Ashbringer (legendary)

Ashbringer has been subject to intense speculation since the release of World of Warcraft. Rumors have been fueled by data-mined graphics and item statistics, as well as NPCs alluding to its existence.

At the launch of the World of Warcraft, the only reference to Ashbringer by name was made by Caretaker Alen. It was hinted at further with the introduction of Dire Maul. Alexia Ironknife, Bardu Sharpeye, Caretaker Alen, Narain Soothfancy, Commander Eligor Dawnbringer, Shen'dralar Zealots and Nat Pagle's Guide to Extreme Anglin' all make references to Ashbringer. Information from these NPCs implied that Asbhringer was somehow lost and that Nat Pagle and Prince Tortheldrin knew the location, and were even willing to tell the player; however, they never shared their knowledge.

The mystery surrounding Ashbringer created great interest and discussion among players, who searched for a hidden or unlockable quest that would reward Ashbringer. Rumors regarding an acquirable Ashbringer persisted until a European CM admitted that it was not in-game, quickly followed by Eyonix's confirmation:

The caster legendary item being referred to was Atiesh, Greatstaff of the Guardian, which was added in patch 1.11.0. The sword wouldn't become available to players until patch 1.11.0 with the opening of Naxxramas but only as the Corrupted Ashbringer. The uncorrupted variant wouldn't be available until with Ashbringer (artifact).

The tooltip describes Ashbringer as the "blade of the Scarlet Highlord." However, none of its wielders (Alexandros Mograine, Darion Mograine, Tirion Fordring and the Adventurer) were ever members of the Scarlet Crusade.