New information about the Titans in World of Warcraft has surfaced. And this could reveal one of the biggest lies ever told in Azeroth.
With Dragonflight, things are a bit “calmer” in World of Warcraft, but there are still significant story revelations in this expansion. Particularly interesting is what Blizzard reveals about the Titans and the forces of Order. Because what we all thought to be unquestionable and “good” is being challenged with Dragonflight.
Spoiler alert: This contains details from the Beta of Dragonflight and the Pre-Patch 10.0. Those who do not wish to read further spoilers about the story should stop reading.
What has been discovered? In the latest version of the Dragonflight Beta, a few new in-game books have been added relating to the revamped Uldaman dungeon. The information in these books is quite explosive and could significantly change how people perceive the Titans on Azeroth and what their actual role in the cosmos was. Especially the titanic guardian Odyn is cast in a new light.
The book mainly deals with Odyn and his views on the mortals of Azeroth. The book “Edicts of the Main Unit, Volume 742” explains that Odyn actually wanted to eradicate the mortals long ago and that he even commanded all titan units to never disclose certain information. Worse still, his methods of enforcement are reminiscent of fascist regimes. The excerpts from the book are freely translated and therefore do not exactly match the text you will find in the German version of WoW, but the meaning has not been altered.
Preserver,
I have been informed that many of you are fascinated by the emergence of mortal beings. These are creatures made of flesh and not of stone and steel like your loyal Titanforged.
While my initial impulse was to eradicate these aberrations before they could evolve further, I now believe that they could be useful if correctly controlled.
Yet, even if we guide their development according to the Edicts of the Titans, we must always remember that the minds of mortals are meant to be small and incapable of understanding complex relationships.
Therefore, as your main unit, I must impose a few minor – but necessary – restrictions to guide your interactions with these emerging beings.
In other words: Odyn was convinced that the mortal races should actually be exterminated. He ultimately concluded that mortals could be used to achieve the Titans’ goals. For this purpose, however, he altered information and ensured that other titan constructs were subject to certain restrictions, which he then elaborates on.
Firstly: All historical records of the Black Empire’s progress are to be deleted immediately.
Refer to these ages as those of chaos and misery, as a corrupting plague that we Preservers have eradicated. Since the Old Gods are imprisoned, there should be no available evidence to contradict our claims.
If you are concerned about the mortals, then you surely do not want them to stray from the path and be led into darkness.
This excerpt alone is quite intriguing. Odyn manipulated the history of Azeroth by describing the “progress of the Black Empire” as chaotic and destructive. Exactly this is how characters perceive the Black Empire. The Old Gods are always purely evil and bring destruction. That this is at least partly true was also shown by Ny’alotha and the recurring assaults of the Faceless ones.
However, the fact that the Black Empire also had “good sides” and “progress” that are apparently viewed as useful was never mentioned. Only Alleria and the Void Elves speak of the advantages of the Void – however, they are not believed much, as they are themselves touched and “corrupted” by the Void.
This of course does not mean that the Black Empire was completely positive and the Old Gods are the “good ones.” But it does allow for more gray areas to be attributed to both sides – Old Gods and Titans. At the same time, it perhaps explains why N’Zoth repeatedly spoke of the need for “all eyes to be opened” – perhaps he simply wanted the truth about the “good sides” of the Dark Empire to be understood by the mortals.
The Titans knew about the First Ones
It is also interesting that the Titans never mentioned the “First Ones.” These are strange creator deities that were first mentioned in the Shadowlands. In the various Zereth areas, they created the different leaders of the cosmic forces – so the Covenant leaders, but also the Titans. We know that there is more than just “Zereth Mortis”, but also Zereth areas for the other cosmic forces.
The Titans and their servants know this as well – but Odyn has decreed that this knowledge is also forbidden, and instead, the Titans are elevated to this divine status.
Secondly: Attribute all achievements and wondrous works solely to the Titans.
Despite the incessant discussions by some of you, this is not a lie. For can one claim that something truly exists when it has not yet been filled with Order? Of course not.
Therefore, it is indisputable that the Titans are the origin of all creation.
Thirdly: Teach them nothing about the First Ones.
The mortals would not be able to comprehend the wonders that these beings granted to the Titans in Zereth Ordus, and learning from these ancestors would only confuse them.
It is sufficient for mortals to know that the Titans brought order to the cosmos and that they are owed reverence.
Yet, this does not end the manipulation of history, and Odyn’s instructions increasingly resemble those of dictators who suppress other opinions and want to impose their lies as the only truth, as the instructions end with a veiled threat:
While some of you would like to discuss these points longer, such debates can no longer be tolerated.
I remind you that I speak with the authority of the Titans and any further dissenting opinion could lead me to conclude that you have succumbed to external influences.
Remember: Life is chaos. It must be controlled.
Your Leader,
Main Unit Odyn
What does this mean for World of Warcraft? Blizzard has often been criticized for having a lot of “black and white” in World of Warcraft in recent times – there are clear heroes and clear villains. Gray areas, like those with Arthas and to some extent also Illidan, have become rarer. With this new information, that could change. Because now even the Titans – or at least Odyn as their “messenger” – no longer appear entirely benevolent.
The Titans are, after all, the power of Order and thus one of the cosmic forces. And we also know that the cosmic forces in Warcraft have been living in conflict for some time, which has so far been more subtle but is increasingly coming to the forefront of the story.
It is only a matter of time before this great conflict becomes the centerpiece of Warcraft’s story. Perhaps we will find the first hints of this in Dragonflight – after all, Odyn was one of the guardians who opposed the creation of the Dragon Aspects, who play a central role in Dragonflight.
However, one cannot completely dismiss the possibility that these texts are propaganda from another cosmic force that wants mortals to lose faith in the Titans. But considering that these records are found deep within Uldaman, this seems rather unlikely.
Is this a “Retcon”? Blizzard is often criticized for changing story details in hindsight, which is termed “Retcon.” However, this is not the case here, as existing story is not being changed, but rather our perspective on this story is being expanded through new information. The fundamental story remains intact, and it is merely additional information that now creates a new picture.
Additionally, it has been hinted in the past that Odyn does not always act “purely good.” He has betrayed Helya and also tends to act quite selfishly to achieve his goals. Before the heroes, he always presents a noble impression, but other characters consistently report on Odyn’s other sides – especially when they question Odyn’s orders.
What do you think of these new story developments? A cool new direction that WoW is taking? Or a complete distortion of the story?
