Covenant (Halo): Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Fictional alliance from the game Halo}}

{{This|'''the Covenant''', an antagonistic alien society in the Halo game series|Covenant}}

{{DISPLAYTITLE: Covenant (''Halo'')}}

The '''Covenant''' is a fictional [[militaristic]] and [[Theocracy|theocratic]] alliance of [[Extraterrestrial life|alien]] races who serve as the main antagonist body of the ''[[Halo (video game series)|Halo]]'' science-fiction video game series. They are composed of a variety of diverse species united under the religious worship of the [[Forerunners (Halo)|Forerunners]]. Seen as technically superior to Humans, they are fighting a [[war of attrition]] with the human [[United Nations Space Command]] for unknown reasons; the Covenant treat all of humanity as [[wikt:infidel|infidels]] worthy only of destruction.

{{Sources exist|date=January 2022}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2021}}

{{Infobox fictional race

| name = Covenant

| series = [[Halo (franchise)|''Halo'']]

| image = Covenant Group.jpg

| alt =

| caption = Clockwise from left: a Covenant Mgalekgolo, Jiralhanae, Kig-Yar, and Unggoy as they appear in ''[[Halo 3]]'' (2007).

| first = [[Halo: Combat Evolved]]

| last =

| creator = [[Bungie]]

| genre = [[First-person shooter]]

| other_names = {{ubl|Elites (Sangheili)|Grunts (Unggoy)|Jackals (Kig-Yar)|Hunters (Mgalekgolo)|Prophets (San’Shyuum)|Brutes (Jiralhanae)}}

| sub_races = {{ubl|'''Sangheili'''|'''Unggoy'''|'''Kig-Yar'''|'''Mgalekgolo'''|'''San’Shyuum'''|'''Jiralhanae'''}}

}}

The '''Covenant''' is a fictional military alliance of various [[extraterrestrials in fiction|alien]] species and serves as one of the primary antagonists in the ''[[Halo (series)|Halo]]'' science fiction series. The Covenant are composed of a variety of diverse species, united under the religious worship of the enigmatic [[Forerunner (Halo)|Forerunners]] and their belief that Forerunner ringworlds known as [[Halo (megastructure)|Halos]] will provide a path to salvation. After the Covenant leadership – the [[Characters of Halo#High Prophets|High Prophets]] – declare humanity an affront to their gods, the Covenant prosecute a lengthy genocidal campaign against the technologically inferior race.

The Covenant were first introduced in the 2001 video game ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' as enemies hunting the protagonistplayer character, a human supersoldier known as the [[Master Chief (Halo)|Master Chief]]. Not andrealizing the [[AI]] [[Cortana]]Halos were escapingmeant fromas the UNSC ship ''Pillarweapons of Autumn''destruction inrather orbitthan over [[Halo (megastructure)|Halo]];salvation, the Covenant hadattempt disabledto the ship and were boarding it via landing craft. On Halo,activate the playerrings encounterson the Covenant inthree forceseparate alloccasions overthroughout the ringseries, andinadvertently theyreleasing area thevirulent primaryparasite enemiesknown until the Covenant releaseas the [[Flood (Halo)|Flood]] fromin [[stasis]]. The player later encounters new Covenant races and plays as a Covenant character, [[Arbiter (Halo)|the Arbiter]], during the events of ''[[Halo 2]]''process.

To develop a distinctive look for the various races of the Covenant, Bungie artists drew inspiration from reptilian, ursine, and avian characteristics. A Covenant design scheme of purples and reflective surfaces was made to separate the aliens from human architecture.<!-- reception -->

==Society==

In ''Halo'' fiction, the Covenant is governed by the [[Hierarchs (Halo)|Prophet Hierarchs]], who in turn are advised by the "High Council". This council consists of high-ranking [[Covenant (Halo)#Elites|Elites]] and lower-ranking [[Covenant (Halo)#Prophets|Prophets]]. In addition to the High Council, several advisory councils and one official [[ministry (government department)|ministry]] have been identified: ''The Council of Concordance'' advises on maintaining law and order, while ''The Council of Doctrine and Deed'' advises on military tactical and strategic matters. ''The Council of Masters'' is the parent council of Doctrine and Deed in times of war, and ''The Ministry of Tranquility'' organizes [[privateer]] and [[mercenary]] organizations as well as archiving and libraries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://halosm.bungie.org/story/staten083106.html|title= Joe State explains the Ministry of Tranquility|work=halo.bungie.org|accessdate=Jan 10|accessyear=2007}}</ref>

==Overview==

The species are seen united in worshipping the [[Forerunner (Halo)|Forerunners]], an ancient and supposedly extinct [[Extraterrestrial life|alien]] race who have left behind several artifacts and technologies used by the Covenant. According to ''[[Halo: The Flood]]'', the Prophet species actually evolved on a planet once home to a Forerunner colony. The Covenant have a tendency to conquer, coerce, or hire alien races and force them into the alliance, adding to their ranks. This use of "conditioned ranks" is an idea taken from [[Marathon (computer game)|Marathon]]. However the Covenant leadership does not go unquestioned; Elites have raised questions among one another (as seen in the "Conversations from the Universe" booklet that accompanied the Limited Edition release of Halo 2) as to why the Prophets do not offer humanity absolution and the opportunity to join the Covenant. The Covenant's capital city is [[High Charity]], a colossal mobile space station which was overrun and largely infected by [[The Flood (Halo)|The Flood]] at the end of ''[[Halo 2]]''.

In the primary [[26th century]] setting of ''Halo'', humanity and the Covenant meet for the first time in the year 2525. Searching for relics left behind by their gods, the [[Forerunners (Halo)|Forerunners]], the Covenant stumble across humans at the colony world of Harvest. The Covenant leadership discovers that the Forerunners designated humanity "reclaimers" of their legacy, and that the Covenant religion is built on falsehoods; to prevent the truth from being uncovered, they instigate a genocidal war against humanity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Lowry, Brendan|date=September 21, 2017|url=https://www.windowscentral.com/halo-timeline-beginning-human-covenant-war-and-downfall-harvest|title=Halo timeline: Beginning of the Human-Covenant War and the downfall of Harvest|website=Windows Central|access-date=October 12, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720184058/https://www.windowscentral.com/halo-timeline-beginning-human-covenant-war-and-downfall-harvest |archive-date=July 20, 2018 }}</ref>

The Covenant's superior technology gives them a distinct advantage in the war. In 2552, the Covenant discover and destroy Reach, one of humanity's greatest military strongholds. A human ship fleeing the battle discovers a Forerunner ringworld, Alpha Halo. The Covenant believe the activation of these rings are key to bringing about salvation, but the ring is destroyed by the human supersoldier [[Master Chief (Halo)|Master Chief]]. Soon after, the Covenant falls into civil war as the truth of the Halo rings' purpose is revealed: they are actually weapons of mass destruction built to stop the spread of the parasitic [[Flood (Halo)|Flood]]. The disgraced Covenant commander known as the [[Arbiter (Halo)|Arbiter]] allies with the Master Chief to stop the Covenant and Flood, ending the Human-Covenant War. In the post-war era, various factions replace the power vacuum left by the Covenant; these include the Banished, who feature as primary antagonists in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Lennox, Jesse|date=October 6, 2021|url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/halo-story/|title=The story of Halo so far: What you need to know before playing Halo Infinite|website=[[Digital Trends]]|access-date=October 12, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007025709/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/halo-story/ |archive-date=October 7, 2021 }}</ref>

===Great Journey===

{{see also|Halo (megastructure)}}

Seen as central to the Covenant's beliefs, the "Great Journey" is the spiritual equivalent of a [[pilgrimage]] and the ultimate goal of the Covenant. The Covenant's execution of the Great Journey in-game consists of the activation of at least one Halo installation.<ref>'''Regret''': I shall light this sacred ring, release its cleansing flame, and burn a path into the divine beyond!</ref> Their belief is that a completion of the Great Journey would be akin to following in the footsteps of their [[wikt:forebear|forebears]], the [[Forerunner (Halo)|Forerunners]].

==Game development==

Such radical devotion is a large portion of [[Irony#Tragic irony (dramatic irony)|tragic or dramatic irony]] in the story's plot. As the plot develops, the player and in-game characters are informed by the AI [[Cortana]] that the rings are not the spiritual, [[wikt:transcendent|transcendent]] vessels the Covenant seek.<ref>'''Cortana''': You have no idea how this ring works, do you? Why the forerunners built it? Halo doesn't kill flood, it kills their food. Humans, covenant, whatever. We're all equally edible. The only way to stop the flood is to starve them to death. And that's exactly what Halo is designed to do; wipe the galaxy clean of all sentient life.</ref> The ring network acts as a drastic form of pest control on a galactic scale should the Flood be released from containment. Additionally, the Covenant's belief that the Forerunners [[wikt:ascend|ascended]] is also revealed as false. The Forerunners were forced to activate the ring network to eradicate the [[Flood (Halo)|Flood]].

Throughout much of the development of ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', very little concrete story details had been developed for the story campaign, and what trials the player character would face. Writer [[Joseph Staten]] and other Bungie staff came up with the idea of a coalition of alien races, subsequently deciding that the faction would be motivated by religion.<ref name="vice-untoldhistoryhalo">{{cite web|author=Haske, Steven|date=May 30, 2017|url=https://waypoint.vice.com/en_us/article/xwqjg3/the-complete-untold-history-of-halo-an-oral-history|title=The Complete, Untold History of Halo|work=[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]]|publisher=Vice Media|url-status=live|access-date=March 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315011247/https://waypoint.vice.com/en_us/article/xwqjg3/the-complete-untold-history-of-halo-an-oral-history|archive-date=March 15, 2018}}</ref> During the course of development of ''Halo'', the designers decided upon three "schools" of architecture, for each of the factions represented – humans, Covenant, and Forerunners. For the Covenant, the team decided on "sleek and shiny", with reflective surfaces, organic shapes, and use of purples. According to art director Marcus Lehto, the principle designs for the faction came from environmental artist Paul Russell,<ref name="trautmann_2004"/>{{rp|86}} while concept artist Shi Kai Wang was instrumental in developing the look of the various races within the Covenant. Armor color was used to denote ranks of enemies.<ref name="vice-untoldhistoryhalo"/>

Like the character designs, Covenant technology, architecture, and design continually changed throughout development, occasionally for practical reasons as well as aesthetics.<ref name="trautmann_2004"/>{{rp|98}} According to Eric Arroyo, the Covenant cruiser ''Truth and Reconciliation'', which plays a major role in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', was to be boarded by the player by a long ramp. However due to technical considerations of having a fully textured ship so close to the player, the designers came up with a "gravity lift", which allowed the ship to be farther away (thus not requiring as much processing power for detail) as well as adding a "visually interesting" component of Covenant technology.<ref name="trautmann_2004"/>{{rp|100}}

However, the remainder of the Covenant is not privy to this discovery. Upon presentation of the evidence by several protagonists, the Covenant chose to deny the truth offered by those who have discovered the network's secrets.<ref>'''Arbiter''': Tartarus. The Prophets have betrayed us. / '''Tartarus''': No, Arbiter! The Great Journey has begun! And the Brutes, not the Elites, shall be the Prophets' escort!</ref> Whether or not the Prophets are aware that the network eliminates all traces of sentient life is not revealed as of ''Halo 2'' and the most recent novelization. Regardless, the core of the Covenant's religious [[doctrine]] is branched from finding and activating the rings.

The art team also spent a large amount of time on Covenant weaponry, in order to make them suitably alien yet still recognizable to players.<ref name="trautmann_2004"/>{{rp|125}} At the same time, the designers wanted all aspects of Covenant technology, especially the vehicles, to act plausibly.<ref name="trautmann_2004"/>{{rp|143}} In contrast to human weapons firing projectiles, many of the Covenant's weaponry are depicted as firing [[Directed-energy weapon|plasma]]. A few of the Covenant's weapons are not plasma-based, including the Needler, which fires razor-sharp pink needles capable of homing at organic foes. A weapons expert noted parallels between the Needler and ancient Greek Amazons painting their daggers pink as a psychological weapon.<ref name="egm-needler">{{cite magazine|author=Samoon, Evan|date=July 2008|title=Gun Show: A real military expert takes aim at videogame weaponry to reveal the good, the bad, and the just plain silly|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|volume=1|issue=230|pages=49}}</ref> Bungie designed the majority of Covenant technology to mirror the aesthetic of the Elites; the exteriors are sleek and graceful, with a more angular and complex core underneath hinting at the Forerunner origins of the technology.<ref name="boroumand_2008"/>{{rp|60}}

The [[wikt:dissemination|dissemination]] of this knowledge forms a large part of the discontent present in the Covenant's most recent civil war. The [[Arbiter (Halo)|Arbiter]], specifically, aids the human forces in preventing [[Tartarus (Halo)|Tartarus]] from activating [[Halo (megastructure)#Installation 05|Installation 05]] and initiating a systematic initiation of the ring network.

==History=Species===

Covenant society is depicted as a [[caste]] system composed of different species. Bungie's artists looked at live animals and films for inspiration; as a result, the species within the Covenant bear [[simian]], [[Reptile|reptilian]], [[Bird|avian]], and [[Bear|ursine]] characteristics.<ref name="trautmann_2004"/>{{rp|51}} Concept artist Shi Kai Wang focused on making each enemy seem appropriate to its role in gameplay.<ref name="robinson_2011"/>{{rp|47}} The species within the Covenant include:

The current events in ''Halo 2'' occur during the "Ninth Age of Reclamation." The Covenant's organization of time and dates is not elaborated in detail in the game or during any of the novelizations. Joe Staten, in an interview on [[Halo.Bungie.Org|halo.bungie.org]], stated explicitly that the Covenant's date system is split into seven [[wikt:epoch|epochs]], detailed as follows:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://halosm.bungie.org/story/staten102204.html|title=Interview with Joe Staten|work=halo.bungie.org|accessdate=February 20|accessyear=2007}}</ref>

* Age(s) of ''Abandonment''

* Age(s) of ''Conflict''

* Age(s) of ''Discovery''

* Age(s) of ''Reconciliation''

* Age(s) of ''Conversion''

* Age(s) of ''Doubt''

* Age(s) of ''Reclamation''

*'''Sangheili''' (called Elites in Human language) who stand nearly 8'6{{'}}{{'}} (2.6 m) and feature recharging personal shields. The Sangheili initially had simple mouths, which developed into pairs of split mandibles substituting for the lower jaws. Bungie concept artist Shi Kai Wang noted that project lead [[Jason Jones (programmer)|Jason Jones]] had been insistent on giving the Sangheili a tail.<ref name="trautmann_2004"/>{{rp|37}} While Wang thought it made the aliens look too animalistic, the idea was dropped due to practical considerations, including where the tail would go when the Sangheili were driving vehicles.<ref name="trautmann_2004"/>{{rp|38}} According to Paul Russel, when Bungie was bought by Microsoft and ''Halo'' was turned into an Xbox launch title, Microsoft took issue with the design of the Sangheili, as they felt that the Sangheili had a resemblance to cats that might alienate [[Japan]]ese consumers.<ref name="podcast-russell">{{cite video |people=Jarrard, Brian; Smith, Luke, &c |date=August 21, 2008 |title=Bungie Podcast: With Paul Russell and Jerome Simpson |url=http://download.microsoft.com/download/4/d/c/4dcc4b82-fee5-4570-b28f-b573a1ad1631/Bungie_Podcast_082108.mp3 |format=MP3 |medium=Podcast |publisher=[[Bungie]] |___location=Kirkland, Washington |access-date=August 27, 2008 |time= |quote= |archive-date=February 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203173816/http://download.microsoft.com/download/4/d/c/4dcc4b82-fee5-4570-b28f-b573a1ad1631/Bungie_Podcast_082108.mp3 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The Ninth Age of Reclamation occurred between 2525 and 2552 of the [[Gregorian Calendar]]. It was during its first year (2525) that the Covenant first stumbled upon the human colony of ''Harvest.'' They went on to efficiently devastate the remaining human colonies, starting the Covenant-Human War.<ref name=timeline />

*'''Unggoy''' (Nicknamed Grunts by humans), are short, methane-breathing bipeds commonly depicted as basic foot soldiers. Squat and cowardly fighters, Unggoy panic and run if players kill their leaders.<ref name="ign-halo-review1">{{cite web|author=Boulding, Aaron|date=November 9, 2001|url=http://xbox.ign.com/articles/165/165922p1.html|title=Halo: Combat Evolved Review|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=February 19, 2009|archive-date=August 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120821193904/http://xbox.ign.com/articles/165/165922p1.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

*'''Kig-Yar''' (Nicknamed Jackals by humans) carry energy shields or long-ranged weaponry. In some cases, such as with the Kig-Yar, the overall design was honed once the enemy's role was clearly defined.<ref name="trautmann_2004"/>{{rp|28}}

*'''Mgalekgolo''' (Nicknamed Hunters by humans) are collectives species of pseudo [[annelid]] creatures called Lekgolo worms that physically shape their colonies in both powerful and practical ways. encased in tough armor.<ref name="bungie_2004"/>{{rp|4–5}} Initial concepts were less humanoid-looking and softer than the final shape, with angular shields and razor-sharp spines.<ref name="trautmann_2004"/>{{rp|33}}

*'''San’Shyuum''' (Nicknamed Prophets by humans) serve as the supreme rulers and administrators of the Covenant, and were primarily designed by Shi Kai Wang and Eric Arroyo. Originally, the San’Shyuum were built in a more unified way, with the gravity thrones they used for flotation and movement fused with the Prophet's organic structures. The characters were also designed to be feeble, yet sinister. The three Prophet Hierarchs were each individually designed.<ref name="trautmann_2004"/>{{rp|55–56}}

*'''Jiralhanae''' (Nicknamed Brutes by humans) are even more physically imposing than the Sangheili, with their society organized around tribal chieftains. Inspired by the animators watching biker films, the Jiralhanae incorporated simian and ursine elements while retaining an alien look. Wang's final concept for the creatures in ''Halo 2'', replete with bandoliers and human skulls, was simplified for the game.<ref name="trautmann_2004"/>{{rp|37–38}} Jiralhanae were meant to typify the abusive alien menace of the Covenant and in the words of design lead Jaime Griesemer, to serve as "barbarians in Rome".<ref name="et tu brute"/>

Other members of the Covenant include insectoid Yanme'e (Drones); the animators found the creatures challenging, as they had to be animated to walk, run, crawl, or fly on multiple surfaces. Old concept art from ''Combat Evolved'' was repurposed in influencing the Yanme'e final shape, which took cues from cockroaches, grasshoppers, and wasps.<ref name="trautmann_2004"/>{{rp|55}} Cut from ''Combat Evolved'' were floating support workers known as the Huragok (Engineers),<ref name="trautmann_2004"/> actually constructed machines that closely resemble, but aren't, organic creatures. They were crafted by the Forerunners as natural mechanical engineers.<ref name="halowaypoint_huragok">{{cite web|url=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/huragok-engineers|title=Huragok : Species|website=Halo Waypoint|access-date=October 21, 2021|archive-date=March 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329000851/https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/huragok-engineers|url-status=dead}}</ref> Huragok later made appearances in ''[[Halo Wars]]'', ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', ''[[Halo Reach]]'' and ''[[Halo Wars 2]]'' as well as various novels.

===Human-Covenant War===

[[Image:Covenant over reach.png|right|thumb|240px|A Covenant Fleet glassing Reach.]]

{{see also|Halo: Fall of Reach}}

The outbreak of outright war between the humans and Covenant developed in [[26th century|2525]], twenty-seven years before the events of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]].'' The [[UNSC]] was totally surprised by the [[first contact (science fiction)|first contact]] with the alien alliance. The Covenant declared a [[Crusade|religious crusade]] against the humans, and began to eradicate human colonies.

With subsequent games, the Covenant and their look were changed or refined to account for increased graphic hardware or gameplay needs. In ''Halo 3'', the Jiralhanae became the primary enemy, and they were heavily redesigned. Concept artists took inspiration from rhinoceroses and gorillas, and armored them with buckles and clothing to represent a different aesthetic look compared to the Covenant. Weaponry was designed to reflect the Jiralhanae’s "souls" distilled to its purest form – conveyed by dangerous shapes, harsh colors, and objects that looked "dangerous to be around".<ref name="boroumand_2008"/>{{rp|47}} The more seasoned the Brute, the more ornate clothing and helmets; the armor was designed to convey a culture and tradition to the species, and emphasize their mass and power. Designs for ''Halo 3'' took cues from ancient Greek Spartans.<ref name="boroumand_2008"/>{{rp|22–25}} Character animators recorded intended actions for the new Jiralhanae in a padded room at Bungie. A new addition to the Jiralhanae artificial intelligence was a pack mentality; leader Brutes direct large-scale actions simultaneously, such as throwing grenades towards a player.<ref name="et tu brute">{{cite video |date=December 2006 |title=ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute? |url=http://www.bungie.net/News/Media.aspx?mid=13858&age_verify=1 |format= |medium= |publisher=[[Bungie]] |___location= |access-date=February 15, 2009 }}{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Because of the Covenant's [[heretic]]al perspective of humanity, the Covenant engages in a practice known as "[[vitrification|glassing]]" using their [[plasma-based weaponry|plasma weaponry]]. This tactic, as the name implies, burns the surface of the planet at very high temperatures in order to eradicate anything and everything. Between the Covenant's extreme [[orbital bombardment]] campaigns and the sheer technological and numeric superiority, it was difficult for the UNSC to find a victory.<ref name=timeline>{{cite web|url=http://halosm.bungie.org/story/halostory.timeline.html|title=Halo Story Timeline|work=halo.bungie.org|accessdate=February 23|accessyear=2007}}</ref>

''[[Halo: Reach]]'' served as a prequel to ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', and creative director Marcus Lehto pushed for the team to revamp the Covenant. The aliens' translated English was replaced with untranslated, guttural alien sounds, and their look and weaponry was redesigned. The goal was to make the Covenant intimidating and more alien to players.<ref name="sofge_2010">{{cite journal|last=Sofge|first=Erik|date=October 2010|title=The Halo Effect|journal=[[Popular Mechanics]]|volume=187|issue=10|issn=|page=88}}</ref>

Though the UNSC forces fought bravely, their inferior technology and numbers meant that any victory, small or large, was hardly guaranteed. Given the Covenant's propensity for deciding upon vitrifying a planet (as opposed to landing ground forces to retake the planet), any advantage humanity possesses in ground-combat is severely compromised. Once a planet's orbital defense weapons are destroyed or taken off-line, the planet's surface is completely vulnerable to total and complete destruction.

==Analysis==

Using their superior weaponry, the Covenant was able to defeat the human colony worlds one by one until they finally reached the last major colony, [[Halo: The Fall of Reach|Reach]], twenty-seven years later. Though the colony was defended by [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|MAC guns]], the Covenant were able to destroy the station's planetside [[generators]], rendering the defense grid useless; they then proceeded to glass the planet.<ref name=for>see ''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''</ref> It is after this showdown that the player is introduced into the story as [[Master Chief Petty Officer|MCPO]] [[Master Chief (Halo)|Spartan 117]] on the UNSC [[Pillar of Autumn]], which is fleeing Reach; this is the beginning of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.

The Covenant serve as one of a number of religious allusions in ''Halo''. Their name refers to sacred agreements between the people of Israel and their God in Jewish and Christian tradition, and could be used to indicate the attitude of superiority complex the aliens have to the inferior and sacrilegious humans. The Covenant's ships bear names referring to elements of Judeo-Christian religion.<ref name="Paulissen_2018">{{cite journal|year=2018|author=Paulissen, P.C.J.M.|title=The Dark of the Covenant: Christian Imagery, Fundamentalism, and the Relationship between Science and Religion in the Halo Video Game Series|journal=Religions|volume=9|issue=4|page=126|doi=10.3390/rel9040126|doi-access=free|s2cid=62790164 |url=http://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/3648/d6193da5f7db8278ae8003d73fecb88dc769.pdf}}</ref> A review of religions and religious material in video games noted that the Covenant's invented religion had many similarities to those in similar games, and would likely be called a [[cult]] in the real world.<ref name="bainbridge_2007">{{cite journal|author=Bainbridge, William; Wilma Alice Bainbridge|date=September 2007|title=Electronic Game Research Methodologies: Studying Religious Implications|journal=Review of Religious Research|volume=49|issue=1|issn=|page=41}}</ref> The thematic parallels of religious zealots fighting an American military metaphor was not lost on Microsoft's content review team, who forced a name change of the holy warrior "[[Dervish]]" to Arbiter before the release of ''[[Halo 2]]''.<ref name="vice-untoldhistoryhalo"/><ref name="Paulissen_2018"/> Theologian P.C.J.M. Paulissen notes that while on the surface the ''Halo'' games present a conflict between rational humans and religious alien fanaticism, the comparison is complicated by the technical superiority of the Covenant (they wield energy weapons compared to primitive human ballistics) and the games seem to reject the idea science and religion are rigidly disconnected.<ref name="Paulissen_2018"/>

==Cultural impact==

===Discovery of Installation 04===

===Merchandise===

{{see also|Halo Combat Evolved|Halo: The Flood}}

Microsoft has commissioned multiple sets of action figures and merchandise featuring Covenant characters for each video game. The ''Halo 3'' action figure sets have been made by [[McFarlane Toys]], and include Brutes and Jackals.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Staff|date=April 2008|title=McFarlane 'Halo' Figures|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|volume=1|issue=180|pages=34}}</ref> The Covenant's weaponry has also been adapted into large-scale replicas.<ref>{{cite web|last=Luna|first=Kevin|date=October 1, 2021|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/consumer-reviews/sns-bestreviews-games-best-gifts-halo-fans-20211001-ed3axofqizdunnlceo62qxp2lq-story.html|title=The best gifts for Halo fans|website=[[Chicago Tribune]]|access-date=October 19, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002163428/https://www.chicagotribune.com/consumer-reviews/sns-bestreviews-games-best-gifts-halo-fans-20211001-ed3axofqizdunnlceo62qxp2lq-story.html |archive-date=October 2, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Pearce|first=Alanah|date=April 15, 2016|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/04/14/11-coolest-halo-toys-ever-made|title=11 of the Coolest Halo Toys Ever Made|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=October 19, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417191515/http://www.ign.com:80/articles/2016/04/14/11-coolest-halo-toys-ever-made |archive-date=April 17, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Makuch|first=Eddie|date=September 21, 2015|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-5-gets-its-own-mega-bloks-toys/1100-6430709/|title=Halo 5 Gets Its Own Mega Bloks Toys|website=[[GameSpot]]|access-date=October 18, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919231227/http://www.gamespot.com:80/articles/halo-5-gets-its-own-mega-bloks-toys/1100-6430709/ |archive-date=September 19, 2015 }}</ref><!-- http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/6028/Halo-2-Action-Figures-New-Pictures -->

The Covenant armada around Reach pursued the ''Pillar of Autumn'', tracking the ship through slipspace.<ref>'''Cortana''': ...As for tracking us all the way from Reach, at light speed my maneuvering options were limited.</ref> Upon exiting slipspace, both the humans and Covenant encountered the [[Forerunner (Halo)|Forerunner]] structure [[Halo (megastructure)#Installation 04|Halo]] around the [[gas giant]] Threshold. Due to a [[Covenant (Halo)#Prophets|Prophet]] aboard the lead Covenant cruiser not wanting to damage the "sacred ring", human survivors from the ''[[Pillar of Autumn]]'' were able to land on the surface and coordinate a [[guerilla]] [[Resistance movement|resistance]].<ref name=theflood>See ''[[Halo: The Flood]]''</ref>

===Reception===

The Covenant similarly deployed ground troops to engage the Humans, while trying to find Halo's Control Room to activate the station.<ref>'''Cortana''': One moment Sir. Accessing Covenant battlenet. (Pause) According to the data in their networks, the ring has some kind of deep religious significance. If I'm analyzing this correctly. ..they believe that Halo is some kind of weapon. One with vast, unimaginable power. [...] they must be looking for Halo's control room.</ref> However the human forces learned of the Covenant's intentions, with the Master Chief reaching the Control Room before the Covenant. At the same time, by accident or by design<ref>{{cite book | year=2004 | editor=Bungie | title=''Halo 2'' Instruction Manual: Secret Transmission | pages=2 | publisher=Microsoft Game Studios|language=English}}</ref> the Covenant released [[The Flood (Halo)|The Flood]], which rapidly infected human and Covenant hosts. The Covenant were forced to divert their attention to stemming the spread of the Flood, leading a [[special operations]] team to a damaged cruiser in order to prevent it from falling into the Flood's control. In the ensuing chaos, the Master Chief detonated ''The Pillar of Autumn''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[fusion reactor]]s and destroyed Halo, a major setback for the Covenant; in addition to the sacred relic being destroyed, the Covenant suffered grievous casualties. A few Covenant escaped, and the fleet command "responsible" for the act of [[heresy]] was stripped of his rank, later becoming [[Arbiter (Halo)|the Arbiter]].

The Covenant were positively received in ''Combat Evolved'', with their artificial intelligence praised and the different tactics needed to defeat each enemy type commended.<ref name="edge_review">{{cite magazine | magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] | title=Halo: Combat Evolved review | issue=105 | date=November 29, 2001 | url=http://www.edge-online.com/review/halo-review/ | publisher=[[Future plc|Future Publishing]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014154037/http://www.edge-online.com/review/halo-review/ | archive-date=October 14, 2014 | url-status=dead}}</ref>

The ability to experience the storyline of ''Halo 2'' from the Covenant perspective was described as a "brilliant stroke of game design". Allowing the player to assume the role of a Sangheili who was described as providing an unexpected plot twist, and allowing the player to experience a "newfound complexity to the story".<ref>{{cite web|author=Kasavin, Greg|date=November 7, 2004|url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/action/halo2/review.html?page=2|title=''Halo 2'' for Xbox Review|publisher=GameSpot|access-date=October 25, 2007}}</ref> In addition, some reviewers thought that this provided the series with a significant plot element – [[IGN]] referred to it as the "intriguing side story of Thel 'Vadam and his Sangheili" – and its elimination in ''[[Halo 3]]'' was pointed to as responsible for reducing the role of the Arbiter within the series plot.<ref name="IGN">{{cite web| author=Goldstein, Hillary| url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/821/821911p1.html| title=''Halo 3'' Review|website=[[IGN]]| date=September 23, 2007| access-date=October 25, 2007}}</ref> ''[[Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition]]'' listed Covenant as 16th in their list of top 50 Villains.<ref>{{cite web|last=Nichols|first=Scott|date=January 24, 2013|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/a453360/guinness-world-records-counts-down-top-50-video-game-villains/|title=Guinness World Records counts down top 50 video game villains|website=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=October 19, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819033537/https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/a453360/guinness-world-records-counts-down-top-50-video-game-villains/ |archive-date=August 19, 2019 }}</ref>

According to the novel ''[[Halo: First Strike]]'', shortly after the defeat at Halo, the Covenant had amassed a large fleet allegedly to assault Earth. It is explained in the ''[[I Love Bees]]'' [[alternate reality game]] that the Covenant discovery of Earth was accidental; A deviation of the Cole Protocol by the ''Apocalypso'' allowed a Covenant [[AI]], the ''Pious Flea'', to enter Earth's space and transmit its ___location.

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==References==

When the ship tumbled into real space and crashed on the moon, the ''Pious Flea'' sent a message to the Covenant military command. This message included detailed information about Earth, the system the planet was located, and the presence of Forerunner artifacts on the planet's surface.

{{reflist|30em|refs=

<ref name="vice-untoldhistoryhalo">{{cite web|author=Haske, Steven|date=May 30, 2017|url=https://waypoint.vice.com/en_us/article/xwqjg3/the-complete-untold-history-of-halo-an-oral-history|title=The Complete, Untold History of Halo|work=[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]]|publisher=Vice Media|url-status=live|access-date=March 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315011247/https://waypoint.vice.com/en_us/article/xwqjg3/the-complete-untold-history-of-halo-an-oral-history|archive-date=March 15, 2018}}</ref>

*<ref name="robinson_2011">{{cite book|editor=Robinson, Martin|year=2011|title=The Great Journey—Halo: The Art of Building Worlds|publisher=Titan Books|isbn=978-08576-8562-9}}</ref>

===Covenant Attack on Earth===

*<ref name="boroumand_2008">{{cite book|editor=Boroumand, Shaida|year=2008|title=The Art of Halo 3|publisher=Random House|isbn=978-07615-6072-2}}</ref>

{{see also|Halo 2}}

*<ref name="bungie_2004">{{cite book | year=2004 | author=[[Bungie]] | title=Halo 2 Instruction Manual | publisher=Microsoft Game Studios}}</ref>

Shortly after the destruction of a large Covenant armada by [[Characters in the Halo series#Danforth Whitcomb|Admiral Danforth Whitcomb]], the [[Hierarchs (Halo)#High Prophet of Regret|High Prophet Regret]] leads a small fleet of fifteen ships<ref>'''Cortana''': Fifteen Covenant capital ships, holding position just outside the killzone.</ref> to Earth to locate a Forerunner artifact known as the "Ark." Though outgunned by the UNSC's new orbital defense grid of [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|MAC]] guns, the Prophet of Regret's flagship manages to break through the human defenses to New [[Mombasa]]. The Covenant ground troops quickly spread through the city, destroying both military and civilian resistance, but a counterattack drove them back. Regret's cruiser jumps into Slipspace from within the city, destroying most of Mombasa.

*<ref name="trautmann_2004">{{cite book |last= Trautmann|first=Eric|title=The Art of Halo|year= 2004|publisher= Del Ray Books|___location=New York |isbn=0-345-47586-0}}</ref>

}}

A single Human ship, the ''[[In Amber Clad]]'', followed Regret through his own Slipspace rupture to [[Halo (megastructure)#Installation 05|Delta Halo]]. With the orders "Find out why [Regret] came to Earth; why he came here," the Master Chief was sent with a complement of [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s to Delta Halo's surface. Led by the Chief, the Humans forced their way through Regret's forces until they had reached the Prophet himself. At that moment, High Charity, having learned of [[Halo (megastructure)#Installation 05|Delta Halo]], arrived and launched multiple waves of Phantom dropships to aid Regret, but they were too late. The Chief assaulted and [[assassination|killed]] Regret, and the Covenant fleet recalled the Phantoms in favor of bombarding the area. The Master Chief narrowly escaped, aided by a [[Flood (Halo)|Flood]] entity called [[Gravemind]].

Originally, the Covenant had been unaware of the Index's importance until the [[Arbiter (Halo)|Arbiter]] recovered the [[343 Guilty Spark|Monitor]] of the first Halo while destroying a heretical sect. The Monitor, known to the Covenant as an Oracle, told the Prophets of the Index and the Arbiter was sent to retrieve it. The mission was complicated though by the unexpected release of the Flood. Despite this, the Arbiter successfully reached the Library and prevented the humans from claiming the Index. Just as Miranda Keyes claimed the index, the Arbiter stole it from her, kidnapping her and Sgt. Johnson. However, the Index was stolen from the Arbiter by the Brute Chieftain Tartarus, who under the Prophets' orders then attempted to kill the Arbiter. With the Index secure, the Prophets then ordered the [[Covenant (Halo)#Brutes|Brutes]] to begin eradicating the [[Covenant Elite|Elites]], thus starting the Covenant Civil War (see below).

Following the Flood infestation of High Charity at the end of ''Halo 2'', the [[Hierarchs (Halo)#High Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] led the remaining loyalist fleet to Earth to complete what the previous mission to Earth had not. Little did he know that Spartan 117, Master Chief, had stowed away with him. By the time Truth arrived at Earth, a full-scale war in space and on the ground was underway between UNSC and Covenant fleets, and in [[Halo 3]] it is indicated that the Covenant are in the process of conquering the planet and occupying the world.

===Covenant Civil War===

[[Image:Covenant-war.png|right|thumb|240px|[[Covenant (Halo)#Brutes|Brutes]] and [[Covenant (Halo)#Jackals|Jackals]] fight aboard [[High Charity]].]]

During the progression of the game series, the Covenant splintered in a [[civil war]] (termed ''the Great Schism'') after the [[Hierarchs (Halo)|High Prophets]] ordered the [[The Covenant (Halo)#Brutes|Brutes]] to replace the [[Covenant Elite|Elites]] in several positions, including that of the Prophets' [[bodyguards]]. This was a response to the [[assassination]] of the High Prophet of Regret at the hands of the Master Chief.

The remaining Hierarchs cited the Elites tenacity was not a substitute for the Brutes' sheer power. Because of this disparity, the Hierarchs decided the Elites were unable to guarantee their safety.<ref name=truth>'''Truth''': Re-commissioning the guard was a radical step, but recent events have made it abundantly clear that the Elites can no longer guarantee our safety.</ref> This sudden displacement further fragmented and damaged the Covenant's union and affected a large portion of the Elites' [[morale]].

The [[feud]]ing parties are clearly established based on race. Opposing forces are split into respective ''[[loyalist]]s'' and ''[[separatism|separatists]].'' Neither section explicitly gives themselves these labels.

The loyalist forces are those primarily backing the Prophets continuation of the search and following of the Great Journey; these include all seen Prophets (the Hierarchs), [[Covenant (Halo)#Brutes|Brutes]], [[Covenant (Halo)#Jackals|Jackals]], [[Covenant (Halo)#Drones|Drones]], and a handful of [[Covenant (Halo)#Grunts|Grunts]]. [[Covenant (Halo)#Elites|Elites]], as well as [[Covenant (Halo)#Hunters|Hunters]] and most Grunts, comprise the rebel contingent.

As of the ending to ''Halo 2'', the Separatists on Installation 05 engaged in an uneasy truce (if not outright alliance) of opportunity with the last UNSC forces left on the ring. Despite the peace on Installation 05, battles between the remainder of the UNSC and the entirety of the Covenant still continue on and around the human homeworld of [[Earth]] and the Forerunner world of [[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx|Onyx]].

Although the current civil war is the focus of the ''Halo'' series, it has been suggested several entities have wished to split from the Covenant. Highlighted in ''Halo 2'', a group led by [[List of Halo series characters#Heretic Leader Sesa ‘Refumee|Sesa 'Refumee]], an Elite, briefly controlled a Forerunner station on the [[gas giant]] planet of Threshold (the planet which [[Halo (megastructure)#Installation 04|Installation 04]] orbited). Whether this was about the revelation of what the "Great Journey" is or another reason, 'Refumee planned on turning all Elites to his cause.<ref>'''Heretic Leader''': The Elites are blind, Arbiter. But I... will make them see.</ref>

==Technology==

The Covenant are shown to be technologically imitative rather than innovative — They weaponize technologies discovered rather than technologies researched.<ref name=firststrike>See ''[[Halo: First Strike]]''</ref> The technology the player is exposed to in-game and while reading mostly centers around the military weapons and deployment (such as guns, ships, and vehicles), while little is known of any commercial- or domestic-use commodities.

It has been noted both in game and in the books that the Covenant, not having researched the technologies relied upon, are incapable of utilizing them to their full potential. Repeatedly, UNSC [[artificial intelligence]] units (specifically [[Cortana]]), have been able to boost the efficiency and output of many of the Covenant's weaponry (when it is rarely captured). Because the Covenant only incorporate technologies into their armies, as opposed to actually researching them, their knowledge of the fundamental functions of weapons is minimal.

===Infantry weaponry===

The Covenant's arsenal in the games is comprised primarily of [[plasma (physics)|plasma]]- and energy-based projectile weapons. In ''Halo: First Strike'' it is revealed that the weapons are based on Forerunner technology. ''Halo''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s plasma weapons contain a [[battery (electricity)|battery]] that generates plasma from the surrounding atmosphere and discharges it at a target.<ref>{{cite book | year=2004 | editor=Bungie | title=''Halo 2'' Instruction Manual: Covenant Weapons | pages=13 | publisher=Microsoft Game Studios|language=English}}</ref> Frank O'Connor of the [http://halo.bungie.org Halo Message Boards] claims there may be something more to the Covenant's weaponry. He has been quoted saying: "The actual technology is not plasma as we know it, but something far more dangerous, arcane, and destructive."<ref>{{cite web|author=O'Conner, Frank|url=http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=743326|title=Frankie discusses the possibilities of the Covenants weaponr|work=bungie.org|accessdate=February 22|accessyear=2007}}</ref>

===Vehicles===

{{main|Covenant Vehicles in Halo}}

The player encounters numerous Covenant ground and air material throughout ''Halo'' and ''Halo 2''. Several vehicles encountered in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' became usable in ''Halo 2''.

===Vessels===

[[Image:Truth reconciliation CCS Cruiser.jpg|right|240px|thumb|''Truth and Reconciliation'' above [[Halo (megastructure)|Installation 04]].]]

The Covenant's space-faring navy consists of several classes of ships loosely related to [[navy|wet navies]] of human origin. Specific ships mentioned in the game and novelizations are classed according to human standards. Important vessels which made appearances in various ''Halo'' media include:

* The ''Unyielding Hierophant'' was a space station used as a [[staging area]] for forward deployed forces throughout Covenant space. The station was destroyed by Master Chief.<ref>{{cite book |last= Nylund|first= Eric|title=[[Halo: First Strike]]|year= 2003|publisher= Ballantine Books|___location=New York |isbn=0-345-46781-7 |pages=336}}</ref>

* The ''Truth and Reconciliation'' was a fully-equipped [[cruiser]] capable of anti-ship and anti-ground attacks. It is boarded by the player twice during the campaign of ''Halo: Combat Evolved''; both times in rescue missions to save [[Captain Jacob Keyes]]. At some point during the story, the ship was attacked by the Flood and largely disabled.<ref>'''Cortana''': From what I've been able to piece together, their leadership ordered all ships to abandon Halo when they found the Flood, but they were too late. The Flood overwhelmed this cruiser and disabled it. The Covenant are terrified the Flood will repair the ship and use it to escape from Halo.</ref> The Covenant send in strike teams to prevent the Flood from leaving the ring by repairing the cruiser, and the last UNSC forces eventually liberate the cruiser. It is eventually [[scuttled]] to prevent a Flood infestation from departing Halo.<ref>{{cite book |last= Dietz|first= William|title=[[Halo: The Flood]]|year= 2003|publisher= Ballantine Books|___location=New York |isbn=0-345-45921-0 |pages=292}}</ref>

* The ''Ascendant Justice'' was a Covenant flagship that was captured by the Master Chief and plays a major role in the plot of the novel ''[[Halo: First Strike]]''.

* ''Sacred Promise'' was one of the cruisers in the attack fleet that followed the ''Pillar of Autumn'' to Installation 04. One of the letters in the [[Conversations from the Universe]] booklet is the [[black box]] transmissions from this ship. It details that the ''Autumn'' was able to destroy at least two cruisers before being disabled.

* ''[[High Charity]]'' is the Covenant Holy City and also serves as its capital. It was taken over by the Flood at the end of ''Halo 2''.

* The ''Infinite Succor'' was an agricultural support ship at the Battle of Installation 04. It was taken over by Flood, who managed to board it using a Covenant dropship, "Brilliant Gift". A Covenant strike force later neutralized the threat by sending the ship into a nearby sun.<ref>See the ''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]'' story, "[[Halo Graphic Novel#The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor|Last Voyages of the Infinite Succor]]".</ref>

==Species==

Covenant society is a [[caste]] system composed of many races, some of which were forcibly incorporated. The races are identified by their common [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] designation.<ref name=units>{{cite book | year=2004 | editor=Bungie | title=''Halo 2'' Instruction Manual: Breakdown of Known Covenant Units | pages=4-5 | publisher=Microsoft Game Studios|language=English}}</ref>

===Prophets===

[[Image:Prophet_halo.jpg|right|thumb|120px||A Prophet]]

{{main|Hierarchs (Halo)}}

'''Prophets''' are the highest ranking species forming the Covenant. They form the Covenant's political and spiritual leadership and have absolute control over day-to-day operations. The primary [[executor]]s of the Covenant's will is a [[theocracy|theocratic]] [[triumvirate]] of ''[[Hierarchs (Halo)|Hierarchs]]'', the Prophets of ''Truth, Mercy'' and ''Regret.''<ref name=units/> Together, they form the core of power for the Covenant government. There are also lower-ranked Prophets who are responsible for individual aspects of Covenant culture, society, and military operations. While not seen in-game, these lower Prophets are discussed in the series' novelizations.

Prophets can be seen in-game as physically frail yet mentally agile. While the Hierarchs are confined to [[levitation|levitating]] thrones, they are more than capable of defending themselves. Guarding them, depending on the player's progression through the series, are handfuls of Elites and Brutes. Should their guards fail, they also possess a high-powered energy weapon mounted on the underside of their thrones.<ref name=units />

As the plot of ''Halo 2'' progresses, two of the three Hierarchs are killed. The Prophet of Regret is incapacitated by the Master Chief and is later captured by [[Gravemind]]. Additionally, the Prophet of Mercy is attacked by a Flood parasite. He is killed when the Master Chief removes the parasite from him. This leaves the Prophet of Truth in sole control of the Covenant.

=== Elites ===

[[Image:Sm_OXM-SpecOpsEliteRender-0.jpg|right|thumb|120px|Elites]]

{{main|Covenant Elite}}

The Elites, called ''Sangheili'', their name for themselves as a species, are the core of the Covenant military. They were the guardians of the prophets,<ref>'''Arbiter''': (to Prophets) We have always been your protectors.</ref> and the frontline troops for most of Covenant history.<ref>'''Spec Ops. Leader''': We are the arm of the prophets, Arbiter. And you are the blade.</ref> They stand 8'6" and taller, and are excellent soldiers, brilliant tacticians, and disciplined, aggressive fighters.<ref name=halomanual>{{cite book | year=2001 | editor=Bungie | title=''Halo: Combat Evolved'' Instruction Manual | pages=3-20 | publisher=Microsoft Game Studios|language=English}}</ref> Faster, stronger, and tougher than any Human (with the exception of the MJOLNIR-equipped Spartan II's) they fight in relatively small numbers but often lead squads of Grunts. They were the first to join the Covenant when the Prophets discovered evidence of the Forerunners' "Great Journey," and called for a truce. Armor color seems to indicate rank, and it is believed Elites are promoted based on the numbers of casualties they inflict.<ref name=halomanual />

The Elite's standout feature is a four-part lower jaw. Early in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s game development, and in the [[E3]] [[2000]] promotional video, the Elites had more simple jaws and carried shields instead of the personal shields they came to use.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?story=prexboxhistory040904 |title=One Million Years B.X. |author=Bungie|date=2006-02-10 |work=bungie.net|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20060210224125/http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?story=prexboxhistory040904 |archivedate=2006-02-10 }}</ref>

===Brutes===

[[Image:Sm_oxm-BruteRender-040204.jpg|right|thumb|120px|A Close-up of a brute]] <!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:Brutehalo.jpg|right|frame|Brute full-body shot]] -->

Brutes, called ''Jiralhanae'' by the Covenant,<ref name=converse>''[[Halo 2]] Collector's Edition'': "[[Conversations from the Universe]]" booklet.</ref> have a hairy [[gorilla]]-like appearance and possess immense strength. Brutes often travel in packs which can cause a prolonged engagement. Standing 9' tall they are organized tribally and are led by their chieftain, [[Characters in the Halo series#Tartarus|Tartarus]]. Brutes are the newest addition to the Covenant and the most willing fighters. Brutes appear in a few different fur colors; white colored Brutes are usually in higher ranks, as evidenced by the Brute captains, the Honor Guard Brutes and their chieftain, Tartarus.

They have a long-standing rivalry with the [[Covenant Elite|Elites]] for unknown reasons,<ref>'''Grunt''': You have eyes, Mehmep, you've seen them bicker and fight. And you have ears, you've heard the disrespect the Jiralhanae show the Sangheili. They hate each other. [http://halo.not4angels.net/index.phtml?cont=resrc&item=conversations_from_the_universe Conversations from the Universe]</ref> which eventually bubbled up into the main thread of the hatred and killing that began the Covenant Civil War in ''Halo 2''. While Brutes do have superior strength and speed<ref name=units/>, as well as being unquestioningly loyal to the Prophets, Elites hold superior intelligence and discipline and possess superior leadership and management ability.<ref>{{cite book | year=2001 | editor=Bungie | title=''Halo: Combat Evolved'' Instruction Manual: The Elites | pages=11 | publisher=Microsoft Game Studios|language=English}}</ref>

After the assassination of the High Prophet of Regret, the Brutes replaced the Elites as the personal bodyguards of the Prophets and commanders of the Covenant military, which caused dissension in the Elite Ranks.<ref name=truth />

In ''Halo 2,'' Brutes utilize "Brute Shots" (grenade launchers with [[bayonet]]-like attachments). They also use plasma rifles which are colored red instead of blue and are specifically named "Brute Plasma Rifles." In a [[video documentary|vidoc]] released in [[2006]], the Brutes were seen with new weapons, including automatic weapons known as "Spikers" that shoot metal rods at high velocity, an unmounted plasma cannon, and a grenade similar to a nail bomb, known as a "Spike Grenade".<ref>See ''[[Halo 3#.22Et tu.2C Brute.3F.22 Video Documentary|Halo 3 "Y Tu, Brute?" Vidoc]]"</ref> Brutes also charge attacker(s) at a sprint, striking with the head and shoulders. This attack is extremely powerful and difficult to avoid due to its speed.

===Hunters===

[[Image:Sm_still_21.jpg|right|frame|]]

Hunters, called ''Lekgolo'' in the Covenant language, are incredibly dangerous foes, deployed more like equipment than soldiers.<ref name=hunter>{{cite book | year=2001 | editor=Bungie | title=''Halo: Combat Evolved'' Instruction Manual: The Hunters | pages=11 | publisher=Microsoft Game Studios|language=English}}</ref> They stand 12' tall or 8' while contracted. They are brought in for demolition or heavy defense, and always work in pairs, calling each other "bond brothers." Unlike the other Covenant species, which have [[endoskeleton]]s and central nervous systems, Hunters are actually made up of a conglomerate colony of [[sentience|sentient]] orange [[symbiosis|symbiotic]] eels, held together by their armor.<ref>{{cite book | year=2004 | editor=Bungie | title=''Halo 2'' Instruction Manual:Hunters | pages=4 | publisher=Microsoft Game Studios|language=English}}</ref> Hunters usually show nothing but opprobrium towards the lesser Covenant races (even purposefully killing them if they become an obstruction during battles) and rarely communicate with any other race (including the Prophets) apart from the [[Covenant Elite|Elites]]. They are believed to have their own religion; it has also been noted that some Hunters even recite poetry and meditate in their spare time.<ref name=ghosts>See ''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''</ref> Their massive size, near-impenetrable armor, large shields, and arm-mounted fuel-rod cannons make them essentially walking tanks in combat.<ref name=hunter />

===Jackals===

[[Image:Halo2_cov_jackal.png|right|thumb|120px|A Jackal in ''[[Halo 2]]''.]]

<!-- Unsourced image removed: [[Image:Jackal_halo.jpg|right|frame|A Jackal]] -->

'''Jackals''' (Covenant: ''Kig-Yar'') serve as the Covenant's scouts and snipers. They are higher in status, if not necessarily rank, than the Grunts.<ref name=jackal>{{cite book | year=2001 | editor=Bungie | title=''Halo: Combat Evolved'' Instruction Manual: The Jackals | pages=10 | publisher=Microsoft Game Studios|language=English}}</ref> They have superior senses compared to both humans and other Covenant races and are competent marksmen, equipped with either an arm-mounted [[deflector shield|energy shields]] and plasma pistol, or a high-powered particle beam rifle. Their shields are more than capable of deflecting human projectile weapons and Covenant needler rounds, but their strength fades considerably under sustained fire from plasma-based weaponry. The beam rifle is capable of cutting down all but the hardest of targets with very few well-placed rounds. In Halo: Combat Evolved they wore armor and helmets.

Given their small frames, they are typically found in defensible, dug-in positions, firing from cover or sniping from elevations. A Jackal utilizing a shield is nearly invulnerable, yet an accurate, consistent shooter can place rounds in the feet or arms.<ref name=jackal/> These shots might not kill the opponent directly, but the Jackal will recoil visibly and allow a second well-placed shot to finish the kill. The beam rifle allows Jackals to shoot from under cover or in shadows. Typically, they attack while the player is engaged with other targets, using their fellow Covenant as distraction in order to hit their target without taking fire.

Jackals are the only race of the covenant confirmed to be mercenaries, paying only occasional lip service to the Covenant religion.

===Grunts===

[[Image:Halo_grunt.png|right|thumb|120px|A Grunt wearing a methane-breather]] '''Grunts''' (Covenant: ''Unggoy'', in [[Tagalog language|Tagalog]]: ''Monkey'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tagalog-dictionary.com/cgi-bin/search.pl?s=unggoy|title="Unggoy" search|work=tagalog-dictionary.com|accessdate=February 21|accessyear=2007}}</ref> serve as the primary [[infantry]] of the Covenant's military forces, yet are the lowest creatures in the caste system. Roaming individually or in pairs they pose very little threat to the player, but ''en masse'' and in large hordes, their charged plasma pistols can overwhelm opponents.<ref name=grunts>{{cite book | year=2004 | editor=Bungie | title=''Halo 2'' Instruction Manual | pages=4 | publisher=Microsoft Game Studios|language=English}}</ref> Without leadership and facing forces of equal size, it is common for Grunts to panic and retreat in the face of danger. However, if an Elite is incorporated into their unit, they will rally together to stand and fight.<ref name=grunts/> They are seen in-game manning and operating various weapons and vehicles and, while playing as the Arbiter, a player can give Grunt teammates access to even more weapons.

They do not breathe the same atmosphere of both the players or the rest of the Covenant species. In order to survive in [[oxygen]]-based environments, they must wear a SCBA (Self-containing breathing apparatus) allowing them to breathe [[methane]] gases. Grunts stand at approximately five feet tall.<ref>{{cite book | year=2001 | editor=Bungie | title=''Halo:Combat Evolved'' Instruction Manual: The Covenant | pages=10 | publisher=Microsoft Game Studios|language=English}}</ref> Despite their small stature, they are more than capable of wielding the more powerful Covenant weapons systems, such as plasma turrets and man-portable fuel rod guns.

===Drones===

[[Image:H2_Drone.png|right|thumb|120px|Drone]]

Drones are an insectoid race which are called ''Yanme'e'' in the Covenant language. They talk in a chirpy, clicking noise but it is not certain if this is a hive communication or individual conversation. Their exoskeleton is pale green and thick in texture. Because of their mobility, they can sometimes be difficult to kill. They were not seen in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', but appeared to be new additions to the Covenant fighting force as of ''[[Halo 2]]''.<ref>{{cite book | year=2004 | editor=Bungie | title=''Halo 2'' Instruction Manual: Drones | pages=5 | publisher=Microsoft Game Studios|language=English}}</ref>

They are suited to flight and combat in areas like Earth's atmosphere which suggests their home world is much like our own. They prefer to stay at a distance and use long range tactics. However, they are skilled close-range combatants as well if the need arises, utilizing their climbing claws in close-quarters. Drones have been noted to land on vehicles and use their claws for vicious and surprisingly powerful attacks against the occupants.

===Engineers===

Engineers, called ''Huragok'' by the Covenant, are the scientific engineering backbone of the Covenant and its economy. The name ''Huragok'' was given to them by the [[Forerunner (Halo)|Forerunners]] themselves<ref name=ghosts>See ''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''</ref>, inferring the Engineers had direct contact with Forerunners. They float via air sacs and their many tentacles are able to split into many fine cilia, with which they are able to manipulate machinery. Their motivations are unknown, but they appear to draw no distinction between friend and foe, preferring to spend their time inspecting or repairing technology, although they will utter a high pitched keening sound when a Forerunner artifact is under any sort of threat. They are extremely apathetic to any sort of combat, and will just float along with their one desire: to fix things. In one encounter, an Engineer repaired the [[Master Chief (Halo)|Master Chief]]'s damaged shield generator and then floated away. This Engineer was later shot due to the risk of it giving the Master Chief's superior shield technology to the Covenant.<ref name=theflood />

Engineers do not appear in either Halo games (though their character models are coded into ''Halo: Combat Evolved'') and are mentioned only in ''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'', ''[[Halo: First Strike]]'' and ''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''.

===Sharquoi===

Mentioned in the Halo 2 Limited Edition "Conversations from the Universe" pamphlet; as of this point the exact nature of the Sharquoi is unknown. The only clue given is that it is apparently used on an enemy that is surrounded or hemmed in. Speculation abounds as to whether it is a weapon, special tactic, or unidentified Covenant rank or unit.

==See also==

* [[List of extraterrestrials in fiction]]

==References==

{{reflist|2}}

==External links==

* {{Halopedia|Covenant}}

* [http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?story=covenanthierarchy A Covenant Primer: The Best of the Bestiary]

*[http://library.psyjnir.net/?id=2 The Library: The Covenant]

*[http://halo.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page Halopedia] - Halo Knowledge center

* Halo Story Page & Staten, Joe (2005). [http://halosm.bungie.org/story/staten102204.html Joe Staten Interview.] Retrieved January 9th, 2005.

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