How Many Legions Turned Traitor?
The age-old question that has puzzled Imperial scholars for centuries: how many Legions turned traitor during the infamous Horus Heresy? The answer to this question is shrouded in darkness, but by examining the historical records, we can attempt to shed some light on this pivotal moment in the Imperium of Man’s history.
The Traitor Legions
9/18 Legions Turned Traitor
According to documented records, 9 out of 18 Primarch-led Legions opted to join the forces of Chaos, succumbing to the corrupting influence of their Dark Gods. These traitorous legions were led by the Warmaster himself, Horus, and his own Legion, the Luna Wolves/Solar Wolves.
• Iron Warriors: The Iron Warriors Legion, led by Perturabo, turned traitor amidst the Horus Heresy’s early stages.
• Death Guard: The Death Guard, spearheaded by Mortarion, forsake their oath to the Emperor, eventually becoming the most feared legions in the Chaos armies.
• Thousand Sons: The Thousand Sorcerers, led by Magnus the Red, turned to Chaos, led by their Primarch’s madness.
• Word Bearers: The Word Bearers, under Lorgar’s command, exchanged their allegiance to the Emperor, embracing the Dark Gods with fervor.
• Black Legion: Abaddon the Despoiler, a powerful and manipulative individual, led the Black Legion, a motley crew gathered from various Legions.
• Night Lords: The Night Lords, under Konrad Curze’s guidance, abandoned their duty and pledged fealty to Chaos.
Loyalist Survivors
7/10 Legions Remained Loyal
As the traitorous Legions broke oath, 7 out of 10 Loyalist Legions remained steadfast in their vow to the Emperor. These Legions refused to succumb to the corruptive influence of Chaos and fought valiantly to uphold the Imperium:
• Imperial Fists: The Imperial Fists, led by Rogal Dorn, stood strong against the traitorous forces.
• White Scars: The White Scars, mentored by Jaghatai Khan, held fast to their devotion to the Emperor.
• Space Marines: The Ultramarines and Black Templars, both founded and led by Roboute Guilliman and Sigismund respectively, fought fiercely to defend the Imperium.
• Dark Angels: Leman Russ, the Primarch, inspired his Dark Angels Legion to remain vigilant against the traitors.
Additional Insights
The Fall of the Alpha Legion
During the Horus Heresy, the Primarch of the Alpha Legion, Omegon, went missing in combat. Some believed he was slain during the battle on Eskrador; others believed he survived. No conclusive evidence has been found; his fate remains shrouded in uncertainty to this day.
The Raven Guard’s Rebirth
After suffering significant losses during the Horus Heresy, the Raven Guard, once followers of the loyalist Primarch Corvus Corax, were reborn under the guidance of another, mysterious Primarch—though some speculate it was Leman Russ. The Raven Guard now serves the Chaos God of Mischief, Tzeentch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, among the 18 Primarch-led Legions, 9 turned to darkness, forsaking their oath to the Emperor, while 7 Remained Loyal against the corrupting influence of Chaos. The Imperium of Man continues to grapple with the aftermath, seeking to vanquish the Heresy and maintain order in the tumultuous galaxy.