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"Lad, no one feels ready. No one feels that he deserves it. And you know why? Because no one does. It is grace, pure and simple. We are inherently unworthy, simply because we are 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 cannot ever truly become so. So stand there today, as I did, feeling that you cannot possibly deserve it or ever be worthy, and know that you are in the same place every single paladin has ever stood." - Uther to Arthas Menethil[ citation needed ]. (Rise of the Lich King, 58.)

Lord Uther the Lightbringer, or Sir Uther Lightbringer, was the first paladin of the Knights of the Silver Hand who 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.

His voice in Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness is the default knight voice. He is voiced by Michael McConnohie in Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos and has the recycled sound in Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne, he reprises his role during the script between him and Arthas in the Culling of Stratholme in World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King.

McConnohie also voiced new lines for Uther's spirit appearance inside the Halls of Reflection.[3]

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Biography

Rise to Paladinship

Uther was a knight and apprentice cleric to Archbishop Alonsus Faol during the First War,[4][5] 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.[6]

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.

At the Alonsus Chapel in Stratholme, 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.

Events of the Second War and after

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.[7][8] 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.[9] Uther completely eliminated the orc presence in Lordaeron and also aided Lothar in the final battle of Blackrock Spire.[10] He was named "Lightbringer" by Turalyon, a brother paladin who he had trained[11] and the lieutenant of Anduin Lothar, after the battle of Blackrock Spire.[12] Eventually, the Lightbringer led the final assault against the Burning Blade clan at the Dark Portal alongside Turalyon.[13]

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'.[14]

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.[8] Uther maintained peace in Lordaeron by settling civil disputes among men and suppressing demi-human uprisings throughout the realm.[15] At some point, the Lightbringer visited Caer Darrow once again.[16] 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.[17]

Of Blood and Honor

Years later, Uther led the trial 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 token to the former paladin was that his family, Karandra and Taelan, did not have to be exiled.

Coming of the Scourge

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, disbanded the Order of the Silver Hand, and sent him away.

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

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 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 the sword seemed to find its own way into Arthas' hands and he was granted more power by the Lich King. The battle had began to turn in Arthas' favor and Uther, covered in blood from his wounds, fell to his knees telling Arthas he hoped there was a special place in hell waiting for him. Arthas replied he intended to live forever before delivering the killing blow. Uther was slain by the hands of his former pupil, whom he loved dearly.[18]

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

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.

However, there are paladins who criticized him for the very things he is extolled for. They say that Uther was so loyal to the throne that he did not dare to stop Arthas from killing the citizens of Stratholme. By this dichotomy, Uther has come to be seen as a source of hope and inspiration to many, and a representation of blind devotion and negligence to others.

Personality

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.[1]

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 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.[1]

Equipment

Hammer of the Lightbringer

The two-handed hammer’s shaft is polished mahogany, while the head is adamantite. 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.[19]

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.[20]

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.[21]

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 Grand Master 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 that 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.[12]

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

World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft. This section concerns content exclusive to

Originally, Uther's Tomb in the Western Plaguelands was just a point on the map. With the addition of blood elf and draenei NPCs all over Azeroth, however, it brought Uther himself - albeit in ghost form - into World of Warcraft. 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 guard tower outside of Hearthglen to obtain the Mark of the Lightbringer.

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 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 [80] 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 finds a [Sealed Chest], containing multiple objects, among them a [Badge of the Silver Hand], and brings it to Uther's soul, 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.

In Cataclysm

This section concerns content exclusive to Cataclysm

This article contains lore taken from Warcraft novels or short stories

In Thrall: Twilight of the Aspects when Thrall is in the false timeline, he learns that in this timeline Arthas and Jaina have had a child, whom they named Uther Menethil.

Quotes

"Lad, no one feels ready. No one feels that he deserves it. And you know why? Because no one does . It is grace, pure and simple. We are inherently unworthy, simply because we are 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 cannot ever truly become so. So stand there today, as I did, feeling that you cannot possibly deserve it or ever be worthy, and know that you are in the same place every single paladin has ever stood."

. It is grace, pure and simple. We are inherently unworthy, simply because we are 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 cannot ever truly become so. So stand there today, as I did, feeling that you cannot possibly deserve it or ever be worthy, and know that you are in the same place every single paladin has ever stood." "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."

"Watch your tone with me, boy! You may be the prince, but I am still your superior as a paladin!"

"You are not my king yet, boy! Nor would I obey that command even if you were !"

my king yet, boy! Nor would I obey that command even if you !" "How can you even consider that? There's got to be some other way. This is not a blighted apple crop, this is a city full of human beings!"

"Your father ruled this land for seventy years, and you have ground it to dust in a matter of days." ( Arthas: Rise of the Lich King lists this as fifty years.)

lists this as fifty years.) "I dearly hope that there's a special place in Hell waiting for you, Arthas." (Last words)

"The urn holds your father's ashes, Arthas! What, were you hoping to piss on them one last time before you left his kingdom to rot?"

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

Trivia

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Notes

Name in Hebrew: אות'ר לייטברינגר

References

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Western Plaguelands Old Stratholme Halls of Reflection Memorial

Official Lore



