World of Warcraft
When I think of the name Sunstrider, first thing to come to my mind is Kael’thas and his tragic fall at the hands of greed. But long before the corruption, fel magic, and betrayal, there was a king who built a paradise from nothing.
His name was Dath’Remar Sunstrider. He is the reason High Elves (later Blood Elves) exist. He is the founder of Quel’Thalas, the creator of the Sunwell, and the first wielder of the legendary blade, Felo’melorn. This is the story of how a group of outcast Night Elves transformed into the golden children of the sun.
The Highborne Rebellion
Dath’Remar was born a Night Elf, a member of the Highborne (Quel’dorei), the elite caste of Queen Azshara. Unlike the rest of his caste, Dath’Remar realized Azshara’s madness during the War of the Ancients and turned against her, aiding Tyrande and Malfurion.
But after the war, peace was never meant to be. The Druids led by Malfurion, banned the use of Arcane magic, fearing it would bring back the Burning Legion. Dath’Remar refused to bow. He believed magic was their birthright, their power. He famously led a protest by unleashing a magical storm over Ashenvale. The Druids couldn’t bring themselves to execute their kin. Instead, they exiled them. Dath’Remar and his followers were banished from Kalimdor forever.
The Long Exile and Transformation
Cut off from the Well of Eternity, Dath’Remar and his people sailed across the sea to the Eastern Kingdoms. This journey changed them physically. Without the Well and under the sun of the new continent, their purple skin turned a pale peach color. Their height diminished slightly and they lost their immortality and resistance to the elements. No longer being Night Elves, they began transforming to something else.
They first landed in a place called Tirisfal Glades (Undead start location). However, something was wrong. The Highborne began to hear maddening whispers from beneath the earth. They became paranoid and aggressive. (Later we found out this was due to a C’thraxxi general of the Old Gods buried deep beneath the glades). Dath’Remar realized the land was cursed, gathered his people and marched North.
The Founding of Quel’Thalas
As they made the journey north, they fought against the cold and the savage Amani Trolls, much blood was spilled. Dath’Remar never gave up. He was guided by a vision. Finally, they found a convergence of ley lines in the northern forests.
Here, Dath’Remar revealed his secret. Before leaving Kalimdor, he had stolen vials of water from the original Well of Eternity. He poured a vial into a lake at the nexus of the ley lines and a massive font of arcane energy erupted.
The Sunwell was born. They named their new kingdom Quel’Thalas (High Home) and declared Dath’Remar their first King. The Sunwell granted them immense power, allowing them to build the magical city of Silvermoon and erect the Ban’dinoriel (The Gatekeeper), a magical barrier to keep the trolls out.
Legacy, Felo’melorn
Dath’Remar ruled for a long time, leading his people into a true golden age. His weapon, the rune-blade Felo’melorn (Flamestrike), became a symbol of the Sunstrider dynasty. It passed from father to son for thousands of years, eventually landing in the hands of his descendant, King Anasterian. During the defense of Silvermoon against the scourge, Anasterian wielded it against Arthas, where the blade was shattered by Frostmourne. His son, Kael’thas, later recovered the shards and reforged the weapon, claiming it would be stronger than before.
Personal Thoughts on Dath’Remar Sunstrider
Dath’Remar Sunstrider proves that the Blood Elves’ resilience isn’t new. It’s literally etched in their DNA. He defied the druids, took a group of exiles, survived the Old Gods, defeated the Trolls, and built the most advanced magical kingdom Azeroth had ever seen, only to be spit on by his descendant. While Kael’thas ended the line in tragedy, Dath’Remar started it with hope and he has my utmost respect. He is the eternal King of the Sun. Quel’Thalas is in sure hands today (led by Lor’themar Theron) and couldn’t be managed better in my opinion. Dude can rest easy.
