Anduin Llane Wrynn is a fictional character who appears in the Warcraft series of video games by Blizzard Entertainment. First appearing in the original launch of World of Warcraft in 2004, Anduin is the son of Tiffin and Varian Wrynn, and the king of the human kingdom of Stormwind. Following Varian's disappearance, young Anduin is crowned king of Stormwind. He succeeds his father following his death in World of Warcraft: Legion, as well as his position as leader of the Alliance. Anduin also appears as a playable character in the crossover multiplayer online battle arena game Heroes of the Storm. The character is voiced by Josh Keaton.
Critical reception to Anduin focused on his empathy as well as benevolent traits, which is often contrasted to his father's warrior impulses and hardline approach in dealing with the opposing Horde faction.
Development
Diegetically, Anduin Wrynn is named after Anduin Lothar, a military leader and war hero of the Kingdom of Stormwind, and his grandfather, King Llane Wrynn of Stormwind.
Josh Keaton found it "surreal" that he is the voice actor of an adult Anduin, as he used to be a dedicated Horde player. He described Anduin as a moral compass, who is a highly educated royal and possesses a "big-picture perspective, that is unique to the game particularly for such a young character". Keaton said he had to demonstrate "a certain regal bearing" for Anduin, given the character's heritage, that needs to come through in his voice.
Appearances
Anduin first appeared in World of Warcraft as a child and the Crown Prince of Stormwind. When his father King Varian Wrynn was abducted, he was named King of Stormwind but due to his young age, he was unable to rule, and the task of regency was given to Highlord Bolvar Fordragon, a venerated paladin of the Alliance. Once King Varian returned to reclaim his throne, the prince began to focus his efforts on spiritual matters and diplomacy, traveling throughout Azeroth to understand how he might heal lands and souls ravaged by war.
In World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria, with the land of Pandaria revealed to the world, the young prince personally leads a campaign to unveil the region's secrets and cool the flames of war that threatened to consume the continent. Anduin was one of the main opposition to the Horde's Warchief, Garrosh Hellscream, in his fight to save the continent and its people. Anduin eventually succeeds, however Garrosh was able to escape and initiate the events of World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor.
In the Legion expansion, Anduin permanently assumes the throne after Varian was killed by Gul'Dan's forces on the Broken Shore. Doubtful of his abilities to be a good king, Anduin travels to the Broken Shore where his father died and meets with Genn Greymane and Velen. Anduin finds his father's sword and expresses that he cannot be the hero, nor the king his father was. Genn consoles him and a vision of his father appears before him, telling him he must do "What a King must do." Anduin, now filled with a new sense of purpose and courage, takes up his father's sword and declares he is ready to lead his people against the Burning Legion. Anduin's preference for diplomacy and fostering understanding with others enabled him to form strong bonds with the Draenei Prophet Velen and even a few key members of the Horde.
In the Battle for Azeroth expansion, Anduin Wrynn is approached by Wrathion, the son of the Black Dragon Aspect Deathwing, who offers advice and assistance for the conflict against the Old God N’Zoth.
Hearthstone
Anduin appears as the default player hero for the Priest class in Hearthstone.
Heroes of the Storm
Anduin is a playable character in Heroes of the Storm as a ranged healer, which is considered to be a unique class for players to master. "Holy Word: Salvation", one of his two "heroic" abilities, is a reference to the World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth cinematic trailer, in which Anduin heals his Alliance soldiers in an identical fashion.