The story in short
Irelia is from Navori, where her grandmother taught her the old silk dances. When Noxus invaded, Admiral Duqal's men smashed her family's crest and started digging her grave. That's when the pieces of metal rose and flew at the soldiers.
At the Placidium, Swain held the defenders hostage. Irelia broke free, saved the prisoners and brought down Swain himself, and the sight of her holding his severed arm turned the war. Since then, many in Ionia look to her for answers, even though all she really wants is to dance.
