Uther the Lightbringer

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For the server, see Server:Uther US.
For Uther the Lightbringer's Warcraft II statistics, see Uther Lightbringer (Warcraft II).
AllianceUther the Lightbringer
Image of Uther the Lightbringer
Title The Lightbringer,
Supreme Commander of the Paladin Order,[1]
The First Paladin,[2][3]
Lord, Sir
Gender Male
Race Human
Character class Paladin; Formerly: Knight, Cleric
Affiliation(s) Alliance of Lordaeron
Kingdom of Lordaeron
Knights of the Silver Hand
Occupation First paladin and leader of the Silver Hand
Location Various
Status Deceased
Mentor(s) Alonsus Faol
Student(s) Turalyon,[4] Arthas Menethil, Mehlar Dawnblade
Companion(s) Steadfast (steed)
Vengeance cannot be a part of what we must do. If we allow our passions to turn to bloodlust, then we will become as vile as the orcs.
— Uther to Arthas Menethil.

Lord Uther the Lightbringer, or Sire Uther Lightbringer, was the first of the five paladins of the Knights of the Silver Hand along with Turalyon, Saidan Dathrohan, Tirion Fordring, and Gavinrad the Dire. He led his order in battle against the Horde during the Second War. During the Third War, Uther was betrayed and murdered by his beloved pupil, Prince Arthas, while defending the urn carrying the ashes of Arthas' father, King Terenas.

Biography

Uther during the Second War.

Rise to paladinship

Uther was a knight and apprentice cleric to Archbishop Alonsus Faol during the First War,[5][6] and had been a worshipper of the Holy Light since his youth. Uther met the archbishop when he was simply Bishop Faol, and he served as Uther's spiritual advisor and mentor.

When the survivors and refugees from the south emerged in Lordaeron, Uther went to Balnir Farmstead in order to get Arthas, who was watching the birth of Invincible, back to Capital City. On their way back, the knight told the prince about the fall of Stormwind and the coming of Prince Varian Wrynn and Lord Anduin Lothar.[7]

The fall of Stormwind made Faol realize that sometimes faith was not enough to combat the evil forces of the world. He decided to create a new order that could fight the enemy with both the gift of Light and martial prowess. He offered Uther a place among them, thus the Knights of the Silver Hand – the paladins were born.[8] Faol presented each of the paladins with enchanted librams during their training that were among the church's most ancient relics. Each libram represented a core trait of the Silver Hand that Faol challenged his students to become the living embodiment of. Uther was given the Libram of Justice.[9] At the Alonsus Chapel in Stratholme,[10] Uther became the first of the new order, and their leader. It was a glorious moment for the Alliance of Lordaeron and believers of the Holy Light.

Second War and aftermath

WC2BnE logo 16x42.png This section concerns content exclusive to Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness or its expansion Beyond the Dark Portal.
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Uther in WC2.
Uther as he appeared during the Second War.

Uther participated in some of the bloodiest conflicts in the Second War, including Orgrim Doomhammer's siege of Capital City, in which he aided in the victory over the Horde - weakened by Gul'dan's betrayal and the resultant redeploying of forces. When Uther the Lightbringer embarked for Caer Darrow in Darrowmere Lake on a mission to aid and comfort those suffering from the war, he was ambushed by Alterac pirates during the Battle at Darrowmere.[11][12] In the naval battle that followed, some of the sailors were captured and Uther uncovered a conspiracy which would reveal that Alterac had betrayed the Alliance. During questioning in Lordaeron's capital, they confessed their nation's treachery to the Alliance, leading to Alterac's eventual ruin.[13] Uther completely eliminated the orc presence in Lordaeron and also aided Lothar in the final battle of Blackrock Spire.[14] He was named "Lightbringer" by Turalyon, a brother paladin who he had trained[4] and the lieutenant of Anduin Lothar, after the battle of Blackrock Spire.[15] Eventually, the Lightbringer led the final assault against the Burning Blade clan at the Dark Portal alongside Turalyon.[16]

After the Horde's defeat at the end of the Second War, Uther along with Turalyon and the Knights of the Silver Hand were stationed in Stormwind City with their main base being the Cathedral of Light. The city was still being rebuilt after the First War and the Cathedral was one of the few places complete. There Uther helped the sick, injured, orphans, old and occasionally helped women give birth. However, Turalyon admits he'd rather be on a battlefield. Even Alleria shared a tease about the paladins being reduced to 'nurses'.[17]

In the years following the Second War, Uther continued to serve as a stalwart knight and cleric, protector of the Alliance and its people, and mentor to new paladins of the Silver Hand.[12] Uther maintained peace in Lordaeron by settling civil disputes among men and suppressing demi-human uprisings throughout the realm.[18] At some point, the Lightbringer visited Caer Darrow once again.[19] As he became the most elite of the remaining paladins, he began to tutor King Terenas's talented son, Prince Arthas, in the way of the Light and in fighting. He had to keep an eye on Arthas during his youth. They became good friends, and knew each other like family. He once accompanied Terenas on a diplomatic mission to Stromgarde. Uther was also present at Arthas' ceremonial of becoming a paladin and gave him a pair of ceremonial shoulder plates and the blessing of the Light. Arthas continued to train under Uther. With the passing of time, Uther increasingly withdrawn into the spiritual aspect of the Light.[20]

Of Blood and Honor

WoW-novel-logo-16x62.png This section concerns content exclusive to the Warcraft novels or short stories.

Years later, Uther led the court of Tirion Fordring in Stratholme. He heard the statements of Tirion as well as Saidan Dathrohan and Barthilas. Uther seemed to have convinced the jurors - Archmage Antonidas, Archbishop Faol, Prince Arthas and Admiral Daelin Proudmoore - to give Tirion another chance in light of his long years of service to Lordaeron and its allied kingdoms: to reaffirm his commitment to Alliance and forsake the vow to Eitrigg, which would grant Tirion a full pardon. Tirion reconfirmed his commitment to the Alliance, however he could not throw away his vow to Eitrigg. Uther, disappointed with this answer, sentenced Tirion to be cut off the Light, the paladinship and to be sent into exile. Because of their friendship however, Uther's last token to the former paladin was that his family, Karandra and Taelan, did not have to be exiled.

Coming of the Scourge

WC3RoC logo 16x32.png This section concerns content exclusive to Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos or its expansion The Frozen Throne.
Uther
UthertheLightbringer.jpg
Race Human
Base unit Paladin
Faction The Silver Hand
Statistics
Hit points 1250
Mana 495
Unit Classified As: Ground
Level 10
Combat
Normal attack: 48-58
Range Melee
Attack type Normal
Defense Type Hero
Armor 8
Hero Parameters
Primary Attribute Strength
Strength Infocard-heroattributes-str.png46 (+
Agility Infocard-heroattributes-agi.png 26 (+
Intelligence Infocard-heroattributes-int.png 33 (+

As the troubles of the Third War first began, Uther was honored that Arthas joined him in defending the town of Strahnbrad from raiding orc renegades of the Blackrock Clan and the Blademaster of the Blackrock Clan, who had eluded capture under the leadership of the deadly Jubei'Thos. While Uther defended the town, Arthas engaged the encamped orcs. With Uther's help, Arthas managed to destroy the encampment, and kill the blademaster.

Uther was not brought into action again until he was unexpectedly met by Jaina one day. She had come rushing from Hearthglen with news that the town was under heavy attack by the Scourge. Uther rushed to the defense with the Silver Hand at his back, but the town had taken severe damage, and Arthas was barely holding out. Horrified, humiliated, and disturbed by his near-defeat, Arthas quickly left for Stratholme, where he hoped to engage Mal'Ganis. Uther followed him, and they found that Stratholme had been infected with the Plague. Arthas, knowing what that meant, ordered Uther to purge the city. Uther, horrified, refused to do so, at which point Arthas charged him with treason, relieved him from command, suspended the paladins from service and sent them away. (see this for the conflicting info).

Uther confided in Terenas after Arthas left for Northrend and together they decided that Arthas had been compromised, most likely from the stress he endured at Hearthglen, and ordered an emissary to find him and order him to return. Arthas finally did return some weeks later, though he was somehow different. Nevertheless, Lordaeron's capital erupted in festival to celebrate their returning hero. The festivity turned to horror as Arthas proceeded into the throne room and impaled his father on the runeblade Frostmourne.

Uther's death

The tomb of Uther the Lightbringer.
The ghost of Uther the Lightbringer.

Terenas was ceremonially cremated and ensconced within a magical urn. Uther, dismayed at having lost two friends to the darkness, volunteered to personally guard the urn in Andorhal. The town was raided by Arthas and his undead minions, who sought the magical urn for necromantic purposes. Uther stood against Arthas and his minions in an epic battle and initially had the upper hand, knocking Arthas down and sending Frostmourne flying from his hands. The Light's aura around Uther grew blindingly bright as he prepared the killing blow, when suddenly the sword seemed to find its own way back into Arthas' hands and he was granted more power by the Lich King. The battle had began to turn in Arthas' favor and eventually Uther, covered in blood from his wounds, fell to his knees and told Arthas he hoped there was a special place in hell waiting for him. Arthas replied that he intended to live forever before delivering the killing blow. Uther was slain by the hands of his former pupil, whom he loved dearly.[21]

Uther's body was recovered after the battle with Arthas by followers of the Alliance and laid to rest in a great tomb. The tomb is located in the Western Plaguelands, east of Chillwind Camp - the only light in a land of darkness. The marker stone in the tomb reads:

Here lies Uther the Lightbringer
First Paladin — Founder of the Order of the Silver Hand

Uther lived and died to defend the kingdom of Lordaeron. Though he was betrayed by his most beloved student, we believe that his spirit lives on. He continues to watch over us, even as the shadows close in around our ruined land. His light is the light of all humanity - and so long as we honor his example, it shall never fade.
— Anonymous

World of Warcraft

WoW Icon 16x16.png This section concerns content exclusive to World of Warcraft.

Originally, Uther's Tomb in the Western Plaguelands was just a point on the map. With the addition of draenei and blood elf NPCs all over Azeroth, however, it brought Uther himself - albeit in ghost form. For the Alliance, the draenei Anchorite Truuen wishes to honor Uther by finding a holy relic he possessed at the time of his death, and bringing it to his tomb. For the Horde, the blood elf Mehlar Dawnblade wishes to defile the aforementioned relic, and subsequently the tomb itself, in order to seek revenge for Uther's training of Prince Arthas - the despoiler of Quel'Thalas. Both involve travelling to the tower outside of Hearthglen to obtain the Mark of the Lightbringer.

Wrath of the Lich King

Wrath of the Lich King This section concerns content exclusive to Wrath of the Lich King.

Uther does appear briefly in the Caverns of Time wing Culling of Stratholme, reenacting the events of The Culling, warning Arthas.

Halls of Reflection

Uther's ghost in the Halls of Reflection.

Uther's soul appears to have been consumed by Frostmourne after he was slain by Arthas, as his spirit is summoned forth from the blade by Jaina Proudmoore or Sylvanas Windrunner inside the Halls of Reflection. He warns that someone must take the place of the Lich King if Arthas is destroyed, and that the Lich King can only be destroyed at the place he was created - the Frozen Throne.

Uther is also involved in the Quel'Delar quest chain. When a player enters the Halls on the quest B [80D] The Halls Of Reflection with the [Tempered Quel'Delar] and approaches Frostmourne's altar, the sword will come to life and attack the party. Uther warns that the blade draws the essence of evil from the place and that if they wish to cleanse it, they must take it to the Sunwell on the Isle of Quel'Danas.

After the Lich King's death, an adventurer that successfully helped to create  [Shadowmourne] finds a [Sealed Chest], containing multiple objects, among them a [Badge of the Silver Hand], and brings it to Uther's soul at Light's Hammer, freed from the grip of Frostmourne.

Uther the Lightbringer says: Arthas...
Uther the Lightbringer says: Alas, hero of Azeroth, you give me a greater gift than you know.
Uther the Lightbringer says: Long have I struggled to forgive the prince for his terrible transgressions.
Uther the Lightbringer says: My soul has been wracked with unbearable anxiety, dark thoughts... distancing me from the Light.
Uther the Lightbringer says: I recall clearly the gleam of pride in his eye as he stood before me, eager to defeat the enemies of the Light...
Uther the Lightbringer says: Eager to defend his people, no matter the cost.
Uther the Lightbringer says: It is this memory of Arthas that I choose to keep in my heart.
Uther the Lightbringer says: I shall always be in your debt, friend.
Uther the Lightbringer says: Thank you.

Cataclysm

Uther's statue at Stormwind's Cathedral Square.
Cataclysm This section concerns content exclusive to Cataclysm.

The Scarlet Crusade recovered the Shroud of the Lightbringer as well as other artifacts, that they relocated to the barracks at Tyr's Hand.[22] Having all been killed and then raised as undead, the Crusaders couldn't touch the holy artifacts, and so instead kept them in chests. Korfax assigned an adventurer to recover all the artifacts on behalf of the Argent Crusade.

Uther's statue also replaced that of Alonsus Faol at Stormwind's Cathedral Square. Terran "Justice" Gregory and Deva Marie honored this great hero's memorial.[23] The plaque of the statue read:

Uther the Lightbringer
A righteous Paladin, an honorable man, and a dear friend. You will never be forgotten, Brother.

Legion

Legion This section concerns content exclusive to Legion.

The Highlord of the Silver Hand and Maxwell Tyrosus travelled to Uther's tomb to ask his spirit where the Ashbringer could be. Uther answered that the Ashbringer was on the Broken Shore, near the Tomb of Sargeras. He also revealed that its wielder, Tirion Fordring, was still alive, but only for a matter of time.

Legacy

Although his body was slain, it was not enough to destroy the great champion of Light that Uther was. People visiting his tomb in Western Plaguelands might be able to see the meaning of the words carved on the marker stone by his tomb, for his spirit does live on, appearing to adventurers, members of the Alliance and Horde alike. His ghost expresses wisdom; words of gratitude to those who have come to honor his memory, and words of forgiveness to those who would wish harm for him, even in death.

Uther is generally viewed as a hero and a martyr who was loyal to his nation, order and king to the death. Being the creator of the Knights of the Silver Hand, a commander during the Second War and instrumental in rallying the shaken Alliance to victory after the death of Anduin Lothar has immortalized him as one of the greatest knights and holy men ever to live in the eyes of many.

Locations

Notable appearances
Location Level range Health range
Western Plaguelands  ?? 1,676,700
Culling of Stratholme 80 126,000
Halls of Reflection 80 315,000
Icecrown Citadel 80 315,000
N Paladin [98 - 110] The Light Reveals 113 1,150,587

In the RPG

The RPG Icon 16x36.png This section concerns content exclusive to the Warcraft RPG and is considered non-canon.

Personality

Uther in Shadows & Light.

Though zealous and weathered, Uther's eyes show kindness and wisdom. He is Lordaeron's self-appointed defender, but regrets that violence is the only way to solve some problems. Possessing a rich, commanding voice and great physical strength, Uther is also capable of gentleness and compassion, though he does not suffer fools. He is the epitome of the paladin warrior — a mighty foe to his enemies and a bastion of hope to his allies.[24]

In combat

Uther strides directly into melee, placing himself in the center of the most brutal combat. He places himself in danger to spare his allies. He is at his peak against demons and undead, and brings his full array of spells and abilities to bear against these creatures — smites, banishing strikes, power turning, searing light from his hammer, hooks of binding and dispel evil. He uses lay on hands to blast undead that resist his hammer. Against truly mighty opponents, Uther attacks with his Big Smash feat. He prefers leading others into battle, but fights alone if the situation warrants. Uther endangers himself to help others if he must, and is willing to sacrifice himself for others — but he does not do so foolishly, as he knows how valuable he is to Lordaeron.[24]

Equipment

Hammer of the Lightbringer

The two-handed hammer’s haft is polished mahogany, while the head is adamantine. A silver hand emblem rests in a bed of gold design on either side. This mighty weapon was forged when Archbishop Faol created the Knights of the Silver Hand, and the archbishop bequeathed it to the order’s first Grand Master — Uther the Lightbringer. A group of paladins recovered the hammer after Uther's death, but none has thought himself worthy of carrying the legendary weapon.[25]

Gloves of the Silver Hand

Uther Lightbringer is said to have been the first to enchant these gloves to aid him in battle against the Scourge. These are large, padded leather and mail gloves bleached pure white with the holy symbols of the Silver Hand burned into the palms. Although they are large mail items, they are remarkably light.[26]

Shroud of the Lightbringer

Although the original shroud that covered the fallen paladin Uther Lightbringer of the Knights of the Silver Hand was lost years ago in frequent skirmishes between the Scourge and the Alliance, rumors of the shroud remain. Some of the remaining priests of the Holy Light have infused linen with power in honor of their fallen champion. These shrouds are made of soft, white linen, about 6 feet by 3 feet. The divine magic used to create these creates a gray image of a dead paladin, usually the face of the creator of the shroud.[27]

The Lightbringer

Uther is universally known as the Lightbringer but he hasn't been always addressed as such. In fact it was General Turalyon who got the idea of this nickname after seeing the inspiration that the leader of the Silver Hand had on his men. When he was charged by Khadgar and Uther as Supreme Commander of the Alliance he responded:

"And I thank you, Uther the Lightbringer," Turalyon replied, and he saw the older Paladin's eyes widen at the new title. "For so shall you be known henceforth, in honor of the Holy Light you brought us this day." Uther bowed, clearly pleased, then turned without another word and walked back toward the other knights of the Silver Hand, no doubt to tell them their marching orders.[15]

In previous sources he had been known as Uther Lightbringer before that point.

Memorable quotes

Rise of the Lich King

  • "Lad, no one feels ready. No one feels he deserves it. And you know why? Because no one does. It's grace, pure and simple. We are inherently unworthy, simply because we're human, and all human beings--aye, and elves, and dwarves, and all the other races--are flawed. But the Light loves us anyway. It loves us for what we sometimes can rise to in rare moments. It loves us for what we can do to help others. And it loves us because we can help it share its message by striving daily to be worthy, even though we understand that we can't ever truly become so. So stand there today, as I did, feeling that you can't possibly deserve it or ever be worthy, and know that you're in the same place every single paladin has ever stood."

Warcraft III

  • "Remember, Arthas. We are paladins. Vengeance cannot be a part of what we must do. If we allow our passions to turn to bloodlust, then we will become as vile as the orcs."
  • "Easy, lad. Brave as you are, you can't hope to defeat a man who commands the dead all by yourself."
  • "Watch your tone with me, boy. You may be the prince, but I'm still your superior as a paladin."
  • "You are not my king yet, boy. Nor would I obey that command if you were!"
  • "You've just crossed a terrible threshold, Arthas."
  • "Damn that boy! I've got to inform King Terenas. Don't be too hard on yourself, girl. You had nothing to do with this... slaughter."
  • "Your father ruled this land for seventy years, and you've ground it to dust in a matter of days." (Arthas: Rise of the Lich King lists this as fifty years.)
  • "I dearly hope that there's a special place in hell waiting for you, Arthas."

Trading Card Game

TCGlore.jpg This section contains information taken from the World of Warcraft Trading Card Game and expansion sets which is considered non-canon.

From him

  • "By safeguarding those around him, a paladin aids in his own defense." - Devotion Aura
  • "The third and most important of the Light's virtues is compassion." - Holy Light
  • "My church is the field of battle." - Consecration

About him

  • It was said that every enemy Uther felled strengthened his resolve. - Seal of Light

Uther is remembered by the Silver Hand and his statue is located in the Sanctum of Light. His plaque says: First paladin, father of the original Order of the Silver Hand, guiding light for all. May we honor his legacy in all that we do.

Notes & trivia

Early art of Uther.

Alternate timelines

A version of Uther existed in a timeway where history turned out completely different and which was entered by Thrall during the Cataclysm era.[37]

In Heroes of the Storm (probably non-canon), there are five versions of Uther - Uther the Lightbringer, Master Uther, Judgement Uther (who survived his clash with Arthas and now serves Varian), Lumberjack Uther, and Medic Uther.

Gallery

Heroes of the Storm

Video

Patch changes

See also

References

  1. ^ Ultimate Visual Guide
  2. ^ The Characters of Warcraft/Uther the Lightbringer
  3. ^ Hearthstone - Uther Lightbringer, The Paladin
  4. ^ a b Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal manual, Legends of the Land, Turalyon
  5. ^ Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual, Legends of the Land, Sire Uther Lightbringer
  6. ^ Alliance Player's Guide, 152
  7. ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King
  8. ^ Tides of Darkness chapter 5
  9. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2, page 154
  10. ^ N [47D] The Dreadlord Balnazzar
  11. ^ The Battle at Darrowmere (WC2 Human)
  12. ^ a b Uther Lightbringer, The Paladin - Hearthstone
  13. ^ Betrayal and the Destruction of Alterac (WC2 Human)
  14. ^ Tides of Darkness, 339
  15. ^ a b Tides of Darkness, 359
  16. ^ Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal manual, The Aftermath of the Second War
  17. ^ Beyond the Dark Portal
  18. ^ Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos manual
  19. ^ Caer Darrow Citizen
  20. ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King
  21. ^ "Path of the Damned: Digging up the Dead", Warcraft III. Blizzard Entertainment.
  22. ^ N [42] Scarlet Salvage
  23. ^ Screenshot on MMO-Champion/Stormwind Cataclysm Changes Section, mmo-champion.com/content/1630-Stormwind November 18, 2010
  24. ^ a b Shadows & Light, 55
  25. ^ Shadows & Light, 169
  26. ^ More Magic and Mayhem, 141
  27. ^ More Magic and Mayhem, 146-147
  28. ^ Warcraft III manual
  29. ^ Holy Ground: Uther's Tomb
  30. ^ Tides of Darkness, chapter 20
  31. ^ N Paladin [98 - 110] The Light Reveals
  32. ^ N [46D] The Great Fras Siabi
  33. ^ World of Warcraft: Looking for Group
  34. ^ Andrea Toyias on Twitter (2016-08-09).
  35. ^ Chat room transcript, HiddenFrontier.com, November 1, 2009
  36. ^ Heroes of the Storm Official Game Site
  37. ^ Thrall: Twilight of the Aspects

External links

Preceded by:
None (Creation of the order)
Position:
Leader of the Silver Hand
Succeeded by:
Alexandros Mograine
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