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{{ | {{Era|Covenant|Human|UNSC|HCW}} | ||
{{ | {{Unit infobox|variant=Cov | ||
|name=Hierarchs | |name=Hierarchs | ||
|image=[[File:Hierarchs.png| | |image=[[File:Hierarchs.png|300px]] | ||
| | |species=[[San'Shyuum]] | ||
|affiliation=[[Covenant]] | |||
|branch=[[Covenant]] [[High Council]] | |||
|mission=Leaders of the Covenant | |||
| | |armament=[[Gravity cannon]] | ||
| | |equipment=[[Anti-gravity chair|Gravity throne]] | ||
|notable= | |||
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}} | }} | ||
The '''Hierarchs''', also known as '''High Prophets''', | The '''Hierarchs''', also known as '''High Prophets''', served as the highest theocratic leaders of the [[Covenant]] [[High Council]]. Hierarchs rule with near absolute power over the Covenant, and the other races obey their will without question. The last three Hierarchs came to power in the beginning of the [[Ages of Reclamation|9th Age of Reclamation]] in [[2525]].<ref name="enc125">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 125'' (2011 edition)</ref> The title of Hierarch was dissolved following the death of the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] and the dissolution of the Covenant on [[2552|December 11, 2552]].<ref>'''[[Halo 3]]''', campaign level ''[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]''</ref> | ||
==Powers and duties== | ==Powers and duties== | ||
[[File:H2A-ThelBeforeCouncil.jpg|thumb|250px|left|The three Hierarchs leading the High Council trial of [[Supreme Commander]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee.]] | [[File:H2A-ThelBeforeCouncil.jpg|thumb|250px|left|The three Hierarchs leading the High Council trial of [[Supreme Commander]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee.]] | ||
The title of Hierarch had existed before the establishment of the [[Covenant]], as early as [[860 BCE]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''page 6''</ref> By the time of the Covenant's formation, the Hierarchs were a triumvirate composed of three [[San'Shyuum]] that served as the highest authorities among the Covenant and held the most political and religious power. | The title of Hierarch had existed before the establishment of the [[Covenant]], as early as [[860 BCE]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''page 6''</ref> By the time of the Covenant's formation, the Hierarchs were a triumvirate composed of three [[San'Shyuum]] that served as the highest authorities among the Covenant and held the most political and religious power.<ref name="enc125"/> The true duty of the Hierarchs was to help guide the Covenant toward the [[Covenant religion|Great Journey]].<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 126'' (2011 edition)</ref> The Hierarchs led the Covenant [[High Council]]. Hierarchs had complete control over the distribution of all [[Forerunner]] relics and technology—likely more so than the [[Ministry of Fortitude]]—and could distribute them however the Hierarch thought best benefited the Covenant.<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 159''</ref> If an individual failed a "holy mission" assigned to them by a Hierarch, dire consequences would result and [[capital punishment|execution]] may occur.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''', ''page 170''</ref> Among their powers are composition and reorganization of fleets within the [[Covenant fleet|Covenant naval branch]], even without the approval of the High Council,<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 349''</ref> and appointing an [[Arbiter]] from among the [[Sangheili]] to serve as the "Will of the Prophets".<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[The Arbiter]]''</ref> The Hierarchs also had the authority to create new Ministries within the Covenant, sometimes for the personal gain and ambition of one Hierarch.<ref name="bc51">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 51''</ref> The Hierarchs often issued edicts ''ex cathedra''; these edicts may have comprised general declarations, though they typically contained executive orders. As they were extensions of the Hierarchs' will, these edicts could not be refuted.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]''', ''[[Halo Wars Timeline Events|Timeline]]''</ref> | ||
The Hierarchs typically remained in the Covenant holy city of [[High Charity]], although they would occasionally embark to lead a battle. The Hierarchs often occupied the [[High Council Chamber]] to | The Hierarchs typically remained in the Covenant holy city of ''[[High Charity]]'', although they would occasionally embark to lead a battle. The Hierarchs often occupied the [[High Council Chamber]] to led High Council sessions or hold court trials, along with the High Councilors of the Covenant. The Hierarchs could also assign duties and tasks to other members of the Covenant in the [[Hall of Sacred Guidance]].<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 72''</ref> The [[Sanctum of the Hierarchs]] was the private quarters of the High Prophets that was only accessible to very high-ranking members of the Covenant.<ref name="fs338">'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', ''pages 338-339''</ref> The [[Palace of the Hierarchs]] was the private reception chamber used by the Hierarchs.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 194''</ref> | ||
[[File:H2A-ThelBeforeHierarchs.jpg|thumb|250px|Thel 'Vadamee before the Hierarchs.]] | [[File:H2A-ThelBeforeHierarchs.jpg|thumb|250px|Thel 'Vadamee before the Hierarchs.]] | ||
The Hierarchs followed the ''[[Book of Hierarchs]]''—an official ruling book.<ref name="bc161">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 161''</ref> Despite the Hierarchs' power and influence, they did not have right or power to stop the San'Shyuum that enforced the [[Roll of Celibates]] from completing their tasks.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 265''</ref> A Hierarch assigning an important mission to individuals without informing the rest of the Hierarchs was considered a violation of Council protocol. However, the protocol was often violated. The [[Prophet of Excellent Redolence|High Prophet of Excellent Redolence]] tasked the [[Mken 'Scre'ah'ben|Prophet of Inner Conviction]] with recovering a [[Luminary]] and female San'Shyuum on [[Janjur Qom]] without informing the rest of the Hierarchs.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 73''</ref> The High Prophets of Truth and Regret often operated while keeping each other unaware of their separate, ambitious activities. Hierarchs could appoint other San'Shyuum to be their Secondary Administrator, essentially an assistant to the Hierarch.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 193''</ref> [[Steward]]s would also serve as aids to Hierarchs.<ref>'''[[Halo 2 | The Hierarchs followed the ''[[Book of Hierarchs]]''—an official ruling book.<ref name="bc161">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 161''</ref> Despite the Hierarchs' power and influence, they did not have right or power to stop the San'Shyuum that enforced the [[Roll of Celibates]] from completing their tasks.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 265''</ref> A Hierarch assigning an important mission to individuals without informing the rest of the Hierarchs was considered a violation of Council protocol. However, the protocol was often violated. The [[Prophet of Excellent Redolence|High Prophet of Excellent Redolence]] tasked the [[Mken 'Scre'ah'ben|Prophet of Inner Conviction]] with recovering a [[Luminary]] and female San'Shyuum on [[Janjur Qom]] without informing the rest of the Hierarchs.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 73''</ref> The High Prophets of Truth and Regret often operated while keeping each other unaware of their separate, ambitious activities. Hierarchs could appoint other San'Shyuum to be their Secondary Administrator, essentially an assistant to the Hierarch.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 193''</ref> [[Steward]]s would also serve as aids to Hierarchs.<ref>'''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2 Anniversary|Terminal 1]]''</ref> | ||
Each Hierarch was dressed in a loose-sleeved robe with different coloring. Hierarchs donned golden headdresses that displayed a blue [[holography|holographic]] [[Halo Array|Halo installation]] on their forehead.<ref name="bc159">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 159''</ref> Hierarchs sat upon a [[anti-gravity chair|gravity throne]], luxurious anti-gravity chairs with gold, collar-like plating and were equipped with [[energy shielding]].<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia | Each Hierarch was dressed in a loose-sleeved robe with different coloring. Hierarchs donned golden headdresses that displayed a blue [[holography|holographic]] [[Halo Array|Halo installation]] on their forehead.<ref name="bc159">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 159''</ref> Hierarchs sat upon a [[anti-gravity chair|gravity throne]], luxurious anti-gravity chairs with gold, collar-like plating and were equipped with [[energy shielding]].<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 136'' (2011 edition)</ref> The Hierarchs were always protected by the [[Covenant Honor Guard]], with the Hierarch's personal guards always prepared to kill anything that attempted to harm the Hierarch. The Honor Guardsmen would also kill any individual that held an unholstered weapon in the presence of a Hierarch.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 144-145''</ref> However, the Sangheili with the title of [[Arbiter]] seemingly were an exception to the law, as seen with Arbiter [[Ripa 'Moramee]] when he activated two [[Type-1 energy sword]]s in front of [[Prophet of Regret|a Hierarch]].<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Scarab (level)|Scarab]]''</ref> The Hierarchs' gravity thrones were outfitted with a powerful [[assault cannon|gravity cannon]] that a Hierarch could to annihilate any possible threat.<ref name="bc159"/><ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Regret (level)|Regret]]''</ref> | ||
==Appointment and succession== | ==Appointment and succession== | ||
The inauguration of a new set of Hierarchs generally coincided with the beginning of a new [[History of the Covenant|Age]]. In order to become a Hierarch, a San'Shyuum would have to receive the "blessing" of the [[Mendicant Bias|Oracle]] of High Charity. However, the Oracle had not spoken for millennia. Instead, the ascension process of a Hierarch was steeped in political machinations and often the bribery of the Oracle's keeper—the [[Philologist]]. | The inauguration of a new set of Hierarchs generally coincided with the beginning of a new [[History of the Covenant|Age]]. In order to become a Hierarch, a San'Shyuum would have to receive the "blessing" of the [[05-032 Mendicant Bias|Oracle]] of ''High Charity''. However, the Oracle had not spoken for millennia. Instead, the ascension process of a Hierarch was steeped in political machinations and often the bribery of the Oracle's keeper—the [[Philologist]].<ref name="enc125"/><ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 274''</ref> After speaking with the Oracle, the three San'Shyuum would announce their intentions to replace the current Hierarchs in front of the High Council and state their reasons. Although possible to announce their intent to the Council without a third San'Shyuum, it would make them seem less legitimate and a third individual would have to be selected after the announcement.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 286-287''</ref> However, unseating a Hierarch was not an easy task, as the Hierarchs would often try to use all the influence they had at their disposal to keep their title and prevent the declaration of a new Age.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 156''</ref> After being approved of by the High Council, a grand ceremony known as the [[Ascension]] would occur to formally declare the coming of a new Age and introduce the new Hierarchs to the rest of the Covenant. Then, the newly-risen Hierarchs would humbly ask the Oracle to bless the new Age. Upon their ascension, a Hierarch may choose a regal name from a list of former Hierarch names.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 379-383''</ref> | ||
During the appointment of a new Age and a new set of Hierarchs, it was acceptable for one of the previous Hierarchs to keep their title and position, and continuing serving as a Hierarch alongside two new ones. While this generally allowed for a smoother transition, bitterness would often ensure.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 268''</ref> A Hierarch could step down from the throne if they believed that their health was becoming a concern. | During the appointment of a new Age and a new set of Hierarchs, it was acceptable for one of the previous Hierarchs to keep their title and position, and continuing serving as a Hierarch alongside two new ones. While this generally allowed for a smoother transition, bitterness would often ensure.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 268''</ref> A Hierarch could step down from the throne if they believed that their health was becoming a concern.<ref name="bc51"/> However, a retired Hierarch could still voice their opinion in the High Council.<ref name="bc161"/> In the rare event of the death of a Hierarch, another high-ranking and influential San'Shyuum would be given the opportunity to replace the missing Hierarch.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 208''</ref> | ||
==Known Hierarchs of the | ==Known Hierarchs of the Covenant== | ||
[[File:H2A-POT.jpg|thumb|250px|The High Prophet of Truth—the last Hierarch.]] | |||
; | ;First Age of Conflict | ||
*[[J'nellin]] (c. [[860 BCE]]) | *[[J'nellin]] (c. [[860 BCE]]) | ||
*[[Qurlom]] (Before [[851 BCE]]) | *[[Qurlom]] (Before [[851 BCE]]) | ||
;First Age of Reconciliation | |||
*[[Prophet of Excellent Redolence]] (c. [[850 BCE]]) | |||
*[[Prophet of the Glorious Journey]] (c. [[850 BCE]]) | |||
; | *[[Prophet of Unity]] (c. [[850 BCE]]) | ||
*[[ | |||
*[[ | |||
*[[ | |||
;Unknown Age | ;Unknown Age | ||
*[[ | *[[Unidentified Hierarch (Sanghelios)|Unidentified Hierarch]] (c. [[2142]]) | ||
; | ;29th Age of Doubt | ||
*[[ | *[[Prophetess of Obligation]] (?–[[2525]]) | ||
*[[ | *[[Prophet of Tolerance]] (?–[[2525]]) | ||
*[[ | *[[Prophet of Restraint]] (?–[[2525]]) | ||
; | ;9th Age of Reclamation | ||
*[[ | *[[Prophet of Regret]] ([[2525]]–[[2552|November 2, 2552]]) | ||
*[[ | *[[Prophet of Mercy]] ([[2525]]–[[2552|November 3, 2552]]) | ||
*[[ | *[[Prophet of Truth]] ([[2525]]–[[2552|December 11, 2552]]; the last Hierarch of the Covenant) | ||
==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}} | {{Linkbox|gallery=yes}} | ||
*Each of the three Hierarchs in the original ''Halo'' trilogy were killed by a different enemy of the Covenant faction. Regret was killed by [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]], Mercy was killed by the [[Flood]], and Truth was killed by | *Each of the three Hierarchs in the original ''Halo'' trilogy were killed by a different enemy of the Covenant faction. Regret was killed by [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]], Mercy was killed by the [[Flood]], and Truth was killed by Thel 'Vadam's [[Swords of Sanghelios]]. It is also worthy of note that all three were eventually infected by the Flood prior to or immediately following their deaths. | ||
*The [[Prophetess of Obligation|High Prophetess of Obligation]] is currently the only known female Hierarch. | *The [[Prophetess of Obligation|High Prophetess of Obligation]] is currently the only known female Hierarch. | ||
*Many Prophets have titles that are the polar opposite of how they actually act. The easiest example of this could be the [[Prophet of Truth]], who lied and schemed his way to the position of Hierarch. The [[Prophet of Regret]] is also an example, as he regrets nothing until his blunder in the [[Battle | *Many Prophets have titles that are the polar opposite of how they actually act. The easiest example of this could be the [[Prophet of Truth]], who lied and schemed his way to the position of Hierarch. The [[Prophet of Regret]] is also an example, as he regrets nothing until his blunder in the [[First Battle of Earth]]. | ||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
File:H2A-HighCouncilSession.jpg|The Hierarchs leading a High Council session. | File:H2A-HighCouncilSession.jpg|The Hierarchs leading a High Council session. | ||
File:H2AG.png|The Hierarchs and their Honor Guardsmen. | File:H2AG.png|The Hierarchs and their Honor Guardsmen. | ||
File:H2A - Hierarchs.jpg|The Hierarchs Regret, Truth, and Mercy presiding at the head of the High Council. | File:H2A - Hierarchs.jpg|The Hierarchs Regret, Truth, and Mercy presiding at the head of the High Council. | ||
File:H2A-TruthAndMercy.jpg|The High Prophets of Truth and Mercy. | File:H2A-TruthAndMercy.jpg|The High Prophets of Truth and Mercy. | ||
File: | File:Vlcsnap-126257.png|The Prophet of Regret speaking to [[Ripa 'Moramee]]. | ||
File: | File:TruthDeath-large.jpg|The death of the last Hierarch. | ||
File: | File:Header Gemini.jpg|A monument to a Hierarch. | ||
File:HierarchH2A.jpg|3D models of the Hierarchs Truth, Mercy, and Regret. | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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**''[[Origins]]'' | **''[[Origins]]'' | ||
**''[[Odd One Out]]'' {{C|Non-canon appearance}} | **''[[Odd One Out]]'' {{C|Non-canon appearance}} | ||
{{Col-2}} | |||
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]'' | *''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]'' | ||
**''[[The Return]]'' {{C|Motion comic only}} | **''[[The Return]]'' {{C|Motion comic only}} | ||
**''[[Wages of Sin]]'' {{Mo}} | **''[[Wages of Sin]]'' {{Mo}} | ||
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]'' | *''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]'' | ||
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Boot Camp|Boot Camp]]'' | **''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Boot Camp|Boot Camp]]'' | ||
*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]'' {{Mo}} | *''[[Halo: Glasslands]]'' {{Mo}} | ||
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]'' | *''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]'' | ||
*''[[Halo 2 | *''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]'' | ||
**''[[Terminal | **''[[Terminal/Halo 2 Anniversary|Terminals]]'' | ||
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]'' {{Mo}} | *''[[Halo: New Blood]]'' {{Mo}} | ||
{{Col-end}} | {{Col-end}} | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
{{ | {{Reflist|2}} | ||
[[Category:Covenant titles]] | [[Category:Covenant titles]] |