The 8 Most Powerful Melee Weapons In Warhammer 40k Lore

In the grimdark future of the 41st millennium, where the galaxy is locked in perpetual war, a powerful weapon can turn the tide of a battle. While the setting features many weapons of incredible power, some capable of destroying entire planets, many of the most legendary weapons are those wielded by hand.

These armaments are far from the average sword and are equally feared as they are revered. Wielded by some of the most powerful individuals in Warhammer 40k, these melee weapons can change the course of history with a single swing. While some can tear through reality itself, others bring hope to millions or even bring gods to their knees.

8

Spear Of Russ

Unveils Truth When Pierced

• Wielded by: Primarch Leman Russ

The Spear of Russ is one of two legendary spears forged by the Emperor of Man during the Age of Strife. Also known as the Dionysian Spear or the Wolfspear, the weapon was famously given to the Space Wolves Primarch, Leman Russ, who would later use it in battle after discovering its true potential.

The spear contains a portion of the Emperor’s power and will reveal a truth to whomever it pierces. This was proved true when, during a duel with Horus, Russ pierced and wounded the chaos-corrupted Warmaster and was able to return a small amount of sanity to the fallen Primarch. Years later, the spear would be lost when Ragnar Blackman hurled it through a portal and into the eye of Magnus the Red. However, Ragnar would later retrieve the relic and return it to its resting place on Garm to await the return of Russ.

7

The Apollonian Spear

Reveals Truth To The Bearer

• Wielded by: Constantin Valdor

This powerful weapon is one of two spears forged by the Emperor of Mankind during the Age of Strife. Along with its razor-sharp blade and built-in bolter, the spear is the iconic template for all Custodes weapons. Once wielded by the Emperor himself, he would eventually gift the spear to Constantin Valdor, the legendary Captain-General of the Adeptus Custodes.

Much like its sister weapon, the Dionysian Spear, the Apollonian Spear is infused with the power of the Emperor. However, where the Spear of Russ reveals truths to those it pierces, the Apollonian Spear reveals the truth to the bearer of the weapon instead. During the final hours of the Siege of Terra, Valdor was able to pierce Horus’ flagship, the Vengeful Spirit, with the weapon, which revealed the Warmaster’s location. The weapon is one of the most sacred relics of the Adeptus Custodes and is only used during the most perilous of times.

6

The Five Croneswords Of Morai-Heg

The Swords To End A Chaos God

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• Wielded by: Yvraine, the Visarch, the Yncarne, and Prince Yriel

Carved from the finger bones of the Eldar Goddess of Fate, the Five Croneswords of Morai-Heg are a collection of powerful weapons that, together, hold incredible power.

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While each sword is individually a formidable weapon, once brought together, the unified swords are said to give their wielders power over life and death. Four of the swords have been found and are wielded by Yvraine, the Emissary of Ynnead, The Visarch, Prince Yriel, and The Yncarne, who is the avatar of Ynnead. Once all five have been found, Yvraine believes the swords will fully awaken her god, who will then be powerful enough to defeat Slaanesh and free the Eldar from She who Thirsts.

5

Anaris

The Legendary Weapon Of Khaine

• Wielded by: Khaine and Eldanesh

Anaris is said to be the mightiest of the Eldar God Vaul’s 100 forged swords, which were made in a pact with Khaine for him to release Isha from his dungeon. However, he was deceived by Vaul, as Khaine came close to defeat when one of the hundred swords was found to be defective.

While Vaul would reforge the sword into Anaris, Khaine would cripple the god of craft and industry, taking the sword for himself. Khaine would eventually use it to battle the Chaos god Slaanesh during the fall of the Eldar. Khaine later lost to the newly born god of excess, and was shattered, along with Anaris. The Shards of Anaris eventually found their way to the many Eldar Craftworlds.

4

Drach’nyen

An Ancient Daemon Of Murder

• Wielded by: Warmaster Abaddon the Despoiler

Drach’nyen is far more than a sword, but a powerful and ancient warp daemon that has plagued humanity for eons. Rumored to have been born as a result of the first human murder, this powerful daemon seeks to destroy the Emperor of Mankind with a bloodthirsty desire.

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While it failed to do this during the Horus Heresy, it would reappear years later, in the form of an ornate and terrifying weapon, in the hands of Abaddon. This chaos blade can rip through armor and bone like it is water and devours the souls of those it kills, which can be seen screaming on the weapon’s surface.

3

Anathame

The Sword That Corrupted A Primarch

• Wielded by: Word-Bearer Erebus

Few weapons in the history of the Warhammer 40k setting have had as big an impact as the Anathame. Forged by the Kinebrach, a race of simian-like xenos, and imbued with the power of Nurgle, the Chaos god of decay, this destructive weapon was used by Word-Bearer Erebus to corrupt Horus and thus sent the entire Imperium into all-out civil war.

When wielded, if the user speaks the name of their enemy, the sword will become tailored to the downfall of that target and even seek them out. The blade produces toxins and poisons to harm its target further. Erebus would later take eight shards from the sword, creating a collection of Chaos Daggers called the Athame.

2

The Emperor’s Sword

A Shining Beacon Of Hope

• Wielded by: The Emperor and Primarch Roboute Guilliman

One of the most iconic weapons in the 40k setting, the Emperor’s Sword is a colossal flaming blade touched by the Emperor of Mankind’s psychic might. It stands as a shining beacon to all loyal followers of the Imperium and is capable of permanently killing daemons by burning away their very essence.

The Emperor carried the sword during the Great Crusade and later during the Horus Heresy. After the Emperor’s internment upon the golden throne, Belisarius Cawl hid the sword for 10,000 years, eventually handing it to the Primarch Roboute Guilliman after he was revived from stasis.

1

Woebringer

The Weapon Of The Blood God

• Wielded by: Khorne, the Blood God

Of all the many weapons in the 40k setting, Woebringer is one of the most powerful in existence and can cut through reality itself. This colossal, two-handed sword sits next to Khorne on his throne of skulls and is his unstoppable instrument of wrath, war, and hatred.

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With a single slice, Khorne rips reality and sends forth his army of daemons to spill blood in his name. It is also said that the great Canyon of Death in Khorne’s Realm of Chaos was formed with a rage-fuelled slam from Woebringer. While the weapon will likely never be seen in the material realm, it is undoubtedly a sword of immense and incalculable power.

Created by

Rick Priestley

Video Game(s)

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, Warhammer 40000 Mechanicus, Warhammer 40,000: Tacticus, Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn Of War, Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr, Warhammer 40,000: Deathwatch, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector, Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef, Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War, Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters

Creation Year

1987