Why did Sylvanas destroy the helm?

Sylvanas Windrunner destroyed the helm to open a rift into the Shadowlands, a pivotal moment in the World of Warcraft narrative that has sparked widespread curiosity and debate among fans. The destruction of the helm was a deliberate act by Sylvanas, driven by her complex and often controversial character motivations, which have been shaped by her experiences as a banshee, a Forsaken, and the Warchief of the Horde.

Introduction to Sylvanas and the Helm

Background on Sylvanas

Sylvanas, once a high elf and a member of the Silvermoon kingdom, was transformed into a banshee by Arthas Menethil, a pivotal event in her storyline that led to her eventual leadership of the Forsaken and her rise to power within the Horde.

The Significance of the Helm

The helm, an artifact of great power, played a crucial role in the events leading up to its destruction by Sylvanas. Its pieces continued to influence the narrative even after its destruction, ultimately being reforged into the Crown of Wills, an object intended to counter the helm’s power.

FAQs about Sylvanas and the Helm

General Questions

1. Why did Sylvanas turn evil? Sylvanas’s turn towards more villainous actions was precipitated by the war between the Alliance and Horde, where she sought to defend her people through a pre-emptive strike, leading to a spiral of conflict and morally questionable decisions.
2. Who turned Sylvanas into a banshee? It was Arthas Menethil, then a death knight, who killed Sylvanas and subsequently raised her as an incorporeal banshee to serve him, marking a significant turn in her character development.
3. Was Sylvanas a blood elf or night elf? Initially, Sylvanas was a high elf before her transformation into a banshee; she later received a blood elf model, reflecting her integration into the Forsaken and her leadership within the Horde.

The Helm and Its Destruction

4. What is the controversy surrounding Sylvanas? The controversy stems from her actions in Battle for Azeroth and Shadowlands, including the Burning of Teldrassil, her betrayal of the Forsaken and the Horde, and her alliance with the Jailer, which have polarized opinions among fans.
5. How did Sylvanas destroy the Lich King and his army? While not directly related to the helm’s destruction, Sylvanas played a significant role in the defeat of the Lich King, contributing to the Horde‘s efforts against the Scourge.

Personal Relationships and Motivations

6. Who is Sylvanas in love with? Sylvanas is deeply in love with Nathanos Blightcaller, a relationship that has endured even through death, with Sylvanas going to great lengths to be with him, including sacrificing his cousin to restore him physically.
7. Why did Sylvanas destroy the World Tree? The destruction of Teldrassil was a strategic move to eliminate a key Alliance stronghold in Kalimdor and secure Azerite flow, although it was also an act of spite against the night elves.

Current Status and Legacy

8. Is Sylvanas still a banshee? Sylvanas retains her status as the Banshee Queen, a title and form that have become integral to her identity and power within the World of Warcraft universe.
9. What race was Sylvanas before becoming Forsaken? Before her transformation, Sylvanas was a Quel’dorei, or high elf, a distinction that sets her apart from other Forsaken.
10. Who is the most powerful night elf in WoW? Malfurion Stormrage is often considered the most powerful night elf, given his role in the War of the Ancients and his status as a powerful archdruid.

Events and Consequences

11. What happened to Anduin in Shadowlands? Anduin Wrynn was captured and taken to the Maw, where he was tortured by Sylvanas and the Jailer, a pivotal plot point in the Shadowlands narrative.
12. Is Sylvanas a corpse? Sylvanas, in her current form, is not a traditional corpse but an undead being, maintained in her state by dark magic and her own willpower.
13. Who leads the Forsaken after Sylvanas? Following Sylvanas‘ departure, Lilian Voss has taken on a leadership role among the Forsaken, representing them on the Horde Council.

Miscellaneous

14. Why isn’t Sylvanas rotting? Sylvanas and Nathanos‘ states of undeath are due to a Valk’yr ritual, which distinguishes them from other Forsaken and explains their preserved condition.
15. What happens to Sylvanas after her defeat? After her defeat, Sylvanas‘ soul was ripped back into the world by Arthas, and she became the first high elven banshee, with a part of her soul consumed by Frostmourne, leaving her changed forever.