The new cinematic for World of Warcraft with Bastion is causing a lot of discussions. We analyze the video closely and explain what actually happened – and what it means.
Yesterday, the first of four new cinematics for the upcoming expansion World of Warcraft Shadowlands was released. While some lore fans jump excitedly in circles celebrating the details of the video “Afterlife, Bastion”, other players have big question marks above their heads. So it’s time for an analysis and possible interpretations of what we saw.
To make sure we are all on the same page, here’s the cinematic that you should watch first:
Uther’s Journey to Bastion
The video begins with one of the most important moments in the history of Warcraft 3. The death knight Arthas Menethil kills his former paladin mentor, Uther Lightbringer, with the cursed runeblade Frostmourne.
Shortly after, he finds himself in the arms of a risen Kyrian, Devos. She brings Uther to the realm where he has been assigned by the Arbiter: Bastion.
In Bastion, souls who have lived particularly pure and righteous lives arrive. The souls start as Aspirants and must renounce their memories over many years (sometimes even millennia) to become completely empty. Only then can a soul “ascend” and take its place among the Kyrians, following the path of the Archon. As angelic beings, they ensure that souls are guided to their respective realms.
However, Uther struggles with this. Despite the passage of time, he suffers unusually and cannot distance himself from his memories. The feeling remains that he has not yet completed his task. Something that Devos also notices, as she keeps a close eye on Uther.
In conversation with Uther, Devos discovers that Uther cannot let go of his memories because he still senses the blade that murdered him. Devos then examines the painful spot and realizes that not only Uther’s body was destroyed, but that his soul also suffered damage.
The Shattering of Uther’s Soul
Devos then touches the fatal wound of the paladin. In the flashback, we see Uther being struck down by Arthas once again. The runes on Frostmourne glow as the paladin’s soul leaves his body.
What’s particularly interesting here is that Uther’s soul was torn in two. The bluish part is devoured by the runeblade, while the golden part transitions into the Shadowlands.
However, we do not know if this is a one-time phenomenon that only applies to Uther. After all, Uther prayed in his last moments “Light, save my soul.” Since Uther is considered one of the greatest paladins of all time, it is quite possible that the Light granted him this wish.
If this is a normal occurrence of Frostmourne that souls are torn into pieces, it would have even greater implications – such as for Sylvanas or all the other beings that were killed by the runeblade throughout history. However, that is still pure speculation, which is why we should regard Uther with his backstory as rather exceptional.
On the other hand, this splitting of the soul may simply have the reason that Blizzard had to somehow enforce the continuity of the story. After all, players could communicate with Uther’s soul in Icecrown Citadel and its dungeons. That would not have been possible if his soul had completely transitioned into the Shadowlands. At the same time, Uther’s story could not have been told in this way if his soul had remained entirely in Frostmourne.
The Downfall of Paragon Devos
Shocked by what she saw, Devos then turns to the Archon. She warns that a mortal (Arthas) holds the power of the Maw (Frostmourne) in his hands and is causing chaos in a world of mortals (Azeroth). Something must have escaped from the Maw – something that is considered completely impossible in the Shadowlands. Devos sees Bastion in danger and even questions the “Path” – the divine order through which everything in Bastion occurs and is led by the Archon.
However, the Archon does not want to hear any of this. She demands that Devos refrain from these thoughts and not dwell on them further.
Devos agrees to the command, but as she turns away, almost “towards the camera”, her expression darkens as if a shadow falls over her. These thoughts apparently do not let her rest.
In the next scene, Devos descends to Uther and announces that his time of ascension has come – although his soul does not yet meet the requirements. Nevertheless, Devos grants Uther the ascension on her own authority after asking if Uther wants to see “him”, meaning Arthas, punished. Uther accepts. This makes him the first ascended Kyrian who has not distanced himself from his memories.
With the promise of seizing Arthas as soon as he falls in the realm of mortals, Uther and Devos lie in wait.
The Fall of the Lich King
The next scene shows perhaps the most crucial moment from the expansion Wrath of the Lich King. The Lich King Arthas has fallen, Frostmourne has been shattered, and his dying body gazes at the sky. His last words “I see only darkness before me” take on a new meaning here. Because this darkness is none other than Devos, who intercepts his soul before it transitions into the Shadowlands.
This is visually quite powerful. Though ascended Kyrians are angelic beings, Devos appears dark, threatening, and almost evil due to the lighting conditions. A strong contrast to the typically peaceful and bright Bastion, which she serves.
The next and final scene is perhaps the most significant. Devos has set herself above “the Path”. Instead of Arthas being judged by the Arbiter, as all souls must go through, she decides together with Uther over the fate of the former Lich King.
Uther holds Arthas by the neck. While Devos and Uther float thanks to their wings, Arthas’ soul is unconscious as they hover above the Maw. The Maw is that area of the Shadowlands which may equate to eternal damnation.
Devos demands: “Throw him into the Maw. Give him to the darkness he serves. His eternal torment awaits him.”
In these words, particularly interesting is Uther’s appearance. His eyes are wide open, and his gaze seems almost fanatic. Nevertheless, he does not immediately comply with the instruction, instead taking the time to regard Arthas in the chokehold. Arthas, with his eyes still closed, looks almost harmless – broken and weak. Like an ordinary man who is merely sleeping.
Uther’s gaze darkens again. With the words “Not vengeance… justice” he complies with Devos’ instructions and throws Arthas’ soul into the Maw, thereby condemning him to eternal torment.
A decision that Uther may regret in the future.
A perfect start for Shadowlands
With the animated short film, Blizzard has likely managed to appeal to many old WoW fans. Not only do heroes like Uther and Arthas get thematized, but the problems and difficulties of the Shadowlands are also highlighted.
Moreover, the video touches on a typical theme of the Warcraft series: What constitutes an evil act? How does one repay something terrible? Is it really justice to condemn someone to eternal torment?
However, the video also shows a small difficulty: Warcraft simply cannot let go of its greatest characters and always has to pull Arthas out of the hat. As long as this is only used for such epic moments, it is not a problem.
I’m definitely very impressed with how Blizzard managed to connect the “old lore” from almost 10 years ago with the new world of the Shadowlands. More of this. And a lot of it.
Cortyn Nightshade
MyMMO specialist demon for World of Warcraft
Without spoiling too much, it should already be said that the story of Uther and Devos continues in Bastion. The actions from this video have consequences, and a large part of the campaign revolves around Devos, Uther, their deviation from the path of the Paragon, and many philosophical questions.
With the release of Shadowlands in October, you can experience for yourself what has become of the two and what influence their actions had on the Shadowlands.
