by Byron Mudry on Jul 16, 2008
Are you ready for the Vikings?
Continuing our look at content scheduled to be released in the Wrath of the Lich King, Byron "Messiah" Mudry looks at Utgarde Keep. This instance will be found in one of the starting zones of the Wrath of the Lich king and house a race of giant viking warriors called the Vrykul. The instance is being created as an entry point into instances in the expansion in much the same way as Hellfire Ramparts were in the Burning Crusade.
The name Utgarde comes from the Norse word Utgård meaning the stronghold of giants. The original meaning is fitting since Utgarde Keep houses the viscous Vrykul which are a giant race of viking-like warriors. The keep had been abandoned for many years however recently the Vrykul established a base there and are attacking the surrounding area in an attempt to gain favor with the Lich King.