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{{Otherusesotheruses|USE=Heresy-Era Honour Guard of Leman Russ|OTHERUSE=Post-Heresy era Veteran unit|OTHERPAGE=Wolf Guard}}

Upon his rediscovery on the planet [[Fenris]]{{Fn|1a}}, Leman Russ was appointed to lead the [[Space Wolves|VIth Legion]]. Accompanying him were several hundred Fenrisian warriors who had, despite their age, successfully undergone the [[Creation of a Space Marine|implantation and gene-processing]] required to become a [[Legiones Astartes]]. These men became Leman Russ' first '''Varagyr''', sworn to him with unyielding loyalty, willing to defy death to remain by his side. Their commitment led them to leave their harsh world and venture into the stars with their lord.{{Fn|1b}}

Leman Russ valued these '''Varagyr''' for their unwavering loyalty over the might of the transhuman Astartes of the Legion he commanded. Unlike the Legionnaires, these warriors had already proven their worth and earned his respect.{{Fn|1b}}

Russ integrated the '''Varagyr''' into his Legion, which initially caused some resentment. However, it was quickly established that Russ' authority was absolute, and the '''Varagyr''' were prepared to resolve any disputes through single combat.{{Fn|1b}}

After the [[Wheel of Fire Campaign]], the old [[Terra]]-born VIth Legion and the newly inducted [[FenrisianFenris]] ian warriors were united by the trials of war. For the survivors of both groups, Fenris became home, as they adopted elements of Fenrisian culture and martial traditions embodied by their [[Primarch]].{{Fn|1b}}

The [[Fenrisian]] wisdom of the '''Varagyr''' was embraced by those in the Legion who sought to become closer to their Primarch, while the Fenris-born adapted to new weapons and warfare techniques suited to the vast battlefields they now faced.{{Fn|1c}}

Leman Russ' 1st Great Company, or "Onn" Company in Fenrisian dialect, included his elite '''Varagyr'''. To earn this rank, each warrior had to distinguish himself in battle repeatedly, forging sagas worth telling. They were the true wolves of Russ' pack, marked by the great beast pelts adorning their armorarmour.{{Fn|1d}}

In battle, the '''Varagyr''' charged like a thunderbolt, a tide of armoredarmoured, beast-skin-draped hulks driven by superhuman strength and ferocity. Their momentum was said to crush enemies even before their fearsome blades could strike.{{Fn|1g}}

The Leader of a '''Varagyr''' Squad is called a [[Thegn]].{{Fn|1g}}

The Varagyrs'''Varagyr''' armor armour was adorned with ornate decorations, including ritual knotwork on the [[pauldrons ]] and gorget. These patterns held significant ritual meaning for the Fenrisian warrior cult. The intricate designs on their pauldrons symbolized the legend each '''Varagyr''' had built over years of combat but also served a practical purpose by highlighting tactical specialities for easy identification during battle.{{Fn|1h}}

'''Varagyrs''' also wore [[Fenrisian Wolf]] pelts and carried several fangs from the same beast. These trophies, which were often worn by squad leaders and veterans instead of traditional marks of rank, served as badges of honor honour within the Legion.{{Fn|1h}}

The '''Varagyrs''' were exclusively clad in [[Terminator_Armour#Cataphractii_Pattern|Cataphractii Terminator Armour]].{{Fn|1g}}

* 1 : [[The Horus Heresy Book Seven - Inferno]]:** {{Endn|1a}} : pg. 75** {{Endn|1b}} : pg. 79** {{Endn|1c}} : pg. 80** {{Endn|1d}} : pg. 84** {{Endn|1e}} : pg. 86** {{Endn|1f}} : pg. 165** {{Endn|1g}} : pg. 229** {{Endn|1h}} : pg. 56 * {{Endn|2}} : [https://web.archive.org/web/20231121132901/https://www.warhammer.com/en-GB/shop/Space-Wolves-Legion-Varagyr-Wolf-Guard-terminator-Squad-2018 Warhammer Webstore : Space Wolves – Varagyr Wolf Guard Terminators] (saved archive) - for details see [[Varagyr Wolf Guard/Sources]]