I Legion 'Dark Angels': Origins & History (Warhammer & Horus Heresy Lore)

Being a record of the secretive and occluded First Legion, the Dark Angels of the Emperor of Mankind, pertaining to their origins in the Unificaiton Wars, conduct in the Great Crusade, and reunification with their primarch, Lion El'Jonson.
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Thanks to the amazing Myles Eves for the new Patreon credits! Check out his work at myleseve.com/
Music: Missa Sicut lilium inter spinas by The Tudor Consort
This video is a non-profit fan-made lore discussion. Games Workshop, Forge World, Warhammer 40,000, Warhammer, Space Marine etc are all trademarks of Games Workshop Ltd. Games Workshop does not endorse or support fan-made "lore" videos. All views and opinions expressed in this video belong to Oculus Imperia and in no way reflect the views or opinions of Games Workshop Ltd or it's employees.
All works used in this video belong to their respective authors and corporations. Oculus Imperia holds no claim or propriety interest, either wholly or in part, in any of the work displayed here, with the exception of the audio commentary recorded for this video.

[@baldermort]

My condolences to you and all who knew Mari, the entire community here. A beautiful way to honour them. If you need to ever vent, you know my details. Use them.

[@natebean2524]

This Is why i love this community. More than any other, this one sticks together and supports each other. I came for Warhammer, im staying for the family.

[@baldermort]

Nate bean we are legion. :)

[@ChainsawDunDeez]

Well said Brother Boldermort, both in your words to Oculus... and faith in the Legion of lore masters and lore lovers out there in the world.

[@patrickmcabee123]

This community is what gives me hope. Much love, my web family 😇 Warm fuzzies for everyone hope..,hope such a thing, a word, but such a word.....

[@patrickmcabee123]

Baldermort's Guide to Warhammer Isn’t O.I. Classy..😇. I count him, you..., and a small handful of folks, treasures beyond measure. It’s such a beacon to see the “Balder” here. Be Well and peace brother, hope all is well.

[@riggaden4248]

Sorry for your loss Oculus.

[@firewolf4227]

Rest in peace Mari, sorry for your loss Oculus. May Mari fight beside The God Emperor of Mankind

[@nigen]

who was Mari?

[@OculusImperia]

He was one of my very first Patrons and a supporter of the channel from the very beginning. A truly wonderful human being of boundless energy and enthusiasm.

[@nigen]

@@OculusImperia I am sorry for your loss.

[@JeanLucCaptain]

only in death does lore end... OR DOES IT???

[@scaryfish91]

@@OculusImperia I am truly sorry for your loss, his spirit lives on within all of us who have the God Emperor in our hearts

[@TheJonnieredeyez]

That was a perfect minute of silence. RIP Mari

[@Phantasma3]

Prepare the way for us, Mari. We shall all sit at the Emperor's side together, one day. I'm a wounded warrior, Oculus. Broken old Iraq war vet. People like you and Uncle Baldermort have helped my crippled arse through some hard times. I am a patron, because I can never thank you guys enough. Ave, Imperator!

[@aunderiskerensky2304]

o7

[@God-hates_you]

Thank you for your service

[@billyelliot4141]

Semper Fidelous. U should see the other guy. 💪🇮🇪🍀

[@thetau4866]

Ave Imperator, Brother

[@DominusNox106]

Hail, brother. I too am a wounded warrior but thankfully I'm mostly intact. If you need a battle, know that I am at least here. HMU if you want. Love and peace to you and yours.

[@tylermckee5968]

RIP Mari. Liked before watching gang. Hydra Dominatus.

[@vitek2]

For context, I am the polar bear in the opening art. Mari was one of the kindest and most earnest souls I have ever encountered. He was among us since the earliest days of the channel and the weight of his loss cannot even begin to be expressed. Rest in peace Little Oculus

[@catalinmarius3985]

I am sorry for your loss, rest in peace. The fallen shall be forever remembered as the Emperor's finest.

[@TurKlack]

Hä? From the beginning I assumed Mari is a girl.-..no wait..who are you writing for right now? I'm sorry but I have absolutely no context about what happened so I would be happy if you'd tell. If not than that's ok too.

[@vitek2]

@@TurKlack Mari was one of the channel's first Patron donors. The art in the intro depicts the discord avatars of him, Oculus, and the rest of the initial circle.

[@hunterdelta1585]

Condolences, Oculus, for Mari.

[@gregfisher4147]

May both you, Oculus, and Mori be ever in The Emperor's favor. I don't know about other people, but your videos have helped me through some dark times. Thanks a lot for doing what you do. I know it might seem like you aren't seeing the fruits of your labor, but it is being felt on the community.

[@coreystockdale6287]

I can attest that like Mr Fisher your videos always bring a shine to my day and have helped me through quite a bit may all our loved ones rest in peace and those alive drink to their memory Ave Imperator

[@lolwtfbbq111]

Between Baldermort and yourself I feel like I've had the best 40k history lessons.

[@patrickdhamilton]

I never knew how far back the Dark Angels history went, or how delayed they were in being reunited with the Lion. I loved the detail at the end, about how Horus couldn’t manipulate or stop the first, only isolate and delay their retribution. Masterful. Requiescat in pace, Ave Imperator Mari.

[@missivory_missraine]

It was intended that the DA were sent to the far reaches at the end. Because out of all the legions, the First was the most efficient. And hours couldn't let that efficiency stop his invasion

[@eater_of_garbage_]

Horus' envy of the First extends even before his fall. In the Black Book 9: Crusade, its mentioned that Horus ensured the Lion was unable to make it to Ullanor, out of fear that he would receive far more honours than Horus

[@thewayfarer8849]

“I don’t kNOoOooWwww!” -Captured excerpt from the historitor hunting down 1st Legion information and being met with red tape, empty rooms, and a very large winking Astartes. Saved a TTS related joke as I saw this video coming, hyped. Also I'm sorry for the loss of your friend.

[@IanBurns]

Ave Imperator Mari, may He Who Resides on the Golden Throne watch over you. And Condolences Oculus. Video wise: WOOT! 1st LEGION.

[@Tiglath-Pileser3]

Love the in character dig about the inconsistent writing that plagues both the legion and the Lion.

[@lordsherbert9789]

Just wanna say RIP Mari and you keep rolling, man. Been a big fan ever since I happened on your Night Lords vid. Looking forward to new AoS stuff!

[@inquisitorgarza312]

The First Legion of the Emperor Angels of death, the Pride of the Lion, and the Knights of Caliban. They were the sword that cut through the Darkness of the Galaxy and were a fight force so great that once they found their Primarch they became second in the Rank of Warmaster. The First, the Dark Angels, the Knights of Caliban are what it means to be a Space Marine.

[@alyseleem2692]

Oh you would know,with all the secrets they keep from you😆

[@chrisnunez5899]

Glory be to the Imperium. The Historitor delivers again. Thank you, faithful servant. RIP to Mari.

[@WaltzActual]

I am listening to this twice back to back. The character of Oculus has such a believable understanding of who and what the Dark Angels chapter are. The evolution of your craft is a journey fraught with utter enjoyment. This is a wonderful dedication.

[@Haemokinetic]

Judging by the comments, Mari sounded wonderful. I'm sorry for your loss, Oculus. Truly.

[@Pantalaymo]

Sorry for your loss... And finally getting around to tell you how much I appreciate your videos. What you do is so much more than just reading down a wiki-page. There is a genuine creative effort behind your videos that drags me into a state of immersion even more than most of the games. The music, the delivery... While I enjoy many 40k-youtubers, your content genuinely stands out to me. Keep it up, you're doing an amazing job.

[@Matihood1]

Man, I had no idea the First had such a rich backstory prior to the finding of their primarch. I love these videos.

[@michaelking9818]

Thanks Mati

[@salizar2074]

Gonna need Asmodai on speed dial for this one... I've been waiting and hoping for this for a long, long time, and this plus Alfabusa's vid is just the chocolate covered cherry on top to a great day. Your skills as always far exceed exemplary, and I hope you continue the incredible work into the foreseeable future. I hope your friend rests easily.

[@markcoroneos7811]

The fallen shall be forever remembered as the emperor’s finest 😞

[@heathhooper3699]

This is a fantastic production. Having been a student of the I Legiones methods of war for nearly 20 years, I wholeheartedly approve.

[@trentoskivich4211]

I've only recently discovered your channel but you've fast become one of my favourites with your obvious passion and care for 40k. Keep up the amazing work and I am very sorry for your loss, eventually we all must pass into the Emperor's light.

[@benbrown9467]

My condolences. It is always hard when you like some one. I'm sure they would love how you are honoring them today. Your videos have been a big help for me over the last year. Thank you

[@husarz5907]

I'm sorry for your loss. I know how hard that can be. Rest in Peace, Mari.

[@morlath4767]

My belated condolences to your loss for a friend and first patrron. I'm currently binging your series and this video really highlights why you're fantastic at this. As a 40K newbie, I literally read the wiki page of the Lion and the 1st a few hours before watching this video...and despite having all the details in my head, you bring those details to life.

[@Joanropo]

The Lion is back!! Ave Imperator! Gloria in Excelsis Terra!

[@DrKhallos]

I've been listening to a bunch of these recently and there's a running theme of "This legion cared not for imperial politics, they were secretive and revealed only what they wanted, and considered aloof by the rest of the imperium". Admittedly its been the Space Wolves, Thousand Sons and now the Dark Angels, but still :P

[@fingerboxes]

The legions: "I know it's a lot, the hair, the bod, when you're staring at a demigod. Well what can I say except you're welcome."

[@isaacfrost9250]

An hour and twenty mintues? I knew you'd do right by my boys when you got to them but damn, you weren't kidding when you said it would be worth the wait.

[@hades217]

“For had the sons of the Emperor not simply strode forth into Hell and left Hell broken and shattered by their passage?” Love that line. 18:22

[@kingtonsiljockey528]

Sorry I'm late, just joined the channel but...Rest in peace, Mari. You paved the way for future fans to follow (as I have within this past year), and I am proud to be a part of this fanbase because of it. The Emperor smiles upon you, sister. May your inheritance live on with fury and glory

[@omegavulture8379]

What is it to be dark angel? It is to be the first, the greatest, the sons of the Lion. When others doubt you, remember the primarchs own words; loyalty is its own reward.

[@Lucas-hk5pj]

Ive never listened to a narrator better than oculus

[@Gandaug]

39:20 shows Lambert from Witcher 3 hanging out with the 1st Legion.

[@nimamarco3109]

Yeah that's him

[@UR-025_STC]

I just discovered your channel - this is amazing!!!!!! Thx for all your hard work - so great to paint my Deathwing Termi's to.

[@aguspuig6615]

this one is definetly one of your best videos yet, up there with the nature of chaos and the pilgrimage to holy terra imo, plus its long so its even better

[@duanehicks6962]

Great video! I have always felt the Dark Angels represent what Space Marines are supposed to be like in the grimdark universe of 30K/40K--monastic, dead serious, and internally-conflicted with a knight-like aesthetic. The galaxy would have a bit too much melodrama (you know, the candles and tabards and secrecy) if all the Loyalist Legions were like them but to me they're exemplars of what the WH30K/40K Astartes are meant to be. If they were real, I would recommend they let their secret out and get counselling but since this is 30K/40K, keep 'em dark and brooding forever.

[@watcherofthewest8597]

These are awesome! I've never played Warhammer and the only thing I know about it is from this show and looking at the awesome miniatures in increasingly hard to find ships!

[@frankcz7672]

Rest in power Mari...

[@MLaak86]

RIP Mori. I absolutely love this deep dive into the Lore of the Fighting First, it really puts them up there imo as one of the most interesting Legions on that front - even before the betrayal of about half the Legion, whichever half you think turned (lol).

[@mpkisr]

Absolutely stunning work as always. Pure artistry

[@butHomeisNowhere___]

Occy, you know I've been a fan for a long while now and I ALWAYS appreciate your work. But the moment at the start really touched me and I just want to thank you for, well, just being you. I hope your friend rests peacefully in eternity and perhaps, universe willing, we will all be reunited with those we've lost. Embrace those you love, be outspoken in your appreciation for others and let not there be a doubt in the hearts of those closest to you regarding how you feel about then. We aren't promised a tomorrow, but we're damn sure here today.. and what better time to make someone smile Take care, Oculus Imperia.

[@Suomismg]

Fellow scholars, correct me if I am wrong, but does the Rangdan xenocide remind anyone of the Punic wars? An empire in the making, facing an enemy that is in some ways equal to it, so vast that it takes three campaigns to end it as a threat, culminating in event that sees them forever more lost to the winds of time?

[@sarahpearson1504]

Wow Alfabusa and Oculus in one day? Did Christmas come early?

[@williamhare4456]

The strangest thing is. It has happened before.

[@Demonica2539]

And a Baldermort video as well! Truly a great day for 40k

[@stephenflint3640]

Emotionally vulnerable as I am, im finding myself bawling for the loss of a soul who sounds so beautiful and whos loss is a deep wound likely never to be fully healed. I weep for you, Mari. May the light of the Emperor ever find you in its radiance. Im so sorry for your loss, good chronicler Oculus. You have always been a welcome voice to hear in the day, ever since I found your work. I hurt most for your pain, and hope an eventual healing.

[@nicholascrick7861]

I am new to 40k and i just watched this and loved it. I just wanna know more about the dark angels

[@martynjones3978]

A little late, but my condolences to you and that knew Mari!! ❤ That was a great way to remember them!!

[@fingerboxes]

Guilliman: "Ok men, here's the plan." 1st Legion: "CHAAAAAARGE!" Guilliman: ".......what?" (looks on baffled as the first charges) Some shocked Ultramarines: "Uh forgive me gene sire, but our reinforcements...orks? I could have sworn I heard some of them yell 'waaagh'."

[@michaeljameskeating1348]

So glad you mentioned "Cú Chulainn". he does not get enough credit in any references to lore or legend.

[@chilliewhk]

RIP Mari. My deepest condolences dear scholar.

[@jakobschoning7355]

An amazing video, one of your best, or at least one of my favourites. A Great Tribute to your Friend, may he rest in peace

[@SeeFue]

This narrative made me a fan of the Dark Angels.

[@a.j.4076]

After the minute, all the hair in my body rose.

[@feralprocessor9853]

Right off the bat, dedicated gathering for Mari.

[@aloyalspacemarine5761]

Condolences for the loss. The emperor knows their name.

[@benbuurman254]

I love this new lore, they're basically the precursor to Grey Knights

[@blacknobleaurelianbenin5848]

You don't know me but your voice has been a balm to me for years. I'm very sorry for your loss and hope that you and all those who loved Mari get through this sad time in the best way possible. Take care. Be Well.

[@evanennis196]

To date, this is your single best video

[@youngimperialistmkii]

I have been waiting for this one for a long time. The first and greatest. Dark Angels.

[@nunyabznazzz7429]

So everyone is just ignoring Lambert (39:06) ?

[@wilky1189]

20:34 "The perilous political position of the early Imperium" is a damn good sentence

[@stefanbrown467]

Well the intro made me cry.. so thanks for that I guess.

[@derrabbit7289]

Loved it! One of my favorite loyalists legions

[@williampounds5191]

I don't know who Mari is but they were probably pretty rad to be so important to you and this channel.

[@Nonameisback999]

I am so sorry for your loss, Oculus, please, be safe out there, man, we love you

[@AP-kg9dz]

Starting day 6 of the first to latest crusade but here we go Also I wasn't aware of who she was but sorry for your loss.

[@squeesmyth9025]

love the shout out to Cú Chulainn !! love your vids such elegance , from your friendly neighbourhood Irish man

[@343-penitentnarrator8]

I'm sorry for your loss, Oculus. You are the most thematic and immersive orator on the lore of 40k, and your videos have always struck me as colossal labours of love. I only hope to be half as good as you one day in my own projects. I pray that you find some solace now. Ave Imperator.

[@l7537]

Sorry for your loss. We’re here to support you.

[@exactinmidget92]

as someone that was in the army i can't wait for the Guard episode. shits going to be dope.

[@recurvestickerdragon]

Every time this pops up on my feed, I mistake the title as "I, Legion 'Dark Angels'." Like some kinda oath

[@LordButtersI]

"Oh, cool, a new legion origins video, we haven't gotten one of those in a whiDAMN THAT'S LONG!" Me when I saw the run length. 10/10 video Oculus, sorry to hear about your friend. ❤

[@Mesozoic_mammal]

"Honesty is trust that loyalty is truth be told but demand is expected to be loyal when honesty is yet told" Oculus you made my brain hurt there

[@PantsuMann]

RIP Mari. I have no idea who you are, since I'm new here, but I know loss and this was beautiful. My condolences to you, his wife and his friends.

[@theaveragegamer4995]

While i was not in any way familiar with Mari, still my condolences Oc

[@Stimm002]

That was lovely, thanks for sharing your friendship, loss and continued loved for someone.

[@Restilia_ch]

Good work on the TTS episode, Oculus. Now that I know who you are in it, I can definitely tell it's your voice.

[@ChainsawDunDeez]

My condolences to your loss of a friend... may her memory live on within the hearts and minds of her friends and family... Also thanks you Oculus, for a full banquet of 1st legion lore in this video...

[@FoundingChambers]

Forever in the light of the emperor! And yessssssss I was so excited to see this upload!

[@PWizz91]

You deserve treble the subs, I'm pretty sure your page will blow up soon! This is really good work.. zero ads too, wow.

[@iainhansen1047]

Given the length of this record it seems this historian is a little bit biased towards this glorious chapter.

[@hunterdelta1585]

Or someone close to this historian wished to have this chapter covered properly

[@Jatischar]

Aehm, yes, yes a chapter. Just 1000 Battle Brothers. Of course.

[@iainhansen1047]

Jatischar BEGON SKAVEN!! I would recognize your speech pattern anywhere you foul rat!

[@TheTyrial86]

Reading a year later. RIP Mari. Good luck to you on your journey.

[@jeremybott4899]

I smiled when I saw the name of this post, then laughed aloud when I saw an hour 20 min. Fantastic as always.

[@RSBurgener]

This is wonderful. I'm building a good old fashion homebrew successor chapter and all this detail is invaluable 👍

[@jeffreygreen8668]

And oh my bloody Imperator Deus, I have been waiting so damned long for the First Legion... 😎😎😎😎😎 Those Watchers better wake up The Lion soon, man... My sincere thanks to the Oculus.

[@fuzzyhair321]

Makes total sense why Horus feared the first. They were like the wolves designed to kill all even their own. If the lion was there at the massacre. The traitors would of all died

[@ThatCasper]

Boldermort told me to come. I am happy I did. Awesome stuff!

[@kharnthebetrayer1575]

Dark Angels fan since 2nd edition, and Grey Knights since the white dwarf.

[@eliascaals1826]

loyalty is it's own reward. My condolences.

[@BeratLjumani]

First: sorry for your loss Second: I love how the art from the right is very Warhammer with a death Korps trooper, a fantasy Empire great swordsmen, Vulkan on vacation, you, and than what I’m guessing is Evangelion?... and than finally just a Polar Bear XD truly is the Imperium a fantastical place.

[@daverage4729]

Condolences Oculus. I know what its like to lose a good friend as my friend Stella passed away from cancer a couple of years ago. Sending you all my best wishes.

[@jamessmall6499]

O7 to Mari This single handedly made me sell and restart my first army. My Dark Angels were a sad sight and I will make them a Legion to be proud of in the name of the Emperor and the Lion. I am doing an army wide Legion scheme, and calling them 'The Forgiven.' My reasoning is they are the Dark Angels post the Lions return to 40k, where he has given them their penance, and passed his apologies for his failings to Luther. The Fallen, those not too far gone to the heretics taint, returned to their home and their brothers. Luther and the Lion bury their misunderstandings. The Lion knows he failed. He sent Luther and those others to Caliban not as punishment or judgement, but as a force that knew the taint of Chaos, and how to watch and protect the fresh recruits from it. He had thought they would understand that. He failed to understand people, yet again. The Fallen, some even come home to familiar faces in the Primaris, recruited from Caliban for Cawls experiments before the schism. They return to their Legion colors as the Lion reunites the successors into the reformed First. The Forgiven. No longer the Dark Angels, the Fallen, they are a family reunited in the eyes of their fathers, Luther and the Lion. The Lion has claimed Imperium Nihilus as his own, and the Forgiven will bring it to heel and return the Emperors light. The Lion has sent Luther to be his personal liason and ambassador to Guilliman, as Guilliman sends Dante to be his. The scars of Secundus linger, but the Lion has learned many lessons in his failings, and has learned an apology can clear so much more damage than proving he is right ever could. Guilliman and the Lion may never see eye to eye, between secundus, the codex, the regency, or the Imperium, but their gazes are united in looking to the future of the human race. Ave Imperator, Leo Vult.

[@hektorforever]

Requiescat in pace Mari. Fidelium animæ per misericordiam Dei requiescant in pace.

[@jupiterjunk]

3:53 - Such a wise question to pontificate; even today.

[@davebowman9000]

A magnificent entry!! Loved every last second of it (with the exception of the first minute, which is a touching moment that makes my heart go out to Mari's loved ones)

[@lazysponge]

Mari was a Friend to me for Years and just now i know why he didnt message me back the last time we talked. May he rest in peace.

[@DominusNox106]

I'm listening to this while reading Lion, Son of the Forrest. During the Heresy I couldn't stand the Lion. He was very much a one dimensional character who was always portraid as a warmonger. This new book has been addressing his personality problems and are showing him actually learn from the mistakesof his past and I'm starting to (finally) like him. He is growing in depth and character and watching him put down his instincts towards solitude are very refreshing. I was afraid the new book would return him to his cardboard certainty but I am pleasantly suprised by a Primarch facing up to his own mistakes and embracing his true role as a "defender of humanity".

[@alexanderhenderson2594]

The Dark Angels are not the number 1 at any single combat type or doctrine amongst the legions, but they are number 2-3 in all of them.