Does Archaon Have 3 Eyes? Unraveling the Mystery of the Everchosen
No, Archaon the Everchosen, despite often being referred to as the “Three-Eyed King,” does not possess a literal third eye. This moniker is a title, deeply rooted in the lore and symbolism of Warhammer, rather than a physical attribute. The confusion stems from the Eye of Sheerian, a powerful artifact he possesses, which is often mistakenly conflated with a third eye growing out of his skull. Archaon, a figure of immense power and chaos, is shrouded in legend, and understanding his lore requires differentiating between symbolic titles and his actual physical form.
The True Meaning Behind the “Three-Eyed King”
The title “Three-Eyed King” is more than just a catchy epithet. It signifies Archaon’s elevated status and his connection to the Chaos Gods. It’s a symbolic nod to his all-seeing nature as the Everchosen, a figure who has ascended beyond mortal understanding and is privy to the hidden currents of the warp. This symbolic ‘third eye’ provides insights into the future, further empowering him as the champion of Chaos. The name is designed to provoke dread and awe, solidifying his position as the ultimate harbinger of destruction.
The Eye of Sheerian: A Source of Misconception
The most significant cause of the misconception is the Eye of Sheerian, a dark artifact taken from the corpse of a Chaos Dragon, Flamefang. This treasure is not a physical eye on Archaon’s person but a relic that grants him precognitive abilities. The Eye of Sheerian forewarns Archaon of events yet to come, making him a dangerous foe because of his ability to anticipate his enemies’ actions. In game, this manifests as the ability to re-roll hit rolls for enemies targeting him. It is a powerful artifact that greatly adds to his already impressive combat prowess, making him even more formidable in battle.
A Mortal Champion Twisted by Chaos
It’s crucial to remember that Archaon, at his core, is a mortal man, albeit one profoundly altered by the Chaos Gods. He was once a devout warrior until he was manipulated by the Ruinous Powers. This tragic fall from grace is a cornerstone of his lore, making his path to becoming the Everchosen a complex tale of corruption and power. The ‘three-eyed’ moniker is a symbolic indication of this transformative process, not a literal mutation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Archaon the Everchosen
To further clarify the lore surrounding Archaon, let’s address some of the most frequently asked questions:
1. What are Archaon’s origins?
Archaon’s origins are shrouded in mystery. Some accounts claim he was once a righteous man, swayed by the lies of Chaos. His birth was tragic, his mother dying in childbirth, leaving him an outcast. He was abandoned at a Sigmarite temple, before embarking on a dark path that led him to become the Everchosen of Chaos.
2. Is Archaon a human?
Yes, Archaon is a mortal man, although his physical form has been twisted by the corrupting influence of Chaos. He is of mixed Norscan and Nordlander heritage, with a background steeped in conflict and darkness.
3. How did Archaon become so powerful?
Archaon’s immense power comes from several sources, most notably: the six treasures of Chaos that he collected and the Mark of Chaos. This mark grants him the benefits of all the other Chaos Marks, but with amplified power. He’s also an incredibly skilled warrior and general.
4. What abilities does Archaon possess?
Archaon is a peerless warrior and general, skilled in combat and the ways of Chaos. His abilities include precognition through the Eye of Sheerian, immunity to magic thanks to the protection of the Chaos Gods, and command abilities that empower his armies. He also utilizes the arcane arts, employing spells like Arcane Bolt and Mystic Shield.
5. Does Archaon command demons?
Archaon is not a demon, nor is he a Daemon Prince. He positions himself between the Chaos Gods. While he commands armies of mortal followers and corrupted creatures, he is not bound by the same strictures that govern Daemons, operating outside of these rigid hierarchies.
6. How tall is Archaon’s model?
Archaon’s miniature model is one of the largest in the Age of Sigmar range, standing over 30cm tall. He is a center-piece model, designed to be an imposing presence on the tabletop.
7. What is the name of Archaon’s sword?
Archaon wields the Slayer of Kings, a demonic sword that houses the Daemon U’zuhl. This sword is a potent weapon and a symbol of Archaon’s power.
8. Who is Dorghar?
Dorghar is Archaon’s Daemonic mount, a massive winged beast created from the souls of those Archaon has slain. It has a Tzeentchian head, allowing it to cast additional spells.
9. How did Grimgor defeat Archaon?
Grimgor Ironhide, a renowned Orc Warboss, famously defeated Archaon by striking him off his mount, then destroying the Eye of Sheerian with a headbutt. This act shattered Archaon’s precognitive advantage, leading to his defeat.
10. What is the “Mark of Chaos”?
The Mark of Chaos is the most powerful of the Chaos Marks, granting all the combined benefits of other Chaos Marks at an enhanced level. This is a primary factor in Archaon’s power and resilience.
11. Is Be’lakor stronger than Archaon?
While Be’lakor possesses unique advantages such as flight and control over demonic forces, many argue that Archaon’s martial prowess and unique treasures make him a considerable threat. Their power levels are close, with different strengths in different areas of battle.
12. What race is Archaon?
Archaon is of mixed Norscan and Nordlander heritage, born to a possessed Varg warrior and an Imperial maiden. His background is one of tragedy and violence, which contributed to his embrace of Chaos.
13. What is the significance of the Eye of Sheerian?
The Eye of Sheerian grants Archaon precognitive abilities, allowing him to foresee events. This artifact is essential to his power and his strategic capabilities, although it was destroyed by Grimgor.
14. How powerful is Archaon in the Age of Sigmar wargame?
Archaon is a very powerful unit in the Age of Sigmar game. His army-level abilities enhance him, making him a center of power and a formidable combatant on the battlefield. His followers, the Slaves to Darkness, amplify his abilities, making his army extremely dangerous.
15. Why is Archaon called “Three-Eyed King” if he doesn’t have three eyes?
The title “Three-Eyed King” is a symbolic reference to the Eye of Sheerian and Archaon’s status as the Everchosen. This title emphasizes his elevated status and access to knowledge beyond normal mortals. It’s a title of power, not a literal anatomical description.
Conclusion
Archaon’s moniker as the “Three-Eyed King” is a misnomer rooted in misunderstanding and symbolic lore. He does not possess a literal third eye; the reference is to the power bestowed upon him by the Eye of Sheerian and his role as the Everchosen of Chaos. Understanding Archaon requires a deeper look beyond surface-level details, appreciating the complex blend of his personal history, his connection to Chaos, and the powerful artifacts he wields. He remains one of the most compelling and formidable figures in the Warhammer universe, not because of an extra eye, but due to his exceptional power, cunning, and the dark destiny he embraces.