Valten was born in a Reikland Village called Lachenbad, where he had an uneventful childhood, growing up as the son of a blacksmith. The only truly unusual thing about the young Valten was a strange birthmark on his chest, shaped like the twin-tailed comet of Sigmar. The birthmark caused a great stir at his birth, for the comet was a powerful omen - but whether for good or ill depends on the whim of the gods.

It was on the eve of his 18th birthday that Valten's destiny became apparent. From the depths of the Reikwald, the Beastmen came led by a powerful Beastlord named Rargarth. Bent on pillage and plunder, the Beastmen seemed unstoppable, and the few men of Lachenbad that could wield weapons had no hope of standing against the warband, but Valten refused to run. He made his way to his father's smithy and, taking up two hammers from the forge, he set about the horde like a huricane with cries of anger and vengeance. Beast after beast was crushed by Valten's hammers, and all who came near him died. The panicking villagers saw his heroism and were heartened by his incredible display of bravery. They took up their swords, pitchforks, and scythes and ran to join the blacksmith's son. They cut through the warband until Valten stood before Rargarth himself.

Valten launched himself at the Beastlord. He swung a hammer in a massive arc but Rargarth raised his giant scimitar and parried the strike. Such was the force of the blow that the blade was broken in two, and the hammer was torn from Valten's grasp. Unfazed, Rargarth snarled and struck out with the remnants of the weapon. Valten ducked back, but the rusted metal slashed across his chest, opened a horrible wound, and sent him reeling. Rargarth gave a triumphant grin, exposing yellow and rotted fangs, and brought down the half-blade for the killing blow. But Valten raised his remaining hammer at the last second. There was a mighty clash as blade met hammer, and the titanic strength of the Beastlord forced Valten to one knee. Incredibly, his guard held. Impossibly, he began to rise, shaking with effort as he pushed upwards against Rargarth's blade, until finally the boy was on his feet. Valten kicked out, sending the Beastlord stumbling backwards. Before the creature could recover, the boy hurled his remaining hammer with awesome force straight at the monster's head. It struck Rargarth between the eyes like a meteor, shattered his skull, and killed him instantly.

With their leader dead, the Beastmen turned to panicked flight, and the exultant villagers chanted Valten's name. Though Lachenbad had been all but razed, it was saved from total destruction by the amazing prowess and courage of a single boy. The stories of Valten's deed spread like wildfire arond the surrounding villages and towns, and before long, all manner of parties were showing an interest in the boy who had become a hero.