Malfurion summons the wisps that destroy Archimonde

Full History

Malfurion brought the wisps of Hyjal against Archimonde as the demon attempted to seize the power of the World Tree. Their combined sacrifice destroyed the Legion commander and broke the immediate invasion. The victory saved Azeroth but changed the night elves' own relationship to the blessings that had long protected them.

The defenders had delayed Archimonde through a desperate coalition of human survivors, Thrall's orcs and allies, and night elven forces. They could not defeat him through ordinary battle. Malfurion's plan drew upon the spirits of the forest and the power bound to Nordrassil, turning the World Tree's guardianship into the means of destroying the invader. The attack succeeded at the very place where the Legion hoped to claim a decisive prize.

The destruction of Archimonde ended the great battle at Mount Hyjal, not every conflict among the peoples who had fought there. The night elves gave up their ancient immortality and later wrestled with the meaning of that loss. Their sacrifice made survival possible for kingdoms and races that had only recently been enemies, giving the Third War a conclusion shaped by cooperation and cost.