Malfurion Stormrage

War of the Ancients

Main article: War of the Ancients

Malfurion, The Well of Eternity.

A young Malfurion.

Malfurion was the most dedicated of Cenarius' disciples. In the ancient world before the Great Sundering, Malfurion was a respected scholar loyal to his admired Queen Azshara. He was among the first to notice the distance Azshara and her followers were keeping from their people, and he began to suspect that the powers granted by the Well of Eternity were not as pure as all had believed. Though he could not possibly fathom what was soon to come, Malfurion knew that the Kaldorei would be forever changed.

Azshara and her Highborne were interested in the Well and ordered them to find as much as possible about the well. As time passed, the Highborne learned how to draw power from the Well and manipulate its energies. Finally, Azshara's reckless use of magic drew the attention of Sargeras, Enemy of All Life and Lord of the Burning Legion. By opening a portal in Azshara's palace, Azshara's Highborne sorcerers, led by High Lord Counselor Xavius, let hordes of demons into Kalimdor, including the Legion's commanders — Archimonde, Mannoroth, and Hakkar the Houndmaster — enabling them to run rampant among the lands and striking down all who opposed them. The night elves desperately fought them back, but too many were falling to lend them aid. The Burning Legion was winning. The highborne also managed to cast a bigger portal over the Well of Eternity to start the summoning of Sargeras.

But from the ranks of the desperate Kaldorei rose Malfurion Stormrage. Convincing his twin brother, Illidan, to forsake the use of magic, Malfurion and his love, Tyrande Whisperwind, high priestess of Elune, quickly went to seek out the demigod Cenarius in the hopes that he might have reprieve for their beleaguered people.

Even with the help of Cenarius and Alexstrasza the Dragon Queen, Malfurion knew that his people could not stand up to the constant barrage of demonic invaders. Believing the Well of Eternity to be their gateway, Malfurion decided that it must be destroyed. Knowing that its destruction would render them mortal and without any magic, the night elves reluctantly agreed to storm Azshara's stronghold and bring an end to the invasion.

However, Illidan, spurred by his addiction to magic and his frustrated love for Tyrande, refused to give up his power, and left their resistance to warn the Highborne. Knowing that Illidan would quickly reach them, Malfurion attacked immediately to retain some surprise.

Azshara and her highborne were prepared for them, and her chaotic magics ripped Malfurion's forces to shreds. But it was the sight of Tyrande falling to the hands of Azshara's former Highborne, now transformed into satyrs that gave Malfurion the strength for one final strike.

Azshara's battle with Malfurion threw the portal out of its magical alignment, and the vortex grew unstable. Malfurion cast a spell to create a gigantic gale that would rip all the demons from the ground and send them on a one-way trip into the Well and to the Twisting Nether. The Well of Eternity then started to collapse on itself, pulling land, Azshara's palace and the ruined city of Zin-Azshari into itself. Although Sargeras knew that the portal was closing, he tried to do the unthinkable - step into the portal to recreate it and enter Azeroth. The portal finally collapsed and trapped Sargeras in it. The Well of Eternity exploded in a catastrophic eruption that left the world sundered forever.

However, Malfurion survived. Constructing crude rafts and sailing to what would become Kalimdor, Malfurion, Tyrande, and Cenarius agreed to lead their people to a new home.

To their horror, however, a lake atop Mount Hyjal had become fouled by the magical energies of the Well of Eternity, which they had hoped was gone forever. Illidan, who had sought to preserve the arcane magic he was addicted to, had taken seven vials of the Well's waters and poured three of them into the lake, creating a new Well of Eternity. Knowing that Illidan's addiction to magic would always be a threat to the safety of the world, Malfurion imprisoned his brother in the caverns below Hyjal; the Barrow Deeps. However, with the Sundering still fresh in their minds, Malfurion and the night elves dared not attempt to destroy the new Well. Malfurion would later note that sometimes he went to visit Illidan in his prison in the hopes of turning him from his fatal path.^[3]

Seeking the counsel of the Aspects, Malfurion requested the presence of Alexstrasza, Ysera, and Nozdormu, returned from their hiding places, and they were shocked to hear of the new Well. All of them suspected that the Burning Legion would sniff out its energies once again and find Azeroth a second time.

Malfurion agreed, and they all decided to safeguard this Well. To this end, they created the World Tree, Nordrassil, which they pledged to use to protect the Well of Eternity and the night elves themselves. Alexstrasza, the Life-Binder, grew the tree herself from an enchanted acorn of G'Hanir. Nozdormu, the Timeless, placed an enchantment upon the tree: for as long as it stood, the night elves would never die of old age or sickness. Ysera, the Dreamer, linked Nordrassil to the Emerald Dream. Through the tree, she would slowly rebuild the world. However, to maintain the Emerald Dream, she needed consciousnesses to roam its eternal pathways. To sustain it, all the druids agreed to sleep for centuries at a time, despite the years they would lose, and be linked to the Emerald Dream forever.

Malfurion and Tyrande helped their people rebuild their society amongst the forests of Ashenvale surrounding Hyjal. Cenarius taught them the ways of the wood, and Malfurion grew considerably in power as he learned the art of the druid, and he became a great Archdruid, first among his people.

Though he dearly wished to remain with Tyrande, Malfurion and his druid kindred slept peacefully for many years until they were awakened by an attack by Dath'Remar and the Highborne survivors. He was quickly routed, but the druids refused to destroy them with so many lives already lost, so Malfurion decided that the Highborne were to be exiled. Dath’remar and his followers would later become the high elves. Though it pained his heart beyond belief, Malfurion left Tyrande to rejoin the Emerald Dream, settling into his long sleep in Malfurion's Barrow Den on the Moonglade Island.

At times, it is hinted that Malfurion and the other druids were asleep for all ten millenia between the War of the Ancients and the Third War, awakening only in times of great peril. However, most sources agree that there was a cycle, and that the druids would awaken every few centuries to interact with their wives, sisters, and daughters. This cycle could be easily interrupted if needed, but the druids must return to the Dream at the earliest opportunity.^{[citation needed]}

Malfurion holds up the Scythe of Elune to banish the Worgen.

Curse of the Worgen

Main article: War of the Satyr

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While experimenting with the druids' shape-shifting abilities, Malfurion discovered the lupine Pack Form. However, its feral nature was far too much for him to control, and Malfurion lost himself to rage, even going so far as to attack Cenarius. The demigod healed Malfurion's anger by forcing him to slumber beneath the great tree Daral'nir, within the Emerald Dream. From that point, Malfurion banned all of his students from using the Pack Form, but despite his efforts a sect calling themselves the Druids of the Pack appeared.

Some years after the War of the Ancients, the Satyrs gathered the few demons that remained and engaged in a war across Ashenvale. Ralaar Fangfire fought for their shan'do to lift the ban on the Pack Form, but Malfurion was adamant, even when Arvell died because he promised he would not use the transformation.

Using a scythe crafted from a fang of Goldrinn and a staff blessed by Elune, the druids who followed Ralaar eventually became the first Worgen in an attempt to control the Pack Form and prove Malfurion wrong about its savagery. However, while the Worgen proved effective weapons against the Satyrs, they would often harm allies in their savage fights.

Malfurion and Cenarius' son Remulos called the druids who did not follow Ralaar - now called Alpha Prime - to a meeting in the Moonglade. They set guidelines for all future druids to follow and decided on actions to take against the Worgen, forming the Cenarion Circle. The priestess Belrysa Starbreeze, a friend of Ralaar and the mate of the deceased Arvell, interrupted the meeting and brought the Scythe of Elune to Malfurion.

Meeting Alpha Prime and his followers in a field of  [Peacebloom], Malfurion mournfully used the Scythe of Elune to seal the Worgen away in the Emerald Dream, forcing them beneath Daral'nir.

Eternity's End

This section concerns content exclusive to Warcraft III.

Main article: Third War

Malfurion, Warcraft III.

The leaders of the orcs, humans and night elves meet with Medivh.

Malfurion sounding the Horn of Cenarius.

Ten thousand years later the second coming of the legion pushed Tyrande to reawaken the druids. After battling through the three enchanted keepers of the grove — Lightning Protector, Fire Protector, and Ice Protector — she reached the Horn of Cenarius. Malfurion was awakened to the sound of the Horn of Cenarius. He could sense the corruption and decay of his land, even in the Emerald Dream, and when he awoke, he summoned treants from the forest to dispose of the undead invaders who were closing on his Den.

Tyrande, responsible for his awakening, told him that Archimonde had returned to Kalimdor, and he had brought the Burning Legion with him. Malfurion immediately knew what the warlock was after; he would assail Mount Hyjal, and attempt to drain the mystical energies of Nordrassil. Their mission was clear: they had to awaken the druids and stop Archimonde.

When Malfurion saw the outlander races battling the undead, he thought that perhaps they would make good allies in the coming conflict. But Tyrande immediately rejected the idea, stating that they had killed Cenarius, and deserved whatever fate the undead had in store for them.

This savage nature became more prevalent as they attempted to awaken the druids of the talon, sleeping in the Druid of the Talon's Barrow Dens in Winterspring. Tyrande found a group of furbolgs, whom she had tried to help in Ashenvale, and who were now corrupted by the darkening shadow. Tyrande's forces killed them all. They fought their way through the undead, with orcs and humans fighting them at every turn, until they reached the Barrow Dens, where Malfurion sounded the Horn of Cenarius. The druid of the talon awoke, and pledged to help Malfurion awaken the druids of the claw in the Barrow Deeps of Hyjal.

Upon entering the mountainous caverns, Malfurion and Tyrande discovered gigantic spiders and other creatures, vastly mutated by the evil corruption, even within the sanctity of Hyjal. Soon, they came upon a doorway that led to the halls which held Malfurion's treacherous brother, Illidan. Despite Malfurion's protests, Tyrande entered the prison to free Illidan. Malfurion continued on, and found that the druids of the claw had forgotten themselves, and had embraced their feral bear forms as opposed to their night elven forms. The druids' minds were now identical to those of bears, making them impossible to reason with. But with the Horn of Cenarius, Malfurion broke them free of this state. Grateful to have their minds restored, the druids of the claw agreed to participate in the fight against the Legion.

Meanwhile, Tyrande had released Illidan, hoping that he could also make a significant contribution in the war effort. Still, after all these years, Malfurion refused to trust Illidan for his betrayal. Illidan pointedly reminded Malfurion that they fought the demons together once, but Malfurion was adamant; he would have nothing to do with this.

Illidan took a force of night elves into the corrupted forests of Felwood, and began to battle Tichondrius. Tyrande and Malfurion immediately rushed to reinforce Illidan, but when they arrived, Illidan was already victorious, and in the form of a monstrous demon. Illidan had claimed the powers of the Skull of Gul'dan for his own in order to gain the power to slay Tichondrius. Malfurion and Tyrande both could not believe Illidan's dire choice, and Malfurion banished him from the forests forever. Illidan did not bother to argue with his brother, and left of his own accord.

That night, Malfurion received a vision. A great raven came to him and told him to bring Tyrande to the base of Mount Hyjal. Curious, he did as was instructed, and they met Jaina and Thrall, the leaders of the outlander forces in Kalimdor.

Tyrande rebuked them and was about to battle them when suddenly the raven appeared, revealing himself to be Medivh, the last Guardian of Tirisfal. Medivh convinced the night elves to join forces with the outlanders in a last ditch effort to stop Archimonde's relentless assault towards the world tree. Tyrande reluctantly agreed.

From "The Sacrifice" at Hyjal's summit, where the World Tree and the Well of Eternity rested, Malfurion formed a plan of attack. The defenders quickly built fortifications all the way up the mountain, and prepared for Archimonde's ascent. Malfurion knew what had to be done; in order for Archimonde to be defeated, he had to unleash the powers of the world tree upon the mighty demon lord.

Archimonde, aided by three of his most powerful remaining lieutenants (the lich Rage Winterchill, Azgalor, successor of Mannoroth, and Anetheron, successor of Tichondrius) laid siege to Hyjal, ripping through Jaina and Thrall's bases. Finally, he came to Tyrande's last stronghold, and in turn, tore it to shreds, blew open the enchanted gates, and made his way to the World Tree. Tyrande and Malfurion watched as he approached, heedless of the Ancestral Guardians who had gathered during the battle, at the base of the World Tree. Archimonde's victory over the desperate defenders had made him overconfident, and he was completely unaware of the trap they had set for him.

When Archimonde reached the Tree, Malfurion sounded the Horn of Cenarius. The thousands of Ancestral Guardians, roused by nature herself, stirred from the trees and attacked Archimonde, detonating in an explosion so large it unmade Archimonde and incinerated the forests atop Hyjal, shattering the world tree and ending the night elves' immortality.

Terror of the Tides

This section concerns content exclusive to Warcraft III.

Malfurion, Tyrande and Maiev, fighting Illidan's minions.

Malfurion in Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne.

While checking on Nordrassil one day, Malfurion and Tyrande were unexpectedly met by a runner from Maiev the warden, pleading for assistance against Illidan. The former demon hunter had resurfaced and recruited a race of amphibious snake-people known as naga to aid him in his plans, which had come to include the attempted slaughter of Shadowsong and her troops. Malfurion immediately left with Tyrande to assist them.

Malfurion brought mountain giants with him to aid in the battle, and they battled through hordes of naga to reach Maiev. When they did, she was upset with Tyrande since the priestess had killed many of Maiev's Watcher guards when she freed Illidan. Malfurion stopped the argument between the two women before it broke into a fight and advised them to set aside their personal feud until Illidan was dealt with. They battled fiercely against the naga, until they finally confronted Illidan when he captured Tyrande. But he let her go with a warning not to go after him, and fled before they could apprehend him. They followed him across the sea, and landed on the shores of Lordaeron.

Troubled by the corruption of the forests, Malfurion retreated into the woods to commune with the forest spirits, but commanded Maiev and Tyrande to forget their differences for the time being in his absence during their search for Illidan.

As he went into the woods, Malfurion felt the pain of the earth, and was met by benevolent spirits of the forest who granted him a vision of Northrend, which was crumbling apart due to Illidan's reckless magics with the Eye of Sargeras. Malfurion feared for the world and resolved to stop his brother.

But when he found Maiev, he could not see Tyrande. Maiev sadly reported that Tyrande had fallen in battle. Infuriated, Malfurion led his forces against Illidan's naga, and with the help of Maiev and her new ally, Kael'thas, they defeated Illidan's forces and captured him. Malfurion accused Illidan of causing Tyrande's death, but Kael chimed in, saying that it was premature to assume her dead, and that she had only been swept down a river. Realizing that he had been deceived, Malfurion entangled Maiev and left to look for Tyrande, with Illidan volunteering his naga to scour the river.

When they found Tyrande, she and a small contingent of Sentinels were desperately battling the undead. Illidan fought to get to her through the river with his naga while Malfurion fended off the undead attackers. Finally, they pushed through the undead forces and Illidan rescued Tyrande.

When Illidan brought Tyrande back to Malfurion, he was grateful. He decided that Illidan had earned his freedom, but Malfurion warned his brother that if he ever disturbed the night elves again, he would not be so forgiving. Illidan agreed to those terms, and opened a mystic portal.

As he retreated, Maiev caught up with them, and furiously chastised Malfurion and Tyrande for allowing Illidan to leave. In a rage, she and her Watchers followed Illidan into his portal. Tyrande tried to stop her, but Malfurion let her go, knowing that nothing they could say would change her mind.

With a heavy sigh, Malfurion and Tyrande left to return to their own realm and people, for there was still work to be done.

Aftermath

Malfurion and Tyrande.

Malfurion Stormrage stands as both prophet and savior to his people. Some time after returning to Kalimdor alongside Tyrande, he learned that a number of night elves were planning to create a new World Tree in the hopes of regaining their lost immortality. Malfurion warned against it, arguing that nature would never bless such a selfish act. Shortly after that, Malfurion returned to the spirit realm known as the Emerald Dream, to replenish his powers after the events of the Second Invasion of the Burning Legion.

Something went wrong with Malfurion's dreamstate, causing him to become trapped somewhere within the Dream, beyond even the reach of the green dragons who control it. In-game quests during vanilla indicated he was fighting alongside Cenarius's spirit against the Nightmare. With Malfurion missing, Arch Druid Fandral Staghelm took over the leadership of the druids, convincing the Circle of Ancients in Darkshore that it was time for the elves to rebuild, and that it was time for them regain their immortality. With the approval of the Circle, and over the objection of a number of other groups, Staghelm and the most powerful druids grew Teldrassil, the new World Tree.

The details of Malfurion's condition were a state secret. Only the highest-ranking members of the Cenarion Circle and the Sisterhood of Elune were aware of it.

This section concerns content exclusive to the Warcraft RPG and is considered non-canon.

After speaking with the druids in Moonglade, Brann Bronzebeard was given an explanation behind the mysterious circumstances of Malfurion's coma — that someone actually attacked Malfurion. "An unknown assailant recently did something to the famed leader of the druids, Malfurion Stormrage, and he has been in some sort of catatonic state ever since. With the knowledge that the Cenarion Circle has an enemy powerful enough to incapacitate their leader, the druids have become increasingly worried and suspicious. After speaking with some of the druids here, I learned some unusual — and unsettling — facts."^[4] Brann believes that whatever did this may be one of the most powerful entities in the world. "Prime suspects are Remulos and Fandral Staghelm, since they are the only druids powerful enough to potentially sabotage Malfurion’s efforts in the Emerald Dream; but perhaps the betrayer wasn’t a druid at all."^[5] In light of Staghelm's actions during the Cataclysm, it is likely he was the one who committed the act against Malfurion.

In World of Warcraft

This section concerns content exclusive to World of Warcraft.

An apparition of Malfurion.

Malfurion was in a comatose state prior to the events of World of Warcraft, and remained that way through the events of the Burning Crusade and the invasion of Northrend, only awakening in the aftermath of the Lich King's defeat. This did not stop him from trying to safeguard Azeroth.

The subject of this section has been removed from World of Warcraft.

He appeared via the Emerald Dream twice, once in Moonglade, and another time in the Temple of Atal'Hakkar during the Green Shard fork of  [The Scepter of the Shifting Sands] quest chain.

He started the quest  [60] Eranikus, Tyrant of the Dream. He was involved in  [60] Shrouded in Nightmare.

Conversation with Remulos

The subject of this section has been removed from World of Warcraft.

Defeating any of the Dragons of Nightmare yielded a  [Nightmare Engulfed Object]. When taken to Remulos a vision of Malfurion, still trapped in the Emerald Dream, appeared and had a discussion with Keeper Remulos concerning the disturbing rise of the Four Dragons and the Emerald Nightmare:^[6]

Keeper Remulos says: Malfurion!

Malfurion Stormrage says: Remulos, old friend. It is good to see you once more. I knew the message would find its way to you – one way or another.

Keeper Remulos says: It was shrouded in nightmares, Malfurion. What is happening in the Dream? What could cause such atrocities?

Malfurion Stormrage says: I fear for the worst, old friend. Within the Dream we fight a new foe, born of an ancient evil. Ysera's noble brood has fallen victim to the old whisperings. It seems as if the Nightmare has broken through the realm to find a new host on Azeroth.

Keeper Remulos says: I sensed as much, Malfurion. Dark days loom ahead.

Malfurion Stormrage says: Aye Remulos, prepare the mortal races.

Keeper Remulos says: You have been gone too long, Malfurion. Peace between the Children of Azeroth has become tenuous at best. What of my father? Of your brother? Have you any news?

Malfurion Stormrage says: Cenarius fights at my side. Illidan sits atop his throne in Outland – brooding. I'm afraid that the loss to Arthas proved to be his breaking point. Madness has embraced him, Remulos. He replays the events in his mind a thousand times per day, but in his mind, he is the victor and Arthas is utterly defeated. He is too far gone, old friend. I fear that the time may soon come that our bond is tested and it will not be as it was at the Well in Zin-Azshari.

Malfurion Stormrage says: Remulos, I am being drawn back... Tyrande... send her my love... Tell her I am safe... Tell her... Tell her I will return... Farewell...

Keeper Remulos says: Farewell, old friend... Farewell...

Conversation in the Temple of Atal'Hakkar

The subject of this section has been removed from World of Warcraft.

In the Temple of Atal'Hakkar, during the The Scepter of the Shifting Sands quest chain, Malfurion appeared again and confirmed the existence of an Old God corrupting the Emerald Dream.^[7]

The walls of the chamber tremble. Something is happening...

Malfurion Stormrage bows.

Be steadfast, champion. I know why it is that you are here and I know what it is that you seek. Eranikus will not give up the shard freely. He has been twisted... twisted by the same force that you seek to destroy.

Are you really surprised? Is it hard to believe that the power of an Old God could reach even inside the Dream? It is true - Eranikus, Tyrant of the Dream, wages a battle against us all. The Nightmare follows in his wake of destruction.

Understand this, Eranikus wants nothing more than to be brought to Azeroth from the Dream. Once he is out, he will stop at nothing to destroy my physical manifestation. This, however, is the only way in which you could recover the scepter shard.

You will bring him back into this world, champion.

The Nightmare Lord and the Return of Stormrage

This section concerns content exclusive to the Warcraft novels or short stories.

Malfurion and Tyrande.

In the novel Stormrage, it is revealed that Malfurion was captured in the Emerald Dream and was being tortured and used by the Nightmare Lord for the purpose of conquering both the Emerald Dream and Azeroth. The Nightmare Lord was the ruler of the Emerald Nightmare, the terrible plague that covers the Emerald Dream, and later revealed to really be Malfurion's old nemesis Xavius. Malfurion gave Thura false dreams about her uncle Broxigar´s death in order to seek him out in the Emerald Dream out of vengeance. Indeed Thura was able to enter the Emerald Dream and reach the tree where Malfurion was trapped. Unfortunately Tyrande and her allies were in the Dream as well and despite his warnings to turn Tyrande away, she remained and wanted to stop Thura. Thura was eventually able to cut the tree form that kept Malfurion imprisoned, thus freeing him. However, he witnessed something unexpected. Ysera was lured into a trap by Lethon and the Emerald Nightmare. It was at that moment that Malfurion realized that Ysera was the Nightmare Lord's main target all along, where as Malfurion was trapped only because of personal reasons. Malfurion, alongside Tyrande, Broll, Lucan Foxblood, and Thura escaped the Emerald Dream and Malfurion´s dreamform returned to his body in the Moonglade, where the Nightmare was also present. From there he flew to Ashenvale, where he noticed the corrupted Teldrassil.

As he neared he found druids trying heal the tree. However, Malfurion understood what they were really doing: they were inadvertently corrupting it even further. Maflurion got to the Cenarion Enclave, where he found a trapped Hamuul Runetotem, Naralex and Shandris Feathermoon. Immediately, he was attacked by a crazed Fandral Staghelm, who was behind the corruption of Teldrassil. As they were battling, druids came to the Enclave where they had found Broll, who they believed to be a traitor; though Broll tried to explain that Fandral was the traitor. During the battle, Malfurion had freed Hamuul, Naralex and Shandris, and the tauren and female night elf confirmed Fandral´s betrayal. At that moment, Fandral cast a spell, which started to kill the druids. Malfurion however, was able incapacitate Fandral by driving him into a state of near-catatonia after he destroyed a shadow masquerading as his late son, Valstann. After this, Malfurion saw Broll's gold eyes, thus coming to the conclusion that he has met his true potential by helping the other druids. Afterwards, he then went to Teldrassil´s crown, where he discovered the true reason for Teldrassil´s corruption: a branch of Xavius grafted onto the World Tree. After removing the branch, Malfurion led all druids to healing Teldrassil from Xavius' corruption. The healing was successful; thus allowing Alexstrasza to bless the World Tree. From that moment on, the tree became the haven and monument it was meant to be. The Dragon Queen told Malfurion that all portals to the Emerald Dream were closed, all except for Fandral´s hidden portal which Malfurion knew the location of. He then ordered Shandris to take care of Darnassus´ citizens and Broll and Hamuul to watch over him as he used his dream form to travel to all over Azeroth - to Stormwind, where he convinced Varian to lead an army against the Nightmare; to Thunder Bluff, where Baine Bloodhoof also aided him; and Dalaran, though there they all were dreaming. After calling the survivors of the Emerald Nightmare's attack to arms, he returned to his body, only to find Remulos, who told him about Tyrande's kidnapping and the theft of the Axe of Cenarius. Furion appointed Broll to coordinate the dreamform army while he and Remulos entered the Nightmare. When they got to the location where Tyrande and the axe were held, it became apparent that Xavius used Remulos as his pawn and has corrupted him. Malfurion had to defeat the Moonglade's keeper to release Tyrande. After which, they shifted to a safer location but was still attacked by satyrs. While Tyrande called for Elune's power to hold off the satyrs' assault, Malfurion sent Broll to Thura and then heard Ysera's voice, who thanks to Lucan was able to speak and reveal where she was being imprisoned. Malfurion helped Eranikus to free Ysera, but in order to do so, Eranikus had to sacrifice himself. Though Ysera was freed, she could not save her consort and could not help Malfurion in his plan. So he decided to collect energy from both Azeroth and the Emerald Dream to cleanse Azeroth from the Nightmare. Then he attacked the tree of Xavius in Azeroth while Thura struck down Xavius' shadow tree in the Emerald Dream. With his power source removed, the Nightmare Lord was defeated and imprisoned in the Rift of Aln.

The Battle against the Nightmare was over and mortals battling in the Dream returned to Azeroth. Exhausted Malfurion then awoke in Darnassus. Without wasting any time and with the blessings of Ysera and Alexstrasza, well wishes from the leaders of the Alliance and their friend and old compatriot Thrall of the Horde, the two were finally married in the capital city of the Night Elves, Darnassus.

The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm

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After King Magni Bronzebeard's petrification, as the leaders of their people Malfurion and Tyrande attended the memorial gathering in Old Ironforge.

Seeds of Faith

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After the Shattering caused Azeroth to be plagued by a series of natural disasters, Malfurion used his druids to survey the damage to night elf settlements. Though some settlements still stand, others such as the ones in Darkshore were unapproachable due to strong wind currents and storms. Worst, there was a recent report of naga invading the area. Malfurion accompanied Tyrande Whisperwind in the search and rescue of General Shandris Feathermoon. The two night elves dispatched the invading naga force stationed at Sardor Isle and rescued the critically injured general. Malfurion and Tyrande later attended a memorial service for those who fell during the recent calamitous events and stood together against the tide of pain and loss.^[8]

Wolfheart

This section concerns content exclusive to the Warcraft novels or short stories.

Malfurion Stormrage has tried his best to maintain unity with in the Alliance, but his duties as a druid caused him to focus more on the wilds. Both he and his mate, Tyrande, knew that someone else must take up the mantle of guiding the Alliance, especially since in the wake of the Cataclysm, they faced a revitalized Horde led by a violent new warchief. Both Malfurion and his mate set up a summit not only to propose the induction of the worgen and Gilneas into the Alliance, but also to see if one would arise to lead the Alliance in this new world. A task not easily done as King Varian Wrynn harbored animosity towards the now humbled King Genn Greymane. Malfurion also faced other troubles. Aside from dealing with the politics of the Alliance, there have been sudden reports of Highborne being murdered in Darnassus.

Unbeknown to him, Malfurion had drawn the ire of Maiev, who was outraged that he has forgiven the Highborne and welcomed them back into night elf society. Not only that, she despised Malfurion for not having Teldrassil properly blessed, thus preventing the night elves from regaining their immortality. Malfurion felt that the night elves have grown too complacent and jaded with their immortality and that it was time for them to once again start living mortal lives to better appreciate the world. Maiev had planned on capturing Malfurion and giving him a slow rotting death. Yet her machinations were foiled by her own brother, Jarod Shadowsong, who rescued him. Malfurion and Jarod then rescued the Highborne from being slaughtered by Maiev and drove her away. Later on Jarod was appointed to lead the Watchers and Malfurion warned him not to follow the path of obsession as Maiev did. Malfurion then witnessed the worgen being officially accepted into the Alliance.^[9]

Cataclysm

This section concerns content exclusive to Cataclysm.

Malfurion in the middle of Eye of the Vortex, Darkshore.

Malfurion in Cataclysm, in Mount Hyjal.

Malfurion inside Sulfuron Spire, in Mount Hyjal.

World of Warcraft: Cataclysm takes place after the events of Stormrage; hence, Malfurion makes his formal in-game debut in Darnassus, standing next to Tyrande Whisperwind. Malfurion appears in Darkshore, to the northwest of Ameth'Aran, battling Queen Azshara who is distracting, while forces of Ragnaros are attacking Mount Hyjal. Because of this, Malfurion leads the army of Cenarius in defense of Mount Hyjal against the forces of the returned Firelord, Ragnaros.

Malfurion's new model has taken on traits which resemble each animal a druid can transform into. This includes Hawk, Bear, Stag, and Cat. There are also glowing blue bolts along his arms, shoulders, chest and stomach. His beard has also grown much longer than before.

While Stormrage establishes Malfurion and Tyrande as the offical co-leaders of their people (at her insistence), in the game only Tyrande is classified as a racial leader. While still a boss class, Malfurion is not even flagged for PvP, and does not assist Tyrande if she is attacked by Horde players.

In Darkshore, Malfurion has called a massive swirling vortex of air to hold the land together as he and the night elves attempt to stop the rampaging elementals. This vortex kept the landmass of Darkshore from collapsing into the sea until the elements were stopped. He then took part in stopping the Naga and Twilight's Hammer threat at the southern end of the region. During a quest later on in the zone, the player is sent to retrieve the  [Horn of the Ancients], revealing that Queen Azshara was responsible for the troubles of the zone, in order to keep Malfurion's attention away from the work being done in Hyjal. Malfurion then leaves to join the Guardians of Hyjal in stopping Ragnaros.

In Hyjal, Malfurion leads the charge against the Firelord Ragnaros and takes part, along with Hamuul and Cenarius, in sending the Firelord back to the Firelands.

Elemental Bonds

This section concerns content exclusive to Cataclysm.

Malfurion met with his friend Thrall, and Thrall's mate Aggra to combine the powers of the druids and shamans in Hyjal. However, they are attacked by a mysterious assailant - who shatters Thrall's essence into the elemental planes. Malfurion swears revenge on the figure, who promptly reveals himself as none other than Malfurion's former pupil; the Archdruid of Darnassus in his absence -- Fandral Staghelm.

Rage of the Firelands

This section concerns content exclusive to Cataclysm.

Fandral begins to take druids into his new, corrupted sect in service of Ragnaros, named the Druids of the Flame. Leyara - Fandral's daughter in law, who had blamed Malfurion's neutrality with the Horde for her daughter's death - attacks and seemingly kills Hamuul Runetotem, whose wounded body is brought to the Sanctuary of Malorne for healing. Malfurion later attempts to convince Leyara that Fandral's corruption runs too deep, though she disregards his words, only paying attention when Malfurion reveals Hamuul is indeed alive. He watches as a revitalized Hamuul disposes of her, and the two friends leave.

Following Thrall's restoration, Malfurion is present alongside Tyrande to witness Aggra and Thrall become life-mates.

During the raid into the Firelands, an enraged Fandral demands that his followers bring Malfurion to him alive. During the final battle against Ragnaros in his most powerful form, Malfurion alongside Cenarius and Hamuul assist heroes in ending the Firelord's ambitions for good.

Conversation at the Molten Front

How are we doing in the battle?

You have done well, <class>. Our presence here can no longer be unnoticed by Ragnaros. We are an essential thorn in his side. As his rage grows, so must we continue to press forward.

We must stay ever vigilant here, but it is time to cast our eyes upon the final battle. It is time to face the Lord of Fire himself.

What are we building here?

We are building a permanent outpost here in the Firelands, <name>. Even if Ragnaros is defeated, another may someday take his place. We cannot allow what happened in the Burning Steppes and Mount Hyjal to threaten our world again.

To that end, we will grow the "Sentinel Tree." A tree with roots in Azeroth, but a protective canopy growing here in this terrible realm. Under its shelter, we will permanently station a group of druids to maintain an eternal vigil over this desolate world.

Well of Eternity

He appears in the Well of Eternity, released in Patch 4.3: Hour of Twilight. While the players aid Illidan and Tyrande in battling Mannoroth and Varo'then, Malfurion aids the aspects in closing the portal in the Well of Eternity, forcing the Burning Legion out of Azeroth.

Tides of War

This section concerns content exclusive to the Warcraft novels or short stories.

When the Horde was about to attack Theramore, Jaina asked Malfurion and Tyrande for warriors and ships.^[10] The Archdruid and his wife sent Shandris and a group of Sentinels to aid in the defense effort.^[11]

Malfurion and his wife were also willing to help Varian in the counter attack by sending a few dozen ships.^[12]

War Crimes

This section concerns content exclusive to the Warcraft novels or short stories.

After Tyrande was chosen as the accuser in the trial of Garrosh Hellscream, during a dinner, Malfurion told her that he was worried about how the trial may change her.^[13]

•  [15] Malfurion's Return
•  [15] Protector of Ameth'Aran
•  [15] The Land Is in Their Blood
•  [16] The Last Wildkin
•  [17] Sworn to Protect
•  [15] The Blackwood Pledge
•  [16] The Wildkin's Oath
•  [17] The Emerald Dream
•  [17] Leaving the Dream
•  [17] The Eye of All Storms
•  [18] Mounting the Offensive
•  [20] The Offering to Azshara
•  [19] The Battle for Darkshore
•  [81] Protect the World Tree
•  [81] War on the Twilight's Hammer
•  [81] The Flameseer's Staff
•  [81] Flamebreaker
•  [81] The Return of Baron Geddon
•  [85] A Ritual of Flame
•  [85] To the Sanctuary!
•  [85] The Sanctuary Must Not Fall
•  [85] Through the Gates of Hell
•  [85] Into the Depths
•  [85] The Rest is History

This section concerns content exclusive to the Warcraft RPG and is considered non-canon.

Malfurion is the wise and stalwart leader of the night elf druids. He has a fatherly air about him, and takes great pleasure in guiding people to discover insights about themselves and the environment around them. He prefers not to solve problems directly for individuals, or to give completely thorough answers, but rather provide useful hints and advice so that others may achieve discovery on their own.

He is grateful to the orc and human armies for their assistance against the Burning Legion and welcomes visitors of those races with open arms. He also holds great respect for tauren and dwarves. However, Malfurion considers high elves and goblins extremely distasteful, and will expel them from Ashenvale whenever he encounters them. Horde and Alliance politics hold little interest for Malfurion as, in his mind, the needs of his people and their environment transcend what he considers to be petty rivalries between the other races.

Visitors who display a proper respect for the natural environment and its inhabitants will be greeted warmly by Malfurion and his druids. They welcome outsiders for short periods of time with offers of shelter and sustenance. However, Ashenvale is the sacred home of the night elves, and Malfurion does not appreciate or tolerate prolonged visits by members of the other races. Emissaries and adventurers are occasionally welcome, but settlers and those who attempt to wrest profit from the land are expelled immediately.^[14]

"Stalwart," "wise", and "righteous" are the words that best describe Shan'do Stormrage. He is set in his path of safeguarding his beloved forests and the sanctity of life on Azeroth. Malfurion's burden is a hard one to shoulder; he must safeguard both the forests of Kalimdor and the Emerald Dream, a nearly impossible task. Malfurion must sometimes be reminded that others may help him shoulder the burden — Cenarius was his teacher and the other druids and ancients are more than willing to aid their Shan'do. The one thing Malfurion loves above nature and life is Tyrande, his beloved — to live without her is not to live at all.

In combat Malfurion calls on nature to aid him in battle. He relies on summoned creatures, treants, dryads, night elf warriors and other allies. He supports them with spells and acts as their general. If Malfurion is encountered alone, he usually uses his spells and abilities to escape into the forests and return later with help.^[15]

Malfurion generally looks like a normal male night elf, with the exception of a pair of antlers growing from his head. Unlike most other night elves with antlers (a blessing of Cenarius^[16] considered to be a sign of future greatness^[17]), he grew them later in life while other elves such as Broll Bearmantle had them at birth. Since Malfurion's spirit spent many years in the Emerald Dream while his body slept, it started to take on attributes of his animal forms: He gained the attributes of a bird, a cat, and a bear.^[18]

There is some inconsistency as to the color of Malfurion's hair. In Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos and Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne it is shown to be blue. However, the The Well of Eternity cover shows it green. Furthermore the action figure, other colored images, the Warcraft III cinematic and his World of Warcraft model show it to be green. It seems most likely for it to be green as the most World of Warcraft and the RPG images were the last sources given.

War of the Ancients Trilogy

• "You'll find us a sour treat." (Malfurion's answer to Sargeras' threat that he will devour all of Azeroth.)
• "You want power? Feel the power of the world you would betray, captain!"
• "For you, there is only the Well and the supposed might of a demon that claims godhood. For me--there's the power of the world itself as my ally."
• "You have betrayed too many, you have hurt too many, lord advisor. I won't let you hurt anyone, anymore. From you there will only come life from now on, not death."
• "Hush Tyrande! Where is Illidan?
• "Illidan, the Well is out of control!
• "Not if we are caught up in it! Why weren't you running? What have you've been doing with your hand in the Well, Illidan?

Warcraft III

• "The horn has sounded, and I have come as promised. I smell the stench of decay and corruption in our land. That angers me greatly."
• "Oh, no. How could I have forgotten? This door leads to Illidan's prison, Tyrande. We should go... now!"
• "That beast must never be set free!"
• "Illidan! You were sentenced to pay for your sins, nothing more!"
• "Whatever comes, my love, remember--our bond is eternal."
• "If pride gives us pause, my love, then perhaps we have lived long enough already."
• "You have brought much suffering to the world, Illidan. For that, you can never be forgiven. However, you saved the life of my love. For that I will let you go. But, should you ever threaten my people again..."

World of Warcraft

• "Be steadfast, champion. I know why it is that you are here, and I know what it is that you seek. Eranikus will not give up the shard freely. He has been twisted... twisted by the same force that you seek to destroy." -- (Eranikus, Tyrant of the Dream)

Cataclysm

Greetings

• "Hail to the night!"
• "May Elune grant us strength."

• Chris Metzen commented that Malfurion Stormrage is his personal favorite character in the Warcraft lore.^[19]
• Furion is voiced by Ed Trotta in Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne, and World of Warcraft: Cataclysm.
• The Alliance Tier 9 Druid set is named after him, as is the druid Tier 2 set.
• Malfurion is occasionally called "Furion" or "Mal" by close friends or relatives; the shortened versions of Malfurion.
• Apparently, Malfurion still has no idea why Tyrande chose him over Illidan. Before they became a couple, he had even thought that she had already chosen Illidan. ^{[citation needed]}Now that they are married, perhaps Tyrande will tell him sometime.
• Malfurion is seen during the Children's Week festivities, where the human orphan desires to meet with the newly returned Archdruid. Malfurion grants him a temporary pair of white wings.^[20]
• He shares a name with Furion of Clar Karond, a dark elf sorcerer from the Warhammer universe.
• Malfurion commands a great deal of respect from other prominent characters in the Warcraft lore; Medivh called Malfurion by the kaldorei title "Shan'do" (honored teacher) during The Third War, and Thrall addresses him as "Master Stormrage".
• Malfurion and Illidan were 15,032 years old as of Warcraft III, according to the Heroes and Villains section of its manual.
• Server:Malfurion US is named after him.
• Malfurion appears as a hero in Heroes of the Storm.^[21]

• The Last Guardian
• Unfinished Business
• Malfurion's Vision
• A Parting of Ways
• Lore For Noobs: Malfurion Stormrage Part 1
• Lore For Noobs: Malfurion Stormrage Part 2
• Lore For Noobs: Malfurion Stormrage Part 3

• 

  "Malfurion Stormrage" (Shadows & Light) by Theodore Park.

• 

  "Malfurion Stormrage" (Timewalkers) by Ralph Horsley.

• 

  "Malfurion Stormrage" (Timewalkers) by Kerem Beyit.

• 

  "Spirit of Stormrage" (The Hunt for Illidan) by Trevor Jacobs.

• 

  "Malfurion Stormrage" (War of the Elements) by Alex Horley.

• 

  "Archdruid Malfurion Stormrage" (Crown of the Heavens) by SiaKim.

• 

  The Malfurion Stormrage action figure.

• 

  Malfurion in the Well of Eternity instance.

• 

  Malfurion in Heroes of the Storm.

• 

  Malfurion artwork from the Heroes of the Storm site.

• 

  Malfurion.

Fan art

• 

  "Malfurion Stormrage" by SiaKim.

• 

  "Tyrande and Malfurion" by SiaKim.

• 

  Malfurion alongside Tyrande battling crossover.

• Patch 4.0.3a (2010-11-23): Returned to the mortal world. Thus seen in Darkshore, afterward in Mount Hyjal.
  
• Patch 1.2.0 (2004-12-18): Added in Moonglade, but was in a comatose state before his return in Cataclysm.
  

• Wowhead
• WowDB

v e Alliance Leaders Varian Wrynn Jaina Proudmoore Tyrande Whisperwind Malfurion Stormrage Genn Greymane Council of Three Hammers: Muradin Bronzebeard / Falstad Wildhammer / Moira Thaurissan Prophet Velen Gelbin Mekkatorque Aysa Cloudsinger Characters Alleria Windrunner Anduin Lothar Anduin Wrynn Antonidas Bolvar Fordragon Daelin Proudmoore Dagran Thaurissan II Danath Trollbane Darius Crowley Khadgar Kurdran Wildhammer Magni Bronzebeard Maraad Nobundo Shandris Feathermoon Terenas Menethil II Turalyon Uther the Lightbringer Vereesa Windrunner Ivar Bloodfang Modera Yrel Brann Bronzebeard Thargas Anvilmar Brann Bronzebeard Jarod Shadowsong Iridi Ishanah Broll Bearmantle Lorna Crowley Major races Gilneas Worgen Draenei Gnome Human Ironforge dwarf Night elf Pandaren Minor races Broken draenei Dwarf (Wildhammer Dark Iron Frost) Elf (Half-elf High elf Highborne) Furbolg Half-orc Cenarion Ancient Gryphon Hippogryph Jinyu Cities and towns Ironforge Stormwind City Darnassus Dalaran Exodar Gnomeregan Aerie Peak Frosthold Goldshire Darkshire Lakeshire Kharanos Thelsamar Menethil Harbor Nethergarde Keep Stromgarde Keep Southshore Gilneas City Astranaar Feathermoon Stronghold Fort Triumph Highbank Honor Hold Quel'Danil Lodge Surwich Talonbranch Glade Tinker Town Telaar Allerian Stronghold Wildhammer Stronghold Valgarde Valiance Keep Farstrider Lodge Territories Dun Morogh Elwynn Forest Teldrassil Azuremyst Isle Gilneas Loch Modan Westfall Bloodmyst Isle Darkshore Duskwood Redridge Mountains Wetlands Organizations Human kingdoms (Theramore Stromgarde Stormwind Kul Tiras Gilneas Dalaran) Kingdom of Ironforge clans (The Three Hammers: [Wildhammer clan Dark Iron clan Bronzebeard clan] Stormpike clan Stonefist clan) Stillpine tribe Sons of Lothar Priest of Elune (Sisterhood of Elune) Wintersaber Trainers Explorer's Guild Hand of Argus The Frostborn Kirin Tor The Silver Covenant Highvale high elves Bloodfang pack Gilneas Liberation Front Knights of the Silver Hand Church of the Holy Light SI:7 Kurenai Nobundo Broken The Exodar The People's Militia Westfall Brigade 7th Legion S.A.F.E. Dabyrie Militia Morgan's Militia Pearlfin Jinyu Tushui Pandaren Common · Alliance technology · Alliance magic

v e Present main Warcraft Universe characters List Category Alliance Muradin Bronzebeard Nobundo Jaina Proudmoore Moira Thaurissan Danath Trollbane Velen Tyrande Whisperwind Kurdran Wildhammer Vereesa Windrunner Anduin Wrynn Varian Wrynn Horde Baine Bloodhoof Halduron Brightwing Drek'Thar Eitrigg Garona Halforcen Garrosh Hellscream Nazgrel Rexxar Rommath Lor'themar Theron Vol'jin Sylvanas Windrunner Neutral Akama Brann Bronzebeard Bolvar Fordragon Tirion Fordring Khadgar Maiev Shadowsong Malfurion Stormrage Thrall Ancients and Eternals Aviana Cenarius Elune Goldrinn Malorne Medivh Dragonkin Alexstrasza Kalecgos Nozdormu Wrathion Ysera Neutral Burning Legion Balnazzar Kil'jaeden Mal'Ganis Sargeras Varimathras Old Gods' forces Queen Azshara N'Zoth Xavius

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