"This is my hammer. There are many others like it, but this one is mine."

While they don’t hail from Azeroth, the first dwarf-like characters to appear in a Blizzard game were Erik the Swift, Baleog the Fierce, and Olaf the Stout: the Lost Vikings (1992)!

The mighty dwarves have long been key players in Azeroth’s history, and their first formal appearance in the Warcraft universe was in Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness. The Bronzebeard brothers themselves themselves were introduced in Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos (2002).

During the events surrounding Warcraft II: Tide of Darkness and the Second War, King Tereneas Menethil II managed to gain the allegiance of various human kingdoms as well as the Bronzebeard Dwarves of Ironforge, the Wildhammer Dwarves of Aerie Peak, the Gnomes of Gnomeregan, and the high elves of Quel’Thalas. Together the leaders of the seven human kingdoms and representatives from Khaz Modan and Quel’Thalas would come to form the Alliance of Lordaeron.

During the Second War, Muradin served as an official liaison between Lordaeron and Khaz Modan, and in time grew close to the Royal Family. As Arthas grew up, Muradin took it upon himself to teach the young Prince all he knew about fighting. The two became close companions until Arthas became corrupted by Frostmourne and took up the mantle of the Lich King

Arthas was blinded by revenge, and although he knew that there would be a terrible price if he took up the blade, he so it anyways. When he did, the blade’s curse unexpectedly struck down Muradin. Arthas believed his friend to be dead and left to take on Mal’Ganis.

Unbeknownst to Arthas, however, the blow to Muradin had not been fatal. It had instead stricken him with total amnesia, and was later taken in by a group of Frostborn dwarves. In time, he was given the name Yorg Stormheart, after a legendary Frostborn warrior, and would become King of the Frostborn.

To avenge Muradin, Magni forged the Ashbringer to oppose Frostmourne, Arthas, and the undead.

• "I was an adventurer, too, until I took a shard o' ice tae the noggin." –Muradin

Through a quest chain in World of Warcraft, players were able to discover the secrets behind Yorg Stormheart’s true identity, and assist with reuniting Muradin with his brothers Brann and Magni Bronzebeard.

In the prelude to the Cataclysm, King Magni Bronzebeard believed a mystical tablet created by the ancient Titans would make him "one with the mountain" and this would help him ease the troubled, earthquake-stricken lands. Unfortunately, “one with the mountain” was more literal than anyone could have expected, and when Magni activated the tablet, it unleased a terrible curse that fused his statue-like form into the diamond heart of Ironforge.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, the ruling body of the Council of Three Hammers was formed to reunify the dwarven clans and to give them representation in Ironforge. The Bronzebeard clan would come to be represented by Muradin, the Wildhammer clan by Falstad Wildhammer, and the Dark Iron clan by Magni’s daughter Moira Thaurissan.

• "My older brother Magni is king of the dwarves. My younger brother Brann is a renowned explorer. If I didn't kick so much ass, I'd feel a tad awkward." –Muradinn

Brann Bronzebeard is brother of King Magni Bronzebeard and Muradin Bronzebeard. Brann was one of the founders of the Explorers’ Guild, and Brann is considered to be one of the greatest explorers, anthropologists, archaeologists, and linguists to ever wander Azeroth.

• "They say diamonds are forever, which I hope isn't verra long, fer me brother's sake." –Muradin

If you own the Magni Bronzebeard skin for Muradin, your "Avatar" [R] ability will have a diamond appearance!

• "I'm King o' the Frostborn! Not tae be confused with Frostmourne." –Muradin
• "The Bronzebeards are masters o' three things: brewin', battlin', and braidin' beards." –Muradin

Since the first appearance of the Bronzebeards in Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, many talented artists have sought to illustrate these brave and iconic dwarves. Below are six fantastic pieces of fan art featuring Muradin Bronzebeard and other dwarves, which were submitted by talented artists from around the globe.

"Muadin Bronzebeard" by SiaKim	"Muradin Bronzebeard" by Paulo Henrique S.B. (Pulyx)

"Muradin Bronzebeard" by Jay Zhao (Michael Jay)

"Mountain King" by Diana Elefteridis (kalis)	"Muradin" by DarkTod	"Warcraft Fanart Sketches" by NikolaiOstertag	"Muradin" by u369

"Muradin Bronzebeard – WoW" by JRettberg

The Bronzebeard clan and their dwarven bretheren have had a longstanding history within the Warcraft universe, and their participation in various battles and notable events have shaped Azeroth’s past and present.

For many long centuries, three dwarven clans— the Bronzebeards, the Wildhammers, and the Dark Irons— lived united in Ironforge under the wise rule of High King Modimus Anvilmar. When Modimus passed away from old age, tensions boiled over among the clans, and war erupted for control of the city.

Thus began the War of the Three Hammers, a savage conflict that raged for many years, during which time the Bronzebeard clan won sole ownership of Ironforge and expelled its rivals. The war severed relations among the clans, and they went on to forge new destinies apart from one another.

When the orcish Horde invaded Azeroth, Ironforge’s dwarves offered to join the Grand Alliance. Led by King Magni Bronzebeard, the city’s resilient inhabitants proved to be the backbone of the Alliance forces, helping to secure victory after victory against the orcs. Ever since that time, Ironforge’s dwarves have remained an invaluable part of the Alliance.

If you’re interested in learning more about Muradin, Magni, and other dwarves, make sure to check out the following related content:

• Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos (Game – 2002)
• Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne (Game – 2003)
• World of Warcraft (Game – 2004)
• World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game (Game – 2005)
• Tides of Darkness (Novel – 2007)
• Beyond the Dark Portal (Novel – 2008)
• Warcraft: Death Knight (Graphic Novel – 2009)
• Warcraft Legends Vol. #4: "Bloodsail Buccaneer" (Graphic Novel – 2009)
• Arthas: Rise of the Lich King (Novel – 2009)
• World of Warcraft: The Magazine (Magazine – 2010)
• World of Warcraft Comic: #9, #10, and #11 (Comic/Graphic Novel – 2011)
• The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm (Novel – 2010)
• Council of the Three Hammers: Fire and Iron (Short Story – 2012)
• Pearl of Pandaria (Graphic Novel – 2012)
• Jaina Proudmoore: Tides of War (Novel – 2012)
• Moira Thaurissan (World of Warcraft Character Page)
• Dwarf (World of Warcraft Race Page)

Muradin Bronzebeard:

Muradin as first seen in Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos	Muradin as seen in World of Warcraft

Magni Bronzebeard: