The Time of Ending is the last stretch of the 41st Millennium, roughly 750.M41 to 999.M41. It’s the era when the Imperium’s long stagnation cracked wide open and the galaxy slid into the Age of the Dark Imperium.
What the time of ending actually is
The term was coined back in 744.M41 by Taggarath, the Seer of Corrinto, who foresaw a darkness swallowing both the Imperium and the Emperor’s light. He was executed for heresy, which feels about right for the Imperium.
The period didn’t get its name from one event. It’s the cumulative effect of the Tyranids showing up, the Necrons waking, and Chaos making its biggest push since the Horus Heresy. The Imperium’s belief in its own eternity started to look pretty shaky.
The big threats that defined the era
The Tyranids were the first major shock. Hive Fleet Behemoth hit in 745.M41, kicking off the First Tyrannic War. Kraken followed in 990.M41, then Leviathan in 997.M41. Each one ate worlds and left the Imperium scrambling.
The Necrons stirred from their 60-million-year nap, with first contact in 897.M41. Meanwhile, the Tau Empire and other young xenos races carved out their own little realms while the Imperium was busy putting out fires.
Then there’s Chaos. Abaddon launched the 13th Black Crusade, eventually destroying Cadia. The Great Rift tore the galaxy in half, and Roboute Guilliman came back to lead what was left.
- 745.M41: Hive Fleet Behemoth arrives, First Tyrannic War begins
- 897.M41: First contact with the Necrons
- 990.M41: Hive Fleet Kraken arrives, Second Tyrannic War
- 997.M41: Hive Fleet Leviathan arrives, Third Tyrannic War
- 999.M41: The Golden Throne starts failing, the 13th Black Crusade hits Cadia, and the Great Rift forms
Notable events and turning points
The Time of Ending isn’t just about alien invasions. The Imperium also had to deal with internal disasters. The Badab War saw Lugft Huron rebel and become a major Chaos warlord. The Siege of Vraks dragged on for 17 years and ended with a Daemonic invasion and a planet rendered worthless.
In 999.M41, things got really bad. The Wulfen returned and Fenris was besieged. Magnus the Red came back and moved his Planet of the Sorcerers over Prospero. The Ynnari formed to try and resurrect Ynnead. And the Tech-Priests discovered the Golden Throne was failing beyond repair.
How it connects to the dark imperium
The Time of Ending didn’t just fizzle out. It ended with the formation of the Great Rift, which marked the start of the Age of the Dark Imperium. That’s the current setting for Warhammer 40k, where the Imperium is split in half and Guilliman is trying to hold it together.
So if you’re reading about the Time of Ending, you’re looking at the setup for everything that’s happening now. It’s the bridge between the old static 40k and the new, messier era.
Key facts
- The Time of Ending spans roughly 750.M41 to 999.M41.
- It was named by Taggarath, the Seer of Corrinto, who was executed for heresy.
- Major events include the first three Tyrannic Wars, first contact with the Necrons, and the 13th Black Crusade.
- It ended with the formation of the Great Rift and the start of the Age of the Dark Imperium.
FAQ
When was the Time of Ending?
It covers roughly 750.M41 to 999.M41, the last centuries of the 41st Millennium.
Who coined the term ‘Time of Ending’?
Taggarath, the Seer of Corrinto, in 744.M41. He was executed for heresy.
What ended the Time of Ending?
The formation of the Great Rift, which began the Age of the Dark Imperium.