Warhammer 40,000 (40k) is beloved not only for its grimdark universe but also for its rich tapestry of hidden historical, mythological, and pop culture references. Fans recently discussed which references took embarrassingly long to recognize, revealing insights from mythology, history, and literature that shape the world of 40k. Here we have collected the most commonly mentioned references mentioned in the discussion.
Mythological References
Nurgle and Nergal
Nurgle, the Chaos God of decay, derives his name from Nergal, an ancient Babylonian deity associated with death, disease, and plague. Fans noted the parallels, especially as Nergal’s myths involve underworld imprisonment and disease, mirrored by Nurgle’s capture of Eldar goddess Isha.
Khaine and Cain
The Eldar god Khaine’s name references the biblical Cain, the first murderer. Khaine eternally dripping Eldanesh’s blood parallels Cain’s eternal punishment for killing his brother Abel.
Historical and Cultural Connections
Maccabian Janissaries
This Imperial Guard regiment’s name combines Jewish rebel warriors (Maccabees) and Ottoman slave soldiers (Janissaries). They originate from a shrine world emphasizing intense religious devotion, paralleling historical Jerusalem.
Adeptus Custodes and the Swiss Guard
Fans pointed out the Custodes’ spears and ceremonial role directly mirror the Vatican’s Swiss Guard, who protect the Pope with halberds and colorful attire.
Commorragh and Gomorrah
The Dark Eldar city, known for depravity and excess, cleverly references the biblical cities of sin, Sodom and Gomorrah.
Literary and Sci-Fi Homages
Dune and Starship Troopers
The Imperium’s hierarchy, navigators, and the spice-like powers echo Frank Herbert’s Dune. Similarly, humanity’s endless wars against the Tyranids parallel Robert Heinlein’s Starship Troopers.
Konrad Curze and Apocalypse Now
The Night Lords Primarch’s name references Joseph Conrad, author of Heart of Darkness, and Colonel Kurtz from Apocalypse Now. Curze’s assassin, M’Shen, parallels actor Martin Sheen, who killed Kurtz in the film.
Ciaphas Cain’s Puns
Locations like Simia Orichalcae (Latin for Brass Monkey, referencing a British expression) demonstrate authorial wit in the Cain novels, filled with subtle jokes and references.
Etymological Surprises
Ferrus Manus (Iron Hands)
The Iron Hands Primarch’s name literally translates from Latin as “Iron Hands,” causing surprise to fans unfamiliar with Latin roots.
Corvus Corax (Raven Guard)
Raven Guard’s Primarch has a name meaning “Raven, the Raven,” a redundancy that escaped notice for some time.
Mon-keigh = Monkey
Eldar derogatorily calling humans “Mon-keigh” cleverly disguises the term “monkey,” underscoring their contempt.
Rune of Activation = Power Button
The Adeptus Mechanicus’ elaborate “runes” often humorously represent mundane items, such as a power button termed the “Rune of Activation.”
Pop Culture Nods
Huron Blackheart – Pirate Captain
The Chaos character Huron Blackheart humorously mirrors classic pirate tropes with his hook-like mechanical arm, bionic eye, and pet creature, making him 40k’s Blackbeard equivalent.
WAAAGH! = War
Orks famously scream “WAAAGH!,” simply the word “War” in an exaggerated Orkish accent—a revelation that amused many longtime players.
Alpha Legion XX
The Roman numeral for the Alpha Legion, XX, cleverly symbolizes their signature trait of betrayal—a “double cross.”
Humorous Realizations
Ghazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka and Margaret Thatcher
Fans humorously noted the phonetic similarity between the Ork warlord’s name and former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, despite Games Workshop’s official denial of intentional reference.
Dante’s Inferno Pistol
Blood Angels’ Chapter Master Dante uses an “Inferno Pistol,” playfully referencing Dante Alighieri’s Inferno.
Custodes = Custard
Although officially deriving from Latin “custodes” (guards), fans jokingly linked the golden-armored Custodes to “custard,” referencing their color scheme humorously.
Why These References Matter
These hidden references enrich Warhammer 40k, making its expansive lore resonate deeply. The joy of discovery adds an extra layer of enjoyment, turning the exploration of lore into a rewarding experience that continually offers surprises. For Warhammer fans, uncovering these hidden gems connects the fictional grimdark universe to our world’s rich tapestry of history, myth, and culture, highlighting the playful brilliance behind the game’s dark exterior.
