Well of Eternity There have been two different Wells of Eternity . The glowing , swirling pool known as the First Well of Eternity ( usually just called the Well of Eternity ) was once a lake containing immense arcane energy . It was originally located on the ancient continent of Kalimdor near the ancient night elven city of Zin - Azshari . The present area where the First Well of Eternity was located became the Maelstrom after the Great Sundering following the War of the Ancients . The Second Well of Eternity is a massive pool of water infused with raw magic at the base of the World Tree . Coveted by demons , warlocks , and many mages , the well is currently the greatest source of arcane magic in the world . While the World Tree ' s powers have suppressed the corrupting nature of this magic for centuries , if the tree were ever destroyed , this Well would be the source of unfathomable power to an evil creature powerful enough to wield it . History . Ten thousand years before the orc s and human s clashed in their First War , the world of Azeroth cradled only one massive continent , surrounded by the sea . That landmass , known as Kalimdor , was home to a number of disparate races and creatures , all vying for survival amongst the savage elements of the waking world . At the dark continent ' s center was a mysterious lake of incandescent energies . The lake , which would later be called the Well of Eternity , was the true heart of the world ' s magic and natural power . Drawing its energies from the infinite Great Dark Beyond , the Well acted as a mystical fount , sending its potent energies out across the world to nourish life in all its wondrous forms . It was probably created by the Titans . Some have theorized that it was not a purposeful act . During the war between the Titans and the Old Gods at least one of each died . The theory is that the well ' s waters are , in fact , the fallen Titan ' s blood . From this magical ether the silithid were born . Besides Zin - Azshari , the cities Suramar and Galhara were also located on its shores . " The WarCraft III manual , and other sources , imply that the Titans carefully placed the Well , but the War of the Ancients Trilogy implies that the Old Gods were able to harness it ( all of the World Tree ' s power came from the Aspects ) , so we can ' t be sure . " Later , Sargeras convinced Queen Azshara and the Highborne to create a portal in the well , leading to the first invasion of the Burning Legion . Following the War of the Ancients , the Well of Eternity was destroyed , and most of Kalimdor with it , leaving only the Maelstrom , a huge unstable whirlpool filled with magic that can only be seen on the WOW map . However , Illidan had filled seven magical vials with water from the Well of Eternity , and he poured three of the magical vials of water into the lake at the top of Mount Hyjal , creating a new Well . For this insane act , his brother Malfurion and the demigod Cenarius imprisoned him deep beneath Mount Hyjal . The new Well was completely covered by the growth of Nordrassil , its malevolent magics lost with the enchantments of the Aspects . However , Illidan had not emptied all of his vials in creating the second Well of Eternity ( which is why the Aspects were able to enchant the World Tree with no interference ) . Somehow , the Highborne under the leadership of Dath ' Remar had acquired one of the remaining vials and , after founding their new homeland of Quel ' Thalas , used it to create the Sunwell . At least two of the last three vials somehow found their way back into Illidan ' s possession , and he gave one each to his lieutenants , Lady Vashj and Kael ' thas . They remained in their possession until the Scale of the Sands recruited adventurers to take them back . These vials are now in the hands of Soridormi , prime mate of Nozdormu . Speculation about the final vial remnant points to its original host , Illidan Stormrage . It is unknown whether or not he was in possession of it at the time of his death at the former Temple of Karabor , Black Temple . In World of Warcraft . The only current way to see the Well of Eternity is to go through the Caverns of Time . Although its waters were once fatal , it now only gives a debuff of Eternal Silence . After leaving the waters the player suffer from Residue of Eternity . Night elf origins . The theory that night elves were actually trolls mutated ( or evolved , depending on your point of view ) has been a source of great discussion among fans . Blizzard recently posted the following information in their " Troll Compendium " : " Little is known about the night elves ' precise origins , for their race was formed so long ago that no hard evidence has surfaced to prove or invalidate this theory . All that is known for certain is that a tribe of nocturnal humanoids came to live on the shores of the first Well of Eternity , and the Well ' s cosmic energies changed them into the night elves we know today . " " Certainly many trolls do believe that the humanoids who developed into the night elf race were trolls . The theory does have some credibility , for there is at least a superficial physical resemblance between trolls and night elves . Furthermore , the troll race dominated much of ancient Kalimdor — the only continent on Azeroth before the Great Sundering — long before the night elves came into power . " " Nevertheless , many night elves find this theory preposterous and abhorrent . They are quick to point out that the first night elves began their rise to power by defeating a number of nearby troll tribes . As a consequence , the trolls came to fear and respect the might of their new rivals . The troll theory of night elf ancestry may have been a direct result of this early conflict . The trolls hated the night elves — a sentiment that persists to this day — and may have wished to marginalize the night elf race and its accomplishments . Also , attributing the night elf race with a troll heritage likely helped the trolls come to terms with their own shocking defeat . " " Without additional data , there is little point in debating the merits of this controversial theory . No doubt it will remain a matter of contention for years to come . "