The Ironforge clan was apparently the original dwarven clan that evolved from the earthen and inhabited Ironforge. At some point, it split into three clans including the Bronzebeard clan, the Wildhammer clan, and the Dark Iron clan. It was ruled by High King Modimus Anvilmar who had closest ties to the Bronzebeard clan by blood and history. The three clans were ruled by the thanes Madoran Bronzebeard, Khardros Wildhammer, and the sorcerer-thane Thaurissan.