Arthas Menethil Arthas Menethil , Crown Prince of Lordaeron and Knight of the Silver Hand , was the son of King Terenas Menethil II and heir to the throne . He was trained as a paladin by Uther the Lightbringer and became inducted into the Knights of the Silver Hand . Arthas also had a romantic relationship with the kind sorceress Jaina Proudmoore . Committed to the protection of his people , Arthas was determined to stop the plague of undeath infecting Lordaeron . Despite his promising beginnings , Arthas became one of the most powerful and evil beings Azeroth would ever know . Although he killed the necromancer Kel ' Thuzad , he was unable to stop the spread of the plague and resorted to increasingly desperate methods such as purging the city of Stratholme . Taking up the cursed runeblade Frostmourne , Arthas was able to defeat the undead leader Mal ' Ganis , but had lost his soul in doing so . Becoming a death knight of the Scourge , he led the undead in destroying Lordaeron , Quel ' Thalas , and Dalaran . Arthas afterwards made his way to the Frozen Throne of Icecrown and merged with the Lich King . Ruling as the dominant personality of the Lich King for years afterwards , Arthas was defeated in combat by adventurer s of the Alliance and the Horde . Cradled by the spirit of his father , King Terenas , Arthas Menethil died , leaving the mantle of the Lich King to be taken by a noble soul who would contain the power of the Scourge . Arthas was voiced by Justin Gross in " " , and by Patrick Seitz in " " and " Heroes of the Storm " . As the Lich King , he was voiced by Michael McConnohie . History . Arthas : Rise of the Lich King . Prince Arthas Menethil was born to King Terenas Menethil II and Queen Lianne Menethil , four years before the start of the First War . The young prince grew up in a time when the lands of Azeroth were ravaged by war , the Alliance was crumbling , and darker clouds still loomed on the horizon . As a young child , he became best - friends with Varian Wrynn and often sparred with him though Arthas was less experienced . He also watched as his future steed , Invincible , grow up . As a youth , Arthas was trained in combat by Muradin Bronzebeard , the brother of the dwarven king Magni Bronzebeard , and became an adept swordsman , while at the same time learned the ways of the Light under the tutelage of Uther the Lightbringer . He also developed a love interest with Jaina Proudmoore when she was staying in Lordaeron on her way to Dalaran where she would be studying , which Arthas offered to escort her to . Some time later , Terenas had arranged a political wedding for Arthas ' sister Calia with lord Daval Prestor . Calia was distraught by the decision and when Arthas tried to calm her , she wished that Arthas would chose his wife and the future queen of Lordaeron out of love , rather than politics . Arthas was inducted into the Knights of the Silver Hand at the young age of 19 . The ceremony was held in the Cathedral of Light in Stormwind City , and was attended by many prominent figures such as Genn Greymane , Thoras Trollbane , Daelin Proudmoore and his daughter Jaina , whom Arthas had not seen since childhood . Archbishop Alonsus Faol led the initiation process before four of the five original paladins : Uther , Tirion Fordring , Saidan Dathrohan , and Gavinrad the Dire ( Turalyon had been lost on the Alliance Expedition ) , during which Arthas was presented the holy warhammer called Light ' s Vengeance by Gavinrad and had the ceremonial silver plates placed upon his shoulders by Uther . While in Stormwind , Arthas visited the newly crowned King of Stormwind Varian Wrynn and sparred with him while recounting old memories , as well as the recently - born Anduin Wrynn who gripped his finger . Arthas once visited Durnholde Keep where he saw the famous orc gladiator Thrall . He stayed in the Keep during the night and Aedelas sent Taretha to Arthas ' chamber to please him . However , Arthas had only a talk with her and he noticed that Taretha remind him of Jaina Proudmoore whom he had begun to fall in love with . Later on , he rode on Invincible only to have an accident which caused Invincible to be dealt a mortal wound . Arthas had no other option than to kill his beloved steed in order to stop its suffering , an act which would haunt him for the rest of his life . Arthas met the only daughter of Admiral Proudmoore , the sorceress Jaina during his youth . Their relationship grew close as friends first , and then romantically years later . They were very much in love with one another . Arthas once stayed in Dalaran only to be with Jaina . During his visit , Antonidas organized a banquet for Arthas and Kael ' thas who also happened to be there at the same time as Arthas . At the banquet , Arthas and Antonidas spoke of the situation regarding the orcs strange lethargy , Terenas ' health , as well as about Stormwind , the young Anduin Wrynn and Arthas ' relationship status . Kael ' thas whom was also fond of Jaina , once caught Arthas and Jaina together under an arch as they were kissing which angered him out of jealousy . Arthas paid the jealous elf prince no mind . Having grown into a strong , confident young man , Arthas was headstrong and somewhat arrogant , though none could dispute his bravery and tenacity . Arthas came to be considered one of the finest swordsmen in Lordaeron and was famed for counterattacking and defeating the forest troll warbands of Zul ' Aman when they began raiding the settlements along the Quel ' Thalas sian border . Later on , Arthas invited Jaina to Lordaeron to celebrate the two festivals of Noblegarden and Hallow ' s End , during this time Arthas revealed that he is courting Jaina to the public . Eventually , however , Arthas began to question whether the two of them were ready to be together . Arthas abruptly ended the relationship so Jaina could focus on her magical studies in Dalaran and Arthas could focus on his commitments to Lordaeron . Shortly after , they would agree to rekindle their romance , but this was during the beginning of the Scourge invasion , an event that would change both of their lives forever . He held the position as one of the four jurors during the court of Tirion Fordring in Stratholme . Pre - Corruption , Knight of the Silver Hand . The Plague of Undeath . Troubles began to stir in Lordaeron . Orcs broke free of their internment camps , and there was distressing news of a plague that had gripped the northlands . Arthas and Uther were sent to Strahnbrad to defend the town from orcish raids . The young prince defeated the black drake Searinox to retrieve its heart for the dwarf Feranor Steeltoe to forge into an orb of fire . Arthas used this magical item to help defeat the orcs and kill the Blackrock Clan ' s blademaster leading the raids . However , weeks later a more vile threat arose in the form of the plague of undeath . Jaina and Captain Falric were sent to join Arthas , now 24 years old , in order to investigate the strange plague . They fought an undead army at a plague - infested granary . They encountered the necromancer Kel ' Thuzad in the town of Brill and pursued him to Andorhal . Kel ' Thuzad had already infected the stored grain in Andorhal and shipped it out to outlying villages . Before Arthas killed him , Kel ' Thuzad spoke of Mal ' Ganis , a Nathrezim demon who led the Scourge . Jaina and Arthas traveled north to confront him in Stratholme . Along the way , Arthas and Jaina stopped at Hearthglen Village where they hoped to rest . Instead , they were warned of an approaching army of undead . Arthas ordered Jaina to find Uther and seek his aid while he remained behind to defend the town . To his horror , Arthas discovered that the plague was not merely a means of mass murder , but rather , the means of turning innocent townsfolk into undead creatures . Arthas ' s forces barely held out and were on the verge of defeat when Uther arrived with reinforcements and saved the village . While traveling to Stratholme , Arthas was met by the enigmatic prophet Medivh . He gave him the same advice he gave Terenas — to travel west to Kalimdor . Arthas argued that his place was with his people , and vowed that he would not abandon them . Jaina suggested that the prophet might be right , but Arthas paid her no heed and continued to Stratholme . Culling of Stratholme . When he arrived , Arthas found that the grain had already been distributed , and knew that the villagers would soon become minions of the scourge . He ordered Uther and his knights to purge the entire city . Horrified , Uther rebuked him by saying that he would not follow such an order even if Arthas were already king . Proclaiming that Uther had committed treason , Arthas disbanded the Knights of the Silver Hand . Several of his soldiers left with Uther — as did Jaina — while those that remained loyal to Arthas joined him in slaughtering the corrupted townsfolk . As Arthas began to slay the citizens of Stratholme , he was met by Mal ' Ganis himself , who was working to claim the souls of the townsfolk . Arthas worked to destroy them before Mal ' Ganis could reach them . Finally , Arthas demanded a final showdown with the dreadlord . Mal ' Ganis slipped away , however , vowing to meet him in Northrend . Arthas then set fire to Stratholme . Something snapped in Arthas that day , his inability to stop the plague sent him down the cold lonely road he would soon follow . The fires burn to this day . Northrend . Arthas followed Mal ' Ganis with a detachment of his troops . They arrived a month later in Daggercap Bay . As they searched for a proper place to set up camp , Arthas ' s men came under gunfire before being recognized by the dwarven explorers guild . Arthas was shocked to have come upon his good friend and former mentor , Muradin Bronzebeard . At first , Muradin thought that Arthas was leading a rescue party sent to save his men , who had been besieged by the undead as they searched for the runeblade Frostmourne . Arthas admitted it was mere coincidence . Together they destroyed the nearby undead camp , but there was still no sign of Mal ' Ganis . As Muradin and Arthas continued their search for Frostmourne , an emissary from Lordaeron arrived in a zeppelin and spoke to Captain Luc Valonforth . He bore orders from Uther and Terenas , instructing Arthas and his men to return home . When Arthas returned to his base , the men had abandoned their posts , and were making their way through the forest towards their boats . Arthas had no intention of leaving before Mal ' Ganis was destroyed . With the help of some indigenous mercenaries , he managed to reach and burn his boats before his men got to them . When his men arrived , Arthas betrayed his mercenaries , accusing them of destroying the ships , and the Captain had them killed , much to the disgust of Muradin . Arthas told his men that they had no means of going home , and the only way they were leaving Northrend was through victory . The Runeblade Frostmourne . Arthas and his troops continued to press on to Drak ' Tharon Keep in search of Frostmourne . As he arrived , Mal ' Ganis appeared to him , and foretold his death . Arthas went to search for Frostmourne with Muradin , leaving his captain to defend the camp . Using an ancient waygate , Arthas , Muradin , and a small group of men traveled to the vicinity of the fabled runeblade . Arthas was soon confronted by the Guardian , who tried to keep him from Frostmourne , apparently for his own protection . The Guardian fell , and Arthas and Muradin went forward to their prize . Muradin , reading an inscription , reported that the blade was cursed and pleaded " Oh , leave it be , Arthas ! Forget this business and lead your men home ! " , but Arthas was adamant . Arthas asked the spirits of the cavern for the sword to be released from its icy prison , proclaiming that he would " give anything or pay any price , if only you will let me save my people . " When the weapon broke free , Muradin was struck by a rogue shard of ice . Arthas moved to help Muradin , but was dissuaded by the call of Frostmourne in his mind . Arthas discarded his holy warhammer , Light ' s Vengeance , then picked Frostmourne up and returned to his base , leaving Muradin for dead . With Frostmourne in hand , Arthas defeated Mal ' Ganis ' army , destroyed his base , and finally confronted the demon . Mal ' Ganis told him that the voice he was now hearing was that of the Lich King . However , Arthas replied that voice was instructing him to destroy Mal ' Ganis , much to the dreadlord ' s surprise . Slaying the dreadlord , Arthas fled into the frozen north , leaving his troops to fend for themselves . Arthas soon lost the last remnants of sanity . Corruption , Champion of the Lich King . Betrayal . Arthas returned to Lordaeron months later , and the kingdom rejoiced at the return of its champion . Flanked by Falric and Marwyn , Arthas entered the Imperial chamber and knelt before the throne . Heeding the voice of Frostmourne that he no longer needed to bear the weight of his crown , Arthas walked up to Terenas and ran the blade through his father ' s heart . The king ' s bloodied , broken crown remains lost to this day . As he drew Frostmourne , Arthas remembered the words of his old friend Varian describing his own father and king Llane being stabbed in the heart . Arthas fled the scene and traveled to the Balnir Farmstead . There he used his necromantic powers to raise his faithful steed Invincible into undeath , allowing it to serve as his mount once again . Weeks later , Arthas reappeared in Vandermar village at the bidding of his new master , the Lich King . There he met Tichondrius the Darkener , a dreadlord like Mal ' Ganis . Thinking that the dreadlord was Mal ' Ganis out for revenge , Arthas immediately threatened him , only to discover that this Dreadlord had come to congratulate Arthas for his efforts . When spoken to Arthas said he no longer felt remorse for any of his actions , though deep in his heart he knew this was a lie . Tichondrius explained that the sword was designed to steal souls , and that Arthas ' s own soul was the first one it had claimed . Arthas assembled the members of the vile Cult of the Damned that were hiding in Vandermar , and was aided by their magical abilities as he traveled to Andorhal where he was to recover Kel ' Thuzad ' s corpse . He confronted the paladin guarding the crypt , Gavinrad the Dire , who had given Arthas his holy warhammer at his induction ceremony into the Silver Hand . After killing Gavinrad , he recovered the remains of the necromancer . This brought Kel ' Thuzad ' s ghost into being , and he secretly instructed Arthas not to trust the dreadlords . Arthas quietly contemplated this . Kel ' Thuzad ' s remains were badly decomposed and needed to be taken to the mystical Sunwell in Quel ' Thalas to be revived . Tichondrius sent Arthas to recover a mystical urn , which could be used to transport Kel ' Thuzad ' s remains . However , the urn was in the keeping of the Knights of the Silver Hand . Arthas killed two paladins , Ballador the Bright ( who survived ) and Sage Truthbearer , who both condemned Arthas ' s betrayal . He then faced Uther the Lightbringer , who explained that the urn held the ashes of his father , King Terenas . The two engaged in a duel with Uther initially having the upper hand , knocking Arthas down and sending Frostmourne flying from his hands . As Arthas awaited the killing blow , the sword seemed to find its own way into his hands and he was granted more power by the Lich King . The battle had began to turn in Arthas ' s favor and Uther , covered in blood from his wounds , fell to his knees telling Arthas he hoped there was a special place in hell waiting for him . Arthas replied he intended to live forever before delivering the killing blow . He seized the urn and abandoning his father ' s remains , which swarmed on him with the wind and caused him to choke and burned his eyes . Arthas then replaced them with those of Kel ' Thuzad , then began the long journey to Quel ' Thalas . Fall of Quel ' Thalas . Arthas met heavy resistance from the elves , rallied by Ranger - General Sylvanas Windrunner . Driving their forces before his undead army , he steadily pushed her people back in a swath of destruction towards Silvermoon . Sylvanas tried to warn the vast elven capital of the coming of the Scourge , but Arthas destroyed her camps and killed the Ranger - General . To make her pay for her perceived insolence towards him , Arthas corrupted her elven spirit , transforming it into a horrendous twisted form ( a banshee ) and enslaving her to the will of the Lich King , forcing her to slay her own people . Arthas , along with the marching armies of the Scourge annihilated Silvermoon , leaving it in ruins . On the road to the Sunwell , he faced Anasterian Sunstrider , the aged High King of Quel ' Thalas , and killed him with minimal struggle . Arthas then used the Sunwell to bring Kel ' Thuzad back to life , reborn as an undead lich . Destruction of Dalaran . As the pair travelled to Alterac , Kel ' Thuzad explained the full extent of the " Second Invasion " and the plans of the Lich King and the Scourge . Arthas and Kel ' Thuzad went to the Alterac Mountains to destroy encampments of Blackrock Clan orcs who had taken control of a demon gate , which the lich would use to speak to the demon lord Archimonde . The Scourge destroyed the orcs , and after Kel ' Thuzad received orders from Archimonde , they set out for the powerful seat of the world ' s mages , the city of Dalaran . Archimonde instructed them to acquire the spellbook of Medivh , which would allow Kel ' Thuzad to summon Archimonde into Azeroth . Despite the Kirin Tor ' s valiant efforts to repel the invasion , the Scourge fought through their magical defenses and fortifications , killed the Archmage Antonidas and claimed the Book of Medivh . Arthas and his troops repelled the mages ' vast counterattack as Kel ' Thuzad began the lengthy summoning of the demon lord . Once Archimonde arrived , he proclaimed that the Lich King was of no further use to the Legion , and Tichondrius was placed in command of the Scourge . Arthas was left to wonder what would become of him and Kel ' Thuzad , but the lich replied that all was going as the Lich King foresaw . The pair disappeared as Archimonde took his revenge on the city , destroying Dalaran with a single powerful ritual . Arthas was next seen several months later in Kalimdor , where Tichondrius was employing the fel power of the Skull of Gul ' dan . Arthas told the recently freed demon hunter Illidan how to claim the skull ' s powers as his own , whereupon he could destroy Tichondrius . Illidan agreed to his plan , and Arthas disappeared again . Return to Lordaeron . Archimonde left a trio of dreadlords behind in the ruined palace gardens of Lordaeron to ensure that the nation remained under control , and to watch over the cunning servitors of Ner ' zhul . When the demon lord was defeated , however , they were not originally aware of it . This changed several months later , when Arthas returned to reclaim his throne . He threatened the dreadlords , who immediately fled , and then called Sylvanas and Kel ' Thuzad to his side . Together they crushed the remaining human refugees in the area , who were led by the paladin s Halahk the Lifebringer , Magroth the Defender , and Dagren the Orcslayer . However , during the climax of the battle , Arthas had a painful seizure , and felt the Lich King calling out to him . Despite his diminished powers , Arthas fought on until all the remaining humans were killed . Little did Arthas know that the Lich King ' s power had dwindled to the point that Sylvanas was no longer under his control . In secret , she attended a meeting with the three dreadlords , who told her that the Lich King ' s power was waning , and so the time had come to claim her vengeance . Arthas was ambushed in the capital city , and was forced to collect what loyalists he could find and fight his way through the dreadlords ' forces , which included the powerful abomination Bloodfeast . As he arrived on the city ' s limits , he was saved by a cadre of banshees , who told him that Sylvanas had sent them to see him safely away . However , as they neared an empty spot in the forest , Arthas received another vision from the Lich King , who told him he ' d been betrayed . Sylvanas then appeared and shot him with a paralyzing arrow . Kel ' Thuzad stepped in and chased her off at the last moment . But the Lich King ' s mental cries pierced Arthas ' s mind - he was told to return to Northrend , for demonic forces ( later revealed to be Illidan and the naga ) were working to destroy the Frozen Throne and end the self - proclaimed king ' s reign . Immediately , Arthas prepared his fleet and set sail for Northrend , leaving Kel ' Thuzad behind to watch over Lordaeron . Escape to Northrend . Three weeks later , Arthas landed upon the familiar coast of Northrend , and unexpectedly found himself being attacked by blood elves led by Kael ' thas , hungry for vengeance at their kingdom ' s destruction . Arthas was unexpectedly saved by a large Crypt lord who introduced himself as Anub ' arak , the former king of Azjol - Nerub . Kael ' thas warned that though the preliminary scouting force may have fallen , their main army would not be so easily defeated , before teleporting away to safety . Arthas worried that he may be right , and that they would never reach Icecrown Citadel before Illidan , but Anub ' arak thought differently . He suggested that they delve into the shattered kingdom of Azjol - Nerub , using the underground passageways to beat Illidan to the Glacier . Seeing little other choice , Arthas agreed . Anub ' arak suggested raiding the hoard of Sapphiron , an ancient blue dragon and servant of Malygos , and equipping themselves with the dragon ' s treasures . Not only did they slay the dragon , but Arthas used what power he had left to raise Sapphiron into a powerful frost wyrm . Race to the Frozen Throne . When he came to the doors of Azjol - Nerub , Arthas found himself being fired upon by dwarves , who revealed themselves to be followers of Muradin who had remained there when their leader appeared to die . Now , they were led by Muradin ' s second in command , Baelgun Flamebeard . Leaving Sapphiron outside , Arthas battled through not only Baelgun ' s dwarves , but also the nerubian survivors , as he delved into the broken Spider Kingdom . Anub ' arak ' s aid was invaluable , as he circumvented many traps which would have cut Arthas ' stay fatally short . As Arthas faced Baelgun , the dwarf warned that the shifting earth had released an ancient evil from below the kingdom . As Arthas and Anub ' arak delved deeper into the kingdom , that evil became apparent - the Faceless Ones , a powerful , vicious race thought only to exist in legend . Arthas and Anub ' arak even managed to defeat the incredibly powerful Forgotten one . As they made their way to the Upper Kingdom , an earthquake collapsed part of the passage they were in , separating Anub ' arak from Arthas . The young king had to rely upon his wits to see himself through several daunting booby traps before Anub ' arak dug his way to Arthas . Once reunited the Crypt lord complimented the young Death Knight , saying he now understood why Ner ' zhul had chosen him as his champion . As they climbed out of Azjol - Nerub , the Lich King contacted Arthas once again , and explained that he was losing his power , because the Frozen Throne had been cracked , and energy was seeping from it . Ner ' zhul replenished Arthas ' s powers , knowing he would need them in the coming battle . When they finally reached the surface , they immediately had to contend with Illidan ' s forces . Vashj ' s naga and Kael ' s blood elves were there to contest Arthas ' s minions at every turn . Arthas , with Anub ' arak ' s help , battled his way through their forces and magically activated the four Icecrown Obelisk s around the glacier , opening the doors to the Frozen Throne . However , Illidan was waiting for him . The Lich King triumphant . Arthas warned Illidan to leave Azeroth and never return . Refusal from Illidan initiated a short but intense duel , with Illidan Inadvertently leaving himself open . Arthas pressed the advantage , slicing open the demon hunter ' s chest with Frostmourne . Illidan collapsed in the snow , as Arthas turned towards the gates of icecrown triumphant . Arthas entered the hollow glacier and beheld a winding pinnacle chained to the ice . As he strode up the stairs towards his destiny , the voices of those he had forsaken flooded through his mind . He heard Muradin Bronzebeard , Uther , and Jaina calling out to him , yet he ignored them , continuing his ascent . Finally , he reached the pinnacle and before him he saw an icy cask . Inside was a suit of armour , arranged as if seated on a massive throne . Now only one voice spoke to him - the rasping whisper of Ner ’ zhul : " " Return the blade . . . complete the circle . . . release me from this prison ! " " With a great cry of strength , Arthas brought Frostmourne to bear against the Lich King ' s icy prison and with a haunting scream , the Frozen Throne exploded , and shards of the crystal scattered on the ground . With Ner ’ zhul ’ s thorny helm at his feet , Arthas leaned forward , picked it up , and placed the unimaginably powerful artifact on his head . " Now , " Ner ' zhul ' s voice echoed within his mind , " we are one ! " In that moment , Ner ' zhul and Arthas ' s spirits fused into a single mighty being , just as the Lich King had always planned . Arthas as a single being ceased to exist , now one half of one of the most powerful entities Azeroth had ever known , the new Lich King . Lich King of the Scourge . While he dreamed , Arthas banished his humanity and suppressed Ner ' zhul ' s spirit , allowing him to become the dominant personality of the Lich King . . As the Lich King , Arthas instigated another Scourge invasion of Azeroth , provoking a counteroffensive in Northrend by the Horde , Alliance , Argent Crusade , and Knights of the Ebon Blade . In doing so , he lured powerful heroes to Northrend and placed many challenges before them , seeking to weed out the weak and make the strong question their own morality . He planned to raise the world ' s greatest fighters as his new champions , and use them to spearhead attacks on their homelands , in a reflection of his own journey . Death . His plan nearly succeeded when a group of adventurers led by Tirion Fordring finally ascended to the Frozen Throne and did battle with him after Horde , Alliance and Ashen Verdict forces assaulted Icecrown Citadel . The Lich King froze Tirion in a block of ice , and in the middle of the battle , he suddenly killed the adventurers in a single mighty blow . Ultimately , the Lich King ' s plans were foiled when just as he was about to raise the would - be heroes into undeath , Tirion called upon the Light and freed himself from the ice , shattering Frostmourne with the Ashbringer , releasing all of the souls inside including Arthas ' s soul . The Lich King was severely weakened , and Terenas resurrected the adventurers who defeated him alongside Tirion . After striking a mortal blow against the Lich King , the Helm of Domination was knocked off of Arthas ' s head as he reached for it in desperation before collapsing on the ground . As he lay dying , the spirit of his father appeared before him as the glow brought on by his fusion with Ner ' zhul faded from his eyes . With his soul freed and his connection with the Lich King severed , Arthas was returned to his former self , albeit in his dying moments . Arthas asked his father if it was over , to which Terenas placed a comforting hand over Arthas ' s and replied " At long last . No king rules forever , my son . " Arthas said that he saw only darkness before him , with his eyes rolling back and his hand falling lifelessly to the ground - ending the life of Arthas Menethil once and for all . Tomb . There is no official information , but a new , large tomb inside the new Stormwind graveyard is believed to be Arthas ' s tomb , since it has the Lordaeron crest on it , and most major characters from Lordaeron have set resting places and / or monuments already . Personality . Arthas was a man of action - brave , impulsive and straightforward . He was an inspiring leader , leading his men by example . In conversations with other characters , he appeared witty and easy - going , yet able to hold true to his decisions and make others accept them . Arthas also has a strong sense of loyalty to his men and his kingdom . On the other hand , Arthas was vindictive , occasionally lost control ( as described in the letter below ) , and never took well to losing . He always sought the approval of others ( such as his father ) and often felt underappreciated . He could not stand the thought of others betraying his trust , going as far as making Jaina promise never to deny him anything . His intentions were good , but the Lich King exploited those faults and desires as soon as he took up Frostmourne . Though he took up the blade in an effort to defend his people , this was all for naught , as he became the destroyer of that which he sought to protect . After the death of his father , Arthas claims he no longer feels remorse , shame , or pity , which is explained by him losing his soul to Frostmourne . Here was born a new Arthas , a ruthless and cynical person with a grim sense of humor . As a death knight , Arthas was not above mocking his enemies and gloating over their defeats . Despite this , somewhere deep inside him a portion of him still existed that fought against the darkness . The Lich King later destroyed this small remnant of who he was , and only at the end , when Frostmourne was broken and the Lich King was defeated , was his soul finally released . Friendships . Arthas was friends with Jarim Balnir , despite their differences in station . Arthas met Varian when the Prince of Stormwind came to Lordaeron in the company of Lothar and Khadgar , and the pair would occasionally spar together . Arthas also became good friends with his mentors , Uther and Muradin . Jaina and Arthas were close friends for many years and eventually became lovers . Though Arthas abruptly ended their relationship when he decided he wasn ' t ready to marry yet , he was determined to remain friends with the sorceress . As a death knight , Arthas seemed to enjoy conversations with his new allies , Kel ' Thuzad and Anub ' arak . He was not above expressing gratitude to Kel ' Thuzad , and one of his final phrases before departing to Northrend was " " You have been a loyal friend " " , something rarely heard from a dark lord addressing his minion . After his death his old friends , Muradin , Uther , and Jaina forgive him . Jaina is still in love with him , surprised that he kept her all these years , yet too grief - stricken to keep it when it is presented to her . Muradin gives Arthas a touching eulogy , defining him as his brother , and ruing the day he had ever mentioned the sword to the prince . Uther says that he will choose to forever remember him as the hero who always defended his people , no matter the cost . Subjects . Arthas cared deeply for his people and sought their approval in return . He rarely let his title stand in the way and often treated commoners as near - equals . It was Arthas ' s empathy that would ultimately lead to his downfall , as he was driven to the edge by the sight of his people falling before the Scourge . Once Arthas was convinced the only way to save his homeland was to destroy Mal ' Ganis , he became determined to accomplish that at any cost . After learning Frostmourne had stolen his soul , one of the first things Arthas reflects on is whether he truly saved his people by taking it up . With his mind twisted by Frostmourne ' s curse , Arthas comes to look upon the undead soldiers of the Scourge with affection , viewing them as his new subjects . He is described as feeling a form of sadness as he releases some badly damaged minions from his grip during the battles of Quel ' Thalas , and he was outraged when Anasterian damaged his steed , Invincible . Even as the Lich King , Arthas seems proud of his ability to " stir the hearts " of his " people . " Letters concerning Arthas . Uther Lightbringer to Mimblis Evermorne . Mimblis Evermorne was a fellow paladin of Uther Lightbringer . This letter was sent in the year 24 . Mimblis , Greetings , my friend . I hope the Light finds you well . The young Arthas fills me with hope . He recently became a full paladin , and is nearly all I could hope for in a Knight of the Silver Hand . He is strong and powerful , with a devotion to his people that borders on zealousness . He ’ s a fine paladin and will make a fine king when our beloved Terenas leaves us . Arthas has some growing to do , so I hope King Terenas will remain here for some time . The only thing that bothers me about Arthas is that he has a disturbing quality in him . Sometimes , in training , I have seen him go a little far while sparring . He is so dedicating to winning the match that he forgets that it is only for training . He lacks control ; I suppose it ' s a sense of ruthlessness that lies under his honorable exterior . I have full confidence that he will use this dedication to battle for his people , and I look forward to testing him . Once he really wets his sword , I can begin to teach him control . I don ’ t want to rein his power just yet , until I can see what he ’ s capable of . Arthas loves his people very much . We recently visited some of the poorer villages outside of Lordaeron , giving healing to those in need . I wanted to test his healing powers , as well as see how he interacted with his people beyond the wealthy nobles in the city . He was full of pity for these people , weeping for a woman who had lost her leg in a wolf attack . After healing her pain , he set out on horseback , searching for the wolf . He slew three , bringing the pelts back to the woman to serve as her blankets . I was touched , but again , a little alarmed at his singlemindedness . She was grateful , and as we were there to serve the wounded and sick , our work was completed . His relationship with Jaina Proudmoore is one I must watch . Lordaeron has never had a mage as a queen , but if she and Arthas wed , that ’ s what we will be faced with . Perhaps it will be a good union of magic and politics , or at least bring the mages and paladins closer together . I will watch them carefully . A good thing about Jaina is that she will soften his hard edges . While she attacks her obstacles with a firm and unyielding mind , she is more diplomatic and cerebral in her approach , while Arthas may simply hammer on something until it disintegrates . They will make a strong union : He is the naked steel of a sword , and she is a fist in a velvet glove . I have confidence that they will receive public support , and I will lend them my support as well . I watch Arthas training on the field , and feel he can take on anything . He attacks with a single - mindedness that I know he will apply toward anything in life , be it physical confrontations or political . King Terenas has a good son . I have total confidence in Arthas . Yes , he has more to learn , but don ’ t we all ? He ’ ll overcome his weaknesses and become a wise king , in time . Looking forward to our trip to Stratholme , — Uther Arthas to Magni Bronzebeard . To King Magni Bronzebeard , Lord of Ironforge , It is my sad duty to bring you very grim news . I am certain you know of Muradin ’ s mission here in Northrend to strike at the Scourge and discover useful artifacts . We fought together against the Scourge , and although I survived , Muradin fell to the undead and demons . I grieve for my brave friend and your valiant brother . Yet know that his heroic death was not in vain , for his life ensured my victory against the Lich King ’ s minions — and my recovery of the ancient sword known as Frostmourne . I shall be returning to Lordaeron soon . With Frostmourne in hand , I come to reestablish order and bring forth a shining new age . Muradin ’ s remaining clansmen here will take his body back to Ironforge . You cannot know how deep are my sympathies . I know that this letter offers small consolation , but I felt you should learn of Muradin ’ s death as soon as possible . You have lost a brother , and I have lost a valued friend . May the Light preserve our peoples , — Prince Arthas Menethil In World of Warcraft . A purple flowering plant is named after the dark Prince , " Arthas ' s Tears " . A potent alchemical concoction made from these flowers is also named after him , the " Gift of Arthas " . As you stand in the throne room of Lordaeron " [ if you turn your volume up ] " , you can hear the voices of Terenas Menethil II arguing with his council , also you can hear him outraged at what Arthas was about to do . . . In Wrath of the Lich King . The ( as yet ) uncorrupted Prince Arthas appears in " " within the Culling of Stratholme wing of the Caverns of Time . The player accompanies him through the town as he kills its plagued population ( and agents of the infinite dragonflight attempting to kill " him " ) . The player can also see him in flashbacks on the Forgotten Shore , when the Alliance Emissary arrives to order the troops home ( in the quest ) and in Frostmourne Cavern , where he claims the cursed runeblade Frostmourne . The flashback itself is essentially the cutscene from Warcraft III where he claims Frostmourne — with an ending revealing that after Arthas left the cavern with Muradin supposedly dead , Muradin awakened with amnesia and wandered outside the cavern . In a quest chain given by Matthias Lehner ( an anagram of " Arthas Menethil " ) in Icecrown , the player can actually take on the role of Arthas in two critical moments in his history : When he turned on his own men and raised them as the undead ( ) and his epic duel with Illidan ( ) . In Cataclysm . Arthas also appears in the new quest in Felwood , , as a flashback given by Feronas Sindweller , where players help Illidan defeat him . The quest depicts their first conversation in Felwood . At some point the model in Felwood was given the Helm of Domination , though he didn ' t wear it at that point . In Mists of Pandaria . Images of Arthas and his father King Terenas briefly appeared during the quest . In Heroes of the Storm . Arthas is a warrior hero in " Heroes of the Storm " . In - game quotes . Paladin : Death Knight : Speculation . Still " Undead " ? Though his body was undone , his evil side might linger on , continuing to advise and corrupt Bolvar Fordragon as Ner ' zhul did to him . This might classify his status as either " eternal " or " ghost " , but however , this hasn ' t been clarified by Blizzard , seeing as they haven ' t brought the new Lich King into play . It might also be possible , seeing that many evil characters who were thought gone for good have returned ( i . e . Deathwing was thought dead at least twice , Ner ' zhul returned as the original Lich King , Kael ' thas came back in a deformed appearance , etc . ) . The moments before the Culling of Stratholme . After Arthas made his case and explained why the citizens of Stratholme needed to be purged both Uther and Jaina abandoned him . This decision by Uther and Jaina is undoubtably the cause of Arthas ' s eventual path to become the Lich King . Had they stood by him and thought about the situation rationally like one would expect from a master Paladin and a Mage of the Kirin Tor , then Arthas would not have faced one of the most horrific moments in his life without his closest friends . With the weight of abandonment by his partner and his mentor on his heart Arthas dedicated his life to chasing down Mal ' Ganis believing he had nothing left to lose . Hence , if Jaina and Uther had listened to his plight and sided with Arthas . Arthas would have never chased down Frostmourne . Muradin would ' ve encountered it in Frostmourne ' s cave and left it alone as he suggested Arthas to do leaving the blade there , unlikely to be found soon . This in turn would prevent the scourge from ever entering Quel ' Thalas and Silvermoon . Leaving the Sunwell intact and the High Elves uncorrupted . Kael ' thas and Illidan would never have met and thus the Blood Elves would never have reinforced Illidan ' s crusade against Ner ' zhul . How Illidan ' s march on Icecrown would have ended without the Blood Elves is hard to predict . However , this turn of events would have shifted the power balance heavily in favor to the Alliance as the Forsaken and Blood Elves would never exist .