Why Are There Two Warhammer Universes?
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The existence of two distinct Warhammer universes, Warhammer Fantasy and Warhammer 40,000 (40k), often sparks confusion among newcomers and even longtime fans. The straightforward answer is that they are separate entities with shared roots and some overlapping themes, but evolved into unique and independent settings due to creative choices and lore development. They were not initially conceived as distinct, but rather, Warhammer 40,000 grew out of the fantasy setting, eventually establishing itself as a separate, futuristic counterpart.
The Genesis of Two Worlds
Originally, in the early 1980s, Warhammer Fantasy Battle was the sole Warhammer product. It was a tabletop wargame set in a grim and gritty fantasy world inspired by classic European folklore, myths, and J.R.R. Tolkien’s works. The setting was characterized by a mix of humans, elves, dwarves, and monstrous creatures, all embroiled in constant conflict.
As the game gained popularity, the creators at Games Workshop began experimenting with a futuristic version of their core concepts. This experimentation led to Rogue Trader in 1987, which later became known as Warhammer 40,000. Initially, Rogue Trader heavily borrowed elements from Warhammer Fantasy, including its Chaos Gods, some creature types, and the overall tone of a world perpetually at war. The original idea was that the Warhammer Fantasy world was, in fact, an ancient past of the 40k universe.
However, over time, Warhammer 40,000 diverged significantly. It adopted a distinctly science-fantasy flavor, introducing elements like space travel, advanced technology, and a dystopian future where humanity was constantly besieged by enemies, both alien and demonic. As the two settings developed their respective lore, the initial connections were diminished, until, eventually they became two completely unrelated universes.
The Retcon and Divergence
The lore that tied the two settings was retconned. Initially, the justification for the separation was a permanent and impenetrable warp storm that surrounded the Warhammer Fantasy planet, making it inaccessible. As the narratives of the two settings went their own ways, this connection was ultimately abandoned. The Necrons of 40k and the undead of Warhammer Fantasy are a prime example of how similar concepts were evolved differently; while both are undead, they have wildly different origins, motivations, and designs.
The Chaos Gods are present in both settings, but they manifest differently and have different roles within the respective universes. For example, Slaanesh in Warhammer Fantasy is not the same entity as Slaanesh in Warhammer 40,000, despite sharing the same name and associated themes. This emphasizes the two settings are independent, sharing only thematic origins.
Why Maintain Two Separate Universes?
The decision to maintain two separate universes has several contributing factors:
- Creative Freedom: Separating the settings allows creators at Games Workshop the freedom to explore unique narratives and themes in each universe without the constraints of a single unified canon.
- Diverse Fanbase: The two settings attract different types of fans. Warhammer Fantasy typically appeals to those who enjoy classic fantasy tropes, while Warhammer 40,000 resonates with enthusiasts of science fiction and dystopian themes. Maintaining these separate universes allows Games Workshop to cater to both audiences.
- Commercial Viability: Having two distinct universes allows Games Workshop to create separate lines of models, games, and other products, effectively doubling their market potential. Each universe has its own army lists, lorebooks, and video games.
- Evolution of Lore: Over time, both settings have developed incredibly rich and complex lore, making them too divergent to reconcile into a single cohesive narrative. Merging them would require massive rewrites and alienate existing fans.
The Role of the Games
The various games, including both the tabletop versions and video game adaptations, are specifically designed to fit their respective settings. Warhammer: Vermintide 2, for example, is firmly rooted in the Warhammer Fantasy universe, while Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is set in the grimdark future of 40k. These games not only provide different gameplay experiences but also reinforce the narrative differences between the two settings.
A Shared Legacy, Separate Destinies
While the two universes are separate, their shared origin means that certain themes, archetypes, and concepts can be found across both. This shared legacy creates a sense of interconnectedness for many fans, even though the universes themselves are not directly linked. The Chaos Gods and their corrupting influence serve as a prime example. Both settings reflect a grim, war-torn world struggling against overwhelming odds, making each equally beloved.
Ultimately, the decision to maintain two separate Warhammer universes is a result of their independent development and their respective creative, marketing, and narrative needs. While some fans may long for a grand crossover, the current state of two distinct yet thematically linked settings seems to be both commercially successful and creatively satisfying for the Warhammer community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between the two Warhammer universes:
1. Are Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer Fantasy in the same universe?
No, they are completely separate universes. Though they share some thematic origins, they have been intentionally developed as distinct settings with their own lore, characters, and timelines.
2. Is the Chaos God Slaanesh the same in both settings?
No, while the Chaos God Slaanesh exists in both Warhammer Fantasy and Warhammer 40,000, they are separate entities with different manifestations and roles within their respective settings. They are not the same being.
3. Is the Old World of Warhammer Fantasy in the same universe as 40k?
Officially no. The Old World, the primary setting for Warhammer Fantasy, does not exist in the same universe as Warhammer 40,000.
4. Is Warhammer Vermintide connected to Warhammer 40k?
No, Warhammer Vermintide and Vermintide 2 are set in the Warhammer Fantasy universe, while Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is set in the 40k universe. They are not directly connected.
5. Is Darktide a sequel to Vermintide?
While Darktide is considered a spiritual successor to the Vermintide series, it is not a direct sequel in terms of narrative. They share gameplay similarities, but are set in different universes.
6. Are Vermintide and Darktide in the same universe?
No, Vermintide and Darktide are set in different universes; Vermintide in Warhammer Fantasy and Darktide in Warhammer 40,000. They have similar gameplay but different lore.
7. Who is Sigmar in Warhammer Fantasy?
Sigmar is a legendary barbarian warrior who became a god in the Warhammer Fantasy universe, founding The Empire. He is a central figure in that setting.
8. Is Sigmar the Emperor from 40k?
No, Sigmar and the Emperor of Mankind from 40k are entirely different characters. There is no direct connection between them besides the shared use of the term “God.”
9. Is Sigmar a god in Warhammer?
Yes, Sigmar is considered a god in the Warhammer Fantasy setting. His character is heavily focused on being a mortal who ascended to godhood.
10. Is there a multiverse in Warhammer 40k?
Yes, alternate universes exist within the Warhammer 40,000 lore, many of which occur during the Horus Heresy era.
11. Does Earth exist in Warhammer?
Yes, Earth, known as Terra in Warhammer 40,000, is the homeworld of Humanity and the seat of the Imperium, serving as the location of the Emperor’s Golden Throne.
12. Why is it called Warhammer?
The name “Warhammer” is derived from the Dwarf-made Warhammer wielded by Sigmar in the Warhammer Fantasy setting, reflecting its central place in the lore.
13. Is Sigmar a Chaos God?
While technically any god is powered by the warp, Sigmar is not considered a Chaos God in the traditional sense in the same way as Nurgle or Tzeentch. However, his powers do derive from the warp which is the source of power for all gods in the setting.
14. What Chaos God is in Darktide?
Darktide features the Chaos God Nurgle, the god of decay, death, and suffering. His forces, including the corrupted populace, are the primary antagonists in the game.
15. Do Space Marines appear in Darktide?
No, Space Marines are not playable or featured in Darktide. The game is focused on humans within the Imperial Guard and other auxiliary forces who are fighting Nurgle’s forces.