Echo Isles

Full History

Thrall's encounter with the Darkspear transformed the fortunes of a small troll tribe driven from its former island home. Sen'jin's death left Vol'jin to lead the survivors, who crossed to Kalimdor in alliance with the orcs. After the Horde settled Durotar, the Echo Isles became the Darkspear's new home, a place where they could preserve their traditions and take part in the growing Horde without abandoning their own people.

The danger that broke the settlement came from within. Zalazane, a witch doctor once associated with the Darkspear, turned his magic against his own kin. His spells robbed trolls of their independence, and the enslaved became a force for capturing still more of the tribe. The islands that had been a refuge became a trap.

Vol'jin faced a choice between defending every settlement and saving those who remained free. He ordered the withdrawal to Durotar's coast, where Sen'jin Village offered protection close enough to the islands that the tribe would not forget them. Many Darkspear remained under Zalazane's influence, and the struggle over their fate continued.

The Echo Isles were therefore not a lost ancient kingdom from the distant age of troll empires. Their tragedy belonged to the generation that founded the New Horde. They testified to the tribe's strength in exile and to the threat that could arise when one of its own leaders sought power over the people he should have protected.