The Meaning of 40,000 in Warhammer 40K: A Deep Dive
The number 40,000 in Warhammer 40,000 (often abbreviated as 40K, WH40K, or W40K) signifies the specific time period in which the game’s narrative is set. It’s not just a random number, but rather represents the 41st millennium of the Common Era (AD), specifically placing the setting between 40,000 AD and 40,999 AD. This distant future backdrop is crucial to understanding the grim, dystopian universe of Warhammer 40K, where humanity struggles for survival amidst constant warfare, alien incursions, and supernatural horrors. The ‘40,000’ is foundational, anchoring the lore, the factions, and the overall feel of the setting.
The 41st Millennium: A Setting of Unrelenting War
The year 40,000 isn’t simply a far-off future date; it’s the cornerstone of the Warhammer 40K universe’s unique identity. The setting depicts a stagnant human civilization ruled by the Imperium of Man, a vast, theocratic empire mired in dogma and superstition. This is not a gleaming future of technological progress; instead, it’s a dark age where technology is revered and poorly understood, where humanity clings to power by any means necessary. The 41st millennium sees humanity in a constant state of conflict, battling against a multitude of threats:
- Xenos Races: Numerous alien species, like the brutal Orks, the enigmatic Eldar, and the voracious Tyranids, vie for dominance in the galaxy, presenting relentless challenges to the Imperium.
- Chaos Corruption: The insidious influence of the Chaos Gods and their Daemonic legions permeates reality, threatening to tear apart both the physical and spiritual realms.
- Internal Strife: Political intrigue, religious zealotry, and countless rebellions plague the Imperium from within, constantly testing its fragile unity.
The year 40,000 is not just a label; it encapsulates the setting’s atmosphere of constant war, decay, and the desperate struggle for survival that makes Warhammer 40K so compelling. This is a far cry from optimistic sci-fi futures; it is a gothic, baroque, and brutal vision of what could be.
The Emperor and the Golden Throne
Central to the lore of Warhammer 40K is the figure of the Emperor of Mankind, a powerful psyker who sought to unite humanity under his rule. In the current era of 40,000 AD, the Emperor is not an active leader but remains immobile on the Golden Throne of Earth. He is in a state of perpetual life support, his spirit guiding humanity but physically unable to interact with the world directly. This creates a sense of stagnancy and a reliance on an often ineffective bureaucracy, which is a key element of the setting. The era of 40,000 AD is one where the Emperor’s legacy and the fear of losing his protection are the only things holding back utter collapse.
Why “40,000” and Not Another Number?
The choice of 40,000 was likely influenced by the desire to create a distant, almost mythical future, far removed from our current reality. The setting needed to feel both familiar (with human struggles) and utterly alien (with the advanced technology and the scope of its conflicts). The large, round number of 40,000 helps to achieve this feeling, placing the game in an epoch that feels both ancient and yet still within the realm of human understanding. It is a place where humanity’s future has gone so wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about 40K
What does the 40K in Warhammer 40K stand for?
The 40K in Warhammer 40K stands for 40,000. This refers to the time period in which the game is set, specifically the 41st millennium of the Common Era (AD).
Why is it called Warhammer 40,000?
The “Warhammer” part of the name refers to a core element in the original fantasy setting, a mighty hammer, a symbol of the warrior. The “40,000” part indicates the far-future setting of the game, taking it into a science fiction arena. So, Warhammer 40,000 combines the idea of war and conflict with a distinct time frame.
What does +++ mean in 40K rules?
In 40K rules, the symbols +++ usually refer to specific save rolls. A 5+ means “Save on roll of 5 or more on a six sided dice.” A 5++ signifies an “Invulnerable save on a roll of 5 or more,” which ignores most damage types. A 5+++ typically represents an ability where “You can ignore a wound on a failed save roll on a result of 5 or more” often akin to Disgustingly Resilient or Feel No Pain abilities.
What are some other names for Warhammer 40,000?
Warhammer 40,000 is also known by many abbreviations, like Warhammer 40K, WH40K, W40K, and simply 40K.
What does “D” mean in 40K game rules?
In the 40K game rules, D stands for Damage. It refers to the number of wounds a weapon removes from a target when it successfully wounds the target and they fail their saving throw.
What is the origin of the name “Warhammer” itself?
The “Warhammer” name comes from the Warhammer wielded by Sigmar, the founder of The Empire in the “Warhammer Fantasy” setting.
What do Orks call humans in 40k?
Orks often call humans “‘umies” in the 40K universe.
What is the holy symbol in 40K?
The holy symbol in 40K is the Aquila, a double-headed eagle that represents the Imperium of Man and the divine Emperor.
What is the nature of “Gods” in 40K?
In 40K, the Gods are typically Warp entities, beings that exist in a chaotic dimension of psychic energy. If they are worshipped they take a piece of your soul in return, and may cause you to suffer even in death.
Can you explain what Warhammer 40k is about in simple terms?
Warhammer 40,000 is a science-fantasy game set in a distant, dystopian future, where humanity is fighting an unending war for survival against aliens, supernatural forces, and each other.
Who was Sigmar?
Sigmar was the founder of The Empire in the “Warhammer Fantasy” setting, not 40k. He is depicted as a great warrior and leader, who used a Dwarf-made Warhammer.
Is Warhammer 40k Religious?
Yes, the Imperium of Man in Warhammer 40K has a state religion called the Imperial Cult, or Cult Imperialis, which worships the Emperor of Mankind as a god.
Who is the most powerful faction in Warhammer 40,000?
While power dynamics shift based on the current lore, in general, factions like the Tyranid Hivemind, the Necrons, and the Imperium of Man are considered to be among the most powerful.
What are the Tyranids fleeing from in 40K?
The Tyranids origin is not yet known for certain, and they seem to travel from galaxy to galaxy, consuming all life in their path. Some theories state that they are running from a superior species they have yet to face in our galaxy.
What do Orks call the Tyranids in 40K?
Orks often refer to Tyranids as “Gribblies“.
Conclusion
The number 40,000 in Warhammer 40K is not merely a label; it’s the very essence of the setting. It represents a distant, dark future where humanity is locked in an eternal struggle for survival against myriad threats. This crucial detail sets the stage for a universe unlike any other, a universe where the grim darkness of the far future continues to capture the imaginations of fans worldwide. It’s a time of unrelenting conflict, religious fervor, and the constant clash between ancient empires and emerging threats, making the 40K universe as fascinating as it is grim.