The Kingdom of Gilneas
Vanilla WoW Classic 1.12 · x5 realm · wowx5.ruGilneas was a proud and secretive human kingdom, best known for its voluntary withdrawal from the world behind a colossal wall. Its story is a tale of how fear and arrogance can wall off an entire people from the rest of Azeroth.
The proud people of Greymane
Gilneas sat on a peninsula in the north of the continent, separated from Silverpine Forest by a narrow isthmus. Like the other human kingdoms, it descended from the empire of Arathor. It was ruled by the stubborn, iron-willed King Genn Greymane — a man used to relying only on his own strength and the rich resources of his land.
Discord within the Alliance
In the Second War, Gilneas belonged to the Alliance of Lordaeron, but King Greymane grew ever more weary of the union. He believed the other kingdoms exploited Gilneas's generosity and gave too little in return. When the question arose of jointly rebuilding the lands and maintaining orc prisoners, Greymane broke sharply with King Terenas of Lordaeron.
The Greymane Wall
The king's decision was radical: he ordered the colossal Greymane Wall raised across the only isthmus connecting Gilneas to the mainland. The giant barrier sealed the kingdom completely. Greymane withdrew his people from the Alliance and declared that from now on Gilneas would look after itself and stay out of others' wars.
Gilneas in WoW Classic
In the Vanilla era the Greymane Wall stands unbroken in the south of Silverpine Forest. Behind it lies a whole kingdom cut off from the troubles of the outer world — from both the Scourge and the Forsaken. Players cannot pass the wall, and Gilneas itself remains a mystery breeding rumor and legend. Its lands open to the world only years later.
On the WowX5 server (x5)
On WowX5 x5 you can reach the very Greymane Wall in Silverpine Forest and see the border of the sealed kingdom with your own eyes while leveling those lands for the Horde. Study the Warcraft timeline to learn what lies behind the stone, and begin your journey in the world of Azeroth.
FAQ
What is the Greymane Wall?
The Greymane Wall is a colossal stone barrier that King Genn Greymane ordered built across the only land bridge into Gilneas. It sealed the kingdom off entirely from the rest of the continent at the border of [Silverpine Forest](/en/wiki/silverpine-forest).
Why did Gilneas leave the Alliance?
After the Second War, King Greymane grew disillusioned with his allies and decided Gilneas could defend itself. He withdrew the kingdom from the [Alliance](/en/wiki/the-alliance) and sealed its border, choosing a path of total isolation.
Is Gilneas accessible in WoW Classic?
In the Vanilla era Gilneas is closed: behind the Greymane Wall in [Silverpine Forest](/en/wiki/silverpine-forest) the kingdom lives its own hidden life, inaccessible to players. Its lands open to the world only much later.