Leman Russ, the Wolf King of Fenris, is Primarch of the Space Wolves: the Emperor's executioner, the warrior who burned Prospero, fought Horus face to face and then vanished into the Eye of Terror, promising to return for the final battle at the end of time.
Leman Russ at a glance
| Primarch of | the VI Legion |
| Legion | VI: Space Wolves (the Vlka Fenryka) |
| Homeworld | Fenris, a world of ice, oceans and fire |
| Flagship | The Hrafnkel |
| Wargear | The frost sword Mjalnar, the Spear of Russ; his giant wolves Freki and Geri |
| Allegiance | Loyalist |
| Status | Missing: left for the Eye of Terror after the Heresy |
Who is Leman Russ?
Leman Russ is the wildest of the loyal Primarchs. He looks like a barbarian king, laughs loudly, drinks hard and fights like a storm. Behind that image is a clever and ruthless warrior. The Emperor gave his Legion a special job: when one of his own sons or their Legions went too far, the Space Wolves were sent to deal with it. Russ was, in effect, his father's executioner.
Fenris: raised by wolves
Russ's capsule landed on Fenris, a death world of frozen seas, volcanoes and brutal winters. He was found and raised by a pack of giant wolves, running with them as a cub. One day hunters of the Russ tribe captured him and brought him to their king. The boy learned human speech, grew into a great warrior and eventually became king of the tribe himself. Under him, the Russ conquered rivals across Fenris and his name became legend.
Found by the Emperor
The Fenrisian sagas say the Emperor came to Russ in disguise and challenged him to a series of contests. The Emperor won a drinking contest, then beat Russ in a fight, knocking him down with a single blow. When Russ woke, laughing, he accepted the stranger as his lord. It is a story told around every Space Wolf fire, and it shows exactly how Russ thought about loyalty: he would follow anyone strong enough to earn it.
The Vlka Fenryka
Russ took command of the VI Legion and rebuilt it in Fenris's image. His warriors called themselves the Vlka Fenryka, the Wolves of Fenris. They were organised into packs and Great Companies, each led by a Wolf Lord, and they kept the rough traditions of Fenris: sagas, feasts and runes. Among his warriors were famous names such as Bjorn, later called the Fell-Handed, who still fights today as the oldest Dreadnought in the Imperium.
The Emperor's executioners
During the Great Crusade, the Space Wolves were the Legion the others feared. They were sent to end threats that no one else would touch, including at least one other Legion that was wiped from the records. Russ took the role seriously, and it made him enemies among his brothers, who saw the Wolves as savages and enforcers.
Nikaea and Magnus
At the Council of Nikaea, the Emperor ruled on whether psychic powers could be used in the Legions. Russ argued hard against sorcery, standing opposite Magnus the Red of the Thousand Sons. The Emperor banned the use of sorcery. Magnus later broke that ban in a desperate attempt to warn his father about Horus, and Russ was sent to bring him back to Terra.
The Burning of Prospero
Russ's orders were changed by Horus: instead of arresting Magnus, he was told to destroy him. The Space Wolves and the Sisters of Silence attacked Prospero, the Thousand Sons' homeworld. In the Burning of Prospero, Russ fought Magnus and broke his back, and the great city of Tizca fell. Russ believed he was carrying out the Emperor's will. Only later did he learn he had been used by Horus to push the Thousand Sons into the arms of Chaos.
The Horus Heresy
The Space Wolves spent the rest of the Heresy fighting their way back towards Terra. They were ambushed by the Alpha Legion in the Alaxxes Nebula and suffered huge losses. Russ later led a daring attack on Horus's own forces and fought the Warmaster himself, but Horus defeated him and left him badly wounded. By the time the Wolves reached Terra, the Siege was ending.
After the Heresy: the Wolftime
After the Heresy, Russ led his Wolves in the great purge of the traitors. Some years later he gathered his closest warriors and set off on a mysterious journey into the Eye of Terror. He did not return. Before he left, he told his sons he would come back at the Wolftime, the final battle at the end of the world. The Space Wolves still wait for him, and every great battle they fight is half a hope that their Primarch is on his way home.
The Space Wolves today
The Space Wolves refused to split into many Chapters in the Second Founding, and they remain a single, proud Chapter of Great Companies. They are led by Logan Grimnar, the Great Wolf, and they still recruit from the tribes of Fenris. Read our Space Wolves lore guide for the full Chapter story.
What kind of man is Russ?
Russ plays the fool on purpose. He lets others think he is a simple barbarian so they underestimate him, then outthinks them. He hates lies, politics and sorcery, and he values honesty, courage and loyalty above everything else. He is loud and generous with his warriors and terrifying to his enemies. Many of his brothers looked down on him, but few of them understood how sharp the Wolf King really was.
Russ and his brothers
Russ loved a good fight with his brothers. He clashed with Lion El'Jonson in a famous duel, and his rivalry with Magnus ended in fire. He respected Rogal Dorn and Jaghatai Khan, warriors who, like him, spoke their mind. Deep down, he always believed he was the son who would do what was needed when others hesitated.
Leman Russ FAQ
Is Leman Russ alive?
His fate is unknown. He entered the Eye of Terror after the Heresy and has not returned.
Why did Leman Russ attack Prospero?
He was sent to arrest Magnus, but Horus changed his orders to destroy the Thousand Sons.
What is the Wolftime?
The final battle at the end of time, when the Space Wolves believe Russ will return.
Who are Freki and Geri?
Russ's two giant Fenrisian wolves, who fought at his side.
Is Leman Russ the strongest Primarch?
He was one of the best fighters, but Horus beat him in their duel. Strength rankings are a fan debate.
Books to read
- Prospero Burns (Dan Abnett)
- Wolfsbane (Guy Haley)
- Leman Russ: The Great Wolf (Gav Thorpe)
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