Analysis of the Sylvanas Cinematics in the Epilogue: Judgment Questline

Sylvanas Windrunner faces her legacy in Epilogue: Judgment, the final chapter of 9.2's main story. We analyze the two cinematics in which Sylvanas accepts responsibility for her crimes, and Tyrande Whisperwind finally sees justice for Teldrassil. Read More in Secrets of the First Ones — Our Patch 9.2 Lore Guide

Judgment — Part 1

The cinematic opens in the Arbiter's Chamber — you have just finished escorting Sylvanas here, past a hostile crowd, and now she stands waiting to hear Arbiter Pelagos make his ruling.

Arbiter Pelagos says: Sylvanas Windrunner… The time for your judgment is at hand. Accepting Responsibility

As she steps forward, Sylvanas glances to her side. Tyrande Whisperwind, flanked by her adopted daughter, Shandris Feathermoon, and the Warden, Maiev Shadowsong, is glaring at her with pure loathing. Once, Sylvanas may have returned the hostility, but instead she lowers her eyes, then turns her attention back to Arbiter Pelagos before her. Pelagos, who is wearing the Crown of Wills, seems prepared to offer Sylvanas a compassionate judgment, one that acknowledges the Eternal Ones' own role in her fall. Interestingly, when Pelagos talks about the Eternal Ones's failure to control the Jailer's influence, he uses the pronoun «we» as he glances at the Winter Queen — indicating not only that this was the Eternal Ones' responsibility, but also that — as an Eternal One himself — he bears partial responsibility for their actions.

Arbiter Pelagos says: There can be no true justice without compassion… and I can see your deeds bear the mark of the Jailer's influence. An influence we failed to contain.

Sylvanas seems to show no interest in shifting blame away from herself, and speaks up, confidently claiming her

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