Race: Old God
Sex: Unknown
Faction: Black Empire / Qiraji
Overall Rating: 8.8
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Arena Status: Active (S1)
In the depths of Azeroth lies a terror so incomprehensible, so maddening, that its very existence defies understanding. This horror, known as C'thun, is one of the Old Gods in the World of Warcraft universe.
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| C'thun |
C'thun is a part of the mythical, malevolent beings known as the Old Gods. Imprisoned by the Titans, the keepers of order in the universe, these beings were hidden away deep within the Earth to prevent their chaos from spreading. C'thun, like its brethren, represents a force antithetical to the cosmos' natural order.
"Your heart will explode." – Whisper of C'thun
C'thun's story spans across several expansions and patches in the World of Warcraft. Its influence is felt as early as in the base game, where hints of its dark presence are woven into the fabric of Azeroth's lore.
In the original game, C'thun is the final boss in the Temple of Ahn'Qiraj (AQ40) raid. Here, players first encounter the tangible manifestation of C'thun's malevolence. The raid provides an intense experience that once challenged the most dedicated guilds. Though not directly involved in the Burning Crusade, C'thun's shadow continues to linger, influencing various elements within the game's unfolding storyline. In Cataclysm, C'thun's presence becomes even more pronounced. The dark whispers of the Old Gods, including C'thun, permeate the land as the very fabric of reality begins to unravel. C'thun's influence can also be felt in the whispers encountered by Shadow Priests, during the Legion expansion, using the artifact weapon, Xal'atath.
The story of C'thun intertwines with many characters and races in the World of Warcraft. The most notable is the Qiraji, insect-like creatures, created and commanded by C'thun, serving as his physical representation in the world.
The Silithid, another insectoid race, also bear the mark of C'thun's influence, acting as his foot soldiers in the war against Azeroth.
Several characters and factions within the game, knowingly or unknowingly, have fallen under C'thun's influence, showcasing the depth of his reach and the subtlety of his manipulations.
C'thun's method of influence is primarily psychological, employing whispers to insinuate itself into the minds of Azeroth's denizens. These whispers can lead to madness, a central theme of the character, often driving those who hear them to acts of unthinkable violence or self-destruction.
"Your friends will betray you." – Whisper of C'thun
Visually, C'thun is a terrifying figure. Its most prominent feature is a colossal eye, which watches unblinkingly as its many tentacles writhe and lash out. This Lovecraftian design underlines the unfathomable nature of the Old Gods.
The encounter with C'thun in AQ40 was revolutionary in its time. It provided players with an intricate, multi-stage battle that required precise coordination and strategy, setting the standard for future raid design.
C'thun's legacy within the World of Warcraft universe is extensive and profound. As a representative of the chaos and madness that lurk beneath the surface of reality, C'thun embodies a primal fear that resonates deeply with players.
The intrigue, terror, and complexity of C'thun continue to echo throughout the game's history, making it an iconic figure that symbolizes the lurking dread that defines much of World of Warcraft's darker themes. Whether through direct confrontation in the raids or subtle manipulation in the lore, C'thun's presence is felt, reminding players that beneath the surface, madness awaits.
"You will die." – Whisper of C'thun
In a universe filled with compelling characters and narratives, C'thun stands out as a figure of terror and fascination, reflecting our deepest fears and most incomprehensible nightmares. Its story is a testament to the power of well-crafted game design and storytelling, a narrative that continues to unfold, enthralling and horrifying players in equal measure.
C'thun's Raw Power
C'thun's raw power is a subject that fascinates and terrifies both the inhabitants of Azeroth and the players who encounter this monstrous entity. Residing within the depths of the Temple of Ahn'Qiraj, C'thun's mere presence is a testament to its cosmic might.
In terms of physical manifestation, C'thun is colossal and monstrous. Its eye alone can obliterate the most powerful champions of Azeroth. The twisted tentacles that extend from its body possess the strength to crush and destroy anything in their path. Its battle within AQ40 showcased various abilities, including Eye Beam, a direct energy blast that can wipe out entire raid groups.
"You will be judged for defiling these sacred grounds!" – C'thun during the AQ40 raid
However, C'thun's raw power transcends physical might. As an Old God, its very existence defies comprehension, embodying chaos and madness. It has the power to influence minds, create nightmarish creatures like the Qiraji, and weave its will into the fabric of reality itself. This insidious influence extends to whole civilizations, showing a level of magical ability that goes beyond mere spells.
Its impact on the World of Warcraft universe is far-reaching, encompassing both tangible destruction and the intangible dread that lurks beneath the surface of Azeroth. This blend of physical destruction and psychological terror marks C'thun as a being of incredible power.
"Your courage will fail." – Whisper of C'thun
In comparing C'thun's raw power to other characters across all fantasy universes, it would be fair to recognize it as a force of tremendous might. It's not merely a creature of brute strength but an embodiment of chaos and madness, a cosmic entity that shapes reality.
Given the scale of its influence and power within its universe, C'thun can be rated at an 9 out of 10 in the raw power category. This places it above many characters in the fantasy genre but still leaves room for those few beings whose power transcends even the Old Gods. C'thun's raw power is a mix of physical destruction and existential horror, reflecting a complex understanding of what it means to wield power in a universe filled with unknowns and incomprehensibles.
C'thun's Tactical Ability
C'thun's tactical ability, although not as immediately apparent as its raw power, is a vital aspect of its menacing presence. This Old God's planning and execution demonstrate a level of insight and strategy that transcends mere brute force.
Its invasion of Azeroth was not merely a chaotic rampage but a calculated infection. C'thun corrupted the Aqir, leading to the creation of the Qiraji, and through them, it orchestrated a long and elaborate war against the denizens of Azeroth. This illustrates its capacity to devise complex plans and set them in motion, using minions and allies to achieve its goals.
"The Old God would create avatars from the Silithid in its own image. These avatars were to be known as Qiraji." – Chronicle of C'thun's influence
C'thun's ability to strategize extends to its direct combat. During the battle in AQ40, players encounter phases and tactics that require careful planning and counter-strategies. C'thun doesn't rely solely on its immense power but uses tentacles strategically placed, eye beams targeted at players, and mind-control techniques, illustrating its ability to think and act with tactical precision.
"Your friends will abandon you." – Whisper of C'thun
In a broader context, C'thun's manipulation of events, infiltration of minds, and long-term planning to achieve cosmic goals reflect a level of strategic thinking that rivals some of the most brilliant tacticians in all of the fantasy literature.
However, it's also worth noting that C'thun's plans were thwarted, and the entity was eventually defeated. This does put a cap on its tactical ability, showing that it's not infallible.
Rating C'thun's tactical ability requires a nuanced approach. Its plans are cosmic in scope and intricacy, but it's not without its failures. Taking all of this into account, C'thun's tactical ability would be ranked at 7.5 out of 10, reflecting a formidable but not an unbeatable strategic mind. In comparison to other fantasy characters, this places C'thun above average but not at the pinnacle of tactical brilliance.
C'thun's Influence
C'thun's influence within the World of Warcraft universe is both subtle and pervasive, manifesting as a corrosive force that manipulates, corrupts, and controls. Its ability to sway others is not bound by charisma or traditional leadership but through a dark and insidious form of manipulation. C'thun was able to manipulate the insectoid Aqir, turning them into the Qiraji, a race wholly devoted to its will. This transformation was not a mere physical alteration but a fundamental change in their nature, bending them to C'thun's desires.
"The Old God would create avatars from the Silithid in its own image. These avatars were to be known as Qiraji." – Chronicle of C'thun's Influence
C'thun's influence extends to the minds of those who dare to approach its lair, instilling madness and fear. The whispers of C'thun can drive even the strongest minds to the brink of insanity, revealing a potent form of psychological manipulation.
"You will betray your friends." – Whisper of C'thun
Even from its prison beneath Ahn'Qiraj, C'thun was able to reach out across continents, infecting dreams, guiding actions, and weaving a complex web of influence that extends far beyond its physical location. C'thun's ability to lead is seen in its orchestration of the War of the Shifting Sands, where it directed the Qiraji and Silithid in a carefully planned invasion of Azeroth.
C'thun's influence transcends mere persuasion and delves into the realms of mental control and dark manipulation. Its capacity to bend entire races to its will, corrupt the minds of heroes, and strategically guide events makes its influence profound and terrifying.
Given the breadth and depth of C'thun's influence, it's challenging to find many parallels in other fantasy universes. Its power over mind and matter, coupled with its strategic manipulation of events, positions it as a unique entity in terms of influence.
Rating C'thun's influence on a scale of 1-10, it would be appropriate to assign a 9. This rating reflects its extraordinary ability to manipulate, corrupt, and control on a scale that few characters in any fantasy universe can match. C'thun's influence is pervasive and profound, marking it as one of the most compelling manipulators across all realms of fantasy.
C'thun's Resilience
C'thun's resilience as an Old God in the World of Warcraft universe transcends mere physical durability. It encapsulates a mystical, almost incomprehensible ability to endure, regenerate, and persist. When the Titans discovered C'thun's corrupting influence on Azeroth, they sought to contain it. Despite their immense power, they could not destroy C'thun and instead imprisoned it beneath the earth.
"Imprisoned beneath the earth, C'thun's maddening whispers reached out into the world once more, and it manipulated events to weaken the seals of its prison." – World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1
Even after being seemingly defeated by adventurers in Ahn'Qiraj, C'thun's essence endured. The Old God's power cannot be completely eradicated, allowing it to regenerate and continue its dark machinations. C'thun's physical form can regenerate from severe injuries, a testament to its otherworldly nature. Its tendrils, eyes, and various physical manifestations can reconstitute even after significant damage. Beyond physical resilience, C'thun's ability to endure also manifests in its relentless pursuit of its goals. Its whispers continue to plague Azeroth, demonstrating a form of resilience that goes beyond mere physicality.
C'thun's resilience is almost unparalleled across the pantheon of fantasy characters. Its nature as an Old God, imbued with cosmic power and unfathomable might, sets it apart from beings confined to physical constraints. Its ability to persist, regenerate, and endure defeat without truly being vanquished marks it as a character of remarkable resilience.
Given the complexity and depth of C'thun's resilience, rating it on a scale of 1-10 would place it at a 9.5. Its enduring nature, ability to recover from defeat, physical regeneration, and relentless pursuit of its dark goals makes C'thun one of the most resilient entities across all fantasy universes.
This rating acknowledges that while C'thun's resilience is incredibly potent, it might still be contained or temporarily thwarted by beings of exceptional power. Nevertheless, its resilience places it at the pinnacle of enduring characters, a testament to its ineffable and terrifying might.
C'thun's Versatility
C'thun's versatility is an intricate tapestry, woven through a multitude of aspects. Let's plunge into the chaotic orchestra of this Old God's adaptability! C'thun's influence extends far beyond physical power. It whispers into the minds of its followers and even its enemies, subtly steering events.
"Your heart will explode." – C'thun's ominous whisper to players in World of Warcraft
Through its many physical forms, C'thun demonstrates its ability to adapt to combat scenarios. From its eye tentacles to its giant clawed appendages, it manifests itself in various ways. C'thun's control over the Qiraji and Silithid reflects its ability to lead and adapt through proxies. It can shift its approach by employing different minions. Its magical abilities range from controlling minds to devastating energy beams. These varied powers showcase a vast array of combat capabilities, adapting to different situations. Being an Old God, C'thun's understanding of cosmic truths grants it an unparalleled ability to perceive and manipulate multiple layers of existence.
"The Old Gods... still whispered to those who would listen. Schemes, secrets, truths, lies, wonders." – World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3
Even when imprisoned, C'thun's versatility in extending its influence has profound effects on the world, affecting politics, warfare, and more. The complexity of C'thun's versatility intertwines with its very nature as an Old God. Its adaptability is a symphony of chaos and wonder, a ballet of horror and brilliance.
C'thun's versatility is almost unparalleled, given its multifaceted abilities, ranging from mental manipulation to physical manifestation, control over minions, and cosmic understanding. Yet, a rating of 9 acknowledges that, despite its vast versatility, C'thun is still bound to its inherent nature and goals. Its adaptability serves its chaotic purposes but is not infinite or entirely without constraints.
In the landscape of all fantasy universes, C'thun stands as a beacon of versatile power, resonating with echoes of terror and awe, a character that dances on the edge of comprehension, wielding a breathtaking spectrum of abilities.
C'thun's Alignment
C'thun, one of the feared Old Gods in the World of Warcraft universe, represents a nightmarish force of chaos and malevolence. Imprisoned by the Titans, C'thun's influence has seeped into Azeroth, causing madness, despair, and corruption. Its powers are vast, encompassing mind control, physical destruction, and insidious manipulation.
C'thun undoubtedly falls into the Chaotic category. It seeks to undermine the existing order, spread chaos, and corrupt the very fabric of reality. There is no method or system to its madness, only the relentless drive to create disorder and destruction. On the moral spectrum, C'thun is firmly on the Evil side. It has no concern for life, empathy, or morality. Its actions and influence lead to suffering, madness, and death, all in pursuit of its inscrutable goals.
Thus, C'thun's alignment would be best described as Chaotic Evil. Its very existence is an anathema to order and goodness, a force that seeks to tear down all that is structured and righteous. Whether through direct action or subtle manipulation, C'thun's influence is invariably malevolent, and its chaotic nature makes it unpredictable and terrifying. It does not follow any laws or principles other than its inherent desire to corrupt, destroy, and spread chaos. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
C'thun Arena Art
C'thun visits Icarium in Raraku
Boromir visits C'thun in Ahn'Qiraj
C'thun's Trophy Case
PPET Rankings
| Season | Rank |
|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | #19 (of 107) |
Titles & Postseason Results
| Season | Result | All Time Occurence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | Conference Regular Season Champion (World of Warcraft) | 1st |
| 1 (2023-2024) | Conference Tournament Champion (World of Warcraft) | 1st |
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship Bid (#1 Seed) | 1st |
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship 2nd Round Appearance (#1 Seed) | 1st |
Overall Conclusion on C'thun and Position Across Plane of Existence
C'thun's ranking at an 8.8 signifies not only its terrifying power within the universe of World of Warcraft but also places it as one of the most potent entities across all of fantasy. This conclusion is not reached lightly, and it considers the multifaceted nature of C'thun's abilities and influence.
C'thun's physical strength is beyond comprehension, matched by its psychic and magical abilities. It can cause physical destruction on an immense scale and drive individuals to madness. The insidious nature of C'thun's influence allows it to manipulate events and beings from the shadows. Its ability to strategize is not confined to simple battle tactics but extends to long-term manipulation of entire civilizations. Few beings can match C'thun's power to corrupt and influence. Whether through direct mind control or subtler manipulation, its reach is vast, affecting heroes and villains alike. C'thun's ability to recover from setbacks is proven by its survival after being imprisoned by the Titans. Even when defeated, its influence lingers, and it cannot be eradicated easily. The range of C'thun's abilities and adaptability to different situations is another strong point. It can employ a variety of powers and strategies, making it a versatile and unpredictable foe.
While C'thun's ranking is impressive, it's worth noting that among the Old Gods, there may be others with even more formidable powers. Y'shaarj, for instance, may surpass C'thun in some aspects, while others like N'zoth or Yogg-Saron might be comparably powerful in different ways. Even G'huun, though different in origin, shares a similar tier of power.
This ranking reflects the sum of these abilities, weighed against the vast array of characters across different fantasy universes. It's not merely C'thun's strength or influence but the combination of these aspects that makes it a top-tier entity.
C'thun's ranking also allows for the nuanced understanding that it is neither the most potent nor the weakest among its brethren. The subtle differences in power and influence among the Old Gods contribute to a complex and engaging mythology within the World of Warcraft universe.
The 8.8 ranking is a testament to the multi-dimensional nature of C'thun. It's a character that is more than just a villain or a force of destruction. It's a symbol of chaos, an agent of corruption, and an embodiment of fear that resonates across various planes of existence.
C'thun's presence, even when dormant, leaves a permanent mark on the world, a shadow that looms large and a whisper that continues to haunt. Its ranking acknowledges not just its power but its profound impact on the lore and the psyche of those who encounter it. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated power ranking across all planes of existence. This will only be sortable on desktop viewing. The below table shows a summary within the same plane of existence of this article.
