The Awakened, Aspect of Dreams, Aspect of Nature,[1] Green Aspect,[2] Mother of Dreams,[3] Emerald Queen,[4] She of the Dreaming, Awakened Dreamer,[5] Mistress of Dreams,[6] Lady of Dreams,[7] Child of Dreams[8] Formerly: The Dreamer, The Corrupted
Ysera is the former Dragon Aspect of the green dragonflight, charged with keeping watch over the flowering wilds of Azeroth from within the Emerald Dream. Bound to this ethereal realm, she descended into an endless trance and became known thereafter as the Dreamer.[13] She would later fight off the Emerald Nightmare and the corruption of her children.
Ysera, now nicknamed the Awakened, recently awoke from her slumber within the Emerald Dream during the events of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, though she was not yet able to consistently tell the difference between dream and reality; while she was still sane, she was not yet entirely coherent.[14] Ysera aided the Guardians of Hyjal when the Twilight's Hammer and other forces of Ragnaros attacked Mount Hyjal. She, along with her fellow Aspects, eventually gave up their titan-given power to stop their mad brother Deathwing during his last stand.
She continued to provide guidance and wisdom to all who revere nature, acting as a mentor to the druids of Azeroth.[15] Ysera was ultimately corrupted by the satyrXavius and the Nightmare, and was, with much sadness, slain by Tyrande Whisperwind and the Cenarion Circle.[16] Following her death, her spirit came to reside in Ardenweald within the Shadowlands. In time, the Winter Queen personally resurrected Ysera from a Wildseed, binding the Dreamer to Ardenweald itself in the process. Although Ysera is now alive, being bound to Ardenweald keeps her from leaving the Shadowlands. This was eventually circumvented by having Malfurion Stormrage take her place in the Shadowlands, allowing her to return to Azeroth.
Ysera is also the foster mother of the demigod Cenarius.[17]
Ysera was one of the more intelligent of proto-dragons, capable of broken speech unlike most of the other, more animal-like of her kind. Born smaller than the average proto-drake, Ysera was sick and a yellowish color. She and her two siblings, Alexstrasza and Dralad, were the only survivors of their clutch. While someone as small as Ysera would have normally be killed soon after hatching, Alexstrasza took care of her little sister.
On a day when dozens of proto-dragons gathered to hunt caribou, Ysera approached a blue-white proto-dragon named Malygos to ask him about her brother's corpse, which Malygos had found alongside Alexstrasza. She said that there was another corpse she and Alexstrasza had found, though Alexstrasza reprimanded her, saying they had agreed not to speak of that. The two argued, but they were interrupted by the sudden appearance of Galakrond. After the gigantic terror had flown away, a confident grey proto-dragon named Neltharion taunted them all for being afraid.
Ysera and Alexstrasza would later come across the shriveled-up corpses of two proto-dragons, including Malygos's old companion Tarys. A small and terrified purple proto-dragon insisted that Galakrond had devoured the dead dragons, which matched theories Malygos had expressed to the two sisters. They went to fetch Malygos so he could meet the purple dragon. After his arrival, the corpses stirred and attacked as undead. Alexstrasza, Malygos, and Ysera tore them apart.
Like the other proto-dragons Ysera would gather under the command of Talonixa. However unlike the alpha Ysera would be opposed to violence and preached her belief that peace could be made with Galakrond and the not-living, to the dismay of her friends. Ysera's dream of peace was supported by Coros who used his sway to help Talonixa give Ysera a chance to talk of her plan with everyone else. While seemingly supporting her Malygos later learned that Coros used the meeting as a distraction so that he could join up Galakrond unnoticed following its conclusion in which Talonixa swayed the other proto-dragons to her side on fighting Galakrond.
Witnessing Coros's betrayal and subsequent devouring by Galakrond, Malygos would return to the others only to find Ysera and Talonixa in conflict over the fate of the bitten proto-dragons who had begun to act as Galakrond. Seemingly subjecting to Ysera's desire for them to still live, Talonixa decreed that the bitten would have to be quarantined for the safety of everyone else. Agreeing to this condition Ysera watched the bitten dragons be herded into a canyon and then watched in shock as Talonixa collapsed it, eventually killing all those trapped inside. It was after this event that Ysera would notice that Malygos had been bitten on his leg and would keep silent about it.
Vehemently opposed to fighting, Ysera became somewhat fanatical in her quest for peace to the point where heedless to the consequences she approached Galakrond, even as Talonixa and the others were fighting his undead minions. Even as the proto-dragon army put a dent in Galakrond's not-living forces, Ysera was only saved from certain by the timely intervention by her sister. As Galakrond began to fight the Proto-dragon army, the Watcher Tyr used one of the not-living to catch the sister's attention.
Some time after, Malygos found his way to the three of them, and Ysera attacked him when he tried to kill the bound undead proto-dragon. As Tyr spoke with Malygos, Ysera freed the undead proto-dragon in order to make it see reason, an action that could have killed her if not for Malygos's timely intervention. After destroying the undead Malygos briefly succumbed to the hunger for flesh, but Ysera was able to recall him to his senses and Malygos was then cured by Tyr. Tyr then proposed hunting Galakrond and decided to stand by the proto-dragons this time, revealing a war hammer from beneath his cloak. Lastly, he pulled out an octagonal artifact, moving it to the three proto-dragons as it glowed, with the promise that he was "trying to ensure some future."
Ysera would witness Galakrond returning outside the cavern, chasing Neltharion and Nozdormu. Malygos and Tyr moved to the entrance to witness their battle, and Tyr was overjoyed at the proto-dragons' coordination. Alexstrasza, Malygos and a now full-sized Tyr joined in the battle. Temporarily stunning Galakrond with his hammer, Tyr ordered the proto-dragons to flee as he stayed to battle the monster.
An unknown time later, Tyr met with the five proto-dragons, informing them that Galakrond was sleeping in a mountain range to the north and that it was the perfect time to attack. He told them to eat before doing so, and just before they left Tyr held the octagonal artifact before Nozdormu and Neltharion as he had to the others before. After doing so, Tyr vanished in the blink of an eye.
Tyr and the proto-dragons met up near Galakrond's slumbering place, which Kalecgos would later note in his visions was nowhere near Galakrond's Rest. Save for Ysera, they all began the battle against Galakrond, who had grown larger and even more mutated than before. Throughout the battle, the octagonal object on Tyr's belt glowed ever brighter. When Galakrond suddenly expanded in size without warning, Tyr's hammer could no longer harm him. With a flap of wings, Galakrond called up a massive wind that scattered the fighters. Ysera suddenly appeared and Galakrond attempted to devour her, but Tyr silenced his laughter with a mighty blow from his hammer. Tyr pulled Galakrond to the ground and began to mercilessly beat him even as Galakrond began mutating further - as he began to resemble a true dragon.
In the battle, Tyr's hammer and the strange artifact were knocked free from his person. Tyr reached to grab the artifact, just as Galakrond's massive maw came within range and the monster clamped down on Tyr's hand. Malygos moved to save Tyr, examining the bloody stump as Galakrond roared in triumph and grew ever larger. An unconscious Tyr was brought to a frozen lake by the proto-dragons, only to vanish from the shore. After being attacked by two not-living Ysera and the others found they could not find Tyr where they left him, concluding that some beast must have taken him for food.
After recuperating Ysera and the others decide to hunt down Galakrond in order to kill him once and for all or die trying. Ysera, along with the others would be stunned to learn that Galakrond had begun to devour the not-living in order to feed his hunger and shortly after would engage in battle with the behemoth. During the battle, Ysera would work closely with Nozdormu and Galakrond would ultimately be killed after Malygos and Neltharion forced a boulder down his throat.
After killing Galakrond Ysera and the others were approached by two other watchers, who revealed that they had taken Tyr to help him. Agreeing to protect Azeroth with her friends the two watchers were joined by two others and the titans acted through the keepers to transform Ysera and the others into the Dragon Aspects, where one of their first acts was to encourage the rumor that Titans created them from Galakrond. This was done to prevent the truth about Galakrond from leaking to ensure no one would follow in the behemoth's footsteps.[9]
Through Keeper Freya, the titanEonar blessed Alexstrasza's younger sister, the lithe green dragon Ysera, with a portion of nature's influence. Ysera fell into an eternal trance, bound to the waking Dream of Creation. Known as the Dreamer, she would watch over the growing wilds of the world from her verdant realm, the Emerald Dream.[18]
Freya also appointed Ysera and her green dragonflight as Mount Hyjal's eternal guardians.[19]
The era of dragons
When fallen KeeperLoken instigated the Winterskorn War, fought between the Winterskornvrykul and the earthen, Tyr and his allies fought on the earthen's side. However, when Tyr realized that they could not win against the Winterskorn clan alone he called upon the Dragon Aspects for aid. The noble Aspects grew enraged upon seeing so many dead titan-forged. Their fury only deepened when they learned that proto-dragons had been enslaved. Without hesitation, the Aspects took wing and unleashed their powers on the Winterskorn's iron ranks.
Much as they had done in the fight against Galakrond, the Aspects worked in unison to overwhelm the vrykul army. Alexstrasza held the Winterskorn at bay with towering walls of enchanted fire. Malygos drained the magical essence that fueled the constructs and golems, rendering them useless. He also shattered the enchanted snares that bound the proto-dragons and set the beasts free. Neltharion raised mountains from the earth to corral and contain the vrykul and their giant masters. Lastly, Ysera and Nozdormu combined their powers to create a spell that would bring a decisive end to the conflict.
Ysera and Nozdormu enveloped the Winterskorn in a cloying mist that caused the titan-forged to fall asleep. These incapacitated creatures were then locked away in tombs cities across northern Kalimdor. They would not know the peaceful slumber of the Emerald Dream. Rather, they would languish in a timeless, unconscious slumber for thousands upon thousands of years.[20]
When the Dragon Aspects discovered trolls settling in the Waking Shores, Ysera was the one who came up with the idea of visage forms for dragons to approach mortals without scaring them, so they could better empathize with and understand them. Ysera was as such the first dragon to ever use a visage form, though there was trial and error; her first attempt resulted in her becoming a giant troll with too-long limbs.[21]
In time the War of the Scaleborn would break out between the proto-dragons and ordered dragons. During the war, Ysera fought off multiple incursions into the Emerald Plains by her cousin Fyrakk. As they had against the vrykul in the Winterskorn War, Ysera and Nozdormu would work together to put Fyrakk into an eternal sleep so he could be imprisoned in the Vault of the Incarnates.[22]
When Elune and Malorne had their child Cenarius, his birth called the attention of Ysera through the Emerald Dream. She took him under her wing and taught him much, becoming like a foster mother to him.[17] Their relationship caused some mortals to falsely believe that she was his true mother, but their bond was not a biological one.
Ysera was one of the Dragon Aspects that gave some of her power to the Demon Soul, not knowing that Neltharion would use it to betray them.
When her dear friend Malorne died to the Burning Legion, Ysera came to a screeching halt in the middle of combat and opened her eyes with a deafening shriek, one of the few times she had ever opened her eyes in history. As she tore through the carnage to her friend, thousands of demons were thrown in all directions with her paws and wings. Her rampage continued, making her way through to her goal, until she came still, her chin on Malorne's head; sobs could be heard as She of the Dreaming mourned the White Stag's end.[23]
After the War of the Ancients, Alexstrasza planted a magical acorn from the Mother Tree G'Hanir within the second Well of Eternity, created by Illidan. The Tree grew large until it reached the heavens and was crowned Nordrassil. Ysera enchanted the tree so that it would be bound to the Emerald Dream.
Ysera forged an alliance with the kaldorei druids after witnessing their valiant efforts during the War of the Ancients. Through Ysera's blessing, the druids gained direct access to the Dream without the need for intense meditation. Likewise, it is presumed that Ysera's deep connection to the moon goddess was forged through her relationship with the elves, who worshiped Elune as a deity of life.[24]
Around 1,500 years BDP,[25] Ysera learned about the plans of the Atal'ai and Hakkari, to summon Hakkar into Azeroth in the Temple of Atal'Hakkar. Aware of the immense power commanded by the loa, Ysera feared the actions of the fanatical trolls and shattered the temple they had raised,[26] sending it beneath the water.[27] Though Ysera had thwarted Hakkar's return, she knew that the Atal'ai might someday attempt to summon the loa again. Thus, she commanded a number of her loyal green dragons to watch over the ruined temple and ensure it would never again be used to bring such evil into the world.[28] Among the dragons sent to the temple was Eranikus.[29] For the millennia that followed, Ysera and the other Aspects retreated to their homes, and she spent much of her time monitoring the health of Azeroth's wilds from the Emerald Dream.[30]
At the behest of Krasus, Ysera, Malygos, and Nozdormu grudgingly agreed to come out of their lairs and fight Deathwing. Due to the power they had given to the Demon Soul, they were no match for the Black Aspect - until the mage Rhonin was able to take the Demon Soul from Nekros and destroy it, releasing the powers the dragons had given to it ten thousand years earlier. With their powers restored, and the newly-freed Alexstrasza joining the fight, Deathwing was forced to retreat.[31]
After the destruction of the Demon Soul and the return of her long-withheld power, Ysera suddenly felt the sinister and brooding darkness slithering deep within the Dream, the Emerald Nightmare.[24]
World of Warcraft
This section concerns content related to the original World of Warcraft.
Ysera fell silent when the Emerald Nightmare began, and some of her most trusted lieutenants (Lethon, Emeriss, Taerar and Ysondre) were warped by a dark power within the Emerald Dream. In fact, she, Malfurion, and Cenarius continued to fight the Emerald Nightmare in the Dream.[32]
During the battle against Yogg-Saron in Ulduar, Ysera appeared in night elf form, along with the other Aspects, during a flashback of the creation of the Dragon Soul, ten thousand years earlier. Oddly enough, Ysera's eyes were open in the vision, the reverse of her usual habit; they were also blue, a change from both Ysera's green and the night elf norm of silver or gold.
Following the defeat of the Lich King, the situation in the Emerald Dream became even more dire, as the insidious Nightmare Lord unfolded his master plan to enslave Azeroth. Though Lethon tried to kidnap her, Ysera defended herself and she led the green dragons, ancients, and druids against the Nightmare. Later when Thura was about to release Malfurion, Ysera led her dragons to a tree where Malfurion was trapped. When the archdruid was free, Ysera saw her consort, Eranikus, trapped with the Nightmare and she rushed off to help him. However, the trapped consort was, in fact, Lethon in Eranikus' disguise, and Ysera got trapped within the Nightmare. The Emerald Dream's nightmare worsened and thus the Nightmare was able to completely swallow both, the Emerald Dream and Azeroth.
The Aspect remained imprisoned within the Eye of Ysera for most of the remainder of the crisis, working with Lucan Foxblood to assist Malfurion in stopping the Nightmare. Ysera was freed again by her consort Eranikus, who sacrificed himself to free her. Ysera was forced to leave the remainder of the battle to Malfurion, who was ultimately successful in stopping Xavius and largely halting the Nightmare. Ysera, with Alexstrasza, later presided over the long-awaited wedding of Malfurion and Tyrande, and gave her blessing to Teldrassil, which she had withheld when the tree was first made.[34]
Cataclysm era
This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.
During a meeting at Wyrmrest Temple, Ysera arrived unannounced, her eyes open. Now known as Ysera the Awakened, she revealed that she had seen a vision of the Hour of Twilight, and the end of all life on Azeroth. In order to prevent this terrible future, she called upon the aid of Thrall, setting him on a quest to find Nozdormu within the timeways.
Following his Elemental Bonds ordeal, Ysera realized that Thrall had established a connection with the earth that went far beyond mere communication with the elements. She helped the shaman understand and test his new abilities.
While meditating, Ysera had a flashback to the creation of the Dragon Soul. Realizing that it might be the only weapon powerful enough to defeat Deathwing, Ysera conferred with the other Aspects. Kalecgos suggested that the artifact could be modified to harm Deathwing, while Nozdormu proposed a plan to retrieve it from the past when it was in its purest form - during the War of the Ancients.[35]
Hour of Twilight
This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.
Ysera also appears in the Dragon Soul raid. Like the other Aspects, she bestows her power upon the Dragon Soul so Thrall can use it to vanquish Deathwing once and for all.
The battle for Azeroth ended when a final attack from the Dragon Soul, infused with the essence of each Aspect, completely obliterated Deathwing. Alexstrasza stated that by averting the Hour of Twilight, the Aspects had fulfilled their great purpose. With their ancient powers expended, Ysera and the other remaining Aspects became mortal.
The Dragon Aspects fighting Deathwing.
Ysera during the final battle against Deathwing.
Ysera in her visage form after Deathwing's defeat.
Adhering to their tradition to meet when the two moons of Azeroth were at particular cycle Ysera and the other former aspects gathered together. With the loss of her aspect powers Ysera informed Merithra that the fight against the Emerald Nightmare would be fought by the druids, such as Naralex. At the end of the brief meeting Ysera, along with Alexstrasza and Nozdormu, decided that they would officially end the Accord one month from now, to the shock of Kalecgos.[36]
Later on, Ysera and the others responded Kalecgos' request for a meeting, where using an artifact from Watcher Tyr reminded them about their past battle against Galakrond and that they didn't need to be aspects to help safeguard the world. Agreeing with him, the other three decided to continue their affairs in protecting Azeroth and that the Accord would continue. They also swore Kalecgos to secrecy about the nature of Galakrond, as they did not want anyone to follow in his dark path.[37]
When Cenarius began to succumb to the Emerald Nightmare, Malfurion, Elothir, Koda Steelclaw, and an adventurer in place of Thaon Moonclaw summoned Ysera to ask for her aid.[4] Ysera believed that the only way to save the Forest Lord is with the Tears of Elune, and sent an adventurer to a nearby temple of Elune to retrieve them.[39]
However, Xavius attacked the temple and stole the Tears of Elune before Malfurion could use them to save Cenarius.[40] Without the Tears, Cenarius succumbed to corruption, and Malfurion pursued Xavius in his rage at the loss of his shan'do.[41] Unfortunately, Xavius was not done taking from Malfurion: when Ysera and an adventurer located Xavius, he was able to use the Tears to corrupt the former Aspect herself, turning her into a dragon of Nightmare. Xavius and Ysera retreated with Malfurion held captive, followed by the adventurer and Tyrande Whisperwind.[42]
A reunion with Tyrande is something Xavius has longed for for many years. With Malfurion held captive, Xavius gives the High Priestess an ultimatum: she can pursue him and spend her husband's last moments at his side, or she can return to the Temple of Elune and protect it from Xavius's forces which will be led by Ysera.[43] Mournful and distraught, Tyrande chooses her goddess and the oath to her order over her love, though the decision hurts her. At the temple, Ysera is put to rest, and with her last breath she states that the nightmare felt so real.
Upon her death, Elune reached down and cleansed Ysera's spirit and body as well as the Tears of Elune. Ysera's spirit was seen lifted by tendrils of moonlight and disappeared in a dragon-shaped constellation, leaving the outline of her body in new plant growth.[44]
In the final battle against Xavius, the Dream of Ysera helped adventurers fight off the Nightmare.[45] After the Emerald Dream was cleansed following Xavius' defeat, the ghost of Ysera could be seen walking towards a Void-touched flower in a cave.
Shadowlands
This section concerns content related to Shadowlands.
Ysera's wildseed was one of the last to arrive in Ardenweald before the Arbiter ceased operating. She was eventually revived by the Winter Queen personally, at the request of Lady Moonberry and Ara'lon. The Winter Queen made comments about Ysera being "[her] sister's pet". According to the Winter Queen, Ysera is now bound to Ardenweald and will share its fate.[46] While the Night Fae performed a play introducing their new members from Azeroth to the rest of their Covenant, Ysera was in the audience and expressed horror and despair at both Sargeras stabbing Azeroth and the Burning of Teldrassil, stating in shock that she thought the latter had only been a nightmare she had.[47] She also was disappointed in the Alliance and Horde going to war again.[48] After the play was over, Ysera said that she had dreamed of Tyrande undergoing the ritual of the Night Warrior and was worried that her hunt would only end in tragedy.[49]
Ysera had been having dreams of night elf souls tortured in the Maw, Tyrande consumed by vengeance, and the destruction of Ardenweald. She asked the Night Fae adventurer to meet up with Shandris Feathermoon to find Tyrande, as she felt the Night Warrior would be the key to saving both the night elves and Ardenweald.[50] Although Shandris and the Maw Walker could not convince Tyrande to give up her hunt, they did save many souls of night elves who had died in Teldrassil. Ysera said she would investigate a promising whisper she had heard regarding someone who could aid Tyrande.[51]
Upon discovering that Thiernax, was once a Night Warrior in life, she sent Shandris and the Maw Walker to seek him out.[52] The pair subsequently met with the former Night Warrior, and his husband Qadarin. While speaking with them, they were attacked by spriggans, and the leader of the band cursed Qadarin with its dying breath. Part of the counter-curse required a token of lost love, which Ysera believed could be found with Alexstrasza as something she had been given by her last prime consort; Korialstrasz. However, while Alexstrasza had indeed loved Korialstrasz, she had never loved anyone more than Ysera. Thus the Dragon Queen gave the Maw Walker [A Small Carving of Ysera], which deeply touched Ysera when she saw that her gift was the token of lost love.[53] This would ultimately prove a sufficient 'token of lost love' to help break the curse on Qadarin, and the husbands joined Ysera in her efforts to save Tyrande.[54]
Ysera unleashes her fae-powered fury upon the Drust invaders of Ardenweald.
After Thiernax deduced that the power of the Night Warrior could be dispersed amongst the past Night Warriors, Ysera sent the Maw Walker to acquire an expert tracker of the Wild Hunt from Lord Herne.[61][62] She subsequently warmly greeted Huln Highmountain, who promised to not rest until he found the other Night Warriors.[63] She later revealed that Bwonsamdi had arrived, and through her dreams had glimpsed that he had come for the Maw Walker.[64] She was filled with joy upon learning that Ashamane, Hir'eek, and Shadra had been freed by the Maw. She further remarked that none could say what fate had in store for Vol'jin, whose spirit had become entwined with the essence of the fallen loaRezan, and that the path he had embarked upon had never before been walked by a mortal soul.[65]
After the Wild Hunt had seemingly driven the Drust back to Darkreach, and receiving reports that Gorak Zhar was among them, Ysera sent the Maw Walker to join with Lord Herne in dealing with the matter.[66] However in truth this was a ruse conducted by the Drust, with "Gorak Zhar" in reality being a Drust-possessed Ara'lon with illusions in place to make him appear as Gorak Zhar. While the Wild Hunt was focused on Darkerach, the Drust sought to claim the Grove of Awakening.[67] Ysera joined with the Wild Hunt and aided them in the battle against the Drust, while personally delivering the Maw Walker to the Winter Queen at the Heart of the Forest.[68] She then joined the counter-attack against the Drust, which ended in the death of Gorak Zhar, and joined the Winter Queen's court in celebrating their victory. Ysera was pleased to have helped safeguarded Ardenweald and warned that they must remain on guard, for all was not right in the Shadowlands. She then stressed the Maw Walker must remain ready, for she foresaw that they would be needed for the coming challenges.[69]
Ysera aided the convents in defending Ardenweald from Sylvanas Windrunner and the Mawsworn. As the fight between the Night Warrior and Banshee Queen neared its end, Ysera stepped in to aid and comfort Tyrande after Sylvanas and the Mawsworn left the battlefield. Shandris Feathermoon hoped that Ysera would be able to keep Tyrande stabilized long enough for them to save her.[70]
As a result of the covenants working more closely together, Huln was able to pinpoint the location of two of the Night Warriors, and informed Ysera to send the Maw Walker to him in Maldraxxus. Thus Ysera sent a message to the Maw Walker and sent them to Huln at the Sepulcher of Knowledge, while encouraging them to hurry as she was unsure as to how long Tyrande could handle Elune's power.[71][72] After the Maw Walker recruited Khaliiq and The Stonewright, and they arrived at the Heart of the Forest, Ysera thanked them for their aid and explained that Tyrande was in dire straits.[73] She subsequently aided them in the ritual to cleanse Tyrande of her Night Warrior's powers and as the ritual neared its ends, witnessed the Winter Queen and Elune converse as well as the creation of the Sisters' Tear.[74] She then returned to the Heart of the Forest and bore witness to the Winter Queen using the newly created tear to remake her sigil and restore the Heart of the Forest.[75]
With peace returned to Ardenweald and Tyrande saved, Ysera sent the Maw Walker to report to the Primus and inform him of the rebirth of the Winter Queen's sigil.[76]
Eternity's End
Sometime later, Ysera witnessed Tyrande's meeting with the Winter Queen within the Grove of Awakening within Ardenweald, where Tyrande received the Sisters' Tear, which had become a vessel of renewal, and that the night elven souls who had been saved from the Maw rejected the eternal tranquility in the boughs of Ardenweald by becoming a new beginning for their kin, with the seed thus embodying the cycle of death and life.
In the aftermath, Tyrande, Shandris, and Ysera spoke about the seed, to which Ysera revealed that it had been touched by the the Dream as well, making it a symbol of the crucial balance between life and death. She thus revealed that the seed should be brought to her daughter, as Merithra should know where it should be taken. When Shandris questioned if Ysera would return to Azeroth with them, Ysera revealed that as she is bound to Ardenweald, she would not able to leave without a great sacrifice, rejected Tyrande's offer for aid as she felt that the kaldorei needed them, and stated if Elune willed then she would soar Azeroth's skies again.[77]
Dragonflight
This section concerns content related to Dragonflight.
Meanwhile back on Azeroth, the Primalists through the trickery and deception of Rymek were able to gain access to the Emerald Dream portal upon the Ancient Bough, successfully claiming the area and preventing the defenders from being able to breach the ice barrier around them.[79] Though Rymek's magic prevented them from entering the grove, Merithra realized that there was a way in from death.[80]Somnikus blaming himself and in intense grief from his son's death made his way to the Shadowlands, where he informed her of the troubles faced and offered to take her place, so that she could defend the dream. However as he did not have a connection to Ardenweald, and thus could take her bond with the Winter Queen, he was unable to take her place.[81]
Though eager to defend the Dream, Ysera would not dare ask anyone to take her place, unless they would accept the consequences, as she did. Thus she was silent in the face of Tyrande's pleas, while Malfurion realized that he alone would have to make the switch with her. Though initially against it, Malfurion was able to convince Tyrande of the matter.[82] With their agreement made, Ysera instructed Somnikus to inform Merithra that once they reached the Dream, they would make way for the defenders. Following his departure, she and the others went to the Winter Queen, who was initially hesitant but ultimately agreed and switched her bounding from Ysera to Malfurion.[83]
With the trade complete, she and adventurers made their way into the Emerald Dream, where they found it under attack by the Primalists. As they faced them and secured the path to the Ancient Bough, Ysera reflected that her connection to the Dream felt different.[84] After reaching Azeroth, she took the fight to the Primalists, while directing adventurers with weakening the barrier and liberating the imprisoned dragons, the latter of which allowed her to reunite with Gerithus, who informed her that Rymek was at Lunedane.[85][86] As Ysera prepared to break the Primalists barrier, she revealed that while the Dream must be restored, it was her that had the power to do so. Following the barrier's destruction, Ysera was reunited with her daughter, Merithra, who noted that she was different, that she had been touched by Death.[87]
With Ysera returned to them, the green dragonflight moved as one to save the nascent World Tree from being destroyed by Rymek. Before they departed Merithra revealed to her mortal allies that Lunedane must be secure in order to eradicate the Primalist from the Emerald Dream, and that an ancient artifact within would have the power to expel their enemies all at once. However, she admitted that she didn't know if her mother had the power to use it and command it anymore but that it was something they would have to deal with once Rymek was stopped. For her part, Ysera declared that she was no longer connected to the Dream as she had once been and that someone new must arise to take her place.[88]
Following Rymek's death, mother and daughter turned their attention towards healing the Dream.[89] When the time came to activate the power within Lunedane, Ysera encouraged her daughter to step out of the shadow of her wings and spread her own. Merithra initially refused, pointing out that the Dreamer had always been Ysera and that she wasn't ready for it. In response, Ysera remarked that few ever think they were ready, when the time came, and gave her daughter one last encouragement. Thus Merithra stepped forward, activating the power within the Lunedane, destroying the Primalists forces, and securing her place as the new Dreamer.[90]
Following this, Ysera admitted that from the moment she reentered the Dream, she knew things were different, and that it was only fitting that her daughter would be the one to ascend after she had taken care of the flight since her death, that she must in fact lead the Emerald flight. Thus when Merithra offered to return "The Dreamer" mantle back to her, Ysera refused, and declared that Merithra was the leader of the green dragonflight and that when they reclaimed their full powers, she would be the Aspect. With that declaration Merithra accepted the position, pledging that she would do her best as leader of the green dragonflight and do whatever it takes. Following this mother and daughter took to the skies and flew together once more.[91]
At some point, Ysera and Alexstrasza traveled to the Eye of Ysera, where they attempted to heal Gracus. However, after realizing it was his time, Ysera sent adventurers to defeat the memory that haunted Gracus the most. With this memory defeated, Gracus shared his final moments with his loved ones, before peacefully passing away.[93][94]
After receiving word that the djaradin were laying siege to the Eye of Ysera, Ysera was amongst that rushed to its defense.[95] Though rejected by the Eye, Ysera was able to use it stabilize a shield around her allies. While Merithra continued to lead the counterattack against djaradin, she continued to work upon the Eye, even as she struggled to understand why it was rejecting her.[96] As part of Merithra's plan to defeat the djaradin, she dispelled the shield over the Eye. Convinced of their victory Galok Wingslicer led the djaradin into an assault on Eye, only to be defeated by the green dragonflight and their allies. Following Galok's death and the djaradin retreat, Ysera realized that the Eye had rejected her because of Merithra's rise. She thus convinced her daughter that she had to take her place and commune with the Eye.[97]
Ysera traveled to Amirdrassil after it blossomed into Azeroth and during the subsequent celebratory party, she sat with the Dragon Aspects, Sabellian, Wrathion, and Emberthal. After the celebration concluded, she made her final farewells to Alexstrasza, Merithra, and Tyrande Whisperwind before returning to Ardenweald.[98]
Appearance and abilities
Ysera is green, and her skin glitters with countless emeralds for scales. Her physical form is ghostly, ethereal, like watching a living dream or vision. The Emerald Dream is a place where all living beings dream when sleeping. It is a place of where sentient beings have dreams of hope, and faith for a better tomorrow. From the Emerald Dream, Ysera can observe all lesser races. Her eyes are always closed, although you can see her pupils move constantly below her eyelids as if watching many dreams at once.
There are only a few recorded moments in history where Ysera has opened her eyes. When she does, a person can see the eyes of many colors, like a rainbow. The eyes of every sentient creature can be seen at once through her eyes. Ysera opened her eyes during the War of the Ancients after seeing Malorne dead, and again when addressing Malfurion Stormrage on his druidic prowess.[citation needed] She opened them another time at the time of the Battle of Grim Batol after the Second War, before Krasus, when he tried to convince her to help free Alexstrasza. Ysera also opened her eyes after she regained her powers during the fight against Deathwing. Ysera fought alongside the other Dragon Aspects against the evil of Deathwing while Rhonin destroyed the Demon Soul. She regained her full powers once the Demon Soul was destroyed.[31]
Ysera can assume the form of a female from any race, which she chooses depending on whom she is talking to. Often she wears a dress of emerald green, emerald jewelry, and has emerald-green hair.
Ysera avoids and dislikes combat, especially in her realm. When angered, she is terrible, paranoid and impulsive. She keeps herself isolated in the Eye of Ysera within the Emerald Dream and is rarely seen in the real world. When she does visit the living plane, she shapeshifts into a humanoid form, covered by a green hood, and her eyes are always closed.
When in combat, she attacks with a greenish breath (which Malygos recalled as a breath weapon akin to that of Galakrond's, if not so debilitating),[99] to put her opponents to sleep, and rarely strikes to kill. She prefers to neutralize her enemies and banish them away from her realm.
Ysera can travel from mind to mind to travel anywhere she wishes by entering the dreams of any living being sleeping. She may enter the dreams of a target to communicate with or warn the sleeping creature. Ysera has the ability to planeshift between the real world and the Emerald Dream.
"Brothers they may not in blood, but they are truly brothers in nature." (referring Malygos and Neltharion)
"Mention not that one! He is one whose dreams I will never enter - again. He is one who is quite possibly more terrible in his sleep than even waking."
"Deathwing it was who created the Demon Soul, and for a good cause at the time, so we believed. Believed so much that we did as he asked, imparted to it some measure of our power."
"That terrible glow! Should that be?" - after Deathwing created the Dragon Soul.
"To the night elves, who have lost their hopes, I give forth the ability to Dream again. To Dream, to Imagine, for in that is the best hope of rebuilding, of recovering, of growing... And to those who follow the path of one held special by me - and mine - I grant him and the other druids to come the path into the Emerald Dream, where, even in their deepest sleep, they may cross the world, learn from it, and draw upon its own strength... the better to guide Kalimdor's health and safety throughout the future." - Ysera's blessing upon Nordrassil at the end of the War of the Ancients and the Great Sundering of Azeroth.[100]
They will suffer such nightmares that whatever they have for hearts will explode. I will bring upon them demons of their own, who will drive them mad until all they can think about is death... but I will not permit them to wake long enough to achieve it..."[101]
Day of the Dragon
"You slip quicker and quicker toward the final rest, brave one. Is there something you would ask of me before that happens?"
"Perhaps The Creators should have made you Father Of Life instead of Guardian Of Magic, Malygos!" (poking fun of him, much to his displeasure.)
World of Warcraft
This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.
Greeting
The Dreamer has awoken.
Much remains to be done.
The Dream gives us shelter, the Dream gives us hope.
Once, I was bound only to the Dream. Now I am also tethered to this realm by powers I do not fully comprehend.
The Winter Queen gave of her own essence to save me, and I will repay her kindness as best as I can. Yet beyond that, I can only wonder when I might return to family in Azeroth... if indeed such a reunion can ever come to pass.
<Ysera smiles at you.>
But thanks to you, I have hope. Not only have you helped restore Ardenweald, but saved my beloved Tyrande from a rage that nearly consumed her.
The future may be uncertain, and the Jailer threatens all we hold dear. But whatever comes, I know you will face it with courage.
Ysera, this soulweb has the ability to capture dreams, but requires power to do so. Can you help?
Ysera says: Yes, I believe I can help you. With the powers of Ardenweald and the Emerald dream combined, I can imbue this vessel.
Ysera says: It is done. I am pleased to be able to give back to Ardenweald. But be warned: there are nightmares in here that make even one such as I uneasy.
?? Gossip
<Ysera's spirit is weak and strains to reach you. She is fading.>
I see Merithra stand up as the leader of our flight, and I am proud.
Let us venture into the Dream one time. One last time, perhaps, and see the future of the world tree secured.
(Play Movie) Remind me how you returned to Azeroth.
In Hearthstone
This section contains information exclusive to Hearthstone and is considered non-canon.
Ysera appears as a legendary card in Hearthstone. Her flavor text reads: "Ysera rules the Emerald Dream. Which is some kind of green-mirror-version of the real world, or something?"
This section contains information from the Warcraft RPG which is considered non-canon.
Ysera, the Queen of Dreams, is one of the three Great Dragons who fought against the demons during the War of the Ancients. It was partly this war that convinced her to leave Azeroth and make her home in the unspoiled Emerald Dream. From this plane, she observes Azeroth but rarely interacts with its people. She does intervene when events require her presence, such as during Krasus's effort to defeat Deathwing's scheme to conquer the world.
Ysera is a guardian of nature and absolute shepherd of all that exists within her home plane. She is a highly intelligent, virtuous being who detests combat, but does not shy away from doing battle where necessary. She rarely travels outside of the Emerald Dream, and generally keeps to herself, paying little attention to the affairs of Azeroth. When she does visit the world, she almost always does so in a shapechanged form, so she will not be recognized.[103]
At some point in the Cataclysm beta, Ysera would have done battle with Ragnaros in Hyjal.
Ysera's Cataclysm humanoid model had a night elven skin color but used high/blood elven animations. It was also a recolor of Sylvanas Windrunner's old model. Her Dragonflight humanoid model properly uses night elf animations and has unique clothing.
Ysera
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[A Small Carving of Ysera], which deeply touched Ysera when she saw that her gift was the token of lost love.[53] This would ultimately prove a sufficient 'token of lost love' to help break the curse on Qadarin, and the husbands joined Ysera in her efforts to save Tyrande.[54]
[Anima Embers] from Torghast, Tower of the Damned,[59] Ysera sent them to rescue Kaldorei souls that still languished within the Maw.[60]
[10-45] The Fate of Val'sharah
Breath of Death — Casting Breath of Death.
Breath of Life — Casting Breath of Life.
[60] For Queen and Grove! 
What is next for you?
[Repaired Soulweb]
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[The Emerald Dreamcatcher]
[The War of the Shifting Sands]
[Charge of the Dragonflights]"
[10-45] Close Enough to Touch
[10-40] Mending A Broken Heart