Troll

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Troll (巨魔)
Species/Race	Troll
Affiliation	Numerous tribes and civilizations, including the Zandalari, Zarzan, Amani, Gurubashi, Drakkari, Jungle Trolls, and Hakkarai
Occupation/Role	Warriors, hunters, witch doctors, tribal leaders, and Loa worshippers
First Appearance	1

Background / History

Trolls were among Azeroth's oldest civilizations. The Zandalari held nominal rule over much of the continent, while the Amani, Gurubashi, Drakkari, and Dark Trolls formed major regional peoples. The Dark Trolls were comparatively scattered, lacked a unified culture, and were weaker than the four major tribes. 1

A prolonged war against the Aqir began after Troll sorcerers accidentally awakened Kith'ix, a K'thir serving the Old God C'Thun. The Zandalari united the major Troll tribes against Azj'Aqir, but the eventual division of conquered territory left the Dark Trolls with unwanted western lands. 1

The Zarzan tribe was a prominent Dark Troll branch with Zandalari ancestry through Azar Tikal's great-grandmother, a Zandalari princess who married into the tribe. Rejected when they sought to join the Zandalari, the Zarzan migrated toward the continent's center and ultimately settled beside the Well of Eternity. 1

Exposure to the Well gradually altered the Zarzan Trolls' bodies: they became more upright, developed five fingers, shorter tusks, smoother hair, and increasingly Elf-like features. This branch became associated with the origins of the Night Elves. 2 6 36

In later eras, Troll civilizations repeatedly clashed with Elves and Humans. The Kaldorei defeated and humiliated the Zandalari, forcing them to surrender texts, disband their army, and migrate toward Gurubashi territory. The Amani continued their conflict with the Elves, attacking Suramar and later defending Zul'Aman against a Human–High Elf coalition. 41 42 44 153 158

Appearance

Trolls are large, physically powerful humanoids. Dark Trolls are described as dark-skinned and initially hunched, bow-legged, and tusked; prolonged exposure to the Well of Eternity visibly changed the Zarzan tribe. 1 4 6

• About two meters tall, with strong bodies and exceptional natural recovery. 2 4
• Typical Troll features include pronounced tusks, coarse hair, and a hunched posture. 4 6
• Well-exposed Zarzan Trolls developed upright posture, five fingers, finer hair, and shorter, thinner tusks. 6
• The inhabitants of Eldre'Thalas later differed from other Kaldorei descendants, possessing fairer skin, sapphire-blue eyes, and only slightly pointed ears. 21

Society and Culture

Tribal organization

Troll society is organized around tribes, Champions, Chieftains, and Great Chieftains. The Zandalari historically acted as the strongest and most influential Troll power, while other groups maintained distinct territories and identities. 1

• The Zarzan tribe was led by a Chieftain and retained Zandalari blood and traditions. 1
• The Amani centered their late resistance around Zul'Aman and Zul'jin. 153 156
• Jungle Trolls occupied and maintained ancient Gurubashi ruins, including Zukunda, Zul'Mawe, and Zul'Gurub. 117
• The Hakkarai sought Hakkar's resurrection through flesh-and-blood sacrifice. 117 118

Warfare

Troll combat traditionally relied on warriors, hunters, and witch doctors. Early Troll martial practice had no formal advancement system; it centered on survival, battle-tested techniques, and the racial Power of Fury. 2

• Warriors — melee combatants who draw on the Power of Fury. 2 4
• Hunters — ranged combatants; Troll hunters later fought alongside Raptor cavalry. 2 157
• Witch doctors — magic-users associated with tribal spiritual practices. 2
• Champions — elite tribal fighters, such as Azar Tikal and Zhakun. 1 6
• Raptor cavalry — mounted Troll forces capable of lightning and hurricane magic. 157

The Power of Fury

The Power of Fury is a racial talent awakened through extreme combat and emotion. It enhances strength and combat techniques for as long as a Troll's rage continues. 2 4

• Can be developed through repeated physical exertion and life-or-death combat. 2
• Is associated with anger, excitement, and sustained battle. 4
• May cause physical harm, mental instability, and cultural degradation when used without restraint. 5
• Can be balanced by the Power of Order, which disciplines rage rather than eliminating it. 3 5

Customs and beliefs

Many Trolls are portrayed as fiercely martial and bloodthirsty, with practices such as consuming enemies' hearts after battle. Azar regarded this custom as an unhealthy outlet for the Power of Fury and a barrier to cultural development. 5 6

The Zarzan tribe differed from many Dark Trolls by rejecting blood, vulgarity, filth, cannibalism, and indiscriminate barbarism. Their migration was partly driven by this cultural divide. 2 3

Trolls commonly worship or invoke the Loa. Some factions also turned to Old Gods: the Gurubashi/Hakkarai sought Hakkar's return, while Zul'jin employed secret arts to force Loa and Old God-associated beings into battle. 1 117 118 157

Major Groups

• Zandalari Trolls — the strongest historical Troll tribe, known for sages, scholars, ancient texts, and earlier continental influence. 1 28 44
• Dark Trolls — western Trolls with scattered tribes and limited unity; the Zarzan were one of their stronger branches. 1
• Zarzan tribe — Dark Troll tribe that migrated to the Well of Eternity and underwent the transformation toward Night Elves. 1 2 6
• Amani Trolls — northern Trolls centered on Zul'Aman; they raided Suramar and later fought the Human–High Elf coalition. 42 150 153
• Gurubashi Trolls — an ancient jungle civilization whose cities included Zul'Gurub. 117
• Hakkarai — Hakkar's followers, who used sacrifices in an attempt to resurrect their god. 117 118
• Drakkari Trolls — one of the four major tribes; Azar acquired Titansteel from them. 1 7
• Jungle Trolls — tribes inhabiting Stranglethorn Vale and ancient ruins such as Zukunda and Zul'Mawe. 115 117

Relationships

• Zandalari Trolls — historically dominant Troll power; rejected the Zarzan tribe's attempt to join them. 1
• Dark Trolls — the Zarzan tribe originated as a Dark Troll branch before its settlement at the Well of Eternity. 1 2
• Night Elves / Kaldorei — descended from the Well-altered Zarzan/Dark Troll population, but later became major enemies of other Troll peoples. 6 36 41
• Loa — revered spiritual powers associated with Troll identity and warfare. 1 118
• Hakkar — Old God worshipped by the Hakkarai; his resurrection was repeatedly pursued through sacrifice. 117 118
• Humans and High Elves — formed a coalition that captured Zul'Aman and forced the Amani into retreat. 153 158

Story Role / Major Arcs

Dark Troll migration

Following the Aqir war and their rejection by the Zandalari, the Zarzan tribe migrates toward the Well of Eternity. Their settlement and transformation establish the Troll origin of the Night Elves. 1 2 6

Conflict with the early Kaldorei

Troll forces ally with Quillboar and Centaur groups against Azar's emerging Elf forces in Feralas. Azar dismantles the alliance and defeats the opposing Trolls as part of the Kaldorei expansion. 14 15 17 18

Zandalari defeat and Amani resistance

The Kaldorei subdue the Zandalari through a punitive settlement, but Troll resentment persists. The Amani later sack Suramar before Azar's Warrior Legion ambushes their retreat and severely weakens them. 41 42 44

Zul'Gurub and Hakkar

In Stranglethorn Vale, Gurubashi-associated Trolls attempt to resurrect Hakkar through sacrifice. Azar's disciples encounter Hakkar and Jin'do during the expedition to Zul'Gurub. 116 117 118

Fall of Zul'Aman

The Amani rally under Zul'jin against Human and High Elf forces. Despite using Raptor cavalry, Berserk Trolls, Loa, and Hakkar, they lose Zul'Aman after the coalition's Spellbreakers and commanders turn the battle. 153 156 157 158

Trivia

• Trolls are described as one of the continent's earliest major civilizations, with the Zandalari achieving high civilization before the Night Elves gained power from the Well of Eternity. 28
• The Zarzan tribe's refined tastes and rejection of cannibalism distinguished it from many other Troll groups. 2 3
• The Tonybane squad, a Human unit later commanded by Azar, was infamous as the “Troll Slayers” because of its vendetta against Trolls. 151