Template:WH-in-universe Asuryan is a fictional character in the Warhammer Fantasy universe. He is the oldest and greatest of the Elven Gods, and the Elves believe it is his plan that they follow.
The Phoenix is the symbol of Asuryan. From his diamond throne Asuryan observes the world. He is always depicted with a mask, one half black and the other white to represent balance, as his face has not been seen.
He judges the mind of each Phoenix King as he enters the Sacred Flame, deciding whether the Elf comes out unscathed or mutilated. He is also the judge of the Gods.
Asuryan is present in the background of Warhammer 40,000 too, he was head of the Eldar Gods but after the fall he, like his fellow Gods, was hunted down and consumed by Slaanesh. The similarities between this entity and its fantasy counterpart are numerous, both share the same name, are worshipped by elf-like beings and have some connection to the phoenix. Asurmen, first phoenix lord and founder of the shrine of Asur, is said to be the Hand of Asuryan.
Sources
- Warhammer Armies - High Elves (5th Edition). ISBN 1-872372-21-X