Sylvanas Windrunner is the founder and leader of the Forsaken faction.
Originally a High Elf of Quel'thalas, at a young age Sylvanas displayed exceptional
skills at being a ranger, advancing in the ranks until eventually earning
the position of Ranger-General. When the scourge invaded Quel'thalas during
the events of Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos, Sylvanas valiantly defended her
homeland delaying the scourge while the High Elves attempted to create a defense.
The scourge however eventually overwhelmed her forces breaking through, the Lordaeron
Prince Arthas Menethil (now a Death Knight) killing Sylvanas himself and raising her
as an incorporeal banshee in his service as punishment for hindering his invasion of
Quel'thalas. Prince Arthas' master the Lich King gradually lost control over the
undead, a result of an attack by Illidan Stormrage and his forces on the Lich Kings
fortress, the Frozen Throne in Northrend. Thanks to this loss of control, Sylvanas
regained her free will and physical body before launching an attack on Prince Arthas.
Although fleeing to Northrend, Sylvanas chose not to pursue Prince Arthas just yet, but
rather recruiting the majority of free-willed undead under her service and renaming
themselves the 'Forsaken'. Sylvanas and the Forsaken hold a tense relationship with the
Horde. Although having a respect for the previous Warchief Thrall, Sylvanas despises the
current Warchief Garrosh Hellscream - openly supporting and obeying Hellscream in his
presence but plotting and scheming behind his back.
The character is voiced by Piera Coppola.