The Chilling Origins: Why Was Frostmourne in Northrend?
The chilling saga of Frostmourne, the runeblade that forever changed the destiny of Arthas Menethil and Azeroth itself, begins in the icy wastes of Northrend. The question of why this artifact of immense power was located in such a desolate landscape has deep roots in the machinations of the Lich King, specifically Ner’zhul, the entity originally bound within the Frozen Throne. Simply put, Frostmourne was placed in Northrend as a deliberate trap, a carefully baited hook designed to ensnare a powerful soul and transform them into the Lich King’s ultimate agent.
Ner’zhul’s Grand Design
Ner’zhul’s plan was intricate and multi-layered. After being torn apart by the demon Kil’jaeden and transformed into the spectral entity that would become the Lich King, Ner’zhul was imprisoned within the Frozen Throne atop the Icecrown Glacier in Northrend. However, his spirit remained powerful, retaining a sliver of his cunning and ambition. Ner’zhul realized that to truly escape his icy prison and extend his influence, he needed a powerful mortal champion, someone who could become the vessel for his will and command the growing armies of the undead.
Ner’zhul didn’t simply wait for this champion to stumble upon him. He crafted a plan that used the runeblade Frostmourne as the centerpiece. Using his power, he forced Frostmourne from the Frozen Throne, sending it down into the frozen landscape to await its destined wielder. He essentially laid a trap, relying on the inherent nature of powerful individuals – those with the ambition, determination, and even perhaps a touch of desperation – to be drawn to the allure of ultimate power.
The specific location, at the base of the Icecrown Glacier, in a cave encased in ice, was not accidental. The environment itself served to amplify the sinister aura of the blade and create an atmosphere of foreboding. The inscription on the altar, “Whomsoever takes up this blade shall wield power eternal. Just as the blade rends flesh, so must power scar the spirit,” acted as both a warning and a siren song to those who might discover it.
The Lure of Power and the Fall of Arthas
Arthas Menethil, driven by a desperate need to protect his kingdom and his people from the encroaching undead Scourge, was the ideal target for Ner’zhul’s scheme. His noble intentions, however warped by fear and desperation, made him vulnerable to the insidious whispers of the Lich King. He was already on a path of darkness after culling Stratholme, his conscience weighing heavily on him. When the Dreadlord Mal’ganis taunted Arthas to seek him out in Northrend, the stage was set for the prince’s fateful encounter with Frostmourne.
Arthas’s arrival in Northrend, driven by vengeance and the desperate hope for a way to defeat the undead, played perfectly into Ner’zhul’s plan. He found Frostmourne, lying in wait, its promise of unparalleled power impossible for the prince to ignore. His touch would forge the final link in the Lich King’s plan, corrupting his soul and transforming him into the death knight that would herald his dominance over Azeroth. Frostmourne, in Northrend, was not just a sword; it was the key to the Lich King’s freedom and a symbol of the terrible cost of ultimate power.
The Consequences and Legacy
The strategic placement of Frostmourne in Northrend led to some of the most pivotal events in Warcraft history. It not only caused the fall of Arthas and the rise of the Lich King but also fundamentally altered the political and spiritual landscape of Azeroth. The blade was responsible for the deaths of countless individuals, the destruction of nations, and left scars that would last for generations. It stands as a grim reminder of the seductive power of ambition, the price of unchecked power, and the enduring influence of the Lich King’s chilling reign over the frozen north.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happened to Frostmourne after Arthas’ death?
Frostmourne was shattered by Ashbringer, wielded by Tirion Fordring, atop Icecrown Citadel during the final confrontation with Arthas. This released the trapped souls that the blade had consumed.
2. Who is inside the Frostmourne?
While initially containing Ner’zhul’s essence, Frostmourne primarily trapped the souls of those it killed, most notably the soul of Arthas Menethil after he claimed the blade. The souls within were used to fuel the Lich King’s power.
3. How did Illidan survive Frostmourne?
Illidan, as a demon, would be regenerated in the Twisting Nether upon death, and it’s likely that Frostmourne could not steal his soul due to his demonic nature. He may have been at the mercy of the Burning Legion upon regeneration, but he was not destroyed by the blade.
4. What do the runes mean on the Frostmourne sword?
The runes on Frostmourne carry a sinister meaning, including:
- Serathai: Defiance, Unyielding
- Quyl, Isha: Sorrow, Mercy, Endurance
- Elui: Ending, Denial
- Caladai: Symbol of the Line of Kings.
5. What made Arthas evil?
Arthas was corrupted by the cursed blade Frostmourne, which slowly warped his mind and drove him to darker purposes, eventually leading him to become the Lich King. His initial motivations were arguably noble, but the blade’s influence twisted them into tyranny.
6. Why was the Lich King getting weaker?
The Lich King’s power was waning because the Frozen Throne was fracturing, weakening his connection to the Scourge and his ability to control the undead.
7. Was Arthas’ soul destroyed?
Yes, Arthas’ soul was damaged, fractured, used as fuel, and spent. There is effectively nothing left of him, and he is unable to be resurrected, making him one of the few characters in Warcraft lore that cannot return.
8. What is the opposite of Frostmourne?
Ashbringer is often seen as the antithesis of Frostmourne. It’s a blade infused with the essence of light, wielded by the Silver Hand, in contrast to Frostmourne’s dark, soul-stealing nature.
9. Can you wield Frostmourne?
In the game, equipping Frostmourne has a corrupting effect, robbing the wielder of their soul and turning them into a merciless killing machine. This effect is negated only if the wielder has less than a minute to live.
10. What happened to the shards of Frostmourne?
The shards of Frostmourne were scattered after the blade was shattered. These shards can be recrafted and imbued with even more power, posing a potential danger in the future.
11. Was Arthas right to purge Stratholme?
The culling of Stratholme is a highly debated topic in Warcraft lore. While Arthas believed it was necessary to stop the plague from spreading, his actions are ultimately considered a moral failing, and his own light began to dim as he took this action.
12. Why did the Lich King sleep?
After Arthas merged with the Lich King, a battle for dominance of their shared mind began. The Lich King’s personality ultimately took control, leading to a long slumber until the events of the Burning Crusade.
13. Who canonically killed the Lich King?
Highlord Tirion Fordring and his champions defeated Arthas the Lich King at the climax of the war for Northrend. Bolvar Fordragon later became the new Lich King to control the Scourge.
14. Who is the most powerful Lich in WoW?
Arthas, as the Lich King, was the most powerful because he wore both the Helmet of Domination and wielded Frostmourne, unlike others who just used the Helmet. Ner’zhul was powerful, but more as an entity contained in the Frozen Throne.
15. Why did Arthas’ hair turn white?
Arthas’ hair turned white and his skin grew pale as he was increasingly influenced by Frostmourne and the Lich King’s presence. The blade had taken his soul, turning him into a cold, corrupted death knight.