Most references in the histories of the Imperium to its deeds during the accursed times of the Horus Heresy have actually been expunged. Few Imperial records of its beginnings still exist, nor are there many mentions of the part it played in the Emperor's Great Crusade during the early 31 st Millennium.
The origins of the Dark Angels Chapter remain shrouded in mystery. They are a proud Chapter, with traditions and rituals that date back to the earliest days of the Imperium of Man. The Dark Angels stand first amongst the Space Marine Chapters, as they have done since their very inception as the I st Legion. Though they claim complete allegiance and service to the Emperor of Mankind, their actions and secret goals at times seem at odds with that professed loyalty, as the Dark Angels strive above all other things to atone for an ancient crime of betrayal committed over 10,000 standard years ago against the trust of the Emperor during the time of the Great Crusade and the Horus Heresy. They were the I st Legion of the original 20 Space Marine Legions to be created during the First Founding of the 30 th Millennium. The Dark Angels are considered amongst the most powerful and secretive of the Loyalist Space Marine Chapters. Black and White (Pre-Heresy) Dark Green and White (Post-Heresy)