Humans (Warcraft)

Humans (Warcraft)
Name	Humans
Universe	Warcraft
First appearance	Warcraft: Orcs & Humans
Creator	Blizzard Entertainment
Homeworld	Azeroth
Language	Common
Notable members	Anduin Wrynn, Arthas Menethil, Varian Wrynn, Jaina Proudmoore, Bolvar Fordragon

Humans (Warcraft) Humans are a widespread Azerothan species central to the Warcraft franchise, appearing across Warcraft: Orcs & Humans, Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness, Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, World of Warcraft, Warcraft (film), and related novels (Warcraft). They have founded major polities such as Lordaeron, Stormwind, Kul Tiras, and Gilneas, and have been involved in conflicts like the First War, the Second War, the Third War, the Battle for Azeroth, and the War of the Ancients through alliances and rivalries with Orcs, Night Elves, Undead Scourge, and Forsaken. Prominent human figures include Arthas Menethil, Jaina Proudmoore, Anduin Wrynn, Uther the Lightbringer, and Medivh, and institutions like the Alliance and the Knights of the Silver Hand shape their political and military life.

Overview

Humans inhabit kingdoms and city-states across Lordaeron, Azeroth, Kalimdor, and Northrend and are characterized by ties to the Light, arcane traditions associated with Kirin Tor, and seafaring cultures linked to Kul Tiras and Theramore. Their societies range from feudal monarchies such as Stormwind and Lordaeron to maritime republics like Kul Tiras and isolationist realms like Gilneas, interacting with factions including the Alliance, Silver Hand, Scarlet Crusade, Defias Brotherhood, and Argent Dawn. Human magic users train with orders from Dalaran, Kirin Tor, and rogue schools linked to figures like Kel'Thuzad and Medivh, while human clergy serve institutions like the Church of the Holy Light and militant orders such as the Knights of the Silver Hand and the Scarlet Crusade.

History and Origin

Human origins are tied to migration and colonization of Azeroth where settlers established the Kingdom of Stormwind and later the Kingdom of Lordaeron, facing threats from the Burning Legion, Black Empire, and the Scourge. Key historical events include colonization of Kalimdor by Arathor-descended kingdoms, the rise of dynasties like the Menethil dynasty, the formation of the Alliance of Lordaeron during the Second War, and the fall of Lordaeron to the Scourge during the Third War. The human timeline intersects with artifacts and figures such as the Lich King, the Frozen Throne, Sargeras, and the Well of Eternity, and pivotal conflicts like the War of the Ancients and the Battle of Mount Hyjal reshaped human destiny. Colonies and expeditions led by Daelin Proudmoore, Llane Wrynn, and Terenas Menethil II influenced relations with Orgrim Doomhammer, Grom Hellscream, and Thrall.

Society and Culture

Human culture varies by nation: Stormwind emphasizes chivalry and remnants of the Arathor tradition, Kul Tiras emphasizes naval craftmanship linked to Jaina Proudmoore's heritage, and Gilneas retains isolationist features following the Greenskin Invasion. Social institutions include knightly orders like the Knights of the Silver Hand, civic guilds such as the Engineers Guild and the Trade Prince Gallywix-linked mercantile networks, and religious bodies like the Church of the Holy Light and the Argent Crusade. Cultural expression appears in works like The Last Guardian, performances in Stormwind City and Dalaran, and legends about heroes including Uther, Tirion Fordring, and Anduin Lothar. Human architecture ranges from Stormwind Keep to the citadels of Lordaeron, and economy and exploration are driven by families like the Wrynn dynasty and the Proudmoore family.

Political Structure and Major Factions

Human polities include monarchies such as Stormwind under the Wrynn dynasty, the fallen Kingdom of Lordaeron under the Menethil dynasty, maritime powers like Kul Tiras under the Daelin Proudmoore line, and the city-state Gilneas under Genn Greymane. Major factions involving humans are the Alliance, the Church of the Holy Light, the Kirin Tor, the Scarlet Crusade, the Argent Dawn, and insurgent groups like the Defias Brotherhood and SI:7. Political crises have involved treaties and events such as the Treaty of Stormwind, the Siege of Lordaeron, the Siege of Dalaran, and leadership shifts caused by figures like Varian Wrynn, Anduin Wrynn, Arthas Menethil, Bolvar Fordragon, and Jaina Proudmoore.

Military and Notable Units

Human military forces include knights, footmen, magi, and naval fleets from Kul Tiras, supplemented by elite units like the Knights of the Silver Hand, covert services such as SI:7, and crusading orders like the Scarlet Crusade and the Argent Crusade. Famous battles showcasing human arms include the Battle of Mount Hyjal, the Battle of Hillsbrad, the Second War, the Third War, and the Battle for Lordaeron, with commanders like Anduin Lothar, Uther, Arthas Menethil, and Varian Wrynn directing forces alongside allies such as Orgrim Doomhammer (during temporary alliances), Maiev Shadowsong (pursuits of the Doom Guards), and Tyrande Whisperwind at coordinated fronts. Human naval engagements feature admirals like Daelin Proudmoore and confrontations with Naga fleets under Queen Azshara and pirates linked to the Bilgewater Cartel.

Notable Humans and Leaders

Notable individuals include rulers and heroes such as Anduin Wrynn, Varian Wrynn, Arthas Menethil, Jaina Proudmoore, Uther the Lightbringer, Anduin Lothar, Bolvar Fordragon, Terenas Menethil II, Medivh, Kel'Thuzad (as a human mage turned lich), Genn Greymane, Daelin Proudmoore, Alleria Windrunner (through alliance ties), Tyrion Fordring (lesser-known), and commanders like Bolvar Fordragon and Tirion Fordring who shaped orders such as the Knights of the Silver Hand and the Argent Crusade. Their stories intersect with artifacts and sites like the Frostmourne, the Helm of Domination, Icecrown Citadel, Stormwind Keep, and events such as the Culling of Stratholme and the Trial of the Champion.

Human Presence in Media and Reception

Humans appear prominently across Blizzard Entertainment's media: mainline games including Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King, novels like Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, the Warcraft (film), comics, cinematic trailers, and tie-in novels such as works by Christie Golden and Richard A. Knaak. Critical reception highlights character arcs like Arthas Menethil's fall and Jaina Proudmoore's evolution, public debates over events like the Battle for Azeroth and portrayal in the Warcraft movie by Duncan Jones, and merchandise and adaptations spanning novelizations, tabletop games, and collectible card game representations. Fans and scholars discuss human themes via analyses of Anduin Wrynn's leadership, the ethics of the Scourge conflict, and narrative choices in expansions like Cataclysm and Legion.

Category:Warcraft races