Project Lore

This is it. The final "act" of Wrath of the Lich King concludes with the epic battle against Arthas, and upon the final blow, we get this epic cinematic. It seems like Arthas gets his last moment of redemption. We get to see his admission of suffering. Terenas confirms what Uther said in Halls of Reflection about the need for a Lich King to prevent the Scourge from sweeping over the land. With the Helm of Domination in hand, Tirion nearly commits to accepting the position of Lich King, before Bolvar cries out to him. Bolvar is badly burned and mutilated, and asks Tirion to allow him to bear the burden of restraining the Scourge. Tirion hesitates, and tells Bolvar that his great sacrifice will not be forgotten. Bolvar tells him to tell the world that the Lich King was killed, and Bolvar Fordragon died with him. He dons the helm, and becomes the new Lich King. Script:

With Arthas fallen, Frostmourne and the Helm of Domination at his sides, the ghost of Terenas Menethil II appears. Arthas: Father! Is it... over? Terenas: At long last... No king rules forever, my son. Arthas: I see... only darkness... for me. Arthas' hand falls from his father's as he dies. Terenas brushes his eyes closed as Tirion approaches. Terenas: Without its master's command, the restless Scourge will become an even greater threat to this world. Control must be maintained. There must always be a Lich King. The ghost of Terenas dissipates. Tirion shields his eyes, then notices the Helm of Domination on the ground. He lifts it and looks into its eyes. Tirion: The weight of such a burden... it must be mine, for there is no other- Bolvar: TIRION! You hold a grim destiny in your hands, brother. But it is not your own. Tirion glances at the Frozen Throne and sees a badly burnt and mutilated Bolvar Fordragon laying against the ice. Tirion: Bolvar! By all that is holy... Bolvar: The dragon's flame sealed my fate. The world of the living can no longer comfort me. Tirion approaches Bolvar. Bolvar: Place the crown upon my head, Tirion. Forever more, I will be the jailor of the damned. Tirion: No, old friend. I cannot- Bolvar: DO IT, Tirion. You and these brave heroes have your own destinies to fulfill. This last act of service... is mine. Tirion holds the helm up to Bolvar. Tirion: You will not be forgotten, brother- Bolvar: I MUST BE FORGOTTEN, Tirion. If the world is to live free from the tyranny of fear, they must never know what was done here today. Tirion nods and slowly places the helm onto Bolvar's head. The Frozen Throne shakes as Bolvar's eyes glow crimson and his voice deepens to the growl of the Lich King. Bolvar: Tell them only that the Lich King is dead... Ice encases Bolvar as he finishes his transformation. The Lich King: And Bolvar Fordragon died with him. Now, GO! Leave this place, and never return.

Tirion stated that saving Bolvar was a great opportunity for the Horde and Alliance to rebuild ties. With Bolvar inheriting the position of Lich King, it does not seem that this was accomplished. Was Bolvar corrupted as Arthas was? Bolvar does not seem to take up Frostmourne, and he is encased in the ice of the Frozen Throne. It seems that he will be a benevolent ruler and restrain the armies of the Scourge from running amok.