Behemoths (aka ancient behemoths) were a species of giant elephant that once lived in the Eastern Kingdoms, but are likely now extinct. Many corpses of the behemoths could be found frozen within the Alterac Mountains. The evil Forsaken Baron Valimar Mordis tricked many dwarves into mining the mountains to free the remains of behemoths and dragons found within. He planned to resurrect them using an Orb of Ner'zhul, and then use them to take revenge against the Scourge as well as the living.[1]
Inspiration
"Behemoths" and "ancient behemoths" are the names of monsters that have appeared in many different RPGs such as Dungeons & Dragons, Final Fantasy, etc. The physical appearance of behemoths depends on the series. In some series they appear beast-like and in others dragon-like. All are based on the biblical behemoth.
The appearance of the behemoths (giant, four-tusked elephants) is similar to how the mûmakil (aka oliphaunts) from The Lord of the Rings are depicted in the movie adaptations.
Speculation
This article or section includes speculation, observations or opinions possibly supported by lore or by Blizzard officials. It should not be taken as representing official lore.
They are called ancient behemoths by Kalecgos and behemoths by Mordis, although it is unknown if this is the actual name for the creature or if they are just describing them based on their size.
It is unknown if they are related to the mammoths of Northrend. They may be mammoths which wandered, before the Great Sundering, to the Alterac Mountains and died there.
Behemoths resemble elephants from the non-canon Warcraft RPG, but the only canonical references to elephants are "Baby Elephant Takes a Bath", one of Jaomin Ro's abilities, and the [Elekk Plushie], which is called an "adorable little elephant" in its Pet Journal description.
[Elekk Plushie], which is called an "adorable little elephant" in its Pet Journal description.