Hierarchs

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Hierarchs
Hierarchs.png
Political information

Type:

Triumvirate

Government:

Member of:

High Council

Duties:

Leaders of the Covenant

Term length:

One Age[1]

Headquarters:

Sanctum of the Hierarchs, High Charity

Historical information

Formation:

852 BCE

Abolished:

December 11, 2552[2]

Notable individuals:

 

The Hierarchs, also known as High Prophets, served as the highest theocratic leaders of the Covenant High Council. Hierarchs rule with near absolute power over the Covenant, and the other races obey their will without question. The last three Hierarchs came to power in the beginning of the 9th Age of Reclamation in 2525.[1] The title of Hierarch was dissolved following the death of the High Prophet of Truth and the dissolution of the Covenant on December 11, 2552.[2]

Powers and duties[edit]

The three Hierarchs leading the High Council trial of Supreme Commander Thel 'Vadamee.

The title of Hierarch had existed before the establishment of the Covenant, as early as 860 BCE.[3] By the time of the Covenant's formation, the Hierarchs were a triumvirate composed of three San'Shyuum that served as the highest authorities among the Covenant and held the most political and religious power.[1] The true duty of the Hierarchs was to help guide the Covenant toward the Great Journey.[4] The Hierarchs led the Covenant High Council. Hierarchs had complete control over the distribution of all Forerunner relics and technology—likely more so than the Ministry of Fortitude—and could distribute them however the Hierarch thought best benefited the Covenant.[5] If an individual failed a "holy mission" assigned to them by a Hierarch, dire consequences would result and execution may occur.[6] Among their powers are composition and reorganization of fleets within the Covenant naval branch, even without the approval of the High Council,[7] and appointing an Arbiter from among the Sangheili to serve as the "Will of the Prophets".[8] The Hierarchs also had the authority to create new Ministries within the Covenant, sometimes for the personal gain and ambition of one Hierarch.[9] The Hierarchs often issued edicts ex cathedra; these edicts may have comprised general declarations, though they typically contained executive orders. As they were extensions of the Hierarchs' will, these edicts could not be refuted.[10]

The Hierarchs typically remained in the Covenant holy city of High Charity, although they would occasionally embark to lead a battle. The Hierarchs often occupied the High Council Chamber to led High Council sessions or hold court trials, along with the High Councilors of the Covenant. The Hierarchs could also assign duties and tasks to other members of the Covenant in the Hall of Sacred Guidance.[11] The Sanctum of the Hierarchs was the private quarters of the High Prophets that was only accessible to very high-ranking members of the Covenant.[12] The Palace of the Hierarchs was the private reception chamber used by the Hierarchs.[13]

Thel 'Vadamee before the Hierarchs.

The Hierarchs followed the Book of Hierarchs—an official ruling book.[14] Despite the Hierarchs' power and influence, they did not have right or power to stop the San'Shyuum that enforced the Roll of Celibates from completing their tasks.[15] A Hierarch assigning an important mission to individuals without informing the rest of the Hierarchs was considered a violation of Council protocol. However, the protocol was often violated. The High Prophet of Excellent Redolence tasked the Prophet of Inner Conviction with recovering a Luminary and female San'Shyuum on Janjur Qom without informing the rest of the Hierarchs.[16] The High Prophets of Truth and Regret often operated while keeping each other unaware of their separate, ambitious activities. Hierarchs could appoint other San'Shyuum to be their Secondary Administrator, essentially an assistant to the Hierarch.[17] Stewards would also serve as aids to Hierarchs.[18]

Each Hierarch was dressed in a loose-sleeved robe with different coloring. Hierarchs donned golden headdresses that displayed a blue holographic Halo installation on their forehead.[19] Hierarchs sat upon a gravity throne, luxurious anti-gravity chairs with gold, collar-like plating and were equipped with energy shielding.[20] The Hierarchs were always protected by the Covenant Honor Guard, with the Hierarch's personal guards always prepared to kill anything that attempted to harm the Hierarch. The Honor Guardsmen would also kill any individual that held an unholstered weapon in the presence of a Hierarch.[21] However, the Sangheili with the title of Arbiter seemingly were an exception to the law, as seen with Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee when he activated two Type-1 energy swords in front of a Hierarch.[22] The Hierarchs' gravity thrones were outfitted with a powerful gravity cannon that a Hierarch could to annihilate any possible threat.[19][23]

Appointment and succession[edit]

The inauguration of a new set of Hierarchs generally coincided with the beginning of a new Age. In order to become a Hierarch, a San'Shyuum would have to receive the "blessing" of the Oracle of High Charity. However, the Oracle had not spoken for millennia. Instead, the ascension process of a Hierarch was steeped in political machinations and often the bribery of the Oracle's keeper—the Philologist.[1][24] After speaking with the Oracle, the three San'Shyuum would announce their intentions to replace the current Hierarchs in front of the High Council and state their reasons. Although possible to announce their intent to the Council without a third San'Shyuum, it would make them seem less legitimate and a third individual would have to be selected after the announcement.[25] However, unseating a Hierarch was not an easy task, as the Hierarchs would often try to use all the influence they had at their disposal to keep their title and prevent the declaration of a new Age.[26] After being approved of by the High Council, a grand ceremony known as the Ascension would occur to formally declare the coming of a new Age and introduce the new Hierarchs to the rest of the Covenant. Then, the newly-risen Hierarchs would humbly ask the Oracle to bless the new Age. Upon their ascension, a Hierarch may choose a regal name from a list of former Hierarch names.[27]

During the appointment of a new Age and a new set of Hierarchs, it was acceptable for one of the previous Hierarchs to keep their title and position, and continuing serving as a Hierarch alongside two new ones. While this generally allowed for a smoother transition, bitterness would often ensure.[28] A Hierarch could step down from the throne if they believed that their health was becoming a concern.[9] However, a retired Hierarch could still voice their opinion in the High Council.[14] In the rare event of the death of a Hierarch, another high-ranking and influential San'Shyuum would be given the opportunity to replace the missing Hierarch.[29]

Known Hierarchs of the Reformists[edit]

First Age of Conflict

Known Hierarchs of the Covenant[edit]

The High Prophet of Truth—the last Hierarch.
First Age of Reconciliation
Unknown Age
29th Age of Doubt
9th Age of Reclamation

Trivia[edit]

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • Each of the three Hierarchs in the original Halo trilogy were killed by a different enemy of the Covenant faction. Regret was killed by UNSC, Mercy was killed by the Flood, and Truth was killed by Thel 'Vadam's Swords of Sanghelios. It is also worthy of note that all three were eventually infected by the Flood prior to or immediately following their deaths.
  • The High Prophetess of Obligation is currently the only known female Hierarch.
  • Many Prophets have titles that are the polar opposite of how they actually act. The easiest example of this could be the Prophet of Truth, who lied and schemed his way to the position of Hierarch. The Prophet of Regret is also an example, as he regrets nothing until his blunder in the Battle of Earth.

Gallery[edit]

  • The Hierarchs leading a High Council session.

  • The Hierarchs and their Honor Guardsmen.

  • The Hierarchs Regret, Truth, and Mercy presiding at the head of the High Council.

  • The High Prophets of Truth and Mercy.

  • The Prophet of Regret speaking to Ripa 'Moramee.

  • The death of the last Hierarch.

  • A monument to the Prophet of Truth.

  • Art of the Hierarchs Regret, Mercy, and Truth.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d Halo Encyclopedia, page 125 (2011 edition)
  2. ^ a b Halo 3, campaign level The Covenant
  3. ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 6
  4. ^ Halo Encyclopedia, page 126 (2011 edition)
  5. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 159
  6. ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 170
  7. ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 349
  8. ^ Halo 2, campaign level The Arbiter
  9. ^ a b Halo: Broken Circle, page 51
  10. ^ Halo Wars, Timeline
  11. ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 72
  12. ^ Halo: First Strike, pages 338-339
  13. ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 194
  14. ^ a b Halo: Broken Circle, page 161
  15. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 265
  16. ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 73
  17. ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 193
  18. ^ Halo 2: Anniversary, Terminal 1
  19. ^ a b Halo: Broken Circle, page 159
  20. ^ Halo Encyclopedia, page 136 (2011 edition)
  21. ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, pages 144-145
  22. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Scarab
  23. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Regret
  24. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 274
  25. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, pages 286-287
  26. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 156
  27. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, pages 379-383
  28. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 268
  29. ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 208
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