Why Thrall Put Garrosh in Charge: A Deep Dive into a Controversial Decision
Thrall chose Garrosh Hellscream as his successor for a complex mix of reasons, primarily stemming from a desire to empower a younger generation, a belief in Garrosh’s strength and potential despite his flaws, and a crucial need to address immediate threats facing the Horde in a way he felt he couldn’t accomplish while simultaneously leading them. This decision, while intended to safeguard the Horde, ultimately led to a period of immense turmoil and nearly destroyed everything Thrall had worked to build.
Understanding Thrall’s Rationale
Thrall’s decision wasn’t simple favoritism or a lapse in judgment. It was a calculated risk, based on several factors:
The Weight of the World-Shaman
As a powerful Shaman and a central figure in the Earthen Ring, Thrall felt increasingly compelled to answer the call of the elements. The world was fractured after the Cataclysm, and Thrall believed his primary duty lay in healing Azeroth, a task that demanded his full attention. Leading the Horde while simultaneously trying to mend the shattered world was simply unsustainable. He recognized that the Horde needed a strong leader, someone who could dedicate themselves entirely to its survival and expansion.
Garrosh’s Perceived Strength
From Thrall’s perspective at the time, Garrosh possessed undeniable strength, courage, and a fierce loyalty to the Horde. He saw in Garrosh a warrior’s spirit that was essential for navigating the turbulent political landscape and defending against growing threats. Thrall believed that Garrosh, tempered by experience and guided by the right advisors, could channel his aggression into productive efforts for the Horde’s benefit. He underestimated, however, the extent of Garrosh’s inherent biases and lust for domination.
A Desire for Change and a Generational Shift
Thrall, along with other veteran leaders, recognized that the Horde needed fresh perspectives. He aimed to empower a younger generation of orcs and believed Garrosh represented that potential. He hoped that Garrosh, unburdened by the past trauma of the First and Second Wars, could forge a new path for the Horde, one built on strength and expansion, even if it meant deviating from Thrall’s own more peaceful vision.
The Influence of Aggra and the Elements
While not a direct cause, Thrall’s growing connection with Aggra and the elements certainly influenced his thinking. He felt the impending doom of the Cataclysm more acutely than most, further emphasizing the urgent need for him to step aside and address these larger, elemental threats. He likely believed that the Horde would be safer with a strong military leader at its helm while he focused on stabilizing Azeroth.
A Lack of Equally Suitable Candidates
It’s important to acknowledge that Thrall likely perceived a lack of equally suitable candidates within the Horde at that specific time. While figures like Cairne Bloodhoof possessed wisdom and diplomacy, he was already advanced in years. Other potential leaders may have lacked the decisive strength Thrall felt the Horde urgently needed.
The Consequences of the Choice
Thrall’s decision ultimately proved disastrous. Garrosh’s inherent aggression, prejudice, and ruthless ambition spiraled out of control. He prioritized orcish dominance over the well-being of the other Horde races, leading to internal conflicts and a brutal war against the Alliance that nearly destroyed the Horde from within. The bombing of Theramore, the purging of the Darkspear Trolls, and the exploitation of the Vale of Eternal Blossoms stand as grim reminders of Garrosh’s tyrannical reign. The choice to appoint Garrosh as Warchief is widely considered one of Thrall’s biggest mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why didn’t Thrall simply stay on as Warchief?
Thrall believed the elemental instability caused by the Cataclysm demanded his immediate and undivided attention. He felt his duty as a World-Shaman outweighed his responsibilities as Warchief. He also may have grown weary of leadership and desired a return to his spiritual roots.
2. What alternative candidates were considered for Warchief?
While not explicitly stated, it’s likely Thrall considered Cairne Bloodhoof and perhaps even Vol’jin. Cairne was a respected elder, but his age was a concern. Vol’jin was wise and cunning, but perhaps lacked the perceived military strength Thrall sought.
3. Did Thrall know about Garrosh’s potential for tyranny?
Thrall was aware of Garrosh’s aggressive tendencies but believed they could be tempered and directed constructively. He underestimated the depth of Garrosh’s prejudice and ambition, as well as his susceptibility to the whispers of the Old Gods.
4. How did the other Horde leaders react to Garrosh’s appointment?
Initially, there was cautious optimism. However, as Garrosh’s policies became increasingly authoritarian and racially biased, tensions rose. Cairne Bloodhoof challenged Garrosh to a duel, ultimately resulting in Cairne’s death. Vol’jin led a rebellion against Garrosh after the purge of the Darkspear Trolls in Orgrimmar.
5. What role did the advisors play in guiding Garrosh?
Garrosh initially had advisors, including Eitrigg, who tried to steer him in a more honorable direction. However, Garrosh increasingly disregarded their counsel and surrounded himself with loyalists who reinforced his worst tendencies, such as Krom’gar.
6. Was Thrall’s decision influenced by the corruption of the Old Gods?
While not directly manipulated, Garrosh was later influenced by the power of the Sha in Pandaria, which amplified his negative emotions and drove him further towards tyranny. Thrall’s decision, however, was made before Garrosh’s exposure to the Sha.
7. How did Thrall react to Garrosh’s actions as Warchief?
Thrall was horrified by Garrosh’s descent into tyranny. He ultimately returned to the Horde to confront Garrosh and eventually stripped him of his position as Warchief.
8. Did Thrall ever regret putting Garrosh in charge?
Absolutely. Thrall explicitly acknowledged his regret over the decision and felt a personal responsibility for the consequences of Garrosh’s reign. He felt he had failed the Horde.
9. What happened to Garrosh after he was overthrown?
Garrosh was put on trial in Pandaria but escaped with the help of Kairoz, a bronze dragon. He traveled to an alternate Draenor and established the Iron Horde, posing a new threat to Azeroth.
10. How did Garrosh’s reign impact the Horde’s relationship with the Alliance?
Garrosh’s aggressive actions, particularly the bombing of Theramore, significantly worsened the relationship between the Horde and the Alliance. The conflict escalated into a full-scale war, leaving both factions deeply scarred.
11. How did Garrosh’s leadership affect the different races within the Horde?
Garrosh favored the orcs, leading to resentment and rebellion among the other races. The trolls, tauren, and blood elves especially felt marginalized and mistreated.
12. Why didn’t Thrall choose Sylvanas Windrunner as Warchief?
While Sylvanas Windrunner was a powerful and cunning leader, her methods were often considered morally questionable, and her loyalty to the Horde was sometimes perceived as self-serving. Thrall likely deemed her too unpredictable and potentially dangerous to lead the entire Horde.
13. Did Garrosh’s lineage as Grommash Hellscream’s son play a role in Thrall’s decision?
Potentially. Grommash Hellscream’s sacrifice to defeat Mannoroth was a legendary moment in orcish history. Thrall might have hoped that Garrosh, as Grommash’s son, would inherit his father’s strength and eventually his honorable spirit. This was ultimately proven incorrect.
14. Was there any political pressure on Thrall to choose Garrosh?
There’s no evidence of direct political pressure forcing Thrall’s hand. However, the general sentiment within the Horde at the time favored a strong and decisive leader, which likely influenced Thrall’s perception of Garrosh’s suitability.
15. Who eventually replaced Garrosh as Warchief?
After Garrosh’s defeat in the Siege of Orgrimmar, Vol’jin, leader of the Darkspear Trolls, was chosen as the new Warchief. This decision aimed to restore balance and address the racial tensions that had plagued the Horde under Garrosh’s rule.