Changes: Uther the Lightbringer

Uther
Title	The Lightbringer,; Supreme Commander of the Paladin Order,; The First Paladin,; Lord, Sir
Gender	Male
Race(s)	Kyrian (part of his soul); Ghost (part of his soul); Former human
Class	Paladin, Knight, Cleric
Affiliation(s)	Forsworn
Former affiliation(s)	Knights of the Silver Hand, Church of the Holy Light, Kingdom of Lordaeron, Alliance of Lordaeron
Occupation	Forsworn Ascended
Former occupation(s)	First paladin and Supreme leader of the Silver Hand, Paladin trainer, Cleric of the Church of Light
Location	Kyrian part of his spirit resides in Bastion; Various
Status	Active ; Deceased (aged 64)
Mentor(s)	Alonsus Faol (in life),; Devos (in death)
Student(s)	Turalyon, Arthas Menethil, Mehlar Dawnblade
Companion(s)	Steadfast (steed)

Revision as of 09:30, 8 August 2021

This article is about the paladin Uther the Lightbringer. For Uther from another timeline, see Uther the Lightbringer (alternate universe). For Uther's Warcraft III statistics, see Uther (Warcraft III). For other uses, see Uther (disambiguation).

“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 the 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. Upon the Lightbringer's death, a portion of his soul appears to have been consumed by Frostmourne while another was deemed worthy of entering the plane of Bastion within the Shadowlands and becoming a kyrian.

Biography

Rise to paladinship

Uther was an apprentice cleric to Archbishop Alonsus Faol during the First War,^[7] and had been a worshiper 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. Uther would become an accomplished knight before the war.^[8]^[9]

When the survivors and refugees from the south emerged in Lordaeron, Uther went to Balnir Farmstead in order to get Prince 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.^[10]

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.^[9] 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.^[8] At the Alonsus Chapel in Stratholme,^[11] 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

This section concerns content related to Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness or its expansion Beyond the Dark Portal.

This section concerns content related to the Warcraft novels, novellas, or short stories.

Uther in WC2.

Uther TCG — 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 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^[3] during the Battle at Darrowmere.^[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^[6] 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. 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.^[3] Uther maintained peace in Lordaeron by settling civil disputes among men and suppressing demi-human uprisings throughout the realm.^[18] 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. Considering the prince more of a favored nephew than a pupil, Uther has taken a keen interest in Arthas' development and his wish to see Arthas become worthy of his father's crown is the only thing that has kept him from retiring and taking his due rest.^[18] Uther 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 withdrew into the spiritual aspect of the Light.^[10]

Later, when news of an upstart warchief rallying the few remaining orc clans in revolt against the orc internment camps began to unfold, King Terenas sent Uther and his paladins to quell the warchief's uprising. The crafty orcs could never be found, however. The young warchief proved to be something of a tactical genius – and evaded Uther's best efforts to corral his hit and run attacks.^[18]

Of Blood and Honor

This section concerns content related to the Warcraft novels, novellas, 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 from the Light, the paladinship and to be sent into exile. Because of their friendship, however, Uther's last courtesy to the former paladin was that his family, Karandra and Taelan, did not have to be exiled.^[19]

Coming of the Scourge

This section concerns content related to Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos or its expansion The Frozen Throne.

UthertheLightbringer2 — Uther in Warcraft III.

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 a 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.

At some point, Uther was to visit Caer Darrow once again,^[20] but the island fell to the plague before that.

Uther's death

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 began to turn in Arthas's favor. 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 they may never know because he intended to live forever, then delivered the killing blow. Uther was slain by the hands of his former pupil, whom he loved dearly.^[21]

At the moment of his death, the Lightbringer was praying to the Light to save his soul. Upon being stabbed by Frostmourne, his soul split in two: one half was seemingly devoured by Frostmourne, while the other traveled into the Shadowlands and was delivered to the realm of Bastion by the kyrian Devos, transforming into a kyrian Aspirant. Devos informed him that his selflessness in life had earned him the opportunity to shed his mortal burdens and train to become an Ascended ferrying souls to the Shadowlands. Uther struggled to accept his new purpose, as he felt that his work was not done and that he still had to bring Arthas to justice. Possibly also as a result of his split soul, his memories were fragmented leaving him simultaneously wondering about who he was in life, while also trying to forget what little remained. As time passed, Devos continued watching over Uther's soul, concerned that his soul seemed broken and that this was why he was failing to let go of his memories and ascend.

Eventually, Devos discovered that Uther's soul had been literally wounded by Frostmourne, a weapon she recognized as an instrument of the Maw—the realm of eternal suffering. She realized that the power of the Maw was running rampant on Azeroth and that if Uther's memories had been purged as the path demanded, the kyrian would've never learned of this danger. However, when she brought her concerns to the Archon, she was dismissed. In response, Devos returned to Uther and asked if he still wanted to punish Arthas. When Uther responded that he did, Devos allowed Uther to ascend without purging his memories, and told him that on the moment of Arthas' death, the two would claim his soul.^[22]

The Lightbringer moments before his death in Andorhal.
"Light, save my soul."
Uther's soul splitting.
Uther in Bastion as a kyrian Aspirant.
Devos explaining Uther's new purpose to him.
"He cannot let go..."
The wound left by Frostmourne.
Uther transforms into an Ascended.

Uther's Tomb

This section concerns content related to the original World of Warcraft.

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

Uther's Tomb since BfA.
Uther's Tomb before BfA.

The Burning Crusade

Ghost of Uther Lightbringer — Uther's ghost in his tomb in the *The Burning Crusade*

This section concerns content related to The Burning Crusade.

With the addition of draenei and blood elf NPCs all over Azeroth, Uther himself was brought back - 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 traveling to the tower outside of Hearthglen to obtain the [Mark of the Lightbringer]. As a result of his tomb's defilement, Uther's spirit was compelled to confront the adventurer. Uther's spirit expressed sorrow that Mehlar's heart had turned so dark, and hoped that his former pupil would see the Light again and turn his efforts to restoring Quel'Thalas.^[23]

Wrath of the Lich King

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

The portion of Uther's spirit trapped within Frostmourne was 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 [25-30D] 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.

Arthas was ultimately defeated at the Frozen Throne. At the moment of his death, the kyrian portion of Uther's soul claimed his spirit alongside Devos, seemingly bypassing the Arbiter. Uther prepared to cast Arthas' soul into the Maw but hesitated, sadly remembering that the Lich King had once been his student. Devos urged him to take his vengeance; Uther replied that it was not vengeance, but justice. He let go of Arthas and watched with satisfaction as he fell into the Maw.^[22]

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's ghost in the Halls of Reflection.
Uther's ghost in Icecrown Citadel.
Uther as a kyrian, holding Arthas over the Maw.
Uther casts Arthas into the Maw.
Uther and Devos.

Legion

Uther's Tomb and Uther's spirit — The ghost of Uther the Lightbringer in his tomb (updated in *Battle for Azeroth*).

This section concerns content related to Legion.

In the aftermath of Tirion Fordring's disappearance following the Battle for Broken Shore, Maxwell Tyrosus believed that contacting Uther's spirit would allow them to discover the current whereabouts of the Ashbringer.^[24] Thus, Maxwell and the Highlord journeyed to Uther's Tomb and entered after putting the nearby awakened ghosts to rest. Through the power of the Light, Maxwell was able to contact Uther, who revealed that they had to hurry if they wished to recover the Ashbringer and that Tirion still clung to life. Uther then departed, despite Maxwell trying to call him back.^[25]

Shadowlands

This section concerns content related to Shadowlands.

As adventurers journey through the Shadowlands, they encounter Uther who is struggling against dark forces that seek to transform him into a symbol of retribution.^[26]

During the Bastion storyline, Uther is seen among the ranks of the Forsworn, renegade kyrian who fight to retain their memories. When adventurers relive the memories of Lysonia, the lieutenant of Uther's mentor Devos, they find that Uther ("the vengeful one" as Lysonia calls him) was deliberately kept unaware of the pact with the Jailer, as he was judged "unready".^[27]^[28] During the [Kyrian Campaign], as the ascension ritual for the aspirant Kleia, Devos eventually reveals herself as the leader of the Forsworn, and she, Lysonia, and Uther lead the attack against the Spires of Ascension, shattering the Crest of Ascension to ensure there could be no more Ascended.^[29] After Devos is slain by the adventurers, Lysonia takes control, with Uther at her side.^[30]

After the kyrian and their mortal allies rebuild the crest and catch up to Lysonia in the Maw, Uther is horrified to discover that Lysonia is in fact under the thrall of Helya, who in turn is pledged to the Jailer. Lysonia is urged by Helya to take Uther's power to transform herself in order to topple the Archon, Kyrestia the Firstborne. The adventurers are able to stop Lysonia's ritual, and allow Uther to escape.^[31] Uther admits that he had turned a blind eye to Devos' allies, and was blinded by loyalty to Lysonia after Devos' fall. He asks not to be left behind in the Maw, and thus accompanies the adventurers back to Oribos.^[32]

Uther Kingsmourne — Uther watching Anduin entering Elysian Hold.

During the final confrontation at Elysian Hold, Lysonia reveals that the wound in Uther's soul caused by Frostmourne opened the power of the Maw to her, just as Uther himself arrives and joins the fight against her. After Lysonia falls, Uther submits to the Archon's mercy, admitting he did not understand what kind of monsters he had served.^[33] Thenios, the Paragon of Wisdom, volunteers to take Uther under his care to properly understand the damage done to him by Frostmourne. Uther accepts, saying that he too would like to understand. Uther also confides in the Maw Walker who joined the Kyrian that he regrets what he did to Arthas and rejecting his prior claim that it was justice.^[34]

Some time later, King Anduin Wrynn—who had secretly been turned into an unwilling servant of the Jailer—entered Elysian Hold for an "audience" with the Archon. At the time, Uther was being escorted out of the hold by two ascended. The sight of Anduin caused the former Lightbringer to reach up and touch the wound on his chest.^[35]

Legacy

UtherStatueSW — Uther's statue at Stormwind's Cathedral Square after the Cataclysm.

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.

Caverns of Time

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

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

Cataclysm

This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

After the Cataclysm, a statue of Uther replaced that of Alonsus Faol at Stormwind's Cathedral Square. Terran "Justice" Gregory and Deva Marie honored this great hero's memorial. The plaque of the statue reads:

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

The Scarlet Crusade recovered the Shroud of the Lightbringer as well as other artifacts, that they relocated to the barracks at Tyr's Hand.^[36] 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.

Locations

Notable appearances
Location	Level range	Health range
Western Plaguelands	??	1,676,700
Culling of Stratholme (instance)	80	126,000
Halls of Reflection	80	315,000
Icecrown Citadel	80	315,000
[10-45] The Light Reveals	113	1,150,587

Quests

[30] The Lightbringer's Redemption

In the RPG

This section contains information from the Warcraft RPG which is considered non-canon.

Uther is the one who signed the official ousting of the traitorous Alteraci nobility.

Personality

UtherHealing — 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.^[37]

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.^[37]

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.^[38]

Gloves of the Silver Hand

Uther Lightbringer is said to have been the first to enchant these gloves to aid him in the 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.^[39]

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.^[40]

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

Arthas: Rise of the Lich King

This section concerns content related to the Warcraft novels, novellas, or short stories.

"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

This section concerns content related to Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos or its expansion The Frozen Throne.

For unit quotes, see Quotes of Warcraft III/Human Alliance#Uther the Lightbringer.

"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 even 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."