The Endless War: Unraveling the Origins of the Horde vs. Alliance Conflict in World of Warcraft

The question of who started the war between the Horde and the Alliance in the World of Warcraft universe is complex and doesn’t have a single, simple answer. It’s a conflict fueled by cycles of aggression, mistrust, and misunderstanding, stretching back to the very first encounter between Orcs and Humans on Azeroth. While the First War was initiated by the Orcish Horde, manipulated by the Burning Legion, the subsequent conflicts are a tangled web of escalating tensions and retaliatory actions, making it difficult to assign sole blame. The cycle continued, with each side believing their actions were justified as defense or retribution. Ultimately, the war is a product of both factions’ inability to break free from the cycle of violence and find lasting peace.

A History of Bloodshed and Betrayal

The root cause lies in the corruption of the Orcish Horde by the Burning Legion. Originally inhabitants of Draenor, the Orcs were manipulated by the demon Kil’jaeden into drinking the blood of Mannoroth, turning them into bloodthirsty warriors bent on conquest. This led to the opening of the Dark Portal and the invasion of Azeroth, marking the beginning of the First War.

While the Humans, Dwarves, and Elves of Azeroth initially defended their lands against this seemingly unprovoked aggression, the cycle continued even after the Legion’s defeat. The establishment of internment camps for captured Orcs fueled resentment and a desire for freedom, leading to further conflict. The rise of Thrall and the formation of the New Horde offered a chance for redemption, but old prejudices and new disputes kept the fires of war burning.

Recurring Conflicts and Shifting Blame

Throughout World of Warcraft’s history, various events have reignited the war:

• The Battle for Undercity: This event, described in the provided text, saw Varian Wrynn, King of Stormwind, fueled by grief and anger, declare war on the Horde after witnessing the Forsaken’s horrific experiments with the New Plague.
• The Wrathgate Incident: The death of Bolvar Fordragon at the Wrathgate and the apparent involvement of the Forsaken in the creation of the plague further fueled animosity between the Alliance and the Horde.
• The Destruction of Theramore: Garrosh Hellscream’s use of a mana bomb to obliterate Theramore, a major Alliance city, was a blatant act of aggression that escalated the conflict during the Mists of Pandaria expansion.
• The Fourth War: Sylvanas Windrunner’s actions, including the burning of Teldrassil and her pursuit of power through morally reprehensible means, pushed the Horde and Alliance to the brink of annihilation.

Each of these events can be seen as a catalyst, but none fully capture the complexity of the conflict. The Horde and Alliance are trapped in a cycle of violence, where past grievances are constantly re-litigated and used to justify present-day aggression. This cyclical nature makes assigning blame incredibly difficult and highlights the importance of understanding the historical context of each event. Examining these complex narratives offers valuable insight into societal conflicts, a topic that aligns with the educational mission of organizations such as the GamesLearningSociety.org.

A Never-Ending Story?

Ultimately, the war between the Horde and Alliance is a reflection of the human (and Orcish, Elven, etc.) condition. It explores themes of prejudice, fear, ambition, and the difficulty of breaking free from ingrained cycles of violence. The question of “who started it?” becomes less important than the question of “how can we stop it?”. The future of Azeroth depends on the Horde and Alliance finding a way to overcome their differences and build a more peaceful future, a challenge that resonates deeply with many real-world conflicts. The constant examination of this conflict through gameplay offers a fascinating lens to explore societal divides.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who was the first leader of the Horde?

The first Warchief of the Horde was Blackhand the Destroyer. However, he was largely a figurehead, with the true power residing with the Warlock Gul’dan.

2. Who created the New Horde?

Thrall, son of Durotan, created the New Horde. He sought to build a more honorable and less demonically influenced Horde, based on shamanistic traditions and a respect for nature.

3. What caused the Fourth War?

The Fourth War was primarily caused by Sylvanas Windrunner’s aggressive actions after she became Warchief of the Horde. This included claiming Azerite for the Horde’s benefit and making a pre-emptive strike on Teldrassil.

4. Who was the Horde Warchief when Teldrassil was burned?

Sylvanas Windrunner was the Warchief of the Horde when Teldrassil was burned. This act sparked widespread condemnation and further fueled the Fourth War.

5. Why did Sylvanas burn Teldrassil?

Sylvanas’ motives for burning Teldrassil are complex and have been the subject of much debate. The narrative suggests she did it to break the Alliance’s spirit and secure the Horde’s position in the war by sending the soldiers who would rally against her to the Maw.

6. Who took over the Horde after Sylvanas?

After Sylvanas’ departure, a council composed of representatives from various Horde races was formed to lead the faction. This council included characters like Lor’themar Theron and Baine Bloodhoof.

7. Was the Horde always evil?

No, the Horde was not always evil. The original Horde was corrupted by the Burning Legion, but Thrall’s New Horde sought to be more honorable and coexist with the other races of Azeroth. The moral ambiguity of both factions is a recurring theme in World of Warcraft.

8. Are the Blood Elves Horde or Alliance?

The Blood Elves are members of the Horde. They joined the Horde primarily because the Forsaken (led by Sylvanas Windrunner) offered them aid after the Scourge devastated their homeland, Quel’Thalas.

9. What was Illidan’s betrayal?

Illidan Stormrage’s betrayal involved making a pact with the Burning Legion to help Sargeras enter Azeroth. This act earned him the title “The Betrayer”.

10. Who killed Illidan?

Maiev Shadowsong, along with the help of Akama and player adventurers, killed Illidan in the Black Temple.

11. Who is the strongest member of the Horde, according to lore?

While strength is subjective, Gul’dan is often considered one of the most powerful members of the Horde due to his mastery of demonic magic. Other contenders include Thrall and Ner’zhul.

12. Who corrupted Sargeras?

The narrative suggests that the Nathrezim (dreadlords) played a significant role in corrupting Sargeras, manipulating him into believing that the only way to stop the Void Lords was to destroy all life.

13. Why did Varian Wrynn declare war on the Horde during the Battle for Undercity?

Varian Wrynn declared war on the Horde after witnessing the Forsaken’s horrific experiments with the New Plague and the resulting devastation of the Undercity. He was also fueled by grief over the apparent death of Bolvar Fordragon.

14. What was the Great Horde?

The term “Great Horde” usually refers to the Golden Horde, a Mongol state established in the 13th century. It has no direct connection to the Horde faction in World of Warcraft.

15. What is Azerite?

Azerite is a powerful substance that appeared on Azeroth after the planet’s wound following the events of Legion. It became a key resource in the Fourth War, as both the Horde and Alliance sought to harness its power. This cycle of war and its roots is something that the Games Learning Society examines as it relates to conflict resolution and understanding.