Skulls
The skull is a common symbol in all of Games Workshop stuff. But where does Games Workshop's artists obsession for skulls come from ? Well, here is a proposition on what the skull insignia means within the game lore, especially when used by the "good" side (the Imperium of Mankind in WH40k, and the Empire in WH Fantasy/AoS) :
- It is the death mask of the God Emperor/Sigmar, a reminder of his sacrifice for the survival of Mankind (the Chaplains skull helm is a good example of this).
- The skull symbolizes Mankind in its purest form, untouched by the corruption of Chaos and mutations (the Imperium is supremacist and considers the human form to be the purest and most complete.)
- It is useful, in a universe populated with other intelligent species and many different cultures, to stand out with a physiognomic symbol recognizable by all. It serves as a reminder that all humans across the galaxy are the same, and that wherever they are, they are destined to become part of the Imperium.
- In memory of all the men who gave their life for the cause of Mankind and the God Emperor/Sigmar.
- Defiance in the face of death, "Victory or Death".
- It is to intimidate the human enemies of the Imperium.
- To pay homage to Morr, the god of the dead (in WH Fantasy/AoS).
- It was already considered the seat of the soul among preimperial barbarians (in WH Fantasy).
- When real skulls are being worn by the "good" guys, they are in fact relics of comrades or faithful servants of the Imperium/Empire carried into battle to avenge them.
So, very much like the Christian cross (which represents an instrument of torture), it is a rather morbid symbol. But it ends up being a positive symbol, a symbol of humanity, redemption and divinity.
Or, alternatively...the Empire of Fantasy is clearly German-themed after all and the Imperium are frequently called "Catholic Space Nazis" for a reason...but both settings are ripe with ambiguity so that you can interpret it for Your Dudes.
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The Imperialis insignia carved on the torso of the Space Marines power armor features a winged skull representing the sacrifice and ascension of the God Emperor and the triumph of mankind.
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But as always with Games Workshop, it goes over the top. Take this Primaris Chaplain miniature, for example : it has no less than 24 skulls on it !
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