Hearthstone Easter eggs – March of the Lich King

Easter eggs signify hidden references in film and digital media. Their nickname stems from the Easter egg hunt tradition, where children seek decorated eggs. While this custom usually takes place in April, there’s hidden stuff to be found in March. March of the Lich King, that is! Let us uncover some Hearthstone Easter eggs from the initial batch of March of the Lich King expansion cards.

Some Easter eggs act as an homage to popular forms of media. Most notably, Blizzard devs have referenced movies and music they hold dear. March of the Lich King also continues this tradition.

Film-wise, Embers of Strength paraphrase V for Vendetta’s famous “5th of November” quote in their flavor text.

Acolyte of Death’s text cites The Sixth Sense’s catchphrase “I see dead people.”. Bit of trivia: Blizzard has been alluding to this movie since Warcraft III. For instance, the phrase stood for a cheat code that made the entire map visible.

Thought there would be no Star Wars Easter egg in March of the Lich King? “I find your lack of faith disturbing”, to quote Darth Vader, like Asphyxiate. 10 years after this utterance, SNL Hans and Franz sketch popularized the phrase “here to PUMP! YOU UP!” that Hematurge alludes to.

Lady Deathwhisper pays homage to “Omelette du fromage”, the famous meme from Dexter’s Laboratory. At least all these Easter eggs must have made a fantastic omelette. “Sacré bleu!”.

Pop culture wouldn’t be the same without the King of Pop, so MJ's iconic “Thriller” dance receives a Hearthstone Easter egg in Tomb Guardians’ flavor text. Additionally, its tokens appear to be in the midst of the trademark moves.

From King of Pop we pop over to “Pop goes the pustule.”, because Malignant Horror’s flavor text riffs on a famous nursery rhyme. Here’s another disgusting fact: a musical tune stuck in your head is called an earworm. Yuck! 

Hearthstone's hidden references can also relate to the wider Warcraft universe and aren’t gated by pop culture. WoW’s Battle of the Wrathgate gets directly quoted by The Scourge. Some Easter eggs also combine the two aforementioned sources. Alexandros Mograine’s “Mo’ graine, mo’ problems” alludes to Notorious B.I.G.’s hit single. Upon further scrutiny, it might also hint at the notorious big bad villain at the start of Warcraft III - the Undead Plague-infected grain.

The Lich King couldn’t March without his steed, Invincible. Blizzard pleases WoW players as the Invisible - Invincible meme gets acknowledged. The card’s effects also throwback to the common Bonemare from Knights of the Frozen Throne.

Corrupted Ashbringer paraphrases its former wielder Tirion Fordring, due to the weapon's flavor text. It contains an Easter egg from one of Hearthstone's most iconic voice entrances. “Put your faith in the (B)Light!” fits this tainted Paladin sword.

Another throwback, Lor’themar Theron invokes cult and cute favorite, murloc Tinyfin. 

Self-references aren’t always cute, for example Nerubian Swarmguard’s “How long can this go on?” that mimics Saronite Chain Gang in both card and flavor text. Hint-ception alert! The initial quote subsequently alludes to Lee Dorsey’s “Working in the Coal Mine”.

3 mana 5/1 meme minions get a fresh addition in Scourge Rager, but it gets even darker beyond the surface. Its flavor text ranges from breaking the fourth wall to philosophical musing.

Devs are avid gamers, hence the MTG Commander format receives a nod from Boneguard Commander. Meanwhile, the “your boy Guzma” pasta from Pokemon: Sun & Moon finds its undead form in Soulstealer.

A more obscure historical reference, Silverfury Stalwart rephrases an American Revolutionary War quote. Additionally, Hearthstone acknowledges 2021 World Champion Posesi by printing the Possessifier card.

That’s all for the current batch! If you've enjoyed these tidbits, stay tuned to esports.gg for more Hearthstone news and updates. Any month, not just March (of the Lich King)!