How Many Space Marine Legions Were There?: Unveiling the First Founding
The original number of Space Marine Legions is a cornerstone of Warhammer 40,000 lore. There were twenty Legions, known as the First Founding, created by the Emperor of Mankind to conquer the galaxy during the Great Crusade.
The Genesis of the Legiones Astartes
The Space Marine Legions represent the pinnacle of genetic engineering and military might within the Imperium of Man. In the bleak future of the 41st millennium, they stand as humanity’s bulwark against the horrors of the galaxy. Understanding their origins is critical to appreciating their role. The Emperor of Mankind, seeking to unite Terra and then the galaxy under his rule, foresaw the need for warriors unlike any the world had ever seen. The result was the creation of the Legiones Astartes, genetically engineered super-soldiers created from the gene-seed of the Primarchs, his sons. Each Legion possessed unique characteristics and strategic specialties, reflecting the personality and predispositions of their respective Primarch.
The Great Crusade and the Legions’ Role
The Great Crusade was a period of galactic conquest led by the Emperor and his Legions. Each Legion played a crucial role in this ambitious campaign, carving a path through xenos empires and reuniting lost human colonies under the banner of the Imperium. The Legions acted as the Emperor’s hammer, striking with overwhelming force and unmatched discipline. Their victories paved the way for the establishment of the Imperium’s infrastructure and administration, laying the foundation for its enduring, though often brutal, rule. Different Legions excelled in different forms of warfare; some preferred lightning strikes, while others focused on attrition and siege warfare.
The Primarchs: The Legions’ Leaders and Fathers
Each Space Marine Legion was led by a Primarch, a demigod-like being created by the Emperor using advanced genetic technology. The Primarchs were not only brilliant strategists and warriors but also the genetic progenitors of their respective Legions. Their personalities and ideals profoundly influenced the culture, doctrines, and fighting styles of their followers. The bond between a Primarch and his Legion was incredibly strong, fostering unwavering loyalty and a shared sense of purpose. Their charisma and leadership were essential to the Legions’ success during the Great Crusade.
The Horus Heresy: The Fall of Half the Legions
The Horus Heresy represents the single most devastating event in the history of the Imperium. Horus, the Emperor’s most favored son, turned against his father and instigated a bloody civil war that pitted brother against brother. Nine of the original Space Marine Legions sided with Horus, becoming known as the Traitor Legions. This betrayal shattered the Imperium and plunged the galaxy into an age of darkness. The Heresy revealed deep-seated flaws within the Legions and the Imperium, exposing vulnerabilities that continue to plague humanity to this day. The wounds inflicted during the Heresy remain unhealed, a constant reminder of the fragility of even the most powerful empires.
The Codex Astartes and the Second Founding
Following the Horus Heresy, Roboute Guilliman, Primarch of the Ultramarines, implemented the Codex Astartes, a comprehensive set of guidelines and regulations for the Legiones Astartes. This code mandated the breaking up of the remaining Legions into smaller, more manageable Chapters, typically consisting of around one thousand Space Marines. This event, known as the Second Founding, was designed to prevent any single individual or group from amassing too much power, thereby mitigating the risk of another rebellion. The Codex Astartes also standardized training, organization, and combat doctrines, ensuring a greater degree of uniformity across the various Chapters. This strategic decision helped secure the Imperium’s long-term survival, though it came at the cost of the Legions’ former grandeur. The successors created are numerous, estimated at over one thousand chapters.
The Legacy of the Legions
Even though the original Space Marine Legions no longer exist in their pre-Heresy form, their legacy continues to shape the Imperium. The Chapters created during the Second Founding and subsequent Foundings inherited the traditions, values, and gene-seed of their progenitor Legions. The deeds of the Legions are remembered and celebrated, serving as inspiration for future generations of Space Marines. Their stories are woven into the fabric of the Imperium’s history, a testament to their enduring impact on the galaxy. While the Imperium is now composed of independent Chapters, the shadow of the Legions still looms large, reminding everyone of their powerful and complex history.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Space Marine Legions
Why were the Space Marine Legions created?
The Space Marine Legions were created by the Emperor of Mankind to serve as his primary force during the Great Crusade, a campaign to reunite humanity and conquer the galaxy. He needed elite warriors, stronger, faster, and more disciplined than any normal human soldier, capable of withstanding the harshest conditions and facing the most formidable enemies. These genetically enhanced soldiers were essential to the Emperor’s vision of a unified and dominant human empire.
What distinguished each Legion from one another?
Each Legion differed in terms of its combat doctrines, organizational structure, and cultural values, often reflecting the personality and preferences of their respective Primarch. This can include specific weapon preferences, strategic approaches, and even unique gene-seed quirks that expressed differently over time. Such as the World Eaters’ love for close combat and the Space Wolves’ feral nature.
Which Legions sided with Horus during the Heresy?
The nine Legions that sided with Horus were the Sons of Horus (formerly Luna Wolves), World Eaters, Emperor’s Children, Death Guard, Thousand Sons, Word Bearers, Iron Warriors, Night Lords, and Alpha Legion. These Legions became known as the Traitor Legions and were driven from the Imperium.
What happened to the Traitor Legions after the Horus Heresy?
Following their defeat in the Horus Heresy, the Traitor Legions fled into the Eye of Terror, a region of warp instability. Within the Eye, they continue to wage war against the Imperium and each other, succumbing to the influence of Chaos. They are often mutated and corrupted by the powers of Chaos, becoming twisted parodies of their former selves.
What Legions remained loyal to the Emperor?
The nine Legions that remained loyal to the Emperor were the Ultramarines, Imperial Fists, Blood Angels, Dark Angels, White Scars, Iron Hands, Raven Guard, Salamanders, and Space Wolves. These Legions played a vital role in defending the Imperium during and after the Heresy.
What is the Codex Astartes?
The Codex Astartes is a comprehensive set of guidelines and regulations written by Roboute Guilliman after the Horus Heresy. It outlined standardized procedures for Space Marine Chapters regarding combat tactics, organization, and recruitment processes. Its main goal was to prevent another large-scale rebellion by limiting the power of individual Space Marine forces.
Why were the Legions broken up into Chapters?
The Legions were broken up into smaller Chapters to reduce the risk of another galaxy-wide civil war. The smaller size of the Chapters made them less powerful and less able to challenge the authority of the Imperium.
How many Chapters were created during the Second Founding?
The exact number of Chapters created during the Second Founding is unknown, but it is believed to be around twenty to thirty. Subsequent Foundings occurred over the millennia, leading to an estimate of over one thousand Chapters in the Imperium. These Foundings allowed for the expansion of the Adeptus Astartes to meet the ever-increasing threats to the Imperium.
Are there any exceptions to the Codex Astartes?
Yes, some Chapters, known as Unforgiven Chapters (descendants of the Dark Angels), and the Space Wolves, are notable exceptions to the Codex Astartes. The Grey Knights are another exception; they operate in secrecy and are devoted entirely to combating daemons and are not held to the Codex’s limits. These Chapters maintain unique traditions and organizational structures that deviate from the standard established by the Codex.
What is gene-seed?
Gene-seed is the biological material used to create Space Marines. It is extracted from the Primarchs and implanted into suitable candidates, transforming them into superhuman warriors. It carries the genetic legacy of the Primarchs and determines many of the physical and mental characteristics of the Space Marines.
Can new Space Marine Chapters be created?
Yes, new Space Marine Chapters can be created through a process called a Founding. The High Lords of Terra determine when a new Founding is necessary to address specific threats or strategic needs. The creation of new Chapters is a complex and resource-intensive process that requires significant planning and approval.
How often does a Founding occur?
The frequency of Foundings varies depending on the needs of the Imperium. Some Foundings are considered to be “cursed,” leading to increased instances of mutation and instability in the new chapters. There is no set schedule, and some Foundings are conducted in secret to address specific, highly sensitive threats.