Warhammer, Alexander the Great and Iron Snakes Space Marines
Warhammer (Age of Sigmar) and Warhammer 40K are game worlds created by Games Workshop in the 1980’s that have grown to become global games played by millions worldwide. These worlds are a backstory for a variety of games to be played in, from board games, tabletop wargames, videogames and more. There are even novels set in this universe and an Amazon tv series is also planned for Warhammer 40K.
The influence of Greek mythology on Warhammer and Warhammer 40K is rich and multifaceted, extending from narrative archetypes to character designs and philosophical underpinnings. The worlds weave mythological themes, reimagining ancient legends through a futuristic and brutal lens. The original Warhammer is set in a fantasy world that took a lot of inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, and as we already discussed in past posts, J.R.R. Tolkien was influenced by Greek myths and classical literature when writing his books.
Warhammer 40K is set in the far future and as such is much more sci-fi than the original Warhammer. As a follow-up to Warhammer, it took plenty of inspiration from the original and turned it into a space setting. Beyond that link to Greek mythology, as is common with many futuristic space movies/shows, you will find Greek myths referenced often, especially in names of planets or other astronomical settings. Another important link in Warhammer 40K is the immortal character of the semi-immortal Emperor of Mankind, who was Alexander the Great in his early life and named his main battleship Bucephalus (Alexander the Great’s horse). Watch the intro video above for more on that. There are also certain Space Marine chapters, like the Iron Snakes, that draw direct inspiration from Greek mythological motifs. Here’s a closer look at all this.
The Emperor of Mankind as Alexander the Great
The world of Warhammer 40K is a dark, dystopian future set 38,000 years from now, in the 41st millennium. Humanity has spread across the galaxy, forming the Imperium of Man, a vast, empire ruled by the nearly god-like Emperor of Mankind. The Imperium faces constant threats from alien species, demonic forces, and its own internal strife.
At its heart is the Emperor, an immortal psychic leader who united humanity in the distant past to protect it from annihilation. However, he lies mortally wounded and immobile on the Golden Throne, a life-support system that maintains his psychic power but also limits his ability to govern directly. As the Imperium stagnates, it wages endless war on multiple fronts between many groups- the Chaos gods and their demonic minions, genetically engineered super-soldiers like the Space Marines, and powerful alien races like the Orks, Eldar, and Tyranids.
This universe is defined by its “grimdark” aesthetic: war is eternal, and hope is a fleeting dream. Every faction is morally ambiguous, and survival comes at a high cost. It’s a world where technological progress has become heretical, faith is absolute, and humanity stands on the brink of destruction, locked in a never-ending struggle against threats beyond imagination.
In the lore of Warhammer 40K, the Emperor of Mankind is a near-omnipotent figure, described as humanity’s most powerful psychic and physical entity. He is a character who strives for human unity and advancement across the galaxy, having lived many lives throughout his existence, including Alexander the Great. This resonates strongly with classical depictions of Alexander the Great, an iconic figure whose ambitions included the unification of diverse cultures under a single empire.
Iron Snakes Space Marine Chapter and Greek Mythological Influences
The Space Marines are genetically enhanced warriors created by the Emperor using his DNA, divided into chapters that often embody specific themes, cultures, or mythologies. Many chapters draw from various mythological sources, including Greek mythology, giving them unique identities within the Imperium of Man. The Iron Snakes, in particular, are one of the best examples of Greek mythological Space Marines.
- Iron Snakes and Greek Mythology: The Iron Snakes chapter is modeled on the ancient Greek city-state and heroic warrior ethos, particularly those of Sparta and Athens. Their home planet of Ithaka, a name shared with Odysseus’s homeland in Homer’s Odyssey, highlights this influence. The Iron Snakes’ code of honor, battle techniques, and dedication to protecting humanity bear strong resemblance to Greek hoplites, who were known for their prowess in war and loyalty to their polis. The Snakes’ traditional use of the “aspis” or shield motif in their symbols further emphasizes their connection to Greek warrior culture, where the shield was both a practical tool and a symbol of collective responsibility and protection.
- Ritual Combat and Honor: Greek mythology, particularly in stories like The Iliad, emphasizes the role of individual honor in warfare. The Iron Snakes’ approach to battle reflects this emphasis on honor and single combat, with their warriors frequently engaging in ritualized combat and taking oaths to defend their territory and comrades. This cultural practice harkens back to the Greek heroic age, where warriors sought kleos (glory) through noble acts in battle. Like Achilles or Hector, Iron Snakes seek honor not just through victory but by adhering to a strict warrior code that governs their conduct, showcasing their lineage in mythic ideals.
- Linguistic and Symbolic Parallels: Greek mythology also influences the language and symbols of the Iron Snakes. Their weapons, armor, and titles are often derived from classical Greek terminology, adding an additional layer of mythological significance. The chapter’s name itself—the Iron Snakes—draws on the symbolism of snakes in Greek mythology, which were associated with renewal, wisdom, and protection (attributes of the god Asclepius, who carried a serpent staff). This association suggests that the Iron Snakes see themselves as protectors and healers of humanity, warding off Chaos in the same way Asclepius warded off sickness.
Other Mythological Echoes in Warhammer and Warhammer 40K beyond Iron Snakes
Beyond the Emperor and the Iron Snakes, other elements of Greek mythology permeate the Warhammer universe, visible in the broader themes and the design of various factions and characters. Some such factions are:
- Ultramarines successor chapters like Praetors of Orpheus, Nemesis, Helion Legion, Sons of Antaeus
- Iron Hands successor chapters like Knights of Byzantium, Sons of Medusa
- Salamanders – Lead by Primarch Vulkan, the Roman name of Hephaestus
- Minotaurs – Another Greek mythological Space Marine Chapter
- Iron Warriors – Come from the home world of Olympia
- Blood Gorgons – Named after the Gorgons of Greek myths
- Auxilia Myrmidon – Named after the Myrmidons, the soldiers lead by Achilles in Troy
- The Primarchs as Demigods: The Primarchs, genetically engineered “sons” of the Emperor, function as quasi-divine heroes within the lore, embodying aspects of Greek demigods like Hercules or Perseus. Each Primarch possesses unique abilities and characteristics, much like the heroes of Greek myth, who were often blessed with extraordinary qualities but also burdened by tragic flaws. Some are even named after Greek-Roman gods. The tragic downfall of many Primarchs during the Horus Heresy, a civil war that nearly destroyed the Imperium, mirrors the Greek concept of hamartia, or fatal flaw, a trait that brings about the hero’s downfall despite his greatness.
- Titanic Machines and Heroes of Myth: The Warhammer universe’s massive machines, like the Titans used in battle, evoke the scale and power of the Titans of Greek mythology. These enormous war machines, piloted by elite warriors, represent not only mankind’s technological might but also its hubris, a quality that in Greek mythology often invites disaster. Titans in Warhammer echo the paradox of Greek Titans—immense beings who are as much a symbol of primeval power as they are of humanity’s attempt to harness forces beyond its understanding.
- Orks as Chaotic Satyrs: While Orks are more commonly seen as the embodiment of anarchy and destruction, they also share attributes with the Greek satyrs. Known for their chaotic, impulsive nature, Orks enjoy fighting and reveling, resembling Dionysian figures who embrace primal energy without restraint. In some ways, they represent a blend of the ancient Greek dichotomy between Apollonian (order) and Dionysian (chaotic) forces, embodying the latter to an extreme. The Orks’ relationship with Waaagh! energy—an unseen force that grows in intensity with their collective belief and enthusiasm—mirrors the contagious ecstasy of Dionysian festivals, where collective emotion feeds into a powerful, chaotic energy.
The legacy of Greek mythology in Warhammer
The influence of Greek mythology in Warhammer and Warhammer 40K is pervasive, shaping both the macrocosm of its universe and the microcosm of individual characters and factions. Figures like the Emperor of Mankind evoke classical legends of Alexander the Great, reimagining him as an immortal and mythically powerful leader of humanity. Chapters like the Iron Snakes draw directly from the values and aesthetics of Greek warriors, while other elements in the lore, explore universal themes of heroism, tragedy, and the delicate balance between order and chaos. Warhammer’s mythological depth provides fans with a complex tapestry of ancient influences, reimagined for a futuristic setting that remains deeply rooted in timeless human stories.
Visit the official Games Workshop website for more about their products. If you want to check out some nice artwork with miniatures based on the Iron Snakes, check out Old School Gaming, which created and painted the custom made Iron Snakes miniatures below.
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