Lorekeeper's Den

CHAPTER I: MYTHOS

VIII – MOUNT HYJAL AND ILLIDAN’S GIFT

Among the few Night Elves that survived the explosion were Tyrande, Malfurion Stormrage and Cenarius. They lead the survivors to establish a new home for their people, going by sea on crudely made rafts. There were many Highborne among the survivors but Malfurion wasn’t worried for they could cause no mischief without the Well’s energies.

As the weary Night Elves landed upon the shores of the new land, they found that the holy mountain, Hyjal, had survived the catastrophe. They climbed the slopes of Hyjal and reached its summit. As they descended into the wooded bowl, they found a small, tranquil lake. To their horror, the lake’s waters had been fouled by magic.

Illidan had made it to Hyjal long before Malfurion and the rest, and in his mad desire for magic, he poured his vials (only 3 of them) into the waters of this new lake. The Well's potent energies quickly ignited and coalesced into a new Well of Eternity. Illidan believed that this new Well was a gift to the future generation and was surprised when Malfurion hunted him down.

Knowing full well where Illidan's ruthless schemes would eventually lead, Malfurion decided to deal with his power-crazed brother once and for all. With Cenarius' help, Malfurion sealed Illidan within a vast underground barrow prison, where he would remain chained and powerless until the end of time. To ensure his brother's containment, Malfurion empowered the young warden, Maiev Shadowsong, to be Illidan's personal jailor.

Concerned that destroying the new Well might bring about an even greater catastrophe, the night elves resolved to leave it be. Malfurion declared that they would never practice the arts of magic again, however, they began to study the ancient arts of druidism that would enable them to heal the ravaged earth and re-grow their beloved forests at the base of Mount Hyjal.