Unmasking Warhammer 40K’s Mightiest Traitor Legion
Dive into the dark corners of Warhammer 40K as we explore the most formidable Traitor Legion, and discover how Henry Cavill’s passion for the franchise extends far beyond the tabletop.
Most fans know Henry Cavill’s top pick among the Space Marines is the Adeptus Custodes, but there’s a whole world of factions in Warhammer 40K that rarely get a look in. The Traitor Legions, in particular, often fly under the radar, despite their massive impact on the universe’s lore and ongoing conflicts.
Today, we’re heading into the heart of the Immaterium to shine a light on the most powerful of these renegade groups: the Black Legion. Born from the ashes of the Horus Heresy, this force has left a mark on the galaxy that few can rival.
The Rise of the Black Legion
The Horus Heresy stands as the bloodiest civil war in the setting’s history, and while it was partly a result of Games Workshop’s need for fresh ideas during tough times, it’s now a cornerstone of the Warhammer 40K saga. After Horus Lupercal’s defeat at the hands of the Emperor, the Traitor Legions—including the Sons of Horus, World Eaters, and Emperor’s Children—fled into the Eye of Terror. There, instead of banding together, they turned on each other, fighting over resources and captives.
Out of this chaos, Ezekyle Abaddon emerged. Once the First Captain of the Sons of Horus and Horus’ right-hand man, Abaddon rejected his former legion’s legacy after their leader’s downfall. He destroyed all traces of Horus’ symbolism and declared the Sons of Horus finished, taking up the title of The Despoiler and founding the Black Legion.
Chaos United: The Black Legion’s Unique Edge
What sets the Black Legion apart is their approach to the ruinous powers. While most Traitor Legions devote themselves to a single Chaos God, Abaddon’s followers pay homage to all of them. This unity has allowed him to bring together the major Chaos factions under one banner, something no other warlord has managed.
Abaddon’s leadership came to a head during the 13th Black Crusade. By toppling Cadia, a key fortress world, he didn’t just deal a blow to the Imperium—he tore open the Cicatrix Maledictum, severing half the galaxy from the Emperor’s light. The fallout saw countless worlds thrown into turmoil, with Chaos running rampant and the Imperium left scrambling.
Henry Cavill’s Warhammer Fandom Goes Digital
While Cavill’s love for Warhammer lore and the tabletop is well known, he’s also a keen gamer. When Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 dropped, he jumped straight into the toughest difficulty on his PC and later shared his thoughts and praise for the game’s story and multiplayer on Instagram.
A post shared by Henry Cavill (@henrycavill)
In a chat with British GQ, Cavill mentioned that, alongside classics like Delta Force and Half-Life, he and his brothers spent plenty of time playing Total War: Warhammer II. If there’s a Warhammer title out there, you can bet he’s keen to give it a go.
Got a favourite legion in Warhammer 40K? Let us know what you reckon. The official release date for the Warhammer 40,000 film universe is still under wraps, but it’s tipped to land on Prime Video in late 2027 or early 2028.