Is Sigmar the Emperor in 40k?

No. Sigmar Heldenhammer and the Emperor of Mankind are totally distinct characters from separate fictional universes. This seems to be a common misconception among some fans, but they share no narrative or lore connections. As an avid Warhammer gamer and lore enthusiast, I‘m here to definitively settle this question by contrasting their backgrounds, current status and significance within their respective settings.

Who is Sigmar?

Sigmar Heldenhammer was originally the greatest mortal hero of the primitive human tribes who inhabited the Old World in the Warhammer Fantasy Battles universe. As the first Emperor, he united the warring tribes into the Empire of Man through diplomacy and conquest over 50 years of campaigning. Wielding his iconic warhammer Ghal Maraz, Sigmar was peerless in battle but also a brilliant statesman and coalition builder.

After bringing unprecedented peace and order, Sigmar abdicated rule before vanishing on an expedition. His deeds achieved legendary status over centuries, with tales of his godly origins and supposed immortality spreading. When daemonic forces later invaded the Empire, the deified Sigmar miraculously returned to save mankind once more at the Battle of Black Fire Pass. This final sacrifice cemented his apotheosis into the Empire‘s god of war, governance and mankind.

Sigmar continues to take an interventionist role guiding his human followers in the Age of Sigmar setting. Alongside other incarnate gods, he stands against the endless forces of Chaos that dominate the Mortal Realms. From the storm-wracked realm of Azyr, Sigmar initiates ambitious crusades to reclaim territory – often leading mighty hosts personally into battle. He forges formidable Stormcast Eternals to this end – thunder-clad warriors reforged upon death to fight eternity as Sigmar‘s supreme soldiers.

So in essence – Sigmar represents the ascended god and eternal guardian of the Empire‘s human civilizations across eras.

Who is the Emperor of Mankind?

The Emperor of Mankind has a far more cryptic past – his origins stretch back over 40,000 years ago in the Warhammer 40,000 setting. He has gone by many names – Revelation, Lord of Mankind, Master of Mankind. Among the first perpetual psychic humans, he gradually enhanced his supreme mastery over the Warp without losing sanity. In contrast to the chaotic workings of emotions that fuel the Ruinous Powers, the Emperor championed reason, science and progress.

During ages of Old Night where mankind teetered at the edge of extinction, the Emperor subtly guided events. By the 30th millennium he finally unified Terra under his rule before spearheading the Great Crusade to reunite scattered human worlds. A peerless leader and warrior, his conquest lasted centuries until half his beloved primarch sons betrayed him to Chaos. In the resulting Heresy civil war against Horus and his traitor Space Marines, the Emperor battled his favored son and former army general. The gravely wounded Emperor was interred on the arcane Golden Throne, his immense mind supporting the Astronomicon beacon and anchor for Imperial ships.

Now afforded godhood in the Imperium as the Omnissiah, the Emperor‘s shattered body persists in a agonizing living death. His psychic will manifests rarely to perform miraculous feats or relay commands. However endless soul sacrifice sustains him as a tether against mankind‘s extinction. In a grim dark future where Chaos threatens to dominate, he stands as both ruthless lord and savior of humanity‘s dying imperium.

So in a nutshell – the Emperor is the tragic lord sustaining mankind‘s final bastion against surrounding darkness rather than Sigmar‘s divine salvation.

Contrasts Between the Twin Leaders of Humanity

Despite some similarities as guides and defenders of mankind, Sigmar and the Emperor differ enormously in goals, rule, powers displayed and their current situations. See this handy table:

Furthermore, their respective followers and enemies help define their significance:

Sigmar‘s Allies
| God | Domain | Associated Realm |
|-|-|-|
| Alarielle | Life | Ghyran |
| Grungni | Industry | Chamon |
| Grimnir | Fury | Ghur |
| Gorkamorka | Battle | Beastclaw Raids |
| Teclis | Light | Hysh |

The Emperor‘s Allies
| Primarch | Legion | Current State |
|-|-|-|
| Roboute Guilliman | Ultramarines | Leading Imperium |
| Vulkan | Salamanders | Unknown |
| Leman Russ | Space Wolves | Unknown |

Their enemies also differ substantially with Chaos the eternal foe for both:

Sigmar‘s Rivals
| God | Aspect | Mortal Followers |
|-|-|-|
| Nagash | Death | Deathlords |
| Chaos Gods | Depravity | Everchosen |
| Horned Rat | Disease | Skaven |

The Emperor‘s Rivals
| Enemy | Concept | Servants |
|-|-|-|
|Chaos Gods| Corruption | Traitor Legions & Daemons |
| Tyranids | Consumption | Hive Fleets |
| Necrons | Deathlessness | Dynasties |

Popularity and Model Sales

Finally, their standing among fans and players differs hugely judging by model sales:

• Total Warhammer dominates PC strategy by simplifying Warhammer Fantasy and concentrating entirely on the Old World where Sigmar features prominently.
• In comparison, more niche Warhammer 40,000 video games attract smaller dedicated player bases on PC and consoles.

^* Based on US and European sales figures via industry analyst reports.

Stormcast Eternals are the poster faction for Age of Sigmar drives by the enduring popularity of Sigmar. Generic Space Marine releases outsell all other 40k ranges comfortably by supplying massed iconic core faction troops to the 41st millennium.

Interestingly, a late 2021 leak suggested Warhammer 40,000 is more lucrative overall for Games Workshop in terms of current profits. However, Age of Sigmar‘s momentum and appeal to newcomers still make it the faster growing game system.

Why Does the Misconception Around Sigmar‘s Identity Persist?

Having outlined extensive details and differences between Sigmar and the Emperor, where does this nagging confusion originate from? As an avid fantasy game fan, I have some theories:

1. Cultural Osmosis of Iconic Fascist Leader Imagery

Both Sigmar and the Emperor share common visual cues that evoke real-world fascist imagery – dramatic patriarch figures clad in ornate armor and powerful symbols who demand utter loyalty. The Imperium‘s obsession with purity and conformity mimics historical totalitariannightmares.

This instantly recognizable sci-fi dystopia aesthetic permeates wider pop culture, lending it familiarity that blurs lines for newcomers. The Emperor archetype feels multi-dimensional in a way that perhapsColors perceptions.

2. The Perennial Allure of Unresolved Mysteries

Warhammer 40k lore excels at evoking sense of scale through references to forgotten secrets and buried past events. The Emperor‘s shadowy origins, true name and complete motivations invite endless speculation. This wanting mystery feels more compelling than Sigmar‘s relatively straightforward ascent and continued activity.

Veteran fans obsess over cryptic clues suggesting the Emperor may return or secretly harbor dark truths. Newcomers stumble into this jungle of enticing theories that seem to place the Emperor everywhere at once!

3. Pressure to Quickly Categorize Things Neatly

As an avid fantasy gamer, I understand the instinct to neatly categorize lore elements into familiar frameworks. The Emperor appeals more as a complexity tyrant-deity when first encountered while Sigmar reads as simpler patriotic deity. But their stories rapidly deviate beyond surface warlords defending mankind.

Still, I sympathize this instinct interferes with properly separating their distinct legendarium. It takes time to untangle subtleties outside core pop culture perceptions.

In Closing

I hope this extensive dive has clearly established how Sigmar and the Emperor occupy wholly different narratives within their respective Warhammer universes. While some confusion endures around their similarities as ornate armored overlords, closer inspection reveals starkly contrasting characters, allies and the nature of their divinity.

Personally, I love how both figures take the resonant iconography of visionary warrior-kings yet direct it towards darkly fantastical journeys into obsession, sacrifice and questionable heroism. It remains a treat seeing new fans discover just how far down the rabbit hole goes!

Do you have any other theories on why this blurring occurs? Let me know in the comments!