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|Descendants=*[[Space Wolves#Successor Chapters|Successors Below]]
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'''The Space Wolves''' (also '''Sky Warriors of Russ''', '''Rout''' or '''Vlka Fenryka''' or - ''Wolves of Fenris'' in the [[Fenris Vulgaris|Fenrisianlanguage ''(Juvykka)'']]) were the '''VI Legion''' of the twenty [[space marine legion]]s. Their [[primarch]] is [[Leman Russ (Primarch)|Leman Russ]], and during the [[Great Crusade]] they gained a reputation as the [[Emperor]]'s executioners and instruments of punishment.{{Fn|16}} After the [[Horus Heresy]] and the resultant reforms, the legion was divided, its first and only time, into two [[chapter]]s: the new Space Wolves chapter retained the name of their parent Legion, while the second chapter took on the name of the [[Wolf Brothers]]. The latter, however, suffered from [[Mutant|mutation]] and were disbanded.
The Space Wolves are notorious throughout the rest of the [[Imperium]] for their ferocity in battle and their defiance of authority, including the dictates of the [[Codex Astartes]] that govern the organisation and combat doctrines of other Space Marine chapters.
*'''???.[[M42]]:''' [[Invasion of the Stygius Sector]] — The Primaris Space Marines earn a strong reputation among the Space Wolves.{{Fn|45}} [[Wolf Lord]] [[Vorek Gnarlfist]] is eventually slain and succeeded by [[Torval Wyrdbane]], leading to the Ironwolves being renamed the [[Duskwolves]].{{Fn|75}}
*'''???.[[M42]]:''' The [[War of Beasts]] — Space Wolves under [[Haldor Icepelt]] battle [[Genestealer Cults]] on [[Vigilus]].
*'''???.[[M42]]:''' The Battle of [[Icaria]] - Space Wolves accompany [[Commissar Yarrick]] against the [[Orks]] of [[Ghazghkull]].{{Fn|77}}
*'''???.[[M42]]:''' The Battle for [[Smelter's Heap]]
*'''???.[[M42]]:''' The Battle for [[Midnight Moon]]
[[Image:SWArt.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Space Wolves{{Fn|8l}}]]
Though undeniably loyal to the [[Emperor of Mankind|Emperor]], the Space Wolves are known for their fiercely anti-authoritarian behaviour. They strongly resist the central command structure of the Imperium, and refuse to follow the dictates of the [[Codex Astartes]], which lays the structure and tactics to be used by all Space Marines. They hold a particular disdain for the [[Inquisition]], in part due to the organizations organisations purge of [[Imperial]] citizens that survived the [[First War for Armageddon]].{{Fn|15}} This culture was in stark contrast to the Space Wolves during the [[Great Crusade]] and [[Horus Heresy]], where they were known as the Sanction of the [[Emperor]], unquestionably carrying out his orders regardless of what it might be. After the [[Battle of the Alaxxes Nebula]] during the Heresy, Leman Russ decided upon forging his own path for the Wolves.{{Fn|28}}
Of all the [[Adeptus Astartes]], the '''Wolves of Fenris''' regard themselves as the Imperium's ultimate weapon, and are proud of it. Where other Chapters, such as the [[Ultramarines]], were made to build empires, the Wolves were made to murder them, and to destroy anyone who opposes the Emperor's will, including other Astartes.{{Fn|14c}} Their unorthodox behavior and organisation as well as their single minded dedication to tear the enemy, any enemy, apart like a wolf pack brings down a deadly prey reflects this original purpose.{{Fn|9}}
One of the 12 Great Companies is that of the [[Great Wolf]], the Space Wolves' [[Chapter Master]]. When the former Great Wolf dies the new chieftain is selected from the other eleven remaining Wolf Lords. Upon selection the new Great Wolf, not his Great Company, immediately takes on the ancient badge of [[Leman Russ (Primarch)|Leman Russ]] — the Wolf That Stalks Between Stars. With the new role the Great Wolf's Company is also expanded to include the household of the Chapter's Priesthood, [[Wolf Scout]]s, and [[Dreadnought]]s.{{Fn|8e}}
Since the introduction of [[Primaris Space Marines]], the Space Wolves under [[Logan Grimnar]] have begun to reorganize reorganise themselves to accommodate these new warriors. Many of their Fenrisian titles take up roles dictated in the revised [[Codex Astartes]]. For example [[Grey Hunters]] now take up the role of [[Suppressor Squad|Suppressor]]s and [[Wolf Scout]]s serve as [[Eliminator Squad|Eliminators]]. In this way Grimnar has blended the ancient customs of Fenris with the recent changes sweeping the Adeptus Astartes.{{Fn|53b}}
===Great Companies===
**{{Endn|75b}}: Chapter 39
*{{Endn|76}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Warpforge]] - ''Blackmane Inceptor Card Description''
*{{Endn|77}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20260331135153/https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/z9key2tp/lore-where-has-commissar-yarrick-been-lately/ Warhammer Community: Lore: Where has Commissar Yarrick been lately?] saved page, [https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/z9key2tp/lore-where-has-commissar-yarrick-been-lately/ original link] (last accessed 31/3/2026)
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