Night Elf - Trolls that settled near Well of Eternity

Beginnings and the Ancient World

The Night Elves originated around 15,000 years before the current events in World of Warcraft. They were initially dark trolls that settled near the Well of Eternity, a powerful source of magical energy on ancient Kalimdor. Over time, this proximity to the Well transformed the trolls, turning them into the more refined and magically adept Night Elves.

Under the leadership of Queen Azshara, the Night Elves flourished, but their society grew increasingly decadent. Azshara and her Highborne followers delved deeper into the arcane arts, eventually attracting the attention of the dark titan Sargeras. Their communication with Sargeras led to the War of the Ancients, which culminated in the Sundering— a catastrophic event that shattered the original continent of Kalimdor.

Post-Sundering and the Long Vigil

After the Sundering, the Night Elves, led by the survivors Malfurion Stormrage, Tyrande Whisperwind, and Illidan Stormrage, vowed to eschew arcane magic, blaming it for their near destruction. They adopted druidism from the demigod Cenarius and began a long period of seclusion and vigilance, protecting the new World Tree, Nordrassil, and watching over the remnants of the Well of Eternity, now known as the Moonwell.

For thousands of years, the Night Elves remained mostly isolated in northern Kalimdor, within the dense forests of Ashenvale and the sacred Mount Hyjal. They emerged from isolation only when absolutely necessary to defend their lands and the world from various threats.

The Third War and Beyond

The Night Elves were thrust back into world affairs during the events of Warcraft III. The Burning Legion, having failed twice before, launched a third invasion of Azeroth, forcing the Night Elves to ally with the Human-led Alliance and the Orcish Horde to stop the demon army. This conflict ended with the Night Elves sacrificing their immortality to destroy the Legion’s leader, Archimonde, at the Battle of Mount Hyjal.

World of Warcraft and the Cataclysm

With the World of Warcraft launch and subsequent expansions, the Night Elves continued to play a crucial role. During the Cataclysm, their lands were among the hardest hit by the destructive forces unleashed by Deathwing. The Night Elves fought to repair the damage to the World Tree and faced encroaching enemies from all sides, including the Horde, which sought resources within their territories.

Mists of Pandaria to Battle for Azeroth

In Mists of Pandaria, the Night Elves explored the newly discovered continent of Pandaria, confronting both the ancient Sha and their own inner conflicts. During the events of Warlords of Draenor, they battled against the Iron Horde on the alien world of Draenor.

The Battle for Azeroth expansion was particularly significant for the Night Elves. Their home of Teldrassil was burned by the Horde under Warchief Sylvanas Windrunner, resulting in a massive loss of life and displacement. This event reignited ancient hostilities and led the Night Elves to take a more aggressive stance against the Horde, seeking vengeance for the devastation of their people.

Shadowlands and Ongoing Story

In the latest expansion, Shadowlands, the Night Elves face the mysteries of the afterlife, exploring new realms and seeking justice for those who perished in Teldrassil. Their story has become one of recovery, resilience, and rebirth, as they attempt to heal from their recent traumas and find a new path forward for their ancient civilization.

Conclusion

The Night Elves' history is marked by tragedy and triumph, from the heights of their ancient empire to the depths of their struggles for survival. Their enduring legacy is one of resilience, a deep connection to nature, and a relentless drive to protect their world from the forces of chaos and destruction. As World of Warcraft continues to evolve, so too does the story of the Night Elves, forever entwined with the fate of Azeroth itself.