Editing Chieftain of the Jiralhanae

{{Status|Canon}}

|type=*Head of the [[Jiralhanae]]

|memberof=Covenant military

The '''Chieftain of the Jiralhanae''' was the central political and military leader within the [[Jiralhanae]] contingent of the [[Covenant]],{{Ref/Reuse|h2heretic}} responsible for representing their interests in the Covenant. Following the [[Great Schism]], this position ultimately became the supreme military leadership of the Covenant, replacing highest [[Sangheili]] rank of [[Imperial Admiral]].

During the [[First Battle of Harvest]] in [[2525#February|February of 2525]], [[Jiralhanae Captain|Captain]] [[Tartarus]] killed his uncle [[Maccabeus]] in combat and proclaimed himself the [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|chieftain]] of his [[Maccabeus' clan|clan]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 347''</ref> Following the engagement, Tartarus began to gain authority throughout the entire [[Rh'tol]] skein. Tartarus' quick ascension in power and influence caught the eye of the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]]. The two worked together throughout the [[Human-Covenant War]] to replace the [[Sangheili]] with the [[Jiralhanae]] in the [[Covenant military]]; Truth believed the Jiralhanae were easier to control than the Sangheili, while Tartarus despised the species. Late in the war, the Prophet of Truth elevated Tartarus to a position of power over the Jiralhanae and established the title "Chieftain of the Jiralhanae".{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}<ref>'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''page 221''; ''page 196'' (Google Play edition)</ref>

On [[2552#November|November 2, 2552]], after the [[Prophet of Regret|High Prophet of Regret]]'s death, the remaining [[Hierarchs]] [[Changing of the Guard|recommissioned]] the [[Covenant Honor Guard]] and replaced the [[Sangheili Honor Guardsmen]] with Jiralhanae.<ref name="h2icon">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Sacred Icon (level)|Sacred Icon]]''</ref> The next day, Truth put Tartarus in control of the entire Covenant military as its military chief.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} The Chieftain of the Jiralhanae had some members of his species under his command that were prepared to help him in his coup against the Sangheili.<ref name="bc209">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 209'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Upon receiving the orders of Truth, Tartarus initiated the [[Great Schism]] by betraying [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee. The civil war led to the fragmentation of the Covenant.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Quarantine Zone]]''</ref> After receiving the blessing of Truth, Tartarus attempted to activate [[Installation 05]] with its [[activation index]], but he was ultimately killed by the Arbiter at the installation's [[Control Room (Installation 05)|Control Room]].<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Great Journey]]''</ref> After learning of Tartarus' death, a power vacuum was created that many Jiralhanae commanders sought to fill. Chieftain [[Cethegus]], who had accompanied Truth to [[Installation 00]], believed that if he could kill [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan-II]] [[Master Chief Petty Officer]] [[John-117]] at the installation, Truth would elevate him to the title of Chieftain of the Jiralhanae. However, he was ultimately killed by the Spartan in combat.<ref name="h3">'''[[Halo 3]]''', campaign level, ''[[The Ark (level)|The Ark]]''</ref><ref name="canon fodder">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-brute-force '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Brute Force'']</ref>

While a [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]] controlled a relatively small [[pack]] or [[clan]], the Chieftain of the Jiralhanae had authority over every member of the race, and essentially functioned as the commander-in-chief of the Jiralhanae. While holding the title, [[Tartarus]] served as the right hand of the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] and was in command of the [[Hierarch]]'s personal guard.<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 143'' (2011 edition)</ref> The Chieftain of the Jiralhanae was able to attend sessions of the [[High Council]], where he stood near the Hierarchs.{{Ref/Reuse|h2heretic}} After [[Supreme Commander]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee was convicted for his failure to protect [[Installation 04]], Tartarus was charged with carrying out his torture.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Cairo Station]]''</ref> The Chieftain was also occasionally issued with missions of high importance, such as aiding [[Arbiter]] Thel 'Vadamee assassinate [[Sesa 'Refumee]]<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Oracle]]''</ref> or retrieving the [[activation index]] of [[Installation 05]].{{Ref/Reuse|h2icon}}

When the Chieftain of the Jiralhanae was present, Truth often dismissed his [[Sangheili Honor Guardsmen]],<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', ''pages 406-408''</ref> who remained unaware of the Chieftain's and the Hierarch's intentions.<ref name="bc198">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 198-202'' (Google Play edition)</ref> After the [[Changing of the Guard]], the Chieftain of the Jiralhanae was elevated into a position that had command over the entirety of the [[Covenant military]].{{Ref/Reuse|bc209}}

*''[[Halo Mythos: A Guide to the Story of Halo]]''