Patch 5.4 patch notes
Virtual Realms feature revealed
The Proving Grounds are coming
The latest patch 5.4 newsBreakfast Topic: Northrend pop culture references
by Lesley Smith 
Apr 18th 2009 at 8:00AM
Blizzard is famous for adding references from all kinds of films, TV shows and other media into WoW (aka Easter Eggs.) Take this lovely young flower seller in Dalaran. Remind you of anyone? As I wander through Azeroth and Outland, I'm struck by the number of references to real world pop culture. From snakes on a plane in Nagrand to Dr. Boom in Netherstorm to Florist Gump in Stormwind, not to mention a talking rat and some turtles in Dalaran sewer. The list goes on and on. I also quite like the virtual presence of beloved Blues in the form of Eyonix in the Stormspire and Drysc in the Exodar, but my favourite is that human joke about a bracelet of power.
With the addition of Wrath, it seems we have even more references to uncover. So tell us, constant readers, which are you favourites and have you uncovered any new ones post Patch 3.1?
With the addition of Wrath, it seems we have even more references to uncover. So tell us, constant readers, which are you favourites and have you uncovered any new ones post Patch 3.1?
Filed under: Patches, Virtual selves, Odds and ends, Breakfast Topics, Expansions, Humor, The Burning Crusade, Lore, NPCs, Wrath of the Lich King
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 5)
Banana Apr 18th 2009 8:49AM
I had little tears oh joy in my eyes when I saw Archmage John Nicholas in Dalaran :)
He is a reference to the character Nicholas D. Wolfwood from the anime/manga series Trigun. And I'm a HUGE Trigun fan :D
Curse Apr 18th 2009 9:59AM
My fave so far has been the Grand Master Leatherworking trainer in Howling Fjord. His name is Gunter Hansen, name of the actor who played Leatherface in the original "Texas Chainsaw Massacre". As a huge horror fan, I about fell out of my chair when my Tauren hit Northrend to train.
Rictus Apr 19th 2009 6:35AM
The actor's name is actually Gunnar Hansen, but the reference is clear enough.
Helloimbob Apr 18th 2009 9:09AM
I love the tooltip on the priest's spirit of redemption:
You have become more powerful than anyone can possibly imagine.
Kaz Apr 18th 2009 9:11AM
I found a compass from my fishing dialy today. it's called "unusual compass". the icons looks alot like the compass from the golden compass, and using it turns your character in a random direction.
Otome Apr 18th 2009 12:43PM
I saw it as a reference to Jack Sparrow's compass, but maybe because I watched the Pirates trilogy just recently.
Kevas Apr 18th 2009 4:34PM
Granted, of course, the 'Golden Compass' isn't really a compass. It's probably the Sparrow reference. ;)
Hal Apr 18th 2009 9:11AM
For me, it's how essentially ALL of Un'goro Crater is an homage to Nintendo. The culmination for me was to get this:
http://www.wowhead.com/?item=11905
Calophi Apr 18th 2009 9:36AM
YES. THIS. I was so happy when I got Linkin's Boomerang. =D
ShadowMagus Apr 21st 2009 10:39PM
I used that boomerang while leveling my Pally about a year ago to do long-range pulls.
Most useful item EVAR.
collo Apr 18th 2009 9:14AM
The nearest repair vendor to Ulduar is called Chester Copperpot in refrence to the explorer in the classic 80's kids adventure film The Goonies . Made me smile because i have a level 80 pally alt called Copperpot for the same reason.
Embalmo Apr 18th 2009 9:17AM
The Well of Souls/Raiders of the Lost Ark reference in Uldaman wins it for me.
woorak Apr 20th 2009 9:04AM
The fact that Hemet Nesingwary is an anagram of Ernest Hemingway always makes me smile, and the zeppelin master called Hin Denburg :P
Tohono Apr 18th 2009 9:26AM
My favorite, while not in this patch, is the wolvar named Loguhn. I giggled when I saw him, felt really bad when I had to kill him :(
Talyre Apr 18th 2009 9:26AM
I love Kara Thricestar in Borean Tundra--the fact that she's the Air Traffic Controller there is just priceless. Clearly, she's been to Northrend, and she's going to take us there!
Nick Apr 18th 2009 9:42AM
@Talrye: I bet it's along a watchtower somewhere. :D
unico Apr 18th 2009 9:44AM
I noticed Sarah Chalke at the Argentum Tournament
so where's JD and Turk ;)?
Phyl Apr 18th 2009 9:51AM
Klannoc Macleod
I also liked the Alcaz Island where Wrynn was imprisoned.
Note : I went there with a bunch of 60's shortly after the beginning of the game 4 years ago. This should have been an achievement by itself : exploring a questless isle surrounded by elite creatures, with no purpose whatsoever... just to discover King Wrynn in a prison cell ! Too bad his son didn't want to listen to me when I tried to inform him.
Phyl Apr 18th 2009 9:54AM
Dunno how to edit. My reference to Macleod didn't make it entirely past the form. I was referring to Klannoc Macleod "The Islander" :D
Charlie Apr 18th 2009 9:57AM
Wow. I never noticed her name was Aerith.
That is now my favorite easter egg,