Lady Liadrin confronts tests of her faith in the Light in her new WoW Midnight animation

Last week, we got to take a look at the origins (maybe) of Midnight‘s baddie supreme, Xal’atath, in “Supremacy.” This week, we got a look at the past of another important figure in World of Warcraft, and one who’s on our side this time: Lady Liadrin, the iconic Blood Elf Paladin, in “All That Is Sacred.”

We also get to see someone new in this animation: High Priest Vandellor, Liadrin’s adoptive father who took her in after her parents were slain by Amani trolls, and who first inspired her faith and awe for the light — in fact, she would eventually follow in his path as High Priestess Liadrin (which you get to see if you’re a Blood Elf pursuing your heritage armor, or during the Lorewalking chapter on Elves). Vandellor’s words have been echoed elsewhere; they’re the origin of the prayer Liadrin is repeating at the start of “Intercession,” the expansion cinematic intro for Midnight. “The Light guides my steps and illuminates my path; the Light flows through me, and by its grace am I made one with all that is sacred” — words taken from what Vandellor recites as what he believes when Liadrin asks what the Light is.

“All That Is Sacred” does a fantastic job of showing yet another step in the path of a woman who has had her faith tested time and time again, and come out of each trial a better person — although, as Alonsus Faol points out, not everyone heals from their trauma through the Light; some simply find a path to retribution and vengeance. Liadrin has been present at many pivotal moments for the Blood Elves; she was there when the Scourge attacked Quel’Thalas, as well as when the Sunwell fell. She was present when Kael’thas first brought a living Naaru to Silvermoon and bid the elves drain it for magic in lieu of the fallen Sunwell, leading to her eventually becoming the first Blood Knight. She led the Blood Elves who turned away from Kael’thas when he pledged his loyalties to the Burning Legion instead of helping to restore his people.

Liadrin has never shied away from doing what is right over what she is ordered or compelled to do. If there are difficult decisions to be made around the Light and its power in Midnight, Liadrin seems like one of the primary elves to make them.