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{{About|the World Trees|the portals to the Emerald Dream|Great Tree}}
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[[Image:WorldTree.jpg|thumb|Nordrassil prior to Archimonde's ascent]]
  
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[[File:Chronicle Nordrassil blessing.jpg|thumb|[[Alexstrasza]], [[Ysera]], and [[Nozdormu]], the [[Dragon Aspects]], blessing Nordrassil, the first World Tree]]
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'''World Tree''' refers to two great trees in [[Azeroth]]:
  
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* [[Nordrassil]], the original World Tree blessed by the [[Dragon Aspects|dragon aspects]], and
  
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* [[Teldrassil]], the tree created by the [[night elf|night elves]] in a failed attempt to restore their immortality.
  
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* [[Idrassil]], a concept art found in [[the Art of World of Warcraft]].
  
   
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{{QuoteWiki|Even the World Trees must bow to the cycle of life. Everything born will die. No one understands this better than the [[Bronze Dragonflight]].|[[Zidormi]]}}
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The idea of a World Tree is almost certainly a reference to the World Tree of Norse mythology, Yggdrasil. Their names are similar, they both have wells underneath them: the [[Well of Eternity]] beneath Nordrassil, and the Well of Urd beneath one of the roots of Yggdrasil. Also, a dragon, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Níðhöggr Nidhoggr] gnawed at the roots of Yggdrasil, which could reference back to either [[Deathwing]] or [[Archimonde]]. These parallels only apply to Nordrassil, the "true" World Tree, and not Teldrassil, the "false" one.
 
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'''World Trees''' are ancient, massive trees connected to the [[Emerald Dream]], and which serve as home to the [[night elf|night elves]].<ref>''[[World of Warcraft: Ultimate Visual Guide]]'', pg. 19</ref> After the [[Great Sundering]], [[Nordrassil]] was created by the [[Dragon Aspects]] to seal the [[Well of Eternity (Hyjal)|second Well of Eternity]]. Through it, they blessed the night elves with many gifts such as immortality. [[Fandral Staghelm]] and his closest followers would later secretly cut six branches from Nordrassil to grow five [[Great Tree]]s and the greatest branch to grow the World Tree [[Andrassil]], but they were forced to fell it when the [[Old God]] [[Yogg-Saron]] tried to corrupt it, renaming it [[Vordrassil]].
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With Nordrassil burned during the [[Third War]], the [[druid]]s of the [[Cenarion Circle]] led by Fandral Staghelm grew a new world tree named [[Teldrassil]] with the aid of the [[Circle of Ancients]], though it would not receive the blessing of the Aspects. The [[shaman]] of the [[Earthen Ring]] and the druids eventually managed to heal Nordrassil as well.
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[[Shaladrassil]] in [[Val'sharah]] now on the [[Broken Isles]] is known to have existed since before the Sundering,<ref name="Oakheart">[[Oakheart#Adventure Guide]]</ref> and an [[Un'Goro Crater (Emerald Nightmare)|unnamed world tree]] exists in the [[Nightmare]] as well, though their origins are unknown.
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==World Trees==
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[[File:Exploring Azeroth - Teldrassil.jpg|thumb|Teldrassil]]
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===Nordrassil===
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[[Nordrassil]], which means "Crown of the Heavens", was the original World Tree planted on the summit of [[Mount Hyjal]] after the [[War of the Ancients]], grown from a seed of the Mother Tree [[G'Hanir]]. Nordrassil's roots grow deep into the earth, spreading life-giving energy across the world.<ref>{{Ref WoWCV1|114}}</ref> It was blessed by the [[Dragon Aspects]] to grant immortality to the [[Night elf|night elves]] and to allow their druids to enter the [[Emerald Dream]]. The power was unleashed after the [[Battle of Mount Hyjal]] and Nordrassil was devastated by this event. By ''[[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm|Cataclysm]]'', Nordrassil has regrown, but [[Nozdormu]]'s lost blessing never returned.
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===Teldrassil===
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Located on an island of the same name, off the coast of [[northern Kalimdor]], the giant tree [[Teldrassil]] — which means "Crown of the Earth" — was an unsuccessful attempt by Archdruid [[Fandral Staghelm]] and his compatriots to restore the night elves' immortality, lost with the near destruction of Nordrassil. Teldrassil was eventually blessed by [[Alexstrasza]] and [[Ysera]] years later, but not by Nozdormu. It was the youngest of the World Trees until it was [[Burning of Teldrassil|attacked and destroyed]] during the [[War of the Thorns]], which also apparently destroyed most of the night elf population.<ref>''[[Elegy]]''</ref>
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===Andrassil / Vordrassil===
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[[File:Andrassil in Emerald Nightmare.png|thumb||Andrassil as seen within the [[Emerald Nightmare]]]]
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[[Andrassil]], the "Crown of the Snow",<ref name="Chronicle1-124 /> was a World Tree located in the [[Grizzly Hills]] of southern [[Northrend]]. It was grown from a branch taken from Nordrassil by Fandral Staghelm and his druids in order to stop the spread of [[saronite]] in Northrend. Without the blessings of the [[Aspects]] however, it was vulnerable to the [[Old Gods]]' corruption. The ancient druids were forced to fell the tree, which they renamed '''Vordrassil''', the "Broken Crown".<ref name="Chronicle1-124">{{Ref WoWCV1|122|124}}</ref> It has since become the site of the furbolg city of [[Grizzlemaw]].<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20081008040323/http://www.worldofwar.net/articles/413379/wrath-of-the-lich-king-hands-on-report/page2 Worldofwar]</ref> The tree's roots had pierced the prison of the Old God [[Yogg-Saron]], leading to the corruption of the furbolg.<ref>[[Ursoc, the Bear God]]</ref> Andrassil allowed the Old Gods access into the [[Emerald Dream]], from which they created the [[Emerald Nightmare]].<ref name="Chronicle1-124"/>
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Within the Emerald Dream, Andrassil still stands tall, even as the Emerald Nightmare corrupts the rest of the area.<ref>[[When Dreams Become Nightmares]]</ref>
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===Shaladrassil===
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[[File:Shaladrassil.jpg|thumb|Shaladrassil]]
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[[Shaladrassil]] is a World Tree situated in [[Val'sharah]] on the [[Broken Isles]]. It has been corrupted by the Emerald Nightmare and also serves as a gateway into the Emerald Dream. After the War of the Ancients, many surviving [[satyr]]s were rounded up. [[Thaon Moonclaw]] argued to execute them all but was overruled, and they were placed in an eternal sleep deep beneath the roots of the tree. With the return of [[Xavius]], the satyrs have broken free.<ref>[[Archdruid of the Vale]], [[Thaon Moonclaw]] gossip text</ref>
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===Unnamed tree===
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[[File:Un'Goro tree.jpg|thumb|The unnamed world tree in the Emerald Nightmare version of Un'Goro Crater]]
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There is a world tree in the Emerald Dream's [[Un'Goro Crater (Emerald Nightmare)|counterpart]] of [[Un'Goro Crater]] that has been taken by the Emerald Nightmare and is now home to [[Il'gynoth]].<ref>[[Il'gynoth#Adventure Guide]]</ref>
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===[[Amirdrassil]]===
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A seed of the World Tree, formed by the [[Winter Queen]] and [[Elune]], was planted by [[Tyrande Whisperwind]] in the [[Ancient Bough]].<ref>[[Ancient Bough]] - "Stay a while and listen."</ref> Crafted from the souls of deceased night elves who perished from the Burning of Teldrassil, it is currently guarded by the green dragonflight, but Merithra states the time will come when it must leave the cradle of the Dream, and take its place in the physical world.<ref>[[And Yet So Far]]</ref>
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==Great Trees==
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{{main|Great Tree}}
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In an effort to stop the spread of [[saronite]] throughout the world, Fandral Staghelm and his closest followers took six enchanted branches from Nordrassil and planted them in [[Ashenvale]], [[Crystalsong Forest]], [[Feralas]], [[Duskwood]], and the [[Hinterlands]]. These [[Great Tree]]s successfully scoured the saronite deposits from their respective regions and, heartened by their success, the druids planted the last and greatest bough in [[Northrend]], where it grew with astonishing speed into the World Tree known as Andrassil.<ref name="Chronicle1-124"/>
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==Notes and trivia==
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*It is not clear whether Nordrassil or Shaladrassil is older. While Nordrassil has been referred to as the first World Tree,<ref>''[[Wolfheart]]'', chapter 1</ref> [[Oakheart]] is stated to be an offshoot of Shaladrassil that has purportedly survived the [[Great Sundering]],<ref name="Oakheart"/> which in turn suggests that Shaladrassil predated the Sundering. This would make Shaladrassil older than Nordrassil, as Nordrassil was only planted after the Sundering.
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*An [[:File:ABE - Lordaeron and Khaz Modan map.jpg|early concept map]] for ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' depicted a world tree in the middle of [[Quel'Thalas]]. It could have been the later inspiration for [[Thas'alah]].
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*[[Aldrassil]] fits the naming pattern of World Trees, despite not being one itself.
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*The idea of a World Tree comes from Norse mythology's {{wp|Yggdrasil}}. Like Nordrassil, it has a Well beneath it, the {{wp|Urðarbrunnr|Well of Urd}}. It also has a connection with dragons in the form of the great {{wp|Níðhöggr}}, who however gnaws at the roots of Yggdrasil. The idea of a beast gnawing at the roots may be a connection to Yogg-Saron and Andrassil as well. [[Chris Metzen]] has indicated that ''Warcraft'''s world trees were specifically inspired by {{Wp|Asgard (comics)#Flora and fauna|Marvel Comics' take on Norse mythology}}, in [[Walter Simonson]]'s run on the comic series ''The Mighty Thor''.<ref>''[[The Comic Volume 1]]'', pg. 3 - 4 — Chasing Thunder: A foreword by Chris Metzen</ref>
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==Gallery==
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<gallery>
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File:Archimonde assaults Nordrassil.jpg|Nordrassil during the Third War
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File:Grizzlemaw - Full Exterior View.jpg|The felled Andrassil, now known as Vordrassil
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</gallery>
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==See also==
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*[[Twig of the World Tree]]
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*[[Dried Worldtree Seeds]]
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*[[Worldtree Bloom]]
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==References==
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{{Reflist}}
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{{Emerald Dream areas}}
   
 
[[Category:Lore]]
  
[[Category:Lore]]
 
[[Category:Trees]]
  
[[Category:Trees]]
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[[Category:Night elves]]
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[[es:Árbol del mundo]]
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[[fr:Arbre-Monde]]

Latest revision as of 08:30, 8 September 2023

This article is about the World Trees. For the portals to the Emerald Dream, see Great Tree.
Chronicle Nordrassil blessing

Alexstrasza, Ysera, and Nozdormu, the Dragon Aspects, blessing Nordrassil, the first World Tree

“Even the World Trees must bow to the cycle of life. Everything born will die. No one understands this better than the Bronze Dragonflight.”

— Zidormi

World Trees are ancient, massive trees connected to the Emerald Dream, and which serve as home to the night elves.[1] After the Great Sundering, Nordrassil was created by the Dragon Aspects to seal the second Well of Eternity. Through it, they blessed the night elves with many gifts such as immortality. Fandral Staghelm and his closest followers would later secretly cut six branches from Nordrassil to grow five Great Trees and the greatest branch to grow the World Tree Andrassil, but they were forced to fell it when the Old God Yogg-Saron tried to corrupt it, renaming it Vordrassil.

With Nordrassil burned during the Third War, the druids of the Cenarion Circle led by Fandral Staghelm grew a new world tree named Teldrassil with the aid of the Circle of Ancients, though it would not receive the blessing of the Aspects. The shaman of the Earthen Ring and the druids eventually managed to heal Nordrassil as well.

Shaladrassil in Val'sharah now on the Broken Isles is known to have existed since before the Sundering,[2] and an unnamed world tree exists in the Nightmare as well, though their origins are unknown.

World Trees

Exploring Azeroth - Teldrassil

Teldrassil

Nordrassil

Nordrassil, which means "Crown of the Heavens", was the original World Tree planted on the summit of Mount Hyjal after the War of the Ancients, grown from a seed of the Mother Tree G'Hanir. Nordrassil's roots grow deep into the earth, spreading life-giving energy across the world.[3] It was blessed by the Dragon Aspects to grant immortality to the night elves and to allow their druids to enter the Emerald Dream. The power was unleashed after the Battle of Mount Hyjal and Nordrassil was devastated by this event. By Cataclysm, Nordrassil has regrown, but Nozdormu's lost blessing never returned.

Teldrassil

Located on an island of the same name, off the coast of northern Kalimdor, the giant tree Teldrassil — which means "Crown of the Earth" — was an unsuccessful attempt by Archdruid Fandral Staghelm and his compatriots to restore the night elves' immortality, lost with the near destruction of Nordrassil. Teldrassil was eventually blessed by Alexstrasza and Ysera years later, but not by Nozdormu. It was the youngest of the World Trees until it was attacked and destroyed during the War of the Thorns, which also apparently destroyed most of the night elf population.[4]

Andrassil / Vordrassil

Andrassil in Emerald Nightmare

Andrassil as seen within the Emerald Nightmare

Andrassil, the "Crown of the Snow",[5] was a World Tree located in the Grizzly Hills of southern Northrend. It was grown from a branch taken from Nordrassil by Fandral Staghelm and his druids in order to stop the spread of saronite in Northrend. Without the blessings of the Aspects however, it was vulnerable to the Old Gods' corruption. The ancient druids were forced to fell the tree, which they renamed Vordrassil, the "Broken Crown".[5] It has since become the site of the furbolg city of Grizzlemaw.[6] The tree's roots had pierced the prison of the Old God Yogg-Saron, leading to the corruption of the furbolg.[7] Andrassil allowed the Old Gods access into the Emerald Dream, from which they created the Emerald Nightmare.[5]

Within the Emerald Dream, Andrassil still stands tall, even as the Emerald Nightmare corrupts the rest of the area.[8]

Shaladrassil

Shaladrassil

Shaladrassil

Shaladrassil is a World Tree situated in Val'sharah on the Broken Isles. It has been corrupted by the Emerald Nightmare and also serves as a gateway into the Emerald Dream. After the War of the Ancients, many surviving satyrs were rounded up. Thaon Moonclaw argued to execute them all but was overruled, and they were placed in an eternal sleep deep beneath the roots of the tree. With the return of Xavius, the satyrs have broken free.[9]

Unnamed tree

Un'Goro tree

The unnamed world tree in the Emerald Nightmare version of Un'Goro Crater

There is a world tree in the Emerald Dream's counterpart of Un'Goro Crater that has been taken by the Emerald Nightmare and is now home to Il'gynoth.[10]

Amirdrassil

A seed of the World Tree, formed by the Winter Queen and Elune, was planted by Tyrande Whisperwind in the Ancient Bough.[11] Crafted from the souls of deceased night elves who perished from the Burning of Teldrassil, it is currently guarded by the green dragonflight, but Merithra states the time will come when it must leave the cradle of the Dream, and take its place in the physical world.[12]

Great Trees

Main article: Great Tree

In an effort to stop the spread of saronite throughout the world, Fandral Staghelm and his closest followers took six enchanted branches from Nordrassil and planted them in Ashenvale, Crystalsong Forest, Feralas, Duskwood, and the Hinterlands. These Great Trees successfully scoured the saronite deposits from their respective regions and, heartened by their success, the druids planted the last and greatest bough in Northrend, where it grew with astonishing speed into the World Tree known as Andrassil.[5]

Notes and trivia

  • It is not clear whether Nordrassil or Shaladrassil is older. While Nordrassil has been referred to as the first World Tree,[13] Oakheart is stated to be an offshoot of Shaladrassil that has purportedly survived the Great Sundering,[2] which in turn suggests that Shaladrassil predated the Sundering. This would make Shaladrassil older than Nordrassil, as Nordrassil was only planted after the Sundering.
  • An early concept map for World of Warcraft depicted a world tree in the middle of Quel'Thalas. It could have been the later inspiration for Thas'alah.
  • Aldrassil fits the naming pattern of World Trees, despite not being one itself.
  • The idea of a World Tree comes from Norse mythology's Yggdrasil. Like Nordrassil, it has a Well beneath it, the Well of Urd. It also has a connection with dragons in the form of the great Níðhöggr, who however gnaws at the roots of Yggdrasil. The idea of a beast gnawing at the roots may be a connection to Yogg-Saron and Andrassil as well. Chris Metzen has indicated that Warcraft's world trees were specifically inspired by Marvel Comics' take on Norse mythology, in Walter Simonson's run on the comic series The Mighty Thor.[14]

Gallery

  • Nordrassil during the Third War

    Nordrassil during the Third War

  • The felled Andrassil, now known as Vordrassil

    The felled Andrassil, now known as Vordrassil

See also

References

 
  1. ^ World of Warcraft: Ultimate Visual Guide, pg. 19
  2. ^ a b Oakheart#Adventure Guide
  3. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1, pg. 114
  4. ^ Elegy
  5. ^ a b c d World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1, pg. 122 - 124
  6. ^ Worldofwar
  7. ^ B [15-30G3] Ursoc, the Bear God
  8. ^ N Druid [10-45] When Dreams Become Nightmares
  9. ^ N [10-45] Archdruid of the Vale, Thaon Moonclaw gossip text
  10. ^ Il'gynoth#Adventure Guide
  11. ^ Ancient Bough - "Stay a while and listen."
  12. ^ N [70] And Yet So Far
  13. ^ Wolfheart, chapter 1
  14. ^ The Comic Volume 1, pg. 3 - 4 — Chasing Thunder: A foreword by Chris Metzen
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