You asked
What Is the Burning Legion?
Willo
The Burning Legion is a vast army of demons founded by Sargeras, a Titan who turned against creation. His lieutenants, Archimonde and Kil'jaeden, have invaded Azeroth again and again: in the ancient War of the Ancients, through the corrupted orcs, and in the Third War, which ended with Archimonde's defeat at Mount Hyjal. In WoW Forever, their scars are still on the land.
Updated
Who's in charge?
- Sargeras: a fallen Titan, once a protector of the universe, who decided creation was flawed and should burn.
- Archimonde the Defiler: the Legion's great general, defeated at Mount Hyjal.
- Kil'jaeden the Deceiver: the schemer who corrupted the orcs and helped create the Lich King.
- Dreadlords and pit lords: the infiltrators and commanders, like the dreadlord Mal'Ganis and the pit lord Mannoroth.
When has the Legion invaded Azeroth?
| Invasion | What happened |
|---|---|
| War of the Ancients (about 10,000 years ago) | Queen Azshara and the Highborne opened the Well of Eternity to the Legion. The war ended in the Sundering of the world |
| The orcs' corruption | Kil'jaeden corrupted the orcs on their homeworld with demon blood, and they came to Azeroth as a demon-driven Horde |
| The Third War | The Scourge prepared the way, and Archimonde marched on the World Tree, until he fell at Mount Hyjal |
Is the Legion still around in WoW Forever?
Beaten, not gone. In WoW Forever's time, demons linger where the Legion left its mark: corrupted Felwood, the ruins of Azshara, warlocks summoning things they shouldn't, and cults in the shadows. And Warlock players literally command the Legion's lesser demons.
Why does it matter for my character?
Because nearly every great tragedy in Warcraft traces back to the Legion: the Sundering, the orcs' bloodlust, the plague of undeath. When a quest feels connected to something huge, ask yourself: "Is a demon behind this?" The answer is often yes.
Can Willo help?
Ask me "Why is this forest corrupted?" in Felwood, or "What's a dreadlord?" anywhere. I'll warn you when demons nearby are far above your level, too. My in-game wisp.
FAQ
What is the Burning Legion in WoW?
A vast demon army founded by Sargeras, a fallen Titan, to destroy creation.
Who leads the Burning Legion?
Sargeras, with his lieutenants Archimonde and Kil'jaeden.
How many times has the Legion invaded Azeroth?
Before WoW Forever: in the War of the Ancients, through the corruption of the orcs, and in the Third War.
Who killed Archimonde?
He was destroyed by wisps at the World Tree, when Malfurion Stormrage sounded the Horn of Cenarius at Mount Hyjal.