A Prince of Lordaeron

Arthas was born to King Terenas four years before the First War. He grew up as the heir to Lordaeron, learning swordsmanship from Muradin Bronzebeard. His early life also brought him into the company of Jaina Proudmoore, long before the plague would divide them.

The Price of Frostmourne

Arthas pursued Mal’Ganis to Northrend, where he joined Muradin in the search for Frostmourne. He took the blade despite its warning. Muradin was struck down and believed dead. Arthas gained the power to defeat his enemy, but the sword bound him to the Lich King.

The Forging of Ashbringer

The dark crystal recovered by Alexandros Mograine during the Second War remained dangerous long after the battlefield fell silent. As the plague spread through Lordaeron, he brought it before fellow paladins at Southshore. Their Light did not destroy it: the crystal absorbed that power and became radiant. What had injured Alexandros could now be used against the undead.

At Ironforge, Magni Bronzebeard forged the crystal into Ashbringer. He had received word that Muradin had died during Arthas’s expedition. Although that report was mistaken, his grief accompanied the making of the weapon. Alexandros returned to a kingdom falling before the Scourge, carrying a blade that reduced the undead to ash.