Why is Warhammer actually called Warhammer? Many might think: because the name just sounds cool. And they are right. But there is actually a bit more behind it, as at least the current term has significantly more meaning.
Warhammer was created by a few guys in the 1980s, at the time as a fantasy game with miniature figures as a new version of the popular “Wargames”: reenactments of military battles on tables.
The name is more or less a coincidence. One of the creators, Rick Priestley, writes in a comment on a blog that there were other names in consideration at the time. Warhammer almost ended up being called Battleblade.
The decision to go with Warhammer is likely partly due to the fact that the name was simply cool and catchy. However, the term, which translates to “war hammer,” has repeatedly shown itself to be important content in the game over the years.
Fans repeatedly puzzle over why Warhammer is actually called Warhammer. There probably isn’t a better explanation than: “Because that’s just what it’s called.” But at least a reference to the name is always made.
From Sigmar’s Hammer to the Warhammer Logo
The logo of the game features a very special weapon: the war hammer Ghal Maraz, which means “skull splitter.” The hammer comes from the forges of the dwarves – more specifically: from the dwarf ancestors Thungni and Smednir. Such legendary ancestors are the equivalent of gods for the dwarves.
Originally, the hammer was the weapon of the High Kings of the dwarves until it was passed down centuries later by the High King Kurgan Ironbeard to the human hero Sigmar Heldenhammer as thanks for saving him from greenskins.
Sigmar is the one who united the barbaric tribes of men and thus created the Empire. He is now regarded as their first Emperor and is worshipped as a god – similar to the Emperor in Warhammer 40,000.
The dwarves have inscribed Ghal Maraz with runes, their version of magic, as they themselves cannot (or should not) wield magic. Accordingly, the hammer possesses powers that far exceed those of conventional weapons.
Ghal Maraz’s appearance serves today as the logo of Warhammer. While it is not the first, it is definitely the most famous war hammer in the Warhammer universe.
By the way: Melee weapons have a very special significance in Warhammer. Demons as quasi “living emotions” are more vulnerable to such intimate weapons. One reason why swords still exist in the sci-fi world of Warhammer 40,000.
Harry, the First Hammer in Warhammer
The second – or technically speaking the first – reference to a “Warhammer” in Warhammer is a character from the original edition of the game: Harald Hammerstorm, also known as Harald the Hammer.
Harald is a Chaos warrior who already graces the first cover of the Warhammer rulebook and is the first model in the game depicted with a war hammer. His design from the 2nd edition reportedly inspired Sigmar and his weapon (via Web Archive).
The warrior’s weapon is at least as legendary: although Harald’s hammer has no name, he decapitated a demon with just one blow. A remarkable feat with a blunt weapon.
He became a legend among the tribes of Norsca until he finally met his end in a duel with the vampire lord Vlad von Carstein. Due to his age, however, Harry the Hammer is still today the embodiment of “Warhammer” for many veterans.
All nonsense, of course, Warhammer comes from John Warhammer!
A name that keeps popping up in the community is John Warhammer. He is the sole creator of Warhammer, writes all the books, comes up with all the plots, and is basically the boss of everything – depending on whom you are listening to.
Accordingly, the name also derives from John Warhammer, after all, he is the boss. As entertaining as the meme is: this is obviously complete nonsense. Among the founders and first employees of Warhammer, there is a John Blanche, but he has little to do with John Warhammer.
Fans use the name merely when referring to a sort of “Deus Ex Machina,” meaning: It is just what it is. Don’t ask, accept it. Or when they simply have no idea. The name is a combination of the American equivalent of Max Mustermann or an unknown person (“John Doe”) and Warhammer itself.
Naive newcomers and the uninformed might be misled here, even though it is obviously an exaggeration. Nevertheless, John Warhammer is persistently presented in the community as the person responsible.
So if someone asks you where the name Warhammer comes from, respond with John Warhammer. You can discuss Harald Hammerstorm with nerds, and you can expose impostors with Battleblade. However, the answer that is likely to be the most satisfying for most is Sigmar’s Hammer – especially since Sigmar has taken on an increasingly larger role in recent years: Age of Sigmar was long considered the least popular Warhammer, but now it delights fans: “High Fantasy meets Heavy Metal”
