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{{Quote|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]].}} | {{Quote|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]].}} | ||
The '''Sangheili'''<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 189'' (''"Sangheili: the Elite name for their race"'')</ref> (Latin ''Macto cognatus'',<ref name="Bestiarum">'''[[Bestiarum]]'''</ref> meaning "I glorify my kin") are a saurian<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=enemies&cid=24611 '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo: Reach: Enemies - Elite'']</ref> sapient species known for their warrior culture. Named after their home planet, [[Sanghelios]], they have historically been known to [[human]]s as '''Elites''' for their former role in the [[Covenant]]'s [[Covenant military|military]] | The '''Sangheili'''<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 189'' (''"Sangheili: the Elite name for their race"'')</ref> (Latin ''Macto cognatus'',<ref name="Bestiarum">'''[[Bestiarum]]'''</ref> meaning "I glorify my kin") are a saurian<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=enemies&cid=24611 '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo: Reach: Enemies - Elite'']</ref> sapient species known for their warrior culture. Named after their home planet, [[Sanghelios]], they have historically been known to [[human]]s as '''Elites''' for their former role in the [[Covenant]]'s [[Covenant military|military]] hierarchy.<ref name="h2prima">'''[[The Official Halo 2 Strategy Guide]]''' ''page 43''</ref> 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]], which finally led to open conflict during the [[Great Schism]] at the conclusion of the [[Human-Covenant War]]. | ||
After the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] and the [[Prophet of Mercy|High Prophet of Mercy]] ordered the genocide of the entire Sangheili race during the Great Schism, the species was forced into civil war against the Covenant proper. This was established after the assassination of the [[Prophet of Regret|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 [[San'Shyuum|Prophets]]. The Prophets sought to achieve this through the use of the other Covenant races, primarily the [[Jiralhanae]]. During the conflict, [[Fleet of Retribution|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 aftermath of the civil war formed the bedrock of the Covenant Empire's [[Battle of the Citadel|ultimate collapse]] and the end of the [[Human-Covenant War]]. | After the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] and the [[Prophet of Mercy|High Prophet of Mercy]] ordered the genocide of the entire Sangheili race during the Great Schism, the species was forced into civil war against the Covenant proper. This was established after the assassination of the [[Prophet of Regret|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 [[San'Shyuum|Prophets]]. The Prophets sought to achieve this through the use of the other Covenant races, primarily the [[Jiralhanae]]. During the conflict, [[Fleet of Retribution|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 aftermath of the civil war formed the bedrock of the Covenant Empire's [[Battle of the Citadel|ultimate collapse]] and the end of the [[Human-Covenant War]]. | ||
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== History == | == History == | ||
===The Ark and reseeding=== | ===The Ark and reseeding=== | ||
The Sangheili evolved in tropical wetlands of their homeworld, [[Sanghelios]].<ref name="bcpreview">'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''Chapter 1''</ref> Sanghelios had at one point been visited by or had been in contact with the [[Forerunners]]. During the [[Forerunner-Flood war]], the [[Librarian]] visited the planet to retrieve specimens of the Sangheili for preservation aboard [[Installation 00]]. After the firing of the [[Halo Array]], they were returned to their home planet to begin rebuilding their culture | The Sangheili evolved in tropical wetlands of their homeworld, [[Sanghelios]].<ref name="bcpreview">'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''Chapter 1''</ref> Sanghelios had at one point been visited by or had been in contact with the [[Forerunners]]. During the [[Forerunner-Flood war]], the [[Librarian]] visited the planet to retrieve specimens of the Sangheili for preservation aboard [[Installation 00]]. After the firing of the [[Halo Array]], they were returned to their home planet to begin rebuilding their culture.<ref>'''[[Halo Legends]]''', ''[[Origins]]''</ref> | ||
===Development of civilization and the Covenant=== | ===Development of civilization and the Covenant=== | ||
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During the final months of the Human-Covenant War, the political shift caused by the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] and [[Tartarus]], the [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]], started a slippery slope that ended in the dissolution of the Covenant between the Sangheili and the San'Shyuum. Originally, the Jiralhanae were viewed as savagely aggressive and extremely goal-oriented, which the Sangheili viewed as a serious threat should the Brutes ever begin to desire political power. This fear became reality when the Honor Guards of the Prophets, originally an all-Sangheili class, were [[Changing of the Guard|transformed]] into a [[Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman|duty of the Brutes]]. This was directly caused by the death of the [[Prophet of Regret|High Prophet of Regret]] at the hands of John-117, the human "Demon", despite Regret's protection from his personal squad of [[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Sangheili Honor Guardsmen]]. Soon the Jiralhanae found themselves in new positions of power, becoming veritable replacements for the Sangheili. During the concurrent [[Battle of Installation 05]] and the [[Fall of High Charity]], the Jiralhanae had begun to massacre the Sangheili under Truth's orders. Additionally, [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]] and [[Special Operations Commander]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]] discovered the truth of the [[Halo Array|Halo]] rings from the [[Monitor]] [[343 Guilty Spark]]. From this, they learned that the Prophets' promises of the Great Journey were false causing further turmoil. | During the final months of the Human-Covenant War, the political shift caused by the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] and [[Tartarus]], the [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]], started a slippery slope that ended in the dissolution of the Covenant between the Sangheili and the San'Shyuum. Originally, the Jiralhanae were viewed as savagely aggressive and extremely goal-oriented, which the Sangheili viewed as a serious threat should the Brutes ever begin to desire political power. This fear became reality when the Honor Guards of the Prophets, originally an all-Sangheili class, were [[Changing of the Guard|transformed]] into a [[Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman|duty of the Brutes]]. This was directly caused by the death of the [[Prophet of Regret|High Prophet of Regret]] at the hands of John-117, the human "Demon", despite Regret's protection from his personal squad of [[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Sangheili Honor Guardsmen]]. Soon the Jiralhanae found themselves in new positions of power, becoming veritable replacements for the Sangheili. During the concurrent [[Battle of Installation 05]] and the [[Fall of High Charity]], the Jiralhanae had begun to massacre the Sangheili under Truth's orders. Additionally, [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]] and [[Special Operations Commander]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]] discovered the truth of the [[Halo Array|Halo]] rings from the [[Monitor]] [[343 Guilty Spark]]. From this, they learned that the Prophets' promises of the Great Journey were false causing further turmoil. | ||
These events led the entire Sangheili species to secede from the Covenant, unified to | These events led the entire Sangheili species to secede from the Covenant, unified to bring down the empire that had betrayed them.<ref name="CanonFodder">'''[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/jiralhanae Canon Fodder]''' ''"The resulting conflict would be called the Great Schism, and it would divide the Covenant into two, ultimately forcing the Sangheili out." ''</ref> They were aided by a few of the member species within the Covenant, such as many [[Unggoy]] and most [[Mgalekgolo]], although many sided with the High Prophets despite the Sangheili's efforts. The secession included a movement to destroy the treacherous Jiralhanae and High Prophets, and the destruction of the [[Flood]] at all costs, eventually resulting in an alliance between the [[Fleet of Retribution]] and humanity. | ||
The Great Schism stretched from the human homeworld, [[Earth]], all the way back to Sanghelios as the Sangheili attempted to wrest their share of the hegemony away from their new-found enemies. The Jiralhanae stepped in to fill the military void in ever increasing numbers, sensing the vacuum and opportunity left by the departure of the Sangheili. | The Great Schism stretched from the human homeworld, [[Earth]], all the way back to Sanghelios as the Sangheili attempted to wrest their share of the hegemony away from their new-found enemies. The Jiralhanae stepped in to fill the military void in ever increasing numbers, sensing the vacuum and opportunity left by the departure of the Sangheili. | ||
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The Sangheili display respect and admiration for honorable fighters, whether they are allies of the Sangheili or not; it is not unusual for the Sangheili to have such an admiration for their adversaries. Sangheili respect and revere veterans and often follow their lead. Their history is rife with victorious combatants welcoming the defeated enemies' remaining forces into their own army, provided of course that they fought with honor. During the [[Unggoy Rebellion]], the most tenacious of the Unggoy who survived the conflict were admitted for the first time into previously all-Sangheili forces, much to the Prophets' discontent.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 151''</ref> | The Sangheili display respect and admiration for honorable fighters, whether they are allies of the Sangheili or not; it is not unusual for the Sangheili to have such an admiration for their adversaries. Sangheili respect and revere veterans and often follow their lead. Their history is rife with victorious combatants welcoming the defeated enemies' remaining forces into their own army, provided of course that they fought with honor. During the [[Unggoy Rebellion]], the most tenacious of the Unggoy who survived the conflict were admitted for the first time into previously all-Sangheili forces, much to the Prophets' discontent.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 151''</ref> | ||
Despite their intelligence, the Sangheili often allow their obsession with honor to | Despite their intelligence, the Sangheili often allow their obsession with honor to cloud their better judgement. The Sangheili usually employ complex strategy only if it either improves success in battle, allows them to inflict more casualties on their enemies, or if it conforms to their code of honor. Otherwise, in both tactical and strategic combat, Sangheili generally charge their enemies with reckless aggression, regardless of any damage they sustain. Only very seldom do they admit temporary defeat, while lower-ranked Sangheili might make numerous tactical mistakes, such as standing in the open rather than taking cover. More experienced Sangheili are notorious for luring their enemies into traps and quickly dispatching them in close combat. Sangheili often sustain heavy casualties in the fervor to kill, though they use their client races to screen and protect themselves. The race's desire for grandeur has led to their defeat in many engagements, such as the [[Battle of Psi Serpentis]], [[Operation: FIRST STRIKE]], and the [[Battle of Onyx]]. | ||
One of the clearest examples of how zealous the Sangheili are for honor comes from when [[Thel 'Vadamee]] engaged the [[UNSC]] during his time as [[Supreme Commander]], when Thel and two [[Special Operations Sangheili]] attacked an unarmed [[3rd Battalion Reserves]] during the assault on the planet [[Camber]]. When Thel saw the humans unable to defend themselves, he dropped his [[Type-25 plasma rifle]] and activated his [[active camouflage]] so the Marines could gear up and have a chance to fight. This was the first time the humans documented the Sangheili strive for honor, even if it endangered themselves or others. | One of the clearest examples of how zealous the Sangheili are for honor comes from when [[Thel 'Vadamee]] engaged the [[UNSC]] during his time as [[Supreme Commander]], when Thel and two [[Special Operations Sangheili]] attacked an unarmed [[3rd Battalion Reserves]] during the assault on the planet [[Camber]]. When Thel saw the humans unable to defend themselves, he dropped his [[Type-25 plasma rifle]] and activated his [[active camouflage]] so the Marines could gear up and have a chance to fight. This was the first time the humans documented the Sangheili strive for honor, even if it endangered themselves or others. | ||
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===Government=== | ===Government=== | ||
The Sangheili have no unified government; they are splintered into numerous feudal,<ref name="tcp93">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 93''</ref> meritocratic states | The Sangheili have no unified government; they are splintered into numerous feudal,<ref name="tcp93">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 93''</ref> meritocratic states.<ref name="page89">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 89''</ref> A given state is governed by a single clan residence and assembly house known as a [[keep]], headed by a [[kaidon]] selected by a council of [[elder]]s. There are usually a number of "client keeps" belonging to different clans under the leading keep's rule,<ref name="glass2">'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 94''</ref> though a state's elders will assume the kaidon's clan name as a title signifying their position, regardless of the name of their own family keep.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 57''</ref> Sanghelios was once governed by the [[Council of City States]] during the early history of the Covenant.<ref name="bcpreview"/> | ||
In Sangheili culture, it is customary to settle disagreements with authority by assassination, though one has to use personal weapons in order for the practice to be considered honorable.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 93''</ref> For example, if a council elder believes that his vote was ill-advised or had second thoughts, it is considered a tradition for council elders to initiate some form of attack, such as sending assassins, against the kaidon in order "...to test the true merit of [the] ruler's martial abilities."<ref name="page89"/> The belief was that "a kaidon who could not defend himself was not a true leader."<ref name="Cole Protocol"/> Should the attack fail, the responsible elder will be executed immediately, and his family will be killed. However, punishment for this form of heresy was usually flexible. As such, if the elder did something honorable, such as attack the kaidon himself, or attempted to make a final stand against the kaidon, then he would probably have managed to save his family from certain death, although they might still be banished. | In Sangheili culture, it is customary to settle disagreements with authority by assassination, though one has to use personal weapons in order for the practice to be considered honorable.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 93''</ref> For example, if a council elder believes that his vote was ill-advised or had second thoughts, it is considered a tradition for council elders to initiate some form of attack, such as sending assassins, against the kaidon in order "...to test the true merit of [the] ruler's martial abilities."<ref name="page89"/> The belief was that "a kaidon who could not defend himself was not a true leader."<ref name="Cole Protocol"/> Should the attack fail, the responsible elder will be executed immediately, and his family will be killed. However, punishment for this form of heresy was usually flexible. As such, if the elder did something honorable, such as attack the kaidon himself, or attempted to make a final stand against the kaidon, then he would probably have managed to save his family from certain death, although they might still be banished. | ||