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The Inspirations of Warcraft: A Wowhead Community Project
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Post by
Monday
- The Old Gods is based on the works of H.P.Lovecraft (C'thun -> Cthulhu, Yogg-Saron -> Yog-Sothoth).
- C'thun being in Silithus/Ahn'Qiraj, can possibly be a connection to Lovecraft's novel "Under the Pyramids".
- As these Lovecraftian monsters are described as cosmic beings, somehow explaining
Algalon
's appearance in Ulduar.
-
Dextren Ward
, likely a reference to Lovecraft's novel "The Case of Charles Dexter Ward".
About time we delved a bit into the classics, in my opinion ;)
Yay classics =D
Varian always seemed to me to be like Aragorn. While Aragorn didn't lose his memory, both were exiled (read:Not in control of their kingdom) kings who fought orcs for most of their lives, then came back into power. And Both journeyed with a small band (aka fellowship).
Post by
Adamsm
While Aragorn didn't lose his memory, both were exiled (read:Not in control of their kingdom) kings who fought orcs for most of their lives, then came back into powerMost of their lives? Varian missed out on the 1st and 2nd Wars beyond watching as a non-combatant, and then there was the stuff with Stormwind; I don't think he ever actually fought against the orcs till he was captured and put into the Gladiator rings.
Post by
Monday
While Aragorn didn't lose his memory, both were exiled (read:Not in control of their kingdom) kings who fought orcs for most of their lives, then came back into powerMost of their lives? Varian missed out on the 1st and 2nd Wars beyond watching as a non-combatant, and then there was the stuff with Stormwind; I don't think he ever actually fought against the orcs till he was captured and put into the Gladiator rings.
OK, not most of his life. The gladiator ring was what I was referring to when I said that, but I wan't sure how long he was in it.
Post by
Orranis
Thrall is a Scandinavian word for slave during the times of the vikings. Seen as the humans are supposedly descendants of the Vrykul, giant like men which are clear representations of the vikings, and Thrall was named this as the slave of a human, this would make sense. Also, in the original myth about the first Thrall he was supposed to be a strong yet incredibly ugly man, which is very close to the humans perception of the orcs.
Edit: Also, I was noticing that Argent listed Jotunheim (Giant Home/Giant Land/Giant Realm, roughly), but overlooked one. Utgarde is the fortress of the Jotun (Earth giants, or non-frost/fire giants more accurately) where there most elite train.
Edit: Also, Thorim "losing" his hammer amongst the giants is very reminiscent of the real Thor gettign his hammer stolen by giants. Also, Loken killing Sif reminds me of a lot of Loki tricking Hod into killing Balder.
Post by
HiVolt
The list has been updated, albeit not with the complete list from Nordic Northrend, or the extensions that others have noted from that blog.
I would really like to see more dealing with literature and major/important characters. I'll try to find some similarities to some major orcish characters to others in history. I've had a couple of ideas brewing about that already, particularly with Saurfang, Doomhammer, Hellscream, and Gul'dan.
Post by
Gnub
I've had a couple of ideas brewing about that already, particularly with Saurfang, Doomhammer, Hellscream, and Gul'dan.
Let's have it :)
Post by
HiVolt
I've had a couple of ideas brewing about that already, particularly with Saurfang, Doomhammer, Hellscream, and Gul'dan.
Let's have it :)
Hehe, I wanted to confirm my suspicions before I said anything. But, the one that I've checked so far, was that I thought Varok Saurfang has some similarities to
Subutai
.
The others, I'll wait until I've checked. But, my idea was that, these being some of the leaders and generals of the Horde, that they might be based on certain historic generals and leaders.
Post by
Patty
Anduin Lothar reminds me of King Elendil from LotR, who died against Sauron at Blackrock mountain. However, there does not seem to be a Gil-Galad character present against Orgrim Doomhammer.
Another LotR reference that must be noted is Medivh/Khadgar. Both share characteristics with Gandalf and Saruman; and Medivh does end up fighting against Khadgar (and his allies) and losing.
More Tolkien...Sargeras betraying the Pantheon is similar to Melkor (later known as Morgoth)'s abandonment of the Vala, which when extended relates to Lucifer (If we say that is Sargeras) and Michael is Aman'thul, or Manwe to keep it linked to Tolkien.
Witch King of Angmar and Arthas Menethil is a link which cannot be ignored.
--
There's a lot more things like this in my head - but I think I'll leave it for now. :P
Post by
Vaeku
I was bored so I started reading through wikipedia to find some comparisons between WoW and LoTR. Here's something interesting I found about the dwarves...
Apparently Tolkien said that there were seven dwarven clans. There are currently seven clans of dwarves in WoW.
In WoW, there are the Bronzebeard, Wildhammer, Dark Iron, Stormpike, Stonefist, Frostborn, and Iron dwarves (haven't found an actual clan name for them). And in LoTR, there are the Longbeards, Firebeards, Broadbeams, Ironfists, Stiffbeards, Blacklocks, and Stonefoots.
Another comparison between the dwarves is that only 3 of Tolkien's dwarf clans actually have histories (Longbeards, Firebeards, and Broadbeams). And as we know in WoW, three of the seven are the most well known (Bronzebeard, Wildhammer, and Dark Iron).
Post by
Orranis
Also I wanted to note the distinct similarities between the Dungeons and Dragons universe's Illithid (Also known as Mind Flayers) and the Faceless Ones. First of all, they are both purple skinned humanoid like beings with tentacle like appendages on/for faces. Also, both have their main forms of attack and communication being through psionics. The origins of the Illithid are under dispute, although many sources state that they came to existence at least 2,000 years before any given campaign, and such can both be labeled as "ancient evils." Right now the Illithids are locked in study that will give them knowledge to reconquer the universe, much like the Old Gods, as well as the fact they use their mental powers to influence mortal affairs. Also, in the center of their community they have an Elder Brain which is the combined thoughts and memories of all the Illithid, dead or alive, together. It floats in a strange liquid. This reminds me of Yogg-Saron and The Mind's Eye.
Post by
Monday
Also I wanted to note the distinct similarities between the Dungeons and Dragons universe's Illithid (Also known as Mind Flayers) and the Faceless Ones. First of all, they are both purple skinned humanoid like beings with tentacle like appendages on/for faces. Also, both have their main forms of attack and communication being through psionics. The origins of the Illithid are under dispute, although many sources state that they came to existence at least 2,000 years before any given campaign, and such can both be labeled as "ancient evils." Right now the Illithids are locked in study that will give them knowledge to reconquer the universe, much like the Old Gods, as well as the fact they use their mental powers to influence mortal affairs. Also, in the center of their community they have an Elder Brain which is the combined thoughts and memories of all the Illithid, dead or alive, together. It floats in a strange liquid. This reminds me of Yogg-Saron and The Mind's Eye.
mmmm.... the Faceless ones to me seem more like Cthonians to me, seeing as how they have tentacles and served an Old God, aka Old One.
Post by
Adamsm
The Beyonders of WoW are like the Beyonders of D&D as well heh.
Post by
Orranis
Also I wanted to note the distinct similarities between the Dungeons and Dragons universe's Illithid (Also known as Mind Flayers) and the Faceless Ones. First of all, they are both purple skinned humanoid like beings with tentacle like appendages on/for faces. Also, both have their main forms of attack and communication being through psionics. The origins of the Illithid are under dispute, although many sources state that they came to existence at least 2,000 years before any given campaign, and such can both be labeled as "ancient evils." Right now the Illithids are locked in study that will give them knowledge to reconquer the universe, much like the Old Gods, as well as the fact they use their mental powers to influence mortal affairs. Also, in the center of their community they have an Elder Brain which is the combined thoughts and memories of all the Illithid, dead or alive, together. It floats in a strange liquid. This reminds me of Yogg-Saron and The Mind's Eye.
mmmm.... the Faceless ones to me seem more like Cthonians to me, seeing as how they have tentacles and served an Old God, aka Old One.
What? Cthonians aren't even humanoid... They're burrower land squids who worship Shudde M'ell. They also have no psionic powers. I draw many more parallels with the Illithid. Perhaps Cthulhu himself, but not Cthonians.
Post by
Monday
Also I wanted to note the distinct similarities between the Dungeons and Dragons universe's Illithid (Also known as Mind Flayers) and the Faceless Ones. First of all, they are both purple skinned humanoid like beings with tentacle like appendages on/for faces. Also, both have their main forms of attack and communication being through psionics. The origins of the Illithid are under dispute, although many sources state that they came to existence at least 2,000 years before any given campaign, and such can both be labeled as "ancient evils." Right now the Illithids are locked in study that will give them knowledge to reconquer the universe, much like the Old Gods, as well as the fact they use their mental powers to influence mortal affairs. Also, in the center of their community they have an Elder Brain which is the combined thoughts and memories of all the Illithid, dead or alive, together. It floats in a strange liquid. This reminds me of Yogg-Saron and The Mind's Eye.
mmmm.... the Faceless ones to me seem more like Cthonians to me, seeing as how they have tentacles and served an Old God, aka Old One.
What? Cthonians aren't even humanoid... They're burrower land squids who worship Shudde M'ell. They also have no psionic powers. I draw many more parallels with the Illithid. Perhaps Cthulhu himself, but not Cthonians.
Ok so they aren't humanoid. Here's a description of them from wikipedia. Flowing tentacles and pulpy gray-black, elongated sack of a body...no distinguishing features at all other than the reaching, groping tentacles. Or was there—yes—a lump in the upper body of the thing...a container of sorts for the brain, basal ganglia, or whichever diseased organ governed this horror's loathsome life!
—Brian Lumley, The Burrowers Beneath
Chthonians are described as immense squids, with elongated worm-like bodies coated with slime. Despite their squid-like appearance, chthonians are land-dwellers and are even harmed by water.
The tentacles are what gave it away for me, along with living underground (Ahn'Kahet anyone?).
Same with serving Cthulhu (C'thun=Old God=Yogg-Saron) and they work in madness, again connected to the Old Ones.
Post by
Adamsm
I don't know; except for the named ones(which are possibly sentient's that Yogg transformed into Faceless ones), I've always thought of them as merely extensions or simple created creatures he forged to use as his 'hands' and 'legs' for jobs he couldn't reach. Similar to how C'thun transformed certain Silithids in the Quarj and the like, which is similar to the more eviler gods of mythology.
Post by
Orranis
Also I wanted to note the distinct similarities between the Dungeons and Dragons universe's Illithid (Also known as Mind Flayers) and the Faceless Ones. First of all, they are both purple skinned humanoid like beings with tentacle like appendages on/for faces. Also, both have their main forms of attack and communication being through psionics. The origins of the Illithid are under dispute, although many sources state that they came to existence at least 2,000 years before any given campaign, and such can both be labeled as "ancient evils." Right now the Illithids are locked in study that will give them knowledge to reconquer the universe, much like the Old Gods, as well as the fact they use their mental powers to influence mortal affairs. Also, in the center of their community they have an Elder Brain which is the combined thoughts and memories of all the Illithid, dead or alive, together. It floats in a strange liquid. This reminds me of Yogg-Saron and The Mind's Eye.
mmmm.... the Faceless ones to me seem more like Cthonians to me, seeing as how they have tentacles and served an Old God, aka Old One.
What? Cthonians aren't even humanoid... They're burrower land squids who worship Shudde M'ell. They also have no psionic powers. I draw many more parallels with the Illithid. Perhaps Cthulhu himself, but not Cthonians.
Ok so they aren't humanoid. Here's a description of them from wikipedia. Flowing tentacles and pulpy gray-black, elongated sack of a body...no distinguishing features at all other than the reaching, groping tentacles. Or was there—yes—a lump in the upper body of the thing...a container of sorts for the brain, basal ganglia, or whichever diseased organ governed this horror's loathsome life!
—Brian Lumley, The Burrowers Beneath
Chthonians are described as immense squids, with elongated worm-like bodies coated with slime. Despite their squid-like appearance, chthonians are land-dwellers and are even harmed by water.
The tentacles are what gave it away for me, along with living underground (Ahn'Kahet anyone?).
Same with serving Cthulhu (C'thun=Old God=Yogg-Saron) and they work in madness, again connected to the Old Ones.
The Mind Flayers also lived Underground. The Cthonians have no mental powers of their own, which the faceless do. I believe it was either Cthulhu himself or the Illithids, perhaps a blend of both, but not the Cthonians.
Post by
Monday
The Mind Flayers also lived Underground. The Cthonians have no mental powers of their own, which the faceless do. I believe it was either Cthulhu himself or the Illithids, perhaps a blend of both, but not the Cthonians.
Perhaps. I took another look at the Mind Flayers and decided it was so.
So I'm changing my view that Cthonians=Forgotten Ones.
Post by
Monday
OK, so recently I started reading the riftwar saga (halfway through the third atm)... and I was surprised by the number of similarities between them.
A rift forms between two planets (The dark portal)
Muscular enemy soldiers come through (orcs) with strange creatures (kinda ogres).
A war starts (first war).
A magician is captured and becomes incredibly powerful (to a lesser extent, Medivh)
A human tries to take over during the time of war (could be considered Blackmoore)
A Tsurani (the aliens) is a slave and captured, and learns the Midkemian (human) ways. (Thrall).
An evil power is attracted to the rifts (The Burning Legion)
There was an ancient war against an all powerful evil (War of the Ancients)
There were large and evil human-like creatures (Vrykul)
There are Dark-Elves (Evil, but could be considered Night Elves).
One of the Tsurani clans attacked the Dwarven Mines and Elven Forests (Khaz Modan and Quel'Thalas).
Because of political reasons the war machine of the aliens was halted (Gul'dan and the Tomb of Sargeras.)
First paladins I have seen (
Priest wielding a holy hammer that he throws
)
A cult that practices Necromancy
The zombies are harmed by the holy priest's magic.
That's all I have for now... so if you like it and it's not too late...
Post by
HiVolt
No it's not too late at all... I've just been a little bit too busy to update. Been working on a short story (non-Warcraft related).
But yeah, good observations.
For the Dark Elves, could they equated to Satyrs, Harpies, or Naga to align slightly better with the "evilness"?
Post by
Monday
Most likely Satyrs, as they still live in the trees.
Or possibly the San'layn as well, as many of them also live int he North and practice evil/shadow magics.
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