8. Sylvanas Windrunner

Serving the Queen… in death

Another tragic character, Warcraft’s Sylvanas Windrunner was a high elf of Quel’thalas and an exemplary ranger. She valiantly defended her homeland against the Scourge, but was eventually killed by Arthas and transformed into a banshee.

When the Lich King lost psychic control over some of the Scourge, Sylvanas gathered the freed undead under her leadership, giving rise to the “Forsaken.” Vowing vengeance for her murder, Sylvanas and the Forsaken’s role in the events that lead to the Burning Legion’s demise cannot be understated.

Thanks to Sylvanas, the Forsaken found a purpose in their new existence, and are now part of the Horde. Sylvanas respects Thrall, and though she’s loyal to elves who’ve suffered because of Arthas, her priority will always be the Forsaken. For her contributions to her people and her allies, we think she deserves number eight on our best Blizzard heroes list.