Varian Wrynn

Lore & Background

Varian Wrynn's life is marked by a significant period of unexplained absence. During this time, his young son Anduin was crowned king but governed under the regency of Highlord Bolvar Fordragon, while Lady Katrana Prestor (the black dragon Onyxia) manipulated the government. The circumstances of Varian's disappearance and return were expanded upon in the Warcraft comic series, where it is revealed that two magically separated versions of him existed. Anduin recognized that the compliant version returned to Stormwind was not his true father and alerted Bolvar. This led to Onyxia abducting Anduin, forcing both versions of Varian to suspend their conflict and cooperate to rescue him. After the confrontation with Onyxia, the two versions were reunited, and Varian resumed the throne.

In Their Own Story

Upon returning to Stormwind, Varian faced immediate friction with his son Anduin regarding leadership styles. Varian attempted to prevent Anduin from training as a priest, believing he should emulate him as a warrior. This conflict escalated during the events of World of Warcraft: The Shattering when Moira Thaurissan seized Ironforge; while Varian prepared to kill her, Anduin intervened and persuaded his father to spare her, preventing civil war. Varian later participated in the assault on the Broken Shore in World of Warcraft: Legion, where he was killed during the fight against the Burning Legion. Following his death, Anduin succeeded him as king, eventually visiting the site of Varian's death to receive his father's sword from Genn Greymane before resolving to lead the Alliance.

Reader's Guide

Varian Wrynn is depicted primarily through his contrast with his son, Anduin. While Anduin embraces the Holy Light and diplomacy, Varian embodies a warrior identity and militarism. Designers noted that their conflict was central to Anduin's development into an independent character. In a 2017 interview regarding World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth, designers Alex Afrasiabi and Shani Edwards clarified that while they gave Anduin more active battlefield roles, he remained a priest to understand both Light and Shadow, distinguishing him from his father. Varian's death in Legion serves as the pivotal turning point where Anduin transitions from prince to king, inheriting leadership of the Alliance.

Did You Know?

• Varian Wrynn had two magically separated versions that existed simultaneously before being reunited during the rescue of his son, Anduin.
• His death occurred in World of Warcraft: Legion during the Alliance assault on the Broken Shore.
• Varian's relationship with his son was strained by his attempt to prevent Anduin from training as a priest rather than a warrior.
• Highlord Bolvar Fordragon served as regent and acting father figure to Anduin during Varian's unexplained absence.
• Anduin eventually received his father's sword from Genn Greymane at the site of Varian's death.