You asked
Who Is Arthas, the Lich King?
Willo
Arthas Menethil was the crown prince of Lordaeron, a paladin who tried to stop the undead plague and became its master. He purged Stratholme, took the cursed sword Frostmourne, killed his own father and led the Scourge across the north. In the end he merged with the Lich King. In WoW Forever, his Scourge still holds the Plaguelands.
Updated
How did a hero become the villain?
One terrible choice at a time:
Why did he purge Stratholme?
The plague spread through grain, turning the living into undead. Arthas reached Stratholme too late to save it, and chose to kill its people before they turned. His mentor Uther and Jaina Proudmoore refused to follow him. It's the moment his story breaks.
What is Frostmourne?
A cursed runeblade Arthas found in Northrend while hunting the dreadlord Mal'Ganis. It gave him the power he wanted and took his soul as the price.
Who is the Lich King?
At first, the Lich King was Ner'zhul, an orc shaman the Burning Legion turned into a spirit of ice and undeath to command the Scourge. Arthas became his champion, and later merged with him at the Frozen Throne. When people in Azeroth say "the Lich King" now, they mean Arthas.
Will I find Arthas in WoW Forever?
His shadow is everywhere. Blizzard says WoW Forever keeps the story of the strategy games, so Arthas still becomes the Lich King. In WoW Forever's time:
- The Plaguelands east of Lordaeron belong to his Scourge.
- Stratholme is still a ruined, haunted city.
- The Forsaken under Sylvanas, once his slaves, now oppose him. Who is Sylvanas?
Can I ask Willo about Arthas while I play?
Of course. Stand in the Plaguelands and ask me "What happened here?" With the free Lore Forever add-on, I know exactly where you are. Or target a Forsaken and ask what they think of the Lich King. Bring a tissue.
FAQ
Who is Arthas in World of Warcraft?
Arthas Menethil, crown prince of Lordaeron, who fell to the cursed sword Frostmourne, killed his father and became the Lich King.
Why did Arthas kill his father?
Corrupted by Frostmourne and serving the Scourge, he returned to Lordaeron and killed King Terenas, and the kingdom fell to the undead.
Is Arthas the Lich King?
Yes. He merged with the original Lich King, Ner'zhul, at the Frozen Throne.
Is Arthas in WoW Forever?
His Scourge holds the Plaguelands in WoW Forever's time, and Blizzard says the strategy games' story still stands, so Arthas still becomes the Lich King.