Originally Posted by
Varodoc
It wouldn't surprise me at all if Xal'atath was the fifth Old God. And while this makes a lot of sense, as of right now, it's just a theory.
But it makes sense, for a simple reason. We already know that the Old Gods were warring against each others in the Ancient Azeroth, all vying for supremacy. I suspect that each Old God wanted to be "THE ONE" to corrupt Azeroth and get all the praise from the Void Lords. Old Gods do not share powers, not even amongst themselves. We know from Dungeon journal in Cataclysm that the armies of C'Thun and Yogg-Saron clashed with the armies of N'Zoth. We also know from Xal'atath herself that the armies of N'Zoth and Y'Shaarj clashed at the Broken Shore. We also know, from Xal'atath once again (curious how much this entity knows about the Old Gods...), that N'Zoth could be the "ultimate victor". The "ultimate victor" of what? The "ultimate victor" of the race to corrupt the World Soul. All Old Gods were basically enemies and competing to be the first to consume the World Soul.
But what happens if an Old God lost the war with their brethren, why don't we ask ourselves this, before even asking us what Xal'atath is?
If, for example, N'Zoth had lost the war against Y'Shaarj, what would have happened to N'Zoth? Would he have been devoured by Y'Shaarj, so that the latter could grow even more powerful?
Therein is the answer. Xal'atath, one of the Old Gods sent to corrupt Azeroth, warred against her brothers, lost the war, and was devoured. But, since the Old Gods transcend the cycle of life and death (Canonically stated), a piece of Xal'atath survived and was bound to the Blade of the Black Empire.
This is genius writing. This is superb writing. You look at this writing and you think "This is so satisfying, it all ties back, it is all connected, perfect", lorewise I am very excited for 10.0 actually. Though it might also be because Shadowlands has been utter garbage, so there's even more desperation and desire to have good lore for once.