Darnassus is a fictional city in Blizzard Entertainments video game series Warcraft. Located off the coast of northern Kalimdor, it is the capital city of the Night Elves. In the game World of Warcraft Darnassus, like Thunder Bluff, is one of the least player-populated cities in the game and therefore is rarely subject to raids from the Horde, primarily because of its layout.

Background

High atop the boughs of the enormous tree Teldrassil is the city of Darnassus, the new refuge for the reclusive night elves. Druids, hunters, and warriors alike make their homes among the rows of wood-crafted lodges and delicately tended groves. The Temple of the Moon rises like a shining beacon above the trees, flanked by the colonnaded Hall of Justice, where the vigilant Sentinels gather to safeguard the land. Ruled by the high priestess Tyrande Whisperwind, Darnassus stands as a tranquil testament to all that the night elves hold sacred. A city in tune with the rush and flow of nature, Darnassus was built along the shores of a large lake, with elegant bridges spanning its crystalline waters. Elsewhere, the falling leaves of the forest carpet the soft pathways of the city.

History

The wondrous City in the Tree was constructed shortly after the fall of the Burning Legion at the Battle of Mount Hyjal. Forced to sacrifice their cherished immortality, the night elves attempted to adjust to a finite life. Tyrande and Malfurion Stormrage helped their people rebuild their shattered villages. However, the adjustment to a mortal existence was too much to take for many of the night elves. Seeking to regain their immortality, several wayward druids conspired to plant a special tree that would reestablish the link between their spirits and the eternal world. Upon hearing of this plan, Malfurion warned that nature would never bless such a selfish act. Shortly thereafter, Malfurion's spirit was somehow lost within the depths of the Emerald Dream.

With Malfurion missing, Fandral Staghelm -- the leader of those who wished to plant the new World Tree -- became the new Arch-Druid. In no time at all, he and his fellow druids had forged ahead and planted the great tree, Teldrassil, off the stormy coasts of northern Kalimdor. Under their care, the tree soon sprouted up above the clouds. Among the twilight boughs of the colossal tree, the wondrous city of Darnassus took root. However, the tree was not consecrated with nature's blessing and soon fell prey to the corruption of the Burning Legion. Now the wildlife and even the limbs of Teldrassil itself are tainted by a growing darkness.

Geography

The city of Darnassus lies in the western boughs of the great tree, Teldrassil. The city is separated from the rest of the wood by a great wall and gate, and is only accessible from the outside by way of teleportation from Rut'Theran Village, a small fishing port. Much of the city is built upon a great lake of pure water. In the center of this lake on a series of small islands are the Temple Gardens. On the south shore of the lake is the enormous Temple of the Moon, which houses Tyrande and her fellow priestesses. The portion of the city that rests on the shores of the lake are divided into sections known as terraces. In the south, east of the Temple is the Tradesmen's Terrace. To the north of this is the Warrior's Terrace, which leads to the city gate. North of the Warrior's Terrace is the Craftsmen's Terrace. Finally, on the northern shore of the lake lies the Cenarion Enclave, the nexus of the Night Elves' druidic sect. From the top of a high tree in the Enclave, the Arch-Druid, Fandral leads the night elf druids in Malfurion's absence.

Trivia

The main gate of Darnassus is based on the architectural design of Sungnyemun, an ancient gate located in Seoul, South Korea.

The name Darnassus may have roots in Greek mythology. Mount Parnassus was the highest mountain on Earth, according to Greek mythology, and the only dry land left after the Deluge, a flood sent by Zeus to destroy all of mankind. The highest peaks of Parnassus rose above the great flood and were used as a refuge by the two survivors: Deucalion and Pyrrha. In WoW, Darnassus is a refuge for the Night Elves, who live high in the treetops above the ocean.

Due to low population and hidden layout, Darnassus is not visited often by Alliance players, most of whom go to Stormwind or Ironforge. Darnassus is also known as a starting zone for Night Elves by most players.

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