Tuesday, June 29, 2010

The Seven Wonders of Azeroth

With Cataclysm on its way, the face of World of Warcraft's Azeroth is soon to be changed forever. While we still can, I figured it would be entertaining to try an identify the seven most impressive locations in all of Azeroth: the Seven Wonders of Azeroth if you will. Keep in mind, this is just my opinion of the most epic places in World of Warcraft. Feel free to share your ideas in the comments.

Stormwind City

The seat of power for the kingdom of Stormwind and the largest Human city in all of Azeroth, Stormwind is stuffed from wall to wall with architectural wonders. Rebuilt after being razed by Orcs by the able hands of the masons now known as the Defias, Stormwind's scale and design is breath taking.

Whether taking in a cool breeze at Stormwind Harbor, marveling at the statues in the Valley of Heroes, reflecting in the Cathedral of the Light, or visiting Stormwind Keep, the city presents wonder after wonder and is therefore more than deserving of a spot on this list.

Stonewrought Dam

Built by the Dwarves of Ironforge to grow Loch Modan and drain the Wetlands, the Stonewrought Dam is one of Azeroth's most striking and impressive constructs. Adorned with massive stone heads spewing the Loch's water, the Dam is at the pinnacle of Dwarven engineering. The technical achievement of the Dam as well as its role in transforming the ecology of the Eastern Kingdoms make it one of Azeroth's greatest wonders.

Blackrock Mountain

This gargantuan volcano was created when Ragnaros the Firelord was accidentally summoned by Dwarven Emperor Thaurissan during the War of the Three Hammers. As striking as the volcano itself may be, it is nothing compared to the massive Dwarven City constructed throughout its entire structure.

From the corridors of Blackrock Spire and Blackwing Lair carved out of the volcano's upper regions, to Blackrock Depths near the mountain's molten core, Blackrock Mountain is a marvel in every sense of the word and is perhaps one of the most significant structures in all of Azeroth's history.

The Temple of Atal'Hakkar

Created by the Atal'ai Trolls over a thousand years ago as a shrine to the blood god Hakkar, the Temple of Atal'Hakkar is a massive example of Troll architecture. Unfortunately, the Temple's nefarious purpose drew the ire of the green dragon Ysera and nearly the entire structure was sunk beneath the waters of the Swamp of Sorrows. Today, the Temple is more generally known as simply the "Sunken Temple."

Though the Troll cities of Jintha' alor in the Hinterlands and Zul'Aman in the Ghostlands are similarly awe inspiring Troll creations, the mystery, history and danger surrounding the Temple of Atal'Hakkar set it apart as one of Azeroth's principal wonders.

Dalaran

As a tribute to the mortal use of magic, only the Blood Elves' Silvermoon can come close to rivaling Dalaran. Now magically suspended in the chill air above Northrend, the Kirin Tor's city of magic has become untouchable in more ways then one.

Adorned with towering spires and a sprawling sewer system, Dalaran is as mysterious as it is majestic. To be fair though, what do you expect from a city built and maintained by Azeroth's most powerful mortal magic users?

Wyrmrest Temple

Believed to be the location where the five Dragon Aspects received their powers, Wyrmrest Temple not only dominates the Dragonblight's landscape, but also its history. Constructed by the Titans long ago, the Temple has survived the onslaught of both Northrend's arctic winds and a present day incursion by Malygos' forces.

Wyrmrest Temple is one of Azeroth's principal wonders not only because the towering structure is awe inspiring, but also because the Temple serves as a central base of operations and monument to some of the most powerful beings to ever roam the land.

The Sunwell

The Sun Well is likely the most potent sources of magical energy in all of Azeroth. Shaped by the High Elves atop the intersection of powerful magical ley lines using water from the Well of Eternity, the Sunwells history has been repeatedly tainted by tragedy. The misfortune which has surrounded the Well, however, has not diminished its significance or the awe it inspires.

Did one of your favorites not make the list? Think one of my choices missed the mark? Feel free to share in the comments.

3 comments:

  1. -Love- this idea! It's a really interesting concept, especially with so many things changing in Cataclysm.
    It'd be interesting to expand on this: stuff you should see / appreciate before it gets destroyed.

    I agree with most of your choices. It's hard to narrow it down to just seven. Some others I would personally include on a longer list:
    • Kara
    • Dark Portal
    • Teladrisil (sp??)
    • Ulduar (Not the raid. But to take a moment and just fly around that entire area outside, the structures are massive. It's pretty awe-inspiring).

    Good stuff!

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