The Legacy of Lorgar
The Zealot Primarch
Lorgar Aurelian, the Primarch of the Word Bearers, was a prophet rather than a warrior. Raised on the deeply religious world of Colchis, he quickly became a spiritual leader. When the Emperor found him, Lorgar saw Him as a god and devoted his Legion to worshiping Him. This fanaticism led to his downfall when the Emperor condemned his religious zeal and ordered the destruction of Monarchia. Humiliated and lost, Lorgar began seeking new gods—ones who would embrace his devotion.
The First Traitor
His search led him to Chaos, where he found the divine truth he longed for. Guided by Erebus and Kor Phaeron, he embarked on a pilgrimage into the Eye of Terror. There, he fully embraced the Ruinous Powers and returned to realspace a changed being. He transformed the Word Bearers into the first true Chaos Space Marines, secretly corrupting them from within. Lorgar’s ultimate betrayal was orchestrating the fall of Horus, setting the stage for the Horus Heresy.
Architect of the Horus Heresy
Lorgar understood that faith was more powerful than any weapon. While others waged war with bolters and blades, he waged it with belief and corruption. Through his influence, entire worlds fell to Chaos before the Heresy had even begun. He ensured that Chaos would not just be a force of destruction but an ideology that would outlive the war. Though his Legion fought in many battles, his greatest victory was making Chaos an eternal part of the Imperium’s downfall.
The Path to Daemonhood
Unlike his more militant brothers, Lorgar sought something beyond conquest. He longed for ascension, believing himself to be Chaos’ true prophet. His unwavering faith earned him daemonhood, elevating him to a Daemon Prince of Chaos Undivided. After his transformation, he withdrew from active war, preferring to meditate and spread Chaos through scripture. This left figures like Erebus to guide the Word Bearers’ actions in the material realm.
The Legacy of Lorgar
Lorgar’s influence lingers long after the Heresy, shaping the very nature of Chaos worship. His teachings turned Chaos into a religion, ensuring its spread across the galaxy. The Word Bearers remain its most fanatical preachers, corrupting both mortals and Astartes alike. Though absent, his words and prophecies continue to inspire new generations of heretics. In the end, Lorgar proved that faith, not war, was the deadliest weapon of all.
