The Main Gate, more commonly called the Eternity Gate, is the last doorway before the Emperor’s throne room on Terra. It’s the most heavily guarded entrance in the Imperium, and it’s seen some of the darkest moments in human history.
What is the main gate?
The main gate is the Eternity Gate, the final barrier between the outside world and the Sanctum Imperialis, where the Golden Throne sits. It’s over a kilometre tall and built from layers of adamantium and ceramite, with a gold-plated outer face showing the Emperor triumphant during the Great Crusade.
It’s more than a door. It’s a symbol of the Emperor’s enduring rule and the last line of defence for the heart of the Imperium. Two Warhound Titans from Legio Ignatum stand guard outside, alongside ten thousand Adeptus Custodes who protect the wider palace.
The grand processional and the companions
The approach to the gate is a massive hallway called the Grand Processional, lined with banners carried by heroes since the Imperium’s founding. One of those banners belonged to Lord Commander Solar Macharius. The Emperor honours these heroes even as they honour him.
Inside the Sanctum, a special group of three hundred Custodes called the Companions guard the Emperor directly. The rest of the ten thousand Custodes protect the palace and the gate itself.
History and battles
During the Horus Heresy, Sanguinius defended the Eternity Gate when Chaos forces nearly overran the palace. He held the line when no one else could. Later, during the War of the Beast, an Eldar raid got within sight of the gate before the Custodes stopped it.
There was also a Chaos uprising called the Siege of the Eternity Gate, though details are sparse. These events show that the main gate has been a target for enemies of the Imperium throughout its history.
Other gates in the lore
Don’t confuse the Eternity Gate with the Webway Gates used by the Aeldari. Those are wraithbone portals into the Webway, a network between realspace and the Warp. They’re often hidden and near-indestructible, and they played a role in the Fall of the Eldar.
There’s also a 1998 video game called Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate, where you command Ultramarines against Word Bearers. It’s a turn-based strategy game, but it’s unrelated to the Eternity Gate itself.
Key facts
- The main gate is the Eternity Gate, the last gateway to the Golden Throne.
- It stands over a kilometre tall and is made of adamantium and ceramite with a gold face.
- Two Warhound Titans and ten thousand Custodes guard it.
- Sanguinius defended it during the Horus Heresy.
- The Grand Processional leading to it is lined with banners of heroes.
- Don’t confuse it with Aeldari Webway Gates or the video game Chaos Gate.
FAQ
What is the main gate in Warhammer 40k?
The main gate usually refers to the Eternity Gate, the final entrance to the Emperor’s throne room in the Imperial Palace on Terra. It’s the most heavily guarded gate in the Imperium.
Who guards the Eternity Gate?
Two Warhound Titans of Legio Ignatum stand outside, and the Adeptus Custodes protect the gate and the inner sanctum. A special group of 300 Custodes called the Companions guard the Emperor directly.
What happened at the Eternity Gate during the Horus Heresy?
Sanguinius led the defence of the gate against Chaos forces. He held the line when the palace was nearly overrun, buying time for the Emperor.