Fallen Angels: The Dark Angels’ Shadow of Betrayal
Origins and Betrayal
The story of the Fallen Angels begins during the Horus Heresy, a galaxy-spanning civil war that tore the Imperium apart. The Dark Angels, led by their Primarch Lion El’Jonson, faced division and conflict on their homeworld of Caliban. Luther, once El’Jonson’s closest confidant, grew resentful of the Imperium’s demands, leading to a schism within the Chapter. This culminated in a devastating civil war, where the traitorous faction, later known as the Fallen, turned against their loyal brothers, resulting in Caliban’s destruction and the scattering of the Fallen across the warp.
Legacy and Hunt
The Fallen Angels’ betrayal left a lasting stain on the honor of the Dark Angels, shaping the Chapter’s identity. The loyalist faction, led by the secretive Inner Circle, vowed to hunt down and either capture or kill the Fallen to atone for their Chapter’s shame. This mission is veiled in secrecy, with knowledge of the Fallen restricted to the highest-ranking members of the Chapter. Meanwhile, the Fallen live scattered across the galaxy, some seeking redemption, others harboring hatred, and many aligning with Chaos or acting alone.
Impact on the Warhammer 40,000 Universe
The tale of the Fallen Angels adds a layer of complexity to the Dark Angels, portraying them as a Chapter burdened by their hidden shame. Their relentless pursuit of the Fallen illustrates their struggle with themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption. This ongoing hunt has shaped their secretive nature and driven them to extraordinary lengths to conceal their past. The story of the Fallen creates one of the most morally complex narratives in Warhammer 40,000, blending tragedy and relentless resolve.
