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{{Era|Forerunner|Covenant|Human|UNSC|HCW|Post}}
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{{Species Infobox
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|image=[[File:SangheiliStorm.png|300px]]
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|name=Sangheili<br />(''Macto cognatus'')
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|othernames=
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*Elite
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*Split Chin
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*Split Jaw
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*Split Lip
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*Squid Head
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*Alligator<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''' - ''[[Headhunters (short story)|Headhunters]]''</ref>
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*Hinge-head<ref>''[[Kilo-Five Trilogy]]''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo 4]]''', ''[[Spartan Ops]]''</ref>
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*Four-jaws (among [[Kig-Yar]])
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|homeworld=[[Sanghelios]]
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|height=7'4" (225 cm) - 8'6" (262 cm)<ref name="VIS">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 61''</ref><ref name="Library">'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''', ''[[Library (feature)|Library]]''</ref>
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|weight={{Convert|139|kg|lb}} - {{Convert|178|kg|lb}}<ref name="VIS"/>
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|distinctions=Humanoid reptilian body structure; quadruple-hinged mandibles; binary circulatory system
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|lifespan=
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|techlevel=Tier 2
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|notable-group=
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*[[Covenant]]
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**[[Sesa 'Refumee's heretic faction]]
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**Various [[Covenant remnants|remnant groups]]
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***[[Swords of Sanghelios]]
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***[[Servants of the Abiding Truth]]
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***[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]
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|notable-person=
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*[[Thel 'Vadam]]
*[[Jul 'Mdama]]
*[[Merg Vol]]
*[[Avu Med 'Telcam]]
*[[Fal 'Chavamee]]
*[[Ripa 'Moramee]]
*[[Sesa 'Refumee]]
*[[Xytan 'Jar Wattinree]]
*[[Rtas 'Vadum]]
*[[Ussa 'Xellus]]
}}
{{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> species of fierce, proud, strong, agile and intelligent warriors. Named after their home planet, [[Sanghelios]], they are known to [[human]]s as '''Elites'''<ref name="h2prima">'''[[The Official Halo 2 Strategy Guide]]''' ''page 43''</ref> for their adeptness and skill in military strategy.  The Sangheili formed the [[Covenant military|military]] backbone of the [[Covenant]] 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]].
 
Originally a founding species of the unified conglomerate of races known as the Covenant, they later led the initial Covenant breakaway faction, the [[Swords of Sanghelios]], who sided with the humans against their former allies, due to the fact that the  [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] and the [[Prophet of Mercy|High Prophet of Mercy]] had ordered the genocide of the entire Sangheili race. This was established after the assassination of the [[Prophet of Regret|High Prophet of Regret]] at the hands of [[John-117]]. It was the Sangheili who were ultimately held responsible for the Prophet of Regret's death, and were 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]]. The aftermath of the Great Schism formed the bedrock of the Covenant's ultimate collapse.
 
__TOC__
 
== History ==
===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.<ref>'''[[Halo Legends]]''', ''[[Origins]]''</ref>
 
===Development of civilization and the Covenant===
[[File:AncientSangheili.png|250px|thumb|left|Ancient Sangheili on Sanghelios]]
After being returned to their homeworld, the Sangheili discovered artifacts left by the Forerunners on their planet. The Sangheili revered the objects these "gods" had left, and considered tampering with them a heresy beyond any other. However, some Sangheili scientists defied their species' dogma and studied Forerunner artifacts in secret; they would later become instrumental in helping the Sangheili reverse-engineer weapons against the San'Shyuum.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 62-63''</ref> The Sangheili soon became a interstellar-capable species and colonized [[Sangheili colonies|many worlds]]. The planet of [[Creck]], discovered before the Sangheili's contact with the San'Shyuum was the seventy-sixth of designated worlds explored by Sangheili. At some point, two Sangheili [[clan]]s waged war upon each other for numerous years on Sanghelios. These engagements became known as the [[Clan Battles of Sanghelios]].<ref name="bcpreview"/>
 
In [[938 BCE]] the Sangheili encountered the [[Reformists|Reformist]] [[San'Shyuum]], a race who also worshiped the Forerunners as gods, but had utilized Forerunner technology for their own needs, believing the technology had been left behind by the gods as gifts for their children.<ref name="reformist">'''Halo: Contact Harvest'''</ref> This sparked a [[Sangheili-San'Shyuum war|war]] between the two races over how to treat the relics. Even though the Sangheili were much more physically imposing and numerous, they suffered extreme casualties under the sheer power of the San'Shyuum's [[Forerunner Dreadnought|Dreadnought]], a surviving [[Keyship]], and by [[876 BCE]] even the most devout had to admit their survival depended on the reconstitution of their own Forerunner technology. This led both sides to an agreement that ended with the decommissioning of the Forerunner Dreadnought and a shaky alliance that eventually expanded into the Covenant.
 
The San'Shyuum helped assuage the Sangheili by informing them of the [[Great Journey]]: by seeking out the [[Halo Array|Holy Rings]] scattered throughout the galaxy and utilizing them, a "Great Journey" would transform believers into godlike beings. The [[Writ of Union]] was drawn up in [[852 BCE]] in order to codify the Covenant. Its first canto clearly outlines the nature of the Covenant from the perspective of the Prophets.
 
Being one of the few races in the Covenant to achieve space-faring status without outside intervention, Sangheili interaction with the San'Shyuum was initially strained due to memories of the recent war. Many Sangheili felt that the Writ of Union meant surrender to the San'Shyuum, although most never voiced these concerns.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 48''</ref> The Sangheili [[Ussa 'Xellus]] led a major rebellion against the Covenant that was eventually neutralized with the rebel [[Ussans]] going into hiding.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 209-210''</ref> Over time, the San'Shyuum and Sangheili formed a prosperous relationship, eventually laying the foundation for the modern Covenant hegemony.
 
During their membership in the Covenant, the Sangheili were simply put, technological and societal equals of the San'Shyuum. However, for a significant period, they found themselves as the dominant military muscle for the entire Covenant structure - hardly surprising given the warlike, feudal nature of their homeworld. What was surprising was the cyclical stability this feudal society was able to offer. Technological and medical advancement prospered, and the intelligent, aggressive Sangheili were peerless until they encountered the San'Shyuum. With exchange of goods and ideas, the Sangheili adapted to and eventually embraced the Covenant religion, grafting its tenets to their own belief system.<ref name="Bestiarum"/>
 
===Human-Covenant War===
{{Main|Human-Covenant War}}
When the Prophets declared war on a previously unknown species called [[human]]s, the Sangheili followed their lead without question. After a period of time, however, even though the Prophets insisted that the humans were "unclean beings" that must be eliminated from the galaxy, some seasoned Sangheili veterans began to question the refusal of the Prophets to even consider accepting the humans into the Covenant. They seem to believe that humans, although physically weak, at least compared to themselves, are brave and even honorable. As such, these few Sangheili believed that humans should be offered admittance to the Covenant.<ref name="conversations">'''[[Conversations from the Universe]]'''</ref> Some even believed that the humans are equal to them - a considerable step for a Sangheili, or any member of the Covenant to make. These Sangheili admired how willing and brave the humans were when fighting to survive against outright extinction, they even respected to a certain degree those few soldiers who were willing to stay behind and cover their comrades from a Covenant attack. A few Sangheili even had more respect for the humans than they did for the San'Shyuum ''before'' the Great Schism.
 
===The Great Schism===
[[File:Rtas_'Vadum.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Shipmaster]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]] on ''[[Shadow of Intent]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s bridge]]
{{Main|Great Schism}}
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]], [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee and [[Special Operations Commander]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]]ee 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.
 
These events led the entire Sangheili species to secede from the Covenant, forming a faction of separatists later to be known as the [[Swords of Sanghelios]]. They were aided by a few of the member races 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 Arbiter's forces 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.
 
===Fall of the Covenant===
After the [[Battle of Earth]], the Sangheili and humans managed to stop and subsequently kill the Prophet of Truth, effectively dissolving the Covenant. However, the Sangheili and humans were coerced to deal with a more massive threat; the [[Flood]]. Finally, the Arbiter and the Master Chief, after activating the newly constructed [[Installation 04B|replacement Halo ring]], effectively ended the Flood threat.
 
Following the destruction of the Covenant, Sangheili society plunged into crisis. Already lacking centralized governance and splintered to independent city-states spread across several dozen major colonies,<ref name="11th 2">'''[[Eleventh Hour reports]]''' - ''Report 2''</ref> they fractured into [[Covenant remnants|multiple infighting factions]] with varying ideas on how to run their society, despite their ongoing war with the Jiralhanae. This was largely due to the fact they had become reliant of the Prophets during the millennia of the Covenant's existence. As they regained their independence, they were forced to re-learn to manage their society on their own, without the direction of the Prophets or the manual labor provided by the other client races.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', Chapter 2, ''page 53''</ref> One faction, the [[Servants of the Abiding Truth]], opposed Thel 'Vadam and his allies, specifically their rejection of the notion of the Forerunners being gods.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', Chapter 1, ''page 20''</ref>
 
As the Great Schism went on, the Sangheili continued their fight against the Jiralhanae. This was proving largely unsuccessful and the Sangheili were accepting serious losses. Without the Covenant to provide them with ships, technology, and repairs, they slowly lost warships and technologies they couldn't repair or replace. After the San'Shyuum went into hiding, the Sangheili began to prevail against the Jiralhanae, who in turn began to fight amongst themselves. Having abandoned the Covenant, the Sangheili were now in a state of mass confusion in regards to their religion, because even though the San'Shyuum lied to them, they had still given them purpose for their actions. Many Sangheili were still religiously devoted to the Forerunners and were attempting to uncover the meaning of their faith.<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''', "[[The Return]]"</ref>
 
===Human involvement===
After the Human-Covenant War, there was competition between the UNSC and the Sangheili, when it came to examining Forerunner ruins and relics like the [[Portal at Voi]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''' - ''[[From the Office of Dr. William Arthur Iqbal]]''</ref> By March 2553, a [[Treaty of 2552|tentative ceasefire]] continued to exist between humanity and the Sangheili. Although Arbiter Thel 'Vadam campaigned for peace between the two species across various Sangheili states, many Sangheili continued to view humans with suspicion, perceiving them as a threat and wanting to destroy them once and for all. At the same time, the UNSC's [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] took advantage of the unstable political situation, attempting to keep the Sangheili splintered and disorganized by inciting the Servants of the Abiding Truth to rebel against 'Vadam. This was to make sure the Sangheili would not pose a threat to humanity again, in spite of the UNSC's alliance with the Arbiter's faction.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', Chapter 1, ''page 66''</ref>
 
ONI's aid allowed the Servants of the Abiding Truth to amass enough weapons to begin an [[Sangheili civil war|all-out insurrection]] against 'Vadam and his allies in early 2553. Meanwhile, however, ONI's efforts also backfired; partially as a result of their actions the Sangheili [[Jul 'Mdama]] began a personal quest against humanity, forming a Sangheili-led [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|reconstituted Covenant]] mainly from ex-Covenant forces. Four years after the battle at the Ark, this group launched an invasion on the [[Forerunner]] [[shield world]] [[Requiem]], intending to find and awaken the [[Ur-Didact|Didact]], a Forerunner [[Promethean]] they revered as a living god.
 
In spite of ONI's underhanded mission, relations between humanity and Sangheili at large continued to be amicable. For example, the UNSC and the Sangheili under the Arbiter maintained mixed control over certain space territories, known as [[Joint Occupation Zone]]s. The UNSC Navy and the Sangheili also participated in joint naval operations, including one against [[Piracy|pirates]] in [[2557]].<ref name="catalog15">[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969315_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969315 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction'' (post 2969315)]</ref> Human and Sangheili scholars also gathered and studied the Covenant's records together on Sanghelios.<ref>[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969317_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969317 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction'' (post 2969317)]</ref> Collaborative weapons research (such as the study of the physics behind the [[Type-33 Needler]]) and exchanges in military intelligence between the two species is also known to have taken place.<ref>[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969311_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969311 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction'' (post 2969311)]</ref> In addition, a select number of Sangheili are known to have been offered the opportunity to train alongside Spartan-IVs in [[War Games]] simulations as part of the [[ANVIL initiative]].<ref name="Have S'moa">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-have-s-moa '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Canon Fodder: 2-20-15'']</ref> A notable example of trust and technological exchange between humanity and Sangheili is the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Helioskrill|Helioskrill armor]], a variant of [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]], one of the most sophisticated pieces of human technology, which was designed by a Sangheili prodigy and manufactured by the [[Kolaar Manufactorum]], a forge based on Sanghelios..<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta''', ''Helioskrill armor description''</ref>
 
In one notable incident, the Office of Naval Intelligence deployed three [[prowler]]s to trail the allied Sangheili assault carrier ''[[Shadow of Intent]]''. All three stealth vessels were reported destroyed under unclear circumstances; the losses were not reported to UNSC Naval authorities.<ref name="catalog15"/> Despite this, the alliance between the Arbiter and humanity continued to hold. On March 5, 2558, 'Vadam accepted the UNSC as mediators to oversee his peace negotiations with the [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]] [[Lydus]].<ref>'''Halo: Escalation'''</ref>
 
During the crisis that followed the dissolution of the Covenant, some Sangheili sought [[Asylum seeker|asylum]] on Earth. In [[2558]], at least one settlement of former-Covenant races was based in the [[South America]]n city of [[Rio de Janeiro]].<ref>'''[[Spartan Ops]]''' [[S1/Departure|S1E1 ''Departure'']]</ref>
 
==Description==
Sangheili are physically imposing beings, typically standing more than a foot taller than the average human. They are vaguely reptilian in overall appearance, with leathery skin, reverse-jointed legs and sharp claws and teeth. Their large hands have two fingers and two thumbs. Their most unique trait is their jaw structure, which is made up of four separate mandibles attached to their face.
 
The Sangheili are known for great strength and intelligence, and are praised for their bravery and honor. Sangheili warriors augment these natural abilities further through use of [[Sangheili personal energy shield|energy shields]] integrated into their armor. Depending upon rank and mission objective, they are commonly seen in battle with [[Type-25 plasma rifle|plasma rifles]], [[Type-51 carbine|carbines]], [[Type-33 Needler|Needlers]], [[Type-31 Rifle|needle rifles]], and sometimes [[Type-1 energy sword|energy swords]]. Sangheili employ coffin-like [[orbital insertion pod]]s as well as [[Type-25 Spirit|Spirit]] and [[Type-52 Phantom|Phantom]] dropships for military transit purposes and rapid-response operations.
 
Historically, Sangheili have followed the Covenant mentality of maintaining hatred towards humanity, believing them to be an affront to their religion and a challenge towards the Great Journey. However, many Sangheili were able to put this animosity aside when an alliance of Sangheili-led separatists joined the UNSC during their expedition to [[Installation 00|the Ark]]. After the Human-Covenant War, many Sangheili are still distrustful of humanity and some still wage war against them. Nonetheless a large number of Sangheili, most notably [[Swords of Sanghelios|those loyal]] to [[Thel 'Vadam]], have attempted to form steady alliances with their former enemies.
 
===Anatomy and physiology===
[[File:elite.jpg|250px|right|thumb|A [[Sangheili Minor]] with a [[Type-51 carbine]]]]
Sangheili are muscular and very tall, usually standing between 2.25 and 2.62 meters.<ref name="VIS"/><ref name="Library"/> Their jaws are quadruple-hinged, with an upper jaw and four lower mandibles arranged in two tiers. Mandible and upper jaw structure along with teeth shape and numbers result from different phenotypes; however they do not indicate reproductive isolation.<ref>https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2994218_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2994218</ref> These mandibles have between six and twelve teeth each and some Sangheili have an additional, larger fang on the tips of each mandible.<ref>'''Halo Wars: Genesis''', ''page 7''</ref><ref>'''Halo Graphic Novel''', ''page ??''</ref> Anywhere from eight to more than a dozen broader teeth may be mounted on the upper jaw structure. Sangheili smell with the use of two nostrils, each slightly in front of and below the eye socket. Given their predatory nature, a Sangheili's sense of smell is likely very developed.
 
Their hands are [[Wikipedia:tetradactyly|tetradactyl]], each having two fingers in the middle and an opposing thumb on either side. Their legs are [[Wikipedia:digitigrade|digitigrade]], with short upper and lower legs, and elongated tarsals, using the distal and intermediate phalanges to support their weight when walking. This arrangement possibly allows them to run very quickly and jump large distances, compared to ordinary humans and other Covenant races.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 201''</ref> Their superior agility may also be attributed to their homeworld's higher gravity; the additional strength required to move normally in a high-gravity environment would likely cause them to be more powerful in lower gravity situations (though, curiously, their tall, large, and lean figure would be extremely disadvantageous and impractical on a high-gravity planet—an arrangement possibly allowed by other major factors in their biology and life cycles; alternatively, the impressive strength and agility may be the result of the capabilities of their standard-issue combat harnesses). They also appear to have a double set of pectoral muscles, which contributes to their incredible strength. On the other hand, their digitigrade stance makes it difficult for them to climb vertical constructs such as ladders.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 200''</ref>
 
[[File:H2A - Thel's face.jpg|left|thumb|250px|A close-up of a Sangheili's face, showing the jaws which have earned nicknames such as "Split-lip" and "Squid-head"]]
Sangheili have a binary circulatory system<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 226''</ref><ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page ???''</ref> that pumps indigo-colored [[blood]]. They breathe oxygen and their homeworld has a nitrogen-oxygen atmosphere comparable to Earth's, allowing them to breathe the same atmosphere as humans. Sangheili cannot breathe molecular nitrogen.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 200'''</ref>
 
Most Sangheili have gray or grayish-brown leathery skin. They have forward-facing eyes with vertical slits and horizontal eyelids much like those of terrestrial reptiles,<ref>'''Halo 4'''</ref><ref>''''Halo 2: Anniversary'''</ref><ref group="note">In most of their pre-''Halo 4'' depictions, the Sangheili have slightly laterally-oriented eyes. The Sangheili featured in ''Halo 4'' and later media have more forward-facing eyes befitting a predatory species.</ref> likely giving them high-resolution central vision and depth perception. Sangheili are unable to perceive purple tones, which they see as blue. They are also able to see in the "infrabrown range". This apparently indicates that they lack L cone cells.<ref name="vision">[https://twitter.com/JoshingtonState/status/458279139850858497 '''Twitter''': ''JoshingtonState''] (@JoshingtonState: ''"Little known fact, Elites are all color blind (like @franklez). This whole time they thought they were using BLUE! ;)"'') (''"@JoshingtonState: ''"Frank says "infrabrown range" - not sure exactly what this means."'')</ref> Their eyes are almost universally colored an yellow-orange.<ref group="note">In ''Halo 2'' Thel 'Vadamee has magenta eyes and [[Rtas 'Vadum]]ee has green eyes. In ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' they, like all other members of their species, have orange-yellow eyes. A Sangheili Zealot seen in ''Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn'' also has yellowish green eyes, Gek 'Lhar has yellow eyes and Vata 'Gajat from ''Halo: Escalation'' has red eyes. While 'Vadamee's and 'Vadumee's eye color was clearly retconned, the latter examples could be instances of artistic license, though they may instead indicate that other eye colors are exhibited throughout the species. </ref><ref group="note">Sangheili NPCs in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' wear eye coverings corresponding to the color of their armor, while Elites of all ranks wear black lenses in ''Halo 2''. These devices were likely meant to project the combatant's heads-up display. However, these coverings have not been seen in any media since ''Halo 2''; ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'' and ''Halo 2 Anniversary'' instead depict all Sangheili with uncovered eyes.</ref>
 
Sangheili exhibit minor sexual dimorphism, with the females being slightly smaller than the males.<ref>'''Halo: The Thursday War''', ''page 189''</ref> Sangheili males possess a subtle leathery scent, while females have been described as smelling like "clean feathers".<ref>'''Halo: The Thursday War''', ''page 208''</ref> Sangheili are [[Wikipedia:Oviparity|oviparous]], meaning that they lay eggs rather than giving live birth.<ref name="Catalog"/> They incubate their recently hatched young in tank-like pods.<ref name="blood">[[Halo: Blood Line Issue 3|''Halo: Blood Line'', ''Issue 3'']]: ''"Reff and I hatched on ''(sic)'' the city-state of <nowiki>'</nowiki>Thasanee."''</ref> The species is remarkably long-lived; Sangheili over 60 or 70 years of age have shown to be fully fit for combat duty,<ref>'''Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 29''</ref><ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 11''</ref> and [[Jul 'Mdama]] was considered young, at least in keep elder terms,<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 61''</ref> at 64 years old.<ref>'''Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page ??''</ref> Circa 100,000 BCE Sangheili life expectancy was 27 [[Earth]] years.<ref name="Catalog">[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2959975_Query--Catalog.aspx#post2959975 '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Query: Catalog'']</ref><ref name="catalog">[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2988575_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2988575 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction - Page 39'']</ref>
{{Clear}}
 
==Culture==
[[File:H2A-WeightOfYourHeresy.jpg|thumb|left|250px|An example of Sangheili's mentality of being a superior species; here, [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee defies a Jiralhanae to handle him after a trial.]]
The Sangheili consider most other species to be inferior to them, both culturally and in fighting skill; this thinking has caused Sangheili to treat other species cruelly and in an arrogant manner. This eventually led to the feud between the Sangheili and [[Jiralhanae]]. Although Sangheili are naturally very intelligent, their culture's long dependence on a military-industrial scheme has led to an emphasis on might over science. In some regards, the advent of the Covenant made this position easier-allowing the Sangheili to concentrate even more mono-manically on military endeavors, while Prophets took care of science and technology.<ref name="Bestiarum"/> Despite this, their adeptness at using and creating technology is evident. It is probable that they designed many of the Covenant's warship types themselves. They demonstrated their superiority at space combat in the battle with the Jiralhanae over Installation 00.
 
Promotion in the Covenant military is by merit. A Covenant soldier must succeed to advance among the ranks, with this success being measured in combat kills. A Sangheili near the top of the military hierarchy may have personally slaughtered thousands of individuals to reach that status.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=697 '''Bungie.net''': ''The Covenant Primer'']</ref> This practice sometimes puts individuals of questionable strategic acumen in positions of command. In the case of [[Ripa 'Moramee]], a particularly brutish Sangheili was appointed as Arbiter, both for his martial ability and for his unquestioning obedience to the Prophets.
 
Raised from childhood to be warriors, other societal roles are treated as secondary endeavors or even hobbies. Doctors are considered outright dishonorable as they "spill blood" outside the battlefield;<ref name="Cole Protocol"/> despite this, the Sangheili are known to employ advanced medical technology.<ref name="Bestiarum"/> Elites are very skilled in most ranged weapons, as well as hand-to-hand combat. A prominent example of this martial focus is that only [[aristocrat]]s are allowed to wield energy swords and that sword-wielders are then no longer eligible for marriage; however, they may breed with any female they choose, married or otherwise, to ensure successful transmission of "swordsman" genes. Many Sangheili children are trained in basic swordsmanship early on, both for personal development and for them to be capable of using a sword later in life if necessary. Within the military, aristocratic title is not necessary for wielding an energy sword.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 63''</ref><!-- The Essential Visual Guide states that non-aristocratic use of the energy sword is forbidden only within civilian society. This policy is not upheld within the military.-->
 
As a symbolic gesture of love for his people, a Sangheili leader may walk among his followers and help them in their duties, even doing what is normally considered females' work such as helping them care for eggs. This is also done to inspire the Sangheili to work diligently so as to not be outdone by their superiors.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 43''</ref>
 
===Sense of honor===
{{Quote|What madness Sangheili honor can be. They should be careful, lest they lose their way.|The [[Prophet of Regret]]<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 341''</ref>}}
[[File:Halsey n' John.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Major [[Thel 'Lodamee]] challenges [[John-117]] to an energy sword duel.]]
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 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.
 
Conversely, those who favor practicality over religious fervor in combat exhibit keen tactical and strategic acumen.  The [[Zealot]]s, despite being among the most fervent adherents of the Covenant's religion, use shrewd, pragmatic tactics and are willing to engage in subterfuge in lieu of open combat. Similarly, [[Special Operations Sangheili|special operators]] and [[Stealth Sangheili|stealth specialists]] use active camouflage even in combat, though most would prefer to fight outright than to skulk in shadow. The separatist [[Fleet of Retribution]] destroyed the [[Prophet of Truth]]'s [[Truth's fleet|fleet]], despite the latter outnumbering the former three-to-one. Some Sangheili, such as [[Jul 'Mdama]], see honor as more of an aspiration than a way of life and are willing to engage in deception if need be, particularly after seeing humans use such tactics to great effect.<ref>''Halo: Glasslands''</ref>
 
The Sangheili code of honor appears quite similar to [[Wikipedia:Bushido|Japanese Bushido]], sharing concepts such as skill in combat (with an emphasis on swordsmanship), loyalty to master and family/clan, and views on death.  Both systems promote death in battle as being the most honorable and proper way to die. If a warrior is critically injured, incapacitated, or captured, the only acceptable recourse is to commit ritualistic suicide, ensuring one's honor is kept intact. This is of such importance to Sangheili warriors that even if they are incapable of killing themselves, they may request the assistance of their fellow Sangheili in doing so.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 170''</ref> The Sangheili consider being captured in combat to be dishonorable. To retain his honor, a valiant Sangheili would typically commit suicide while in prison. Often when imprisoned Sangheili are freed those who have not killed themselves are executed anyway, as was the case with one of Thel 'Vadam's ancestors. However, escaping or staging an uprising is acceptable, by the same example.<ref name="CP170">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 170, 195-196''</ref>
 
===Superstitions===
Despite their martial nature, the Sangheili have reservations to the spilling of one's own [[blood]]. This is an extension of the belief that the blood of a warrior is his essence, which is synonymous with his honor; thus, to spill one's blood is to lose one's honor.<ref name="Cole Protocol"/> As a result, in Sangheili culture, doctors are seen by many as the lowest members of society because they "..make [their] living slicing and causing another Sangheili to bleed without honor."<ref name="Cole Protocol">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 143''</ref> This means that the only 'honorable' way for a Sangheili to be injured or bleed out is from combat with the enemy. This belief also makes visiting a doctor very shameful for some Sangheili.
 
Many Sangheili believe that a weapon is to be drawn only if it is to be used, because a drawn weapon "demands blood."<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 138''</ref>
 
===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.<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.
 
===Family===
Family history and lineage are greatly valued, with each family having their own unique "battle poem" detailing the deeds and actions of its members during times of war.
 
Although Sangheili society is classified as being patriarchal,<ref name="Bestiarum"/> and while most males serve as warriors, female Sangheili hold considerable power in issues within their family keeps, including political matters, civil duties and trade, while Sangheili males are sent into service as warriors. Sangheili believe that copulation without regard for the bloodline is uncultured, but only the females have access to records of their own bloodlines, and are able to choose their mates.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 52''</ref> The maintaining of a clan's familial records is typically the duty of the wife of the keep elder.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 91''</ref>
 
Sangheili warriors form very close-knitted relationships, referring to their comrades as "brothers" and remaining intensely loyal to them. This loyalty is shown in the custom of grieving after the death of a fallen comrade, a ritual which includes prayer for the dead warrior.
 
====Children====
Newly hatched Sangheili are called "childlings", and as they grow older, they are then referred to as "younglings".<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 227''</ref> Sangheili children are typically raised in the communal environment of their family keep to ensure that all start on an equal footing and progress in rank by merit of their abilities. They are not allowed to know the identity of their true fathers and are usually raised by a maternal uncle instead. This is a method of preventing status from being inherited in order to force children to make their own way in the world so they actively work for and earn advancement,<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 321''</ref> thus minimizing nepotism. However, as some children's fathers were swordsmen who were granted the right to [[Reproduction|reproduce]] with any number of female Sangheili they desire, the use of a maternal uncle as a father-like figure is used to allow children to be raised equally.<ref name="Bestiarum"/> Sometimes the individual acting as a Sangheili's "uncle" is in fact the father, but this makes no difference as to his role.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 93''</ref>
 
[[Ussan]] Sangheili do know who their fathers are, presumably because they wanted to be sure who was descended from legendary figures such as [[Ussa 'Xellus]] and [[Ernicka the Scar-Maker]].
 
Both male and female Sangheili are taught to fight from a young age. Though only males go on to become warriors, it is believed that the females should be able to defend themselves in the event their keep is attacked.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 54''</ref> A popular pastime for Sangheili children is to hunt small rat-like creatures that live on their homeworld.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 5''</ref>
 
===Language===
{{Main|Covenant languages#Sangheili|l1=Sangheili language}}
The Sangheili language, which served as a ''lingua franca'' to the Covenant, is rather harsh and guttural to human ears. While much remains unknown about its overall structure and conventions, it is known that certain sounds are largely absent from the Sangheili language due to their unique mouth structure; for example, Sangheili have difficulty pronouncing human words containing the letter "v" or ending with "p", resulting in the name "Evan Phillips" (As in Dr. [[Evan Phillips]], a scholar of the Sangheili language) being pronounced as "Efanphilliss" (however, there are names in the Sangheili language that use these letters, such as "Vadam" and "Ripa").
 
Certain Sangheili colloquial terms have been translated by human linguists; the majority of these are derogatory in nature. The word "Jir'a'ul" is a term of abuse for Jiralhanae, being a portmanteau of the name "Jiralhanae" and the word "a'ul," the Sangheili word for a lump of wood.<ref>'''Halo: The Thursday War''', ''page 24''</ref> The Sangheili often refer to humans using the word "[[nishum]]," which translates roughly to "worm" or "intestinal parasite." The origin of this term lies with the first encounters between Sangheili soldiers and human military personnel. Upon first sighting human infantry, the Sangheili mistook their body armor for an exoskeletal shell. After examining dead human soldiers, the Sangheili discovered the relatively weak, fleshy creatures underneath the "shells" and came to the conclusion that they were some sort of internal parasite. Even long after this misconception faded, the term remained in use among the Sangheili as an unflattering insult to their human enemies.<ref>'''Halo: The Thursday War''', ''page 79''</ref>
 
====Naming====
The Sangheili place great value in names and titles, and consider names to be a privilege given only to those who are worthy. The Sangheili generally regard humans as nameless, aside from generic labels, such as "Demon" (a term used to refer to Spartans).  They resent that the humans have assigned the label "Elite" to them (along with many other, far more derogatory names, such as Squid-head, Split Lip, ''etc'').
 
A Sangheili's first name is a given name that is attained at birth and persists throughout adulthood. It is followed by a family name, which denotes their lineage. Thel 'Vadam, for example, was from the [[Vadam family|Vadam lineage]]. Some lineages, such as Vadam, have control over their own states,<ref name="tcp93"/> although this is not always the case; it is typical for Sangheili of other lineages to occupy smaller keeps in a state named after another lineage. Client keep elders within a given state typically adopt the name of the state instead of using their own family name.<ref name="blood"/><ref name="glass2"/> Family names may carry a suffix such as "-ee" (an honorific indicating that the Sangheili has enlisted in the Covenant military). Since the Great Schism, most Sangheili have dropped the '-ee' suffix.<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 126''</ref> Additional titles, such as "Jar" and "Nar," appear to be related to specific ranks (Imperial Admiral and Fleet Master, respectively). Apart from the "-ee" suffix, the suffix "-ai" denotes swordsmanship, as with [[Bero 'Kusovai]] and [[Toha 'Sumai]].<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 125''</ref>
 
The apostrophe in front of the clan name indicates a sound resembling a glottal stop or click.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 326''</ref>
 
== Homeworld and colonies ==
{{Main|Sanghelios|Sangheili colonies}}
Sanghelios is the homeworld of the Sangheili species with a population of 8.135 billion as of 2552.<ref name="Bestiarum"/> Sanghelios is the fourth planet in a [[wikipedia:Multiple_star_system|triple star system]] of stars [[Urs system|Urs]], [[Fied]], and [[Joori]]. The planet has two moons called [[Qikost]] and [[Suban]].<ref name="Bestiarum"/>
 
As a space-faring species, the Sangheili have [[Sangheili colonies|colonised]] multiple planetary entities as they ventured space, first expanding the reach of their own civilization and later that of the Covenant empire. There are several dozen worlds considered as major centers of their civilization. Like their homeworld, the colonies house a number of independent city-states as opposed to a unified government.<ref name="11th 2"/> [[Joyous Exultation]] was a significant nexus of Sangheili military during the Covenant hegemony's reign, while [[Hesduros]] is an example of a more remote Sangheili colony.
 
== Command structure ==
=== Cultural and political ===
;[[Sangheili Councilor|Councilor]]
:The Councilor was one of the highest positions attainable by a Sangheili in the old Covenant hierarchy. As members of the [[High Council]], they shared governance with the [[Lesser Prophet]]s and answered directly to the [[Hierarchs]].<ref name="H2-heretic">'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level, ''[[The Heretic]]''</ref>
 
;[[Arbiter]]
:The title of Arbiter was originally granted to the warrior ruler of the Sangheili clans,<ref name="h2aterm">'''Halo 2 Anniversary''' - ''[[Terminal/Halo 2 Anniversary|Terminals]]''</ref> and was considered a great privilege.<ref name="duel">'''[[Halo Legends]]''', ''[[The Duel]]''</ref> However the conflict caused by [[Fal 'Chavamee]] in his refusal of the [[Covenant religion]], had led the Prophets to significantly repurpose the role. In times of an extraordinary crisis, it would be reserved for the most disgraced Sangheili and offered as a means to regain their honor through suicidal missions of great importance to the Covenant.<ref name="H2-arbiter">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Arbiter]]''</ref> It also served as a convenient means for the San'Shyuum to silence Sangheili in positions of power who may have started to question the Covenant religion or the Prophets' rule.<ref name="h2aterm"/>
 
;[[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Honor Guardsman]]
:As part of the [[Covenant Honor Guard]] of the old Covenant empire, the Honor Guardsmen were highly skilled warriors, hand-picked for the duty of protecting members of the High Council and the Hierarchs.<ref name="contact381">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 381''</ref><ref name="evg95">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 95''</ref> Although it was a great honor and they were expected to eliminate anyone who drew a weapon in the presence of a Hierarch,<ref name="cole341">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 341''</ref> the position was seen by some Sangheili as merely a ceremonial duty too removed from battle. One of the most formidable groups in the Honor Guard is the [[Light of Sanghelios]].<ref name="h2-gravemind">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]]''</ref>
 
=== Military ===
==== Ranks within the previous Covenant ====
In Sangheili culture, it is customary to promote individuals based upon their skills, abilities, and the number of casualties they inflict upon their enemy.<ref name="h2prima"/> In the original Covenant, a fresh Sangheili recruit would start as a [[Sangheili Minor|Minor]] (indicated by their blue-colored armor), and later promoted as a [[Sangheili Major|Major]] (indicated by their red/crimson-colored armor) when he has acquired sufficient experience in the field. Both Minor and Major are capable of leading up to three lances of Unggoy and Kig-Yar.
 
They can continue to be promoted to an [[Sangheili Ultra|Ultra]], serving as field officers.<ref>'''Halo: Reach'''</ref> Whilst they often engage in open battle,<ref>'''[[Deliver Hope]]'''</ref> commanding multiple squads of Sangheili, Unggoy and Kig-Yar, they are sometimes deployed alone on high-priority missions such as the command of [[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform|Scarab assault platforms]].<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Metropolis]]''</ref> A further advancement in the ranks is the rank of a [[Sangheili General|General]]. They have been observed personally leading both warships and infantry on the battlefield.<ref name="haloreach">'''Halo: Reach'''</ref> Whilst they can lead anywhere between hundreds to thousands of soldiers alone, when multiple Generals are required, they will fight in concert to resolve battles.<ref name="evg-general">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 57''</ref><ref name="encyclopedia">'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 134'' (2011 edition)</ref>
 
One of the highest ranks attainable by a Sangheili, an [[Imperial Admiral]] bestows the control of large combined fleets and operate on powerful capital warships, such as an [[assault carrier]] or [[supercarrier]]. Rather than require groundside combat proficiency, they are requested to be tactically excellent and to hold a great influence over the vastly numerous troops within their command. The only known Imperial Admiral is [[Xytan 'Jar Wattinree]].<ref name="goo239">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 239-243''</ref>
 
==== Ranks within Jul 'Mdama's faction ====
The rank structure in [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|new Covenant]] retains much of the structure of the Covenant hegemony: Sangheili are given ranks according to their experiences in combat as well as to their particular skills and abilities. A fresh Sangheili within this unified Covenant starts as a [[Sangheili Storm|Storm unit]] (indicated by their blue-colored armor) and would be promoted as a [[Sangheili Commander|Commander]] (indicated by their red/crimson-colored armor) when he has gained sufficient field experience. Those that served the old Covenant empire, having obtained decades of experience in the Human-Covenant War, would also be classified as Commanders.
 
Seasoned veteran Sangheili who survived the [[Human-Covenant War]] are classified as [[Sangheili Warrior|Warriors]]. They are considered some of the most fearsome members in the new Covenant order.
 
==== Titles ====
These military titles are retained for individuals who have garnered enough field experience and are not based on their military ranks. The following are known titles:
*'''[[Weapons Master]]''': Sangheili engineers who maintain and improve equipment used by the Covenant.
*'''[[Artillery Master]]''': Sangheili who oversee artillery pieces.
*'''[[Field Master]]''': Sangheili who lead land-based armies.
*'''[[Shipmaster]]''': Reserved for Sangheili commander of individual ships, though they sometimes command small task forces, as well. The term "Shipmaster" is not exclusive to Sangheili, and is universally used by the Covenant to refer to an individual of any species in command of a starship.
*'''[[Fleet Master]]''': Given to a high-ranking Sangheili in command of a fleet.
*'''[[Supreme Commander]]''': The Covenant's equivalent of the human "Commander-in-Chief". The only known Supreme Commander was [[Thel 'Vadam]], who commanded three fleets during the Fall of Reach, while serving as fleetmaster of his own Fleet of Particular Justice, which he took to Installation 04.
 
=== Groups ===
==== Zealots ====
Managed under the [[Ministry of Fervent Intercession]], the [[Sangheili Zealot|Zealots]] are a specialized group of Sangheili tasked with the search and recovery of Forerunner artifacts.<ref name="evg60">'''Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 60''</ref> They are involved in deep-infiltration, high-risk operations, sometimes led by a [[Sangheili Field Marshal|Field Marshal]]. In addition to artifact retrieval, the Zealots can also serve in other command roles.
 
In the new Covenant order led by Jul 'Mdama, much of the Zealots originate from [[Hesduros]].
 
==== Special Warfare Group ====
{{Main|Special Warfare Group|l1=Covenant's Special Warfare Group}}
The Special Warfare Group is a military organization responsible for overseeing all special operations for the purposes of achieving the objectives for the previous Covenant body.
 
===== Fleet Security =====
Part of Covenant's Fleet Security, the [[Sangheili Ranger|Rangers]] are a group of Sangheili specializing in zero-gravity, exoatmospheric environment and extra-vehicular space combat.<ref name="evg58">'''Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 58''</ref> Their suits provide a great degree of mobility in such extreme environment.
 
The Fleet Security's cover units are the [[Stealth Sangheili]]. Their role focuses on acquisition of intelligence and strategic countermeasures than direct combat. Like the Special Operations, they utilize active camouflage in their operation. The [[Ossoona]], or "Eyes of the Prophets", is a subset that operates under the Stealth Sangheili for the purposes of information gathering on enemy weapons and military data.
 
After the collapse of the old Covenant empire, the role of Rangers persists in the Covenant remnant faction led by Jul 'Mdama.
 
===== Special Operations =====
The [[Covenant Special Operations|Special Operations]] is the Special Warfare Group's division for unconventional warfare.<ref name="evg59">'''Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 59''</ref> Comparable to Zealots, the Special Operations are tasked with suppressing enemy progression and disable enemy installations. The division is controlled by the Special Operations Commander.
 
Special Operations Sangheili operate in small squads and boast superior shielding system and active camouflage. They are often led by Special Operations Officers and supported by Special Operations Unggoy.
 
===== Commando Unit =====
The [[Commando Unit]] is a branch of the Special Warfare Group based upon pre-contact ground forces.
 
==== Other groups ====
The [[Ascetic]]s are a special group of Sangheili devoted to ensuring stability and purity within Covenant society.<ref name="armor description">'''Halo 3''', ''armor description''</ref> At the formation of the Covenant, the [[Writ of Union]] termed the dissolution of their order. Instead, they were reconstituted as an organization under the Ministry of Abnegation. The wake of the [[Great Schism]] brought the return of the Ascetics as an independent group.<ref name="evg56">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 56''</ref>
 
=== Others ===
;[[Oracle Master]]
:Advisors to the Hierarchs, the Oracle Masters specialize in intelligence gathering and providing religious counsel to the Hierarchs.<ref name="goo239"/>
 
;Prison Guard
:Prison guards, as their name suggests, provide security for Sangheili prisons such as [[Weeping Shadows of Sorrow]].
 
{{Sangheili Ranks}}
 
==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes|quote=yes}}
===Production notes===
*The dialogue spoken by the Sangheili of ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' was made by reversing and slowing sound clips of [[Sergeant Johnson]]. "Wort! Wort! Wort!" is the reversed phrase, "Go! Go! Go!". With the [[IWHBYD]] Skull turned on in ''Halo 3'', they will occasionally say their trademark, "Wort! Wort! Wort!".{{Citation needed}}
*[[Jason Jones]] at first wanted the Sangheili to have tails, but [[Shi Kai Wang]] talked him out of it by arguing that the Sangheili would look too animalistic, as opposed to being an intelligent race. An additional point was that when the Sangheili sit, the only place their tails could go was folded between their legs, creating a seriously awkward appearance.<ref>'''[[The Art of Halo]]''', ''page 23''</ref>
*Over the course of development for ''Halo Wars'', the Sangheili character model used in the cinematics went through at least two revisions. The initial version seen in the announcement trailer was later revised, being far closer in size, proportion, and overall physiology to the portrayal of the species in Bungie's games than the version in the trailer.
*In ''The Duel'' the Sangheili [[Han 'Chavamee|Han]], [[Fal 'Chavamee|Fal]], and [[Roh]] keep their mandibles closed, using only the front two joints of their lower mandibles to speak, giving them a more humanoid appearance. This is an example of artistic license intended to humanize the protagonist and those close to him.
 
===Miscellaneous===
*In most games the [[Legendary]] symbol features a Sangheili skull with a bullet hole through the left temple. In ''Halo 3: ODST'' the skull is a human's, while in ''Halo 4'' it belongs to a [[Promethean Knight]].
*The Elites are the first Covenant species the player encounters in most of the ''Halo'' games: while heading to the ''Pillar of Autumn''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s bridge in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''; at Thel 'Vadamee's trial in ''Halo 2''; in the opening cutscenes of ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo Wars''; and in the prologue cutscene of ''Halo 4'', as well as the first level of gameplay. In ''Halo: Reach'' a camouflaged Elite can be found at the beginning of the level ''[[Winter Contingency (level)|Winter Contingency]]'', though only on the Legendary difficulty.
*According to the original edition of ''Halo: The Fall of Reach'', Elites had not been deployed in combat against the UNSC prior to the Fall of Reach when John-117 encountered one above Reach, a claim ignored in subsequent media.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach (2001)''', ''pages 242, 309''</ref> The 2010 reprint of ''The Fall of Reach'' removes all references to the Elites being a yet-unencountered species.
*Although the player is not able to dual wield in ''Halo: Reach'', Elites are occasionally seen dual wielding plasma rifles.
*In ''Halo: Reach'', the Sangheili HUD compass has Covenant markings instead of cardinal directions. Sangheili [[night vision]] is also purple, as opposed to the green used by Spartans. However, Sangheili night vision is only available in ''Firefight Versus'', when playing as Elites. The Sangheili HUD also features a target tracking system.
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Early Elite Study.jpg|An early Sangheili study.
File:E32000.png|An early Sangheili during ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'''s production in 1999.
File:Early_Elite.jpg|Another screenshot of a Sangheili during an early development phase.
File:Sangheili concept.jpg|Revised concept for ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:Concept-HCE-Elite.jpg|Finalized concept art of the Sangheili for ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCEA-Concept-TnR-EliteMinor-Profile.jpg|Concept art of a [[Sangheili Minor]] from ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.
File:COVENANT Elite.jpg|Model concept art of a Sangheili Minor from ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:Halo Wars - Elite.jpg|Cinematic render of a Sangheili from ''Halo Wars''.
File:ReachConcept-Elite.png|Concept art of a Sangheili for ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', showing some planned anatomical features such as the additional claws or the skin braids.
File:ReachConcept EliteMinor.png|''Halo: Reach'' concept art of a Sangheili Minor.
File:ReachConcept EliteOfficer.png|''Halo: Reach'' concept art of a Sangheili Officer.
File:1771872-gallery.png|Concept art of a Sangheili in ''[[Halo Legends]]: [[Homecoming]]''.
File:Halo-Legends-20100121015154787-crop.jpg|The Sangheili as they appear in ''[[Halo Legends]]: [[Origins]]''.
File:RoaringSangheili.png|A Sangheili roaring.
File:SangheiliCermArmor.png|Sangheili Honor Guards wearing a different type of ceremonial armor from ''Halo Legends: [[The Babysitter]]''.
File:Elite Comparisons2.jpg|Different incarnations of the Elites from ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' through ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Goldlunge.jpg|A [[Zealot]] prepares to lunge.
File:Shade.jpg|A [[Sangheili Minor]] fires at enemies with a [[Shade]] from ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:Halo 2 Elite - SMG.jpg|A Sangheili multiplayer character model from ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:1208527543 Elites standard 2.jpg|A Sangheili multiplayer character model from ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:Halo Reach Biped Comparison.png|A size comparison of a Sangheili from ''Halo: Reach'' and a [[SPARTAN-III]].
File:Energy Blade.jpg|A Sangheili defeating another in multiplayer.
File:Reach 5704518 Medium.jpg|The model of an armorless Sangheili as seen in ''Halo: Reach'' via a [[Armor_Ability#Holographic_Decoy|hologram]] glitch.
File:Halo Reach Sangheili.png|A ''Halo: Reach'' pre-alpha image of a white-armored Sangheili Officer.
File:H4 EliteZealot.png|A Sangheili Zealot in ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:H2AOutrider1.png|A Sangheili wearing a [[Outrider harness]] in ''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''.
</gallery>
 
==List of appearances==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach#2010 bonus content|Adjunct]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
**''[[Halo: The Flood#2010 bonus content|Adjunct]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
**''[[Conversations from the Universe]]''
*''[[Halo: The Graphic Novel]]''
**''[[Second Sunrise Over New Mombasa]]''
**''[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
**''[[Bestiarum]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'' {{mo}}
*''[[Halo: Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo: Helljumper]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Homecoming]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
**''[[The Babysitter]]''
**''[[The Duel]]''
**''[[The Package]]''
{{col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Dirt]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Headhunters (short story)|Headhunters]]''
**''[[Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian]]''
**''[[The Mona Lisa]]''
**''[[The Return]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Remember Reach]]''
**''[[Deliver Hope]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant|Covenant]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal/Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Terminal/Halo 4|Terminals]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Initiation]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo: Nightfall]]''
*''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal/Halo 2 Anniversary|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
{{col-end}}
 
==Notes==
<references group="note"/>
 
==Sources==
{{Reflist|3}}
 
{{Covenant}}
[[Category:Sangheili| ]]
[[Category:Sapient species]]
[[Category:Covenant species]]
[[Category:Host species]]

Revision as of 07:26, March 14, 2015

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