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{{Era|Covenant|Human|UNSC|HCW}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Title infobox
{{Title infobox
|name=Hierarchs
|name=Hierarchs
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|memberof=[[High Council]]
|memberof=[[High Council]]
|duties=Leaders of the Covenant
|duties=Leaders of the Covenant
|term=One [[History of the Covenant|Age]]<ref name="enc125">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 125'' (2011 edition)</ref>
|term=One [[History of the Covenant|Age]]<ref name="enc125">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 125'' (2011 edition)</ref>
|style=
|style=
|headquarters=[[Sanctum of the Hierarchs]], [[High Charity]]
|headquarters=[[Sanctum of the Hierarchs]], [[High Charity]]
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}}
}}


The '''Hierarchs''', also known as '''High Prophets''', ruled the entire [[Covenant Empire]], serving as the highest theocratic leaders in the [[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 [[Ages of Reclamation|9th Age of Reclamation]] in [[2525]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc125}} The title of Hierarch was dissolved following the death of the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] and the dissolution of the Covenant on [[2552|December 11, 2552]].{{Ref/Reuse|h3covenant}}
The '''Hierarchs''', also known as '''High Prophets''', ruled the entire [[Covenant]], serving as the highest theocratic leaders in the [[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 [[Ages of Reclamation|9th Age of Reclamation]] in [[2525]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc125}} The title of Hierarch was dissolved following the death of the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] along with the dissolution of the Covenant on [[2552|December 11, 2552]].{{Ref/Reuse|h3covenant}}


==Powers and duties==
==Powers and duties==
[[File:H2A-ThelBeforeCouncil.jpg|thumb|250px|left|The three Hierarchs leading the High Council trial of [[Supreme Commander]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee.]]
[[File:H2A-ThelBeforeCouncil.jpg|thumb|250px|left|The three Hierarchs leading the High Council trial of [[Supreme Commander]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee.]]
The title of Hierarch had existed before the establishment of the [[Covenant]], as early as [[860 BCE]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''page 6''</ref> 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.{{Ref/Reuse|enc125}} The true duty of the Hierarchs was to help guide the Covenant toward the [[Covenant religion|Great Journey]].<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 126'' (2011 edition)</ref> 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.<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 159''</ref> If an individual failed a "holy mission" assigned to them by a Hierarch, dire consequences would result and [[capital punishment|execution]] may occur.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''', ''page 170''</ref> Among their powers are composition and reorganization of fleets within the [[Covenant fleet|Covenant naval branch]], even without the approval of the High Council,<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 349''</ref> and appointing an [[Arbiter]] from among the [[Sangheili]] to serve as the "Will of the Prophets".<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[The Arbiter]]''</ref> The Hierarchs also had the authority to create new Ministries within the Covenant, sometimes for the personal gain and ambition of one Hierarch.<ref name="bc51">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 51''</ref> 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.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]''', ''[[Halo Wars Timeline Events|Timeline]]''</ref>
The title of Hierarch had existed before the establishment of the [[Covenant]], as early as [[860 BCE]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''page 6''</ref> 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.{{Ref/Reuse|enc125}} The true duty of the Hierarchs was to help guide the Covenant toward the [[Covenant religion|Great Journey]].<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 126'' (2011 edition)</ref> 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.<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 159''</ref> If an individual failed a "holy mission" assigned to them by a Hierarch, dire consequences would result and [[capital punishment|execution]] may occur.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''', ''page 170''</ref> Among their powers are composition and reorganization of fleets within the [[Covenant fleet|Covenant naval branch]], even without the approval of the High Council,<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 349''</ref> and appointing an [[Arbiter]] from among the [[Sangheili]] to serve as the "Will of the Prophets".<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[The Arbiter]]''</ref> The Hierarchs also had the authority to create new Ministries within the Covenant, sometimes for the personal gain and ambition of one Hierarch.<ref name="bc51">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 51''</ref> 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.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]''', ''[[Halo Wars Timeline Events|Timeline]]''</ref>


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 lead 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]].<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 72''</ref> 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.<ref name="fs338">'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', ''pages 338-339''</ref> The [[Palace of the Hierarchs]] was the private reception chamber used by the Hierarchs.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 194''</ref>
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 lead 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]].<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 72''</ref> 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.<ref name="fs338">'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', ''pages 338-339''</ref> The [[Palace of the Hierarchs]] was the private reception chamber used by the Hierarchs.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 194''</ref>
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The Hierarchs followed the ''[[Book of Hierarchs]]''—an official ruling book.<ref name="bc161">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 161''</ref> 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.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 265''</ref> 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 [[Prophet of Excellent Redolence|High Prophet of Excellent Redolence]] tasked the [[Mken 'Scre'ah'ben|Prophet of Inner Conviction]] with recovering a [[Luminary]] and female San'Shyuum on [[Janjur Qom]] without informing the rest of the Hierarchs.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 73''</ref> 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.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 193''</ref> [[Steward]]s would also serve as aids to Hierarchs.<ref>'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminal 1]]''</ref>  
The Hierarchs followed the ''[[Book of Hierarchs]]''—an official ruling book.<ref name="bc161">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 161''</ref> 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.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 265''</ref> 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 [[Prophet of Excellent Redolence|High Prophet of Excellent Redolence]] tasked the [[Mken 'Scre'ah'ben|Prophet of Inner Conviction]] with recovering a [[Luminary]] and female San'Shyuum on [[Janjur Qom]] without informing the rest of the Hierarchs.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 73''</ref> 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.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 193''</ref> [[Steward]]s would also serve as aids to Hierarchs.<ref>'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminal 1]]''</ref>  


Each Hierarch was dressed in a loose-sleeved robe with different coloring. Hierarchs donned golden headdresses that displayed a blue [[holography|holographic]] [[Halo Array|Halo installation]] on their forehead.<ref name="bc159">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 159''</ref> Hierarchs sat upon a [[anti-gravity chair|gravity throne]], luxurious anti-gravity chairs with gold, collar-like plating and were equipped with [[energy shielding]].<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 136'' (2011 edition)</ref> 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.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 144-145''</ref> 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 sword]]s in front of [[Prophet of Regret|a Hierarch]].<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Scarab (level)|Scarab]]''</ref> The Hierarchs' gravity thrones were outfitted with a powerful [[assault cannon|gravity cannon]] that a Hierarch could to annihilate any possible threat.{{Ref/Reuse|bc159}}<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Regret (Halo 2 level)|Regret]]''</ref>
Each Hierarch was dressed in a loose-sleeved robe with different coloring. Hierarchs donned golden headdresses that displayed a blue [[holography|holographic]] [[Halo Array|Halo installation]] on their forehead.<ref name="bc159">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 159''</ref> Hierarchs sat upon a [[anti-gravity chair|gravity throne]], luxurious anti-gravity chairs with gold, collar-like plating and were equipped with [[energy shielding]].<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 136'' (2011 edition)</ref> 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.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 144-145''</ref> 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 sword]]s in front of [[Prophet of Regret|a Hierarch]].<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Scarab (level)|Scarab]]''</ref> The Hierarchs' gravity thrones were outfitted with a powerful [[assault cannon|gravity cannon]] that a Hierarch could use to annihilate any possible threat.{{Ref/Reuse|bc159}}<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Regret (Halo 2 level)|Regret]]''</ref>


===Decrees and edicts===
===Decrees and edicts===
The following is a list of the known formal decrees and formal edicts made by the Hierarchs.
The following is a list of the known formal decrees and formal edicts made by the Hierarchs.
*'''[[Ages of Reconciliation|First Age of Reconciliation]]'''
*'''[[Ages of Reconciliation|First Age of Reconciliation]]'''
{{Outofdate|[[Halo: Broken Circle]]}}
{{Quote|I must tell you that High Charity now has a new [[Ministry of Anticipatory Security|Ministry]],|[[Qurlom]] relaying a decree from the [[High Prophet of Excellent Redolence]]}}
{{Expand-section}}
{{Expand-section}}
*'''[[Ages of Doubt|Twenty-Ninth Age of Doubt]]'''
*'''[[Ages of Doubt|Twenty-Ninth Age of Doubt]]'''
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*[[High Prophet of Unity]] (c. [[850 BCE]])
*[[High Prophet of Unity]] (c. [[850 BCE]])
;Unknown Age
;Unknown Age
*[[Unidentified Hierarch (Sanghelios)|Unidentified Hierarch]] (c. [[2142]])
*[[High Prophet of Solemnity]] (c. [[2142]])
;[[Ages of Doubt|Twenty-Ninth Age of Doubt]]
;[[Ages of Doubt|Twenty-Ninth Age of Doubt]]
*[[High Prophetess of Obligation]] (?–[[2525]])
*[[High Prophetess of Obligation]] (?–[[2525]])
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*The [[Prophetess of Obligation|High Prophetess of Obligation]] is currently the only known female Hierarch.
*The [[Prophetess of Obligation|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 for Earth]].
*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 for Earth]].
**One notable exception is the [[Prophet of Tolerance]], who promoted good relations between the Covenant's member species.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H2 Gemini Statue.png|A monument to the Prophet of Truth in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:HW Arbiter talks to Regret.png|The Prophet of Regret speaking to [[Ripa 'Moramee]] in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:TruthDeath-large.jpg|The death of the last Hierarch in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:HierarchH2A.jpg|Art of the Hierarchs Regret, Mercy, and Truth for ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:H2A-HighCouncilSession.jpg|The Hierarchs leading a High Council session.
File:H2A-HighCouncilSession.jpg|The Hierarchs leading a High Council session.
File:H2AG.png|The Hierarchs and their Honor Guardsmen.
File:H2AG.png|The Hierarchs and their Honor Guardsmen.
File:H2A - Hierarchs.jpg|The Hierarchs Regret, Truth, and Mercy presiding at the head of the High Council.  
File:H2A - Hierarchs.jpg|The Hierarchs Regret, Truth, and Mercy presiding at the head of the High Council.  
File:H2A-TruthAndMercy.jpg|The High Prophets of Truth and Mercy.
File:H2A-TruthAndMercy.jpg|The High Prophets of Truth and Mercy.
File:HW Arbiter talks to Regret.png|The Prophet of Regret speaking to [[Ripa 'Moramee]].
File:HTV-Hierarchs.png|The Hierarchs in ''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''.
File:TruthDeath-large.jpg|The death of the last Hierarch.
File:Enc22 Hierarchs.jpg|Artwork of the Hierarchs Regret, Truth, and Mercy for the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]''.
File:H2 Gemini Statue.png|A monument to the Prophet of Truth.
File:HierarchH2A.jpg|Art of the Hierarchs Regret, Mercy, and Truth.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Boot Camp|Boot Camp]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Boot Camp|Boot Camp]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'' {{Mo}}
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*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{C|Hologram only}}
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season One]]''
**''[[Contact]]''
**''[[Unbound]]''
**''[[Emergence]]''
**''[[Transcendence]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]''
**''[[Aleria (TV Series)|Aleria]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Onyx (TV Series)|Onyx]]'' {{Mo}}
{{Col-end}}
{{Col-end}}


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