One day, I was bored during school so I decided to look at the items in D3. Mostly the Legendaries. After paying attention to just the names, I noticed some WoW references. Looking further, I found some names even referencing popular media. These are just a few of the Legendaries, and the ones that I got the reference to.
WoW-related Legendaries
Did someone say Thunderfury?http://us.battle.net...tem/thunderfury
So one of the legendary swords in named Thunderfury. And it is no coincidence that it is WoW related when the description of the item is
The son of Al'Akir wielded this mighty weapon during his ill fated battle with the Lord of Fire.
Cataclysmhttp://us.battle.net.../item/cataclysm
This weapon, I believe, is more of a reference at the latest WoW Expansion. There is nothing really special about it at this moment but its description is
A weapon of myth and legend. Some say that to use it is folly—that it will rip the land asunder and boil the oceans.
The Murlockethttp://us.battle.net...m/the-murlocket
Blizzard trend of all things Murlock continues into their newest game. Even the picture of the Murlocket is the face of a murlock.
This amulets description is
Dredged from the murky shores of Lake Chu, this disturbing amulet emits strange sounds when held to one's ear.
Warmonger http://us.battle.net.../item/warmonger
This sword, is almost an exact replica of another weapon from WoW. Both blades share the same name and looks so this is clearly a WoW reference.
This swords description though, isn't a reference to WoW.
Brandished by the demon Draorm at the Fifth Battle of the Diamond Gates.
Thanks to Compher for finding this.'
Gehennashttp://us.battle.net/d3/en/artisan/blacksmith/recipe/gehennas
These pants share a common name with a boss from the old raid, Molten Core. If you guessed Gehennas, then you are correct. But so far, that is the only connection I can find.
The description on these pants is
These pants are the result of an unfortunate bargain struck between the demon Skelon and an unwitting human.
Blizzard Legacy Games
Blackthorne's Sword http://us.battle.net...ckthornes-sword
This is a reference to one of Blizzard's ealier games, Blackthorne. In the game, you play as Kyle Blackthorne but he usually uses a shotgun. This being Diablo, a shotgun would be out of place. So instead, he gets a sword.
There is currently no description for this weapon.
Thanks to Compher for finding this.
Outside References
THIS! IS! SPARTA!http://us.battle.net...the-300th-spear
This spear is both a reference to history and a movie. Both are based upon the Battle of Thermopylae and the 300 Spartans, among about a thousand warriors, who defended the one way into Greek Territory for seven days against the vast Persian Army.
This spears description is
They fought against incredible odds, down to the last warrior.
The Hot Gatehttp://us.battle.net...em/the-hot-gate
Little known fact, Thermopylae means Hot Gate. It derives its name from the hot sulphur springs that reside there.
There is currently no description for this item.
Thanks to zerObit for finding this.
Bezoar Stonehttp://us.battle.net...em/bezoar-stone
This name became popular in the sixth Harry Potter book when Ron was poisened by some mead and Harry shoved a Bezoar Stone down Ron's throat. But a Bezoar is actually a ball of anything and everything that gets stuck in the stomach.
The description of this strange Spirit Stone is
This stone has passed through much to attain its magical properties.
Not Slytherin, Not Slytherinhttp://us.battle.net...he-sporting-hat
The name of this hat is most likely a little twist of the Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter Books/Movies. But that is all to go on as there is no current description for this item. I'm just hoping that it is gray, covers my eyes, and talks.
Batman!http://us.battle.net...-the-dark-night
This is obviously a reference to the Dark Knight, AKA Batman. The previous owner was a man named Bayne. As a commenter on the page has stated, Bruce + Wayne = Bayne. And all of us who have played WoW know how Blizzard is with names. /cough Harrison Jones /cough
The description of this cape is
"Those who seek to do evil are a cowardly and superstitious lot." —Demon hunter Bayne
Utility Belt?http://us.battle.net.../vigilante-belt
Nothing really points to this being a reference to Batman's Utility Belt but just the name, Vigilante Belt, has gotta reference it. The picture of it even looks a bit like the utility belt of Batman.
The description for this low level belt is
He stalked his prey by dark of night, separating the evil ones from their lives .
Kill http://us.battle.net/d3/en/item/kill
Nothing really appears special about this dagger. It's purple, looks to have spikes on it, but that is it in terms of the dagger. Until you look at the description. It is a quote that was made by the Joker in the Dark Knight. So with that in mind, the dagger being purple fits.
The dagger's description is
"In their last moments, people show you who they really are..." —Unknown
Thanks to zerObit for finding this.
Can't Touch This! http://us.battle.net.../hammer-jammers
Hammer time! These little pants are obviously a reference to the famous pants worn by MC Hammer in the song, You Can't Touch This. The picture of the item looks pretty close to the actual pants and I'm expecting them to be very baggy when worn in game.
These shiny pants have the description
These large pants cannot be touched.
Phalanx Lockhttp://us.battle.net...em/phalanx-lock
Little known fact, the Greeks created a formation of heavily armed infantry that had them all squished very close to each other. And isn't Diablo all about creating the most heavily armed warrior? This shield does not have a current description
Beckon Sail http://us.battle.net...tem/beckon-sail
Reference to the Actress Kate Beckonsale whom is the star of the Underworld movies. While a vampire seems more of a target of the demon hunters, she prefers using ranged weapons, guns, and it fits that a cloak is named after her.
The description of the cloak is
Favored by those who do their fighting in the underworld.
Thanks to Doomscream for finding this.
Lamentation http://us.battle.net...tem/lamentation
What is Best in Life? Barbarians of course. This belt is a reference to Conan the Barbarian. Conan was asked by a Mongol General, "What is best in life?" Conan responded with, "To crush your enemies, to see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women." And this Might Belts description is almost exactly the same.
Ideal for crushing your enemies and driving them before you.
Thanks to Doomscream for finding this.
Etrayu http://us.battle.net/d3/en/item/etrayu
A tale that never ends. That is what the warrior, whom last used this bow, felt. The name might also be a reference to the Neverending Story. In the book, there is a boy warrior by the name of Atreyu. So anyone can easily see the reference there.
The description for this bow is
The warrior surveyed the dead and dying arrayed about him. There would be more—many more. He felt as if he were trapped in a tale that would never end.
Thanks to Compher for finding this.
Logan's Claw http://us.battle.net...tem/logans-claw
This fist weapon is a reference to the X-Men character, Wolverine. But he also goes by the name, Logan. If you don't know, Wolverine has three claws on each hand. Which is exactly like the picture on this weapon. The description also hints at releasing the beast.
Bearing this weapon can release the feral beast within.
Thanks to Compher for finding this.
Kymbo's Gold http://us.battle.net...tem/kymbos-gold
This amulet is most likely a reference to boxer, Kimbo Slice. He wears a necklace that is a closed fist. This amulet's picture appears to have two hands on it that could reference the necklace.
The description for the amulet is
This heavy amulet was originally crafted for the fiercest of all fighters. Only the strongest can claim the right to wear it.
Tanks to Compher for finding this.
Mempo of Twilight http://us.battle.net...mpo-of-twilight
This is a helmet with the picture of a samurai mask. A mempo is also a mask that samurais use so the connection fits. While I could not find evidence of a media reference, the description talks about how it was used by the last of honor-bound warriors.
The helmet of the last of the honor-bound warriors. He roamed the far east long ago and lived and died by his code of honor.
Undending War http://us.battle.net...pe/sanitys-edge
This sword has nothing really special involved with its name. But it's description is what is used as a reference. It is a quote by George Santayana who is a plilosopher.
Only the dead have seen the end of war.
Also, this weapon could be new or subject to change due the name, Sanitys Edge, in the link.
Thanks to zerObit for finding this.
Nutcracker! http://us.battle.net...item/nutcracker
Before you say, "This is Diablo! Why is there a play reference?" I would like to say this is not a reference to the play. But it is a very painful weapon as described by its description.
Each strike lands with enough force to crush a boulder.
Thanks to zerObit for finding this.
Fenrir's Tooth http://us.battle.net...m/fenrirs-tooth
This axe has two possible references. Both involve a wolf. One of those two is a reference to Harry Potter and the werewolf Fenrir Greyback. The other one, is a reference to Norse Mythology, whom Fenrir was a monstrous wolf.
There is currently no description for this axe.
Thanks to zerObit for finding this and thanks to sunturion for the Norse reference.
Barter Town Pads http://us.battle.net...arter-town-pads
This is a reference to the movie, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. In the movie, Max finds a place called Bartertown and has an arena in it called the Thunderdome. The description references a town that has an arena in it.
Used in the arena in the center of the city of Kalden, the famed "Barter Town."
Thanks to monolith38 for finding this.
Pride of Cassius http://us.battle.net...ride-of-cassius
This is Might Belt is a reference to famous boxer, Muhammad Ali. If you did not know, Muhammad Ali was born as Cassius Clay but then changed it when he joined the Nation of Islam, a Islamic group of African-Americans. This Mighty Belt even describes Muhammad Ali in its description.
He moved swiftly and he struck hard. Truly the greatest warrior to have walked the land.
Thanks to monolith38 for finding this.
Blind Faith http://us.battle.net...tem/blind-faith
This helmet appears to be referencing the first Star Wars movie, Episode IV: A New Hope. In the movie Ben Kenobi gives Luke Skywalker a helmet that doesn't allow him to see. Ben tells Luke, "Your eyes can deceive you. Don't trust them. Stretch out with your feelings!" And the description for this helmet is almost like that quote.
Do not trust your eyes; they can deceive you.
Thanks to monolith38 for finding this item and thanks to Keiser for the reference.
The Grin Reaper http://us.battle.net...the-grin-reaper
This one is a bit obvious but still. This Voodoo Mask is a reference to the infamous, Grim Reaper. Now then, is there a Grin's Scythe for my Witch Doctor?
This Masks description is
Death wears many faces.
Quetzecoatl http://us.battle.net...tem/quetzecoatl
This Voodoo Mask is a reference to an Aztec Deity, who is the "feathered serpent" or Quetzacoatl. My guess is that ingame, the mask will resemble the face of a feathered serpent, much like the Aztec God.
This Mask currently has no description.
Odyn Son http://us.battle.net...n/item/odyn-son
This is most likely a reference to Thor, the Norse God of Thunder. Thor was the son of the god Odin, ruler of Asgard. Thor also weilded a one handed hammer called Mjölnir. While the names don't fit, the description of this hammer helps drive the point home.
This hammer rumbles with the sound of distant thunder.
Thanks to Tenhi for finding this.
Justice Lanternhttp://us.battle.net...justice-lantern
How cool would it be if you could play D3 as the Green Lantern? Well we wont find out anytime soon. But this ring should substitue that feeling with the ability to pretend being the Green Lantern.
This rings description is
Once worn by the self-appointed guardians of Sanctuary, who were said to feel no fear.
This is most likely a reference to the PvP system in D2. If you did not know, when you killed someone in D2, their ear would drop. And this belt is just MADE of ears. And the description helps reinforce the theory.
A proud fighter displays the ears of those he has slain in battle.
That is all of the interesting Legendary names that I noticed. Did I miss any? Most likely. And that's where I am asking ya'll to find more that I didn't really notice or didn't get a reference to. I intentionally left out the references to past Diablo games because it is expected that items will reference the past games.
Note - All items are not finalized and are subjected to change at anytime that Blizzard so chooses. None of the items have finalized stats yet and probably wont until close to or on release.
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I don't always burn. But when I do, I use hellfire.
and for those of you who dont like the pop culture references, i beg you to look back at all the ones in d2, off the top of my head, theres the unique dirk, "Diggler" named after singer Dirk Diggler, plus many many others i've found and cannot remember atm
I'm still trying to figure out the captain crimson items, anyone know anything about that reference? Was there a captain Crimson with his Codpiece in diablo lore?
I added a few of them because I found evidence backing up their references. I can't believe I passed over Logan's Claw though! Just because a name is exactly the same or close to that of something, doesn't mean it is a reference to them. Because of that, I didn't add Gehennas and Wrath of the Black King. And the shield Ivory Tower, such a name is used in many places so it could just be a coincidence. But I feel that you might be right on the Witching Hour. The only problem I have is that I can't find good evidence supporting that reference.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I don't always burn. But when I do, I use hellfire.
Wrath of the Bone King is a direct reference to the Skeleton King, it's blatantly the mace he wields in the game. It even refers to the Skeleton King in the description.
Wrath of the Bone King is a direct reference to the Skeleton King, it's blatantly the mace he wields in the game. It even refers to the Skeleton King in the description.
That is why I didn't add it. It appears to reference to the second WoW expansion, Wrath of the Lich King, but that is just the apperance of the name. If it was a sword shaped like Frostmourne then I probably would of added it. Just to repeat so it is easier to find, I am not adding anything with a Diablo series reference because that is expected.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I don't always burn. But when I do, I use hellfire.
I'm still trying to figure out the captain crimson items, anyone know anything about that reference? Was there a captain Crimson with his Codpiece in diablo lore?
From some quick google searching, looks like captain crimson is from an old comedy sketch, there's a ton of episodes on youtube =D
Mempo of Twilight http://us.battle.net...mpo-of-twilight
This is a helmet with the picture of a samurai mask. A mempo is also a mask that samurais so the connection fits. While I could not find evidence of a media reference, the description talks about how it was used by the last of honor-bound warriors.
The helmet of the last of the honor-bound warriors. He roamed the far east long ago and lived and died by his code of honor.
The skin of the Helm and the description remind me of Voldo one of Soulcalibur characters
Guess again!
"Do not trust your eyes; they can deceive you."
Luke Skywalker: But with the blast shield down, I can't even see! How am I supposed to fight? Ben Kenobi: Your eyes can deceive you. Don't trust them. Stretch out with your feelings!
I think diablo 1 uniques were a lot better. Quite original and cool names. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWtZd3shs_I Check this video if you want, shows almost all diablo unique items.
Now ,regarding diablo 3 legendary items, as someone stated earlier ,it really degrades diablo experience, I mean, having a logan's claw ,or 300th spear. That's really unoriginal and lame.
Whoa there sir. D1 is more original because it's flippin 15 years old! Every blizzard game has some easter eggs, or throwbacks like D3 has. Hell D2 had a ton as well. Also Bashiok posted the item list isn't even a fraction of the legendaries, and it's an outdated list anyway.
If you don't like them, don't use them. I think they are clever and funny =D
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WoW-related Legendaries
Did someone say Thunderfury? http://us.battle.net...tem/thunderfury
So one of the legendary swords in named Thunderfury. And it is no coincidence that it is WoW related when the description of the item is
Cataclysm http://us.battle.net.../item/cataclysm
This weapon, I believe, is more of a reference at the latest WoW Expansion. There is nothing really special about it at this moment but its description is
The Murlocket http://us.battle.net...m/the-murlocket
Blizzard trend of all things Murlock continues into their newest game. Even the picture of the Murlocket is the face of a murlock.
This amulets description is
Warmonger http://us.battle.net.../item/warmonger
This sword, is almost an exact replica of another weapon from WoW. Both blades share the same name and looks so this is clearly a WoW reference.
This swords description though, isn't a reference to WoW.
Thanks to Compher for finding this.'
Gehennas http://us.battle.net/d3/en/artisan/blacksmith/recipe/gehennas
These pants share a common name with a boss from the old raid, Molten Core. If you guessed Gehennas, then you are correct. But so far, that is the only connection I can find.
The description on these pants is
Blizzard Legacy Games
Blackthorne's Sword http://us.battle.net...ckthornes-sword
This is a reference to one of Blizzard's ealier games, Blackthorne. In the game, you play as Kyle Blackthorne but he usually uses a shotgun. This being Diablo, a shotgun would be out of place. So instead, he gets a sword.
There is currently no description for this weapon.
Thanks to Compher for finding this.
Outside References
THIS! IS! SPARTA! http://us.battle.net...the-300th-spear
This spear is both a reference to history and a movie. Both are based upon the Battle of Thermopylae and the 300 Spartans, among about a thousand warriors, who defended the one way into Greek Territory for seven days against the vast Persian Army.
This spears description is
The Hot Gate http://us.battle.net...em/the-hot-gate
Little known fact, Thermopylae means Hot Gate. It derives its name from the hot sulphur springs that reside there.
There is currently no description for this item.
Thanks to zerObit for finding this.
Bezoar Stone http://us.battle.net...em/bezoar-stone
This name became popular in the sixth Harry Potter book when Ron was poisened by some mead and Harry shoved a Bezoar Stone down Ron's throat. But a Bezoar is actually a ball of anything and everything that gets stuck in the stomach.
The description of this strange Spirit Stone is
Not Slytherin, Not Slytherin http://us.battle.net...he-sporting-hat
The name of this hat is most likely a little twist of the Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter Books/Movies. But that is all to go on as there is no current description for this item. I'm just hoping that it is gray, covers my eyes, and talks.
Batman! http://us.battle.net...-the-dark-night
This is obviously a reference to the Dark Knight, AKA Batman. The previous owner was a man named Bayne. As a commenter on the page has stated, Bruce + Wayne = Bayne. And all of us who have played WoW know how Blizzard is with names. /cough Harrison Jones /cough
The description of this cape is
Utility Belt? http://us.battle.net.../vigilante-belt
Nothing really points to this being a reference to Batman's Utility Belt but just the name, Vigilante Belt, has gotta reference it. The picture of it even looks a bit like the utility belt of Batman.
The description for this low level belt is
Kill http://us.battle.net/d3/en/item/kill
Nothing really appears special about this dagger. It's purple, looks to have spikes on it, but that is it in terms of the dagger. Until you look at the description. It is a quote that was made by the Joker in the Dark Knight. So with that in mind, the dagger being purple fits.
The dagger's description is
Thanks to zerObit for finding this.
Can't Touch This! http://us.battle.net.../hammer-jammers
Hammer time! These little pants are obviously a reference to the famous pants worn by MC Hammer in the song, You Can't Touch This. The picture of the item looks pretty close to the actual pants and I'm expecting them to be very baggy when worn in game.
These shiny pants have the description
Phalanx Lock http://us.battle.net...em/phalanx-lock
Little known fact, the Greeks created a formation of heavily armed infantry that had them all squished very close to each other. And isn't Diablo all about creating the most heavily armed warrior? This shield does not have a current description
Beckon Sail http://us.battle.net...tem/beckon-sail
Reference to the Actress Kate Beckonsale whom is the star of the Underworld movies. While a vampire seems more of a target of the demon hunters, she prefers using ranged weapons, guns, and it fits that a cloak is named after her.
The description of the cloak is
Thanks to Doomscream for finding this.
Lamentation http://us.battle.net...tem/lamentation
What is Best in Life? Barbarians of course. This belt is a reference to Conan the Barbarian. Conan was asked by a Mongol General, "What is best in life?" Conan responded with, "To crush your enemies, to see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women." And this Might Belts description is almost exactly the same.
Thanks to Doomscream for finding this.
Etrayu http://us.battle.net/d3/en/item/etrayu
A tale that never ends. That is what the warrior, whom last used this bow, felt. The name might also be a reference to the Neverending Story. In the book, there is a boy warrior by the name of Atreyu. So anyone can easily see the reference there.
The description for this bow is
Thanks to Compher for finding this.
Logan's Claw http://us.battle.net...tem/logans-claw
This fist weapon is a reference to the X-Men character, Wolverine. But he also goes by the name, Logan. If you don't know, Wolverine has three claws on each hand. Which is exactly like the picture on this weapon. The description also hints at releasing the beast.
Thanks to Compher for finding this.
Kymbo's Gold http://us.battle.net...tem/kymbos-gold
This amulet is most likely a reference to boxer, Kimbo Slice. He wears a necklace that is a closed fist. This amulet's picture appears to have two hands on it that could reference the necklace.
The description for the amulet is
Tanks to Compher for finding this.
Mempo of Twilight http://us.battle.net...mpo-of-twilight
This is a helmet with the picture of a samurai mask. A mempo is also a mask that samurais use so the connection fits. While I could not find evidence of a media reference, the description talks about how it was used by the last of honor-bound warriors.
Undending War http://us.battle.net...pe/sanitys-edge
This sword has nothing really special involved with its name. But it's description is what is used as a reference. It is a quote by George Santayana who is a plilosopher.
Also, this weapon could be new or subject to change due the name, Sanitys Edge, in the link.
Thanks to zerObit for finding this.
Nutcracker! http://us.battle.net...item/nutcracker
Before you say, "This is Diablo! Why is there a play reference?" I would like to say this is not a reference to the play. But it is a very painful weapon as described by its description.
Thanks to zerObit for finding this.
Fenrir's Tooth http://us.battle.net...m/fenrirs-tooth
This axe has two possible references. Both involve a wolf. One of those two is a reference to Harry Potter and the werewolf Fenrir Greyback. The other one, is a reference to Norse Mythology, whom Fenrir was a monstrous wolf.
There is currently no description for this axe.
Thanks to zerObit for finding this and thanks to sunturion for the Norse reference.
Barter Town Pads http://us.battle.net...arter-town-pads
This is a reference to the movie, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. In the movie, Max finds a place called Bartertown and has an arena in it called the Thunderdome. The description references a town that has an arena in it.
Thanks to monolith38 for finding this.
Pride of Cassius http://us.battle.net...ride-of-cassius
This is Might Belt is a reference to famous boxer, Muhammad Ali. If you did not know, Muhammad Ali was born as Cassius Clay but then changed it when he joined the Nation of Islam, a Islamic group of African-Americans. This Mighty Belt even describes Muhammad Ali in its description.
Thanks to monolith38 for finding this.
Blind Faith http://us.battle.net...tem/blind-faith
This helmet appears to be referencing the first Star Wars movie, Episode IV: A New Hope. In the movie Ben Kenobi gives Luke Skywalker a helmet that doesn't allow him to see. Ben tells Luke, "Your eyes can deceive you. Don't trust them. Stretch out with your feelings!" And the description for this helmet is almost like that quote.
Thanks to monolith38 for finding this item and thanks to Keiser for the reference.
The Grin Reaper http://us.battle.net...the-grin-reaper
This one is a bit obvious but still. This Voodoo Mask is a reference to the infamous, Grim Reaper. Now then, is there a Grin's Scythe for my Witch Doctor?
This Masks description is
Quetzecoatl http://us.battle.net...tem/quetzecoatl
This Voodoo Mask is a reference to an Aztec Deity, who is the "feathered serpent" or Quetzacoatl. My guess is that ingame, the mask will resemble the face of a feathered serpent, much like the Aztec God.
This Mask currently has no description.
Odyn Son http://us.battle.net...n/item/odyn-son
This is most likely a reference to Thor, the Norse God of Thunder. Thor was the son of the god Odin, ruler of Asgard. Thor also weilded a one handed hammer called Mjölnir. While the names don't fit, the description of this hammer helps drive the point home.
Thanks to Tenhi for finding this.
Justice Lantern http://us.battle.net...justice-lantern
How cool would it be if you could play D3 as the Green Lantern? Well we wont find out anytime soon. But this ring should substitue that feeling with the ability to pretend being the Green Lantern.
This rings description is
Thanks to Tenhi for finding this.
PVP References
String of Ears http://us.battle.net/d3/en/item/string-of-ears
This is most likely a reference to the PvP system in D2. If you did not know, when you killed someone in D2, their ear would drop. And this belt is just MADE of ears. And the description helps reinforce the theory.
That is all of the interesting Legendary names that I noticed. Did I miss any? Most likely. And that's where I am asking ya'll to find more that I didn't really notice or didn't get a reference to. I intentionally left out the references to past Diablo games because it is expected that items will reference the past games.
Note - All items are not finalized and are subjected to change at anytime that Blizzard so chooses. None of the items have finalized stats yet and probably wont until close to or on release.
http://www.diablofan...inferno-videos/
Well remember this is a small list, compared to what will certainly be in the hundreds of legendaries =D
http://us.battle.net/d3/en/item/chaingmail gmail as in google's e-mail service.
http://us.battle.net/d3/en/item/the-witching-hour There is a novel by the same name. Not sure if related.
http://us.battle.net/d3/en/item/gehennas World of Warcraft boss by the same name.
http://us.battle.net/d3/en/item/lost-boys Vampire movie with the same name.
http://us.battle.net/d3/en/item/kymbos-gold Referring to Kimbo Slice's gold necklace.
http://us.battle.net/d3/en/item/ivory-tower From the Song of Solomon (Old testament)
http://us.battle.net/d3/en/item/monster-hunter Series of console RPGs by the same name.
http://us.battle.net/d3/en/item/wildwood Wildwood Rangers is a wilderness school http://www.twocoyotes.org/Wildwood_Rangers.html
http://us.battle.net/d3/en/item/blackthornes-sword Blackthrone was a game made by Blizzard in 1994.
http://us.battle.net/d3/en/item/logans-claw Wolverine.
http://us.battle.net/d3/en/item/wrath-of-the-bone-king Wrath of the Lich King
http://us.battle.net/d3/en/item/warmonger WoW sword. Same name. Icon looks like the WoW model.
http://us.battle.net/d3/en/item/etrayu "Found in a world that would never end" The Neverending Story, main character is Atreyu.
Fenrir is a giant mythological wolf, so it already was a reference in the HP books.
From some quick google searching, looks like captain crimson is from an old comedy sketch, there's a ton of episodes on youtube =D
Um... The Last Samurai?
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0325710/
Guess again!
"Do not trust your eyes; they can deceive you."
Whoa there sir. D1 is more original because it's flippin 15 years old! Every blizzard game has some easter eggs, or throwbacks like D3 has. Hell D2 had a ton as well. Also Bashiok posted the item list isn't even a fraction of the legendaries, and it's an outdated list anyway.
If you don't like them, don't use them. I think they are clever and funny =D