Recently, the gaming site “Kotaku” discussed fan theories surrounding the lore in World of Warcraft. Specifically, it focused on a YouTube video and the possible storylines contained within it regarding the current Lich King “Bolvar Fordragon”. I would like to briefly introduce the three theories and add some thoughts.
But first: Who is Bolvar Fordragon?
For a long time, Bolvar was the regent of Stormwind, carrying the responsibility of the people on his shoulders. He was supposed to hold this position until either the then-missing King “Varian Wrynn” returned, or the young prince “Anduin Wrynn” came of age to rule independently.
After the king’s return, Bolvar joined the assault against the Scourge in Northrend and had some successes there – until the incident at the Gate of Valor.
Those who do not remember clearly should take a quick look at this video:
Bolvar died at that time and was subsequently burned by the fire of the red dragonflight – still, that was not his end. After Arthas fell, he took control of the Scourge as the new Lich King and has since led a lonely existence on the Frozen Throne. His body has not completely escaped the side effects of dragonfire; his form is covered in cracks, his skin burned – and he is a creature, somewhere on the threshold between life and death.
Now let’s discuss the three theories from the video.
1. A more powerful Scourge, strengthened by dragonfire and under Bolvar’s control, returns to Azeroth
I find this theory relatively unlikely. While Bolvar is significantly enhanced by the dragonfire (and possibly now also by the armor of the Lich King), several points clearly contradict this theory. Firstly, Bolvar has not yet been able to control the entire Scourge, such as the Cult of the Damned and the undead in the Plaguelands. Moreover, the power of the aspects (i.e., the dragons) has waned after the end of Cataclysm, which should gradually balance his original enhancement.
2. The Burning Legion takes control of Bolvar and attacks Azeroth again
While I do believe it is quite possible (and inevitable) that the Burning Legion will attack Azeroth again, after all, Sargeras is the greatest threat within the Warcraft lore and is therefore certain to reappear. The Scourge is already in a massively weakened state and has failed multiple times, so why would the Burning Legion want to use a broken tool again? Perhaps the Scourge is still useful as cannon fodder, but nothing more. Since it has even been implied that the undead did NOT attack with full strength because of the Lich King, it would be absurd to leave a human Lich King at the head of this army.
3. Bolvar Fordragon joins the fight against the Legion – the Scourge is an ally of the Horde and Alliance
On one hand, this scenario certainly sounds incredibly exciting – the Scourge joins the Horde and Alliance to save Azeroth from the onslaught of the Burning Legion. From my perspective, that would be too bold a move. The undead have been enemies for over 10 years now, and lorewise, even the death knights are still greatly mistrusted. I can hardly imagine undead peacefully strolling hand in hand with humans through Stormwind – on the Horde side, I can also hardly picture Sylvanas tolerating any other “control over the undead” within her faction.
Personal Theories and Thoughts
It is only a matter of time before Bolvar Fordragon will play a role in the Warcraft universe again. Whether he will truly make an appearance again is another question entirely. In the cinematic of Arthas’s death, it was warned and said, “There must always be a Lich King.” If I were a dark villain with sinister plans, what would I do? I would kill Bolvar and destroy the armor to let the Scourge run amok. If I were the Banshee Queen Sylvanas, then I would be the only “expert” in the field of undead control… a tempting thought.
Sylvanas and Bolvar will likely appear together in some capacity – in what way exactly, only the future will reveal.
