Beyond the Dark Portal #7: a new ally

August 14, 2026•Lore•Brendo Arruda

"Beyond the Dark Portal" series — Beyond the Dark Portal #7. The story of Beyond the Dark Portal, from the internment camps to the end of Draenor. The episodes are listed in order at the end of the post.

Ner'zhul's Horde gained an ally no one expected: Deathwing, the Aspect of Earth who had betrayed the dragons. He put the black dragons at the service of Teron Gorefiend, carrying the orcs across the world and helping in the hunt for the artifacts. For Deathwing, the alliance was just one more way to serve his own plans.

Deathwing

Deathwing was the former Neltharion, the Aspect of Earth, corrupted by the Old Gods. He had already guided the Dragonmaw clan in the capture of Alexstrasza, without showing himself. Now he decided to act more openly.

The deal with the Horde

Deathwing found Teron Gorefiend and offered his help. The black dragons fought the Kul Tiras fleet near the Tomb of Sargeras and helped in other Horde missions on Azeroth.

In the game campaign, the orcs recruit Deathwing during the search for the Book of Medivh.

What Deathwing wanted

Deathwing never helped anyone without a reason. He had plans for his own black dragon eggs and for the power of the artifacts. Later on, the alliance with the Horde will prove as dangerous for the orcs as it was for the Alliance.

What this changes in the story

The alliance between Deathwing and the Horde shows how willing he was to use mortals. He helped the orcs because their goals served his, and he abandoned them as soon as they stopped being useful.

Years later, Deathwing's children also appear on Azeroth. Nefarian rules Blackrock Spire, and Onyxia infiltrates Stormwind disguised as a noblewoman. In WoW Classic, both are raid bosses.

Deathwing himself only returns for good in Cataclysm, when he bursts out of the depths of Deepholm and shatters the world.

Episode timeline

Deathwing decides to act more openly.
He finds Teron Gorefiend and offers help.
The black dragons start carrying the orcs.
They attack the Kul Tiras fleet near the Tomb of Sargeras.
The Horde gains a powerful and dangerous ally.

Who's who in this episode

| Name | Who they are | |------|--------| | Deathwing | The former Aspect of Earth, ally of Ner'zhul's Horde. | | Teron Gorefiend | The death knight who made the deal with Deathwing. | | Black dragons | Deathwing's flight. | | Ner'zhul | The Horde leader who benefited from the alliance. |

Where to see it in WotLK

Blackwing Lair: Nefarian, Deathwing's son, at the top of Blackrock Mountain.
Onyxia's Lair: Onyxia, Deathwing's daughter, in Dustwallow Marsh.
Obsidian Sanctum: the black dragons beneath Wyrmrest Temple, in Dragonblight.