Rift (Maelstrom)



The Rift is all that remains of the first Well of Eternity. It is located in the center of the Eye which itself is located in the center of the Maelstrom. At the end of the War of the Ancients, the powers released in the Well of Eternity blasted the well downward into Azeroth's molten core. 10,000 years later that core is still exposed. The well's descent broke an enormous fissure in the ocean floor. The red and orange light from lava is visible deep, deep down. It is held sacred by the naga who are capable of reaching its depths as the pressure does not seem to affect them. The seafloor around the Rift is noted for its thermal activity. Nazjatar is constructed on the sides of the Rift. Although Brann Bronzebeard could not go too far down into the Rift because of the pressure, he said that "Perhaps the Well of Eternity still exists, in some form, in Azeroth’s heart, for arcane currents emanate from the Rift."

Old God
This may be a spot where the Old God N'Zoth lives as the Rift goes far down into Azeroth's molten core. See Old Gods speculation.

Rift of Aln
By description, the Rift in the Maelstrom could also be connected to the Rift of Aln encountered by Malfurion in the Emerald Dream or possibly the Rift of Aln is how the Rift appears within the Emerald Dream.