Khârn the Betrayer
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Khârn the Betrayer is a character from the fictional Warhammer 40,000 universe, a member of the World Eaters Legion of Space Marines, and a champion of Khorne.
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[edit] History
[edit] Great Crusade
According to the Horus Heresy books, Khârn was Captain of the Eighth Assault Company and equerry to his Primarch, Angron. At this time, he is described as a deeply bronzed and noble warrior, with a long and noble face. The first depiction of Khârn as a follower of Chaos is during the Istavaan III incident; where the World Eater is described as a man swamped by "dark madness" during a battle with Garviel Loken (a loyalist Luna Wolf Captain). The process of his corruption is not detailed- "I am the eightfold path" is the only explanation offered by Khârn for the sudden transformation[1].
[edit] Siege of Terra
Khârn's story continues during the siege of the Imperial Palace at the height of the Horus Heresy, where he is said to have fought at the forefront of every assault. Khârn is killed during the battle, but is later inexplicably revived. The reason behind Khârn's reincarnation is never explained, though Khorne returning him to life or his spirit becoming revived by the 'relentless clamour of war' are put forward as two possibilities. Khârn is depicted as never coming close to death since.
[edit] Post Heresy
The story of the World Eaters search for a homeworld in the Eye of Terror, is a defining point in the history of the character[2]. The legion was engaged in battle with the Emperor's Children on a planet named Skalathrax when the lethal cold of the Skalathrax winter set in, forcing both sides to seek shelter. Khârn, infuriated with the refusal of his fellow World Eaters to attack the enemy, proceeded to burn the shelters of both his own men and those of the enemy, thus earning the title of "The Betrayer". This act shattered the World Eaters Legion, splintering it into warbands that roam the Eye of Terror.
[edit] Characterisation
Pre-Heresy, Khârn is written as loyal servant of the Emperor of Mankind, who wearily believes that the excessive means the World Eaters employ in battle are necessary for the success of the Great Crusade.
Post-Heresy, Khârn is portrayed as a berserker, easily enraged by weakness, and eager to kill others for Khorne, irrespective of whether or not they are his allies.
[edit] Weapons and abilities
The character of Khârn is depicted as one of the finest fighters in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, who never misses in combat and has "never tasted defeat"[2].
Khârn fights with a plasma pistol and Gorechild: a massive chainaxe, capable of cleaving through the thickest armour. Gorechild's teeth were torn from the mouths of mica dragons.
[edit] Additional reading
Khârn also appeared in the short story The Wrath of Khârn (King, 2001).
[edit] Notes and references
- ^ Counter, Ben (2006). Galaxy In Flames. Nottingham: Black Library. ISBN 1844163939.
- ^ a b Khârn the Betrayer. Games Workshop. Retrieved on November 16, 2006.
- King, William (2001). "The Wrath of Khârn", in Gascoigne, Marc and Jones, Andy (editors): Dark Imperium. Nottingham: Black Library. ISBN 1841541362.
- McNeill, Graham (2006). False Gods. Nottingham: Black Library. ISBN 1844163709.
- Counter, Ben (2006). Galaxy In Flames. Nottingham: Black Library. ISBN 1844163939.
[edit] External links
- http://uk.games-workshop.com/chaosspacemarines/kharn/ Khârn the Betrayer at Games Workshop
