San'Shyuum

Summary
Little to nothing is known about the Prophets. What we do know is that they are the species that started the Covenant with the Elites, and are the religious leaders of the Covenant.

It is theorized that the Prophets actually originated on a world that was once home to a Forerunner colony. This may be the reason that the Covenant revere all Forerunner artifacts, and it is for this reason that the Covenant seem to have such advanced technology, because they have been using the remains of Forerunner technology.

The role of the Prophets, for as long as can be recalled, is to archive, explore and locate Forerunner technology and artifacts. These intelligent, highly evolved beings are physically weak, hence their need for Elite allies. The pact allows the Prophets to advance their search through conquest and occasionally assimilation of species whose homeworlds or solar systems contain Forerunner architecture or technology, often disregarded by the resident species. Prophet ceremony and purpose is not generally known to the Covenant population, most of which simply trust in their wisdom to further the goals and territory of the Covenant.

Rather than have "names" in the traditional sense, most Prophets are instead simply referred to as "Holy One", "Eminence", or some other religiously significant title.

Prophets seem to be divided into two groups: High Prophets, and Lesser Prophets. High Prophets seem to be referred to in a more reverant manner by the other Covenant races than Lesser Prophets. The High Prophets have titles such as "High Prophet of Truth", while the Lesser Prophets do not receive such titles as far as is known.

Note: As metioned in the novel  First Strike,  the Prophets (specifically Truth) appear to have telekentic powers. It is unclear if this is an actual ability or some form of technology that involves gravity manipulation.

Known Prophets

 * Prophet of Disdain
 * Prophet of Mercy
 * Prophet of Pity
 * Prophet of Regret
 * Prophet of Supposition
 * Prophet of Truth
 * Minister of Etiology, a Legate

Related Links

 * High Prophets
 * High Council