Summary
The last few years have been a wild ride forWorld of Warcraft’s leaders, and with Dragonflight coming to a close, it’s time to recap the official changes as players go into The War Within. Many characters have assumed new roles of leadership, while others have stepped down or been killed. These changes are important to know, so further lore developments don’t seem to come out of nowhere.
The most jarring changes Dragonflight made are naturally to the headship of the dragonflights themselves. Dragonkind has been in shambles since the Aspects lost their powers inWorld of Warcraft: Cataclysm, but they have since reclaimed their former glory and then some. The Aspects have reclaimed their godlike power, and Azeroth has never been in such safe hands.
WoW’s Dragon Aspects, Reforged
A few Aspects have remained, likeAlexstrasza, Nozdormu and Kalecgos, but they each underwent profound personal changes throughout Dragonflight. The green and black dragons have been leaderless for years, and recent events have filled this void. Ysera, the former Green Aspect, did reappear for a while, but since she is still bound to the Shadowlands, her daughter, Merithra, stepped up as the new Aspect.
It remained a fierce debate for some time as to who wouldbecome the new Aspect of Earth, given the black dragons had been decimated following the Cataclysm. Deathwing had left a dark legacy behind, and there was a lot of work to be done to restore the honor of the black dragonflight. For a time, there was competition between Wrathion, a scrappy, suave young dragon, and Sabellian, the outcast patriarch who had protected what remained of his flight from extinction. Ultimately, however, Ebyssian, with his humility, wisdom, and compassion, was elected as the new Black Aspect.
Once a Primal Incarnate, Now the Aspect of Storms
Much to everyone’s surprise, Dragonflight ended things with asixth Aspect, Vyranoth. Although she started as a villain, this icy Incarnate went against the machinations of her siblings, believing they no longer fought for Azeroth but threatened it. She helped save the world from Fyrakk and rekindled her friendship with Alexstrasza. Vyranoth now sits alongside the other newly empowered leaders of dragonkind, dubbed the Aspect of Storms.
A New Horde and Alliance in Dragonflight
Since the conclusion of Battle for Azeroth, the Horde was determined not to allow another Warchief to lead them down a path of destruction. They reformed their leadership from autocracy to a council of racial leaders. To fill thevoid left by Sylvanas Windrunner, Lilian Voss and Calia Menethil have stepped up to be a voice for the undead people of Azeroth. They have mended relations with the Alliance, even allowing Gilneas to be reclaimed by its original inhabitants.
Gilneas Lives Once Again
Thereclamation of Gilneaswas a big deal, as the worgen were finally able to return to their homeland, which had been lost sinceCataclysm. As King Greymane finally led his people home, he decided to step down as monarch, reminiscing on all the terrible mistakes and grievous losses he’d endured. In a moment of profound growth, Genn Greymane handed the kingdom to his daughter, Tess, whom he believes embodies the hope and determination of the Gilneans.
Anduin Wrynn, The Boy King No More
As ofThe War Within, Anduin still won’t returnto Stormwind as its rightful king. Turalyon, a paladin and longtime hero of humanity, has been ruling in his stead, and this regency will likely remain. Anduin can’t bring himself to resume kingship any time soon, as he’s still working through an immense burden of trauma following the events of Shadowlands.
WoW’s Night Elves Have Finally Found Peace
The night elves have undergone some changes as well. Both Malfurion and Tyrande have been through much since Battle for Azeroth, and they’ve finally decided to step away from leading their people and focus on each other. These two ancient night elves have retired to the new settlement ofBel’ameth beneath the World Tree Amirdrassil. They remain staunch protectors of Azeroth, but as of now, they have passed the leadership of the kal’dorei people to their adopted daughter, Shandris Feathermoon. All things considered, Azeroth has been through a whole host of changes in the past few years, paving the way for exciting new lore developments.
