Honor Guard
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
- "We have always been your protectors!"
- — Arbiter Thel 'Vadamee talking to the Prophet of Truth[1]
Honor Guardsman, or simply Honor Guard, was a notable rank of highly-skilled Covenant warriors, who were employed within the Covenant Honor Guard unit. The Honor Guardsmen served to defend the San'Shyuum and other political figures, particularly the Hierarchs.[1][2][3] The role was once exclusively filled by Sangheili before they were replaced by their Jiralhanae rivals.
Overview[edit]
Honor Guardsmen were hand-picked to serve as the elite protectors of the Hierarchs and other high-ranking officials within the High Council; they were among the most skilled of all warriors within the Covenant. [4] Honor Guardsmen were expected to immediately kill anyone who drew a weapon in the presence of a Hierarch,[5] though an Arbiter doing so may cause them to hesitate.[6] In addition, they kept order during important meetings within the High Council. The Sanctum of the Hierarchs on High Charity could accommodate as many as three hundred Honor Guardsmen.[7]
The Honor Guardsman role was once exclusively held by Sangheili warriors. However, after the death of the High Prophet of Regret during the Ninth Age of Reclamation by John-117, the other two Hierarchs, the Prophets of Truth and Mercy, replaced the Sangheili Honor Guardsmen with Jiralhanae ones. While the reason cited was the failure of Regret's Sangheili Honor Guardsmen to defend their charge, this "Changing of the Guard" was in fact a major step in a carefully planned coup that soon developed into the Great Schism. The act was widely protested against by the Sangheili, who were loath to see the role which they had filled for millenia taken over by their rivals.[1]
In the post-war period, the rank of Honor Guardsman was also used by Let 'Volir's mercenaries within the Banished.[8]
In the Covenant[edit]
Sangheili[edit]
- "The Sangheili honor guard was always vigilant and almost inert when at peace. One never had to worry about what a Sangheili might do any more than one worried if the stars would come out at night."
- — The Minister of Discovery remarking on the stoic nature of the Honor Guardsmen[9]
For thousands of years before the events that led to the Great Schism, the Sangheili protected the Hierarchs and the other Prophets according to the strictures of the Writ of Union,[1] in a similar role to Keepwards in Sangheili society.[10] The Sangheili Honor Guardsmen were likely instated soon after the signing of the Writ and the establishment of the Covenant. The Lights of Sanghelios were a revered elite unit among the already elite Honor Guard.[11] Despite the great honor of becoming a Honor Guardsman, because one was expected to encounter little to no combat in the posting, select Sangheili — such as Usze 'Taham[12] — were known to have declined a place in the Honor Guard;[3] additionally, the rank was seen by some Sangheili as a way to silence those who were aware of the Hierarchs' duplicity.[13]
A number of Honor Guardsmen accompanied the Sangheili High Councilors to the surface of Delta Halo, where they were slaughtered by the Jiralhanae at the start of the Great Schism.[14] Some other Sangheili Honor Guardsmen killed themselves after learning of the Prophets' treachery,[15] and others decided to assist Arbiter Thel 'Vadam and the UNSC in fighting against the new Covenant leadership led by the Prophet of Truth and Tartarus.[16]
Honor Guardsmen in service to the Covenant Honor Guard wore highly ornate armor, featured a jutting crest and pauldrons, and colored in a combination of red and glowing orange. At the same time, they sometimes wore non-ceremonial armor for the sake of practicality.[3][6][17][18][19] The Lights of Sanghelios wore distinctive armor with white in place of red. Honor Guardsmen used the energy stave, which is considered the weapon of highest honor, for ceremonial purposes; however, they also carry energy swords, Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifles, Vostu-pattern carbines, and Mosa-pattern carbines.[20][21]
A Sangheili Honor Guardsman.
A helmetless Light of Sanghelios.
A Light of Sanghelios with a helmet, generated via the Honor Guard Councilor glitch.
Jiralhanae[edit]
- Rtas 'Vadumee: "This is unprecedented. Unacceptable."
- High Prophet of Truth: "Recommissioning the Guard was a radical step. But recent events have made it abundantly clear that the Elites can no longer guarantee our safety."
- — Conversation between Special Operations Commander Rtas 'Vadumee and the High Prophet of Truth during the Changing of the Guard.[1]
Just before the outbreak of the Great Schism, the Jiralhanae were chosen to replace the Sangheili for their stronger loyalty to the Prophets after the assassination of the High Prophet of Regret by John-117.[22][21] The Sangheili were incensed that their role of protecting the San'Shyuum, which they had faithfully executed for millennia, had been delegated to their detested rivals the Jiralhanae.[1]
The newly commissioned Jiralhanae Honor Guardsmen defended the San'Shyuum against the Sangheili, John-117, and the Flood during the Great Schism. After the Fall of High Charity however, lesser-ranking Jiralhanae Bodyguards served as the High Prophet of Truth's personal protectors instead of their Honor Guardsmen counterparts,[23] most of whom had died to John-117 while protecting the Prophet and attempting to repel the Spartan from the Anodyne Spirit during the Scramble onboard Forerunner Dreadnought.[24] However, a handful of Jiralhanae Honor Guardsmen survived, staying aboard the Anodyne Spirit throughout and after the Battle of Installation 00, and later participating in the Second Ark Conflict under Dhas Bhasvod in 2559.[25][26]
Jiralhanae Honor Guardsmen wore armor in the same style as the their Sangheili predecessors, with similar colours of red and glowing orange, but in the form of plating instead of a full combat harness. Those of the Rh'tol skein also sported red holographic Jiralhanae Captain flags mounted on one shoulder.[22] Unlike the combat harnesses used by Sangheili Honor Guardsmen, the armor of Jiralhanae Honor Guardsmen does not possess energy shielding.[21] They were known to employ Kewu R'shi'k-pattern plasma rifles in addition to their energy staves.
A Rh'tol Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman.
Vehicles[edit]
In addition to serving in an infantry role, a number of vehicle variants were used by the Honor Guard during the Human-Covenant War. These include the Honor Guard Wraith — a variant of the Type-25 Wraith which bore the same armament but had the colours of the Honor Guardsmen's armor.
The Honor Guard Wraith.
In the Banished[edit]
Despite the leadership of the Banished being composed mainly of Jiralhanae, the only known members who bore the title of Honor Guardsman were Sangheili.
Following the defeat of the Covenant, many former Sangheili Honor Guardsmen found themselves isolated and purposeless. A few Honor Guardsmen unwilling to ally with most of the remnant groups of the former Covenant pledged allegiance to the Banished, specifically Shipmaster Let 'Volir, seeing opportunity in service as mercenaries of the powerful organization. Evoking the traditions and accomplishments of their predecessors and using re-purposed ceremonial equipment of the old Covenant Honor Guard, these Honor Guardsmen are skilled swordsmen who match their imperial equivalents in combat prowess.[8]
Known Honor Guardsmen[edit]
Covenant Sangheili[edit]
- Onsu 'Valonro – Killed during the Great Schism by Jiralhanae under the command of Avitus.[14]
- Bora 'Yerusee – A member of the Governors of Contrition on Atropos under the Minister of Aretalogy, presumably killed by the Flood.[27]
- Ismo 'Argomee – A member of the Governors of Contrition on Atropos under the Minister of Aretalogy, presumably killed by the Flood.[27]
Banished Sangheili[edit]
- Orda Val 'Saham – Killed by UNSC forces during the Second Ark Conflict.[28]
Covenant Jiralhanae[edit]
- Arcas – Killed by a MAC round from the UNSC Spirit of Fire in the Battle of Epsilon Clarion.[29]
Non-canon and dubious canon appearances[edit]
Silver Timeline[edit]
- Main article: Silver Timeline
Sangheili Honor Guardsmen were employed to protect the Hierarchs on High Charity.[30]
In-game information[edit]
The Honor Guardsman is an enemy rank first introduced in Halo 2, where both Sangheili and Jiralhanae Honor Guards were present. Covenant Sangheili Honor Guardsmen were later featured as a unit in Halo Wars, and their Banished counterparts in Halo Wars 2. For full gameplay-related information, see the following articles:
- Honor Guard Elite (Halo 2, Halo Wars, and Halo Wars 2)
- Honor Guard Brute (Halo 2)
Production notes[edit]
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See our gameplay information related to Honor Guard on its gameplay page. |
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Browse more images in this article's gallery page. |
There is a glitch in Halo 2 and Halo 2 Anniversary that results in a Sangheili (known as the Honor Guard Councilor) appearing on the level Gravemind with the body armor of a Light of Sanghelios but a randomized head, which can be that of an Honor Guardsman, a High Councilor, a generic Sangheili wearing the Gheocin-pattern combat harness, or Rtas 'Vadum.
In Halo Wars, the Sangheili Honor Guardsmen seen in cutscenes do not wear ceremonial armor; however, they wear ceremonial armor when deployed in gameplay.
In the opening cutscene for the level Sacred Icon in Halo 2, two Lights of Sanghelios with their helmets confiscated leave the inner sanctum. In Halo 2: Anniversary, they were changed to two standard Honor Guardsmen.[1]
The Serpin armor in Halo Infinite's multiplayer is modelled after the armour of a Sangheili Honor Guardsman; whether the Serpin rank, which is bestowed upon Spartans who have proven their loyalty and martial prowess in battle alongside the Swords of Sanghelios,[31] fills a similar role to that of Honor Guardsman is unknown.
Gallery[edit]
Halo 2[edit]
An storyboard for Halo 2 featuring a Sangheili Honor Guardsman clad in a cloak.
A Sangheili Honor Guardsman in Halo 2.
A Sangheili Honor Guardsman with an energy sword in Halo 2.
An Honor Guard in Halo 2.
An Honor Guard in Halo 2.
A procession of Sangheili Honor Guardsmen.
Sangheili Honor Guardsmen standing guard during the trial of Thel 'Vadamee.
A render of a Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman in Halo 2.
Another render of a Jiralhanae Honor Guard in Halo 2.
A Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman in Halo 2.
A berserking Jiralhanae Honor Guard.
A Jiralhanae Honor Guard standing on duty.
Halo Wars[edit]
Honor Guardsmen in non-ceremonial armor protecting the High Prophet of Regret on Trove.
A render of a Sangheili Honor Guardsman gameplay model in Halo Wars.
In-game closeup of an Honor Guardsman in Halo Wars.
Honor Guardsman idle animation.
A group of Honor Guardsmen.
Halo 2: Anniversary[edit]
A render of a Sangheili Honor Guardsman in Halo 2: Anniversary.
An Honor Guardsman aboard High Charity.
John-117 engaging a Sangheili Honor Guardsman.
Two Sangheili Honor Guardsmen on Installation 05.
An Honor Guardsman stationed on High Charity.
An Honor Guard with an energy sword.
An Honor Guard with a Mosa-pattern carbine.
Sangheili Honor Guardsmen standing guard in the High Council Chamber during the trial of Thel 'Vadamee.
Sangheili Honor Guardsmen lining the entrance to the Sanctum of the Hierarchs.
A Sangheili Honor Guardsman on High Charity.
A pair of Sangheili Honor Guardsmen at Regret's side aboard the Solemn Penance.
A render of a Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman for Halo 2: Anniversary.
A Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman shortly after appointment to the role.
Jiralhanae Honor Guardsmen defending the High Council Chamber from rioting Unggoy and Kig-Yar during the Great Schism.
Jiralhanae Honor Guards protecting the Prophet of Mercy and Prophet of Truth.
Two Jiralhanae Honor Guardsmen inside the High Council Chamber.
A Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman trading fire with a Special Operations Sangheili.
A Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman leading Covenant forces against the Flood.
Jiralhanae Honor Guardsmen defending the Sanctum of the Hierarchs during the Fall of High Charity.
Two Jiralhanae Honor Guardsmen inside Installation 05's control room.
Halo Wars 2[edit]
Concept art of a Banished Honor Guard for Halo Wars 2.
Blitz card of a Banished Honor Guardsman in Halo Wars 2.
A Banished Honor Guard kills two Sangheili Rangers.
Banished Honor Guardsmen escort Let 'Volir alongside other Banished forces.
Halo Infinite[edit]
Concept art of a Banished Sangheili Honor Guardsman for Halo Infinite, which did not appear in the final game.
Other[edit]
Honor Guardsmen aboard the Fleet of Righteous Vigilance's flagship in The Return.
Concept art of the Sangheili Honor Guards in The Babysitter.
Two Sangheili Honor Guardsmen escorting the Prophet of Mercy in Halo: The Television Series.
List of appearances[edit]
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Sources[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f g Halo 2, campaign level Sacred Icon
- ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, p. 381
- ^ a b c Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 95
- ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 381
- ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, p. 341
- ^ a b Halo Wars, campaign level Scarab
- ^ Halo: First Strike, p. 339
- ^ a b Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs: Honor Guard
- ^ Halo: Evolutions - Wages of Sin
- ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Art of Wort (Retrieved on Nov 26, 2025) [archive]
- ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, p. 153
- ^ Bungie.net, The Tru7h About Co-Op in Halo 3 (Retrieved on Jan 30, 2021) [archive]
- ^ Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide- Citadel Units
- ^ a b Halo: Age of Retribution
- ^ Halo: Evolutions - The Return
- ^ Halo 2, campaign level The Great Journey
- ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Shield World
- ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Beachhead
- ^ Halo Legends - The Babysitter
- ^ Halo 2, campaign level Regret
- ^ a b c Halo 2, campaign level Gravemind
- ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 145
- ^ Halo 3, campaign level The Covenant
- ^ Halo: Uprising, issue 3
- ^ Halo: Shadows of Reach: Adjunct - Sacrifice
- ^ Halo: Divine Wind, chapter 4
- ^ a b Halo: Ascension on Atropos
- ^ Halo Wars 2, campaign level The Foundry
- ^ Halo: Divine Wind, chapter 16
- ^ Halo: The Television Series, episode Contact
- ^ Halo Waypoint, Operation: Infinite Update Preview (Retrieved on Nov 7, 2025) [archive]
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