The Kingdom of Stormwind

The Kingdom of Azeroth

The southern human realm originally bore the name of the world itself — Azeroth. It stretched across the fertile Elwynn Forest and neighboring lands, with the city of Stormwind as its capital. Like the other kingdoms, it descended from the empire of Arathor. For long years it was a peaceful, prosperous state, far from the northern wars.

The fall in the First War

Everything changed when the warlock Medivh opened the Dark Portal and the orcish Horde poured into the world. Stormwind took the first and most terrible blow. In the long First War, King Llane Wrynn fell to a traitor's dagger and the capital was sacked to the ground. The surviving defenders, led by the knight Anduin Lothar, boarded ships and fled north to Lordaeron.

Rebirth and the Alliance

The flight of the people of Stormwind was the spark that kindled the Alliance of Lordaeron. After victory in the Second War, the humans returned south and rebuilt Stormwind — finer than before. Yet the rebirth left a scar: the cheated stonemasons who rebuilt the city but were never paid rose in revolt and went underground, forming the Defias Brotherhood.

Stormwind in WoW Classic

In the Vanilla era Stormwind is the majestic capital of the Alliance, but intrigue festers behind the ceremonial splendor. King Varian Wrynn has mysteriously vanished, and the valiant Highlord Bolvar Fordragon serves as regent for the young prince Anduin. The trouble is that the court's closest advisor is Lady Katrana Prestor — in truth Onyxia, daughter of Deathwing in human guise, sowing discord to doom the kingdom.

On the WowX5 server (x5)

On WowX5 x5 Stormwind is the heart of Alliance play: banks, the auction house, portals and the start of countless adventures. Walk the Valley of Heroes, unravel Onyxia's plot in the raid attunement chain, and become a defender of the reborn kingdom. Create a character and join the ranks of Stormwind.

FAQ

What was the Kingdom of Stormwind originally called?

The southern human kingdom was originally called Azeroth, after the world itself. After its fall in the First War and later rebirth it is more often named for its capital — Stormwind. It is the southernmost of the [human kingdoms](/en/wiki/kingdoms-of-azeroth).

Why did Stormwind fall in the First War?

Stormwind took the first blow of the Horde pouring from the Dark Portal. King Llane Wrynn was assassinated and the capital sacked. Survivors led by [Anduin Lothar](/en/wiki/anduin-lothar) fled north and raised the [Alliance](/en/wiki/the-alliance) for the Second War.

Who rules Stormwind in WoW Classic?

In the Vanilla era King Varian Wrynn has gone missing, and Highlord Bolvar Fordragon serves as regent for the young prince Anduin. Meanwhile Lady Prestor has wormed her way into the court — in truth the dragon [Onyxia](/en/raids/onyxia) in disguise, weaving intrigues.