Data miners have discovered a new cinematic from World of Warcraft: Shadowlands that will likely be seen in the game soon. In it, the captured Anduin and Sylvanas appear. But the Banshee Queen behaves quite differently than expected.
This is the cinematic: Since the release of Shadowlands, the Alliance King Anduin has been a prisoner of Sylvanas Windrunner and the Jailor in his tower, Torghast. Anduin was taken there along with other key characters like Jaina, Baine, and Thrall.
After the other three have already been freed, Anduin is the last one remaining. In the new cinematic, Sylvanas is seen talking to her captive and offering him a choice.
Spoiler warning: The video included here reveals some information about the story of Shadowlands that you will need to unlock yourself.
Translation of Scene 1
Sylvanas: Lord Denathrius has been captured. What is our plan to free him?
Jailor: Every soul has its destiny. Denathrius has fulfilled his. We must forge our next weapon.
Sylvanas: He is not ready.
Jailor: Then a more direct approach is necessary. We have not come this far to hesitate now. You know what must be done.
Translation of Scene 2
Anduin: Ah … there she is again. You know, your endless lectures …
Sylvanas: … have not convinced you. Nevertheless, the conversation is over. We will possess you, one way or another. That is why I offer you this – one last time. Join us, or be forced to serve.
Anduin: What kind of choice is that? Why are you even giving me … it is the choice you never had. Despite your grand plans, there is still a piece of mortality haunting you. As if the Banshee Queen had not completely wiped out the Ranger-General.
Sylvanas: Don’t do that.
Anduin: Now I understand why you brought me here. Why you are trying so hard to convince me. Because if you get me to let go of hope, you can finally do that too.
Sylvanas: Enough! She points a soul blade at him. Submit! You are only making it harder for yourself.
Anduin: Not harder for me … now, you, with all this power … how would you use it?
Sylvanas: I have come too far to waver now.
Anduin: Then why do you hesitate? Make your choice, Sylvanas Windrunner.
Players suspect “redemption arc” for Sylvanas
What does the cinematic mean? Sylvanas threatens Anduin with a soul blade in a similar position to how she held Arthas in the cinematics of Wrath of the Lich King. Her entire demeanor strongly resembles that of the Lich King, who left Sylvanas with no choice but to serve in undeath.
At the end of the short video, Sylvanas seemingly is no longer the life-hating rogue, who annihilates an entire people without remorse and even torments their souls afterward. Anduin seems to unsettle her and speaks to something within her.
What players criticize: Since the cinematic was found, players have been actively discussing its significance. Apparently, various emotions from Sylvanas are providing a lot of food for thought and uncertainty.
Some players think that this is all the beginning of a “redemption arc” (meaning: to atone, redemption). A narrative arc that allows a character, who is essentially evil or nefarious, to be absolved from their sins and “made good.” This could be supported by the fact that Sylvanas seemingly finds a degree of humanity in the scene.
In the discussions, Sylvanas is compared to Kerrigan from Starcraft or Illidan, who were similarly heroized. However, not everyone agrees, such as the wowhead user patevasiliu:
That would be okay if Sylvanas’ worst act was being the Jailor’s lapdog, killing a few kittens, but she committed genocide, burned down a capital city, and started a war. A bit late for a redemption story.
Others, like reddit user shiftywalriseyes, suspect that Anduin is now meant to become the “Lich King 2.0.” With Anduin’s sword, Shalamayne, which the Jailor has reforged into a soul blade like Frostmourne, the young king could similarly be forced into service like Arthas was before.
