Who Do The Necrons Worship

Rinzal Benson

2 min read

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01-12-2024

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The Necrons, the ancient, metallic beings of Warhammer 40,000, present a complex and fascinating case study in the absence of traditional worship. Unlike many other factions in the grim darkness of the far future, they don't adhere to a deity or pantheon in the conventional sense. Their motivations, beliefs, and actions are driven by a cold, calculated pursuit of self-preservation and, arguably, a twisted form of survival-based "worship."

The Silent King and the Necrontyr Legacy

Before their transformation into the metallic beings we know, the Necrontyr were a dying race. Their desperate bid for immortality through the C'tan, ancient star gods, resulted in their transformation. While the C'tan initially offered a promise of salvation, their actions ultimately led to the Necrontyr's enslavement and transformation. This transformation, while granting them immortality, also stripped them of much of their individuality and agency.

The Silent King, Szarekh, stands as the closest thing the Necrons possess to a leader, though even this is a complex relationship. He is not a god, but a powerful and immensely ancient Necron who strives to reunite his scattered dynasties and guide them towards a future free from the C'tan's influence. The Necrons don't worship him in the traditional sense; they follow him because he represents order, strength, and a potential path toward a more stable future—a future far removed from the chaos of the galaxy and their own fragmented state.

The Absence of Religious Devotion

Unlike the Imperial Cult of the Imperium of Man or the Chaos Gods' followers, the Necrons lack a structured religious system built around prayer, rituals, or devotional practices. Their existence is ruled by pragmatism and an unwavering dedication to survival. They are focused on maintaining their existence, securing resources, and expanding their power. This focus on survival could be viewed as a form of self-worship, an extreme dedication to the self’s perpetuation.

The C'tan: Former Objects of Fear and Manipulation

The C'tan, though powerful and capable of manipulation, aren't worshipped by the Necrons in a reverent sense. Instead, the Necrons regard them with a mix of fear, resentment, and strategic utilization. The Necrons were enslaved by the C'tan during the transformation, leading to a complex, often antagonistic relationship. While some Necrons might find pragmatic uses for the power of the C'tan, such actions stem from calculated self-interest, not devotion.

In Conclusion: A Functional, Not Faith-Based Society

The Necrons don't truly "worship" anyone or anything in the traditional sense. Their society is structured around self-preservation and the maintenance of their existence. The Silent King provides leadership, but his authority is founded on pragmatism and a shared goal of survival, not religious faith. Their interaction with the C'tan is equally pragmatic: a calculated use of power, not a devout following. Their unique position underscores the diversity of beliefs within the Warhammer 40,000 universe, demonstrating that survival, in its most extreme form, can become its own kind of faith.