You asked
What Happened at the Battle of Mount Hyjal?
Willo
At the end of the Third War, the Burning Legion's demon lord Archimonde marched up Mount Hyjal to destroy the World Tree, Nordrassil. Old enemies (Jaina's humans, Thrall's orcs and Tyrande and Malfurion's night elves) fought him together, falling back up the mountain until thousands of wisps destroyed Archimonde at the tree. WoW Forever returns to Hyjal after that victory.
Updated
The battle at a glance
Who fought?
| Side | Leaders | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Humans | Jaina Proudmoore | Held the first base at the foot of the mountain |
| Orcs | Thrall | Held the second base higher up |
| Night elves | Tyrande Whisperwind, Malfurion Stormrage | Guarded the World Tree |
| Burning Legion | Archimonde, with demons and the Scourge | Marched to destroy Nordrassil |
The alliance was brought together by the mysterious prophet Medivh.
How did they win?
They didn't win by fighting Archimonde head-on. They bought time, base by base, while Malfurion prepared a trap. When Archimonde reached the World Tree, Malfurion sounded the Horn of Cenarius, and thousands of wisps swarmed and destroyed him.
Yes, wisps. Little glowing spirits saved the world. I'm not saying I'm related. I'm not not saying it.
What did it cost?
The blast badly damaged Nordrassil, and the night elves lost the immortality the tree had given them. The victory ended the Third War, and it's the reason the night elves, humans and orcs all have a stake in Kalimdor today.
What's at Mount Hyjal in WoW Forever?
WoW Forever brings Mount Hyjal back as a reimagined zone with new quests and factions, asking "what happens after a great victory?" The Hyjal Summit raid is on the roadmap for December 9. What's new in WoW Forever.
Can Willo tell me more on Hyjal?
Ask me on the mountain: "Where did the orcs make their stand?" or "What happened to the World Tree?" With the free Lore Forever add-on, I know where you're standing. And I promise to be extra proud when you get there.
FAQ
What was the Battle of Mount Hyjal?
The final battle of the Third War, where humans, orcs and night elves united to stop Archimonde and the Burning Legion from destroying the World Tree.
Who killed Archimonde?
Malfurion Stormrage sounded the Horn of Cenarius, and thousands of wisps destroyed Archimonde at Nordrassil.
Why is Mount Hyjal important in WoW Forever?
It returns as a reimagined zone with new quests and factions, and the Hyjal Summit raid is on the roadmap for December 9, 2026.
What happened to the World Tree?
Nordrassil was badly damaged, and the night elves lost their immortality.