The Fall of Sigmar
From the cataclysm of the End Times, the Age of Sigmar was born.
The transition from the Old World to the Mortal Realms is defined by the End Times and the subsequent Age of Sigmar. During the End Times, the Chaos Gods destroyed the Old World, and the Mortal Realms were later created from the raw magical energies and cosmic debris of that destruction—a complex process far more intricate than simply being formed directly from the remnants. Sigmar, who had ascended to godhood long before the End Times during the time of the Old World, became the God-King. The Stormcast Eternals were not forged from his essence; instead, they are created from the souls of mortal heroes who died fighting Chaos, reforged by Sigmar using the power of Azyr and the forge of Grungni.
- Subject
- Sigmar the God-King
- Role
- Mortal King turned Deity
- Affiliation
- Stormcast Eternals / Realm of Azyr
- Status
- Ascended (Immortal Deity)
- Key Location
- The Mortal Realms / Realmgate
- Outcome
- Creation of the Stormcast Eternals from mortal souls
Lore & Background
The Old World was not shattered by Sigmar's death or divine energy; it was destroyed by the Chaos Gods during the End Times. The Mortal Realms were created from the raw magical energies and cosmic debris of that destruction, not directly formed from the remnants in a literal sense—the exact process is more complex in canon. Sigmar ascended to godhood long before the End Times, during the time of the Old World, not through a mortal death. The Stormcast Eternals are not forged from his soul or essence; they are created from the souls of mortal heroes who died fighting Chaos, reforged by Sigmar using the power of Azyr and the forge of Grungni. These immortal warriors were created to fight Chaos and protect the Mortal Realms.
In Their Own Story
The hammer struck the ground one last time, not in anger, but in prayer. Sigmar looked upon the horizon where the sky tore open like a wound, bleeding green fire into the world he loved. He felt the weight of his crown growing heavy, heavier than stone, heavier than gold. It was the weight of an ending. With a final breath that smelled of ozone and old blood, he closed his eyes. The hammer did not fall; it rose, carried by a light that swallowed the sun.
Reader's Guide
The narrative arc begins with Chaos overwhelming the Old World, forcing Sigmar to make the ultimate choice. He gathers his remaining champions at the Realmgate, intending to seal the breach permanently. During the final confrontation, Sigmar sacrifices his mortal life to channel enough power to shatter the world into the Mortal Realms. This act prevents Chaos from consuming everything in one go. Factions involved primarily include the forces of Humanity and the emerging Stormcast Eternals against the Ruinous Powers. The lasting impact is the establishment of the Age of Sigmar, where the God-King rules from Azyr while his immortal legions fight on the ground.
Did You Know?
- The Stormcast Eternals are forged from the souls of mortal heroes, not from Sigmar's essence.
- The Old World was destroyed by the Chaos Gods during the End Times, not shattered by Sigmar's divine energy.
- The event is canonically known as the End Times and the Age of Sigmar, not 'The Fall of Sigmar'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Fall of Sigmar?
It is the cataclysmic turning point that shattered the ancient Old World and gave rise to the interconnected Mortal Realms of the current era. The event marks the moment the mortal king Sigmar perished and was elevated to godhood, fundamentally rewriting the structure of reality.
Who is Sigmar in the context of The Fall of Sigmar?
Sigmar was the last mortal king of the Old World who, upon his death, ascended to become the God-King. He now dwells in the Realm of Azyr and acts as the divine sovereign over the Stormcast Eternals.
What happened to Sigmar's essence after he died?
His divine substance was used to forge the Stormcast Eternals, a legion of angelic warriors meant to wage war against Chaos in the new age. In essence, the Stormcast are literally made from the fallen king's own being.
How does The Fall of Sigmar connect to the Stormcast Eternals?
The Stormcast Eternals exist because of this event; they were crafted directly from Sigmar's post-mortem essence to serve as his divine army. They operate from the Realm of Azyr as his agents, battling Chaos on behalf of their God-King.
Why is The Fall of Sigmar important to the Age of Sigmar setting?
It is the foundational myth that explains why the world is structured the way it is today, replacing the single Old World with a network of linked Realms. Without this event there would be no Stormcast Eternals, no divine seat in Azyr, and no Age of Sigmar as fans know it.