The story of Warcraft is filled with iconic characters. Among the most compelling characters that Blizzard has created is Arthas Menethil, a prince of the Alliance-turned-terrifying Lich King who met his end at the hands of players in Icecrown Citadel. Most recently, he made an appearance during the end cinematic for the Sepulcher of the First Ones Raid, providing closure for many characters.
Arthas Menethil has a story rife with conflict, betrayal, and corruption, and many players use him as a strong example of the kind of storytelling that Blizzard is capable of. However, some people may not know the full extent of his story, only what was portrayed in World of Warcraft. Arthas' story dates all the way back to Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos, meaning Blizzard has even filled in pieces of his life prior to his tragic downfall.
Arthas Menethil's Early Life
Prince Arthas Menethil was born four years before the start of the First War, a war depicted in Warcraft: Orcs & Humans. His father was King Terenas Menethil II, and his mother was Queen Lianne Menethil; rulers of Lordaeron. As a child Arthas befriended the future king of the Alliance, Varian Wrynn, and became infatuated with Jaina Proudmoore. He was trained under Muradin Bronzebeard and was taught the ways of the light by Uther the Lightbringer.
At 19, Arthas was inducted into the Knights of the Silver Hand through a grand ceremony that was held in Stormwind, attended by notable characters such as Genn Greymane and Thoras Trollbane. While in Stormwind he reminisced with the newly crowned King Varian Wrynn and even met the recently born Prince Anduin Wrynn. Throughout all of this, Arthas and Jaina grew closer.
Arthas extended an invitation to Jaina to come stay in Lordaeron, where they were going to make their relationship public. However, Arthas began to question their relationship and if they were truly ready to be together. He abruptly ended it so Jaina could focus on her studies and Arthas could focus on his role in Lordaeron.
Arthas' Quest to Stop the Plague
At the beginning of The Third War, Arthas was tasked with defending the town of Strahnbrad against orc raids alongside Uther. He successfully defended the town and killed the black drake Searinox, using its heart to kill the leader of the raids. Weeks after, news of a plague spreading through the north reached Lordaeron, and Arthas was dispatched to investigate.
Alongside Jaina Proudmooe and Captain Falric, Arthas visited Brill and encountered the necromancer Kel'Thuzad, whom he then pursued all the way to Andorhal. In Andorhal, Arthas learned that Kel'Thuzad had infected the stored grain in the town and shipped it to other villages. Before Arthas delivered the killing blow, Kel'Thuzad told him of the demon who led the undead Scourge, Mal'Ganis. Arthas and Jaina made their way north to confront this demon in Stratholme. While on the way to Stratholme, their forces were attacked by an army of the undead in Hearthglen. During the fighting, Arthas discovered that the plague was turning townsfolk into undead creatures.
After surviving the Scourge in Hearthglen, they made their way to Stratholme, where Arthas discovered that the infected grain had already been distributed. Arthas ordered Uther and his knights to purge the entire town before the plague spread. Because he refused to follow, Arthas branded Uther a traitor and relieved him of command. Uther and Jaina took several soldiers and abandoned Arthas, who went on and slaughtered the entire town. Amid this destruction, Mal'Ganis made his presence known and told Arthas they would meet in Northrend
Arthas' Search for Frostmourne
Upon reaching Northrend, Arthas came into contact with his old mentor Muradin Bronzebeard. Muradin was searching for the powerful runeblade Frostmourne, and Arthas lent his aide. Together they searched around Northrend and defeated various undead camps. During this time, orders arrived from Lordaeron calling for Arthas and his troops to return home.
Yet Arthas had no intention of leaving before Mal'Ganis was killed. He hired mercenaries to destroy the ships they had came in before his men could board them, then Arthas turned his soldiers on the mercenaries and accused them of destroying the ships. Arthas informed his men that the only way they were leaving Northrend was through victory.
Arthas and Muradin continued their quest for Frostmourne, tracking down an ancient waygate that transported them near the blade. The blade was protected by the Guardian, who wanted to keep Arthas away for his own protection. After their victory, Muradin discovered that the blade was cursed and pleaded with Arthas not to claim it. Arthas freed the powerful blade and left Muradin for dead in the cave. With Frostmourne in hand, Arthas' army made quick work of Mal'Ganis, but Arthas was driven mad by a voice in his head and fled to the frozen north.
Arthas' Path of Destruction
Arthas soon went on a killing spree, slaughtering many of his own men and raising them as death knights. He returned to Lordaeron and ran Frostmounre through his father's heart. Then, he unleashed the undead Scourge on the city he once called home.
Arthas went on a quest to revive Kel'Thuzad and marched the undead toward the elf land of Quel'Thalas. There he slaughtered Sylvanas Windrunner and brought her back as the first banshee to pay for her perceived crimes against him. His army invaded Silvermoon City, reducing it to rubble, and utilized the Sunwell to revive Kel'Thuzad. During this invasion, Arthas also confronted and killed Uther the Lightbringer.
Alongside Kel'Thuzad, Arthas and his Scourge army allowed The Burning Legion into Azeroth. After much destruction and death, the heroes of Azeroth were able to fight back against the Legion and the Scourge, forcing Arthas to flee to Northrend. He raced to the Frozen Throne, and after a grueling fight against Illidan Stormrage, he claimed the helm of domination and became Azeroth's second Lich King.
Arthas Menethil has gone on quite a journey. He appeared once again in World of Warcraft's second expansion, Wrath of the Lich King, where he met his demise at the hands of players and was replaced by Bolvar Fordragon. He also made a brief appearance in Shadowlands as a wisp; a small remnant of his soul that was used to corrupt Anduin Wrynn. Even if his time on Azeroth is over, Warcraft fans will undoubtedly remember Arthas' story.