Will Anduin Wrynn, the King of Humans in World of Warcraft, remain in the Shadowlands? A new dialogue concerns Alliance players.
In World of Warcraft, the campaign of Patch 9.2 is now officially completed. After the bonus chapter featuring the two cutscenes with Sylvanas, the story has temporarily come to an end. However, there are still a few interesting details that some champions may have missed. Because some characters discuss how things should proceed from now on. And especially Anduin Wrynn may make a decision that shocks many.
Spoiler warning: If you do not want to know how things (presumably) continue with Anduin, you should not read further.
What was found? After the final quest line, Anduin meets Genn Greymane. He explains how unbelievably relieved he is that Anduin is safe and sound. He also assures Anduin that the actions he committed under the control of the Jailer were not his fault. But it gets really interesting afterwards:
Greymane: Anduin Wrynn, you are the strongest man I know. And when we return to Stormwind, the entire kingdom will say the same to you.
Anduin: I cannot go back, Genn. Not yet.
Greymane: But the people need d–
Anduin: Turalyon will safeguard the Alliance in my absence. And I know that you watch over all those who matter to us … old wolf.
Greymane: Of course. Take the time you need. And when you are ready … please, come home.
Thus, it seems clear that Anduin will not leave the Shadowlands for the foreseeable future. On one hand, it is possible that the traumas from the Jailer simply require more time to be overcome.
What is Anduin doing in the Shadowlands? The dialogue does not make this completely clear and leaves much room for interpretation and possibilities. However, another hint comes from the new Sylvanas book, which was released in English a few days ago. The book covers the entire story of Sylvanas – from her childhood to the judgment in Oribos. It ends with her descent into the Maw, and in the last lines, it says (translated):
She straightened her shoulders. “No matter how long it takes,” she had said to Tyrande. “Let it begin now.”
But before Sylvanas could plunge once more into the deep expanse of the Maw, she heard a sound. A familiar – and at the same time completely unexpected.
The unmistakable “clank” of metal armor.
“Hope,” Anduin had told her, “is what remains when all other things are lost. Where there is hope, you make room for healing, for all things that are possible… and some that are not.”
Sylvanas Windrunner felt the hope rise within her and for the first time in so long, she welcomed the feeling.
It is important to emphasize that the book is not completely clear about who joins Sylvanas, but the implication is strong that it is Anduin Wrynn. It is possible that he stays in the Maw with Sylvanas to gather lost souls together and simply learn more about each other.
What will happen to Stormwind? Without Anduin Wrynn, Stormwind will continue to be led by Turalyon. He is somewhat of a folk hero of the Humans, a living legend – and thus is likely to be widely accepted. However, in this situation, one of Il’gynoth’s whispers often comes to mind. The servant of the Old God once said:
The Golden claims an unoccupied throne. The Crown of Light will only bring darkness.
“The Golden” is likely Turalyon, who is always depicted in golden armor and filled with Light. What kind of darkness he will bring remains to be seen. After all, he has Alleria by his side, who has been changed by Void magic. It is quite possible that these two characters will receive more attention in the upcoming expansion.
What exactly Anduin’s fate looks like, we will probably not find out for many months. However, perhaps new hints will come soon – because the next WoW expansion will be presented in mid-April.
