Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we shine a spotlight on strong women who inspire us. Now, this not only includes fictional female characters in geeky media, but creators as well. These ladies are a prime example of female empowerment and how crucial it is for kids to have said example to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following has spoilers for Warcraft and World of Warcraft.
Jaina Proudmoore
Fast Facts
Jaina Proudmoore was born on the island of Kul Tiras to Lord Admiral Daelin and Katherine Proudmoore. In her youth, she left Kul Tiras to train under Archmage Antonidas in Dalaran. It was during this time she met Prince Arthas of Menethil and the two attempted a relationship together though it never worked out. They worked together to investigate the plague of undead and she was unable to stand by his side when he chose to slaughter the people of Stratholme who had become infected.
As the Third War broke out, Jaina at the behest of the prophet Medivah rallied survivors and fled across the see to Kalimdor. Upon her arrival, she found members of the Horde who she originally thought to be enemies but the prophet Medivah urged her to work alongside them to bring a stop to the Burning Legion alongside the Night Elves. After the battle, Jaina founded the port city of Theramore and took over control of the Kiran Tor.
Shortly after founding Theramore, her father arrived to take vengeance on the Hore. Jaina pleaded with her father to walk away and that they were not the same. These vendettas meant nothing when the world together face enemies like the Burning Legion and the scourage. She stood aside as her father led his attack on the Horde and in return lost his life. Kul Tiras left the Alliance after the rest of the leaders would not agree to war to avenge his death.
Jaina spent the next few years trying to create a bound between the Horde and the Alliance until the Horde under the control of Garrosh Hellscream bombed the city of Theramore and killing everyone but Jaina. This led her on a rampage against the Horde and her refusal to help Khadghar during the invasion of the Legion. During the Fourth War against the Horde, Jaina returned home to Kul Tiras to request their aid.
Her initial return was met with hate from her mother and the people of Kul Tiras, but they were eventually able to overcome. Her mother Katherine fought against Gorak Tul who had control of Jaina’s soul to bring her back. After defending her hometown, Jaina took over the role of Lord Admiral of Kul Tiras and they helped support the Alliance against the Horde. She stays by the Alliance’s side as they face off against their next foe in the Shadowlands.
The Real Deal
Jaina Proudmoore is the real deal. She may seem weak when compared to the strong warriors and leaders around her, but she is one of the strongest mages to grace Azeroth. Don’t believe it? She raised a ship from the bottom of the sea. Jaina wholeheartedly supports those around her even risking her to life in the process. Even in the face of oppression and the bombing of her city, she refused to stand down against those who were stronger than her. Jaina also shows compassion for the people around her and is a role model for young Prince Anduin.
Why She Matters
Jaina’s story really matters. She is sometimes seen as a weak and emotionally unstable character but she is far from that. Females in video games are normally given the role of damsel in distress or the main character’s love interest. Jaina proves that a female character can be far more than that. She shows us that we can be strong on our own. She also shows us that our emotions do not define us and that having them does not make you weak or not in control. She also shows that it is never too late to go back and try to rebuild bonds.
So be like Jaina. Embrace your strengths and feel compassion for those around you. Remember to not let others tell you that your emotions make you weak.
RELATED: A Closer Look at World of Warcraft Warbringers Animated Shorts
Who I Am: A nerd by the strictest definition. I enjoy diving straight into my favorite fandoms without a care in the world. I live on video/board games, fantasy movies and TV, and all things geeky.
- Meredith Moriarty Talks THIRD SHIFT SOCIETY and What Lies Ahead - October 7, 2024
- Saturday Morning Webtoons: FOREST OF HUMANS and DISTANT SKY - October 6, 2024
- Tavern Talk Thursday: Spooky TTRPG Adventures for Halloween - October 3, 2024
