Arthas Menethil

{{#if:Neutral\|{{#ifeq:-\|-\|\|Template:Sort}}[[File:{{#switch:neutral\|alliance=Alliance\|boss=Boss\|combat=Combat\|hostile=Combat\|horde=Horde\|aldor=Aldor\|scryers=Scryers\|kirin tor=Kirin Tor\|rare=Rare\|elite=Elite\|both=Both\|kyrian=Kyrian\|necrolord=Necrolord\|night fae=Night Fae\|venthyr=Venthyr\|neutral\|#default=Neutral}}_{{#switch:{{{2}}}\|xlarge=64\|large=32\|small=15\|#default=32}}.png\|{{#switch:neutral\|alliance=Alliance\|boss=Boss\|combat=Mob\|hostile=Mob\|horde=Horde\|aldor=Aldor\|scryers=Scryers\|kirin tor=Kirin Tor\|rare=Rare\|elite=Elite\|both=Alliance & Horde\|kyrian=Kyrian\|necrolord=Necrolord\|night fae=Night Fae\|venthyr=Venthyr\|neutral\|#default=Neutral}}\|link={{#switch:neutral\|alliance=Alliance\|boss=Mob\|combat=Mob\|hostile=Combat\|horde=Horde\|aldor=Aldor\|scryers=Scryers\|kirin tor=Kirin Tor\|rare=Rare mob\|elite=Elite mob\|kyrian=Kyrian Covenant\|necrolord=Necrolord Covenant\|night fae=Night Fae Covenant\|venthyr=Venthyr Covenant\|both\|neutral\|#default=Faction}}]]}}Arthas Menethil
	{{#if:\|Template:SlidesToTabber\|{{#ifeq:warcraft iii tft box artwork.png\|no\|\|{{#ifexist:File:Warcraft III TFT box artwork.png\|[[File:{{#setmainimage:Warcraft III TFT box artwork.png}}\|frameless\|200x300px\|Image of Arthas Menethil]]\|[[File:{{#switch:human \|abomination\|annihilan\|anubisath\|arcane elemental\|arcane golem\|banshee\|basilisk\|bear\|beast\|centaur\|chicken\|colossus\|crocolisk\|crypt fiend\|dire troll\|dragonhawk\|faerie dragon\|fox\|frog\|furbolg\|gargoyle\|gnoll\|lich\|lizard\|mechanical\|ogre\|penguin\|qiraji\|quilboar\|ram\|satyr\|sea serpent\|serpent\|sheep\|silithid worker\|snake\|spectre\|sprite\|toad\|trogg\|tuskarr\|wisp\|wyvern\|zombie={{#replace:{{#replace:{{#replace:{{#replace:Human\|elemental\|Elemental}}\|fury\|Elemental}}\|Unbound}}\| }} nopic.jpg \|animated object=Animatedobject nopic.jpg \|harvest golem=Harvest golem nopic.jpg \|air elemental\|lightning elemental\|air fury=AirElemental nopic.jpg \|ancient\|corrupted ancient\|ancient of war\|ancient of lore\|ancient protector\|ancient of wind\|tree of life=Ancient nopic.jpg \|bat=Bat nopic.jpg \|boar\|dire boar\|helboar=Boar nopic.jpg \|bog beast=Bog beast nopic.jpg \|crab=Crab nopic.jpg \|core hound=Corehound nopic.jpg \|deer\|stag=Deer nopic.jpg \|demon\|felguard\|inquisitor\|wrathguard=Demon nopic.jpg \|dreadlord\|nathrezim=Dreadlord nopic.jpg \|doomguard\|doomlord=Doomguard nopic.jpg \|draenei=Draenei nopic.jpg \|dragon\|bronze drake\|blue drake\|red drake\|green drake\|black drake\|chromatic drake\|bronze dragon\|blue dragon\|red dragon\|green dragon\|black dragon=Dragon nopic.jpg \|drakonid\|bronze drakonid\|blue drakonid\|red drakonid\|black drakonid\|green drakonid\|chromatic drakonid=Drakonid nopic.jpg \|dragonspawn\|black dragonspawn\|blue dragonspawn\|red dragonspawn\|bronze dragonspawn\|green dragonspawn\|chromatic dragonspawn=Dragonspawn nopic.jpg \|dragon whelp\|black whelp\|blue whelp\|red whelp\|bronze whelp\|green whelp\|chromatic whelp=Dragonwhelp nopic.jpg \|devilsaur=Devilsaur nopic.jpg \|dryad=Dryad nopic.jpg \|eagle\|falcon\|hawk\|owl\|condor\|raven\|vulture\|roc\|bird=Eagle nopic.jpg \|earth elemental\|unbound earth elemental\|bound earth elemental\|earth fury\|azerite elemental\|ice elemental\|ice fury=EarthElemental nopic.jpg \|eye of kilrogg\|beholder eye=Eye nopic.jpg \|eye stalk\|tentacle=Eyestalk nopic.jpg \|felhunter\|felhound=Felhunter nopic.jpg \|fire elemental\|unbound fire elemental\|bound fire elemental\|fire fury\|slag elemental\|entropic elemental=FireElemental nopic.jpg \|fish\|carp\|goldfish\|grouper=Grouper nopic.jpg \|forsaken=Forsaken{{#switch:Male\|Male\|Female=male\|}} nopic.jpg \|ghoul=Ghoul nopic.jpg \|golem\|iron golem\|dwarven golem\|war golem=Golem nopic.jpg \|gryphon\|hippogryph=Gryphon nopic.jpg \|horse\|unicorn=Horse nopic.jpg \|imp\|flamekin\|grell=Imp nopic.jpg \|hydra\|mandragora\|helhound=Hydra nopic.jpg \|kobold\|snobold=Kobold nopic.jpg \|kodo\|clefthoof\|mushan\|thunder lizard=Kodo nopic.jpg \|mana wyrm\|arcane wyrm=Manawyrm nopic.jpg \|mountain giant\|frost giant\|stone giant\|molten giant\|ice giant=Mountaingiant nopic.jpg \|mouse\|rat=Mouse nopic.jpg \|murloc\|deep sea murloc\|gorloc=Murloc nopic.jpg \|nature elemental\|treant=NatureElemental nopic.jpg \|observer=Observer nopic.jpg \|ogre mage=Ogre2 nopic.jpg \|ooze\|oozeling=Ooze nopic.jpg \|panther\|house cat\|frostsaber\|manasaber\|snow leopard\|nightsaber\|lynx\|tiger\|lion\|cougar=Panther nopic.jpg \|pterrordax=Pterrordax nopic.jpg \|rabbit\|wolpertinger=Rabbit nopic.jpg \|raptor\|ravasaur\|skeletal raptor=Raptor nopic.jpg \|revenant\|lightning revenant\|void revenant\|ice revenant\|water revenant=Revenant nopic.jpg \|scorpion\|scorpid=Scorpion nopic.jpg \|sea giant=seagiant nopic.jpg \|shade\|wraith=Shade nopic.jpg \|shark=Shark nopic.jpg \|scarab\|carrion beetle\|silithid scarab=Scarab nopic.jpg \|spirit healer=spirit healer nopic.jpg \|skeleton\|skeletal mage\|skeletal warrior=Skeleton nopic.jpg \|spider\|fire spider\|spider demon\|bone spider\|venom spider\|tarantula=spider nopic.jpg \|spitter=Spitter nopic.jpg \|succubus\|sayaad=Succubus nopic.jpg \|turtle\|dragon turtle=Turtle nopic.jpg \|wasp\|ravager wasp\|silithid wasp=Silithid wasp nopic.jpg \|water elemental\|unbound water elemental\|bound water elemental\|water fury=WaterElemental nopic.jpg \|wildkin\|owlkin\|moonkin=Wildkin nopic.jpg \|wolf\|frost wolf\|garn\|worg\|spirit wolf=Wolf nopic.jpg \|worm\|rock borer=Worm nopic.jpg \|carrion worm\|jormungar\|rockworm=Rockworm nopic.jpg \|voidwalker=Manasurge nopic.jpg \|harpy\|human\|naga=Human{{#switch:Male\|Male\|Female=male\|}} nopic.jpg \|blood elf\|high elf\|wretched\|withered=BloodElf{{#switch:Male\|Male\|Female=male\|}} nopic.jpg \|dwarf\|dark dwarf\|dark iron dwarf\|earthen\|wildhammer dwarf=Dwarf{{#switch:Male\|Male\|Female=male\|}} nopic.jpg \|gnome\|leper gnome=Gnome{{#switch:Male\|Male\|Female=male\|}} nopic.jpg \|goblin=Goblin{{#switch:Male\|Male\|Female=male\|}} nopic.jpg \|nerubian=Nerubian nopic.jpg \|night elf\|night elf ghost=NightElf{{#switch:Male\|Male\|Female=male\|}} nopic.jpg \|orc\|fel orc\|dire orc\|mag'har orc=Orc{{#switch:Male\|Male\|Female=male\|}} nopic.jpg ‎ \|tauren=Tauren{{#switch:Male\|Male\|Female=male\|}} nopic.jpg \|titan\|titanic watcher\|keeper=Titan{{#switch:Male\|Male\|Female=male\|}} nopic.jpg \|troll\|ice troll\|forest troll\|jungle troll\|darkspear troll\|zandalari troll\|zandalar troll\|sand troll=Troll{{#switch:Male\|Male\|Female=male\|}} nopic.jpg \|totem\|healing ward\|serpent ward=Totem nopic.jpg \|wind serpent\|skeletal wind serpent=Windserpent nopic.jpg \|undead=Undead nopic.jpg \|worgen=Worgen nopic.jpg \|{{#switch:{{{creature}}}\|Aberration=Aberration nopic.jpg\|Beast=Beast nopic.jpg\|Critter\|Battle Pet\|Battle pet=Critter nopic.jpg\|Demon=Demon nopic.jpg\|Dragonkin=Dragonkin nopic.jpg\|Elemental=Elemental nopic.jpg\|Mechanical=Mechanical nopic.jpg\|Giant=Giant nopic.jpg\|Humanoid=Humanoid nopic.jpg\|Undead=Undead nopic.jpg\|Noimagechar.png}} }}\|frameless\|200x300px{{#if:Warcraft III TFT box artwork.png\|\|link=https://turtle-wow.wiki/index.php?title=Special:Upload&wpDestFile=Warcraft+III+TFT+box+artwork.png}}%7CNo image available]]}}}}}}
Title	{{#if:\|<{{{title}}}>\|Champion of Ner'zhul, Blessed Lord,<ref name="SunwellTrilogy">The Sunwell Trilogy</ref> King of Lordaeron, Lich King; Formerly:; Crown Prince of Lordaeron}} {{#if:\|<ref>{{{title ref}}}</ref>}}
Gender	Male
Race{{#if:\|(s)}}	{{#if:\|{{{races}}}\|{{#ifeq:Human\|\|Unknown\|Human}} {{#if:\|({{{creature}}})}}}}
Level	{{#ifeq:\|-1\|Template:Maxlevel\|}}
Heroic level	{{#if:\|{{{hlevel}}} }}
Affiliation	{{#if:\|[[{{{city}}}]]\|Scourge}}
Former affiliation(s)	Lordaeron, Alliance of Lordaeron, Knights of the Silver Hand
Occupation	The Lich King
Status	Alive
Relative(s)	Terenas (father),; Calia (sister),; Jaina (former lover)
Mentor(s)	Uther the Lightbringer, Muradin Bronzebeard
Companion(s)	Ner'zhul (conjoined spirit)
Pet family	{{#if:\|[[{{{pet}}}]]}}
[[{{{instance}}}]]
	{{{{{instance}}}}}
	{{#if:\|Source(s): }}

{{#if:||{{#switch:{{{pet}}}

|basilisk|bear|beetle|boar|clefthoof|crab|crocolisk|direhorn|gorilla|porcupine|rhino|riverbeast|scorpid|shale spider|turtle|warp stalker|worm = }}}}

"Nothing shall prevent me from having my revenge, old friend. Not even you. Now, I call out to the spirits of this place. I will give anything, or pay any price, if only you will help me save my people."

— Arthas, just prior to claiming Frostmourne

Arthas Menethil, Crown Prince of Lordaeron and Knight of the Silver Hand, was the son of King Terenas Menethil II and heir to the throne. He was trained as a paladin by Uther the Lightbringer and was inducted into the Order of the Silver Hand. Arthas also had a romantic relationship with the kind sorceress Jaina Proudmoore. Committed to the protection of his people, Arthas was determined to stop the plague spreading throughout Lordaeron.

Despite his promising beginnings, Arthas became one of the most powerful and evil beings Azeroth would ever know. Although he killed the necromancer Kel'Thuzad, Arthas was unable to stop the spread of the plague and resorted to increasingly desperate methods, such as purging the city of Stratholme. Taking up the cursed runeblade Frostmourne, Arthas was able to defeat the demon Mal'Ganis, but he lost his soul in the process. Becoming a death knight of the Scourge, he led the undead in destroying Lordaeron, Quel'Thalas, and Dalaran. Arthas later made his way to the Frozen Throne of Icecrown and merged with the Lich King.

Biography

A New Generation

Prince Arthas Menethil was born to King Terenas Menethil II as his only son, growing into a strong, confident young man. The young Prince was trained as a warrior by Muradin Bronzebeard – brother to King Magni of Ironforge – and despite his youth, was considered to be one of the finest swordsmen in Lordaeron. At the tender age of nineteen Arthas was inducted into the Order of the Silver Hand under the command of Lord Uther. The kindly Uther, who had been like a brother to King Terenas for years, considered the Prince more of a favored nephew than a pupil. Though headstrong and somewhat arrogant, none could dispute Arthas' bravery and tenacity. When the troll warbands of Zul'Aman began raiding the settlements along the Quel'Thalassian border, Arthas was quick to hunt down the savages and put an end to their rampage.<ref name="WCIIIM">Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Game Manual#Human History</ref>

Yet despite his heroics, the citizenry of Lordaeron obsessed over the young Prince's personal life. Rumors of a budding romance between Arthas and Lady Jaina Proudmoore had surfaced and set the kingdom ablaze. Jaina was the youngest daughter of Admiral Proudmoore, a childhood friend of Arthas. However, the beautiful, yet shy young woman was also the star pupil of the Kirin Tor – the Wizard Council of Dalaran. Tutored by the revered Archmage, Antonidas, Jaina was heralded as a prodigy and excelled at magical research and investigation. Despite the rigors of their duties, Arthas and Jaina managed to maintain a close relationship. Given King Terenas' age and deteriorating health, the citizenry was pleased to see that their beloved Prince would marry and carry on the royal bloodline.<ref name="WCIIIM" />

Embarrassed by the public attention, Arthas and Jaina kept their affair as private as possible. But Jaina, committed to her studies in Dalaran, knew that their romance could not last. She had studied the ways of magic her whole life and knew that her true calling was the pursuit of knowledge – not the trappings of the throne room. Much to the frustration of Lordaeron's citizenry, the two lovers reluctantly parted ways and refocused themselves on their duties.<ref name="WCIIIM" />

During the trial of Tirion Fordring in Stratholme, Arthas served as one of the four jurors. Like the other judges, he was shocked when Tirion admitted his guilt, which led the paladin to his excommunication and his exile.<ref>Of Blood and Honor</ref>

Knight of the Silver Hand

Troubles began to stir in Lordaeron. Orcs broke free of their internment camps, and there was distressing news of a plague that had gripped the northlands. Arthas and Uther were sent to Strahnbrad to defend the town from orcish raids.<ref>The Defense of Strahnbrad (WC3 Human)</ref> The young prince defeated the black drake Searinox to retrieve its heart for the dwarf Feranor Steeltoe to forge into an Orb of Fire. Arthas used this magical item to help defeat the orcs and kill the Blackrock clan blademaster leading the raids.<ref>Blackrock & Roll (WC3 Human)</ref>

Plague of Undeath

Weeks later a more vile threat arose in the form of the Plague of Undeath. Jaina was sent to help Arthas, now 24 years old, investigate the strange disease. They fought against the undead at an infested granary, then encountered the necromancer Kel'Thuzad in the town of Brill and pursued him to Andorhal.<ref>Ravages of the Plague (WC3 Human)</ref>

Kel'Thuzad had already infected the stored grain in Andorhal and shipped it out to outlying villages. Before Arthas killed him, Kel'Thuzad spoke of Mal'Ganis, a nathrezim demon who led the Scourge.<ref>The Cult of the Damned</ref> Jaina and Arthas traveled north to confront him in Stratholme.

Along the way, Arthas and Jaina stopped at Hearthglen where they hoped to rest. Instead, they were warned of an approaching army of undead. Arthas ordered Jaina to find Uther and seek his aid while he remained behind to defend the town. To his horror, Arthas discovered that the plague was not merely a means of mass murder, but rather the means of turning innocent townsfolk into undead creatures. Arthas' forces barely held out and were on the verge of defeat when Uther arrived with reinforcements and saved the village.<ref>March of the Scourge (WC3 Human)</ref>

While traveling to Stratholme, Arthas was met by the enigmatic prophet Medivh. He gave him the same advice he gave Terenas — to travel west to Kalimdor, as fighting the undead would speed up the delivery of Lordaeron to them. Arthas argued that his place was with his people, and vowed that he would not abandon them. Jaina suggested that the prophet might be right, but Arthas paid her no heed and continued to Stratholme.<ref>The Prince and the Prophet (WC3 Human)</ref>

The Culling of Stratholme

When he arrived at Stratholme, Arthas found that the grain had already been distributed. He knew the people of Stratholme would soon become undead, and ordered Uther and his knights to purge the entire city. Horrified, Uther rebuked him by saying he would not follow such an order even if Arthas were already king. Proclaiming that Uther had committed treason, Arthas relieved him of his command and suspended his paladins from service. Several soldiers left with Uther — as did Jaina — while those who remained loyal to Arthas joined him in slaughtering the infected citizens.

As Arthas began to slay the citizens of Stratholme, he was met by Mal'Ganis himself, who was working to claim their souls. Arthas sought to destroy them before Mal'Ganis could reach them, and eventually demanded a final showdown with the dreadlord. Mal'Ganis slipped away, however, vowing to meet him in Northrend. Arthas then set fire to Stratholme, and those fires burn to this day.<ref>The Culling (WC3 Human)</ref>

Northrend

Arthas followed Mal'Ganis with a detachment of his troops. They arrived a month later in Daggercap Bay. As they searched for a proper place to set up camp, Arthas' men came under gunfire before being recognized by the dwarven explorers' guild. Arthas was shocked to come upon his good friend and former mentor Muradin Bronzebeard. At first, Muradin thought Arthas was leading a rescue party sent to save his men, who had been besieged by the undead as they searched for the runeblade Frostmourne, but Arthas admitted it was mere coincidence. Together they destroyed the nearby undead camp, but there was still no sign of Mal'Ganis.<ref>The Shores of Northrend (WC3 Human)</ref>

As Muradin and Arthas continued their search for Frostmourne, an emissary from Lordaeron arrived in a zeppelin and spoke to the captain of Arthas' forces. He bore orders from Uther and Terenas, instructing Arthas and his men to return home. When Arthas returned to his base, the men had abandoned their posts and were making their way through the forest towards their ships. Arthas had no intention of leaving before Mal'Ganis was destroyed. With the help of some indigenous mercenaries, he managed to reach and burn his ships before his men got to them. When his men arrived, Arthas betrayed the mercenaries by accusing them of destroying the ships. To Muradin's disgust, they were promptly killed. Arthas told his men they had no means of going home, and the only way they were leaving Northrend was through victory.<ref>Dissension (WC3 Human)</ref>

Frostmourne

Arthas and his troops continued to press on to Draktharon Keep in search of Frostmourne. As he arrived, Mal'Ganis appeared to him, and foretold his death. Arthas went to search for Frostmourne with Muradin, leaving his captain to defend the camp.

Using an ancient waygate Arthas, Muradin, and a small group of men traveled to the vicinity of the fabled runeblade. Arthas was soon confronted by the Guardian, who tried to keep him from Frostmourne, apparently for his own protection. The Guardian fell, and Arthas and Muradin claimed their prize. Muradin, reading an inscription, reported that the blade was cursed. He pleaded with Arthas to forget his desire for vengeance and lead his men home, but Arthas was adamant. Arthas asked the spirits of the cavern for the sword to be released from its icy prison, proclaiming that he would "give anything or pay any price, if only they will help him save his people". When the weapon broke free, Muradin was struck by a rogue shard of ice, killing him. Arthas discarded his warhammer and then picked Frostmourne up and returned to his base. With Frostmourne in hand, Arthas defeated Mal'Ganis's army, destroyed his base, and finally confronted the demon.

Mal'Ganis told him that the voice he was now hearing was that of the Lich King and asked what he was telling him. Arthas replied that voice was instructing him to destroy Mal'Ganis, much to the dreadlord's surprise. After slaying the dreadlord, Arthas wandered off into the frozen wastelands of Northrend. Tormented by Frostmourne's maddening voice, Arthas soon lost the last vestiges of his sanity.<ref>Frostmourne (WC3 Human)</ref>

Champion of the Lich King

Betrayal

Arthas returned to Lordaeron months later, and the kingdom rejoiced at the return of its champion. Flanked by two of his followers, Arthas entered the imperial chamber and knelt before the throne. After telling his father that he no longer needed to bear the weight of his crown, Arthas walked up to Terenas and ran Frostmourne through his heart.<ref>Arthas' Betrayal (WC3 Human)</ref> The king's bloodied, broken crown remains lost to this day.

A few days later, Arthas appeared in Vandermar Village at the bidding of his new master, the Lich King. There he met Tichondrius the Darkener, a dreadlord like Mal'Ganis. Thinking that the dreadlord was Mal'Ganis out for revenge, Arthas immediately threatened him, only to discover that this dreadlord had come to congratulate Arthas for his efforts. When spoken to Arthas said he no longer felt remorse for any of his actions. Tichondrius explained that the sword was forged by the Lich King and empowered to steal souls, and that Arthas' own soul was the first one it had claimed.<ref>Trudging through the Ashes (WC3 Undead)</ref>

Tichondrius tasked Arthas with gathering the members of the vile Cult of the Damned that were hiding in Vandermar, learning that Kel'Thuzad had expected him, much to his surprise. They aided him with their magical abilities as he traveled to Andorhal where he was to recover Kel'Thuzad's corpse. Arthas initially asked as to why they couldn't reanimate him on the spot, only to be informed by a cultist that a being like Kel'Thuzad required a powerful energy source. He confronted the paladin guarding the crypt, Gavinrad the Dire, and recovered the remains of the necromancer after killing Gavinrad. This brought Kel'Thuzad's ghost into being, and he secretly instructed Arthas not to trust the dreadlords.

Kel'Thuzad's remains were badly decomposed and needed to be taken to the mystical Sunwell in Quel'Thalas to be revived. To ensure that the remains would survive the trip, Arthas was tasked with taking a special urn that was being held by the Knights of the Silver Hand. Arthas killed two paladins, Ballador the Bright and Sage Truthbearer, who both condemned Arthas' betrayal. He then faced Uther the Lightbringer, who explained that the urn held the ashes of his father, King Terenas. The two engaged in a fight, and eventually Uther fell, telling Arthas he hoped there was a special place in hell waiting for him. Arthas replied that they would never know because he intended to live forever, then delivered the killing blow before seizing the urn. Arthas had the remains of Kel'Thuzad placed within the urn, and then began the long journey to Quel'Thalas.<ref>Digging up the Dead (WC3 Undead)</ref> To breach the elven kingdom, he gained an ally in Dar'Khan Drathir.<ref name="SunwellTrilogy" />

Fall of Quel'Thalas

Arthas met heavy resistance from the elves, rallied by Ranger-General Sylvanas Windrunner. Driving their forces before his undead army, he steadily pushed her people back in a swath of destruction towards Silvermoon, breaching the kingdom's two elfgates with ease.<ref>Into the Realm Eternal (WC3 Undead)</ref><ref>Key of the Three Moons (WC3 Undead)</ref> Sylvanas tried to warn the vast elven capital of the coming of the Scourge, but Arthas destroyed her camps and killed the Ranger-General. To make her pay for her perceived insolence towards him, Arthas corrupted her elven spirit, transforming it into a horrendous twisted form (a banshee) and enslaving her to the will of the Lich King, forcing her to slay her own people.

Arthas and the marching armies of the Scourge annihilated Silvermoon, leaving it in ruins. Arthas then used the Sunwell to bring Kel'Thuzad back as an undead lich.<ref>The Fall of Silvermoon (WC3 Undead)</ref>

Destruction of Dalaran

As the pair traveled to Alterac, Kel'Thuzad explained the full extent of the "second invasion" and the Lich King's plan.<ref>The Revelation</ref> Arthas and Kel'Thuzad went to the Alterac Mountains to destroy encampments of Blackrock clan orcs who possessed a functional demon gate, which the lich would use to speak to the demon lord Archimonde. The Scourge destroyed the orcs to secure the portal for themselves. Archimonde instructed them to march to Dalaran and acquire the spellbook of Medivh so he could be summoned into Azeroth.<ref>Blackrock & Roll, Too!</ref>

Despite the Kirin Tor's valiant efforts to repel the invasion, the Scourge fought through their magical defenses and fortifications, killed the Archmage Antonidas and claimed the Book of Medivh.<ref>The Siege of Dalaran (WC3 Undead)</ref>

Arthas and his troops repelled the mages' vast counterattack as Kel'Thuzad began the lengthy summoning of the demon lord, reinforced by the Burning Legion's forces as the ritual progressed. Once Archimonde arrived, he proclaimed that the Lich King was of no further use to the Legion, and Tichondrius was placed in command of the Scourge. Arthas was left to wonder what would become of him and Kel'Thuzad, but the lich replied that all was going as the Lich King foresaw.<ref>Under the Burning Sky</ref> The pair disappeared as Archimonde took his revenge on the city, destroying Dalaran with a single powerful ritual.<ref>The Destruction of Dalaran (WC3 Undead)</ref>

Invasion of Kalimdor

Arthas was next seen in Kalimdor, as part of the Legion's invasion. Arthas sensed Illidan Stormrage's yearning for power and approached him in Felwood. He told the recently freed demon hunter how to claim the skull's powers as his own, whereupon he could destroy Tichondrius. Illidan agreed to his plan, and Arthas disappeared again.<ref>A Destiny of Flame and Sorrow (WC3 NightElf)</ref>

Return to Lordaeron

Archimonde left a trio of dreadlords behind in the ruined palace gardens of Lordaeron to ensure that the nation remained under control, and to watch over the cunning servitors of Ner'zhul. When the demon lord was defeated, however, they were not originally aware of it. This changed several months later, when Arthas returned to reclaim his throne. He threatened the dreadlords, who immediately fled, and then called Sylvanas and Kel'Thuzad to his side to stop a large group of human refugees, who were led by the paladins Halahk the Lifebringer, Magroth the Defender, and Dagren the Orcslayer as they tried to stall the Scourge so they could escape into the canyons, where the undead would have difficulty hunting them. However, during the climax of the battle, Arthas had a painful seizure, and felt the Lich King calling out to him. Despite his diminished powers, Arthas fought on until all the humans in the area were killed.<ref>King Arthas (WC3 Undead)</ref>

Little did Arthas know that the Lich King's power had dwindled to the point that Sylvanas was no longer under his control. In secret, she attended a meeting with the three dreadlords, who told her that the Lich King's power was waning, and so the time had come to claim her vengeance.<ref>A Kingdom Divided (WC3 Undead)</ref>

As Arthas returned to the capital city with Kel'Thuzad to discuss the threat, he was separated from Kel'Thuzad by the dreadlords, who attempted to kill him with several ghouls. Arthas killed the rogue undead and was forced to collect what loyalists he could find and fight his way through the dreadlords' forces, which included the powerful abomination Bloodfeast. As he arrived on the city's limits, he was saved by a cadre of banshees, who told him that Sylvanas had sent them to see him safely away.<ref>The Flight from Lordaeron (WC3 Undead)</ref> However, as they neared an empty spot in the forest, Arthas received another vision from the Lich King, who told him he'd been betrayed. Sylvanas then appeared and shot him with a paralyzing arrow, promising to torture him like he had done to her. Before she could start, Kel'Thuzad stepped in and chased her off with his forces.<ref>Sylvanas' Farewell (WC3 Undead)</ref>

The Lich King's mental cries pierced Arthas' mind - he was told to return to Northrend, for demonic forces (later revealed to be Illidan and the naga) were working to destroy the Frozen Throne and end the self-proclaimed king's reign. Immediately, Arthas prepared his fleet and set sail for Northrend, leaving Kel'Thuzad behind to watch over Lordaeron.

Escape to Northrend

Three weeks later, Arthas landed upon the familiar coast of Northrend, and unexpectedly found himself being attacked by blood elves led by Kael'thas, hungry for vengeance at their kingdom's destruction. Arthas was unexpectedly saved by a large crypt lord who introduced himself as Anub'arak, the former king of Azjol-Nerub. Kael'thas warned that though the preliminary scouting force may have fallen, their main army would not be so easily defeated, before teleporting away to safety.

Arthas worried that Kael'thas was right and that they would never reach the Citadel before Illidan could. However, Anub'arak revealed that they could use the ancient tunnels of Azjol-Nerub as a shortcut. With little choice, Arthas accepted the crypt lord's suggestion. While setting up a camp to fight to the passageway, Anub'arak suggested raiding the hoard of Sapphiron, an ancient blue dragon and servant of Malygos and using whatever treasures the dragon had to strengthen themselves. Not only did they slay the dragon, but Arthas used what power he had left to raise Sapphiron into a powerful frost wyrm.<ref>The Return to Northrend (WC3 Undead)</ref>

Race to the Frozen Throne

When he came to the doors of Azjol-Nerub, Arthas found himself being fired upon by dwarves, who revealed themselves to be followers of Muradin who had remained there when their leader was apparently killed. Now, they were led by Muradin's second in command, Baelgun. Leaving Sapphiron outside, Arthas battled through not only Baelgun's dwarves, but also the nerubian survivors, as he delved into the broken Spider Kingdom.

When Arthas faced off against Baelgun, the dwarf warned that the shifting earth had released an ancient evil from below the kingdom.<ref>Into the Shadow Web Caverns (WC3 Undead)</ref> As Arthas and Anub'arak delved deeper into the kingdom, that evil became apparent - the faceless ones, a powerful, vicious race thought only to exist in legend. Arthas and Anub'arak even managed to defeat the incredibly powerful forgotten one.<ref>The Forgotten Ones (WC3 Undead)</ref>

As they made their way to the Upper Kingdom, an earthquake collapsed part of the passage they were in, separating Anub'arak from Arthas. The young king had to rely upon his wits to see himself through several daunting booby traps before Anub'arak dug his way to Arthas. Once reunited, the crypt lord complimented the young death knight, saying he now understood why Ner'zhul had chosen him as his champion.<ref>Ascent to the Upper Kingdom</ref> As they climbed out of Azjol-Nerub, the Lich King contacted Arthas once again, and explained that he was losing his power because the Frozen Throne had been cracked and his energy was seeping from it. Ner'zhul replenished Arthas' powers, knowing he would need them in the coming battle.<ref>Boiling Point (WC3 Undead)</ref>

When they finally reached the surface, they immediately had to contend with Illidan's forces. Vashj's naga and Kael's blood elves were there to contest Arthas' minions at every turn. With Anub'arak's help, Arthas fought his way through their forces and magically activated the four Icecrown Obelisks around the glacier, opening the doors to the Frozen Throne. However, Illidan was waiting for him. Arthas warned him to leave Azeroth and never return.<ref>A Symphony of Frost and Flame (WC3 Undead)</ref>

In order to enter Icecrown Citadel and take the Frozen Throne, Arthas fought Illidan Stormrage in single combat in the shadow of the citadel.<ref>A Long Time Coming (WC3 Undead)</ref>

The Lich King triumphant

Arthas entered the hollow glacier and beheld a winding pinnacle chained to the ice. As he strode up the stairs towards his destiny, voices from the memories of the past flood his mind as he ascended. Finally, he reached the pinnacle and before him he saw an icy cask. Inside was a suit of armor, arranged as if seated on a massive throne. Now only one voice spoke to him - the rasping whisper of Ner'zhul:

"Return the blade... complete the circle... release me from this prison!"

With a great cry of strength, Arthas brought Frostmourne to bear against the Lich King's icy prison and with a haunting scream, the ice that encased the Frozen Throne and the armor exploded, and shards of the ice scattered on the ground. With Ner'zhul's helm at his feet, Arthas leaned forward, picked it up, and placed the unimaginably powerful artifact on his head.

"Now," they spoke together, "we are one."<ref>The Ascension</ref>

References

1 }}

| references-column-width | references-column-count references-column-count-{{{1}}} }} | {{#if:

| references-column-width }} }}"style="{{#if:|column-count:{{{1}}};}}{{#if:|column-width:30em;}}list-style-type:{{#switch:|upper-alpha|upper-roman|lower-alpha|lower-greek|lower-roman={{{group}}}|#default=decimal}};font-size:calc(80% + 2.1px);">

Preceded by:
Terenas Menethil II

Position:
Ruler of Lordaeron

Succeeded by:
Balnazzar

Preceded by:
Ner'zhul (alone)

Position:
Lich King of the Scourge
(conjoined spirits with Ner'zhul)

Succeeded by:
Incumbent