The Tauren are a minotaur-like race with a fierce warrior tradition; in their own language they are called “Shu’halo.” They are one of the most ancient races in the world of Azeroth, on par with the Night Elves, though their traditional culture emphasized simplicity and a nomadic lifestyle. Their principal goddess is the Earth Mother, and they participate in ancestor-worship. They are about twice as big as a man and when fighting prefer to wield totem poles nearing the size of an old oak tree stem or axes. The Tauren are known for their passion for nature and honour, and are traditional enemies of the marauding Centaur and Quillboar. Their culture is an amalgam of various Native American traditions, with an emphasis on the Plains cultures, however the inclusion of druids among their numbers has given a vaguely Celtic bend to them as well.

The Tauren are led by the great chieftain, Cairne Bloodhoof. Cairne allied with Thrall’s Orcs when they came to Kalimdor; with the Orcs’ aid, they defeated the Centaur and the previously nomadic Tauren finally claimed Mulgore as their own. They founded Thunder Bluff, the great Tauren city, where the Tauren now enjoy a relative tranquility.

The Tauren were introduced in Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos. Originally there was only a hero (Tauren Chieftain) and a unit (Tauren). In the expansion, Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne, the magical Spirit Walker was added. The Spirit Walkers are White Tauren, and as such they are believed to be the ill omen of a coming age, and are held in near reverence by their people, often becoming reclusive priests who wander the land in search of kindred spirits. The Tauren are also a playable race in the MMORPG World of Warcraft, serving as the only one of the five Horde races indigenous to Kalimdor.