Jiralhanae
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
| Jiralhanae | |
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| Biological overview | |
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Latin name: |
Servus ferox |
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Classification: |
Pseudo-ursine mammal |
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Diet: |
Omnivorous[1] |
| Physical information | |
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Avg. height: |
259 centimeters (8 ft 6 in)—280 centimeters (9 ft 2 in)[2][3] |
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Avg. weight: |
1,125 pounds (510 kg)–1,500 pounds (680 kg)[3] |
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Distinctions: |
Simioid physiology; thick, shaggy fur; prominent fangs |
| Sociocultural information | |
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Homeworld: |
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Notable individuals: |
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Also known as: |
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- "They are beasts, in essence and action."
- — The Minister of Discovery remarking on the savage nature of the Jiralhanae.[5]
The Jiralhanae (Servus ferox in Latin taxonomy, translated to "wild slave"[6]), known by humans as Brutes, are a mostly carnivorous sapient species of pseudo-ursine mammals.[2][3] Originating from the planet Doisac, the Jiralhanae were the final addition to the Covenant hegemony. The Jiralhanae typically have a profound hatred of the Sangheili,[7][8] unmatched by any other feud within the Covenant.[9] This rivalry was fueled by the Jiralhanae's naturally aggressive and dominating demeanor clashing with the Sangheili's societal sense of superiority over them at the time of the Covenant.[10][11]
Immensely strong (surpassing the strength of both Sangheili and Spartan-IIs), Jiralhanae typically place a greater emphasis on brutality than wisdom; they are considered to be a savage species on the whole. Preferring this potential for blind obedience, the High Prophet of Truth began plans to replace the Sangheili with Jiralhanae, slowly placing the latter in higher positions and giving them greater allowances than Sangheili troops would receive.[12] Finally, on Truth's orders, the Jiralhanae began a purge of Sangheili High Councilors and commanders throughout Covenant space, sparking a cataclysmic civil war known as the Great Schism that led to the dissolution of the Covenant. This conflict against the Sangheili would continue well after the end of the Human-Covenant War and like the Sangheili, the Jiralhanae would fight internally as well.[13]
History[edit]
The Ark and reseeding[edit]
The Jiralhanae were one of the many species of predators that originated on Doisac, evolving from temperamental, tree-dwelling mammals due to Doisac's challenging and diversifying environment.[3] The Jiralhanae were one of many sentient species indexed by the Librarian for preservation aboard Installation 00. After the Halo Array was fired, the Jiralhanae were returned to Doisac to begin rebuilding their culture.[14]
The Great Immolation[edit]
While commonly regarded as a savage species, Jiralhanae proved intelligent enough to achieve Tier 4 status. However, their warlike nature inevitably led them into conflict, and eventually the various Jiralhanae master-packs — belonging into either of the Jiralhanae's two main social divisions (the Rh'tol and Vheiloth skeins) fell into a massive war known as the Great Immolation.[3] This mechanized war of attrition lasted a decade and eventually led to the use of nuclear weapons that devastated Doisac.[15] The Great Immolation and the nuclear holocaust that followed nearly led to species self-extinction and caused the collapse of Jiralhanae society; by 2492 CE, the species had just rediscovered radio and rocketry.[16][17]
The Covenant[edit]
When the Covenant encountered the Jiralhanae circa 2492 CE, they fought resulting in several battles. Although some Jiralhanae were quick to join the Covenant, such as those led by Chieftain Maccabeus,[18] others put up resistance against the invading alien hegemony.[19] In their primitive state, they were quickly defeated and absorbed into the Covenant.[15] The Jiralhanae's search for theological meaning led to the species' swift incorporation into the Covenant as they adopted the empire's religion and began worshiping the Forerunners.[19]
The Jiralhanae would serve in the Covenant military, deployed as heavy infantry and shock troops. Most of the Jiralhanae roles within the Covenant were only mere extensions of their own clan-based organizational structure, albeit more formalized under the Covenant's rule.[3] The Covenant settled Jiralhanae on worlds rich in resources to guard them from anyone seeking to claim them for themselves. Meanwhile, the Jiralhanae lacked the capabil