Echoes of Azeroth

"Echoes of Azeroth" is a World of Warcraft: The War Within cinematic that was released on 9 June 2024 to announce the expansion's release date of August 26. Narrated by Xal'atath, it recaps the overarching narrative of World of Warcraft's first nine expansions using music and clips from their various introductory cinematics, before showcasing characters from The War Within and setting up the stakes for the Worldsoul Saga. The characters and scenes from the later parts of the cinematic are showcased further in the follow-up cinematic "Shadows Beneath".

Cinematic

Description

Throughout the ages, mighty heroes have risen to defend Azeroth. Now, at the dawn of a new saga, the darkness calls from the very heart of the world.

Transcript

The Worldsoul of Azeroth—a distant, golden glow surrounded by a vast darkness—pulsates to a slow heartbeat.

Xal'atath: In darkness... she slumbers... and dreams.

Seasons of War and The Dark Portal: A dwarf hunter outside Ironforge, a night elf druid in a forest, a Forsaken warlock commanding his infernal, a blood elf priestess caresses a mana wyrm, Vindicator Maraad hefts his Hammer of the Naaru.

Xal'atath: And for countless generations, mortal heroes have risen to defend her.

The Dark Portal: Illidan Stormrage in mid-air. O Thanagor: The Lich King lifts Frostmourne. Xaxas: Deathwing roars from atop the towers of the Valley of Heroes.

Xal'atath: They faced monsters, tyrants, and beasts of primordial horror.

The Worldsoul appears again, more clearly visible now.

Xal'atath: Though they fought amongst themselves...

Why Do We Fight?: An orc and human sailor battle at the Shrine of Fellowship. What Makes Us Strong: Alliance and Horde clash in the Battle for Lordaeron.

Xal'atath: their enmity following them to the most distant shores...

Why Do We Fight?: An Alliance and Horde naval battle off the coast of the Jade Forest. Times Change: Grommash Hellscream rallies a crowd of orcs atop the Throne of Kil'jaeden.

Grommash Hellscream: We will never be slaves!

Xal'atath: ...and even across time...

Azeroth's Last Hope: Varian Wrynn battles the Burning Legion at the Battle for Broken Shore.

Xal'atath: and space...

What Makes Us Strong: Anduin Wrynn calls down the Light during the Battle for Lordaeron.

Xal'atath: their courage never faltered.

The King & The Queen: Sylvanas Windrunner destroys the Helm of Domination and shatters the sky above Icecrown Citadel.

Xal'atath: Even upon the very threshold of death.

The Worldsoul pulsates in full view, a radiant orb of gold and magenta. A dragon's roar is heard faintly. Dragon Isles: The Dragon Aspects soar around the Beacon of Tyrhold.

Xal'atath: While new hope blooms on the horizon,

The War Within: Anduin Wrynn and Thrall gaze up at the Sword of Sargeras in the distance.

Xal'atath: the final battle draws near.

Giant tendrils of swirling, shadowy smoke begin to spiral in around the Worldsoul.

Xal'atath: Now, in the darkness...

An earthen steps into view.

Xal'atath: ...at the very heart of the world...

Faerin Lothar steps into the light in a shadowed room.

Xal'atath: the drums of war thunder once again.

An Arathi airship approaches a cavern entrance covered in nerubian webs. The earthen pulls at a colossal chain in a fiery workshop. Orweyna channels nature magic in a ritual dance surrounded by moving roots.

Xal'atath: And Azeroth, at last,

Faerin looks over her shoulder and puts up her shield. The earthen continues to struggle with the chain. Orweyna releases a burst of magic from her hands.

Xal'atath: awakens.

The swirling Void energies flood in to surround the Worldsoul completely.

Xal'atath: The Worldsoul, so long denied me,

Xal'atath smirks at the camera, illuminated in flashes by the rotating orbs from her shoulderpads.

Xal'atath: shall be mine.