World of Warcraft: Dragonflightbrings the spotlight back onto Azeroth’s dragons, including the infamous Black Dragonflight which has been leaderless for many years. The newest expansion has begun addressing many questions that have been around since the end ofWorld of Warcraft: Cataclysmwhen Deathwing was killed. One of the biggest ongoing mysteries is who will inevitably take up the mantle of Aspect of the Black Dragonflight.
One of the primary candidates ready to assume the role of Aspect is Wrathion, the Black Prince. He is exceptionally young for a dragon, but he makes up for his inexperience with his passion and cunning. He is determined to take up the mantle of his father, but as popular a choice as he may be, not everyone is enamored with the idea of Wrathion becoming Aspect.Azeroth’s other black dragonsin particular seem hesitant to follow him.
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Wrathion’s Actions Since Deathwing’s Fall Might Make Him The Wrong Choice for Aspect
When Neltharion lost his mind and became Deathwing the Destroyer, all the dragons who followed him were also corrupted. ThroughoutWorld of Warcraft’s story up until Cataclysm, black dragons were always the bad guys, acting as some of the game’s most iconic bosses including Onyxia and Nefarian. But since Deathwing’s demise, all the corrupted black dragons were eradicated, leaving only a handful still alive.
Ebyssian, also known as Ebonhorn, was introduced inWorld of Warcraft: Legionas a solitary black dragon whose egg had been cleansed of corruption before he hatched - similar to Wrathion’s. For years, it was believed that these two were the only black dragons left, and then Dragonflight sawSabellian returned from Outland, bringing many members of his kind along. These dragons are naturally loyal to Sabellian, who intends to become the next Aspect.
While Wrathion and Sabellian lock horns over who should be Aspect, it’s important to consider Wrathion’s case. The Black Prince has spent most of his short life trying to unite Azeroth by any means necessary, often resorting to drastic measures. It wasWrathion’s plan to free Garrosh Hellscreamfrom prison and take him to an alternate Draenor, from which the Iron Horde could invade and control Azeroth. This caused a cascade of events that led toWorld of Warcraft: Legionand countless deaths from the very war Wrathion had been trying to prevent.
Wrathion’s misguided actions did far more harm than good, although his intentions had been to ultimately protect Azeroth. In all fairness, Wrathion is only a few years old and had no guidance from any of his kind at that point. The Black Prince also came through inWoW: Battle for Azerothand was instrumental in thedefeat of the Old God, N’Zoth. Still, with all of this in mind, it is easy to see why Sabellian believes that Wrathion does not deserve the power and responsibility of an Aspect.
Wrathion has a long list of shortcomings, mistakes, and insecurities. But despite all this, he wants more than anything to be a hero among dragons and mortals alike. He believes that becoming the Black Aspect is his destiny, and that nothing is more important than being the leader and protector his father, Deathwing, had once represented.
It’s not known who will take up the mantle for sure as of this writing, but the choice seems to bedown to Wrathion, Sabellian and Ebyssian. Wrathion’s charm, wit, and good looks certainly make him a favorite amongWorld of Warcraft’s players, but time will tell whether he has what it takes to seize his destiny. Either way, Deathwing’s dark legacy is about to be remade anew, as the Black Dragonflight restores its noble purpose as Azeroth’s guardians.
