The Second War for Armageddon was a massive Ork invasion of the hive world Armageddon in 941.M41, led by the infamous Warboss Ghazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka. It’s one of the most brutal conflicts in Imperial history and made heroes and villains of those who fought there.
What was the Second War for Armageddon?
It was the second of three major wars fought over the hive world Armageddon. The Ork Warlord Ghazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka led a colossal Waaagh! against the planet, aiming to conquer it for the Orks.
The Imperium defended with Imperial Guard regiments, Space Marines from the Blood Angels, Salamanders, and Ultramarines, plus a large Squat army. The main fighting lasted two years, but skirmishes dragged on for another twenty.
- Date: 941.M41
- Location: Armageddon
- Outcome: Imperial victory
- Ork strength: over 100 million Orks from five tribes
- Imperial commanders: Commissar Yarrick, Commander Dante, Marneus Calgar, Tu’Shan, Overlord Herman von Strab
How did it start?
Ghazghkull’s rise began on the Ork world of Urk, where a bolter shell nearly killed him. Mad Dok Grotsnik patched his skull with a bionic plate, and after that Ghazghkull claimed to hear the Ork gods Gork and Mork.
He united the Orks of Urk, then took the entire system. But with no enemies left and their sun dying, the Orks faced extinction. Ghazghkull, guided by visions, led them to Armageddon.
Key battles and turning points
The Orks landed and quickly overran Armageddon Prime. They then pushed into Armageddon Secundus, where the Imperium made its stand. The crux of the war came at Hive Hades, where Commissar Yarrick rallied the defenders.
Help arrived in the form of Space Marine Chapters and Squat forces. The Orks were eventually beaten back, though at a terrible cost. Most of the planet was destroyed, and Ghazghkull escaped to fight another day.
- Planetfall and conquest of Armageddon Prime
- Ork offensive into Armageddon Secundus
- The crux: Battle of Hive Hades
- Imperial reinforcements turn the tide
- Ghazghkull flees, war continues for decades
Aftermath and legacy
The Imperium won, but Armageddon was left in ruins. Overlord Herman von Strab was executed for incompetence. Commissar Yarrick became a legendary hero, and his rivalry with Ghazghkull became the stuff of legend.
The war also inspired the classic board game Battle for Armageddon, which simulated the conflict. It was later released free to promote the Third War for Armageddon.
Key facts
- Fought in 941.M41 on the hive world Armageddon.
- Ghazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka led the Ork invasion.
- Imperial forces included Blood Angels, Salamanders, Ultramarines, and Squats.
- Main war lasted two years; combat continued for twenty.
- Resulted in Imperial victory but left the planet in ruins.
- Inspired the Battle for Armageddon board game.
FAQ
Who won the Second War for Armageddon?
The Imperium won, though at a huge cost. Most of the planet was destroyed, and the Ork leader Ghazghkull escaped.
Why is the Second War for Armageddon important?
It made Ghazghkull Thraka a major threat and turned Commissar Yarrick into a legendary hero. It also set the stage for the Third War for Armageddon.
How many Orks fought in the Second War for Armageddon?
Estimates put the Ork force at over 100 million, drawn from five different tribes.