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{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|Covenant|Human|UNSC|HCW|Post}}
{{Callsign}}
{{References}}
{{References}}
{{Cleanup}}
{{Seealso Level|The Great Journey|Halo 2}}
{{Seealso Level|The Great Journey|Halo 2}}
[[File:H3 Truth rings.jpg|thumb|370px|The [[High Prophet of Truth]] activates the Halo Rings from [[Installation 00|the Ark]].]]
[[File:12795168-Full.jpg|thumb|370px|The Prophet of Truth attempts to activate the Halo Rings from [[Installation 00|the Ark]].]]
{{Quote|Every member of the Covenant shall walk the Path. None will be left behind when our Great Journey begins! That is the Prophets' age-old promise, and it shall be fulfilled!|The [[High Prophet of Regret]]<ref name="h2reg">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Regret (Halo 2 level)|Regret]]''</ref>}}
{{Article Quote|None will be left behind when our Great Journey begins! That is the [[San 'Shyuum|Prophet's]] age-old promise, and it shall be fulfilled!}}
The '''[[Covenant]] religion''',{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=188}} based upon the worship of the ancient race of beings known as the [[Forerunner]]s. The Covenant commonly referred to the religion and its teachings as '''the Path'''.{{Ref/Reuse|h2reg}}<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 304''</ref>
The [[Covenant Empire]] is founded on and united by a single '''religion''', based upon the worship of the ancient race of beings known as the [[Forerunner]]s.  


==Background==
==Background==
[[File:H5Concept -The Path.jpg|thumb|150px|A symbol associated with the Path to the Great Journey.]]
According to Covenant religion, the Forerunners, a race of enlightened beings regarded as nearly omniscient and all-powerful, discovered a way to transcend the physical world and became divine gods by activating the [[Halo Array|Halos]], or "Sacred Rings" as referred to by members of the Covenant. When this happened, the Halos uplifted the Forerunners into [[Technological Achievement Tiers|transsentience]], but left all lesser, unworthy races behind. The Covenant (or at least the [[San 'Shyuum]]) believe themselves to be the chosen inheritors of the Forerunners, and seek to reclaim their lost technology and use all the "gifts" the Forerunners left behind. Their ultimate goal, however, is to locate and activate the Halo Installations. In doing so, they believe that all faithful adherents to the Covenant Religion will be uplifted as the Forerunners were, and become divine beings. All client races of the Covenant follow the Prophets in the hopes of also ascending into godhood.
According to the Covenant religion, the Forerunners, a race of enlightened beings regarded as nearly omniscient and all-powerful, discovered a way to transcend the physical world and became divine gods by activating the [[Halo Array|Halos]], or "Sacred Rings" as referred to by members of the Covenant.<ref>''[[Halo 2]]'', cinematics</ref> The Halos supposedly uplifted the Forerunners into [[Technological Achievement Tiers|transsentience]], but left all lesser, unworthy races behind. The Covenant believed themselves to be the chosen inheritors of the Forerunners, and sought to reclaim the "gifts" they left behind, in most cases lost technology. Their ultimate goal was to locate and activate the Halo installations. In doing so, it was believed that all faithful adherents to the Covenant religion would be uplifted as the Forerunners were, following them on a Great Journey resulting in godhood. This belief was shared, with varying degrees of sincerity, amongst all the Covenant's client races.


==History==
==History==
===Reformists and Stoics===
===Reformists and Stoics===
What would eventually become the Covenant religion was first practiced on [[Janjur Qom]], the [[San'Shyuum]] homeworld. Janjur Qom was home to two influential factions, the [[Stoics]] and the [[Reformists]]. Although both factions believed in the prophecy of ascendancy and the holiness of artifacts left behind by their gods, they held different views on how the religion should be practiced; the Reformists believed that the religion could spread throughout the galaxy through travel in their lords' [[Forerunner Dreadnought|ship]]—a Forerunner Keyship that had reseeded Janjur Qom with San'Shyuum millennia earlier, unbeknownst to the populace—but the Stoics viewed their actions as desecrating the memory of the Forerunners. This initiated the [[San'Shyuum Schism]], a conflict which resulted in the defeat of the Stoics. The Reformists used the Keyship to leave Janjur Qom, traveling through the stars in search of more Forerunner Relics.
The Covenant religion was first practiced on [[Janjur Qom]], the [[San 'Shyuum]] homeworld, between two factions, the [[Stoics]] and the [[Reformists]]. Although both factions believe in the prophecy of ascendancy and the holiness of artifacts left behind by their gods, they also held different views on how the religion should be practised; the Reformists believed that the religion could spread throughout the galaxy by using their gods' [[Forerunner Dreadnought|ship]] but the Stoics viewed their actions as desecrating the memory of the gods. Thus initiating the [[San 'Shyuum Civil War]], a conflict which resulted in the defeat of the Stoics which gave the Reformists the lead in expanding the Covenant religion.


===Conflict and spread===
===Conflict and spread===
While the exact date remains unrecorded, the Ages of Conflict spanned thousands of years and were a significant period in the spreading of what started out as solely the San'Shyuum's Faith (and by extension, their empire). In the First Age of Conflict, the San'Shyuum Reformists eventually encountered a saurian species known as the [[Sangheili]]. This alien race had developed a religion based on the worship of Forerunner deities independently of the San'Shyuum. However, while the two species shared similar religious beliefs, the Sangheili believed that tampering with the artifacts of their gods was an unforgivable offense. Their first contact soon led to the [[San'Shyuum-Sangheili War]]. The war ended with the submission of the Sangheili and the formation of a new empire through the [[Writ of Union]]. The Sangheili would take the role as the warriors, with the San'Shyuum acting as their superiors in matters of technology and faith, advising their allies on how best to achieve the Great Journey.
While the exact date remains unrecorded, the Ages of Conflict spanned over thousand of years and was a significant period in the spreading of the Covenant religion and formation of the Covenant Empire. In First Age, the San 'Shyuum Reformists eventually encountered a saurian species known as the [[Sangheili]]. The Sangheili, much like the the San 'Shyuum Stoics, believed that the way the Reformists treated the holy artifacts left by their gods were heresy. This unfortunate encounter soon lead to the [[Sangheili-San 'Shyuum War]]. The war ended with the submission of the Sangheili into the Reformists faction and the eventual formation of the Covenant Empire.
 
From here on, the Sangheili would take the role as the warriors of the Covenant Empire with the San 'Shyuum acting as their superiors in advising them on how to achieve the greater good of the Great Journey.


===Development and rebellion===
===Development and rebellion===
[[File:H2Aterm-Sesa and GS 3.jpg|thumb|200px|Sesa 'Refumee, the leader of the [[Heretics]] with [[343 Guilty Spark]] at his side.]]
[[File:HereticLeaderFactOrFiction.jpg|thumb|Sesa 'Refumee, the leader of the [[Heretics]].|125px]]
{{quote|Ask the Oracle about Halo...how they would sacrifice us all for nothing!|[[Sesa 'Refumee]] to the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]].}}
{{quote|Ask the Oracle about Halo...how they would sacrifice us all for nothing!|[[Sesa 'Refumee]] to the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]].}}
The development of the Covenant religion took place across seven ages; the [[Age of Abandonment]], [[Ages of Conflict]], [[Ages of Reconciliation|Age of Reconciliation]], [[Ages of Discovery|Age of Discovery]], [[Ages of Conversion|Age of Conversion]], [[Ages of Doubt]] and the [[Ages of Reclamation]]. These ages saw the expansion of the Empire's power and the belief in the Great Journey throughout its new vassal races. In [[1342]], the [[Kig-Yar]] became the first race to be converted as a whole to the Covenant religion (though most were influenced by monetary rewards granted by the San'Shyuum). Next, in [[2142]], came the [[Unggoy]]. The [[Jiralhanae]], in [[2492]], were the last species to be fully integrated into the Covenant Empire, and thus their religion.
The development of the Covenant religion spanned over seven ages; the [[Age of Abandonment]], [[Ages of Conflict]], [[Ages of Reconciliation|Age of Reconciliation]], [[Ages of Discovery|Age of Discovery]], [[Ages of Conversion|Age of Conversion]], [[Ages of Doubt]] and the [[Ages of Reclamation]]. These ages saw the rise of the Covenant Empire and witnessed its tremendous influential power in the spread of the Covenant Religion during the Ages of Conflict; the [[Unggoy]] became the subsequent species to submit into the Covenant religion and the Covenant Empire, followed by the [[Kig-yar]] (though most were influenced by the prized rewards granted by the San 'Shyuum). The [[Jiralhanae]] were the last extraterrestrial species to join the Covenant religion.


The Covenant religion was not without internal conflicts and heretical movements, as evidenced by several conflicts throughout Covenant history such as the [[Struggle for Ideological Purity]]. In the final years of the Covenant Empire's rule, an irreligious splinter group known as the [[Banished]] split off from the Covenant out of a lack of commitment to the hegemony's cause. Later, a [[Heretics|heretic uprising]] on [[Threshold gas mine|Threshold]], near [[Installation 04|Alpha Halo]], was born as a result of [[343 Guilty Spark]] revealing the truth about the Halos to the artifact retrieval group commander [[Sesa 'Refumee]]. An [[Arbiter]], [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee, was appointed and sent with a strike force to deal with the threat.
The Covenant religion was not entirely perfect without internal and heretical conflicts; throughout developmental history of the religion, several events arose such as the [[Heretics|Heretic Uprising]] on [[Installation 04|Alpha Halo]] in the Ninth Age of Reclamation. Such events would require a disgraced Elite sent on suicide missions that would restore peace to the Covenant Empire and to prevent the spread of the non-believers, these disgraced Elites would be called "Arbiters".


===The rise and fall===
===The rise and fall===
{{quote|In a moment, I will light the rings! And all who believe... shall be saved!|The Prophet of Truth}}
{{quote|In a moment, I will light the rings! And all who believe... shall be saved!|The Prophet of Truth}}
The Covenant religion reached its zenith when the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]] discovered [[Installation 04]] by accident, chasing the [[UNSC Pillar of Autumn|UNSC ''Pillar of Autumn'']] from [[Fall of Reach|their victory]] at [[Reach]]. This unexpected discovery led to the immediate presence of the holy city [[High Charity]] and its accompanying fleet. However, efforts to ignite the ring were prevented by [[John-117]], who destroyed the ring in order to stop the release of [[the Flood]]. This perceived sacrilege ignited widespread anger and grief among the ranks of the Covenant, having come so close to the fulfillment of their Great Journey.  
The Covenant religion was at its peak when [[Fleet of Particular Justice|a Covenant fleet]] discovered their first "[[Installation 04|Sacred Ring]]". This discovery called for the presence of ''[[High Charity]]'', the Covenant Holy City, which was essential for the initiation of the Great Journey. However, efforts to ignite the ring was prevented by [[spartan|a demon]] of the UNSC. Soon after, another "[[Installation 05|Sacred Ring]]" was discovered when the [[Prophet of Regret|High Prophet of Regret]] made a slipspace travel to the [[Coelest system]]. Unfortunately, the activation of this ring was also prevented by the UNSC. It was at this period when the High Prophet of Regret was killed by the very same demon that destroyed the first Sacred Ring. This unfortunate event also gave rise of the Jiralhanae in [[Changing of the Guard|taking over]] the role of the Sangheili in the Covenant Empire. The Sangheili was also subsequently expunged from the Covenant Empire following the events of the [[Great Schism]]. Though not destroyed like the previous Sacred Ring, this second Sacred Ring along with other undiscovered Halos were put on a standby mode during the Covenant civil war. These Halos can only be activated by a central hub known simply as [[installation 00|the Ark]].  


Only a month later, [[Installation 05]] was discovered when the [[Prophet of Regret|High Prophet of Regret]] made a slipspace journey to the [[Coelest system]]. However, the Covenant was once again denied in their efforts. The Master Chief and a small force of humans from the [[UNSC In Amber Clad|UNSC ''In Amber Clad'']] made their way onto the ring and killed the Prophet in order to stop him from activating it. In response, the fleet glassed the temple from where Regret had been giving a sermon, though the Master Chief escaped. [[Prophet of Truth|The Prophet of Truth]] used Regret's death as an excuse to initiate the [[Changing of the Guard]], the first step in his plot to remove the Sangheili from the Covenant. This, and the subsequent orders for the Sangheili to be exterminated, culminated in the [[Great Schism]]. The humans from ''In Amber Clad'', in conjunction with a force of Sangheili led by Thel 'Vadamee and [[Rtas 'Vadumee|Rtas 'Vadum]], were also successful in stopping [[Tartarus]] in his efforts to activate the ring while the battles of the Schism raged around them. Though Installation 05 was not destroyed in its emergency shutdown, the entire Halo Array was automatically moved to standby status in preparation for firing from [[Installation 00|The Ark]].
The High Prophet of Truth was aware of this fact and left early before the UNSC intervened the activation of the second Sacred Ring. During the Covenant invasion of Earth, the Prophetical San 'Shyuum had his fleet excavating [[The Portal|an ancient installation]] that would enable him and his fleet to journey towards the Ark. The UNSC along with its new newfound allies, the [[Covenant Separatists|Separatists]], traveled to the Ark and assisted one another to prevent the Prophetical San 'Shyuum from activating the Halos. They were successful in doing so, and had also destroyed the path to the Ark, removing the threat of the Halos.


The High Prophet of Truth was aware of this fact and left High Charity early, before the UNSC intervened in Installation 05's firing. During the Covenant invasion of Earth, Truth had his fleet excavate [[The Portal]], which would enable him and his fleet to journey towards the Ark. The UNSC along with its newfound allies, the [[Fleet of Retribution|Sangheili]], traveled to the Ark to do battle with the Prophet-allied forces. The humans were successful, destroying the path to the Ark and removing the threat of the Halo Array.
Following the Great Schism and the death of the Prophet of Truth, the Covenant effectively dissolved. For more than six years, the member species of the Covenant fought a brutal civil war. Immediately following Truth's death, the San 'Shyuum sought to save themselves from the rage of the Sangheili, and so provided the Jiralhanae with new weapons, ships and other tools to aid in their protection. During this period the Prophets, who already had been few in number, largely disappeared, leading to rumours that they had actually finally achieved the Great Journey.<ref name="return500s">'''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''', "[[The Return]]", ''pages 506-507''</ref>


===Post-Schism===
Even amongst the Covenant Separatists their ancient religion held for millennia was not completely abandoned. As one [[Unidentified Sangheili Shipmaster (The Return)|Sangheili Shipmaster]] believed, "he knew his gods were out there, but he had no idea what they wanted."<ref name="return500s"/> The species of the Covenant had always relied on the Prophets to lead them in spiritual matters. The devout Sangheili in particular had not had any need for their own religious leaders for centuries, and now found that no one among them had the knowledge or the ability to comprehend the will of the gods. For a people whose sole purpose had been enforcing their gods' will, this was terrifying.
Following the Great Schism and the death of the Prophet of Truth, the Covenant—and the organisation of their religion—effectively dissolved. For more than six years, many members of the former Covenant were involved in brutal civil wars and power struggles. Immediately following Truth's death, the San'Shyuum sought to save themselves from the rage of the Sangheili, and so provided the Jiralhanae with new weapons, ships and other tools to aid in their protection. During this period the Prophets, who already had been few in number, largely disappeared, leading to rumors that they had actually finally achieved the Great Journey.<ref name="return500s">'''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''', "[[The Return]]", ''pages 506-507''</ref>
 
Even amongst the [[Covenant remnants]] their belief in the Forerunners as gods was not completely abandoned, but rather the Schism marked a return to more ancient systems of belief. As one [[Unidentified Sangheili Shipmaster (The Return)|Sangheili Shipmaster]] believed, "he knew his gods were out there, but he had no idea what they wanted."{{Ref/Reuse|return500s}} Members of the Covenant had relied on the Prophets to lead them in spiritual matters. The devout Sangheili, in particular, had not had any need for their own religious leaders for centuries, and now found that few among them had the knowledge or the ability to comprehend the will of the gods. For a people whose sole purpose had been enforcing their gods' will, this was a terrifying prospect.
 
While the Covenant religion itself was more or less defunct as an institution, worship of the Forerunners persisted into the post-war era in various forms. The [[Servants of the Abiding Truth]], a group of Sangheili fundamentalists, continued to uphold their species' pre-Covenant religious beliefs and took aggressive action against the secular regime spearheaded by Thel 'Vadam. Meanwhile, the [[Keepers of the One Freedom]] are a [[Jiralhanae]]-led militant cult that continue to seek transcendence through the Great Journey. The Keepers are notable in accepting [[human]] converts to their religion, many of whom had already joined the faction by mid-[[2553]].<ref>''Halo: Last Light''</ref> Another group, one of many to be self-entitled as [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|"the Covenant"]], led by former Covenant shipmaster [[Jul 'Mdama]], also continued to revere the Forerunners as gods, and sought out the [[Ur-Didact|Didact]] on the Shield World [[Requiem]] in order to ask for his aid in destroying humanity. His efforts were successful, and the Didact awoke with the goal of [[Composer|composing]] humanity. John-117 and the [[UNSC Infinity|UNSC ''Infinity'']] had both arrived at Requiem, however, and managed to stop him. 'Mdama's Covenant was finally defeated on [[Sanghelios]] in [[2558]].


==Articles of faith==
==Articles of faith==
[[File:H2A Cutscene SanctumHaloView.png|thumb|300px|Alongside the [[Prophet of Truth]] and [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee, the [[Prophet of Mercy]] gazes upon [[Installation 05]] while preaching about the Great Journey.]]
[[File:200px-Highprophets_halo2.png|frame|Prophets of Truth and Regret, with Mercy on the other side, rebuking the future Arbiter over his failure to save the first sacred ring.]]
===Divine Ones===
The Forerunners were known to the Covenant as "Great Ones"{{Ref/Novel|FS|Epilogue}}{{Ref/Novel|Halo: Broken Circle|Chapter=15}} or "Divine Ones".{{Ref/Novel|Halo: Divine Wind|Chapter=12}}
 
===The Great Journey===
===The Great Journey===
{{Article quote|<i>
{{Article Quote|<i>
:What hope has this alliance
:What hope has this alliance
:If we cannot conquer
:If we cannot conquer
Line 55: Line 48:
:Of this [[High Charity|Holy City]]
:Of this [[High Charity|Holy City]]
:Inside [[Forerunner|Their]] voices echo still:
:Inside [[Forerunner|Their]] voices echo still:
:"[[Seven]] rings begin The Journey!"</i>}}
:"[[List of "seven" references in Halo|Seven]] rings begin The Journey!"</i>}}


The "Great Journey" is the central goal of the Covenant religion. According to the Covenant, the Forerunners initiated the first Great Journey through the use of the seven Halos, or sacred rings, which unleashed a "divine wind" that swept through the galaxy and elevated the Forerunners to godhood. The Covenant seeks to do the same by finding and activating the sacred rings, which would transcend those worthy to the divine beyond, a heavenly paradise they will share with the Forerunners. The non-believers and those unworthy of the journey would be left behind, as punishment for their heresy.
The '''Great Journey''' is the central goal of the Covenant religion. According to the Covenant, the Forerunners initiated the first Great Journey through the use of the seven Halos, or sacred rings, which unleashed a "divine wind" that swept through the galaxy and elevated the Forerunners to godhood. The Covenant seeks to do the same by finding and activating the sacred rings, which would transcend those worthy to the divine beyond, a heavenly paradise they will share with the Forerunners. The non-believers and those unworthy of the journey would be left behind, as punishment for their heresy.


In addition to being their overall goal, the Covenant also employ the term "Great Journey" in a broader sense; as an expression of the path to transcendence, both collectively and individually. For example, a [[Sangheili]] warrior's individual "Great Journey" is said to start when they first begin their training.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''', "The Return", ''page 489''</ref>
In addition to being their overall goal, the Covenant also employ the term "Great Journey" in a broader sense; as an expression of the path to transcendence, both collectively and individually. For example, a [[Sangheili]] warrior's individual "Great Journey" is said to start when they first begin their training.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''', "The Return", ''page 489''</ref>


===The Halo Array===
===The Mantle===
[[File:RegretTruthH2A.jpg|thumb|250px|The Prophets of Truth and Regret, with Mercy on the other side, rebuking the future Arbiter over his failure to save the first sacred ring.]]
{{Main|Halo Array}}
The [[Halo Array|Halos]], otherwise referred to as "Sacred Rings" or "Holy Rings"<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', "[[Priority Broadcast Log/Eleventh Cycle, Third Unit]]", ''page 365'' (2010 edition)</ref> by members of the Covenant, were seven holy artifacts that, when activated, would propel all "worthy" individuals in the galaxy into a heavenly paradise, where they would exist as divine beings. This could only be achieved by the retrieval of the "[[Activation Index|Sacred Icon]]", a holy artifact that would activate the rings.


Fleets entering unexplored territories were given one of the [[Luminal Beacon]]s for the express purpose of signalling that they had discovered a Halo ring, should they have encountered one.{{Ref/Novel|Oblv|Chapter=5}}
The Covenant are aware of the Forerunner concept of the Mantle, although they appear to misunderstand its true meaning<ref>'''[[Halo Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''' volume II, ''page 299''</ref>. Whereas the Forerunners' Mantle was their responsibility to protect and watch over all life in the galaxy, the Covenant regard the Mantle as their divine right to inherit dominion over the galaxy, namely through following in the footsteps of their gods.


In the event that a Holy Ring was to be discovered, a [[reclamation]] procedure had to be followed under [[San'Shyuum]] leadership. This was known as the "Consecration".<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', "Priority Broadcast Log/Eleventh Cycle, Third Unit", ''pages 366-368'' (2010 edition)</ref> The only individual who oversaw such a procedure was the [[Prophet of Stewardship]], though he was unsuccessful due to the first Ring's destruction.


Other components of the Halo Array are referred to by the Covenant:
===The Halo Array===
*"Repository of Fate" - [[Library]]{{Ref/Novel|Halo: The Broken Circle|Chapter=17}}
{{Main|Halo Array}}
*"Chamber of Consecration" - [[Control room]]{{Ref/Novel|Halo: The Broken Circle|Chapter=16}}
The [[Halo Array|Halos]], otherwise referred to as "Sacred Rings" or "Holy Rings" by members of the Covenant, were seven holy artifacts that, when activated, would propel all "worthy" individuals in the galaxy into a heavenly paradise, where they would exist as divine beings. This could only be achieved by the retrieval of the "[[Activation Index|Sacred Icon]]", a holy artifact that would activate the rings.
*"[[Silent Cartographer]]"{{Ref/Level|CE|[[The Silent Cartographer]]}}
 
===Afterlives===
There were a few afterlives for the Covenant. The Faithful would proceed to the "One Freedom" while infidels and unbelievers were to be condemned to "Oblivion".{{Ref/Novel|Id=SoR??|Halo: Shadows of Reach}} Alive unbelievers were considered to be on the "Path to Oblivion".{{Ref/Novel|Halo: Divine Wind|Chapter=1}} Another known afterlife was the "Circle of Deliverance".{{Ref/Novel|DW|Chapter=5}}


===The Mantle===
From the inception of the Covenant religion, the Covenant Empire has scoured all known star systems within their reach, relentless in finding at least one of these Sacred Rings. The search for the rings spanned over [[History of the Covenant|seven Ages]]; the Age of Reclamation was the age in which the Covenant Empire has finally came into contact of two Sacred Rings. The first contact was short-lived, as the first Halo was destroyed by a [[Spartan|Demon]], while the firing of the second was stopped due to UNSC intervention.
{{Main|Mantle}}
The Covenant are aware of the Forerunner concept of the Mantle, although they appear to misunderstand its true meaning.<ref>'''[[Halo Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''' volume II, ''page 299''</ref> Whereas the Forerunners' Mantle was their responsibility to protect and watch over all life in the galaxy, the Covenant regard the Mantle as their divine right to inherit dominion over the galaxy, namely through following in the footsteps of their gods.


===The Parasite===
===The Parasite===
{{Main|Flood}}
{{Main|The Flood|l1=The Flood}}
The Flood, or "The Parasite" as referred to by members of the Covenant, are an unholy, virulent species regarded as one of many tests and obstacles that the believers of the Covenant must conquer in order to achieve the Great Journey. According to the Covenant, the Flood were vanquished by the Forerunners long ago, and were purged from existence when the Great Journey commenced. The latter was later revealed to be false when the Flood reappeared on one of the Sacred Rings.
The Flood, or "The Parasite" as referred to by members of the Covenant, are an unholy, virulent species regarded as one of many tests and obstacles that the believers of the Covenant must conquer in order to achieve the Great Journey. According to the Covenant, the Flood were vanquished by the Forerunners long ago, and were purged from existence when the Great Journey commenced. The latter was later revealed to be false, however, when the Flood reappeared on one of the Sacred Rings.


The [[Governors of Contrition]], a radical sect within the Covenant religion, believed the Flood to be Forerunner creations and therefore sacred. Their views were not widely accepted, however.
The [[Governors of Contrition]], a radical sect within the Covenant religion, believed the Flood to be Forerunner creations and therefore sacred. Their views were not widely accepted, however.
Some of the Banished believe the Parasite was [[propaganda]] and lies made by the Prophets, but Atriox was aware that the parasite may exist in the Ark. Voridus, one of the Jiralhanae High Commanders who did not believe in the Parasite's existence, was responsible for starting the second Flood outbreak on the Ark after breaking through the containment shield around the ruins of High Charity.


===Oracles===
===Oracles===
{{Main|Monitor}}
The Covenant refer to all Forerunner AIs as "Oracles". They believe these constructs to hold holy knowledge regarding the Great Journey, and hold their words as sacred truths. [[05-032 Mendicant Bias|Mendicant Bias]] and the [[Monitor]]s are all regarded as oracles by the Covenant.
The Covenant refer to all Forerunner AIs as "Oracles". They believe these constructs to hold holy knowledge regarding the Great Journey, and hold their words as sacred truths. [[Mendicant Bias]] and the [[Monitor]]s are all regarded as oracles by the Covenant.
 
===Order of Devotion===
The "Order of Devotion" was a concept surrounding the species of the Covenant and their roles. The [[San'Shyuum]] were to "shepherd" while the [[Jiralhanae]] were to fight.{{Ref/Novel|DW|Chapter=7}}


===The Arbiter===
===The Arbiter===
[[File:H2A terminal TH Arbiter 1.jpg|thumb|250px|An Arbiter being blessed by a [[Hierarchs|Prophet]].]]
{{Main|Arbiter|l1=Arbiter}}
{{Main|Arbiter|l1=Arbiter}}
{{quote|Here rest the vanguard of the Great Journey, every Arbiter from first to last. Each one created and consumed in times of extraordinary crisis.|The [[Prophet of Truth]] to [[Thel 'Vadam|the Arbiter]].}}
{{quote|Here rest the vanguard of the Great Journey, every Arbiter from first to last. Each one created and consumed in times of extraordinary crisis.|The [[Prophet of Truth]] to [[Thel 'Vadam|the Arbiter]].}}
Arbiter is a traditional and religious title held by a Sangheili in times of great distress and pressure. An Arbiter would only be required to undertake tasks given out by the High Prophets and would be expected to sacrifice their life for the advancement of the Covenant and achievement of the Great Journey. The title of Arbiter was once given to the commander of the Sangheili military, and was regarded as a great honor; after the heresy of Arbiter Fal 'Chavamee, however, the title was appointed to those had disgraced themselves and would only be redeemed through death.
An Arbiter is a traditional and religious title hold by a Sangheili in times of great distress and pressure. An Arbiter would only be required to undertake tasks given out by the High Prophets and would be expected to sacrifice their life for the advancement of the Covenant Empire and achievement of the Great Journey.


===Demons===
===Demons===
{{Main|SPARTAN programs}}
The Covenant refer to the UNSC's SPARTANs as "demons," and regard them with a mixture of contempt and superstitious fear.<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 243'' ("Voro strained to isolate the human word for demons from their objectionable speech... ''Spartans''".)</ref><ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 349'' ("They would take no chances with these human demons, these 'Spartans' ".)</ref><ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 372''  ("The Fleet Master Elite snarled at Kurt, and the translation filtered through his helmet's speaker: 'One last fight, demon' ".)</ref> Orbital Drop Shock Troopers have been referred to as "imps" in much the same way.
{{Quote|no=two|Jameson Locke|Thel 'Vadam|q1=Your people used to call him demon. Was that an insult or a compliment?|q2=An insult, to be sure, but one with a modicum of respect.|[[Thel 'Vadam]] on [[John-117]]'s title as ''the'' Demon<ref>'''Halo 2: Anniversary''', ''Prologue''</ref>}}
[[File:H2A Terminals - Jai vs Thel.jpg|thumb|250px|Thel 'Vadamee in combat with [[Jai-006|a demon]].]]
The Covenant refer to the UNSC's SPARTANs as "demons," and regard them with a mixture of contempt and superstitious fear.<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 243'' ("Voro strained to isolate the human word for demons from their objectionable speech... ''Spartans''".)</ref><ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 349'' ("They would take no chances with these human demons, these 'Spartans' ".)</ref><ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 372''  ("The Fleet Master Elite snarled at Kurt, and the translation filtered through his helmet's speaker: 'One last fight, demon' ".)</ref> Low-ranking client races such as the Unggoy and Kig-Yar would frequently panic upon engaging Spartans, their numbers and advanced technology providing little benefit in a protracted fight. The same would prove true of the San'Shyuum Hierarchs, despising demons for their blasphemous defiance of the Great Journey, yet fearful of their lives in the presence of one. Mgalekgolo{{Citation needed}} and Yanme'e were unaffected by the presence of a SPARTAN, as their drastically different nervous systems left them incapable of feeling fear. Sangheili held a more spiteful, begrudging opinion of demons, incredulous that unworthy "vermin" could be the cause of so much havoc. Often, Sangheili or Jiralhanae would disregard tactics and hurl themselves at demons, fighting for the honor of the kill. However such impromptu duels usually resulted in the deaths of the challengers, not the demons. However, after the Great Schism a few Sangheili came to admire the prowess and courage of these warriors, though such views remained rare. [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s have been referred to as "imps" in much the same way.{{Citation needed}} The term has also been applied to the renegade Arbiter [[Fal 'Chavamee]].<ref>'''[[Halo Legends]]''', ''[[The Duel]]'', ('''Unnamed Unggoy''': ''"He's the Demon!"'')</ref>
 
It is a common superstition among the Sangheili that SPARTANs are reanimated soldiers killed in battle, brought back to life through artificial means to fight again.<ref>'''[[Halo: Glasslands]]'''</ref>
 
Amongst the Covenant, [[John-117]], otherwise known as the Master Chief, the SPARTANs' ''de facto'' commander gained the title of ''The'' Demon from the Covenant, setting him aside from the rest of the SPARTANs. This came from his destruction of [[Installation 04]]. According to [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]], this was done as an insult but also with a modicum of respect, showing that even the Covenant, while fearing and insulting their most hated enemy, also had a level of respect for him and his skills as well.
 
Even after the Covenant War's conclusion, the nickname "demon" remains emblazoned on the SPARTAN operatives, spoken by even those who don't believe in religion. [[Atriox]], leader of the [[Banished]], condescendingly referred to the members of [[Red Team]] as "little demons" after he single-handedly defeated [[Douglas-042]], forcing [[Alice-130]] and [[Jerome-092]] to retreat, though without the religious undertone.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars 2]]''', campaign level, ''[[The Signal]]''</ref> Irreligious [[Sangheili Mercenary|Sangheili mercenaries]] in the Banished also use the term "demon" in a colloquial way to describe them.{{Ref/Game|Id=HW2PL|Halo Wars 2|[[Phoenix Logs]]: [[Phoenix Logs/Campaign Logs/The Blinded|The Blinded]]|Quote=No longer do I feel the religious reverence or feel humbled in the presence of the ancient's structures and monuments.|Quotee=[[Orda Val 'Saham]]}}{{Ref/Level|Id=HW2Foundry|Halo Wars 2|Level=[[The Foundry]]|Quote=You destroyed our carrier, demons!|Quotee=[[Orda Val 'Saham]]}}
 
===Heresy of the Chosen===
The "Heresy of the Chosen" is a subversive belief within the Covenant that [[Human]]ity were the true successors to the Forerunners, explaining why humanity had a special relationship with Forerunner technology. [[Veta Lopis]] theorized that this belief came about due to the seemingly paradoxical fact that humanity had access to Forerunner technology that the Covenant lacked, including and especially for the most powerful of Forerunner technology.{{Ref/Novel|Halo: Divine Wind|Chapter=7}}
 
==Known Scriptures==
The San'Shyuum kept written Psalms which expressed the Covenant's faith on the Forerunners and the Great Journey. Only the Psalms listed by the [[Minister of Discovery]] are known.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''', ''[[Wages of Sin]]''</ref>
*[[Psalm of the Journey]]
*[[Psalm of Primacy]]
*[[Psalm of Teaching]]
*[[Psalm of Sorrow]]


==Members of the religion==
==Members of the religion==
===Sangheili===
===Sangheili===
The Sangheili were once the most devout believers in the San'Shyuum's vision. However, the events at Installation 05 and the Sangheili's replacement by the Jiralhanae muddied the former's belief in the San'Shyuum and in the Great Journey. After the betrayal of the Sangheili was made known, the Sangheili became enraged and opposed the leadership of the [[Hierarchs|High Prophets]], subsequently leading to the Great Schism. By [[2559]], some Sangheili continue to revere the Forerunners as gods, though they do not consider the San'Shyuum to be the gods' messengers.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''', ''The Return''</ref> The Servants of Abiding Truth, an ancient Sangheili fundamentalist order, continues to engage in worship of the Forerunners.
The Sangheili were once the most devout believers in the San 'Shyuum's vision. However, the events at Installation 05 and the Sangheili's replacement by the Jiralhanae muddied the former's belief in the San 'Shyuum and in the Great Journey. After the betrayal of the Sangheili was made known, the Sangheili became enraged and opposed the leadership of the [[Hierarchs|High Prophets]], subsequently leading to the Great Shism. By [[2559]], most{{citation needed}} Sangheili continue to revere the Forerunners as gods, though they do not consider the San 'Shyuum to be the gods' messengers.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''', ''The Return''</ref>


===Jiralhanae===
===Jiralhanae===
The latest addition to the Covenant Hegemony, the [[Jiralhanae]] at the time of their inception were largely disorganized and were essentially barbarians without any known belief system. The San'Shyuum sought to improve the species by associating them closely with the hierarchy figures, enabling them to embrace the Covenant religion with ease. For the most part, the Jiralhanae were blindly loyal to the San'Shyuum, obeying every command.
The latest addition to the Covenant Empire, the [[Jiralhanae]] at the time of their inception were largely disorganized and were essentially barbarians without any known belief system. The San 'Shyuum sought to improve the species by associating them closely with the hierarchy figures, enabling them to embrace the Covenant religion with ease. For the most part, the Jiralhanae were [[covenant Empire|blindly loyal]] to the San 'Shyuum, obeying every command.


===Unggoy===
===Unggoy===
Many [[Unggoy]] care little for religion, as they were forced into the Covenant, but those that do stayed loyal to the San'Shyuum during the [[Great Schism]].
Many [[Unggoy]] care little for religion, as they were forced into the Covenant, but those that do stayed loyal to the San 'Shyuum during the [[Great Schism]].


As a species, their opinions may be split; while many of the Unggoy that [[Dadab]] attempts to sermon to are too unintelligent to give any thought to religious matters, the fact that at least some Unggoy are shown to hold mass prayer sessions lasting up to an hour or more as well as Dadab's adopted role of a preacher in itself is testament to the fact that a large number of Unggoy are active believers.
As a species, their opinions may be split; while many of the Unggoy that [[Dadab]] attempts to sermon to are too unintelligent to give any thought to religious matters, the fact that at least some Unggoy are shown to hold mass prayer sessions lasting up to an hour or more as well as Dadab's adopted role of a preacher in itself is testament to the fact that a large number of Unggoy are active believers.


===Kig-Yar===
===Kig-yar===
The [[Kig-Yar]] served more as hired mercenaries than true believers, but still remained with the San'Shyuum during the Great Schism. Their religious beliefs are unknown, but their loyalty to the San'Shyuum is unquestionable, though this is more likely because they wished to be on the side of the more powerful faction. This choice later proved to be an unwise decision.
The [[Kig-yar|Kig-Yar]] served more as hired mercenaries than true believers, but still remained with the San 'Shyuum during the Great Schism. Their religious beliefs are unknown, but their loyalty to the San 'Shyuum is unquestionable, though this is more likely because they wished to be on the side of the more powerful faction. This choice later proved to be an unwise decision.


===Others===
===Others===
Likewise, [[Yanme'e]] and [[Lekgolo]] seem to feel no need for religion in their societies, but continued to follow the Prophets. As a result of their hive-minded lifestyle, the Yanme'e obeyed the San'Shyuum without thought or question. Individual beliefs may have played a part in the Lekgolo's decision, but they may have sided with the Prophets for the same reason as the Kig-Yar, if not for beliefs. At least some Lekgolo have sided with the Sangheili in their opposition, however.
Likewise, [[Yanme'e]] and [[Lekgolo]] seem to feel no need for religion in their societies, but continued to follow the Prophets. As a result of their hive-minded lifestyle, the Yanme'e obeyed the San 'Shyuum without thought or question. Individual beliefs may have played a part in the Lekgolo's decision, but they may have sided with the Loyalists for the same reason as the Kig-Yar, if not for beliefs. At least some Lekgolo have sided with the Sangheili in their opposition, however.


As artificial sentient nanomechanical organisms, [[Huragok]] were created by the Forerunners. They have no interest in religion, preferring to focus their attentions onto the technology they are responsible for. Even prior to the Great Schism, Huragok seemed to remain neutral in any fights, one even going as far as to create a gift symbolizing peace for the humans and helping the humans escape. Some [[Yonhet]] such as [[Axl]] have continued to display strong devotion to the Great Journey even after the fall of the Covenant Empire.
As artificial sentient bio-mechanical organisms, [[Huragok]] were created by the Forerunners. They have no interest in religion, preferring to focus their attentions onto the technology they are responsible for. Even prior to the Great Schism, Huragok seemed to remain neutral in any fights, one even going as far as to create a gift symbolizing peace for the humans and helping the humans escape.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*On [[Installation 00]], a [[Terminal (Halo 3)|Terminal]] left behind by the Forerunners uses "Great Journey" as a translation for the exile undertaken by the surviving Forerunners after the firing of the Halo Array.<ref>'''Halo 3''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 3)|Terminal 7]]</ref> Through similar records on other Forerunner installations, the Covenant may have learned of the name and used it to apply to their religion in yet another case of misinterpretation. Another possible explanation for the beginning of the Covenant belief in the Great Journey is that, as seen in ''[[Promises to Keep]]'', the [[Forerunner]]s kept the [[San'Shyuum]] on [[Installation 00|the Ark]] for a few years before reintroducing them to their homeworld. During this time, some San'Shyuum were curious enough to approach the Forerunners who were aware that their discussions might be overheard, but did not care enough to stop it. A major topic of discussion was their planned Great Journey wherein the Forerunners would leave the galaxy forever.
*On [[Installation 00]], several [[Terminal]]s can be found left by the Forerunners describing the activation of the Halo Array as the "Great Journey." Through such terminals on other Forerunner installations, the Covenant may have learned of the name and used it to apply to their religion in yet another case of misinterpretation.
*The fall of the Covenant period can perhaps be understood as somewhat being akin the [[wikipedia:Protestant Reformation|Protestant Reformation]] in Western Christianity. A loss of faith in a society's religious leaders did not lead to a complete abandonment of said religion's deities. Rather it led to a period of intense conflict as various factions began to develop their own new interpretations of ancient beliefs. Although the Sangheili no longer believed in the Prophets as the messengers of the gods or in the Great Journey as they had described it, many still believed in their gods.
*The fall of the Covenant period can perhaps be understood as somewhat being akin the [[wikipedia:Protestant Reformation|Protestant Reformation]] in Western Christianity. A loss of faith in a society's religious leaders did not lead to a complete abandonment of said religion's deities. Rather it led to a period of intense conflict as various factions began to develop their own new interpretations of ancient beliefs. Although the Sangheili no longer believed in the Prophets as the messengers of the gods or in the Great Journey as they had described it, many still believed in their gods.
*The superstition that "Demons" are actually dead soldiers reanimated by artificial means is reminiscent of the [[marathongame:Battleroid|battleroids]], including the [[marathongame:Mjolnir Recon number 54|player character]] from the ''[[Marathon]]'' trilogy. Battleroids are brought back from the dead to serve as physically and technologically augmented supersoldiers.


==Gallery==
==Sources==
<gallery>
<references/>
File:H5G-Forerunner worship mural.png|A mural inside the [[Elder Council Chamber]] on [[Sanghelios]] representing the Covenant's worship of the [[Forerunners]].
File:H5G-Dreadnought worship mural.png|Another mural representing the Covenant's worship of the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]].
File:H5G-Dreadnoght mural 2.png|Another mural featuring the Dreadnought.
</gallery>


==Sources==
==See also==
{{Ref/Sources}}
*[[Great Schism|Covenant Civil War]]
*[[Covenant Empire]]
**[[Heretics]]
**[[Covenant Empire|Loyalists]]
**[[Covenant Separatists|Separatists]]


[[Category:The Covenant]]
[[Category:The Covenant|Great Journey]]
[[Category:Ideology]]
[[Category:Ideology|Great Journey]]
[[Category:Religion]]
[[Category:Religion]]

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