Holy
- This article is about the lore of the Light magic. For other uses, see Holy (disambiguation).
“Light is light, whatever its source.”
Holy magic[2] (also called Light magic,[3] Divine magic,[4] holy arts,[5] holy energy,[6] and sometimes referred to as divine power)[7] is the manifestation of the Light which cannot exist in its pure state within the Great Dark Beyond.[8][9] Summoned by emotions,[4] willpower or faith in one's ability to do so,[10] the powers of the Light can be harnessed to heal, cleanse, protect, harm, and even restore life to the dead, while being extra efficient against the undead and demons. Most of its practitioners are called priests or paladins, devoted to cleansing the universe of darkness.[11] Learning to wield this healing force[12] takes years of discipline,[13] as it is necessary to learn to abnegate oneself through meditation, in order to become conduits for the Light.[4]
Characteristics
Since pure Light cannot exist within the physical universe, shades of it manifest as holy magic.[8][2] Its positive energies,[14] residing in every living being, in every heart and soul,[15] is everywhere, binding all sentient beings together as one,[15] as it pervades and shines through everything, resonating within all things in the universe.[4] The naaru, enigmatic beings composed of shards of fractured Light, may be the purest expression of the Light in the physical universe. They taught the use of the Light to the draenei and other enlightened races, such as the humans,[16] but others have come into the study and practice of Light-based magic of their own accord.[11]
Most of the time, the Light manifests itself as a golden, shining light,[17][18] though it has also appeared as a glowing white, silver light,[19][20] especially when coming from Elune and her moonlight.[21]
Calling on the Light requires concentration, calm, and significant mental acuity. The more frightened, frustrated, or foggy the mind is, the more difficult or even impossible it is to use holy magic.[22] A paralyzing poison or gas can temporarily restrict the focus of the mind, thus preventing the connection to the Light.[23] Specific reagents may be used or needed by priests and paladins to cast certain holy spells.
Not all wielders of the Light follow the same path. The humans and dwarves follow the path of the Church of the Holy Light, while the sin'dorei Blood Knights embraced the renewed Sunwell, and through it ask for the Light's blessing to wield their holy powers.[24] It is a harmonious relationship, no longer one of discord caused with their attempts to bend the Light to their will by draining the energy of the naaru M'uru.[10] The tauren Sunwalkers revere An'she,[25] which gives them their powers[26] and whose magic can appear either as red flames or as golden magic similar to other divine magic.[27] It is important to note that they don't use solar magic, since it is associated to nature magic rather than holy magic.[28] When they refer to the Light, they use the terms "An'she's light",[29] "the light of the Sun", and "Sun's light".[30] The Zandalari prelates once received their holy powers from the Loa of Kings Rezan, but since his death, it is their faith in his ideals that give them their powers.[31]
Paladins and priests don't always have to work within good or neutral organizations, as seen by the Scarlet Crusade, however, they do have to believe that their faith and cause are good. As long as they believe their cause to be just, the Light will continue to serve them because wielding the Light is a matter of willpower and faith in one's own ability to do it.[10] Since he felt conflicted, Arthas Menethil's ability to use the Light began to wane after he culled Stratholme. He perceived this as the Light choosing to abandon him, which weakened his faith in it further.[32] Similarly, the connection with the Light cannot be forcibly stripped from someone. When Tirion Fordring was excommunicated during a ceremony to strip him of his light-given powers, he did lose the holy blessings he had obtained during his ceremony of initiation, but managed to reconnect with the Light through his desperate will to save an injured Eitrigg.[33]
Moonlight
The moonlight is a type of holy magic[34] that can be used by the followers of the moon goddess Elune, notably the night elves or the tauren (who revere her as Mu'sha in their mythology). The Sisterhood of Elune is dedicated to the worship of the mother moon, and their priestesses can be found throughout the world, ready to heal the war-weary Azeroth with her light. During a visit to Darnassus, Prophet Velen explained that the kaldorei's description of Elune, as well as the demonstrated powers of the goddess, matched his experiences with powerful naaru. However, while Tyrande thanked him for his opinion, she cordially requested that he refrain from making such outlandish claims when in Darnassus or in the presence of Elune's priesthood.[34]
Uses and powers
The powers of the Light allow its practitioners to heal wounds, mend broken bones,[35][36] dispel mind control,[13] and even restore life to the dead.[37][38][39][40][41][42] The technique of channeling the positive energies into healing energy waves was notably developed first by the high elves, and later taught to humans.[43] Priest can smite their enemies, shield from damage, levitate themselves off the ground, cure ills and magical curses, and remove beneficial magical effects from their enemies.[44] Paladins can augment their own martial prowess and those of their allies with their blessings and auras, but also stun, debilitate, and silence their foes.[45] They can use holy magic to shield themselves mentally from the whispers of the Old Gods and their minions, although it takes energy and practice, especially through meditation.[4] They can also help someone resist the whispers by channeling their powers through them, protecting their spirit.[13][4]
The Light may send visions of the future to its devotees, who can meditate at sacred sites to clear their thoughts and contemplate on the Light's mysteries.[46][47]
When he tried to save the life of his father, Anduin Wrynn began to chant a beautiful and powerful song, and as he lifted his eyes and voiced to the heavens, calling to the very heart of the cosmos for a source of divine power, the Light answered and healed King Varian.[48] Power Words are holy spells used by priests to protect and strengthen allies, they have to say their names aloud to cast them.[48]
The Light is used to empower its practitioners. If they succeed in the trial of the Forge of Aeons, members of the Army of the Light are empowered to become Lightforged, immortal protectors of the creation.[49][50] After their training, the Knights of the Silver Hand are empowered by clerics and paladins during their ceremony of induction,[51] immunizing them to disease of any kind.[52] Before the Sunwell's rebirth, the Blood Knights empowered themselves by sapping the energy from the captive naaru M'uru, after the Battle for Quel'Danas, they have now embraced the Light through the Sunwell in a healthier way.[53] Following a sacred ritual of the Light, a Deathcharger can be redeemed as a Charger and serves as a war steed for paladins.[54][55]
Through the Light, its practitioners can sometimes feel a connection established between them, which allows them to communicate words and thoughts, to if the other is still alive, or visions through their dreams. It was notably the case between Darion Mograine and Fairbanks,[56] Zabra Hexx and Alexandros Mograine after the latter saved his life,[57] and also between Alleria Windrunner and her son Arator.[58] Holy magic can be use to practice divination, through an incantation described by books of priestly magic as a "holy vision" that can grant sight of distant objects and far-off locations.[59][60][61] A paladin can also develop an empathic ability to sense deep emotions from others, such as sincerity,[62] or the nature of their intentions.[63]
The Light can be used for interrogation purposes. Turalyon marked the forehead of an orc prisoner with the Light, leaving a burn on his flesh, and forcing him to say everything he knew without being able to lie.[64] Alexandros Mograine used his powers on the jungle troll Zabra Hexx to know if he was lying.[65] Revil Kost used a spell on a worgen, forcing him to reveal the truth and answer all his questions.[66] The Light can also be manifested in the form of chains and handcuffs to hinder living[67] and undead.[68] When a nathrezim tried to assassinate him, Anduin used the Light in the form of a web to capture the demon.[69] During an exorcism rite to extract a demon or an evil spirit from a possessed body, the Light purifies the body and the soul from corruption.[70]
The holy magic is employed in the creation of holy water,[71][72] paladin symbols,[73][74] artifacts,[75] runes,[76][77] and lightwells, but also to infuse weapons,[78][79][80] and armors with the power of the Light.[81] For the Knights of the Silver Hand, the librams are holy relics that have guided their order since its creation and that can help them strengthen their connection to the Light.[82][83] Holy energy can also be focused into the shape of a weapon and used to attack an enemy.[69] The vindicators' weapons appear to be kept razor sharp by the holy power contained within it.[84] Prayer beads are crucial to many holy rites, including the rite of exorcism.[85] King Anduin once enchanted his father's compass, imbuing it with a memory of a conversation between him and Sylvanas.[86]
The Light is also a source of technological development. The Army of Light uses and develops advanced Light-based technology, including teleportation pylons,[87] warframe, artillery battery, and holograms that Turalyon used to place a message inside the Light's Heart. Following the retaking of Gnomeregan, some gnomes were interested in the powers of the Light to save and purify irradiated gnomes. Their research led them to radical advances in Light-based technology.[34] With arkonite and Light magic, the Lightforged draenei rogue Zuronar created a "flashbang" for his work.[88]
The Light can be used to put the deceased to rest. The naaru A'dal sent Crusader Bridenbrad to the Light itself,[89] bounding his soul to the realm of Light away from the Shadowlands.[90] When Turalyon blessed the corpse of Anduin Lothar, his features were described as "relaxed slightly, growing calm, even quietly content".[91] The Auchenai draenei, or "death priests", and the tauren Seers can also use the Light to contact the dead to ask for help, to question them, or to help them rest in peace.[92][93]
The Light magnified Turalyon's voice so it carried to several hundred soldiers under his command,[94] and made Arthas Menethil's hammer seem to weigh less in his hands.[95] After she was captured by forest trolls, Liadrin focused all of the pain and horror she had felt during her imprisonment, and redirected them into the mind of Zul'jin, who suffered a wave of pain, paranoia and terror.[23]
Effects
On living beings
The Light is often said to bring about feelings of positive emotion—hope, courage, comfort—coming from the "heart",[96] and brings a sense of peace and calmness whenever its blessings are placed on someone. The Light can cure sickness and remove aches, pains, and stiffness. It can also mend broken bones.[35][36] Anduin Wrynn believes that restoring an old man's youth is not beyond the Light's power, but it is not in the healer's hands.[97]
When Med'an used the Light to shield himself from the Old Gods, he described holy magic as similar to shamanic magic, but different, as it wraps around him like "a warm blanket".[4]
During the ritual that empowers the Knights of the Silver Hand, the Light shines down on them and through them with blinding radiance. It warms at first, then sears. The person feels scoured; emptied, scrubbed clean, then filled again. The Light swells inside and then fades away to a tolerable level.[98] When Tirion Fordring was excommunicated by Uther the Lightbringer, his Light-given powers were stripped from his body and he felt panic and despair overwhelm him, feeling as if he had been wrapped in darkness and cast down into oblivion. While he was not stripped of his connection with the Light, he could no longer use holy magic as he was unable to withstand the raging despair and hopelessness that continued to wash over him in waves.[99]
According to Farseer Nobundo, the Light did not forsake the Broken. It is in fact the fel energies that infused them, and degraded their bodies, that caused a break in their ability to be heard and to hear the Light.[100] The Arakkoa Outcasts are also incapable of using the Light due to the corruption in their bodies.[101]
Recent events have shown the Light can be just as dangerous as the Void to those who delve too deeply into it. Due to the Light's tendency towards only one path, it can lead the overly devout to closed-mindedness, adamantly refusing to acknowledge any power or lifestyle other than the Light, such as the fanatical Scarlet Crusaders or the Lightbound on alternate Draenor.
On undead
The Light is agonizingly painful and destructive to the undead, but can also be used to heal undead, and while this is an efficient process, it is also very painful.[102]
The souls of the undead (Forsaken, death knights, ghouls, etc.) are imperfectly attached to their bodies; the dark magic that sustains them is a buffer that prevents their souls from properly joining with their bodies. This is why undead feel only faint sensations of pain or discomfort from most physical stimuli, and why the Light is so painful to their existence.[103] Turalyon for example used the Light for interrogating the death knight Gaz Soulripper, causing him excruciating pain.[104]
When undead channel the Light, they do not disintegrate or explode from channeling the Light, though they may wish they would.[34] Instead, it feels to them as if their entire bodies are being consumed in righteous fire. Forsaken healed by the Light (whether the healer is Forsaken or not) are effectively cauterized by the effect: the wound is healed, but the healing effect is cripplingly painful. Thus, Forsaken priests are beings of unwavering willpower. Forsaken and death knight tanks suffer nobly when they have priest or paladin healers in the group, and Sir Zeliek really hates himself.[10]
There are reports that some Forsaken have slowly experienced a sharpening of their dulled senses of touch, smell, etc., as well as an increase in the flashes of positive emotions that have otherwise become so rare since their fall into undeath. Unfortunately, this may be the cause of the Forsaken priesthood's increased attempts at self-destruction; regaining these senses would force the priests to smell their own rotting flesh, taste the decay in their mouths and throats, and even feel the maggots burrowing within their bodies.[34]
Despite all this, there exists at least one account of someone becoming undead through the power of the Light: Calia Menethil.[105]
Others
The Light is seen in the Ember Ward in Revendreth, where their army retaliated against Sire Denathrius long ago for planting spies among them.[106] They entered from Dawnkeep, among them the naaru Z'rali. The presence of the Light in Revendreth cause venthyr to turn into ash ghouls, and until the successful rebellion by Prince Renathal, this was used as punishment for any venthyr who went against Denathrius.[107]
The Light can notably deal damage to the demons,[37] and in the case of Lothraxion, can even alter them by infusing them with holy magic.[108]
Practitioners
“The Light, yes. But we should let it guide us, not command us. We also have our own minds and hearts. We should make use of those as well.”
The Light is an important part of several races' cultures on Azeroth and many worlds across the Great Dark Beyond. Though overlap exists in themes and practices, several of the races have differing viewpoints and methods of wielding the Light. One thing is certain, wielding holy magic takes intense focus and a very powerful belief.[110] Chapels, churches, cathedrals, and temples are places of worship where the devoted followers of the Holy Light can practice their faith and perform spiritual rituals.
Priests
After spending much of their lives in temples studying ancient doctrine, preaching the tenets of their faith, and pledging their full devotion to the divine powers they follow, the most adept priests leave their houses of worship to serve on the battlefield, as shepherd to flock. There, they use their holy powers to bless allies and mend wounds. And while most stay behind the frontlines to aid their comrades, these holy champions are also capable of smiting foes and carrying out sacred justice. They’re also morally opposed to the use of Shadow and Void magic—rather, they are exemplars of the incredible grace and power of the divine and the Light, and even death cannot fully stop their healing capabilities. However, some priests pride themselves on pragmatism. They understand that light casts a shadow, that darkness is defined by light, and that true discipline stems from one’s ability to balance these opposing powers in services of a greater cause. While these priests possess many holy virtues to aid their allies, they also dabble in the dark arts to debilitate their enemies—always exercising immense discipline to keep themselves away from the brink of insanity.[111]
Paladins
Like priests who serve the Light, paladins are devout in their faith. To serve as an instrument of the Light is to hold an unshakable faith. After spending much of their lives in hallowed halls studying divine doctrine, those who pledge themselves to a holy order become beacons of the Light for their allies in conflict, taking up the heavy armor and weaponry of justice. Stalwart and steadfast, these protectors are ardent defenders of the Light and all that it touches, and are rejuvenated by its radiance in return. So dedicated they are to their cause that they consecrate the very ground upon which they battle corruption. Holding the unwavering belief that any battle waged to eradicate evil in the world is righteous, these paladins stand on the frontlines in service to all others dedicated to the cause. The truth and virtue of the Light imbue these sacred knights with the power to revitalize their comrades. If necessary, they even lay down their own lives to serve as a martyr for the greater good. Oftentimes the most dedicated paladins become fanatical in their devotion, instruments of retribution against those who dare defy the laws of the divine. These vengeful guardians of the weak are crusaders judging and punishing the wicked. Their resolute conviction in the divine order of all things assures them that victory is inevitable—but they will fight to the end to ensure that the Light prevails.[112]
Draenei
The draenei were introduced to the Light by the naaru while sailing across the cosmos aboard Oshu'gun. Fleeing the Burning Legion from Argus, the enigmatic holy beings taught them the ways of the "Holy Light of Creation", though they already had a certain experience with it through Velen and T'uure. The naaru then blessed the draenei with Light-given knowledge and power, bestowing a blessing named the Gift of the Naaru upon them, which is embedded so deeply that all can use its power to heal themselves and others.[113] In the Army of the Light, the draenei undergo a ritual to become Lightforged, infusing their bodies with the very essence of the Holy Light. In their society, the anchorites are members of priesthood such as the Omenai, the Auchenai, and the Aldor, while the vindicators can be found among the ranks of organizations such as the Light's Chosen and the Hand of Argus, the primary military and police force of the Exodar.[114]
In alternate Draenor, the Lightbound are an army led by High Exarch Yrel in service of the Light Mother. Their goal is to restore order to countless troubled worlds across the Great Dark Beyond.
Dwarves
Among the races of Azeroth, dwarves and humans seem to have the most in common in their worship of the Light, with few (if any) notable differences in their approach, since the humans were the ones to introduce them to the Holy Light.[115] While some Ironforge dwarves worship the Pantheon of Order, many follow the Church of the Holy Light while dwarven paladins are inducted into the Knights of the Silver Hand. In time, a number of Dark Iron dwarves also adopted the values and philosophy of the Holy Light. Queen Moira Thaurissan joined the Conclave with Betild Deepanvil and other Dark Iron priests.[116] During the Fourth War, Dark Iron dwarves were present in the ranks of the Church of the Holy Light as priests,[117] and the Silver Hand as paladins.[118]
Elves
The high elves are also followers of the Light and Quel'Thalas had its own priesthood.[119] At the time of the Third War, Vandellor was known as the High priest of Quel'Thalas, and some were even part of the original Order of the Silver Hand.[120] However, many of the Light-wielding elves suffered a mass loss of faith after the Scourge invasion of Quel'Thalas, condemning it as a fickle thing that had faltered during their hour of greatest need.[121] When the blood elves needed a new way to access the Light, they sap the holy energy from the captive naaru M'uru. Instead of feeding upon its energies, the Blood Knights would wield the naaru's Light-given powers themselves.[121] Eventually, M'uru was abducted and defeated by adventurers, and his heart was used by Velen to purify and restore the Sunwell as a fount of both holy and arcane energy. The Blood Knights then embraced the renewed Sunwell, and through it they ask for the Light's blessing to wield their holy powers.[24] It is a harmonious relationship, no longer one of discord caused by attempting to bend the Light to their will.[10]
Only a few night elf paladins are known. Delas Moonfang is a priestess who is learning the ways of a paladin, where her uncle Nerus Moonfang and Alynblaze are ancients, fully trained paladins.
Gnomes
The gnomes have had an interest in the Light since they joined the Alliance, but they were so focused on technology and, later, the retaking of Gnomeregan that studying the Light didn't feel necessary to them; the dwarven priests and paladins of Ironforge served as the only connection to the Light they needed. Now that the gnomes have reclaimed a foothold in Gnomeregan and begun rebuilding their culture outside of Ironforge, however, they've recognized the importance of having followers of the Light in their own ranks. In addition, researching new methods of purifying irradiated gnomes has led to radical advances in Light-based technology.[34]
Humans
In the early days of humanity and its civilization, many tribes of humans had primitive belief systems that incorporated simple nature magic. However, the rise of organized religion such as the Church of the Holy Light and the potent arcane magics introduced by the high elves supplanted such traditions. Since this time, the Holy Light is a central part of civilized human society. It is the primary human religion and a staple of worship, respect, and honor in the Seven Kingdoms. Its clergy is renowned for spreading goodness, as its priests heal and restore in times of peace, protect in times of war, and are guiding the spiritual destiny of their people. They are devoted to the spiritual, and express their unwavering faith by serving the people.[122] The humans were the first race on Azeroth to utilize the Light in an offensive manner through the creation of the Order of the Silver Hand, employing them against the Old Horde forces and then the Scourge.
After the Third War, humanity also founded the Scarlet Crusade, a fanatical religious sect driven zealously in their war against the undead. Unlike the Silver Hand, the Crusade is vicious, brutal, and if one does not stand with them, one is seen as a heretic. In spite of their attitude, the Crusaders genuinely believe that they are doing righteous work, and thus have not lost their connection to the Light.
Tauren
During a series of theological discussions, Tahu Sagewind and Aponi Brightmane talked about the importance of balancing out the night elven focus on moon-worship through reverence of light as part of their worship of the Earth Mother. As such, they rediscovered the use of the Light through the power of An'she, the sun god in tauren mythology.[25] Among the tauren and Highmountain tauren, the paladins known as the Sunwalkers are warriors who wield the power of An'she. Although not as numerous as some of the more ancient paladin orders, the Sunwalkers' ways are no less powerful and their members are no less respected.[123] The tauren priests are known as the Seers and revere "the wisdom of the Earthmother as illuminated by the Light".[124] The way of the priest is a new one for the tauren, but it draws on the ancient traditions of their seers,[124] and they are not forging a new path so much as rediscovering old ways that they had forgotten.[125]
Zandalari trolls
The Zandalari prelates are paladins known as prelates who served the Loa of Kings Rezan. They are the highest order of holy warriors to serve any loa, taking only those gifted from birth with prowess in battle and gifted by the loa, and crafting champions of light to defend their empire. After Rezan's death, they were cut off from his power except for a handful of his followers.[126] However, even with the Loa of Kings gone, his ideals remained. The prelates chose to lead those who are lost, and through their faith for the loa, to stand as a beacon of light against the darkness. They are now dedicated to the service of Queen Talanji, who succeeded the late King Rastakhan, and was of great help to the holy warriors, reminding them of who they are and what they stand for.[31]
Arakkoa
In Outland, the Skettis Outcasts are arakkoa who shunned the teachings of the corrupted Anzu and embraced the Light taught by the naaru A'dal.[127]
The high arakkoa of the alternate timeline Draenor worship Rukhmar and the sun, similar to the tauren with An'she. However, unlike the tauren, the Adherents of Rukhmar are fanatically devoted to showing how the sun and the Light favor them over all other races and were genocidal supremacists.[128]
Others
- Goblins priests use willpower to wield the Light, driven by greed.[129]
- The orc and Mag'har orc priests follow the Lok'osh, a path of healing and renewal introduced by Lok'osh Nakha.[130]
- The Light-Bearers were an order of beings from the planet Fanlin'Deskor.
- The Keeper Odyn follows the Light, with his Val'kyr shieldmaidens being referred to as warriors of the Light.[131]
- Among the pandaren, some give the impression that the Light is a foreign concept, notably Jojo Ironbrow when the Tushui arrived in Stormwind. However, some like Yalia Sagewhisper act as priests, indicating that knowledge of the Light was already well established among the pandaren by the time of the Alliance-Horde war. One possibility is that the term is not used on the Wandering Isle, but is used on Pandaria.
- The undead, against their nature, also have access to priests, and at least one undead paladin exists. The act of channeling the Light is painful for the undead, but not impossible.
- Light-wielding Forsaken are fairly rare and are somewhat antithetical to the prime Forsaken religion: the Cult of Forgotten Shadow.
- In World of Warcraft, Mechagon mechagnomes, jungle trolls, nightborne and vulpera also have access to the priest class, though where they stand in relation to the Light is unclear.
- In The Sundering, Alexstrasza used healing magic that was suspiciously similar to the Light. It bathed the Aspect in a golden radiance and its effect was described as calming.[132]
Notes and trivia
- Solar magic is associated to nature magic rather than holy magic.[28]
- Ner'zhul realized that the paladin Turalyon was not just a warrior, but akin to a shaman-except that the forces he tapped were somehow on a grander scale than a mere planet's.[133]
- Crafted by the titans as gifts to their favored creations, the Celestial Orb of Souls channels the powers of the Light to bring back to life those who have recently fallen.
- In a vision of what would happen if he accepted Sargeras' offer, Velen saw light radiate from him, but it was not the golden Holy Light, it was a sickly green.
- According to Bishop Farthing, items crafted from the Lightforge iron strike with holy truth.[134]
- Jaina Proudmoore referred to Khadgar as a practitioner of the divine magic,[4] implying the arcane magic, rather than holy magic.
- The opposite of "holy" is often considered to be "dark" powers such as Shadow magic with shadow priests, demonic magic known as fel with warlocks, and necromantic with necromancers.
- This good-evil concept is present both in lore and occasionally game mechanics.
- Reanimated Crusaders in Icecrown can cast the spell Unholy Light, which contrary to what the name implies is actually Shadow magic.[135]
Gallery
References
- ^ The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm, pg. 552
- ^ a b [45] Safekeeping
- ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2, pg. 24
- ^ a b c d e f g h World of Warcraft: The Comic, Issue 22: Whispers
- ^ Bishop Arthur#Quotes
- ^ Breach of Holy Energy
- ^ Devouring Plague (quest)
- ^ a b World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1, pg. 10
- ^ Jeremy Feasel on Twitter
- ^ a b c d e Ask CDev - Round 1
- ^ a b World of Warcraft: Ultimate Visual Guide, pg. 21
- ^ Beyond the Dark Portal, pg. 109
- ^ a b c World of Warcraft: The Comic, Issue 21: Secrets
- ^ Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Game Manual, pg. 4 - 5
- ^ a b Tides of Darkness, pg. 267
- ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1, pg. 142
- ^ Paladin spells in Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos
- ^ Paladin abilities in World of Warcraft
- ^ Tides of Darkness, chapter 8
- ^ Beyond the Dark Portal, chapter 21
- ^ Sean Copeland on Twitter (2014-07-22). "Both priests and paladins can wield the Holy Light. However, not all wield it through the same means (e.g., Elune, An'she)"
- ^ Blood of the Highborne, chapter 2
- ^ a b Blood of the Highborne, chapter 1
- ^ a b World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3, pg. 159
- ^ a b Ultimate Visual Guide, pg. 129
- ^ [15-35] Life
- ^ The Sunwalker Kodo's eyes and war-drums noticeably emit red and orange flame, while in contrast, the saddle emits faint waves of golden light.
- ^ a b Don Adams on Twitter: "No, they use solar magic. More comparable to the solar magic used by druids."
- ^ Bleeding Sun, pg. 33
- ^ Tauren paladin trainers' quotes
- ^ a b Rastari Prelate#Quotes
- ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, chapter 15
- ^ Of Blood and Honor, chapter 7
- ^ a b c d e f Ask CDev - Round 2
- ^ a b Of Blood and Honor, chapter 2
- ^ a b Beyond the Dark Portal, chapter 21
- ^ a b Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos manual, Human Hero Units, Paladin
- ^ [12] Redeeming the Dead
- ^ [25-30G5] Deathblow to the Legion
- ^ [45] Fate's Blessing
- ^ Before the Storm, chapter 9 – "Priests healed, but their patients were flesh. They mended wounds, cured illnesses and curses, and sometimes, if the Light willed, brought the dead back to life."
- ^ [1-10] Resurrecting the Recruits
- ^ Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Game Manual#Priest
- ^ Priest abilities
- ^ Paladin abilities
- ^ [2] Meditation on the Light
- ^ [2] Meditation on the Light
- ^ a b Blood of Our Fathers
- ^ A Thousand Years of War Part Two: The Emerald Star, pg. 16 - 17
- ^ [40-70] Forge of Aeons
- ^ Of Blood and Honor, chapter 1
- ^ Warcraft III - Undead -> Units -> Death Knight.
- ^ Wrath of the Lich King manual, pg. 8 - 9: Winds of Change: From Dark Horizons to a Beacon of Hope in the World of Warcraft
- ^ [60D] Judgement and Redemption
- ^ [45] Stirring in the Shadows
- ^ Dust to Dust
- ^ Ashes to Ashes, pg. 25 - 26
- ^ A Thousand Years of War Part Two: The Emerald Star, pg. 16
- ^ The Last Guardian, chapter 6
- ^ Warcraft: Orcs & Humans manual, Cleric unit spells
- ^ Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual, Paladin unit spells
- ^ Of Blood and Honor, chapter 3
- ^ A Thousand Years of War Part One: Two Bright Lights, pg. 8
- ^ Beyond the Dark Portal, chapter 9
- ^ Ashes to Ashes, pg. 5
- ^ Dark Riders, pg. 54
- ^ Shadows Rising, chapter 9
- ^ [Shackle Undead]
- ^ a b Anduin: Son of the Wolf
- ^ [10-30] The Exorcism of Colonel Jules
- ^ [60D] Houses of the Holy
- ^ [Tyr's Hand Holy Water]
- ^ [10-70 Daily] Smash the Pumpkin
- ^ [8-30D] The Hand of the Light
- ^ [Torch of Holy Flame]
- ^ Of Blood and Honor, chapter 3 - "The expertly weighted hammer felt good in his hands. The holy runes etched in its head shone as brightly as they ever had."
- ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, part 1, chapter 5 – "Gavinrad stepped forth, holding an enormous, heavy-looking hammer, its silver head etched with runes and its sturdy haft wrapped in blue leather."
- ^ [35-40] ... and My Hammer
- ^ [10-45] To Be Prepared
- ^ [10-45] To Be Prepared
- ^ Lawbringer Armor
- ^ [2] Relics of the Light
- ^ [2] Relics of the Light
- ^ [Vindicator Vuuleen's Blade]
- ^ [10-30] Digging for Prayer Beads
- ^ [60] A Symbol of Hope
- ^ [Lightbound Runestone]
- ^ Zuronar#Quotes
- ^ [25-30] The Boon of A'dal
- ^ Ezgi Pajecki 2020-09-26. Maldraxxus, Shadowlands and Beyond - Interview with Steve Danuser. Lorekeeper. Archived from the original on 2020-09-27.
- ^ Tides of Darkness, chapter 22
- ^ Beyond the Dark Portal, chapter 21
- ^ [10-45] The End of the Saga
- ^ Beyond the Dark Portal, pg. 212
- ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, pg. 140
- ^ Ask CDev - Round 3
- ^ Before the Storm, chapter 16
- ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, pg. 62
- ^ Of Blood and Honor, chapter 5
- ^ Farseer Nobundo#The Exodar
- ^ Beasts of the Savage Lands — Spires of Arak
- ^ Bloodsworn, pg. 86
- ^ Nyorloth forum post
- ^ Beyond the Dark Portal, chapter 13
- ^ Before the Storm, chapter 35
- ^ [60] Convoy of the Covenants
- ^ [58-60] A Lesson in Humility
- ^ A Thousand Years of War Part One: Two Bright Lights, pg. 6
- ^ Before the Storm, chapter 28
- ^ Dave Kosak on Twitter: "To wield the Light as a weapon takes intense focus and a VERY powerful belief. Power isn't stolen the way Warlocks take it:)"
- ^ Legion Class Preview Series: Priest
- ^ Legion Class Preview Series: Paladin
- ^ [1-10] Rescue the Survivors!
- ^ Prophet's Lesson
- ^ [1] Consecrated Rune
- ^ Before the Storm, chapter 8
- ^ Ironforge Priest
- ^ Frida Ironbellows, Anointed Disciple and Darkforged Crusader
- ^ Priest (Warcraft III)
- ^ Mehlar Dawnblade
- ^ a b Burning Crusade Behind The Scenes - Blood Elves. YouTube (2008-03-19).
- ^ http://us.battle.net/wow/en/game/class/priest
- ^ [3] The Way of the Sunwalkers
- ^ a b [Hallowed Note]
- ^ Seer Liwatha#Quotes
- ^ High Prelate Rata#Quotes
- ^ [15-30] The Eyes of Skettis
- ^ [40H] Gloriously Incandescent
- ^ Micky Neilson on Twitter (2013-03-07). Archived from the original on 2013-11-14. “They use willpower to wield the Light, driven by greed.”
- ^ Lok'osh Rera
- ^ World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: Northrend, pg. 132
- ^ The Sundering, chapter 12
- ^ Beyond the Dark Portal, pg. 617
- ^ [29] The Doomed Fleet
- ^ Dave Kosak on Twitter
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