Dark Heart
- For other uses, see Dark Heart (disambiguation).
The Dark Heart is a Void artifact that plays a key role in the Worldsoul Saga. It was created by Iridikron, by imbuing an ancient relic belonging to Neltharion the Earth-Warder with the primal hunger of Galakrond. The Dark Heart has the power to absorb magical power of various types and convert it into shadow.[1] Now in the hands of Xal'atath, the Harbinger of the Void, she uses it to empower the nerubians of the kingdom of Azj-Kahet into her own army.
History
Dragonflight
The Dark Heart was not always named so. It was originally a relic belonging to Neltharion that was described by Chromie as looking similar to the Dragon Soul, but even more ancient.[2] It is believed by Khadgar and the Kirin Tor to have been a prototype for the Dragon Soul that he discarded.[3]
Recently, Iridikron acquired the relic from the Earth-Warder's Cauldron on the Forbidden Reach, where Neltharion had hidden it even from his fellow Aspects for millennia.[4] The vessel also contained the location of Aberrus, the secret laboratory of the Earth-Warder, and more specifically, the molten pool of lava that powered it. Once its location was deciphered by Vyranoth, the Primal Incarnates sent Fyrakk to consume the elemental power below.[5]
Later, Iridikron traveled back in time with the help of the infinite dragonflight and tried to use it to siphon Galakrond's essence and reclaim his "hunger lost to the ages",[2] but was stopped by adventurers and Chromie who ultimately destroyed it before it could finish draining it.[6] While their attention was focused on Iridikron, Chrono-Lord Deios was able to turn a proto-dragon Nozdormu into Murozond, forcing Chromie to rewind time,[6] this time choosing to save her Aspect instead of defeating Iridikron, which allowed the Incarnate to successfully complete the siphoning, and with Galakrond's primal power imbued into the relic, creating the Dark Heart.[7][3]
Iridikron then entered a Void portal and met with Xal'atath,[8] now known as the Harbinger, and handed her the artifact.[9]
Khadgar tried to find information about the artifact within Dalaran's libraries, but in vain. Given Malygos's history with Neltharion, Kalec told him he would try to seek more information in the Azure Archives.[9] Later, Khadgar summoned Alleria Windrunner to Dalaran and asked her to investigate further about the Dark Heart and its mysterious wielder. Alleria pursued the Dark Heart by following Void rifts it had created by converting magical power across Northrend, starting at Galakrond's Rest and leading to Ulduar.[1] With information from Locus-Walker, she was able to identify the Dark Heart's owner as Xal'atath.[10]
Notes and trivia
- This artifact is the namesake of patch 10.2.7.
Gallery
Dark Heart closeup in World of Warcraft: The War Within Features Overview.
The Dark Heart held by Xal'atath in World of Warcraft: The War Within Features Overview.
References
- ^ a b
[70] Walk a Mile in Her Shadows
- ^ a b Dawn of the Infinite, Iridikron dialogue
- ^ a b [70] The Harbinger
- ^ [70] Hidden Legacies pre-rendered cinematic
- ^ Opening the Way pre-rendered cinematic
- ^ a b Iridikron the Stonescaled post-encounter cinematic
- ^ [70] Galakrond's Unrest
- ^ Chrono-Lord Deios post-encounter cinematic, Dawn of the Infinite
- ^ a b [70] Fair Skies and Strong Winds, Kalecgos and Khadgar "Stay awhile and listen"
- ^ [70] Radiant Warnings