Quick Overview
At Icecrown, Arthas and Illidan fought for the fate of the Frozen Throne. Illidan had been sent to destroy the Lich King, while Arthas was determined to preserve the source of his own undead power. Arthas defeated the demon hunter and climbed the frozen spire. By claiming the Helm of Domination, he joined with Ner'zhul and became the Lich King.
Full History
The battle for Icecrown was the last contest in a long struggle that began far from Northrend. Kil'jaeden had bound Ner'zhul within the Frozen Throne and charged him with raising an army of undead. The Lich King eventually escaped the Legion's intended control, and Illidan Stormrage was sent to destroy him. Arthas, already shaped by Frostmourne, was called north to prevent that destruction.
As Arthas traveled toward the glacier, Illidan's forces moved to cut him off. The death knight's own power faltered as the Frozen Throne weakened, leaving him to fight for a master who could no longer guarantee victory. Anub'arak helped him reach Icecrown through the fallen passages of Azjol-Nerub, but the final climb remained Arthas's alone.
Illidan confronted him before the throne could be reached. The demon hunter's experience and new powers made him a formidable opponent, yet Arthas struck him down and passed on to the frozen prison. Illidan survived, but his attempt to destroy the Lich King had failed.
At the summit Arthas shattered the ice containing Ner'zhul and took up the Helm of Domination. The moment joined the fallen prince and the imprisoned shaman in a single ruler. His journey had begun as an attempt to save Lordaeron from a plague; it ended with him commanding the Scourge that had destroyed his homeland.
The Living Archive · Subject Chronicle
Through History
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