Who is Anduin Wrynn in World of Warcraft?

Alongside the player, Anduin Wrynn is one of the central protagonists of World of Warcraft: The War Within and, to some in recent years, the Warcraft franchise itself. The High King of the Alliance has been around since the very beginning of World of Warcraft, but just who is he? Why did he lose his connection to the Light? Why is he so depressed and mopey? Here’s everything you need to know about Anduin Wrynn.

Anduin Wrynn: a brief history

Anduin Llane Wrynn is currently the king of Stormwind, the central human kingdom in the Warcraft universe. While rightfully High King of the Alliance, the events of the Shadowlands expansion led Anduin to temporarily abandon his military position, leaving Turalyon to lead the Alliance in his absence.

Unlike his late father, Varian Wrynn, Anduin has always had a calm and diplomatic mindset, often opting for peace while others called for war. Over time, Anduin’s altruism brushed off on his father, teaching Varian “patience, tolerance, and faith” and helping to (temporarily) ease tension between the Alliance and Horde.

Anduin was became King of Stormwind following Varian’s death at the hands of Gul’dan during the Battle for Broken Shore. The young prince was now a king responsible for one of Azeroth’s largest military factions during a crisis that threatened the universe itself.

Despite beating impossible odds and banishing The Burning Legion, the tenuous pact between the Alliance and Horde didn’t last long. The dwindling resources of Azeroth and the appearance of Azerite, a powerful new resource, would lead to The Fourth War.

The burning of Teldrassil by then-Warchief of the Horde, Sylvanas Windrunner, marked the beginning of the global Fourth War, pushing Anduin to make unimaginably difficult choices. The climax of The Fourth War lead to the death of the final (known) Old God, N’Zoth, and a truce between the Alliance and Horde that stands to this day.

Peace between the Alliance and Horde didn’t mean Anduin could catch a break, however — far from it. The events of Shadowlands lead to Anduin becoming prisoner of Sylvanas Windrunner and the Jailer. Anduin was subjugated and transformed into a tool of Death, forced to carry out the Jailer’s bidding, and almost leading the the reshaping of existence itself.

Anduin was eventually freed from the Jailer’s grasp but left broken and afraid of calling upon the Light he once cherished. After Sylvanas’ fate was decided, Anduin placed the Alliance under the leadership of Turalyon and went missing.

Anduin in World of Warcraft: The War Within

Around five years later, The Radiant Song — cries of help from Azeroth itself — called to various Champions of Azeroth, including Anduin and Thrall. This lead Thrall to discover Anduin in Silithus, convincing a shattered and broken man to come to Azeroth’s aid once more.

In The War Within, Anduin joins the player and other notable Warcraft characters in their journey to Khaz Algar. Not as a king or a leader — just as Anduin.

Throughout the campaign, Anduin deals with his internal struggles of faith, expectations, regret, and living up to his father’s legacy. The War Within doesn’t just refer to the literal war underneath Azeroth. Very clever.

How old is Anduin in The War Within?

Anduin is around 26-27 years old during World of Warcraft: The War Within. Anduin was born around the Year 15, and the beginning of The War Within is set around Year 42.

What is Anduin’s Sword called?

Anduin’s Sword is the legendary Shalamayne, inherited from his father, Varian Wrynn. Shalamayne exists as a combination of the blades Shalla’tore and Ellemayne. These swords ere individually wielded by both halves of Varian after he was briefly split into two people.

During Shadowlands, Shalamayne was reforged into the mourneblade Kingsmourne after being infused with the soul of Arthas Menethil (The Lich King). Though Shalamayne returned to its former self after Anduin was freed, the core no longer glows.

What class is Anduin?

While wielding the Light, swinging a sword, and wearing a fancy suit of armor may scream “Paladin,” Anduin is still officially considered a Priest. His father’s death pushed Anduin to favor heavy armor and Shalamayne over cloth and a staff.

To this day, Anduin serves as the default hero for the Priest class in Hearthstone. Though he’s still depicted as his younger self from Mists of Pandaria.

Is Anduin the leader of the Alliance?

Anduin is the rightful High King of the Alliance, but has been officially absent from his duties since the events of Shadowlands. As a result, Turalyon is currently the Lord Commander and acting leader of the Alliance, working alongside racial leaders such as the Council of Three Hammers, Jaina Proudmoore, and Velen.

When asked if he’s a king by Faerin, he responds, “Not anymore,” suggesting he doesn’t see himself as a ruler. Only time will tell if Anduin will retake his rightful role in the future.

Is Anduin in a relationship?

Anduin is currently single and has never pursued a relationship. As a result, there is no current heir to Stormwind’s throne.

Fans often ship Wrathion and Anduin together. Unfortunately, Christie Golden claimed that “Anduin likes girls” and the two are “just friends” in 2015. Never say never, though!

Why can’t Anduin use the Light?

Editor’s Note: There will be spoilers for World of Warcraft: The War Within below.

Anduin’s actions in Shadowlands caused him to question himself and his faith in the Light. As a result, Anduin wouldn’t call upon the Light until the events of The War Within.

While initially failing to find a connection, Anduin broke through during the campaign finale. Watching Beledar shift, Anduin successfully called upon the Light to save an old friend from death. With this act, the many wounds of a broken king begin to heal, too.

World of Warcraft and The War Within expansion are available on PC and Mac.