Vestments of Transcendence

For strategy in the Hour of Twilight dungeon, see Archbishop Benedictus (tactics).

Benedictus
Title	Archbishop of the Church of Light, Twilight Father, Twilight Prophet
Gender	Male
Race	Human
Class	Priest
Affiliation(s)	Old Gods' forces and Twilight's Hammer. Formerly: Alliance, Church of the Light and Kingdom of Stormwind
Occupation	The "Twilight Prophet", formerly Leader of the Church of Light
Location	Wyrmrest Temple; Cathedral of Light, Stormwind City (formerly)
Status	Deceased (lore); Killable (WoW)
Mentor(s)	Alonsus Faol
Hour of Twilight Arcurion Asira Dawnslayer Archbishop Benedictus (lore) (lore) (lore)

"There is no good. No evil. No Light. There is only POWER!"

Archbishop Benedictus, formerly leader of the Church of the Holy Light, was the leader (styled as the Twilight Prophet or Twilight Father) of the insidious Twilight's Hammer cult, following the death of Cho'gall. As such, he was a high-ranking lieutenant of Deathwing and the Old Gods, and aids them in their efforts to destroy all life on Azeroth. He is slain at Wyrmrest Temple while attempting to waylay the orc shaman Thrall and his allies.

Biography

In his youth, the kindly Benedictus was the student of Lordaeron’s religious leader, Archbishop Alonsus Faol. Benedictus spent many years learning from his pious master and helped the Church of Light construct its most striking monument, the Cathedral in Stormwind. Following Faol's death, Benedictus took charge of the Church and swore to continue the good work his mentor had begun so many years ago.

World of Warcraft

This section concerns content related to the original World of Warcraft.

Benedictus was a level ?? elite located in the Cathedral of Light in Cathedral Square, in the human city of Stormwind. It is here that he trained young priests and showed members of the Alliance the way of the Holy Light.

Cataclysm

This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

Benedictus received a new outfit and a significant increase of the health pool in Cataclysm.

During the Elemental Invasion, Archbishop Benedictus protected the Cathedral District from the Elements.

Blood of Our Fathers

This section concerns content related to the Warcraft novels, novellas, or short stories.

During Remembrance Day, Varian met with Archbishop Benedictus and Baros Alexston, who were discussing plans on repairing Stormwind City, which had had been recovering from an attack by the Black Dragon Aspect, Deathwing. Much to Varian’s annoyance, Baros does note that the extensive repairs to the city wouldn't be cheap. Later Varian was left with Jaina Proudmoore and Benedictus, who tried to console and council him about his relationship with his son. Varian revealed his concerns that Anduin may not have the strength to lead the kingdom, especially in such perilous times. Both Jaina and Benedictus assured him that Anduin has a different strength to give to the world, and as a healer, he is attuned with the Light. Benedictus notes that the times have changed, and it is clear that they must change with them. The age when hearts like Lothar's were the only way to survive may be drawing to a close. The world seems to yearn for someone new. Benedictus offers both Varian and the prince a Remembrance Day gift, in which he offered to give it to him at a special location. Before departing, Benedictus assures Varian that he believes that Anduin will have the mettle and the makings of a good king, as all Wrynn kings have.

Varian later arrived at the meeting place that Benedictus told him, Tiffin’s grave at Stormwind City Cemetery. To his surprise, he was met not only with Archbishop Benedictus, but his son Anduin as well. His excitement was soon extinguished though when he saw the shock in his son's face, which revealed that he had not expected to see him. Varian asked Benedictus if the surprise family reunion was his gift, to which Benedictus said that he also had another gift to give. Benedictus then drew a glittering silver key and placed it on Varian's palm. It was the key to Tiffin’s locket, which had been lost many years ago. Benedictus felt now was as good a time to remind the two of more pleasant and fond memories. Varian was deeply moved by this gesture, and thanked Benedictus for being a good man and friend. After which Benedictus departed to give the two royals privacy for their reunion. Their tender reunion was cut short by the arrival of a group of Twilight's Hammer assassins that had followed them to the cemetery, intent on killing both king and prince. The pair fought back, with Anduin using the Light to bolster and protect his father. However, the last of the assassins managed to summon a massive drakonid as he died, which eventually overcame Varian's defenses and nearly killed him. With his father dying, Anduin conjured a barrier to protect them and dispelled the drakonid's defensive magic, allowing Varian to use the last of his strength to slay the beast. As Varian lay dying, he told Anduin that he loved him, that he was proud of him, and not to mourn him as this had always been his fate. Though Marcus Jonathan and Jaina Proudmoore wanted to take Anduin to a more secure location, Anduin refused to leave his father. Praying to the Light, he infused his father’s body with an influx of divine energy and saved his life.

Twilight of the Aspects

This section concerns content related to the Warcraft novels, novellas, or short stories.

Benedictus while he still led the Chuch of Light

With the Twilight Cult in disarray following the demise of its leader Cho'gall, an enigmatic figure known as the "Twilight Father" has taken on a more active role in the cult's affairs. After capturing a pregnant blue dragon named Kirygosa, the sister of the new blue dragon aspect candidate Arygos, the Twilight Father makes an effort to hound what remains of the Wyrmrest Accord in Northrend. Using his twilight drakes to attack and take over the Wyrmrest Temple, the Twilight Father successfully claims the center of Dragonblight as the cult's own. His agents succeed in infecting a large amount of unhatched dragon eggs with a chromatic substance, hatching them as twisted abominations; though Krasus sacrifices himself to destroy the brood, the agents, and himself in an effort to save them from this pitiful fate. Regardless, the Twilight Father makes the temple his base of operations, and calls upon Deathwing for his new orders. In a conversation with Kirygosa, he displays a highly pious attitude and a certain love for "his children," referring to his nefarious cultist followers.

The Twilight Father has a massive chromatic dragon named Chromatus brought before the temple, and goes about finding a way to awaken it. While inactive, it is not "deceased" per se, though what exactly it would take to bring the five-headed creature out of its slumber remains elusive to the Twilight Father's captive. Shortly after, The Twilight Father is harshly berated by Neltharion after Thrall manages to survive a twilight assault. Deathwing reveals that the Twilight Prophet had foretold Thrall's victory over Deathwing, and that as such, the former warchief of the Horde must be eliminated without fail.

The Twilight Father in Wyrmrest Temple

The Twilight Father later meets with Arygos, the duplicitous blue dragon aspect candidate who had sold his sister (Kirygosa) to the cult prior to their hostile invasion into Northrend. It is revealed that Arygos has entered into an alliance with Neltharion, promising him the loyalty of the blue dragonflight after what will no doubt be Arygos' ascension to the aspect of magic. Arygos later fails to do exactly that, and is subsequently killed by the infinite agent Aedelas Blackmoore. Arygos' blood is used to awaken the sleeping Chromatus, who proceeds to utterly defeat the new blue dragon aspect Kalecgos even at a fraction of his potential power. The Twilight Father is elated at this, and informs Kirygosa that he plans to "mate" her with him, in order to create a more powerful brand of chromatic dragon from her clutch. Repulsed, Kirygosa successfully manages to escape the Twilight Cult's grasp, and the Twilight Father is once again chided by an enraged Deathwing for his carelessness.

Soon after, Wyrmrest is besieged by the remaining dragonflights. The Twilight Father mounts Chromatus himself; the hulking creature now at its full power. Though they successfully push back the dragon aspects, a surprise ritual initiated by none other than Thrall results in the aspects acquiring a number of powerful new abilities. Unable to counter them, Chromatus is cast down from the sky in a blaze of bright power; the Twilight Father in tow.

In a desperate bid for survival, the Twilight Father contacts Deathwing. After an initial tirade of abuse directed at the Father's failure, Deathwing composes his anger and instructs the Twilight Father to keep a low profile for a while. Neltharion uses his dark magic to materialize his Twilight Father in Stormwind City.

It is then revealed that the Twilight Father is none other than the Archbishop Benedictus himself, head of the Church of the Light and highly grateful for his second chance.

Elemental Bonds

This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

As the Twilight Prophet Benedictus was later responsible for the attack on Thrall during his quest to assist the Guardians of Hyjal, because he phropecied Deathwings defeat by the hands of Thrall. He had deemed the former warchief to be the final obstacle to the cult's plans, and sent the newly-corrupted Archdruid of the Flame Fandral Staghelm to eliminate him. Though unable to kill Thrall outright, Fandral instead shatters his bonds with the elements and renders Thrall's soul little more than a husk; clashing and pure emotions all that remain within. However, this plan is short lived, and with the help of Thrall's beloved Aggra he is restored to his might. Fandral would also be killed shortly after, while making his final stand in the Firelands.

Dragon Soul

This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

Main article: Archbishop Benedictus (tactics)

According to Bishop Farthing, Archbishop Benedictus has left Stormwind on an important mission to assist the dragon aspects at Wyrmrest Temple. The truth of this matter, however, is far more nefarious.

For years, Benedictus' wise guidance has been instrumental in seeing humanity through bleak times. Yet beneath his apparent benevolence lies the shocking truth that he has pledged himself to the eradication of all life on Azeroth through the agency of his dark master... Deathwing and their masters. He is now found in the Chamber of Aspects of Wyrmrest Temple during the begining of the Hour of Twilight.

It is there where he makes his final assault against Thrall, attempting to assassinate him personally. He is killed during the battle by Thrall's companions. After his death when players return to Stormwind and tell Bishop Farthing that Benedictus was the Twilight Prophet and betrayed the people of Stormwind, he will not believe it, asking players to spread their lies elsewhere.

Quests

File:Benedict.jpg

Archbishop Benedictus before the Cataclysm.

The subject of this section has been removed from World of Warcraft.

• Quest:Cleansing the Eye
• Quest:Bring the Light

Quotes

Aggro

• Sacrilege! Defend the cathedral!

Greeting

• Light be with you. What can I do for you today?
• Welcome to the Cathedral of Light.
• Be at peace.
• You are welcome here.

RPG

Benedictus in the comics

This section contains information from the Warcraft RPG which is considered non-canon.

Benedictus in the TCG

The current archbishop is a middle-aged man named Jarl, though following Church tradition he gave up his birth name when he was elected to this high position, and adopted a new, holy name.

In his youth, he was the younger son of a wealthy Lordaeron merchant, and was raised to join the family business. He found religion instead, discovering the Holy Light after meeting an old traveler one night and almost dying when a pack of mercenaries attacked them both. After recovering, Jarl petitioned to join the Church, and was accepted immediately. The kindly Jarl was the student of Lordaeron's religious leader, Archbishop Alonsus Faol. Jarl spent many years learning from his pious master. He rose quickly to the rank of senior priest, and had charge of a large town in Lordaeron when the Scourge appeared. Jarl did his best to evacuate his parishioners and then joined them in their flight to Azeroth. The Church settled him in a town there, but soon promoted him to Stormwind City instead. While there, he helped the Church of Light construct its most striking monument: the Cathedral of Light in Stormwind. He was being considered for promotion to bishop when Archbishop Faol died, and the council chose to elevate him to archbishop instead. The newly named Benedictus took charge of the Church and swore to continue the good work his mentor had begun so many years before.

Benedictus is a soft-spoken man of average height and stocky build who looks more like a farmer than a religious leader. He still hates the Scourge for destroying his homeland, and has vowed to direct the Church in destroying that threat forever. Despite his quiet ways, Jarl is surprisingly adept at politics — at least in avoiding confrontation and forming alliances — and he has managed to keep the three bishops in check since his elevation.

Trivia

• "Benedictus" (or "Benedict") is a Latin name that has been the regnal name of sixteen popes of the Catholic Church, including the current Pope Benedict XVI. Given that Archbishop Benedictus' position as head of the Church of Light is similar to that of a pope, it is possible that the Archbishop's name was influenced by the traditional latin name. However, Archbishop Benedictus was created when John Paul II was the pope, long before the reign of Benedictus XVI and so Archbishop Benedictus could not have been named after the current pope.
• Due to technical issues with Bolvar, Benedictus was considered faction leader for Stormwind during patch 1.4.1 for PvP purposes. The patch notes jokingly stated that he had "staged a temporary coup."
• During the Cataclysm beta, datamined soundfiles began to circulate the internet regarding Benedictus. In a scripted event with King Varian Wrynn, he would be outed as a member of the Twilight Cult and chased out of Stormwind. The event itself took place during the Alliance version of the Twilight Highlands pre-quests, and Benedictus himself would be engaged in place of Major Samuelson. However, this event was abandoned in a subsequent build.
  • In Thrall: Twilight of the Aspects, it is revelead that Benedictus is a leader of the Twilight's Hammer; so far, this role has not been referenced in-game, until patch 4.3.0.
• Benedictus is briefly mentioned in the novel Wolfheart. When Varian Wrynn learns that his son would like to study of the Light with the draenei Velen, he suggests that instead Benedictus can be Anduin's tutor. However, Anduin declines, saying that the Archbishop's teachings wasn't right for him, and that he felt Velen's were.
•  [Chalice of Benedictus] is named after him.
• As he was a faction leader of Stormwind for a time in Warcraft history, Benedictus, Tyrande, Sylvanas, Moira and Baine are the only faction leaders that can be killed by their own faction. However, Benedictus is the only faction leader who is actually killed in the present day.

Speculation

This article or section includes speculation, observations or opinions possibly supported by lore or by Blizzard officials. It should not be taken as representing official lore.

The reason why Deathwing came to Stormwind, destroyed the Park and left afterwards led to much speculation. One theory is Deathwing's appearance in Stormwind was a method of recruitment. At the end of the Hour of Twilight instance, Archbishop Benedictus' dying words were, "I looked into the eyes of The Dragon, and despaired ..." Deathwing's show of power may have swayed many of the people of Stormwind to his side in the conflict including the Archbishop. Since Deathwing needed servants and slaves to help him conquer Azeroth he chose Archbishop Benedictus to betray the Alliance and take the Demon Soul from Thrall. Killing everybody in Stormwind may have been conterproductive to Deathwing's plots.

Patch changes

• Patch 4.3.0 (2011-11-29): Removed from Stormwind Cathedral; now a boss in the Hour of Twilight.
  
• Patch 4.0.1 (2010-10-12): Now has a new wardrobe, greater HP, and is once again a level ?? boss.
  
• Patch 3.0.2 (2008-10-14): Level changed from ?? boss to 60 elite.
  
• Patch 2.0.1 (2006-12-05): Updated for level 70.
  
• Patch 1.5.0 (2005-06-07): Archbishop Benedictus is no longer the Stormwind faction leader.
  
• Patch 1.4.1 (2005-05-05): Archbishop Benedictus staged a temporary coup, and has taken the title of NPC leader of Stormwind City from Highlord Bolvar! Horde seeking to take out the leader of Stormwind should focus their efforts on Archbishop Benedictus for the duration. These changes will remain until the next content patch, when Highlord Bolvar reclaims his rightful throne:
  • Archbishop Benedictus should be respawning every 2 hours.
  • Archbishop Benedictus will give 15,000 contribution points.
    

External links

• Wowhead
• WoWDB

Preceded by: Alonsus Faol

Position: Archbishop of the Church of Light

Succeeded by: Incumbent

Preceded by: Cho'gall

Position: Leader of the Twilight's Hammer

Succeeded by: Incumbent

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