The Wolf Guard are the veteran elite of the Space Wolves Chapter. They’re the best fighters in each Great Company, serving as bodyguards, pack leaders, and the most trusted warriors of their Wolf Lord.
What the Wolf Guard are
Every Space Wolves Great Company has its Wolf Guard, the warriors who’ve proven themselves through bravery and heroism rather than sheer years of service. Unlike many Chapters where age and seniority matter most, the Space Wolves promote based on deeds. Saving your Wolf Lord’s life is a sure way in.
Once elevated, they get the pick of the company’s best gear, including Terminator armour. They lead packs into battle, act as bodyguards for important figures like the Wolf Lord, and pass their experience on to younger Battle-Brothers.
Roles and specialists
Wolf Guard don’t just guard. Many become Battle Leaders, taking command of entire strike forces. The most heroic ones might even be next in line to become Wolf Lord. Others specialise in different ways of war.
- Void Claws: Logan Grimnar’s favoured boarding troops, deadly with wolf claws in ship-to-ship combat.
- Bladeguard Veterans: Primaris Marines recently inducted into the Wolf Guard, bringing new tactics.
- Headtakers: Wolf Guard tasked with a specific role (details vary in sources).
- Kingsguard: Logan Grimnar’s Wolf Guard is so large it’s split into packs, collectively called the Kingsguard.
The Varagyr: Heresy-era Wolf Guard
During the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy, Leman Russ had his own personal Honour Guard called the Varagyr, which literally means ‘Wolf Guard’ in Fenrisian. They were handpicked from his own Great Company and served as his closest companions in war and council.
These warriors were Fenrisian natives who’d already proven themselves before becoming Astartes. Russ valued their unwavering loyalty over the might of his Legion. They wore beast pelts and ornate knotwork, and their squad leaders were called Thegn.
Wargear and notable members
Wolf Guard have access to the best equipment their Great Company can offer: Terminator armour, power weapons, combi-weapons, and more. Their wargear often reflects their personal fighting style and the sagas they’ve earned.
Notable Wolf Guards include Torfin Daggerfist, who leads the Void Claws. Logan Grimnar’s Kingsguard are perhaps the most famous collective, but many Wolf Guard have gone on to become legendary heroes in their own right.
Key facts
- The Wolf Guard are the veteran elite of the Space Wolves Chapter, serving in each Great Company.
- Promotion is based on bravery and heroism, not age or seniority.
- They act as bodyguards, pack leaders, and mentors to younger Space Wolves.
- Logan Grimnar’s Wolf Guard is so large it’s split into packs called the Kingsguard.
- The Heresy-era Varagyr were Leman Russ’ personal Honour Guard, literally ‘Wolf Guard’ in Fenrisian.
FAQ
How do you join the Wolf Guard?
There’s no fixed criteria beyond earning the respect of your Wolf Lord. Battlefield heroics, skill, and saving your Wolf Lord’s life are common routes. Age isn’t a factor.
What’s the difference between Wolf Guard and Varagyr?
The Varagyr were Leman Russ’ personal Honour Guard during the Horus Heresy. Modern Wolf Guard are the veteran elite of each Great Company. The name means the same thing in Fenrisian.
Can Wolf Guard become Wolf Lords?
Yes. Wolf Guard Battle Leaders who excel can become next in line for Wolf Lord. It’s one of the main paths to command in the Space Wolves.