The Myth of the Lich King: Beyond the Orc Ner'Zhul and Prince Arthas

In the vast and expansive world of World of Warcraft, the Lich King is a figure shrouded in mystery and fear. As Wrath of the Lich King expansion introduced new players to this legendary figure, some common questions linger: Who was the first Lich King and what became of him? Moreover, who is the current Lich King and his role in the storyline?

The First Lich King: Ner'Zhul

The first entity to don the mantle of the Lich King was the orc Ner'Zhul. Bound to the demonic lord Kil'Jaeden, Ner'Zhul was transformed and made his home within a solid block of ice. His purpose was to lead the undead armies of Azeroth and forever serve Kil'Jaeden. However, as a disembodied spirit, Ner'Zhul despised this existence and knew that Kil'Jaeden would never release him. Consumed by frustration and a desire for freedom, he sowed the seeds of fear and corruption, laying the groundwork for the rise of the next Lich King.

Prince Arthas and the Curse of Frostmourne

The fall of Ner'Zhul and the rise of the next Lich King is often attributed to Prince Arthas Menethil. In pursuit of his mission to cleanse the continent of dead and undead, Arthas followed the dread lord Malganis to the frozen lands of Northrend. There, in his quest for power, he took up the cursed Runeblade Frostmourne. As time went on, the sword slowly consumed Arthas's soul, transforming him into the Lich King we know today.

From Leader to Figurehead: Arthas to Bolvar Fordragon

While Arthas began as the Lich King, it is not a simple matter to determine who holds that title now. After Arthas's death, several individuals went on to take up the mantle, but perhaps the most notable is the human paladin, Bolvar Fordragon. Unlike his predecessor Arthas, Bolvar chooses to serve as a figurehead, much to the relief of many getPlayer and game developers.

Bolvar Fordragon symbolizes a shift in the narrative. Instead of being a creature driven by dark, malevolent forces, he represents the human struggle against corruption and the loss of compassion. As the story progresses, it is Bolvar's journey to balance power and morality that holds interest for many. However, this shift also means that the Lich King is no longer a single entity but a symbol of the ongoing battle between light and darkness in Azeroth.

In conclusion, the Lich King is a complex character with a rich and evolving story woven throughout the World of Warcraft universe. From the orc Ner'Zhul to the human paladin Bolvar Fordragon, the title represents more than just a single, malevolent force. It encompasses themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

For anyone looking to delve deeper into the lore and history of the Lich King, Wrath of the Lich King expansion and subsequent revisions to the game's storyline provide a wealth of information. Additionally, visiting the World of Warcraft official website and exploring player forums can offer even more insights into these legendary figures.