Anchorite
“Though I cannot save everyone, I can certainly do my best to try.”
Anchorite is an honorific title the draenei use for their priests,[1] and perhaps not a true synonym,[2] as it is also a rank within the draenei priesthood.[3] The higher rank corresponding to Grand Anchorite. They take care of the sick and wounded, while seniors are responsible for training aspiring anchorites. Dedicated to the cause of the Light and their priesthood, they organize ceremonies and sermons, teaching the ways of the Light while sharing their knowledge and wisdom with those who need help. Some of them decide to travel in order to spread their faith, to teach to the races of the Alliance and learn from them,[4] but also to give their aid and fight the evil through Azeroth and Outland.
Background
After being introduced to the Light by the naaru, the draenei society centered around the Holy Light of Creation.[5] Blessed with Light-given knowledge and power, as well as the blessing called the Gift of the Naaru that was bestowed upon them to signify their new connection the Light,[6] the draenei vowed to honor the Light and uphold the naaru's altruistic ideals, deeply affected by their words.
As a result, many draenei serve the Light as anchorites or vindicators.[7] Unlike other Alliance races with the Church of the Holy Light, draenei have their own religious institutions; notably explicit priesthoods such as the Omenai, or the Aldor, an ancient order of draenei priests and priestesses once led by Velen.[8] Now led by High Priestess Ishanah in Shattrath City, they call themselves the "keepers of the Light" and are in charge with the safeguarding of the draenei holy sites and altars in Outland.[9]
In the Exodar, the Order of Light[10] is based in the Anchorites' Sanctum in the Vault of Lights, where they train new generations of anchorites. Some joined the Hand of Argus,[11] the primary military and elite police force of the Exodar.[12]
At the time of the Burning Legion's third invasion, many anchorites followed Velen and joined the Conclave at the Netherlight Temple. During the Battle for the Exodar, they were present to defend their capital, while most of them were inside Velen's protective shield, healing the wounded. Some of them were present during the Battle for the Netherlight Temple to repel Balnazzar's demonic forces, but also aboard the Vindicaar during the Argus Campaign.
In the Army of the Light, the draenei's most elite anchorites followed the naaru Xe'ra aboard the Xenedar to wage war on the Burning Legion.[13] They were then infused with the essence of the Holy Light and became Lightforged in order to heal, protect, and fight against the demons for thousands of years.[14] In the alternative Draenor, anchorites joined the Lightbound and served High Exarch Yrel; they were also infused with the essence of the Holy Light. Among them, Grand Anchorite Almonen was Lightforged and could be seen performing sermons to convert Mag'har orcs to their cause.
During the Fourth War, draenei and Lightforged anchorites were present among the forces of the Alliance.[15]
Notable
- Main article: Anchorite NPCs
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Main universe
Alternate Draenor
| Name | Role | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
  Anchorite Laanda
|
Spy on the Sargerei | Socrethar's Rise, Shadowmoon Valley | Unknown |
  Grand Anchorite Almonen
|
Grand Anchorite of the Lightbound | Deadgrin, Gorgrond | Alive |
Notes
- Although draenei have their own religious institutions centered on the worship of the Holy Light, some of them may be present in the Cathedral of Light in Stormwind City alongside other priests.[16]
Gallery
References
- ^
[10-30] The Cleansing Must Be Stopped
- ^
[2] Priest Training
- ^ [10-40] Friend of the Exarchs
- ^ Anchorite Delan#Quotes
- ^ The Burning Crusade Townhall: FAQ – Races
- ^ Burning Crusade Behind The Scenes - The Draenei (2008-03-19). Retrieved on 2016-05-26.
- ^ Unbroken
- ^ World of Warcraft Community Site - Retrieved
- ^
[15-30] Restoring the Light
- ^ Exodar Peacekeeper#Quotes
- ^ Lightsworn Anchorite
- ^ Prophet's Lesson, pg. 6
- ^ Army of the Light#Faction description
- ^ A Thousand Years of War
- ^ Light's Vengeance (island expedition)
- ^ Before the Storm, chapter 8
