Mythic creatures appearing in Warcraft
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This page is dedicated to finding matches between mythological creatures from Earth and the fictional Warcraft counterparts.
You can add a new race or species using the following template:
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Please keep the list alphabetically ordered. If you wish to debate whether or not something is a true match, please discuss it on the discussion page in the matching section. Do not debate on the main page.
You may discretely put a link to this page on relevant creature pages.
For purposes of this page, all religions are considered mythological.
Angel
Where: Originally Greek angelos, Zoroastrian Amesha Spentas and Yazatas, Abrahamic angels, archangels, etc. (The Zoroastrian and Abrahamic versions are the archetypical angels)
Corresponding Warcraft Species: Naaru, Celestial, Hope, Angel, Spirit Healer
- "Hmmm... what to use? A little knowledge is a dangerous thing? No, too obvious... Evil beware the word of God? Ah, YES! Let Evil beware the weight of the Word of God!"- St. Hypatia of Alexandria, after slaying a demon with a Bible in The Shadow of the Lion by Mercedes Lackey, Eric Flint, and Dave Freer
The Greek angelos simply means "messenger." Technically, any number of minor gods, such as Iris, Nemesis and Nike, were messengers from the gods, though it must be noted that they were deities in their own right. A similar, but radically different, tradition, emerges in Zoroastrianism, the ancient religion of Persia. Here, angelic beings, ranging from mortals to gods, fought the evil deity, Angra Mainyu, by teaching humans how to live in accordance with the light. The idea became the modern cultural image of protectors and warriors who protected mankind against the Devil, in much the same way the Naaru defend mortal races from Sargeras.
Basilisk/Cockatrice
Where: Greek mythology, later on, European folklore.
Corresponding Warcraft species: Basilisk, Hawkstrider
Quote: Dragons, A natural history, by Dr. Karl Shuker, p.96. "In early times, on of the most feared monsters...was the basilisk...hailed as the king of serpents. Upon its head it bore...three white tubercles. It could kill the largest animal and split asunder the biggest boulder with a single glance from its deadly eyes."
The Basilisk is popular in some forms of fantasy (a large number of readers will recognize the major antagonist from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets), in some cases as a traditional snake, in others as a sort of lizard. Though it is generally believed that Basilisks are capable of reproducing normally, it is possible to create a Basilisk through a sort of magical ritual- this species was not thought to breed naturally, the arcane offspring of a chicken and a toad. This parentage created the composite "Cockatrice" image of a serpent with certain elements of chicken biology. As a rule of thumb, "basilisk" refers to the creature itself, while "cockatrice" refers to the composite chicken/serpent imagery. The Basilisk's gaze is fatal when met directly, but causes petrification (remaining as still as stone, but still alive) if met indirectly. In a number of modern fantasy, the Basilisk's gaze always turns a being to stone, in the same manner as a Gorgon/Medusa (see below).
The Hawkstrider was called the "cockatrice" in pre-Beta materials and the Art of the Burning Crusade. The Hawkstrider bears a passing resemblance to the serpent/chicken imagery, but there appears to be little other correlation.
Centaur
Where: Greek mythology
Corresponding Warcraft species: Centaur
The Centaurs (Kentauroi Thessalioi) are fairly popular beings in Greek mythology, but myths pertaining to them directly are not plentiful. The handfuls of tales that survive relate the nature of a boisterous race of horse-men who care only for drinking and numerous other vices. They were the children of Nephele (a nymph formed out of clouds in the shape of Hera by Zeus). The lustful and devious Lapith king Ixion raped Nephele (thinking it was Hera), thus impregnating her. She promptly gave birth to a clan of horse-men (the Centaurs). Though there are sparse references to female Centaurs from antiquity, they only appear in later art and literature of other cultures.
Despite the barbaric nature of centaurs in general, certain centaurs were renowned for their wisdom. Kheiron (Chiron), for example, was the teacher of some of the greatest of Greek heroes, including Achilles, Herakles, Jason, and Theseus.
Most fantasy today gives the Centaurs the position of wise and gentle teachers, wiser and older than humans, after Chiron's example. Warcraft's version of the centaurs show a tighter parallel with Hellenic mythology than most depictions. Their culture, complete with its collapsible huts, domesticated hunting dogs, and Khans, are based to the nomadic tribes of the Asian steppes (e.g. the Mongols and Huns).
See Also;[1]
Chimera
Where: Greek mythology.
Corresponding Warcraft species: Chimaera
The Chimera's appearance is a source of debate, as descriptions merely claim it to be part goat, part serpent, and part lion. The most traditional representations have paint the Chimera as a lion with a snake for a tail and a goat's head sprouting from its back, though other interpretations can be found. All the heads could apparently breathe flame. There was only one Chimera in Greek Mythology, where it is the nemesis of the hero Bellerophon. The hero (like almost all of them, a son of Zeus) exploited the Chimera's one weakness- its inability to fly- and killed it from the back of the winged horse, Pegasus.
The word "chimera" today usually refers to something not quite natural that blends the features of several different animals. The two-headed, draconic creatures who have allied themselves with the Night Elves fit more closely with this definition, as there is no clear example of the mythological biology, and the original Chimera couldn't fly.
Demon
Where: Abrahamic mythology, Semitic mythologies for the "classic" image, but most mythologies have similar monsters.
Corresponding Warcraft species: Demon, Eredar (Burning Legion), Dreadlords, etc.
The word "demon" applies to anything evil, hideous or antagonistic that seeks to consume, destroy, or otherwise make life miserable. They are found in all cultures in some form or another. Ironically, the original Greek, daimon simply means "spirit," with no specific evil connotations- encountering an agathos daimon was a good thing.
Images of demons are as varied as the cultures they come from, so there is no one image that could have inspired the minions of the Burning Legion. The Doomguard are the traditional horned, winged demon the West is used to, while the Eredar bear a closer resemblance to the near-human denizens of Hell in Egypt and the Far East. The Nathrezim may have been inspired by the Nephilim who appear in the Bible- aside from the name, they appear similar to the traditional interpretation of Nephilim in other fantasy media. (A note of interest is that typical Western representations of devils and demons do not themselves derive from the text of the Bible, as the Bible does not give clear descriptions.)
It is worth noting that while the cultural image of a demon was inspired by the development of modern western religion, the term "demon" can apply to any mythological figure who is not human and consorts with the powers of darkness. Tezcatlipoca of Maya and Aztec mythology was worshipped as a god, but had the characteristics of a demon, while Lilitu of Sumerian mythology was both a goddess and a demoness.
Devas
Where: Hindu mythology
Corresponding Warcraft species: Shivarra
Deva [2] is a complex term used to describe a god or goddess of the Hindu Pantheon. Their numbers vary greatly according to source material. The word comes from the same Proto-Indo-European root as the English words "divine," "divinity," or "deity."
Devas according to the Hindu mythology are similar to the Greek gods in terms of power and hierarchy. For example, the Greek god Zeus who wields lightening and is the king of gods is similar to the Hindu god Indra who also wields the same power and status. Above Indra are the three supreme gods Brahma the creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the destroyer and their respective consorts who all work for the good and suppress evil. Unlike the three supreme gods who are the embodiment of good, the lesser gods sometimes are prone to misuse their power just like the Greek gods.
In Zoroastrianism, the "daevas" are demonic creatures, but they do not have any connection apart from the etymological one referenced above.
Kali
Kali the Destroyer is an aspect of Shiva's consort (other forms include Durga, Parvati, Sati, and Uma), and one of the most complicated divinities in existence. The biology and temperament of the Burning legion's Shivarra are modeled after her.
Though extremely fierce by nature, Kali, according to Hindu mythology, is a powerful aspect of Shiva's consort, goddess Parvati , who takes this form in order to suppress evil.
Shiva
Shiva the Destroyer is one of the Trimurti, the three supreme Devas (the others being Vishnu the Preserver and Brahma the Creator). He lends His name to the Shivarra.
Shiva according to Hindu mythology is a peaceful, meditative supreme deity who assumes the role of the destroyer whenever the need to suppress evil arises.
Dragon
Where: Most human cultures.
Corresponding Warcraft species: Dragon Aspects, the Dragonflights, and the Dragons of Nightmare
- "It is easy to forget their other side; easy to forget that they were creatures... who did all they could to survive. So easy to forget, that they were so much more than mere monsters."- Dragons: An Animal Planet Special
The image of the dragon is recognizable everywhere, despite the differences in appearance from culture to culture. The Warcraft model leans more toward the European model of a four-legged dragon with wings than their serpentine Far Eastern counterparts. The separate flights are the creation of Knaak or Metzen.
Dragons are the most popular staple of European legend, Chinese mythology, and modern fantasy. By tradition, the dragons of Europe are typically evil beyond words, while their Asian cousins are divine beings and are usually altruistic. The intelligence of the European dragon was never established- they are invariably smarter than humans or mere animals. Asian dragons are almost always more intelligent than us mortals.
In the Christian Bible, Satan is sometimes represented as a red dragon, thus the European treatment of dragons as evil and antagonistic toward good people.
Wyvern
Where: European folklore.
Corresponding Warcraft species: Wyvern
Despite their mammalian qualities in Warcraft, Wyverns are actually a type of reptilian dragon heard of in northern and eastern Europe. Wyverns were easily determined from other dragons by their four, rather than six, limbs, and their clawed tail. Wyverns were bipedal- their wings grew out from their forelimbs. Of course, the Wyverns could breathe flame (typically from the nostrils, whereas dragons were typically able to exhale flame through the mouth). The Wyvern had an even worse reputation than the dragon- while dragons could be benign or wise, Wyverns didn't seem to be sapient. In heraldry, the wyvern was never used for a crest or coat of arms among the greater powers of Europe (though the beast was known as far west as England).
The more leonine Wyverns of Warcraft were intended to fit the Horde's newer, wiser image, and contrast the evil-looking dragons they stole from Alexstrasza. Like their Earth counterparts, their wings are attached to their forelimbs. The thinking behind the scorpion-like tail is a mystery- such a tail was possessed by the manticore, not the Wyvern.
The European Wyvern-type was adapted into lore in the Manual of Monsters as a separate kind of Wyvern.
Dwarf
Where: Scandinavian mythologies
Corresponding Warcraft species: Dwarf, Gnome
The dwarves of Norse myth are quite similar to the dwarves in World of Warcraft, both in origin and in mannerisms (although Norse dwarves were known to have an appearance as bad as their attitude). The dwarves were created by Odin out of clay. Most dwarves live within mountains. Dwarves are the greatest craftsmen in the Norse world. They were the forgers of Thor's hammer Mjolnir, as well as many other magical items wielded by the gods of Asgard.
Dryad
Where: Greek mythology
Corresponding Warcraft species: Dryad
Dryads in warcraft are mostly different from their Greek counter parts. They are simply forest spirits and are not spiritually tied to any specific tree. Aslo the dryads of Azeroth are have the lower bodies of deer in a manner similar to centaurs. Male dryads exist also on Azeroth, who are titled "Keepers of the Grove", and have large antlers. Keepers of the grove may have been based off of Cernunnos, the antlered god of the forest in Celtic myths.
Elves
Where: Scandinavian mythology/folklore
Corresponding Warcraft species: Elf, Night elf, High elf, Blood elf, Half-elf, Dark elf, Half-blood elf, Half-night elf
World of Warcraft depicts the Elves in a manner consistent with their depiction almost everywhere else, except Tolkien, who was relatively unique in depicting the Elves as a genuinely virtuous and sympathetic people. The more mainstream contemporary depiction is of a highly complex and multifaceted people who, despite a desire to be characterised as being exclusively positive among neighbouring civilisations, are nevertheless capable of genuinely monstrous acts.
Some of the Dragonlance novels had a particularly negative depiction of the Elves; although they were described as being a positive race overall, their attitude was one of extreme elitism and prejudice, and two of the major Elven kingdoms were known for engaging in acts of genocide against each other. Although perhaps more extreme than most, this depiction was in one respect fairly standard; being that of a people who simultaneously maintained a purely verbal chorus proclaiming their supposed goodness and benevolence, while simultaneously continuing to commit atrocities.
Golem
Where: Jewish mythology, European mythology
Corresponding Warcraft species: Golem
In Jewish folklore, a golem is an animated being created entirely from inanimate matter. In modern Hebrew the word golem literally means 'cocoon', but can also mean "fool", "silly", or even "stupid". The name appears to derive from the word gelem, which means "raw material".
In the late nineteenth century the golem was adopted by mainstream European society. These tales saw a dramatic change, and some would argue a Christianization, of the golem. The golem became a creation of overambitious and overreaching mystics, who would inevitably be punished for their blasphemy.
Great Goddess
Where: All mythologies.
Corresponding Warcraft species: Elune, the Earthmother, Eonar, Deep Mother
- "Whatever you call God, be certain that She is listening."- Raven Krikwood, Guardian of the Vision by Irene Radford
Human reverence of the feminine side of things has been argued to go back farther than the conception of a male deity, and is inherent in human nature. Female deities of some sort can be found in many religions, most of whom were somehow involved in the workings of Earth, nature and fertility - thanks in part to the historically traditional view of females being the nurturing type. Even in the modern West, the Goddesses have not vanished by any means.
"Great Goddess" is the term used by mythologists to describe a goddess of such extreme power that there are few or no male deities present in the religion. Examples of Earth Great Goddess include Ishtar of Babylon, Cybele of Anatolia, Isis and Hathor of Egypt, or the goddesses of Hindu mythology such as "Parvati", "Lakshmi" and "Saraswati".
Elune has no direct correspondence to any goddesses from Earth's traditions. The lunar deities of Ancient Greece, namely Artemis or Selene, are the closest in appearance and symbolism. As with any fictional goddess, there a relevant dash of Isis, the Egyptian goddess of magic, in Elune's temperament. Elune could be considered the "Queen of Heaven" to the Night Elves, but don't forget that she is the biological mother of the demigod Cenarius, revered by the druids.
The Tauren Earthmother is self-explanatory. She is a counterpart to other Mother-Earth figures in Earth mythology, such as the Greek Gaia. In fact, the term "Earthmother" is used by some scholars to describe certain goddesses.
The Judeo-Christian Bible refers to a "Queen of Heaven"--but only in the context of a false god who is not to be worshipped.
Griffin/Griffon/Gryphon
Where: Greek (Minoan, Mycenaean, Classical), Egyptian, European folklore, Persian
Corresponding Warcraft species: Gryphon
The origin of the Griffin is unknown. Greek sources from the Hellenistic (300s BCE) period tell of where the creatures might be found, but the imagery is far older. The Mycenaean civilization, which dates to around the 1000s BCE, feature Griffins and lions on what little artwork survive from the period. The even older Minoan civilization, who were contemporaries to Ancient Egypt, used Griffin imagery in their palaces and temples.
Creatures that could be called Griffins are common motifs in Persian and Assyrian art, although these beasts are technically Cherubim, not griffins. A beast that has been loosely translated to "Griffin" is referenced in Egyptian papyri, although the term "hieracosphinx" is becoming more popular.
Gorgon
Where: Greek mythology, European Mythology.
Corresponding Warcraft species: Naga Sea Witch, Dreadsteed, Nightmare, Gorgon
Wikipedia: Gorgons. "In Greek mythology, the Gorgons ("terrible" or, according to some, "loud-roaring") were vicious female monsters with sharp fangs and hair of living, venomous snakes."
Of course, the Naga/Nagini were inspired by the Indian and Southeast Asian Naga, but the Sea Witch hero is clearly seen to have serpentine hair.
Gorgons were said to be so ugly that any living thing to look upon their faces would turn to stone. The one exception was Medusa, who was simply cursed with the stony gaze, despite her facial beauty. It is highly erroneous to regard "Gorgon" and "Medusa" as synonyms. Medusa was an individual Gorgon. These are from the Greek myths, particularly that of Perseus, the slayer of Medusa.
The Gorgons are believed to have been chthonic underworld goddess in pre-Hellenic Greece, who were later delegated to the role of monsters in the more orderly, Olympian-led theogeny. The are said to have golden wings, bronze claws, and the tusks of boars. Their names were Stheno ("the mighty"), Euryale ("the far-springer"), and Medusa ("the queen").
The myriad and often conflicting accounts of the Gorgons make a clear image difficult the interpret; the only common element among all the tales of Gorgons is that Medusa was in some way different from the other two.
In European mythology the gorgon took on a more beast-like appearance almost bovine-like, and was a bull made out of stone, which had petrifying breath, better known as a catoblepas by the Greeks. This interpretation (whose source remains unknown) found its way into modern fantasy. The traditional Gorgon was reclaimed, however, under the name of "Medusa." As a result, the Medusae in modern fantasy hold the image of the original Gorgons.
Harpy
Where: Greek mythology.
Corresponding Warcraft Race: Harpy
The harpies are described as vile birds with the chest and head of women in many sources. They are not prominent figures in Greek mythology; they are a minor part of the high-profile tale of Jason and the Argonauts. They were bird-women who worked for the Olympians, and were assigned to punish the seer-King Phinea for revealing too much of the future. Every day, as Phineas would sit down to a great feast, the harpies would fly down and gobble up all the food. When Jason finally arrived, the sons of the North Wind (as a favor to Iris, a goddess who supported Jason) drove the Harpies away to Crete, never to bother Phineas again. The physical appearance of Warcraft harpies is quite consistent with the original descriptions put forward by Ovid and Virgil.
Hippogriff
Where: Greek mythology, European folklore.
Corresponding Warcraft species: Hippogryph
In medieval times, it was said that griffins and horses were mortal enemies in the same sense dogs and cats are seen today. A hippogriff was a legendary hybrid of these two enemies, therefore it was a symbol of impossibility. An old expression was even made: "Jungentur jam grypes equis" or "To cross griffins with horses." Or to paraphrase, in modern English, "When pigs fly."
Kobold
Where: German folklore.
Corresponding Warcraft species: Kobold
Name
The word cobalt, a bluish metal is derived from it. Kobold in German means "goblin"
Minotaur
Where: Greek Mythology.
Possibly the earliest description of the minotaur comes from the Greek story of Daedalus and Icarus.
Corresponding Warcraft species: Tauren
Name
Tauros is ancient Greek for "bull." "Minotaur" roughly translates to "Bull of Minos" (see below)
The Myth
The fearsome Minotaur, a man with the head of a bull, is one of the most famous monsters of the Greek myths. According to the tale, the god Poseidon sent a wondrous white bull to king Minos of Crete, as a symbol of the Sea-God's approval to the king. Minos was supposed to sacrifice the bull from the sea to Poseidon as a demonstration of piety, but Minos kept the bull to breed with his own cows. Enraged, Poseidon cursed the queen, Paisphae, with insatiable lust for the bull. With the twisted use of technology and magic, Paisphae mated with the bull. The Minotaur was their offspring.
The beast grew quickly, under the supervision of his half-sisters, Ariadne and Phaidora. Eventually, the Minotaur was imprisoned in a complex maze crafted by Daedelos, the legendary inventor.
Minos, in the meantime, had come to rule most of the area around Greece, and demanded yearly tribute of fourteen youths- seven girls and seven boys- from the city of Athens as a sacrifice to the Minotaur, now worshipped as a god. Eventually, the hero Theseus decided to eliminate the Minotaur (as heroes were wont to do in those days). With a little divine intervention, and a lot of assistance from Ariadne, Theseus slew the Minotaur.
Origin
The bull and the horns of a bull were important motifs to the Aegean culture of Crete, the Minoans (named after Minos), who flourished before the rise of the Classical Age Greeks who composed the epic poems of their myths. Bull-leaping was a sacred sport for the islanders, and bulls were sacrificed to several of the gods on important occasions. Ariadne is the name sometimes given to the Snake Goddess, the Minoan Great Goddess figure. Many theories have been put forward that the events of a forgotten altercation between Athens and Crete, combined with a limited understanding of Cretan culture, may have led to the rise of the Minotaur legend. Certainly, no records from Crete itself reference such a creature in any form.
As for the maze in which the Minotaur was imprisoned, consider Greek architecture. With the occasional exception, everything in nice and orderly, quite symmetrical. The Minoans appear to have had a limited liking of symmetry; Minos's palace of Knossos is a complex maze-within-a-maze of buildings and rooms.
Comparison
Aside from their basic appearance, the Tauren are nothing like the original Minotaur of myth. Blizzard simply took the appearance, referenced the name, and developed their own, positive culture for them. The result has been a being at least as successful as the original in terms of gripping the imagination.
However, there are similarities between the Tauren and recorded characteristics of the astrological sign of Taurus; particularly the large physical size, degree of gentility that is often ascribed to the Tauren, their slow movement speed, and the botanical/agricultural/"earthy" associations. (Such as the racial bonus of +5 to Herbalism)
Naga
Where: Southeast Asian mythologies, Indo-Aryan (Vedic), etc.
Corresponding Warcraft species: the Naga
The myths reference naga living high atop mountains and deep in caverns, but the majority of them live in underwater cities, where races of enslaved fish-people serve the Naga, whose prowess in sorcery is surpassed only by the gods themselves. The Naga and their females, the Nagini, took many forms: human-headed serpents, multi-headed serpents, humans with the heads of serpents, and of course, a serpent with the head and torso of a human.
Female naga (Sea Witches, Sirens, and Summoners), properly called Nagini, have four arms, a direct reference to many of the Hindu pantheon, the Supreme Devas namely Kali, Vishnu, and Shiva, and the lesser gods such as Indra (King of lesser gods), Varuna (Water god), Agni (Fire god), Surya (Sun god), Pavan (Wind or Air god) etc. who have four or above arms in most iconography.
In terms of attitude and temperament, the Naga are neither good nor evil. Their motivations change from myth to myth (even from Veda to Veda), depending on the message. Naga can often be cast in the classic role of evil monsters, and many serve as the antagonists of the Devas, particularly Garuda, the king of the Birds. Alternatively, Naga are also extremely wise, and have aided many a legendary adventurer. A king of the Naga is recorded as using his seven heads as an umbrella to keep Gautama Siddhartha (later the Sakyamuni Buddha) dry as he meditated.
The Hindu word 'naga' means snake. Fittingly, the Naga are often referred to as 'serpents', 'snakes' or 'snake creatures' by various characters in the game.
Mermaids
Where: Ancient Near East
Corresponding Warcraft species: Naga & Murlocs
The Naga and murlocs are similar to their counterparts from Earth. Naga have lower bodies that seem like a fish and upper bodies that seem humanoid. Murlocs are similar to the other type of mermaid that have fish for a head and a lower body like a human. See: Wikipedia:Mermaid problem.
Many viewed the Mermaids as beneficent beings, giving humans means of cure. Others told tales of Mermaids dragging humans into the water — either on purpose or accident — which drowned them.
Sirens
Where: Greek mythology
Corresponding Warcraft species: Naga Siren
The Sirens of Azeroth are different from their Earth counterparts in two major ways: firstly, they are of Greek — as opposed to Southeast Asian — mythology. Second, the Sirens were half-woman and half-bird — not part fish/snake — similar to the Harpy.
The Sirens were capable of some magic; their songs were known to lure sailors to their deaths. Only one man ever heard their song and survived: Odysseus. The king of Ithaca (who also designed the Trojan Horse) filled the ears of his men with wax, then had them tie him to the ship's mast so he could hear the Sirens without killing himself. His survival prompted the mass suicide of the Sirens.
During the Renaissance, many painting showed the Sirens as mermaids, which may have led to the introduction of "siren" as a word translating to "mermaid" in several major languages (including Spanish, French, Italian, Polish, and Portuguese). However, it must be stressed that Sirens and Mermaids are not the same creatures on Earth.
Nian
Where: Chinese Mythology
Corresponding Warcraft Species: Omen (left as Nian in the Chinese game client)
Omen is a Raid boss available for battle during the Lunar Festival and is inspired by the Chinese myth of the beast, Nian.
In Chinese mythology, Nian was a beast that comes in spring. It is believed that it lives under the sea or in the mountains but comes to attack people during the midnight at the same time of the year. Then people discovered that Nian is afraid of the color red, bright light and loud noises. Therefore, during that time of the year when Nian comes, people decorate their houses in red, burn firecrackers, and play the lion dance with loud drums and gongs to scare the beast away. Eventually, these became a tradition every years. Nian became the Chinese word for year. A phrase for Chinese New Year, guo nian means the passing of the beast.
In some stories, a Chinese god was said to have made use of Nian's powers (eating up venomous snakes and killing wild beasts like tigers and lions) before taming it. [3]
Phoenix
Where: Egyptian (bennu), Greek (classical descriptions), Chinese (Fenghuang), Korean (Jujak and Bonghwang) and Japanese (Suzaku) mythology, Russian (Fire-bird)
Corresponding Warcraft species: Phoenix
The Phoenix is a world-recognized image. The Egyptians believed that the bennu a sort of immortal heron, was the messenger of the gods, and the keeper of the Tablets of Destiny, according to the Egyptian Book of the Dead. The Greeks and Romans told tales of a fabulous bird who immolated itself, drawing forth a new bird from the ashes. Though it bears little resemblance to the bennu, this "phoenix" was said to dwell in Egypt, and was regarded as one of the civilization's lost wonders. The word "phoenix" is claimed to be Assyrian in origin.
Though differing greatly, the Fenghuang, a herald of destiny and good fortune, is usually referred to as the Asian Phoenix. They are also often shown is burning forms, much like the Western depiction of Phoenix.
Visually, the Warcraft phoenix follows the recent tradition of a fiery raptor, whereas the original phoenix (in both Egypt and China) looked more like an ibis or heron.
Quetzalcoatl
Where: Aztec mythology.
Corresponding Warcraft species: Couatl, Hakkar the Soulflayer, Wind Serpent
Quetzalcoatl was perhaps the most important Mesoamerican deity, depending on which culture you ask. To the Aztecs, he was third in the pantheon headed by Huitzilopochtli, the god of the sun and war. The Maya revered him as one of the kinder gods, very high up in the pantheon. He was the greatest god of the Toltecs. Quetzalcoatl was known by several names, such as, Aztec Quetzalcoatl, Mayan Gukumatz, Yucatan Kukulcan. A number of his names can be roughly translated to "Feathered Serpent." As a matter of simplicity, most use the name "Quetzalcoatl" when referring to him, regardless of culture.
Quetzalcoatl was shown in all iconography as a feathered or plumed serpent, or else as a human holding such a serpent. Several of his names are simply the local dialect for "Feathered Serpent." This iconography is consistent with the appearance of Hakkar the Soulflayer. In fact, most troll architecture and culture (apart from that of the Amani) resembles that of the Maya; pyramids, reverence to gods who demand sacrifice, and blood magic.
A number of myths place him at odd with his brother, Tezcatlipoca the Jaguar, typically a bloodier god then the Feathered Serpent. Since the Aztecs sacrificed humans in far greater numbers than the Maya or the Toltecs, some have theorized that this was a result of the Aztecs' lower placement of Quetzalcoatl in the pantheon.
Salamander
Where: European folklore.
Corresponding Warcraft species: Salamander
Dragons, A natural history, by Dr. Karl Shuker, p.110-112. "Resembling a somewhat doglike lizard, the salamander... was so cold that, simply by stepping into a fire, it could immediately extinguish the flames. During the Middle Ages, the salamander underwent a profound evolutionary transformation. It became a creature that actively amid blazing fires."
The biological salamander on Earth is a harmless family of amphibians, the same class of beings as frogs and toads. Mythologically, as seen above, numerous powers were attributed to it, either being so cold or so hot.
Nothing similar to the mythological salamander appears in World of Warcraft for some reason, but they do appear in Warcraft III.
Satyr
Where: Greek mythology.
Corresponding Warcraft species: Satyr
The Satyrs were woodland spirits who occasionally accompanied Dionysus on his exploits. Unlike the Warcraft Satyr, who are devious and evil, the satyrs were simply wild. The Satyrs could representations of the animal that lay barely chained within the male gender. Alternatively, they were a metaphor for no responsibility and freedom; either way, they were classified as Dionysian (chaotic), and Hesiod simply uses the term "satyr" to mean "male follower of Dionysus" (the opposite number of the Maenads). They were typically portrayed in Greek and Roman art with erections
The Romans compared the Satyrs to the Faunus, a carefree and benevolent woodland sprite; for that reason, Satyrs are portrayed with goatish features. In modern fantasy, a faun is a human with the legs and horns of a goat (the Roman satyr), while a satyr has elements of goat anatomy all over.
Nymphs and Naiads
Where: Greek mythology
Corresponding Warcraft species: Nymph
Nymphs were mythological entities in human female form. They were typically associated with a particular location or landform. Others were part of the retinue of a god.
They are seen as peaceful beings, even bringing authority — if married — to the archaic king and his line.
Titan
Where: Greek mythology.
Corresponding Warcraft species: the Titans
The offspring of Gaia, the earth and Ouranos, the sky, the Titans were the rulers of the early Greek universe, wherein their world was considered a Golden Age. Eventually, the children of Kronos, the Olympians, overthrew them in long-lasting war, called the Titanomachy.
The only correlation between the Titans of Greek mythology and the Titans of Warcraft Lore is the name and their "titanic" nature. The WarCraft Titans are also similar to the Valar from the Middle-Earth legendarium by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Aesir
Where: Norse mythology.
Corresponding Warcraft species: Aesir Titans.
The Aesir were the primary gods of the Norse pantheon. They inhabited Asgard high in the boughs of the world tree, Yggdrasil. The most famous Aesir were Odin and Thor.
Odin
The basis of Aman'Thul the Highfather. Odin was the ruler of the Aesir (and most other people, actually) by virtue of being the father of most of them (hence, "Allfather). Odin wielded a spear that would always return when thrown. This bears a similarity to Zeus of the Olympian pantheon, though Odin was far more sympathetic to mankind. Aman'Thul does bear a mild similarity to Zeus in his lightning powers.
Heimdall
Heimdall was the watchman of Asgard, who notified the gods to intrusions from the giants. Heimdall carefully guided humanity during its infancy, and his eventual destiny is to blow a mystical horn that will herald the end of the world. Golganneth appears to be based on Heimdall, with a relevant dash of the "thunderer"-archetype common in many mythologies, for example the Greek Zeus and the Vedic Indra, leading back to the Proto-Indo-European thunderer, Perkwunos.
Thor
Aggramar the Avenger is a mighty warrior wielding a magical sword to smite the enemies of order. There can be little doubt that the legendary Aesir, Thor the Thunderer, is one of the basises of Aggramar's character. Thor owned an extremely powerful hammer, the second most powerful weapon in Viking mythology (Frej's sword is more powerful), and was the chief warrior of the gods. Note that Thor was an Aesir, but Aggramar is a Vanir.
Tyr
Tyr is the god of war of Nordic Myths. In the oldest Norse religion he held the head of the phanteon, Odin took his place when he was imported from the east. (you wont find a god of horses native to Scandinavia). while Thor was the strongest of the gods Tyr was the most skilled warrior. He gave up his hand to chain Fenrir. He was killed by the wolf garm, in ragnarok, he was swallowed whole but stabbed and killed the wolf from within, he'd be able to cut himself free if had had both his hands. He was a swordsman and probably another basis for Aggramar
Vanir
Where: Norse.
Corresponding Warcraft species: Vanir Titans
The Vanir, of a reasonable height, were a powerful race of gods in the Norse religion. Their realm was Vanarheim. The distinction between Vanir and Aesir has never been made clear apart from the location of their homes, and with the exception of a single war, the two races are staunch allies. In fact, three Vanir- Njord, Freyr, and Freyja- were counted among the greatest of the Aesir. To mortals, and in religious practice, there was no real reason to differentiate.
Njord
Golganneth's affinity with the oceans closely resembles Njord, the god of the seas and naval warfare. He was a Vanir, but went to live among the Aesir as a hostage of war. Because of this, he was eligible for serious worship. His wife Skadi was, by a similar token, the only giantess to be worshipped.
Freyr
Popably another influense on Aggramar. First of, Freyr is the leader of the Vanir second he is the nemesis of Surtr (who is Sargeras) he has the most powerful sword in the Nordic mythology... the sword is even sapient like Taeshalach the sword of Aggramar. The sword is also one of a pair, in that its meant to combat the sword of Surtr in ragnarok like Taeshalach is meant to combat Gorribal. Since Freyr is a Vanir rather than a Aesir he fits better then Thor or Tyr who are both Aesir
Troll
Where: Scandinavian folklore.
Corresponding Warcraft species: Trolls
Trolls are a mean and greedy creature living in forests all around Scandinavia. They are much like a human, only ugly and large. Trolls can be compared to Goblins or Ogres. They usually stole gold and in some occasions children. In time trolls has evolved to what you might read in a fairy tale, becoming less sinister.
In fantasy novels, especially the J.R.R. Tolkien novels, trolls are usually more similar to the Ogres of Warcraft lore. The trolls of Warcraft lore are closest in appearance to goblins (despite being twice as tall and a great deal more intelligent than one).
Orc
Where: European folklore.
Corresponding Warcraft species: Orc
Wikipedia: Orc. "Orc (OR'k) is a word used to refer to various tough and warlike humanoid creatures in various fantasy settings, appearing originally in the stories of Middle-earth written by J. R. R. Tolkien and derivative fictions". The etymology of word 'orc' came from Old English, that mean 'demon'. For Tolkien, as written in your fictions, the orcs are humanoids with brutal force, sadistics and war-seekers, with cowardly tendencies. However, other European stories tell the orc as a race of proud warriors, stronger than humans, followers of honor and hospitality.
Will o' the wisp
Where: European folklore.
Corresponding Warcraft Species: Wisps, Will-O'-Wisp
Will o' the wisp or ignis fatuus (fool's fire) are mysterious lights seen at night over lakes and bogs. While in reality possibly composed of self-ignited gasses produced by decaying organic matter, folklore have ascribed to them various magical properties.
Yggdrasil
Where: Norse.
Corresponding Warcraft Species: Nordrassil and Teldrassil (The World Trees)
In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil (also sometimes called Mímameiðr or Lérað) is the "World Tree", a gigantic European ash, thought to connect all the nine worlds of Norse cosmology.
