The Chaos Gods represent the most consistent characters across Warhammer properties, acting as dark manifestations of the latent desires and fears of humanity as a species. While some of what are considered the cardinal sins of theologies worldwide can be mapped with relative ease onto these deities, greed, or avarice, presents a trickier conundrum. Arguments can be made for Nurgle, Tzeentch, or Slaanesh being its representative; however, it is in a historical examination of currency, and its origins, that a more obvious candidate becomes apparent. Drawing from history and economics, and informed by interdisciplinary perspectives on philosophy, theology and social theory, this paper will argue that Khorne most embodies the principle of avarice among the Chaos Gods, with perspectives on his worship, both within the Warhammer universes and without, representing a dark mirror of the philosophical foundations of modern neofeudalism.
Drawing on the work of historians David McNally and Edward Muir, an exploration of the link between currency and blood, expressed as both violence and vitality – between which Khorne holds no distinction – will situate modern economics within a continuum of violence. In parallel, the philosophy and theology of the Blood God, as exemplified within characters like Khârn the Betrayer, and in community perspectives on Khorne more generally, show the ongoing relationship between Warhammer, as a narrative, and the reality which it inhabits. The facets of Khorne represent the fears and aspirations of a humanity caught within this violent economic continuum – his aspects as a patron of martial glory, fear, and ruthlessness represent rationalizations of a Hobbesian state of nature in which war is waged on virtual, physical, and economic battlefields in our world. Khorne, therefore, represents one compelling aspect of the Warhammer world by which those who engage with it synthesize the historical reality they inhabit.
Author bio
Alexander William Hofing is a historian and doctoral candidate currently engaged in research on the role of the Knights of St. John during the Cretan War of 1645-1669. His scholastic interests include the history of violence, the history of technology, medieval music, and the relationship between history and narrative.
