The Great Alliance, led by Anduin Wrynn, is one of two powerful political and economic associations in World of Warcraft. The bloc was created in retaliation during the orc invasion of Azeroth, but subsequently became a permanent structure with its own government, heraldry and symbolism.
The key difference from the Horde, which is an adversary of the Alliance, is the motive for joining factions and groups to the bloc. According to the commentary of the developer, the foundation of the association is laid on the responsibility and respect of the races for each other, and is not dictated by necessity and despair. The emblem of the Alliance includes elements symbolizing the main fractions of the union in the game.
What races are members of the Alliance?
Currently, the Battle of Azeroth expansion includes:
- the people of Storgrad, whose king also provides the actual control of the bloc;
- Ironforge Dwarves;
- Dwarves of Gnomeregan;
- night elves;
- Exodar Draenei;
- Gilneas Worgen;
- pandaren;
- Void Elves.
The coat of arms of the WoW Alliance includes the distinctive symbolism of only the first four races, since they were the first in the block. He is also a kind of "heir" of the main emblem of a similar association led by the ruler of Lordaeron, who was destroyed in the Scourge plague.
Coat of arms of the Alliance: a detailed analysis of symbolism
In the center of the coat of arms is a golden lion on a blue shield - this is a sign of the kingdom of Stormwind, introduced directly by the Wrynn dynasty. Above it is an anvil embossed in the form of a hammer, a dwarf from Ironforge chose this sign for himself. Under the shield, gears are visible, representing the constructs and the genius of the gnomes from Gnomeregan, they are crossed by the crossed arrows of the night elves of Darnassus, conveying the symbolism of their ancient sign. The heraldic shield itself is held by a hippogryph and griffin, presumably demonstrating the commonwealth of two parties - Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms.
Other design elements
The emblem of the Alliance itself is made in gold and blue, and the remaining elements can be described as follows:
- Roses. These flowers are located under the heraldic lion, personifying the pride and nobility of the ruling house of Stormwind. In heraldry, rose is rarely used, acting mainly as a royal symbol.
- Laurel. Laurel leaves are visible on top of the shield. Mostly, they are the personification of fame, peace, victory. It is possible that such an element appeared as a mark of the merits of the Alliance in the fight against demons, undead and the Horde.
- Gold and azure. The main elements, which include the Coat of Arms of the Alliance, are made in gold with azure elements. The first color means a noble beginning, wealth and prosperity, while azure is a symbol of hope, purity, peace. Together, they demonstrate the key thrust of the bloc - protecting the interests of the races that created it, but not war, as is the case with the Horde.
The coat of arms of the Alliance and the Horde are opposed even in terms of design. A simple and concise "rune" in black and red, combat design on a broken standard with a worn cloth and a golden, artsy heraldic shield. Even in the design of the main characters of these two sides, there is a noticeable opposition between the mentality and the specifics of the formation of the bloc.