Canon

Sangheili

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This article is about the saurian species. For their language, see Sangheili (language).
Sangheili
Render of a Sangheili Mercenary. Included as part of the magazine kit linked to in this tweet.
H2A Sangheili-Minor.png
A render of the Sangheili Storm.
Various Sangheili phenotypes (not to scale)
Biological overview

Latin name:

Macto cognatus

Classification:

Saurian

Diet:

Omnivorous

Physical information

Avg. height:

225–262 cm (7 ft 4 in–8 ft 6 in)[1][2]

Avg. weight:

139–178 kg (307–393 lb)[1]

Distinctions:

Humanoid reptilian body structure; quadruple-hinged mandibles; binary circulatory system

Sociocultural information

Homeworld:

Sanghelios

Technology level:

Tier 2

Notable individuals:

Also known as:

Languages:

Sangheili

 
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Sangheili

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v • d • e

"On the blood of our fathers, on the blood of our sons, we swore to uphold the Covenant!"
— Rtas 'Vadumee before the raid on the Threshold gas mine.[13]

The Sangheili[14] (Macto cognatus in Latin taxonomy,[15] meaning "I glorify my kin") are a saurian[16] sapient species known for their warrior culture and combat skill. Named after their home planet, Sanghelios, they have historically been known to humans as Elites for their former role in the Covenant's military hierarchy.[17] Originally one of the Covenant's two founding species, the Sangheili formed the hegemony's military backbone until just before the end of its existence. They had a very strong rivalry with the Jiralhanae,[18][19] which finally led to genocidal violence during the Great Schism at the conclusion of the Human-Covenant War.[20][21]

After the High Prophets Truth and Mercy ordered the genocide of the entire Sangheili race during the Great Schism,[22][23] the species was forced into civil war against the Covenant proper.[24] This was established after the assassination of the High Prophet of Regret at the hands of John-117. The two remaining Hierarchs held the Sangheili responsible for the Prophet of Regret's death, and the species was seen as "unfit" to continue to guard the Prophets. The Prophets sought to achieve this through the use of the other Covenant races, primarily the Jiralhanae.[25] Consequently, the Sangheili led a rebellion against the Prophets. A significant number of Sangheili sided with the UNSC against the Prophet-led Covenant; this alliance continued to hold in the post-war era. The Great Schism formed the bedrock of the Covenant Empire's ultimate collapse and the end of the Human-Covenant War.[26]

In the post-war years, the Swords of Sanghelios, led by Arbiter Thel 'Vadam and a grand council of kaidons, emerged as the effective Sangheili government.[27] However, they were opposed by multiple Sangheili factions with differing ideals of how to build a future for their civilization, and the species remained embroiled in civil war for several years while continuing hostilities with Jiralhanae groups, in a two-front war.[28]