Age of Myth
The Pre-Imperial Era: Where ancient races built empires and humanity first rose from tribalism.
The Age of Myth is a term used in Warhammer Fantasy lore, particularly in sources like the 8th edition rulebook, to refer to the early, legendary period before the Imperial Calendar. While less formalized than in Age of Sigmar, it describes a primordial age when gods and ancient races shaped the world, though not with gods walking openly among mortals as in later settings.
- Ending Event
- The ascension of Sigmar to godhood, marking the end of the Age of Myth and the beginning of the Imperial Calendar.
Lore & Background
In this early age, magic was raw and dangerous to untrained humans, but Elves and Dwarfs wielded it with discipline long before the Colleges of Magic were founded in 2304 IC. The Chaos Gods sent daemonic incursions that tested ancient civilizations. This era ended with Sigmar's ascension to godhood—a transition shrouded in legend, not a cataclysm, as he became a divine figure watching over the world rather than disappearing or dying.
In Their Own Story
The shaman knelt in the mud as lightning struck without thunder. Above the jagged peaks of the Grey Mountains, a shadow eclipsed the sun—not a cloud, but something vast and ancient. The tribe fell silent; they knew this was not the sky's wrath, but a god descending to claim a sacrifice. In that moment, history ceased, and myth began anew.
Reader's Guide
Scholars in the Empire often debate the specifics of this time because written records are scarce. Most knowledge comes from oral traditions passed down by Dwarfs or Elven lore-keepers. This era is crucial for understanding why Chaos is such a persistent threat; the foundations of corruption were laid here before Sigmar's laws took hold. For players and readers, this period explains the origins of ancient ruins and artifacts found in the Old World that predate human civilization.
Did You Know?
- Many ancient ruins in the Old World date back to the time of the Dwarf and Elf empires, not a 'First Age of Sigmar'.
- The Dwarfs claim they were awake and building their first great holds long before Sigmar was born.
- Magic was far more volatile among primitive humans, but Elves and Dwarfs had regulated its use for millennia before the Colleges of Magic were founded in 2304 IC.
- Mannsliech is the moon, not a god who walked the earth; no legends from Sigmar's era describe gods openly walking among mortals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines the Age of Myth in Warhammer Fantasy lore?
This era describes the primordial period before Sigmar united humanity, where gods directly influenced mortal affairs and magic was wild. It serves as the legendary foundation for the Old World's history prior to organized empires.
Which races dominated during this time?
Ancient Elves and Dwarfs built their greatest kingdoms while humans remained scattered in tribal societies without central leadership. These early civilizations thrived under the direct patronage of various deities before the rise of the Empire.
How did magic function in the Age of Myth?
Magical energy flowed freely and untamed across the land, making reality more malleable than in later ages. This lack of regulation allowed for greater feats but also increased the risk of corruption from Chaos.
What event marked the end of this era?
The arrival of Sigmar and his followers brought order to the continent, signaling the transition into the First Age of Sigmar. His unification of human tribes effectively ended the period where gods walked openly among mortals.
Why is this time considered legendary rather than historical?
Records from this age are shrouded in myth and oral tradition, making it difficult to separate fact from divine intervention. Most details come from later bards rather than contemporary written documentation.
More in Myths & Legends
Elsewhere in the Warhammer Fantasy universe
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