| “ | Sometimes the hand of fate, must be forced. | „ |
| ~ Warcraft 3, Legion. |
| “ | Betrayer... in truth, it was I who was betrayed. Still, I am hunted. Still, I am hated. Now, my blind eyes see what others cannot. That sometimes the hand of fate must be forced! | „ |
| ~ Illidan, in Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. |
| “ | There is no sacrifice too great if it brings an end to the Burning Legion. | „ |
| ~ Illidan Stormrage |
| “ | You are not prepared! | „ |
| ~ Illidan's most famous quote. |
Illidan Stormrage is a major false antagonist, and later main protagonist of the Warcraft universe, being the main protagonist of the Legion expansion and the series as a whole. The twin brother of Malfurion Stormrage, the brothers grew distant as they chose different paths through life, with Malfurion becoming a Druid, and Illidan the first Demon Hunter. Craving power, Illidan allied himself with The Burning Legion during their first invasion of Azeroth 10,000 years ago, however, this was a false pretense, as Illidan sought to fight fire with fire, and despite ultimately playing a major factor in the world's victory against them, was still tried and convicted a traitor, sentenced to eternal imprisonment.
This would be Illidan's story for most of his life. Those who did not know any better saw him as a evil betrayer, and a chaotic force of malice, when in reality, everything Illidan did was for the good of Azeroth. He simply did whatever he had to do in order to better ready himself, and those with him, for the ultimate fate in store for all of reality, and Sargeras' crusade. This all eventually proved to be true, as he is none other than the destined Chosen One to bring an end to the Dark Titan, which he finally did at the end of the expansion.
He was voiced by Matthew Yang King in Warcraft III, and Liam O'Brien in his subsequent appearances.
Biography[]
Early Life[]
Illidan and his twin brother Malfurion were born over 10,000 years ago on Kalimdor, in an age of Azeroth when there but a few intelligent humanoid races across the world. Night Elves were one of the predominant races of the land, with the others being the Tauren and Trolls. Illidan was born with amber eyes, which in Night Elf culture symbolized a destiny with greatness. He and his brother lived uneventful but content lives, although as they matured, Malfurion became a more reserved and studious man, while Illidan always maintained a hotheaded and aggressive approach to life. Both brothers would end up falling in love with their childhood friend, Tyrande Whisperwind, and a rivalry was born between them in trying to earn her favor. However, it became evident not long after that Tyrande preferred Malfurion, and while this saddened Illidan some, it did not stop him from trying to gain her love.
Before long, Azeroth was targeted by The Burning Legion. Aided by Queen Azshara, who betrayed her own people in the name of Sargeras, the Demons first invasion of the world, and The War of The Ancients had begun. Illidan and his brother would both set off on very different paths as the conflict raged on, with Malfurion devoting himself to the Druidic ways under the tutelage of Cenarius, with Illidan becoming a deadly and rapidly learning Mage, under the guidance of Krasus.
However, Illidan's hunger for power grew just as fast, and he soon earned the Dragon's distrust after being wholly willing to sacrifice the lives of his allies if it meant the defeat of his enemies, a trait that would ultimately shape Illidan's intense drive to do what must be done no matter the cost. It was because of this drive, that Illidan taking up a deception, "betrayed" his people, and joined Azshara. Here, he began his familiarity and study of the demons, and after a magical confrontation with the fallen Titan, Illidan's eyes were seared with fel magic, and the Demon Hunter was born.
Despite his ploy ending up being a success, and even personally playing a crucial part in the defeat of The Legion at the Well of Eternity, Illidan was forever deemed a traitor to his people. The crimes he committed despite all being for the greater good, could not be easily forgiven. He was captured, and tried, sentenced to imprisonment for all eternity, with Maiev Shadowsong serving as his jailor.
10,000 Years Later[]
Illidan would remain a prisoner for ten millennia, and during this time, grew incredibly jaded and resentful to the outside world. When The Burning Legion inevitably returned, the one who set him free was none other than Tyrande. His love for her, even after so long, never diminished, and he agreed to aid her, and to then leave the Kaldorei lands for good. With the return of his sworn enemy, Illidan immediately embarked on his journey to drive the foul demons back for a second time.
Trivia[]
- In the events of Gates of the Abyss (the fifth chapter of the Rise of the Blood Elves campaign), when Illidan closes the four Dimensional gateways for Maghteridon to call for reinforcements takes place in the Hellfire Peninsula. But this changed a lot in World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade, as Illidan and his army traveled to Outland to close the three Dimensional gateways located at Zangarmarsh, Nagrand and Blade’s Edge Mountain. Whose first of the four Dimensional gateways located in an unknown location where Illidan closed it was never seen throughout the journey to Outland and that his first (which is nothing other than Illidari Point) is located in Shadowmoon Valley.
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 Heroes
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Adventurers The Alliance The Horde Knights of the Ebon Blade Illidan's followers Pandaria The Light The Titans Shadowlands Dragonflights Arathi Empire Others Hearthstone | ||