XIV Legion 'Death Guard': Origins & History (Warhammer & Horus Heresy Lore)

Being a record of the once indomitable, now forever decaying, forever rotting, the XIV Legion 'Death Guard'.
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Image credits:
Venus by Dmitry Bogolyubov
Mortarion by Miguel Iglesias
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.

[@TheGreatThicc]

"This then was the Legion that would answer the summons of the Warmaster to the muster at the Isvaan system." You can practically hear Nathaniel Garro raising his eyebrows in suspision

[@OculusImperia]

[loyalty intensifies]

[@TheGreatThicc]

Funny enough I had no clue who Garro was until about a month or two ago when I was reading into the Grey Knight's history. I find it absolutely hilarious how most of the (unoficially) first Grey Knights came from Traitor Legions

[@madchad7385]

@@TheGreatThicc the greatest opposition spawns the hardest of wills. When surrounded by treachery, it requires the strongest moral character to resist the temptation on all sides

[@Aravaganthus]

Damn, the ONE time Big E acts like a parent, his kid holds a grudge against him over it.

[@michaelkean5969]

yup wants to help mortarian yet lets angron's warband be slaughtered.

[@daedric1387]

@@michaelkean5969 perhaps what happened with Mortarion and Vulkan made him rethink on getting involved with Angron? Yet sadly he'd have needed it most.

[@Tacoguy1000]

Aravaganthus Don’t forget Vulcan. Didn’t want his blacksmith to burn more than he already did.

[@TheLeftie600]

He asked Mortarion to get a beer from the fridge?

[@notabotpromise5654]

Best warhammer lore on the net!

[@YCCCm7]

It's a fierce competition, but god damn is the production quality here stellar.

[@bluebuda8170]

it's definitely the most professional it really feels like GW put it out

[@KaelisRa81]

Without a doupt. Yes.

[@eividaskrikstaponis5728]

It is really good videos. Check Luetin09 videos too.

[@AutismIsUnstoppable]

@@eividaskrikstaponis5728 leutins videos are rather flawed. He once claimed that the emporor created the techno barbarians.

[@MidlandsAirsoft]

"We are the voice and the clarion call; We are tyrant's ruin and rival's fall" -Dusk raiders

[@c0ya1]

the true dusk raiders died in Isvaan.

[@daedric1387]

A simple philosophy of the endurance of misery and to rise above suffering to achieve greater things is why i love this legion so much, before and after their fate was decided they remain the unbroken. Nurgle preserve them.

[@Ophidia_Lore]

Been waiting for the stubborn 14th. Thank you, been hoping for this one

[@superboy4738]

Agreed the Death Guard is the one legion that never quits:"To surrender was not in Mortarion's vocabulary."

[@danielross489]

I know Alpha Legion are kind of a meme, but a video on them would be good. Good video, as usual

[@timothyhhh3485]

I believe Oculus has said he's a fan of Alpha legion. So he might be doing them last, to ensure he does them justice, so they don't come off as a mary sue meme.

[@OculusImperia]

Correct! The script is currently being polished. It was a fun one to write.

[@anglocatholick]

@@OculusImperia what's your favourite legion?

[@DanielSan1776]

That’s a good name I approve

[@wesleydavidson2793]

The Sons of Barbarus have arrived. Thank you for all your hard work in this undertaking. For the Death Lord!!

[@georgesulea]

I can just see a becloaked man scribing his words down on a datapad in candle light. This a great series:)

[@Decoy_Catfish]

Just started 500pts of Death Guard last night. Now here I am trying to learn everything I can about them. Great video!!!

[@kelborhal2576]

Mortarion - Loses even before battle with overlord begins. Emperor - Saves Mortarion Mortarion - "You took my victory from me reeeeeeeee!"

[@DewayneMcClure-bm2pj]

It was more that the Emperor trivialized the struggles of the Barbarans. Due to his lifetime of immense power and intellect, the Emperor has always had a top down perspective on humanity which is why he failed with primarchs Lorgar, Mortarion, and Angron all of whom had a bottom looking up perspective on life.

[@d.n.4328]

Once again, you absolutely made my day with a long-awaited DG video upload!

[@clovisursa497]

The Death Guard are my main CSM force as I actually really enjoy their lore and their units are gross but amazing looking.

[@sircashew1097]

I’m doing a loyalist DG chapter as my main SM army 😂

[@killer25014]

Honestly, the XIV Legion would have been generally better off without Mortarion as their leader/Primarch.

[@OculusImperia]

They and a couple of others...

[@joshuafischer684]

​@@chaptermasteralexiosaugust6582 Mortarion fell to Nurgle

[@joshley1320]

@@joshuafischer684 I think he knows that

[@karstein4398]

Top grade data-slate has arrived on time, excellent Remembrancer.

[@peanusbenis5631]

I have played DG since 2nd! I’ve been waiting for this video!

[@NathanJackLouttit]

Death guard good I'm thinking about them in kill team

[@Duppyman695]

Grandfather Nurgle welcomes us within his rotten , noxious , blighted , pox filled , plague ridden embrace !

[@adamfox1669]

Oh yeah. I was so happy when I got the notice of a new lore post from my favorite lore channel on the ‘tube’. Can’t say enough positive things! Truly. Thanks

[@OculusImperia]

And thank YOU for the wonderful comment!

[@DeadJack75]

I can't get over the quality that comes out of this community. Thanks for covering my favorite legion. Please one day cover their Exemplary Battle.

[@OculusImperia]

Thank you! And I fully intend to!

[@daedric1387]

Praises upon the primarch, and the unbroken, whom have ever served at his side. Barbarus was a crucible. With Endurance its heighest virtue. Suffering breeds strength.

[@TheRealKevbot]

More space marine content? YES! Whoop whoop! I looove this channel!

[@mikestafford6900]

Your videos are awesome! They get me through assembling driveshafts for 8 hours in the manufactorums of the Big 3. Learning so much. Thank you!

[@justasheamus7688]

YES! I've been waiting for this one. I'll be getting to this one asap! Thanks so much!

[@NegiTaiMetal011]

I always love your 40k lore videos, quite impressive and well done :) I hope you do Gray Knights, Deathwatch and of course other legions/chapters and other notable Astra Militarum regiments too.

[@piotrd.4850]

This is Chamber Militiant of Ordo Malleus and our Chronicler is already under boot of Ordo Hereticus.

[@gavinboyer4634]

*Grey Knights

[@emperorconstantine1.361]

I was JUST wondering if any Death Guard Lore was on KZbin...u are a blessing from the God-Emperor.

[@Duppyman695]

Try 40k theories ! Or Baldermort, any book with Garro is awesome....... 'Flight of the Eisenstein'

[@M0T0M451]

'Tis not for nought'. Four words in an already a classic.

[@Mandatory.Testicular.Torsion]

Absolutely brilliant video as always. Best 40k content on KZbin

[@ReadmanJ]

This pleases Grandfather Nurgle

[@daedric1387]

I would give you a like if not for there already being 3 total....i will if it reaches nearly 7 or 14.

[@baronblackthorne5492]

Yet another beautiful video. Ave Imperator.

[@OculusImperia]

Gloria in excelsis Terra.

[@charlesdunn6694]

GREAT portrait of Mortarian at 14:07!!!

[@dielow916]

Great way to start my morning, thanks!

[@eragonfreedman9228]

beautiful as always

[@TheSlimeSurfer]

outstanding as your videos always are.

[@michaellapalme1198]

Thank you for another one.

[@noasnobody8929]

Pls make the White scars next

[@kharnthebetrayero9036]

Can't wait for more legion love the iron warriors.

[@hope121107]

Such great work

[@jackmyers8687]

This legions motto should have been "tis but a scratch!"

[@SawyerKnight]

I find Mortarion the most detestable of all the Primarchs... and that was BEFORE he gave himself to the most vile of the chaos lords... my heart breaks for the once proud and honorable Dusk Raiders. I would take just one of their ranks over 10,000 "Death guard".

[@danielwensink7792]

Do I need to bring up shit the Iron Warriors have done?

[@DewayneMcClure-bm2pj]

They fleshed out Mortarion a lot lately and his 3rd Edition lore paints him in a much better light. His heresy appearances are slim and poorly done, so he just seems a dull hypocrite.

[@yojon4905]

Loved the video

[@alfieingrouille1528]

My absoulute favorite legion

[@thewayfarer8849]

Recall asking for your take on the Unbroken Blades, thanks man

[@wikidi5970]

Love your videos, true 40k video. My I ask, is it my imagination or was someone talking while you were recording?

[@saynakannika965]

Great stuff, man! Any chance you can cover the Word Bearers?

[@OculusImperia]

The XVII will be part of an upcoming Calth "miniseries" with the XIII and the battle itself :)

[@ESO-ONE]

Cant wait until you cover the first legion.

[@Duppyman695]

The Dark Angels will be coming soon im sure............ Shhhhhh it's a secret !

[@rosicroix777]

Slams LIKE before video Starts !!!! Developes ear to ear Grin as video begins ! ;)

[@thomaspatten7948]

I absolutely love reading about the death guard in the books. Such depth & character for such an easy passs-over. Never judge a book by its cover!!

[@louismaurer5884]

I dont have to finish this video to know you did a fuckin great job. Thanks for your work.

[@OculusImperia]

And thank you for the continued love and support!

[@kealydan]

Give thanks to his Holiness, The God-Emperor for Thursday is saved

[@soontir_fel1816]

I knew today was gonna be good 😭😭

[@otiswhitt1129]

My man, thank you.

[@yeakeltonyeah7493]

New vid. Good day

[@larsstrohmeier2320]

COUNT THE SEVEN! thank you for this episode! =D

[@OculusImperia]

Thank YOU for the support, and the wonderful comment!

[@Wolfhound1776]

Love it

[@15andersh]

Oh yes finally the DG!

[@markbrigandi7497]

Excellent.

[@TK199999]

FYI, the Plague War novels confirm that Morty's first dad was in fact a Xeno. What race is not known and it seems Morty doesn't really care. Mortarion just enjoys keeping his first fathers Xeno soul in glass jar in his inner sanctum.

[@viscomguy670]

Amazing how most of the legion home worlds are so close together on the map

[@notabotpromise5654]

Just got plaque war today cant wait to read it

[@stephenconnell]

Thats why true everlasting Victory is achieved with mercy rather than outright extermination

[@Wafflepudding]

Carthago delenda est

[@BoisegangGaming]

The Emperor really seems like the universe's worst dad. The situation with Mortarion and Angron are just so tone-deaf that its no wonder they rebelled.

[@swamp2thebonegames14]

brilliant

[@VictorianTimeTraveler]

I play a loyalst chapter of the death guard. the Deathshead raiders

[@terminator572]

Mind sharing your color scheme?

[@kirkputman7738]

That doesn't really make sense lore wise but okay I guess

[@VictorianTimeTraveler]

black white red. with a Prussian deaths head "Toten Komp" emblem

[@VictorianTimeTraveler]

KP I beg to differ, in the book flight of the Eisinstine Hours purges meny members of the death guard legion. It is probable that other death guard scaderd across the galixcy remand loyal to the Emperor above there primarc

[@clovisursa497]

@@kirkputman7738 it actually makes more sense than you know. There were surviving loyalist elements from every traitor legion save for perhaps Luna Wolves and Word Bearers. Many of the surviving loyal members were placed back into loyalist legions and some were possibly made into new chapters among the loyal legions. Not to mention there are chapters who nobody knows where they came from so are rumored to have been the loyal members that survived the purges of the traitor legions. Examples being Blood Ravens and Space Sharks. PLUS, there is a little thing in the fandom called Homebrewing in which people are allowed to make their own chapters. I've seen a few people who have made loyalist chapters that broke off from the traitor legions.

Really wish you could make this a Spotify podcast.

[@mateuszmarkucik8013]

Yes! Greatness! Bless you!

[@OculusImperia]

Bless YOU, imperial citizen!

[@leopoldjenkins]

Remarkably good.

[@OculusImperia]

[@souloflemon]

Otherwise excellent video, Oculus, but you are a bit faint. Might want to have the mic be a bit closer or speak up.

[@OculusImperia]

Audio is persistently an issue for me owing to me being generally terrible at it. Thank you for the patience. Hoping to use a new mic at the library next week, so we'll see how that goes!

[@charlieturk8141]

Was it Roboute Guiliman who down voted this wonderful video?

[@thandovanika8952]

Can you do blood angles next

[@OculusImperia]

I wish I could but I have to wait until Forge World release Malevolence.

[@jasonwright8546]

"Crimson right hand of the Emperor's Justice". That symbolism there I believe came from Milton, Paradise Lost. The Red Right Hand of God.

[@tomzhackray6116]

Really feel as though they should have been the 7th legion just for the aesthetic.

[@michaelkean5969]

soooooooooooooooooo the Emperor offered to aid Mortarion in conquering his planet yet Did fuck all to help Angron and let his warband be slaughtered...........okay...

[@OriginalDecurse]

BOUT TIME!

[@OculusImperia]

I know! This one was so heavily requested!

[@HellDoggyjr]

21:55 That must include playing hours of pub rank dota

[@BluJean6692]

what song is that?

[@eisenhorn5494]

Papa Nurgle 💘 you.

[@TheSmart-CasualGamer]

Heretical, I know, but our Glorious God-Emperor should have known that the name Death Guard probably wasn't a good sign. Addendum: No, wait, just heard about the Dusk Raiders. My apologies.

[@karlarden6260]

This video has 40k views. Praise be.

[@MrGabilonia]

Could you please someday tell us about the background music of your records?

[@OculusImperia]

I use a selection of choral work in the public domain, recorded by the Tudor Consort. I can come up with a list of the different hymnals, if people would like!

[@MrGabilonia]

@Oculus Imperia I at least would enjoy that a lot. It always reminds me of Miserere. I looked Tudor Consort on youtube, thank you so much!

[@GreatGreenGoo]

40K is the perfect setting for an RPG game. Im surprised we havent gotten one yet. Only strategy

[@Zagzeroth]

GreatGreenGoo I mean... they had a tabletop rpg for awhile, but mot enough people played for GW to keep supporting it.

[@ShaDO118k]

Two words can sum up the death guard. Wasted potential.

[@Allaryc]

That work for almost every legion

[@Duppyman695]

2 words "Disgustingly Resilient"

[@sircashew1097]

Between this, Mortarian’s primarch book and Flight of the Eisenstein I’m making a loyalist DG chapter with Garro as the figurehead primogeniture rather than Mortarian

[@Cromcruach666]

Do a lore vid on the Lamenters, or the Soul Drinkers

[@Luccaluke]

I hope I'm not being annoying, but since you took the time to organize your playlists I wanted to notify you that this video and it's respective "Tactics & Structure" counterpart are in the wrong order in the "The Legiones Astartes" playlist.

[@KaelisRa81]

Ohhhhhhh yeeeeeees 😁😁😁

[@josephkisner5997]

Good damn stuff man!

[@commissarmanul]

Mortarion's origin story is so Evil Dead

[@Voron_Aggrav]

Ave Imperator, gloria in excelsis Terra

[@jakeparkki]

Has anyone ever told you that you sound very Eldar'ish! Would make for a great voice actor ;)

[@anxioussamurai9017]

What is that giant monster at 2:07?

[@daveeol1987]

Great unclean one

[@notabotpromise5654]

Have you thought about book reviews? But from the narrative point of view like you do??

[@OculusImperia]

As in, book reviews of Black Library works?

[@notabotpromise5654]

@@OculusImperia yes. Take a book like the chapters due in the ultramarine series than run wild with your awesome style on it

[@cmelton6796]

I wonder what would have happened if there had been no Heresy at all

[@arkadiuszstanisaw5285]

I agre !

[@conradkurze4727]

Hydra Dominatus!(hint hint) Prove we exist. If you so deign to partake in the endeavour.

[@kharnthebetrayero9036]

How are they not like the iron warriors.

[@DeusExMachina10001]

Ah the Death Guard. The only Traitor Legion that got cooler for having turned to Chaos.

[@rogerwhite9484]

VVovv I'm the 666th like, lol. should've been 777th as 7 is Nurgles number

[@daedric1387]

Have a third like, as that is also Nurgle's number. Plaguefather preserve thee.

[@Duppyman695]

Thats makes you on 7 likes, Grand daddy Nurgle bless!

[@aplaguedoctor406]

So how did Mortarion survive on Barbarus when he killed all those other warlords but nearly died when fighting that last one? I feel like I missed something

[@bentaylor809]

The overlord had the highest fortress in the most toxic atmosphere

[@JeanLucCaptain]

THE MOST PHLEGMATIC MARINES EVER. LOL. get it cuz their lungs are full of phlegm?

[@Cromcruach666]

1 heretic did not like this vid, may the inquisition find him and purge him

[@terminator572]

Wait aren't the Deathguard traitors themselves? Wouldn't us liking a video about them make us heretics?

[@AltbinariesPPK]

How in the fuck did the PPE get to the godamn Balkans?