Arthas Menethil: from paladin to death knight
Vanilla WoW Classic 1.12 · x5 realm · wowx5.ruArthas Menethil is the prince of Lordaeron, a paladin of the Silver Hand and the most tragic hero of Warcraft. His fall from a shining knight into a death knight of the Scourge became the core of the Third War and spawned the threats you face in WoW Classic.
Prince and paladin
Arthas was heir to the throne of Lordaeron and the favorite pupil of Uther the Lightbringer. Gifted, proud and impatient, he dreamed of protecting his kingdom at any cost — and that obsession began his downfall.
The culling of Stratholme
On finding the people of Stratholme infected with the plague of undeath, Arthas ordered the whole city put to the sword. Uther and Jaina refused in horror — but the prince crossed a line from which there was no return.
Frostmourne
Chasing the demon Mal'Ganis into icy Northrend, Arthas claimed the cursed runeblade Frostmourne. The blade gave him power but devoured his soul, making him a tool of the Legion and the Scourge.
The fall of Lordaeron
Returning home, Arthas murdered his own father, king Terenas, and brought down Lordaeron. He resurrected Kel'Thuzad, opened the way for the Legion and ravaged the Eastern and Western Plaguelands.
The prince's shadow over Vanilla
Though Arthas himself is out of reach in the Vanilla era, his shadow lies over half of the Eastern Kingdoms. His plague created the Scourge, and his lieutenants — Kel'Thuzad and others — hold Naxxramas and the undead citadels. For the player, Arthas' story is the most powerful narrative hook of all WoW Classic and the source of its deadliest foes.
On the WowX5 server (x5)
On WowX5 x5 Arthas' legacy is everywhere: the Scourge holds the Plaguelands, and his lieutenant Kel'Thuzad rules the raid Naxxramas. Gather a group, cleanse Stratholme and challenge the prince's undead. Other fates await in Legends of Warcraft.
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FAQ
Who is Arthas Menethil?
The prince of Lordaeron and a paladin of the Silver Hand who fell and became a death knight of the Scourge, and later the Lich King.
What is Frostmourne?
A cursed runeblade Arthas claimed in Northrend; the blade devoured his soul and bound him to the Scourge.
How does Arthas relate to WoW Classic?
His Scourge created Naxxramas, plagued the Plaguelands and raised Stratholme — key Vanilla locations.