World of Warcraft introduced a new element to the Dwarven culture: a passion for archaeology. It was explained that their involvement in the Third War led to startling discoveries about their origins and about the history of Azeroth as well. As players explore the game world, they can gradually learn the long-forgotten history of the genesis of the dwarves.

In the ancient times, after the Titans departed Azeroth, their children, known as the Earthen, continued to shape and guard the deep recesses of the world. The Earthen were largely unconcerned with the affairs of the surface-dwelling races and longed only to plumb the dark depths of the earth. Upon the implosion of the Well of Eternity, the Earthen sealed themselves away in their halls of stone: Uldaman, Uldum, and Ulduar.

Though it is unclear what awakened them, the Earthen sealed within Uldaman eventually arose from their self-imposed slumber. These Earthen found that they had changed significantly during their hibernation. Their rocky hides had softened and become smooth skin and their powers over stone and earth had waned. They had become mortal creatures.

Calling themselves Dwarves, they left the halls of Uldaman and ventured out into the waking world. Still lulled by the safety and wonders of the deep places, they founded a vast kingdom under the highest mountain in the land. They named their land Khaz Modan, or “Mountain of Khaz”, in honor of the Titan shaper, Khaz’goroth. Constructing an altar for their Titan father, the dwarves crafted a mighty forge within the heart of the mountain. Thus, the city that grew around the forge would be called Ironforge ever after.

The dwarves, fascinated with shaping gems and stone, set out to mine the surrounding mountains for riches and precious minerals. Content with their labors under the world, the dwarves remained isolated from the affairs of their surface-dwelling neighbors. Though this account of the dwarves’ origin is mostly unknown by the general public, this is what is known of their doings prior to their recorded history.