The Forerunner Saga: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Forerunner Saga compilation.png|thumb|right|250px|All three books in the trilogy.]] | [[File:Forerunner Saga compilation.png|thumb|right|250px|All three books in the trilogy.]] | ||
'''''The Forerunner Saga''''' is a trilogy of ''[[Halo]]'' [[Halo novels|novels]] focusing on [[Forerunner]] life 100,000 years before the [[Human-Covenant War]], being written by [[Greg Bear]] and published by [[Tor Books]].<ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=921153 HBO Forums: Greg Bear writing Halo novels about Forerunner]</ref> The first novel, titled ''[[Halo: Cryptum]]'', was released on [[2011|January 4, 2011]].<ref name="pressrelease">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us#/news/headline/science-fiction-legend-greg-bear-set-to-explore-the-time-of-the-forerunners/5011 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Science fiction legend Greg Bear set to explore the time of the Forerunners'']</ref> The second novel, titled ''[[Halo: Primordium]]'', was released on [[2012|January 3, 2012]],<ref name="waypoint">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/news/headline/tor-books-reveals-title-cover-art-and-release-date-of-second-halo-novel-by-greg-bear/113219 '''Halo Waypoint''' - Tor Books Reveals Title, Cover Art, and Release Date of Second Halo Novel by Greg Bear]''</ref> and the final book, ''[[Halo: Silentium]]'', is scheduled for March 19, 2013.<ref name="Greg Bear Forum 532012">[http://www.gregbear.com/blog/display.cfm?id=6420 '''Greg Bear - Discussion Board''': ''Book | '''''The Forerunner Saga''''' is a trilogy of ''[[Halo]]'' [[Halo novels|novels]] focusing on [[Forerunner]] life 100,000 years before the [[Human-Covenant War]], being written by [[Greg Bear]] and published by [[Tor Books]].<ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=921153 HBO Forums: Greg Bear writing Halo novels about Forerunner]</ref> The series reveals a great deal of new information about the Forerunner-human interactions in ancient history,<ref name="cryptum">[http://www.tor.com/stories/2010/12/excerpt-halo-cryptum-chapter-one-by-greg-bear? '''Tor.com''' — ''Halo: Cryptum'' chapter one excerpt]</ref> as well as providing additional background for the events in ''[[Halo 4]]'' and subsequent media.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNDQN7nwZlw&feature=related '''YouTube''': ''SDCC 2011: Halo Universe Panel Part 1'']</ref> | ||
The first novel in the series, titled ''[[Halo: Cryptum]]'', was released on [[2011|January 4, 2011]].<ref name="pressrelease">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us#/news/headline/science-fiction-legend-greg-bear-set-to-explore-the-time-of-the-forerunners/5011 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Science fiction legend Greg Bear set to explore the time of the Forerunners'']</ref> The second novel, titled ''[[Halo: Primordium]]'', was released on [[2012|January 3, 2012]],<ref name="waypoint">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/news/headline/tor-books-reveals-title-cover-art-and-release-date-of-second-halo-novel-by-greg-bear/113219 '''Halo Waypoint''' - Tor Books Reveals Title, Cover Art, and Release Date of Second Halo Novel by Greg Bear]''</ref> and the final book, ''[[Halo: Silentium]]'', is scheduled for March 19, 2013.<ref name="Greg Bear Forum 532012">[http://www.gregbear.com/blog/display.cfm?id=6420 '''Greg Bear - Discussion Board''': ''Book'']</ref> | |||
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
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{{quote|It's going to be a trilogy. A connected universe that will remain faithful to the scale and mysteries, while exploring the detail and challenges of a VERY powerful culture. This won't be some skirt-raising exercise in Forerunner populist-ism. Folks know way more about Forerunners than you think, but we're definitely going to respect that strange sense of wonder and awe that Bungie infused from day one. It will be BIG Greg Bear fiction in a faintly familiar place, but one that's full of surprises. Think [[Wikipedia:Eon (novel)|Eon]].|[[Frank O'Connor]]}} | {{quote|It's going to be a trilogy. A connected universe that will remain faithful to the scale and mysteries, while exploring the detail and challenges of a VERY powerful culture. This won't be some skirt-raising exercise in Forerunner populist-ism. Folks know way more about Forerunners than you think, but we're definitely going to respect that strange sense of wonder and awe that Bungie infused from day one. It will be BIG Greg Bear fiction in a faintly familiar place, but one that's full of surprises. Think [[Wikipedia:Eon (novel)|Eon]].|[[Frank O'Connor]]}} | ||
Originally known only as the "Forerunner Trilogy", the series was officially announced at the [http://www.emeraldcitycomicon.com/index.php Emerald City ComiCon] in [[United States of America|Seattle, Washington]], where its author, Greg Bear, made a guest appearance.<ref>[http://www.emeraldcitycomicon.com/programming.php#SunB12pm EmeraldCity ComiCon 2009 schedule]</ref> The first book's working title was "''Antediluvian''".<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZyXwZJ-nnE&feature=channel '''YouTube.com''' — Emerald City ComiCon 2010]</ref> The word "antediluvian" means, "of or belonging to the period before a flood," hinting that the novel | Originally known only as the "Forerunner Trilogy", the series was officially announced at the [http://www.emeraldcitycomicon.com/index.php Emerald City ComiCon] in [[United States of America|Seattle, Washington]], where its author, Greg Bear, made a guest appearance.<ref>[http://www.emeraldcitycomicon.com/programming.php#SunB12pm EmeraldCity ComiCon 2009 schedule]</ref> The first book's working title was "''Antediluvian''".<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZyXwZJ-nnE&feature=channel '''YouTube.com''' — Emerald City ComiCon 2010]</ref> The word "antediluvian" means, "of or belonging to the period before a flood," hinting that the novel would take place prior to the [[Forerunner-Flood war]].<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/user/HaloWaypoint?blend=2&ob=1#p/u/7/PZAkTzMzGGk '''YouTube''': ''SDCC: Halo Universe Panel Part 4'']</ref> On October 11, 2010, the official name of the book was revealed to be ''Halo: Cryptum''.<ref>[http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/halo-cryptum-novel-by-greg-bear-launching-in-jan-2011/ '''Joystiq''': ''Halo: Cryptum novel by Greg Bear launching in Jan. 2011'']</ref> | ||
As the series was written back-to-back with the production of ''[[Halo 4]]'' and shares many of the elements seen in the game, [[343 Industries]] artists created a number of illustrations which tie in directly with the ''Forerunner Saga''. For example, the covers of the first two novels are taken from pieces of ''Halo 4'' concept art. Frank O'Connor has mentioned that these illustrations would eventually be released in an art book.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us#/intel/featured/complex/greg-bear-talks-halo-cryptum/ba8dd0af-d981-4ac6-8cc1-fd04d5e4895e '''Halo Waypoint''': 'Greg Bear talks Halo: Cryptum''']</ref> A large number of the game's concept art was released in the form of ''[[Awakening: The Art of Halo 4]]'' on November 2, 2012.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/05/08/Titan-Books-Signs-Up-Lavish-Art-Book-of-Halo-4.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Titan Books Signs Up Lavish Art Book for Halo 4'']</ref> | |||
==Synopsis== | ==Synopsis== | ||
Set during the golden age of the Forerunners, the series touches on the origins of humanity and the contacts with Forerunners and humans, as well as explaining the connection between the two and humanity's status as "[[Reclaimer]]s". Forerunner technologies are explored in detail, and many new elements about the Forerunners are introduced, such as their political system and social structure. The characters of the [[ | Set during the golden age of the Forerunners, the series touches on the origins of humanity and the contacts with Forerunners and humans, as well as explaining the connection between the two and humanity's status as "[[Reclaimer]]s". Forerunner technologies are explored in detail, and many new elements about the Forerunners are introduced, such as their political system and social structure. The characters of the [[Ur-Didact|Didact]] and the [[Librarian]], introduced in the [[Terminal/Halo 3|Terminal]]s in ''[[Halo 3]]'', are featured as central characters in the series.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/Content/assets/en-us/Podcast/343Sparkast_001.mp3 '''343 Sparkast #1''']</ref><ref name="cryptum"/> | ||
===Cryptum=== | ===Cryptum=== | ||
{{Main|Halo: Cryptum}} | {{Main|Halo: Cryptum}} | ||
Released January 4, 2011,<ref name="pressrelease"/> ''Cryptum'' focuses on a young Forerunner known as [[Bornstellar Makes Eternal Lasting]], a rebellious [[Manipular]] from a family of [[Builder]]s, the highest and most politically powerful [[rate]] of the Forerunner. [[Bornstellar's father|His father]] sends him to the planet [[Mars|Edom]] in a distant system known as [[Sol system|Sol]] to work with the [[Miner]]s to come to terms with his duty as a Builder. As part of [[ | Released January 4, 2011,<ref name="pressrelease"/> ''Cryptum'' focuses on a young Forerunner known as [[Bornstellar Makes Eternal Lasting]], a rebellious [[Manipular]] from a family of [[Builder]]s, the highest and most politically powerful [[rate]] of the Forerunner. [[Bornstellar's father|His father]] sends him to the planet [[Mars|Edom]] in a distant system known as [[Sol system|Sol]] to work with the [[Miner]]s to come to terms with his duty as a Builder. As part of the [[Librarian]]'s far-reaching plans, however, Bornstellar is led to [[Earth]], where he crosses paths with two humans, [[Chakas]] and [[Riser]]. They soon stumble upon the [[Cryptum]] of the ancient [[Promethean]] military leader known as the [[Ur-Didact|Didact]], forever changing the fate of the galaxy.<ref>'''[[Halo: Cryptum]]''', [[:File:Cryptum Jacket.png|forward jacket description]]</ref> | ||
===Primordium=== | ===Primordium=== | ||
{{Main|Halo: Primordium}} | {{Main|Halo: Primordium}} | ||
The sequel to ''Halo: Cryptum'' was released on [[2012|January 3, 2012]].<ref name="waypoint"/> ''Primordium'' is centered around [[Chakas]], one of the two humans who accompanied Bornstellar in the first novel. After being captured by the [[Faber|Master Builder]] during the events of ''Cryptum'', Chakas finds himself marooned on an embattled [[Installation 07|Halo installation]], where he is joined by two humans on a quest to find his companion [[ | The sequel to ''Halo: Cryptum'' was released on [[2012|January 3, 2012]].<ref name="waypoint"/> ''Primordium'' is centered around [[Chakas]], one of the two humans who accompanied Bornstellar in the first novel. After being captured by the [[Faber|Master Builder]] during the events of ''Cryptum'', Chakas finds himself marooned on an embattled [[Installation 07|Halo installation]], where he is joined by two humans on a quest to find his companion [[Riser]]. During their journey and its eventual conclusion, revelations are made as to the nature of the Flood, the rampant AI [[05-032 Mendicant Bias|Mendicant Bias]] and the mysterious [[Primordial|Captive]], as well as the far-reaching plans of the Precursors. | ||
===Silentium=== | ===Silentium=== | ||
{{Main|Halo: Silentium}} | {{Main|Halo: Silentium}} | ||
''Halo: Silentium'' will be the third and last book of The Forerunner Saga. The book will be released on March 19th, 2013,<ref name="delay">[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2012/10/22/Tor-Books-Updates-Release-Date-of-the-Third-Halo-Novel-by-Legendary-Science-Fiction-Author-Greg-Bear.aspx '''Tor Books updates release date of the third Halo novel by legendary science fiction author Greg Bear''']</ref> and it has been stated that there are "specific strategic reasons" as to why it will be released after ''Halo 4''.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/03/08/The-Halo-Bulletin-30712.aspx '''Halo Official Site''': ''The Halo Bulletin: 3.07.12'']</ref> Author Greg Bear confirmed that ''Silentium'' will expand on the mythology concerning [[ | ''Halo: Silentium'' will be the third and last book of The Forerunner Saga. The book will be released on March 19th, 2013,<ref name="delay">[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2012/10/22/Tor-Books-Updates-Release-Date-of-the-Third-Halo-Novel-by-Legendary-Science-Fiction-Author-Greg-Bear.aspx '''Tor Books updates release date of the third Halo novel by legendary science fiction author Greg Bear''']</ref> and it has been stated that there are "specific strategic reasons" as to why it will be released after ''Halo 4''.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/03/08/The-Halo-Bulletin-30712.aspx '''Halo Official Site''': ''The Halo Bulletin: 3.07.12'']</ref> ''Silentium'' will tie in directly with ''[[Halo 4]]'', elaborating on the stories of the [[Ur-Didact]], [[Bornstellar-Didact]] and the [[Librarian]] as the [[Forerunner-Flood war]] draws to a close. Author Greg Bear has also confirmed that ''Silentium'' will expand on the mythology concerning the [[Primordial]] and the Precursors, along with a number of elements and locales touched on in the previous Forerunner Saga novels. | ||
As part of 343 Industries' decision not to reveal the appearance of the Forerunners until ''Halo 4'', ''Silentium'''s full cover - depicting the Ur-Didact and the Librarian - was not shown until after the game's release.<ref>[http://sparth.tumblr.com/post/37282071285/greg-bear-silentium-book-covers-we-actually-had '''SPARTH''']</ref> | |||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<gallery | <gallery> | ||
File:Cryptum - Cover.jpg|''[[Halo: Cryptum]]'', the first installment in the trilogy. | File:Cryptum - Cover.jpg|''[[Halo: Cryptum]]'', the first installment in the trilogy. | ||
File:HPrimordium - Cover.jpeg|''[[Halo: Primordium]]'', the second installment in the trilogy. | File:HPrimordium - Cover.jpeg|''[[Halo: Primordium]]'', the second installment in the trilogy. | ||
Revision as of 04:03, March 2, 2013
The Forerunner Saga is a trilogy of Halo novels focusing on Forerunner life 100,000 years before the Human-Covenant War, being written by Greg Bear and published by Tor Books.[1] The series reveals a great deal of new information about the Forerunner-human interactions in ancient history,[2] as well as providing additional background for the events in Halo 4 and subsequent media.[3]
The first novel in the series, titled Halo: Cryptum, was released on January 4, 2011.[4] The second novel, titled Halo: Primordium, was released on January 3, 2012,[5] and the final book, Halo: Silentium, is scheduled for March 19, 2013.[6]
Background
- "A science fiction icon and winner of the field’s highest awards, Greg Bear has signed on to write three Halo novels set in the time of the Forerunners, the creators and builders of the Halos. Almost nothing is known for sure about this ancient race. Worshiped by the Covenant as gods, their engineering relics pepper the galaxy, and their connections to humanity remains unanswered. Devoted fans of both the books and games will finally get to delve deep into the era of these enigmatic beings, and discover for themselves the epic story behind one of the great mysteries of the Halo universe: the complete disappearance of the Forerunners from existence. World publication rights to Tor Books."
- — Tor Books
- "It's going to be a trilogy. A connected universe that will remain faithful to the scale and mysteries, while exploring the detail and challenges of a VERY powerful culture. This won't be some skirt-raising exercise in Forerunner populist-ism. Folks know way more about Forerunners than you think, but we're definitely going to respect that strange sense of wonder and awe that Bungie infused from day one. It will be BIG Greg Bear fiction in a faintly familiar place, but one that's full of surprises. Think Eon."
- — Frank O'Connor
Originally known only as the "Forerunner Trilogy", the series was officially announced at the Emerald City ComiCon in Seattle, Washington, where its author, Greg Bear, made a guest appearance.[7] The first book's working title was "Antediluvian".[8] The word "antediluvian" means, "of or belonging to the period before a flood," hinting that the novel would take place prior to the Forerunner-Flood war.[9] On October 11, 2010, the official name of the book was revealed to be Halo: Cryptum.[10]
As the series was written back-to-back with the production of Halo 4 and shares many of the elements seen in the game, 343 Industries artists created a number of illustrations which tie in directly with the Forerunner Saga. For example, the covers of the first two novels are taken from pieces of Halo 4 concept art. Frank O'Connor has mentioned that these illustrations would eventually be released in an art book.[11] A large number of the game's concept art was released in the form of Awakening: The Art of Halo 4 on November 2, 2012.[12]
Synopsis
Set during the golden age of the Forerunners, the series touches on the origins of humanity and the contacts with Forerunners and humans, as well as explaining the connection between the two and humanity's status as "Reclaimers". Forerunner technologies are explored in detail, and many new elements about the Forerunners are introduced, such as their political system and social structure. The characters of the Didact and the Librarian, introduced in the Terminals in Halo 3, are featured as central characters in the series.[13][2]
Cryptum
- Main article: Halo: Cryptum
Released January 4, 2011,[4] Cryptum focuses on a young Forerunner known as Bornstellar Makes Eternal Lasting, a rebellious Manipular from a family of Builders, the highest and most politically powerful rate of the Forerunner. His father sends him to the planet Edom in a distant system known as Sol to work with the Miners to come to terms with his duty as a Builder. As part of the Librarian's far-reaching plans, however, Bornstellar is led to Earth, where he crosses paths with two humans, Chakas and Riser. They soon stumble upon the Cryptum of the ancient Promethean military leader known as the Didact, forever changing the fate of the galaxy.[14]
Primordium
- Main article: Halo: Primordium
The sequel to Halo: Cryptum was released on January 3, 2012.[5] Primordium is centered around Chakas, one of the two humans who accompanied Bornstellar in the first novel. After being captured by the Master Builder during the events of Cryptum, Chakas finds himself marooned on an embattled Halo installation, where he is joined by two humans on a quest to find his companion Riser. During their journey and its eventual conclusion, revelations are made as to the nature of the Flood, the rampant AI Mendicant Bias and the mysterious Captive, as well as the far-reaching plans of the Precursors.
Silentium
- Main article: Halo: Silentium
Halo: Silentium will be the third and last book of The Forerunner Saga. The book will be released on March 19th, 2013,[15] and it has been stated that there are "specific strategic reasons" as to why it will be released after Halo 4.[16] Silentium will tie in directly with Halo 4, elaborating on the stories of the Ur-Didact, Bornstellar-Didact and the Librarian as the Forerunner-Flood war draws to a close. Author Greg Bear has also confirmed that Silentium will expand on the mythology concerning the Primordial and the Precursors, along with a number of elements and locales touched on in the previous Forerunner Saga novels.
As part of 343 Industries' decision not to reveal the appearance of the Forerunners until Halo 4, Silentium's full cover - depicting the Ur-Didact and the Librarian - was not shown until after the game's release.[17]
Gallery
Halo: Cryptum, the first installment in the trilogy.
Halo: Primordium, the second installment in the trilogy.
Halo: Silentium, the final installment in the trilogy.
Sources
- ^ HBO Forums: Greg Bear writing Halo novels about Forerunner
- ^ a b Tor.com — Halo: Cryptum chapter one excerpt
- ^ YouTube: SDCC 2011: Halo Universe Panel Part 1
- ^ a b Halo Waypoint: Science fiction legend Greg Bear set to explore the time of the Forerunners
- ^ a b Halo Waypoint - Tor Books Reveals Title, Cover Art, and Release Date of Second Halo Novel by Greg Bear
- ^ Greg Bear - Discussion Board: Book
- ^ EmeraldCity ComiCon 2009 schedule
- ^ YouTube.com — Emerald City ComiCon 2010
- ^ YouTube: SDCC: Halo Universe Panel Part 4
- ^ Joystiq: Halo: Cryptum novel by Greg Bear launching in Jan. 2011
- ^ Halo Waypoint: 'Greg Bear talks Halo: Cryptum
- ^ Halo Waypoint - Titan Books Signs Up Lavish Art Book for Halo 4
- ^ 343 Sparkast #1
- ^ Halo: Cryptum, forward jacket description
- ^ Tor Books updates release date of the third Halo novel by legendary science fiction author Greg Bear
- ^ Halo Official Site: The Halo Bulletin: 3.07.12
- ^ SPARTH
