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Hexagrammaton

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Symbol of the Hexagrammaton[3a]

The Hexagrammaton, colloquially known as the 'Six Hosts of the Angels of Death', 'Six Divine Ways', or the 'Six Wings', were specialized formations used by the First Legion (later known as the Dark Angels) of the Legiones Astartes.[1]

Overview

Existing outside of regular chain of command and organization of Dark Angels Space Marine Legion, the Hexagrammaton was an amalgamation of Terran pre-Principia Belicosa era approach to organization of Space Marines and of traditions of Caliban knightly orders.[1a] There were six Wings existing within Dark Angels Legion - Dreadwing, Deathwing, Ironwing, Ravenwing, Stormwing and Firewing although these terms are Calibanite in origin and the original Legion would have used different terminology.[1a]

Before creation of the First Legiones Astartes, the Space Marines were organized into formations called the Hosts of the Angels of Death.[1c] Each of the Hosts had its own specialisation and purpose. Eventually the First Legion created a number of Hosts, with at least 18 existing by the end of the Unification Wars. Over time these Hosts came and went and many were merged into others while some were wiped out in battle. However by the discovery of Lion El'Jonson on Caliban Six Hosts remained, which were reorganized by The Lion in accordance with the tradition of Caliban's Order.[3]

Purpose and Organization

While the First Legion organization followed the principles of Principia Belicosa and the legion's strength was organized into Companies led by captains, Chapters led by masters and Orders led by paladins, members of the Wings were distributed amongst squads and companies. There they acted as line legionaries, sergeants, captains or in specialised functions and were assembled on orders from the voted lieutenant of the wing. [1a]

Lieutenants acted as both commander of their Wing and often as aide to primarch Lion El'Jonson.[2] Lieutenants were elected by peers rather than nominated by superior and have assigned their nominated successors so the command of the Wing is not interrupted in case of the lieutenant's death.[1a]

On battlefield, the intervention of the Wing had to be requested by commander responsible for area of operations or campaign. When such request is made and accepted, members of Wing are summoned from their duties where possible and assemble to conduct operations per their lieutenant's orders. [1b]

Trivia

The symbol of the Hexagrammaton is a unicursal hexagram.

See Also

Sources