief.

The End of the Warchief: A Council Takes Over

The long-standing tradition of a single Warchief leading the Horde came to an end after Sylvanas Windrunner’s dramatic departure and subsequent actions that fractured the faction. The tumultuous events of Battle for Azeroth and the early parts of Shadowlands made it clear that the centralized power of the Warchief was not always conducive to stability or unity. The community was divided and many felt the Horde had been made to play a villain.

Recognizing the need for a more representative and less autocratic approach, the racial leaders of the Horde came together to form a council. This council consists of the primary leaders or appointed representatives from each of the Horde’s member races. This new leadership model is a significant departure from the past, emphasizing consensus and collaboration rather than the rule of a single, often tyrannical, figure. The goal of this council is to ensure that the interests of all Horde races are represented and that decisions are made in a way that benefits the entire faction rather than any individual leader’s agenda.

The Current Council and its Members

While no single person holds the title of Warchief, it’s important to understand who makes up the council. Here are some of the key figures who contribute to the direction of the Horde in the current narrative of Dragonflight and beyond:

• Lor’themar Theron: As the leader of the Blood Elves, Lor’themar Theron brings his diplomatic skills and a long view to the council. The long term stability of his people weighs heavily on his mind.
• Baine Bloodhoof: The Chieftain of the Tauren, Baine’s emphasis on honor, tradition, and compassion makes him an important voice for peace and collaboration.
• Thalyssra: Leader of the Nightborne, Thalyssra’s immense magical power and wisdom, stemming from her long life, makes her a critical player.
• Rokhan: Representative of the Darkspear Trolls, Rokhan’s deep understanding of his people and his practical view bring essential balance to the group.
• Gazlowe: As the head of the Bilgewater Cartel, Gazlowe provides the Goblins perspective with a focus on pragmatism and economic stability. He is also a master of technology.
• Mayla Highmountain: The leader of the Highmountain Tauren, Mayla ensures the continued unity with the wider Horde and brings knowledge of the earth.
• Ji Firepaw: The representative of the Huojin Pandaren. Ji brings the perspective of the Pandaren into the council.
• Kiro: The Vulpera are represented by Kiro as they continue to make their mark.

This collection of leaders represents a wide array of perspectives and priorities. Their cooperation is essential to ensuring the Horde does not fall back into the chaotic state of the past. The council represents a more democratic, collaborative approach to leadership and signals a move away from the single Warchief model.

A More Stable Future for the Horde?

The decision to abandon the Warchief position and embrace a council model signals a significant turning point for the Horde. It indicates a desire to move away from the destructive patterns of the past and towards a more unified and stable future. The council system emphasizes shared responsibility and collaborative decision-making, which aims to prevent any single leader from abusing power or leading the faction down a dangerous path. It remains to be seen how long this model will remain in place, but for now, this marks the end of the age of the Warchief.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why did the Horde abolish the position of Warchief?

The position of Warchief was abolished due to the disastrous tenures of Garrosh Hellscream and Sylvanas Windrunner. Both leaders led the Horde into conflicts that caused internal strife and near-destruction, demonstrating the dangers of centralized power.

2. When did the Horde’s leadership structure change to a council?

The leadership structure changed to a council following Sylvanas Windrunner’s abandonment of the Horde at the conclusion of the Battle for Azeroth. The decision was finalized during the events that followed and finalized during Shadowlands.

3. Who were the previous Warchiefs of the Horde?

Previous Warchiefs of the Horde include Blackhand, Orgrim Doomhammer, Thrall, Garrosh Hellscream, Vol’jin, and Sylvanas Windrunner.

4. Is Sylvanas Windrunner still involved in the Horde?

No, Sylvanas Windrunner is no longer part of the Horde. She abandoned the faction during the events of the Battle for Azeroth and her actions made her an enemy of the Horde.

5. Who is the most powerful member of the Horde?

The concept of “most powerful” varies, but lore wise, figures like Thrall, Thalyssra, and arguably Gul’dan (despite not being a traditional member anymore) are among the most powerful within the Horde’s history.

6. What happened to Anduin Wrynn?

Anduin Wrynn was captured and taken to the Maw during the Shadowlands expansion. He is no longer a key character in the main conflict of Dragonflight.

7. How does the Horde council make decisions?

The Horde council works through consensus and discussion. Decisions are made after weighing the perspectives of all represented races. This is a new approach aimed at ensuring unity and avoid any individual having too much influence.

8. Is the new council leadership model stable for the Horde?

The council model represents a move towards stability and cooperation. While no leadership structure is without flaws, the collaborative approach is meant to prevent the kind of unilateral decisions that led the Horde into disastrous situations in the past.

9. How does the change in leadership affect the Horde’s relationship with the Alliance?

The shift to a council is meant to promote long-term stability. This, in turn, should allow for more peaceful co-existence as the Horde will no longer be led by individuals with personal ambitions or destructive agendas.

10. Who represents the Forsaken on the Horde Council?

The Forsaken do not currently have a representative on the Horde Council. The faction is undergoing its own reformation after the exit of Sylvanas. Lilian Voss is currently the leader of the Forsaken.

11. How did Sylvanas become Warchief?

Sylvanas Windrunner was named Warchief by Vol’jin before his death. This choice was controversial from the start given her history.

12. What is the significance of the Dragonflight expansion for the Horde?

The Dragonflight expansion focuses on a global threat not specific to any faction. It is a time for all races to band together for survival. The Horde council plays a key role in navigating these events, while still working towards internal harmony.

13. Is the concept of a single Warchief gone for good in the lore of Warcraft?

For the foreseeable future, the council appears to be the established leadership model. It is unlikely that the Warchief position will return as this appears to be a very purposeful change by the writers to move past the issues of the past.

14. Who is the most popular Warchief of all time?

Thrall is widely considered one of the most popular Warchiefs due to his emphasis on honor, shamanistic wisdom, and leadership focused on the well-being of his people.

15. What was the original purpose of the Horde?

The original Horde was created out of necessity for survival after the Orcs were corrupted by the demonic Burning Legion. The Horde originally sought only conquest and power, and has since evolved over time to seek something more.