Warcraft fans who play as Alliance fondly remember their late king, King Varian Wrynn. He was a champion of Azeroth, a defender of the innocent, and a powerful figure in World of Warcraft. He lost his life to Gul'dan in Legion, yet he still has a large affect on Azeroth today as his spirit lives on in King Anduin Wrynn
Recently, King Varian Wrynn made an appearance in the Sepulcher of the First Ones raid cinematic. His spirit comforted Anduin and helped him break free from the control of the Jailer alongside Varok Saurfang. It may be the last time that fans get to see Varian as Warcraft moves farther away from his death, but his story should not be forgotten.
Varian's Early Life
Varian Wrynn was born 10 years before the First War, depicted in Warcraft: Orcs & Humans. His parents were King Llane Wrynn and Queen Taria Wrynn of Stormwind City. In the first ten years of his life he would train in horse riding and fighting, while also fulfilling his duties as prince. However, when the orcs came through the Dark Portal and began ransacking human land, Varian's life was changed forever.
Prince Varian watched helplessly as the half-orc Garona murdered his father and the Horde invaded Stormwind. Garona's actions cemented Prince Varian's hatred towards all orcs, he believed they were deceitful and murderous people. Anduin Lothar, champion of Stormwind, gathered Varian, Queen Taria, and any survivors and fled to Lordaeron. Their only hope to avoid devastation by the orcs was to warn King Terenas Menethil II. King Terenas welcomed the survivors of Stormwind into his city and allowed Varian to live with him. During his time in Lordaeron, Varian befriended Arthas Menethil, the future Lich King. Together they would spar, and they built up a bitter rivalry, which would only be strengthened after Arthas slaughtered his own father.
The King of Stormwind
After the Second War, depicted in Warcraft 2: Tides of Darkness, the Alliance was able to retake Stormwind City. At 18, Varian was crowned king of Stormwind and quickly got to work rebuilding the city. He gathered a board of experienced ministers and advisors with the help of High General Turalyon. During this time, he would often leave Stormwind to help various corners of his kingdom against orc raiding parties, consult spies about their search for Garona, and help repair the kingdom.
Varian married a woman named Tiffin Ellerian, and together they had a son, Anduin Wrynn. Cracks began to form in the Alliance as Quel'Thalas, Stromgarde, and Gilneas seceded. Corruption also began to run rampant in Stormwind as infighting between the Stonemasons and the House of Nobles began. Riots occurred in the streets over the battle between the Stonemasons and the House of Nobles. Angered Stonemasons marched through the streets, resulting in the death of Queen Tiffin. Varian vowed to punish everyone responsible, and the Stonemasons were forced into hiding. During The Third War, Varian fell into a great depression.
The Abduction of the King
After the Third War ended, Varian took a trip to Theramore to discuss the Horde and Alliance relations with Lady Jaina Proudmoore, however he would never make it. The Defias Brotherhood abducted him on the way and held him captive on Alcaz Island. He was subjected to dark magic by the black drake Onyxia, causing him immense pain. Onyxia created an exact duplicate of him and intended to kill the original, but the Naga attacked.
Varian broke free from his chains and began to fight. He urged the clone to find a weapon, but the clone had no interest in fighting and was captured by the Naga. The original Varian was able to escape into the ocean, but was swept away to the shores of Durotar where he was found by a caravan of orcs, led by Rehgar Earthfury. Varian suffered memory loss and was forced to become a gladiator for orc amusement, he was given the name Lo'Gosh for his incredible fighting abilities.
Eventually Varian regained his memories and began a journey back to Stormwind City. However, the clone of Varian had taken control and began spending all the people's money, ignoring matters of the state. The city of Stormwind was in disarray until the original Varian marched through the gates and confronted the clone. Onyxia appeared once again, having taken the form of Lady Katrana Prestor, and a battle ensued. They were able to beat back Onyxia, and a spell she used accidentally fused the two Varian's back together. Varian beheaded the drake and mounted her head on the ramparts of Stormwind.
The Alliance's Declaration of War
When the Lich King awoke, he sent the undead scourge across Azeroth to destroy the living. Varian and his friend, Bolvar Fordragon, were able to repel the undead forces from Stormwind and save their people. Varian ordered Bolvar to go assist in Northrend while he remained in Stormwind, but upon hearing that Bolvar perished Varian vowed to destroy those responsible. He marched his forces on Undercity. Inside Undercity, Varian uncovered the testing site for the New Plague, a plague created by the Forsaken that would kill them all.
Varian saw the New Plague as a betrayal of the Horde and Alliance peace, so he declared war. The Horde and Alliance war ensued, save for the occasional peace treaty. Throughout all this, Varian maintained his disdain for orcs, but he did have some respect for Thrall. Varian recruited various kingdoms and species to the horde, including the return of Gilneas.
The war against the Horde culminated in Mists of Pandaria in the Siege of Orgrimmar raid. Alongside Vol'jin's Horde rebels, Varian and champions of Azeroth marched on Orgrimmar in an attempt to stop Garrosh Hellscream from destroying everything. During this time, Jaina urged Varian to dismantle the Horde once and for all, but he chose not to, leaving the newly appointed Warchief Vol'Jin with a warning that if they fail to uphold honor the Alliance will return.
Varian's Death in Legion
With the help of alternate timeline Gul'dan, the Burning Legion returned to Azeroth for another large-scale invasion. Varian led the Alliance forces to the Broken Shore alongside the Horde in an attempt to stop the invasion before it began. With the help of the champions of Azeroth, the forces were able to break through and confront Gul'dan. However, it was revealed to be a trap and Gul'dan was joined by a massive demon army, forcing the Horde to retreat.
Varian, believing that the Horde betrayed them, ordered the Alliance forces to retreat to their gunship. Gul'dan used this chance to summon a giant Fel Reaver that grabbed hold of the ship, preventing it from departing. Varian acted quickly, he lept off the gunship and struck the Fel Reaver. The Alliance gunship was able to escape and Varian made his final stand against the demons. They quickly overwhelmed him and Gul'dan flooded Varian's body with fel magic, causing him to scream in agony before exploding.
Thus, King Varian Wrynn died defending Azeroth and protecting his son's future. He was a courageous man, even against insurmountable odds, and Warcraft fans will always remember the sacrifice he made to protect the world.