The internet legend Leeroy Jenkins is celebrating his birthday. For more than 15 years, one of the forefathers of all memes has existed – and he has often been honored.
The language in MMORPGs is a mystery to those who are not initiated. Only a few terms have made it into everyday language outside the MMO cosmos. Yet when someone shouts “Leeroy Jenkins!”, even a few non-gamers take notice.
What exactly is Leeroy Jenkins? To those who have somehow missed it (inexplicably): Leeroy Jenkins was a paladin in World of Warcraft and belonged to the guild <PALS FOR LIFE> (“Friends for Life”). Together with his guildmates, he was in the Vanilla version of World of Warcraft in Upper Blackrock Spire. Here, tactics and planning were necessary, as the room is filled with dragon eggs that hatch upon contact. Generally, one proceeds methodically here – but not Leeroy.
Even during the tactics discussion, he loudly shouts his name “Leeroy Jenkins!” and charges ahead. He opens numerous eggs while the group desperately tries to control the situation. After all players are dead, Leeroy is confronted by his friends. However, he defends himself with “At least I have chicken” – which translates to “At least I have chicken.”.
The original video was first published 15 years ago, on May 11, 2005.
Did it really happen that way? No. The whole scene was staged and was exactly planned by the group. Even the dialogue was roughly rehearsed, as seen in the final video. Yet, even though the video is not “real”, it became world-famous and reached millions of players. No wonder, as everyone knows at least one player who charge ahead recklessly because they feel it is not going fast enough.
Where else does Leeroy appear? Since then, Leeroy has been immortalized in several Blizzard games.
- In World of Warcraft, Leeroy currently appears in Upper Blackrock Spire as an NPC. If you revive him and help him to find his gear, he becomes a loyal companion in your garrison in Draenor.
- On the 15th anniversary of WoW, Leeroy had a special appearance in the Caverns of Time.
- He has also become a card in Hearthstone. Here, he is one of the few minions with Charge, meaning he can attack immediately. However, he also summons two dragon whelps for the opponent.
What else happened with Leeroy, we have analyzed for you here.
15 years have passed since the creation of the legend Leeroy Jenkins – it is one of the few memes that are timeless and still used today. Other memes, however, lose relevance in just a few days. Or are the dancing pallbearers still “in”?
Have you ever pulled a “Leeroy” in a dungeon?
