Editing Mgalekgolo

{{Era|Forerunner|Covenant|Human|UNSC|HCW|Post}}
{{Ratings}}
{{Covenant Species Infobox
|name         = Mgalekgolo (''Ophis congregatio'')
|image        = [[File:HReach - Mgalekgolo.png|300px]]
|homeworld    = [[Te]]
|population   = [[1.280 trillion]]
|height       = {{Convert|12|ft|cm}}<ref name="ENC">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''': ''page 141''</ref>
|weight       = {{Convert|10500|lb|kg}}<ref name="ENC"/>
|skincolor    = *Red-orange
|distinctions = A single entity created by a unified colony of small worm-like creatures called [[Lekgolo]].
|equipment    = *Heavy Metal Shield of an unknown alloy.
*Mgalekgolo armor
*[[Assault cannon]]
|Ranks        =
|affiliation=
;[[Covenant Empire]]
*[[Covenant separatists]]
|notable      = *[[Ogada Nosa Fasu]] 
*[[Igido Nosa Hurru]]
*[[Paruto Xida Konna]]
*[[Waruna Xida Yotno]]
|othernames   =
*Hunter
*Can o' Worms
*Ogre
|counterpart  =
*Cyclops
}}
{{Quote|They're all scary and angry and they like to smash things...|[[Bungie]]}}

The '''Mgalekgolo'''<ref name="Bestiarum">''[[Bestiarum]]''</ref> (''Ophis congregatio'', meaning "serpent union"<ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=865756 HBO Forums]</ref>), is a gestalt of [[Lekgolo]], which are tiny, orange, worm-like creatures that group together to exponentially increase their intelligence, strength, and maneuverability. Of the myriad Mgalekgolo forms, the best known is the '''Hunter''', a bipedal form that is used for heavy assault; ironically, the Hunter form is among the least common of the myriad Mgalekgolo forms. During and after the [[Great Schism]] there was a division within the species, some aligning with the [[Covenant separatists]] and others remaining with the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant loyalists]]. They always come in pairs known as "bond brothers".  The death of one will enrage the other if it witnesses the other's death.

==Background==
When the Mgalekgolo home world of [[Te]] was discovered by the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]], intent on mining its riches, they faced, instead, heavy resistance from what the [[Human]]s know as "Hunters". Their physiology gave them a tremendous and unexpected advantage in combat, not only hampering, but even halting, the Covenant's advance and killing an [[Arbiter]]. The Covenant were further infuriated by the Lekgolo's destruction of [[Forerunner]] artifacts during the Mgalekgolo's routine feedings.<ref name="Halo: Contact Harvest">''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''</ref> In ground combat campaigns they were mostly victorious, despite the valiant effort of the [[Sangheili]]. The Covenant was forced to rely on [[Glassing|orbital bombardment]], a strategy against which the Mgalekgolo had little to no defense. Thus, to save themselves from extinction, their only choice was to agree to join the Covenant. This later came to be known as the [[Taming of the Lekgolo|Taming of the Hunters]]. Terms for their induction into the Covenant were eventually met, despite communication difficulties (which hampered the process). In their agreement to join with the Covenant, the Lekgolo worms, which fed on specific minerals, were consigned to investigate the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] that resided in ''[[High Charity]]'' and help uncover its inner workings. Their price for this trade was access to [[Slipstream space|space-travel technologies]] and exploration of the Covenant space lanes.

When a single colony of Mgalekgolo becomes too big, the colony will divide in half to create two independent Mgalekgolo colonies. These colonies will share an extremely close and mysterious bond, referred to only as being "bond brothers", or "mates".<ref name="Halo: The Flood">''[[Halo: The Flood]]''</ref> The armor and [[Assault cannon]]s used by the Mgalekgolo were given to them by the Sangheili after the former joined the Covenant. Mgalekgolo that have split into "bond brothers" are recognized by spiked appendages that rise from their shoulders, which means that they are bonded to another Mgalekgolo.<ref name="Halo: Contact Harvest"/> Bonded Mgalekgolo colonies are dropped into battle together by the Covenant, as the [[SPARTAN-II Program|Spartans]] learned: where you find a Mgalekgolo, there is always another close by. If one of the bonded colonies is killed, the other will go into a frenzied state, much like the berserk state of a [[Jiralhanae]], or the suicidal charge of an [[Unggoy]]. If left alone for a long period of time, however, they will adopt a "split personality" of shooting followed by melee attacks.

During the [[Battle of Onyx]], some Mgalekgolos apparently had command of lower-ranking Sangheili, even killing one of them for failing to follow orders, signifying they may have a higher military rank in the Covenant military than previously indicated.

==Description==
[[File:Hunter1.jpg|thumb|240px|A Mgalekgolo as seen in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.]]
Hunters take the hulking bipedal form in the Covenant military.<ref>''Bestiarum''</ref> In this form, they are the strongest and most resilient species in the Covenant <ref>''[[Halo 3 Game Guide]]'',  http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/halo3.aspx, On Covenant character page.</ref>. They usually stand between twelve to thirteen feet tall, but when in their combat state they crouch into between eight to eight-and-one-half feet, protecting their visible, unarmored stomach and neck. Though uncommon, the Mgalekgolo can even come in larger sizes and even bigger than the standard Covenant Wraith. Their political motivation is completely unknown.<ref>'''[[Halo Legends]]: ''[[The Duel]]'''''</ref> Their armor has a blue luster that makes the orange-red skin of the Lekgolo worms inside very noticeable, but the colony itself is hard to spot. They always fight in pairs due to the fact that when the colony gets too big, it splits into another Mgalekgolo form, creating a powerful bond between the two bond brothers.

Hunters fight using Assault Cannons integrated directly into their armor, and they carry an enormous, and nearly impervious metal shield made of an unknown alloy derived from the same material that forms Covenant warship hulls, and weighing approximately two tons. This shield protects them from almost every form of plasma-based or ballistic weaponry available to Covenant and human infantry alike, and is a powerful [[melee]] tool capable of crushing anything in its path and allowing the Mgalekgolo to sweep away most enemies in close combat. The Hunter can also gain a surprising burst of speed when it moves in for a melee kill.

The Assault Cannon the Hunter wields operates in two modes; one firing a single explosive capsule of incendiary fluid<ref>''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''</ref>, the other spraying the fluid out like a beam.<ref>''[[Halo 2]]''</ref><ref name="Halo 3">''[[Halo 3]]''</ref>

===Anatomy and physiology===
[[File:Hunter 3.jpg|thumb|200px|A Mgalekgolo fighting in a Forerunner structure on the ''[[Halo 3]]'' level, "[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]".]]
[[File:Scarab Lekgolo.jpg|200px|thumb|right|[[Lekgolo]] worms inside a [[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform|Scarab]] shell.]]
{{main|Lekgolo}}
A Mgalekgolo is not a single organism, but rather a collective of small, orange, eel-like creatures called Lekgolo. In order to form a Mgalekgolo, hundreds of individual Lekgolo bond with one another both physically and neurologically to form a single "hive-minded" community. Mgalekgolo are capable of manifesting in several different forms according to what goal they are striving to achieve and the amount of Lekgolo worms that are present. The Mgalekgolo is the most common form seen in combat during the [[Human-Covenant War]], but is actually one of the more rare forms in the Lekgolo society. This Mgalekgolo is employed by the Covenant as heavy infantry. Their society is predominated by this combination of being able to create exponentially more intelligent creatures, and the actual "Hunter" organism is one of the rarer and smaller forms to be found, used primarily in interaction with the Covenant hierarchy. 

Because of their make-up of several hundred "eels" instead of being a single large organism, the Lekgolo are one of the only species in the Covenant that cannot be assimilated by the Flood, as their unique physiology does not allow the organism to access a central nervous system or control them to any capacity. As such, there has never been a Hunter [[Flood combat form]], though the flesh of the Lekgolo can most likely be used by the Flood simply for its biomass.

The collection of eels that make up a Hunter's body are unintelligent at the most basic level, but can form complex thoughts and emerge as a conscious individual when they combine into larger masses that communicate through chemical and electrical means. The neural net that Hunters develop enables them to be incredibly strong and very sensitive to all things within a 1,000 foot line pointing out from non-combat form, and a half sphere that extends 500 feet in combat form{{Verify_source}}. This could explain why Hunters sometimes can locate the Master Chief even when they cannot see him, or when they are facing the opposite direction. This also explains why Hunters can think and work as an effective combat unit without even using verbal communication. Hunters generally growl during battle but will sometimes talk and make remarks like the other Covenant species. Instead of using vocal chords, like other Covenant species, they vibrate their bodies to make a low rumble that is described as "more felt than heard" to produce speech.<ref name="p190+1">''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'', pages 190-191</ref>

===Communication===
Little is known about the Hunters' language. The known names of some Hunters seem to imply that they use very simple vowels, and few consonants—not nearly as many as are contained in the English alphabet. It is known that Hunters do not use vocal chords to speak; instead, they seem to vibrate the Lekgolo in their bodies to produce sound. Their quiet nature amongst other races of the Covenant results either from difficulty speaking with other Covenant races or difficulty tolerating other Covenant races.

Hunters' speech can be heard in all of the ''Halo'' games, and has changed very little during the course of the series. Hunters tend to make very deep, low rumbling noises when detecting enemies or when wounded. When dying, they seem to emit a low-pitched scream. They also seem to chuckle after a kill. Aside from that, Hunters barely talk. They are, however, capable of mimicking the language of other species via subsonic vibrations, forming words and sentences that are "felt" rather than "heard".<ref name="p190+1"/><ref>[http://www.bungie.net/projects/odst/guide.aspx ''Halo 3: ODST'' Field Guide]</ref>

==Culture==
Mgalekgolo almost never associate or even communicate with the other races in the [[Covenant Empire]]. Sangheili are the sole exception; Hunters appreciate and acknowledge the Elite warriors' thoughts and adeptness in combat. To the other races of the Covenant, however, the Hunters are dismissive, scornful, and arrogant, and they are utterly contemptuous of their foes. Hunters have no qualms about committing friendly fire against the "lesser" races, like [[Unggoy]] and [[Kig-yar]]; during the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]], a Hunter was seen running over and killing a Kig-yar. In ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', Hunters will attack foes regardless of any allies that happen to be in their line of fire, as demonstrated in the game's final Campaign mission.

Many members of the Covenant are mystified and confused by the Mgalekgolo; their way of life is almost as alien to the Covenant as that of [[The Flood]]. A Sangheili [[Fleet Master]] once noted that Hunters were known to tear opponents apart with their "bare hands" whilst in a blood frenzy, and then suddenly pause to recite war poetry.<ref>''[[Ghosts of Onyx]]''</ref> It has also been said that Hunters meditate in their spare time, or before battle.

During the [[Great Schism]], most Hunter pairs sided with the Sangheili and the Covenant Separatists, though others remained with the [[Prophet of Truth]] and the Covenant Loyalists. There is no known reason for the split in loyalty. It is likely that the Separatist Hunters split from the Covenant due to their respect for the Elites. It is likely that the Loyalist Hunters remained in the Covenant out of fear for their homeworld; the Hunters were integrated into the Covenant during the [[Taming of the Lekgolo]], when the Covenant threatened to glass their homeworld.

No Hunters are ever seen supporting the [[John-117|Master Chief]] during the events of ''[[Halo 3]]''. This is because in the making of ''Halo 3'', [[Bungie]] did not want to confuse players by having them with both the Separatists and the Loyalists, so they were only shown as Loyalists.

===Naming===
Hunters have three names: a personal name, a bond name, and a line name. The personal name is given at their "birth". The line name represents the genetic heritage, being the name of the most successful Mgalekgolo of his ancestors. If one reaches a certain level of status, his offspring will have his personal name as their line name. The bond name, or their middle name, is taken between bonded pairs, colonies that must split into two due to excessive size. Examples of some Hunter names include [[Igido Nosa Hurru]] and [[Ogada Nosa Fasu]]. From the few Hunter names that have appeared in the novels, it seems that the given name has three syllables, but the bond name and line name only have two syllables. This may be another [[List of "seven" references in the Halo series|7]] reference, as 3 + 2 + 2 = 7.

However, it is not known why the line name is not three syllables, considering that the ancestor in question's given name would be three syllables. It is most likely not always three syllables or the name is edited (a syllable is possibly taken away) before the offspring is given the line name.

===Religion===
All that can be said for certain about Mgalekgolo religious beliefs is that they vary. While the Lekgolo joined the Covenant for its access to space trade routes and starships, rather than any real dedication to the [[Covenant religion|Great Journey]], at least some hold a concept of an "afterlife".<ref name="Bestiarum"/><ref name="Halo: The Flood"/> Other Lekgolo meditate in their spare time, or recite war poetry before or after battle, showing a more refined nature than would be believed of the hulking, savage warriors.<ref>''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''</ref> The fact that some allied themselves with the Sangheili during the Great Schism, while others remained with the Covenant Loyalists, is further evidence that individual beliefs play a major part in Mgalekgolo religion.<ref name="Halo 3"/> Anything further than this is speculation, Lekgolo culture is extremely reclusive, and even their fellow Covenant know little about them other than that they continue to follow their own cultural traditions, rather than the homogenized religion of the wider Covenant.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=697 The Covenant Primer: Best of The Bestiary]</ref>

==Ranking system==
[[File:ODST TayariPlaza06.jpg|right|thumb|180px|Buck fighting a Golden Hunter on [[Tayari Plaza]].]]
Unlike most Covenant forces, Hunters seem to possess no visible rank. As they are deployed more like equipment or weapons platforms rather than conventional troops, rank may simply not apply for them.

However, they can be deployed independently of other Covenant troops, which may indicate that a level of independence and responsibility may be granted, thus meaning that they may have a high enough rank to be trusted by themselves. In ''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'', Mgalekgolo are seen guarding the crystal in [[Côte d'Azur]], which is retrieved by [[Blue Team]]. As they are guarding such a highly valued target, they may be of a higher rank than other Hunter pairs. Also they killed a [[Kig-yar|Jackal]] by stepping on it, which may show that they are higher in rank than the Jackals, although it is more likely that the Hunters merely did not care about the other alien's life. <ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''' ''page 222''</ref>

In ''Halo 3: ODST'', the Hunters appear in two different forms in two different colors: the normal blue-armored Hunter, which are identical to the ones seen in ''Halo 3'', armed with an Assault Cannon that fires a continuous stream of radioactive incendiary gel and a gold-armored Hunter, armed with an assault cannon that fires a single bolt of radioactive incendiary gel which is similar to the weapon model featured in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''. Whether there is any other significance to this difference is unknown.

==Trivia==
{{Gameplay link}}                                                            
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]'', mentions that Hunters have skin and a jutting spine. This is incorrect, as they were later revealed to be a compound of small worm-like creatures. However, this does not preclude the possibility that the worms may form a skin-like membrane on the outside of their colony for protection against more casual damage, and in ''Halo 3 ''a metal column can be seen after the back armor plating has been detached, perhaps forming an artificial "spine" for vertical support.
*At first, Hunters were meant to comprise the whole of [[Heretic]] forces on the [[Threshold gas mine]].<ref>"Essentials - Disk Three"</ref>
*In a Bungie Weekly Update, [[Frank O'Connor]] said: "''Hunter society is complex and we have seen but the tiniest fraction of it. There are some fundamental facts about Hunter biology that mean the combat type is just the tip of the iceberg.''"<ref>http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?story=updatefeb03</ref> This means, or at least implies, that there are other kinds of Hunters that simply have yet to be seen. For example, [[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform|Scarabs]] are powered by these worms.
*The Hunter resembles the enemy of the same name from Bungie's older series ''[[Marathon]]'', except that ''Marathon'''s Hunter had a shoulder-mounted weapon, rather than an arm-mounted weapon.
*Like most other races of the Covenant, Hunters' blood differs from that of humans. Mgalekgolo blood is bright, fluorescent orange and appears to have a very thick, slimy texture. It has also been noted that their blood smells strongly of burnt plastic, hinting that the make-up of their bodily fluids is drastically different from that of a human.
*In ''[[Halo: First Strike]]'', it was stated that the spikes on the Hunter's back are sensory nodes.<ref>''[[Halo: First Strike]]'', page 110</ref> Additionally, the spikes on Hunters' backs were said to be as sharp as razors in ''[[Halo: The Flood]]''.
*In ''Halo Legends<nowiki>'</nowiki>'' episode ''The Duel'', the Hunters are shown to be at least 50 feet tall, this was later explained by Frank O'Connor saying that a Hunter's appearance changes due to the gravity and environment.
*When combating Hunters, a player can 'leapfrog' the charging melee attack, either jumping above or to the side of the Hunter. This exposes the rear armor to a quick shotgun blast or grenade stick, often resulting in death on lower difficulties. This tactic does not work as well on ''Halo 3: ODST'', however, as the Hunter's melee swing usually knocks the player away and to the front, not behind.
*It is possible to splatter a Hunter with a [[M274 Ultra-Light All-Terrain Vehicle|Mongoose]].
*In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'':
**Hunters are not harmed by [[Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon|Fuel Rod Gun]]s. This may be because you are not supposed to have Fuel Rod cannons in Campaign, or it may be a precaution meant to prevent Hunters from injuring each other when fighting in pairs.
**Hunters have ranks in the actor variant [[tag]]s. One variant is called 'Hunter' and another called 'Hunter major'.
**A single shot from a pistol or sniper rifle will kill a Hunter; this is likely because the Hunter's exposed flesh was considered to be its "head."
*In ''[[Halo 2]]'', it is impossible to damage or even kill a Hunter with a melee attack.
*In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', a Hunter can deflect many projectiles that would kill them in ''Halo 3'', like a Wraith Mortar or a Scorpion main cannon shot.
*In ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', Hunters have received a huge graphical overhaul. They are much more textured, are larger, have Forerunner symbols and emblems on their armor and appear to have some kind of eyes on their helmets.
*Hunters are also much tougher in Reach. They are capable of surviving explosive hits. Their back armor is much more durable, making their weak point harder to expose. They will also raise their shield vertically when being attacked from the front, covering both their neck and mid-section to protect themselves from incoming fire.
*In Halo: Reach, a near-miss from a Hunter's melee will cause the player's screen to shake violently.

==Gallery==
<gallery widths="150" orientation="landscape" captionalign="left">
File:Halo3Hunter-scantransparent.png|A Hunter of [[Halo 3]] from the [[Halo Encyclopedia]].
File:Hunter.jpg|A render of a Hunter as it appears in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:Cov Hunter.jpg|Concept art of a Hunter for ''Halo Wars''.
File:Covenant hunter.gif|A render of the Hunter from Halo Wars.
File:HLHunters.png|The Hunters as they appear in the ''[[Halo Legends]]'' episode, [[The Duel]].
File:Huntercrouched.jpg|A Hunter preparing to launch a melee attack.
File:Hunter FireCharge.jpg|A Hunter about to fire its Assault Cannon.
File:Fuel Rod Beam Cannon in Action.jpg|A Hunter firing its Assault Cannon.
File:Hunter BloodBond.jpg|A Hunter pair in combat in ''Halo 3''.
File:Hunter blood.jpg|Mgalekgolo blood in ''Halo 3: ODST''. Note the luminous properties.
File:Gold Hunter.png|A pair of gold Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:HunterFirefight.jpg|A Hunter about to launch a melee attack in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HunterPairReach.jpg|A group of Hunters ready to attack in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Hunter99.jpg|A Hunter on Corvette.
</gallery>

==Sources==
<references/>

==Related Pages==
*[[Mgalekgolo/Gameplay]]

{{Covenant}}
[[Category:Living Organisms]]
[[Category:The Covenant]]
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Status|Canon}}
+{{Era|Forerunner|Covenant|Human|UNSC|HCW|Post}}
-{{References}}
+{{Ratings}}
-{{Disambig header|the species|the armor|HUNTER-class Mjolnir}}
+{{Covenant Species Infobox
-{{Species infobox
+|name         = Mgalekgolo (''Ophis congregatio'')
-|name=Mgalekgolo<br />(''Ophis congregatio'')
+|image        = [[File:HReach - Mgalekgolo.png|300px]]
-|pagename=Mgalekgolo
+|homeworld    = [[Te]]
-|othernames=
+|population   = [[1.280 trillion]]
-Hunter
+|height       = {{Convert|12|ft|cm}}<ref name="ENC">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''': ''page 141''</ref>
-<br>Can o' Worms
+|weight       = {{Convert|10500|lb|kg}}<ref name="ENC"/>
-<br>Ogre
+|skincolor    = *Red-orange
-<br>Worm-guts
+|distinctions = A single entity created by a unified colony of small worm-like creatures called [[Lekgolo]].
-|image=[[File:HINF-Hunter.png|325px]]
+|equipment    = *Heavy Metal Shield of an unknown alloy.
-|homeworld=[[Te]]
+*Mgalekgolo armor
-|height=12'1" (368.7 cm)-12'3" (373.4 cm)<ref name="ENC">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 141''</ref>{{Ref/Reuse|wp lekgolo}}
+*[[Assault cannon]]
-|weight={{Convert|10000|lb|kg}}-{{Convert|11000|lb|kg}}{{Ref/Reuse|ENC}}{{Ref/Reuse|wp lekgolo}}
+|Ranks        =
-|distinctions=A single entity created by a unified colony of small worm-like creatures called [[Lekgolo]]
+|affiliation=
-|lifespan=
+;[[Covenant Empire]]
-|notable-group=*[[Covenant]]
+*[[Covenant separatists]]
-*[[Swords of Sanghelios]]
+|notable      = *[[Ogada Nosa Fasu]]
-*[[Joyous Exultation Covenant]]
-*[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]
-*[[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group]]
-*[[Banished]]
-|notable-person=
-*"[[Colony]]"
 *[[Igido Nosa Hurru]]
-*[[Magsanggalang]]
-*[[Magtanggol]]
-*[[Makipagtunggali]]
-*[[Nakagagalit]]
-*[[Ogada Nosa Fasu]]
 *[[Paruto Xida Konna]]
 *[[Waruna Xida Yotno]]
-* "[[Myriad]]"
+|othernames   =
+*Hunter
+*Can o' Worms
+*Ogre
+|counterpart  =
+*Cyclops
 }}
-{{Quote|They're all scary and angry and they like to smash things.|[[Bungie]]<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_081409 '''Bungie.net''', ''Bungie Weekly Update 08/14/09'']</ref>}}
+{{Quote|They're all scary and angry and they like to smash things...|[[Bungie]]}}
-The '''Mgalekgolo'''<ref name="Bestiarum">'''[[Bestiarum]]'''</ref> (''Ophis congregatio'', meaning "serpent union"),<ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=865756 '''HBO Forums''': ''Bestiaium Latin names translated'']</ref> is a gestalt of [[Lekgolo]], which are small worm-like creatures that group together to exponentially increase their intelligence, strength, and maneuverability. Of the myriad Lekgolo collectives, the best known is the Mgalekgolo or '''Hunter''', a bipedal form that is used for heavy assault. Ironically, the Mgalekgolo is among the least common Lekgolo configurations, but due to their formidable combat capabilities they are most commonly fielded by the [[Covenant]].{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}} While the term "Mgalekgolo" is formally limited to this particular type of Lekgolo gestalt with the other forms having different names,{{Ref/Reuse|wp lekgolo}}{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}} it is sometimes applied to other Lekgolo colonies as well, such as that used to operate the {{Pattern|Deutoros|Scarab}}, or the [[Goliath]]s employed by the [[Banished]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 163''</ref>
+The '''Mgalekgolo'''<ref name="Bestiarum">''[[Bestiarum]]''</ref> (''Ophis congregatio'', meaning "serpent union"<ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=865756 HBO Forums]</ref>), is a gestalt of [[Lekgolo]], which are tiny, orange, worm-like creatures that group together to exponentially increase their intelligence, strength, and maneuverability. Of the myriad Mgalekgolo forms, the best known is the '''Hunter''', a bipedal form that is used for heavy assault; ironically, the Hunter form is among the least common of the myriad Mgalekgolo forms. During and after the [[Great Schism]] there was a division within the species, some aligning with the [[Covenant separatists]] and others remaining with the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant loyalists]]. They always come in pairs known as "bond brothers".  The death of one will enrage the other if it witnesses the other's death.
-==History==
+==Background==
-<!--This section describes the history of the Mgalekgolo configuration; the history of the entire Lekgolo species is described in the Lekgolo article.-->
+When the Mgalekgolo home world of [[Te]] was discovered by the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]], intent on mining its riches, they faced, instead, heavy resistance from what the [[Human]]s know as "Hunters". Their physiology gave them a tremendous and unexpected advantage in combat, not only hampering, but even halting, the Covenant's advance and killing an [[Arbiter]]. The Covenant were further infuriated by the Lekgolo's destruction of [[Forerunner]] artifacts during the Mgalekgolo's routine feedings.<ref name="Halo: Contact Harvest">''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''</ref> In ground combat campaigns they were mostly victorious, despite the valiant effort of the [[Sangheili]]. The Covenant was forced to rely on [[Glassing|orbital bombardment]], a strategy against which the Mgalekgolo had little to no defense. Thus, to save themselves from extinction, their only choice was to agree to join the Covenant. This later came to be known as the [[Taming of the Lekgolo|Taming of the Hunters]]. Terms for their induction into the Covenant were eventually met, despite communication difficulties (which hampered the process). In their agreement to join with the Covenant, the Lekgolo worms, which fed on specific minerals, were consigned to investigate the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] that resided in ''[[High Charity]]'' and help uncover its inner workings. Their price for this trade was access to [[Slipstream space|space-travel technologies]] and exploration of the Covenant space lanes.
-{{Quote|The Hunters have come to our aid, Arbiter. They will fight by our side.|A [[Special Operations Sangheili]] during the [[Battle of Installation 05]].{{Ref/Reuse|TGJ}}}}
-After the formation of the [[Covenant]], early experiments with the [[Luminary|Luminaries]] reverse-engineered from the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] in ''[[High Charity]]'' led the Covenant to the Lekgolo homeworld Te, which was located near [[Urs]], the home system of the [[Sangheili]]. While the [[San'Shyuum]] and [[Sangheili]] hoped to find a treasure trove of Forerunner artifacts, they instead found hives of Lekgolo inside orbital rings surrounding the planet. The rings were in fact the destroyed remains of an ancient Forerunner installation in orbit. The relics had been the Lekgolo's food for millennia, and the orbital rings were actually composed of digested-and-destroyed Forerunner relics that some of the Lekgolo had been consuming.<ref name="ch">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 269-271''</ref>
-[[File:H2A Terminals - First Hunters.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Jeht facing off against naked Mgalekgolo in their natural unarmored form.]]
+When a single colony of Mgalekgolo becomes too big, the colony will divide in half to create two independent Mgalekgolo colonies. These colonies will share an extremely close and mysterious bond, referred to only as being "bond brothers", or "mates".<ref name="Halo: The Flood">''[[Halo: The Flood]]''</ref> The armor and [[Assault cannon]]s used by the Mgalekgolo were given to them by the Sangheili after the former joined the Covenant. Mgalekgolo that have split into "bond brothers" are recognized by spiked appendages that rise from their shoulders, which means that they are bonded to another Mgalekgolo.<ref name="Halo: Contact Harvest"/> Bonded Mgalekgolo colonies are dropped into battle together by the Covenant, as the [[SPARTAN-II Program|Spartans]] learned: where you find a Mgalekgolo, there is always another close by. If one of the bonded colonies is killed, the other will go into a frenzied state, much like the berserk state of a [[Jiralhanae]], or the suicidal charge of an [[Unggoy]]. If left alone for a long period of time, however, they will adopt a "split personality" of shooting followed by melee attacks.
-Enraged by the Lekgolo's "desecration" of Forerunner relics, the Covenant began a military campaign against the Lekgolo. After facing considerable difficulty eradicating the creatures,{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}}{{Ref/Reuse|ch}} [[Arbiter]] [[Jeht 'Lcmutee]] was sent to study the Lekgolo for a full year on [[Rantu]], one of Te's moons. It was there that the Arbiter witnessed the Lekgolo combine into Mgalekgolo to battle him, forming around a series of rocks to support their bipedal forms.{{Ref/Game|H2A|Detail=''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminal 8]]''}} Recognizing the potential of the gestalts, 'Lcmutee returned to ''[[High Charity]]'' and suggested that the Lekgolo be inducted into the Covenant. However, the Lekgolo initially resisted, leading to a conflict between them and the Covenant. While the Mgalekgolo won most of the time on the ground, they faced extinction and were forced into the Covenant by the superior starship technology of the Sangheili.<ref name="HCESGuide">''[[Halo: Combat Evolved: Sybex Official Strategies & Secrets]]''</ref> This event later came to be known amongst the Covenant as the "[[Taming of the Lekgolo]]". The Covenant may have used [[Sharquoi]] armor designs for the Mgalekgolo armor.<ref name="Envoy186">'''[[Halo: Envoy]]''', ''page 186''</ref>
-The Mgalekgolo gestalts, armed with thick armor plates and [[assault cannon]]s, would come to serve the Covenant as shock troops. Numerous Mgalekgolo participated in the [[Human-Covenant War]]. During the [[Great Schism]], most Mgalekgolo pairs sided with the Sangheili, though others remained with the [[Prophet of Truth]] and the main body of the Covenant.<ref name="TGJ">'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[The Great Journey]]''</ref> There is no known reason for the split in loyalty.{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}}
+During the [[Battle of Onyx]], some Mgalekgolos apparently had command of lower-ranking Sangheili, even killing one of them for failing to follow orders, signifying they may have a higher military rank in the Covenant military than previously indicated.
-During the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|further conflicts]] in the wake of the [[Human-Covenant War]] many Mgalekgolo would fight on behalf of [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|new Covenant order]] against humanity and [[Swords of Sanghelios]]. These Mgalekgolo participated in the battles of [[Requiem]], [[Nuusra]], [[Sunaion]], and [[Genesis]].{{Ref/Game|Id=H4|H4}}{{Ref/Game|H5G|H5}} Others would remain loyal to [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]] and his Swords of Sanghelios.<ref>[https://www.halowaypointstore.com/p/halo_swords_of_sanghelios_premium_tee.html ''Halo Waypoint Store'' - ''Swords of Sanghelios Tee'']</ref> Several would join [[Vata 'Gajat]]'s [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|mercenary group]] and partake in the [[Battle of Ealen IV]].<ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue 2''</ref> Mgalekgolo that were a part of the [[Banished]] were unusually aggressive and may have been forced into service.<ref name="log hunters">''Halo Wars 2'', ''Phoenix Logs - Hunters''</ref> These Mgalekgolo would be deployed by the Banished against the crew of the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} during the [[Second Ark Conflict]].{{Ref/Game|HW2}} During [[Operation: SPEARBREAKER]], a Banished Mgalekgolo known as [[Colony]] led an effort to destroy the ''Spirit of Fire'' with a Forerunner {{Class|Despair|fighter}}.{{Ref/Game|HW2|Detail=[[Halo Wars 2: Operation: SPEARBREAKER|Operation: SPEARBREAKER]]}}
+==Description==
+[[File:Hunter1.jpg|thumb|240px|A Mgalekgolo as seen in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.]]
+Hunters take the hulking bipedal form in the Covenant military.<ref>''Bestiarum''</ref> In this form, they are the strongest and most resilient species in the Covenant <ref>''[[Halo 3 Game Guide]]'',  http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/halo3.aspx, On Covenant character page.</ref>. They usually stand between twelve to thirteen feet tall, but when in their combat state they crouch into between eight to eight-and-one-half feet, protecting their visible, unarmored stomach and neck. Though uncommon, the Mgalekgolo can even come in larger sizes and even bigger than the standard Covenant Wraith. Their political motivation is completely unknown.<ref>'''[[Halo Legends]]: ''[[The Duel]]'''''</ref> Their armor has a blue luster that makes the orange-red skin of the Lekgolo worms inside very noticeable, but the colony itself is hard to spot. They always fight in pairs due to the fact that when the colony gets too big, it splits into another Mgalekgolo form, creating a powerful bond between the two bond brothers.
-During the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]] in [[2560#May|May 2560]], the Master Chief faced a number of Mgalekgolo in service of the Banished. His new AI companion, [[the Weapon]], was confused when he identified the creatures as Hunters, having no idea what a Banished or a Hunter even was and then deciding that she didn't want to know the answer to what they hunted. One of the targets of opportunity that the Master Chief went after on the Halo ring was a Mgalekgolo pair known as [[Myriad]] who, much like [[Colony]], trended towards a more individualized identity rather than being a part of a subservient hivemind. Another Mgalekgolo pair were sent after the Master Chief by [[War Chief]] [[Escharum]] in the arena on the second level of the [[House of Reckoning (location)|House of Reckoning]] while the Master Chief was [[Battle of the House of Reckoning|fighting]] his way through the Banished stronghold in order to rescue [[Fernando Esparza]].{{Ref/Game|Id=Hi|Hi}}
+Hunters fight using Assault Cannons integrated directly into their armor, and they carry an enormous, and nearly impervious metal shield made of an unknown alloy derived from the same material that forms Covenant warship hulls, and weighing approximately two tons. This shield protects them from almost every form of plasma-based or ballistic weaponry available to Covenant and human infantry alike, and is a powerful [[melee]] tool capable of crushing anything in its path and allowing the Mgalekgolo to sweep away most enemies in close combat. The Hunter can also gain a surprising burst of speed when it moves in for a melee kill.
-==Description==
+The Assault Cannon the Hunter wields operates in two modes; one firing a single explosive capsule of incendiary fluid<ref>''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''</ref>, the other spraying the fluid out like a beam.<ref>''[[Halo 2]]''</ref><ref name="Halo 3">''[[Halo 3]]''</ref>
-===Culture===
-{{Main|Lekgolo#Culture}}
-Mgalekgolo almost never associate or communicate with other species other than the [[Sangheili]]. They are dismissive, scornful, and arrogant to the "lesser" species, and are contemptuous to their foes.{{Ref/Reuse|HCESGuide}}
 ===Anatomy and physiology===
-[[File:Mgalekgolo back.jpg|250px|thumb|[[Lekgolo]] worms on a Mgalekgolo's exposed back.]]
+[[File:Hunter 3.jpg|thumb|200px|A Mgalekgolo fighting in a Forerunner structure on the ''[[Halo 3]]'' level, "[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]".]]
+[[File:Scarab Lekgolo.jpg|200px|thumb|right|[[Lekgolo]] worms inside a [[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform|Scarab]] shell.]]
 {{main|Lekgolo}}
-A Mgalekgolo is not a single organism, but rather a collective of small, orange, eel-like creatures called [[Lekgolo]]. In order to form a Mgalekgolo, dozens of individual Lekgolo bond with one another both physically and neurologically to form a single "hive-minded" community.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 267''</ref> The Mgalekgolo is the most common form seen in combat during the [[Human-Covenant War]], but is actually one of the rarer and smaller forms in the Lekgolo society, used primarily in interaction with the Covenant hierarchy.{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}} Their primary combat tactic is an approximation of a hunter-killer formation, hence the name "Hunter".<ref name="wp lekgolo">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/lekgolo-mgalekgolo-hunter '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Lekgolo/Mgalekgolo'']</ref> Because of their combined neural nets' sensitivity to their surroundings, Mgalekgolo can think and work as an effective combat unit without even using verbal communication. They can also locate their enemies even without directly "seeing" them, such as when they are facing the opposite direction.
+A Mgalekgolo is not a single organism, but rather a collective of small, orange, eel-like creatures called Lekgolo. In order to form a Mgalekgolo, hundreds of individual Lekgolo bond with one another both physically and neurologically to form a single "hive-minded" community. Mgalekgolo are capable of manifesting in several different forms according to what goal they are striving to achieve and the amount of Lekgolo worms that are present. The Mgalekgolo is the most common form seen in combat during the [[Human-Covenant War]], but is actually one of the more rare forms in the Lekgolo society. This Mgalekgolo is employed by the Covenant as heavy infantry. Their society is predominated by this combination of being able to create exponentially more intelligent creatures, and the actual "Hunter" organism is one of the rarer and smaller forms to be found, used primarily in interaction with the Covenant hierarchy.
+Because of their make-up of several hundred "eels" instead of being a single large organism, the Lekgolo are one of the only species in the Covenant that cannot be assimilated by the Flood, as their unique physiology does not allow the organism to access a central nervous system or control them to any capacity. As such, there has never been a Hunter [[Flood combat form]], though the flesh of the Lekgolo can most likely be used by the Flood simply for its biomass.
-Mgalekgolo do not use vocal chords to speak, but instead vibrate their bodies to make a low rumble to produce speech. They are capable of mimicking the language of other species, forming words and sentences that are "felt" rather than heard. Their quiet nature among other races of the Covenant is probably a result of difficulty speaking with other Covenant races. The known names of some Mgalekgolo seem to imply that they use very simple vowels and only a few consonants.
+The collection of eels that make up a Hunter's body are unintelligent at the most basic level, but can form complex thoughts and emerge as a conscious individual when they combine into larger masses that communicate through chemical and electrical means. The neural net that Hunters develop enables them to be incredibly strong and very sensitive to all things within a 1,000 foot line pointing out from non-combat form, and a half sphere that extends 500 feet in combat form{{Verify_source}}. This could explain why Hunters sometimes can locate the Master Chief even when they cannot see him, or when they are facing the opposite direction. This also explains why Hunters can think and work as an effective combat unit without even using verbal communication. Hunters generally growl during battle but will sometimes talk and make remarks like the other Covenant species. Instead of using vocal chords, like other Covenant species, they vibrate their bodies to make a low rumble that is described as "more felt than heard" to produce speech.<ref name="p190+1">''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'', pages 190-191</ref>
-Mgalekgolo usually stand between twelve to thirteen feet tall, but during combat they hunch themselves over to protect their vulnerable neck and midsection, reducing their height to roughly eight feet. They fight using [[assault cannon]]s integrated directly into their armor, and they carry an enormous two-ton pavise shield made of an alloy derived from the same [[Nanolaminate hull plating|material]] that forms Covenant warship hulls.{{Ref/Reuse|wp lekgolo}} Mgalekgolo body armor is eight centimeters thick, with the shield being even thicker.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 218''</ref> Their shields and armor protect them from almost every form of [[plasma weaponry|plasma-based]] or ballistic weaponry available to Covenant and human infantry alike, and the shield is a powerful [[melee]] tool capable of crushing anything in its path and allowing the Mgalekgolo to neutralize most enemies in close combat. However their heavy protection is inadequate against dedicated anti-tank weapons, with [[M19 surface-to-surface missile|102mm HEAT warheads]],<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 183''</ref> [[M149 Magellan|105mm recoiless rifles]],<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 363''</ref> and [[M512 smooth-bore high-velocity cannon|90mm high-velocity tank cannons]] taking them out with ease.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 242''</ref> The [[M149 Magellan]] 105mm recoiless rifle is even capable of over-penetrating both the pavise and the armor with a delayed fuse round.<ref>'''[[Halo Legends]]''': ''[[Prototype]]''</ref> There are a few weak spots in the armor however, such as the lower back where they are vulnerable to regular weaponry. However, due to their sheer size and speed, it is difficult for enemies to hit these spots. Their arm-mounted shield was the basis for an avenue of [[UNSC]] research which produced an [[UNSC shield|early prototype]] shield of human origin.{{Ref/Game|H2V|Easy difficulty shield ([[:File:H2V EasyDifficulty.png|File link]])}}
+===Communication===
+Little is known about the Hunters' language. The known names of some Hunters seem to imply that they use very simple vowels, and few consonants—not nearly as many as are contained in the English alphabet. It is known that Hunters do not use vocal chords to speak; instead, they seem to vibrate the Lekgolo in their bodies to produce sound. Their quiet nature amongst other races of the Covenant results either from difficulty speaking with other Covenant races or difficulty tolerating other Covenant races.
-The assault cannon the Mgalekgolo wields operates in two modes; one firing a single explosive capsule of incendiary fluid,{{Ref/Reuse|H4}}<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'''</ref>{{Ref/Reuse|ODST}} the other spraying the fluid out like a beam.{{Ref/Game|Id=H5G|H5G}}<ref name="H2">'''[[Halo 2]]'''</ref><ref name="H3">'''[[Halo 3]]'''</ref>
+Hunters' speech can be heard in all of the ''Halo'' games, and has changed very little during the course of the series. Hunters tend to make very deep, low rumbling noises when detecting enemies or when wounded. When dying, they seem to emit a low-pitched scream. They also seem to chuckle after a kill. Aside from that, Hunters barely talk. They are, however, capable of mimicking the language of other species via subsonic vibrations, forming words and sentences that are "felt" rather than "heard".<ref name="p190+1"/><ref>[http://www.bungie.net/projects/odst/guide.aspx ''Halo 3: ODST'' Field Guide]</ref>
-===Bond brothers===
+==Culture==
-When a single Mgalekgolo becomes too big, the colony will divide in half to create two independent Lekgolo colonies. These colonies will share an extremely close and mysterious bond, referred to only as being "bond brothers", or "mates".<ref name="Halo: The Flood">'''Halo: The Flood''', ''"Chapter ??"'', ''page ??''</ref> Mgalekgolo that have split into "bond brothers" are recognized by spiked appendages that rise from their shoulders, which means that they are bonded to another Mgalekgolo.{{Ref/Reuse|ch}} Bonded Mgalekgolo colonies are dropped into battle together by the Covenant, as the [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartans]] learned: where you find a Mgalekgolo, there is always another close by. If one of the bonded colonies is killed, the other will go into a frenzied state, much like the berserk state of a [[Jiralhanae]], or the suicidal charge of a desperate Unggoy. If left alone for a long period of time, however, they will adopt a "tactical split personality" of shooting followed by melee attacks. On one occasion a Mgalekgolo whose bond brother was killed went berserk killing its allies aboard the crashed ''[[Radiant Perception]]'' and eventually became suicidal.<ref name="SAS">'''[[Halo: Smoke and Shadow]]''', ''page ???''</ref>
+Mgalekgolo almost never associate or even communicate with the other races in the [[Covenant Empire]]. Sangheili are the sole exception; Hunters appreciate and acknowledge the Elite warriors' thoughts and adeptness in combat. To the other races of the Covenant, however, the Hunters are dismissive, scornful, and arrogant, and they are utterly contemptuous of their foes. Hunters have no qualms about committing friendly fire against the "lesser" races, like [[Unggoy]] and [[Kig-yar]]; during the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]], a Hunter was seen running over and killing a Kig-yar. In ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', Hunters will attack foes regardless of any allies that happen to be in their line of fire, as demonstrated in the game's final Campaign mission.
+Many members of the Covenant are mystified and confused by the Mgalekgolo; their way of life is almost as alien to the Covenant as that of [[The Flood]]. A Sangheili [[Fleet Master]] once noted that Hunters were known to tear opponents apart with their "bare hands" whilst in a blood frenzy, and then suddenly pause to recite war poetry.<ref>''[[Ghosts of Onyx]]''</ref> It has also been said that Hunters meditate in their spare time, or before battle.
+During the [[Great Schism]], most Hunter pairs sided with the Sangheili and the Covenant Separatists, though others remained with the [[Prophet of Truth]] and the Covenant Loyalists. There is no known reason for the split in loyalty. It is likely that the Separatist Hunters split from the Covenant due to their respect for the Elites. It is likely that the Loyalist Hunters remained in the Covenant out of fear for their homeworld; the Hunters were integrated into the Covenant during the [[Taming of the Lekgolo]], when the Covenant threatened to glass their homeworld.
+No Hunters are ever seen supporting the [[John-117|Master Chief]] during the events of ''[[Halo 3]]''. This is because in the making of ''Halo 3'', [[Bungie]] did not want to confuse players by having them with both the Separatists and the Loyalists, so they were only shown as Loyalists.
 ===Naming===
-Mgalekgolo have three names: a personal name, a bond name, and a line name. When written with the Roman or Latin alphabet, the three names can be transposed together as one single name or separated by spaces.
+Hunters have three names: a personal name, a bond name, and a line name. The personal name is given at their "birth". The line name represents the genetic heritage, being the name of the most successful Mgalekgolo of his ancestors. If one reaches a certain level of status, his offspring will have his personal name as their line name. The bond name, or their middle name, is taken between bonded pairs, colonies that must split into two due to excessive size. Examples of some Hunter names include [[Igido Nosa Hurru]] and [[Ogada Nosa Fasu]]. From the few Hunter names that have appeared in the novels, it seems that the given name has three syllables, but the bond name and line name only have two syllables. This may be another [[List of "seven" references in the Halo series|7]] reference, as 3 + 2 + 2 = 7.
-*The personal name is given at their "birth".{{Ref/Reuse|HCESGuide}}
-*The bond name, or their middle name, is taken between bonded pairs. Examples of some Mgalekgolo names include [[Igido Nosa Hurru]] and [[Ogada Nosa Fasu]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 163''</ref>
-*The line name represents the genetic heritage, being the name of the most successful Mgalekgolo of its ancestors. If one reaches a certain level of status, its offspring will have its personal name as their line name.{{Ref/Reuse|HCESGuide}}
-==Ranking system==
+However, it is not known why the line name is not three syllables, considering that the ancestor in question's given name would be three syllables. It is most likely not always three syllables or the name is edited (a syllable is possibly taken away) before the offspring is given the line name.
-[[File:ODST TayariPlaza06.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Edward Buck]] fighting a [[Mgalekgolo Flak|golden Hunter]] on [[Tayari Plaza]].]]
-Unlike most Covenant forces, Mgalekgolo seem to possess presumably no visible rank. As they are deployed more like equipment or weapons platforms rather than conventional troops, rank may simply not apply for them.{{citation needed}}
-However, they can be deployed independently of other Covenant troops, which may indicate that a level of independence and responsibility may be granted, thus meaning that they may have a high enough rank to be trusted by themselves. During the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]], Mgalekgolo are seen guarding the crystal in [[Côte d'Azur]], which is retrieved by [[Blue Team]]. One of these Mgalekgolo killed a Kig-Yar by stepping on it,<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 222''</ref> demonstrating the Lekgolo colonies' characteristic disregard for the lives of other species, whom they generally view as annoyances rather than allies.{{Ref/Reuse|wp lekgolo}} During the [[Onyx Conflict]], some Mgalekgolo apparently had command of lower-ranking Sangheili, even killing one of them for failing to follow orders, signifying they may have a higher military rank in the Covenant military than previously indicated.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 358''</ref>
+===Religion===
+All that can be said for certain about Mgalekgolo religious beliefs is that they vary. While the Lekgolo joined the Covenant for its access to space trade routes and starships, rather than any real dedication to the [[Covenant religion|Great Journey]], at least some hold a concept of an "afterlife".<ref name="Bestiarum"/><ref name="Halo: The Flood"/> Other Lekgolo meditate in their spare time, or recite war poetry before or after battle, showing a more refined nature than would be believed of the hulking, savage warriors.<ref>''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''</ref> The fact that some allied themselves with the Sangheili during the Great Schism, while others remained with the Covenant Loyalists, is further evidence that individual beliefs play a major part in Mgalekgolo religion.<ref name="Halo 3"/> Anything further than this is speculation, Lekgolo culture is extremely reclusive, and even their fellow Covenant know little about them other than that they continue to follow their own cultural traditions, rather than the homogenized religion of the wider Covenant.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=697 The Covenant Primer: Best of The Bestiary]</ref>
-During the [[Battle of Mombasa]], Mgalekgolo appeared in two different forms in two different colors: the normal blue-armored Mgalekgolo that are armed with an [[assault cannon]] that fires a continuous stream of radioactive incendiary gel, and a [[Mgalekgolo Flak|gold-armored Mgalekgolo]] armed with an assault cannon that fires a single bolt of radioactive incendiary gel.<ref name="ODST">'''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'''</ref>
+==Ranking system==
+[[File:ODST TayariPlaza06.jpg|right|thumb|180px|Buck fighting a Golden Hunter on [[Tayari Plaza]].]]
+Unlike most Covenant forces, Hunters seem to possess no visible rank. As they are deployed more like equipment or weapons platforms rather than conventional troops, rank may simply not apply for them.
-Several Mgalekgolo under the command of [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] were given the leading rank of [[Swarmlord]], and their prowess led them to be employed as simulated enemies in UNSC [[War Games]].{{Ref/Mode|Id=H5G|H5G|Warzone}}
+However, they can be deployed independently of other Covenant troops, which may indicate that a level of independence and responsibility may be granted, thus meaning that they may have a high enough rank to be trusted by themselves. In ''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'', Mgalekgolo are seen guarding the crystal in [[Côte d'Azur]], which is retrieved by [[Blue Team]]. As they are guarding such a highly valued target, they may be of a higher rank than other Hunter pairs. Also they killed a [[Kig-yar|Jackal]] by stepping on it, which may show that they are higher in rank than the Jackals, although it is more likely that the Hunters merely did not care about the other alien's life. <ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''' ''page 222''</ref>
-By 2559, the Banished also utilized two specialist Mgalekgolo ranks, the defensive [[Mgalekgolo Ironclad]] and the aggressive [[Mgalekgolo Scarred]]{{Ref/Mode|Id=HW2|HW2|Blitz}}, in addition to the standard Mgalekgolo. The Banished Lekgolo forces on the [[Ark]] were also found to be directed by powerful [[Mgalekgolo Captain]]s, under the command of the pair known as "Colony". These Captains are linked directly to "Colony" and Banished Lekgolo colonies operate at full efficiency while Captains are on the field.<ref name="LML">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/leggo-my-lekgolo '''Halo Waypoint''' ''Canon Fodder - Leggo my Lekgolo'']</ref> During the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]], the Banished also deployed the red armored, more aggressive rank of [[Ardent Mgalekgolo]].{{Ref/Mode|Id=HI|HI|Campaign}}
+In ''Halo 3: ODST'', the Hunters appear in two different forms in two different colors: the normal blue-armored Hunter, which are identical to the ones seen in ''Halo 3'', armed with an Assault Cannon that fires a continuous stream of radioactive incendiary gel and a gold-armored Hunter, armed with an assault cannon that fires a single bolt of radioactive incendiary gel which is similar to the weapon model featured in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''. Whether there is any other significance to this difference is unknown.
-{{Clear}}
 ==Trivia==
-===Production notes===
+{{Gameplay link}}
-{{Other languages
+*''[[Halo: The Flood]]'', mentions that Hunters have skin and a jutting spine. This is incorrect, as they were later revealed to be a compound of small worm-like creatures. However, this does not preclude the possibility that the worms may form a skin-like membrane on the outside of their colony for protection against more casual damage, and in ''Halo 3 ''a metal column can be seen after the back armor plating has been detached, perhaps forming an artificial "spine" for vertical support.
-|fr={{Tooltip|''Les Hunters''|(Anglicism)}} in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.<br>
+*At first, Hunters were meant to comprise the whole of [[Heretic]] forces on the [[Threshold gas mine]].<ref>"Essentials - Disk Three"</ref>
-{{Tooltip|''Les Chasseurs''|The Hunters}} in all media since ''Halo 2''.
+*In a Bungie Weekly Update, [[Frank O'Connor]] said: "''Hunter society is complex and we have seen but the tiniest fraction of it. There are some fundamental facts about Hunter biology that mean the combat type is just the tip of the iceberg.''"<ref>http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?story=updatefeb03</ref> This means, or at least implies, that there are other kinds of Hunters that simply have yet to be seen. For example, [[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform|Scarabs]] are powered by these worms.
-|es={{Tooltip|''Los cazadores''|The Hunters}} in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.<br>
+*The Hunter resembles the enemy of the same name from Bungie's older series ''[[Marathon]]'', except that ''Marathon'''s Hunter had a shoulder-mounted weapon, rather than an arm-mounted weapon.
-{{Tooltip|''Los Hunters''|Anglicism}} in all media since ''Halo 2''.
+*Like most other races of the Covenant, Hunters' blood differs from that of humans. Mgalekgolo blood is bright, fluorescent orange and appears to have a very thick, slimy texture. It has also been noted that their blood smells strongly of burnt plastic, hinting that the make-up of their bodily fluids is drastically different from that of a human.
-}}
+*In ''[[Halo: First Strike]]'', it was stated that the spikes on the Hunter's back are sensory nodes.<ref>''[[Halo: First Strike]]'', page 110</ref> Additionally, the spikes on Hunters' backs were said to be as sharp as razors in ''[[Halo: The Flood]]''.
-{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gameplay=yes}}
+*In ''Halo Legends<nowiki>'</nowiki>'' episode ''The Duel'', the Hunters are shown to be at least 50 feet tall, this was later explained by Frank O'Connor saying that a Hunter's appearance changes due to the gravity and environment.
-*''Halo: The Flood'', mentions that Mgalekgolo have skin and a jutting spine. This is incorrect, as they were later revealed to be a compound of small worm-like creatures. However, this does not preclude the possibility that the worms may form a skin-like membrane on the outside of their colony for protection against more casual damage, and in ''Halo 3 ''a metal column can be seen after the back armor plating has been detached, perhaps forming an artificial "spine" for vertical support. Strangely, the reference to Mgalekgolo having spines was kept in the 2010 re-release of the novel.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''' (2010), page 181</ref>
+*When combating Hunters, a player can 'leapfrog' the charging melee attack, either jumping above or to the side of the Hunter. This exposes the rear armor to a quick shotgun blast or grenade stick, often resulting in death on lower difficulties. This tactic does not work as well on ''Halo 3: ODST'', however, as the Hunter's melee swing usually knocks the player away and to the front, not behind.
-*At first, Mgalekgolo were meant to comprise the whole of [[Sesa 'Refumee's heretic faction|Heretic]] forces on the [[Threshold gas mine]].<ref>'''[[Halo 3 Essentials]]''': ''Disk ??''</ref>
+*It is possible to splatter a Hunter with a [[M274 Ultra-Light All-Terrain Vehicle|Mongoose]].
-*The Mgalekgolo was inspired by the [[marathongame:Pfhor|Pfhor]] [[marathongame:Hunter|Hunter]] from the ''[[Marathon]]'' series, as well as by the [[marathongame:Drinniol|Drinniol]], or Hulk, from the original ''Marathon''. However, the Pfhor Hunter is actually a class of power armored soldier with a shoulder-mounted cannon rather than an arm-mounted cannon. The Drinniol also inspired the creation of the [[Sharquoi|Drinol]], Covenant species that was designed for ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' but was cut during development.
+*In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'':
-*No Mgalekgolo are ever seen supporting the [[John-117|Master Chief]] during the events of ''[[Halo 3]]''. This is because in the making of ''Halo 3'', [[Bungie]] did not want to confuse players by having them with both allies and enemies.
+**Hunters are not harmed by [[Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon|Fuel Rod Gun]]s. This may be because you are not supposed to have Fuel Rod cannons in Campaign, or it may be a precaution meant to prevent Hunters from injuring each other when fighting in pairs.
-*Despite appearing on the cover of ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]'' none actually appear in game.
+**Hunters have ranks in the actor variant [[tag]]s. One variant is called 'Hunter' and another called 'Hunter major'.
-*In the [[Halo Legends]] episode ''[[The Duel]]'', the Mgalekgolo are shown to be at least 50 feet tall. This was explained by [[Frank O'Connor]] saying that a Hunter's appearance changes due to the gravity and environment.
+**A single shot from a pistol or sniper rifle will kill a Hunter; this is likely because the Hunter's exposed flesh was considered to be its "head."
+*In ''[[Halo 2]]'', it is impossible to damage or even kill a Hunter with a melee attack.
-===Gameplay===
+*In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', a Hunter can deflect many projectiles that would kill them in ''Halo 3'', like a Wraith Mortar or a Scorpion main cannon shot.
-*When combating Mgalekgolo, a player can 'leapfrog' the charging melee attack, either jumping above or to the side of the Mgalekgolo. This exposes the rear armor to a quick shotgun blast or grenade stick, often resulting in death on lower difficulties. Although this tactic does not work as well on ''Halo 3: ODST'', simply circling around behind the Mglekgolo at the right time works the same way.
+*In ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', Hunters have received a huge graphical overhaul. They are much more textured, are larger, have Forerunner symbols and emblems on their armor and appear to have some kind of eyes on their helmets.
-*In ''[[Halo 3]]'', it is possible to splatter a Mgalekgolo with an [[M274 Mongoose]].
+*Hunters are also much tougher in Reach. They are capable of surviving explosive hits. Their back armor is much more durable, making their weak point harder to expose. They will also raise their shield vertically when being attacked from the front, covering both their neck and mid-section to protect themselves from incoming fire.
-*In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', Mgalekgolo are not harmed by [[Unidentified fuel rod gun|fuel rod gun]]s. This may be because you're not supposed to have fuel rod guns in campaign, or it may be a precaution meant to prevent Mgalekgolo from injuring each other when fighting.
+*In Halo: Reach, a near-miss from a Hunter's melee will cause the player's screen to shake violently.
-*Mgalekgolo have ranks in the actor variant [[tag]]s. One variant is called 'Hunter' and another called 'Hunter major'.
-*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', a single shot from a [[M6D Magnum|pistol]] or [[SRS99C-S2 AM sniper rifle|sniper rifle]] to any unarmored section will kill a Mgalekgolo; this is because Bungie programmed the Mgalekgolo's exposed flesh as a "head."
-*In ''[[Halo 2]]'', a Mgalekgolo's mass is enough to kill other characters if they push them against a surface. This can sometimes be seen in [[The Great Journey]], where friendly Mgalekgolo may accidentally crush Sangheili against walls.
-*In ''[[Halo 2]]'', it is impossible to kill or even damage Mgalekgolo with melee attacks.
-*In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', a Mgalekgolo's shield can deflect projectiles that would almost always kill them in previous games, like [[Zurdo-pattern Wraith|Wraith]] Mortars and shots from the [[M808B Scorpion]]'s main cannon.
-*In ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', Mgalekgolo have received a huge graphical overhaul. They are much more textured, are larger, have Forerunner symbols and emblems on their armor and appear to have some kind of eyes on their helmets.
-*Mgalekgolo are also much tougher in ''Reach''. They are capable of surviving multiple explosive hits and even repeated plasma grenade sticks. Their back armor is much more durable, making their weak point harder to expose. They will also raise their shield vertically when being attacked from the front, covering both their neck and mid-section to protect themselves from incoming fire and are less likely to turn around and expose their back to the player.
-*In ''Halo: Reach'', a near-miss from a Mgalekgolo's melee will cause the player's screen to violently shake.
-*Although the Mgalekgolo present in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'' use the ''Halo: Reach'' skin, they are almost half the size of their ''Halo: Reach'' counterparts due to the much smaller skeleton frame used in the original game. Their abdomens also appear to be armored, though this armor doesn't protect from damage and it's purely cosmetic.
-*In ''[[Halo 4]]'', Mgalekgolo perform melee attacks much faster than their predecessors, making it harder to dodge them. Like in ''Halo Reach'', a near-miss from a melee will cause the player's screen to violently shake.
-*In ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'', Mgalekgolo received a new skin that also incorporates abdominal armor, though this armor is also purely cosmetic and offers no protection whatsoever.
-*In ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', Mgalekgolo are far more lethal than their predecessors. Their melee strikes are now nearly impossible to dodge. They also utilize both firing modes of their assault cannons. They also appear to be far more durable than their predecessors. In addition, when one is killed, the remaining Mgalekgolo will go into a "rage", start emitting green electrical sparks, move faster and more aggressively, and will fire its assault cannon's close range attack twice in each volley.
-*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', players can avoid Hunters at certain points during [[Assault on the Control Room]] and [[Mombasa Streets]], where some Hunters are "asleep" despite ostensibly being in their combat stance. The Hunters will not notice if the player is nearby unless the player attacks them or makes noises near them, similar to the way sleeping Grunts can be awakened by noises. In the ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' level [[Assault on the Control Room]] on the lower level of the control room, the player can score a double-kill with one shot from a sniper rifle if they manage to catch a pair of "asleep" Hunters off-guard.
-*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', splatter kills against Hunters are extremely easy due to the game mechanics allowing a small prod to instantly kill them. They often choose to avoid vehicles rather than engaging them head-on.
-*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', when engaging [[Pod infector]]s at close range, Hunters will often try to shoot rather than melee them, killing themselves in the process. This could be due to their size making it difficult for them to aim properly.
-*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', Hunters are far more vulnerable than they are in later games. On any difficulty (even Legendary), they can be killed with a single shot to any unarmored part of their bodies. They are so vulnerable that even a single pistol shot can kill them.
-*In later games, the best strategy for dealing with Hunters when there is no access to a weapon such as a [[M41 SPNKR|rocket launcher]] is to stick them with a {{Pattern|Anskum|plasma grenade}}. The explosion will blow the back of their armor above the weak spot off, giving the player a wider area to target with their weapons. However, they still remain difficult to kill due to the need to dodge their attacks while aiming for the weak spot.
-*In the ''Halo: Reach'' level ''[[New Alexandria]]'', the player runs into a situation where they fight four Hunters at once instead of just two. There is a rocket launcher available in the room this occurs in which is sufficient with proper targeting.
-*In ''Halo 3: ODST'', Hunters are fairly easy to deal with compared to the later games in the ''Halo'' series, likely reflecting the fact that the player is no longer controlling a Spartan and is instead controlling weaker ODSTs. On lower difficulties at least, a good strategy is to blow off the back of a Hunter's armor with a {{Pattern|Anskum|plasma grenade}} and then rake their exposed back with fire. In that game, it doesn't take much fire to kill one once their back is fully exposed, especially compared to ''Halo: Reach'' when in a similar situation, Hunters are extremely hard to kill.
-*A good weapon to use against Hunters when a rocket launcher or [[fuel rod gun]] is not available is a shotgun, particularly after a Hunter's armor has been blown off in the back. Ideal for close-range combat, shotgun blasts inflict more damage than weapons such as an assault rifle. In order to get a Hunter to expose their weakness, a player typically needs to get close enough to make the Hunter charge, generally ending with them in close proximity even when the Hunter is vulnerable. At this kind of proximity, a shotgun is ideal for its stopping power and close-combat effectiveness. In the ''Halo: Reach'' levels ''[[ONI: Sword Base]]'' and ''[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Reach level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]'', shotguns can be found in close proximity to where the player encounters and fights Hunters.
-===Miscellaneous===
-*Like most other races of the Covenant, Mgalekgolo's [[blood]] differs from that of humans. Mgalekgolo blood is bright, fluorescent orange and appears to have a very thick, slimy texture. It has also been noted that their blood smells strongly of burnt plastic, hinting that the make-up of their bodily fluids is drastically different from that of a [[human]].
 ==Gallery==
-===Development images===
+<gallery widths="150" orientation="landscape" captionalign="left">
-<gallery>
+File:Halo3Hunter-scantransparent.png|A Hunter of [[Halo 3]] from the [[Halo Encyclopedia]].
-File:HCE Hunter Concept 1.png|Early concept art of a Hunter for ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
+File:Hunter.jpg|A render of a Hunter as it appears in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
-File:HCE Hunter Concept 2.png|Concept art of a Hunter for ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
+File:Cov Hunter.jpg|Concept art of a Hunter for ''Halo Wars''.
-File:HCE Hunter Concept 3.png|Concept art of a Hunter for ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
+File:Covenant hunter.gif|A render of the Hunter from Halo Wars.
-File:HCE Hunter Concept_4.jpg|Concept art of a Hunter for ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
+File:HLHunters.png|The Hunters as they appear in the ''[[Halo Legends]]'' episode, [[The Duel]].
-File:HCE EarlyHunters Screenshot.jpg|A pair of Mgalekgolo in an early build of ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
+File:Huntercrouched.jpg|A Hunter preparing to launch a melee attack.
-File:Hunter.jpg|A conceptual render of a Mgalekgolo in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
+File:Hunter FireCharge.jpg|A Hunter about to fire its Assault Cannon.
-File:Concept-H2-Hunter.jpg|Finalized concept art of a Mgalekgolo for ''[[Halo 2]]''.
+File:Fuel Rod Beam Cannon in Action.jpg|A Hunter firing its Assault Cannon.
-File:HW Hunter_Sketch.jpg|Early sketch of a Mgalekgolo for ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
+File:Hunter BloodBond.jpg|A Hunter pair in combat in ''Halo 3''.
-File:HW_Hunter_Concept.jpg|Concept art of a Mgalekgolo for ''Halo Wars''.
+File:Hunter blood.jpg|Mgalekgolo blood in ''Halo 3: ODST''. Note the luminous properties.
-File:TheDuel Hunter Concept.png|Concept art of a Hunter in ''[[Halo Legends]]'' episode, ''[[The Duel]]''.
+File:Gold Hunter.png|A pair of gold Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
-File:H4 GGHunter Concept 1.jpg|Concept art of the Mgalekgolo for ''[[Halo 4]]''.
+File:HunterFirefight.jpg|A Hunter about to launch a melee attack in ''Halo: Reach''.
-File:H4_Hunter_Concept_1.jpg|''Halo 4'' concept art.
+File:HunterPairReach.jpg|A group of Hunters ready to attack in ''Halo: Reach''.
-File:H4_Hunter_Concept_2.jpg|''Halo 4'' concept art.
+File:Hunter99.jpg|A Hunter on Corvette.
-File:H4_Hunter_Concept_3.jpg|''Halo 4'' concept art.
-File:H4-Render-Hunter.jpg|Render of the hi-poly model of a Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 4''.
-File:H2A - Mgalekgolo 1.jpg|3D render of the Mgalekgolo's body armor in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
-File:H2A - Mgalekgolo 2.jpg|Final render of the Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
-File:H5G Hunter Concept 3.jpg|Concept art of a corrupted Mgalekgolo for ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
-File:HW2C-Hunters.jpg|Concept art of a Banished Mgalekgolo for ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
-File:HINF Concept EarlyHunters.jpg|Early concept art exploration of Mgalekgolo for ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
-File:HINF Concept EarlyHunters2.jpg|More early concept exploration.
-File:HINF Concept EarlyHunter.jpg|More early concept exploration.
-File:HINF Concept HunterThings.jpg|Early concept exploration of something relating to the Mgalekgolo, possibly of the Lekgolo worms themselves.
 </gallery>
-===Screenshots and official artwork===
-<gallery>
-File:HaloCE-MgalekgoloHunter.png|Final in-game view of the Mgalekgolo in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', with [[assault cannon|gun]] raised.
-File:HCE-MgalekgoloHunterAlt.png|Alternate preview of the Mgalekgolo in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', crouched behind its massive shield.
-File:Hunter1.jpg|A Mgalekgolo in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
-File:HCE-IgidoOgado.png|Bond Brothers Igido Nosa Hurru and Ogado Nosa Fasu in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
-File:H2-AltMgalekgoloHunter.png|An in-game view of the Mgalekgolo in combat stance in ''Halo 2''.
-File:H2-MgalekgoloHunter.png|An in-game view of the Mgalekgolo running in ''Halo 2''.
-File:Huntercrouched.jpg|A Mgalekgolo preparing to launch a melee attack in ''Halo 2''.
-File:H3-BlueHunter.png|An in-game view of the blue-armored Mgalekgolo in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
-File:Hunter FireCharge.jpg|A Mgalekgolo about to fire its assault cannon.
-File:H3_Hunter_AssaultBeam.jpg|A Mgalekgolo firing its assault cannon.
-File:Hunter BloodBond.jpg|A Mgalekgolo pair in combat in ''Halo 3''.
-File:HW Hunter Render.jpg|A pair of Mgalekgolo from ''Halo Wars''.
-File:HW Hunter Model.png|The Mgalekgolo's final model from ''Halo Wars''.
-File:HW Hunterscloseup.jpg|Closeup of Hunters in-game
-File:HW bondedshield.jpg|Hunters with Bonded Shield Upgrade
-File:HW Huntergroup.jpg|Squads of Hunters on the move
-File:H3ODST-GoldHunter.png|An in-game view of the gold-armored Mgalekgolo in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
-File:HTMCC-H3ODST GoldHunters 1.png|A pair of gold Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
-File:Hunter blood.jpg|Mgalekgolo blood in ''Halo 3: ODST''. Note the blood's luminosity.
-File:HLHunters.png|A larger form of Mgalekgolo in the ''The Duel''.
-File:HBL-Bestthingever.png|A Mgalekgolo carrying three [[Unggoy Minor]]s during the [[Battle of Line Installation 1-4]] in ''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''.
-File:HReach - Mgalekgolo.png|A Mgalekgolo in the [[Halo: Reach Beta|''Halo: Reach'' Beta]].
-File:HReach-MgalekgoloHunter.png|An in-game view of the Mgalekgolo in ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' final build.
-File:HunterPairReach.jpg|A group of Mgalekgolo ready to attack in ''Halo: Reach''.
-File:HunterFirefight.jpg|A Mgalekgolo about to launch a melee attack in ''Halo: Reach''.
-File:Reach Hunter-1-.jpg|One of the Hunter pairs defending a covenant jammer in New Alexandria
-File:Hunter99.jpg|A Mgalekgolo on [[Corvette (map)|Corvette]].
-File:Ceahunter.png|Mgalekgolo in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.
-File:HCEA-MgalekgoloHunter.png|In-game preview of the Mgalekgolo in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
-File:HCEA-OgadoIgido.png|Bond Brothers Igido Nosa Hurru and Ogado Nosa Fasu protect the Cartographer Facility in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
-File:HCEA-IgidoOgadoMelee.png|Bond Brothers Igido Nosa Hurru and Ogado Nosa Fasu preparing to launch simultaneous melee attacks.
-File:FUD-Hunter.jpg|A Mgalekgolo in ''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''.
-File:FUD-Hunter-Closeup.jpg|A close-up of a Mgalekgolo's helmet in ''Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn''.
-File:H4 profile - Mgalekgolo.png|A Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 4''
-File:H4-Campaign-MasterChief-Vs-Hunter.jpg|[[John-117]] battling a Mgalekgolo during the [[Raid on Ivanoff Station]].
-File:HE19 PalmerfightsHunter.jpg|[[Sarah Palmer]] fighting a Mgalekgolo in a [[War Games]] simulation in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
-File:H2A Render Mgalekgolo.png|A render of the Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
-File:H2A Mgalekgolo.png|Render of the Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
-File:H2A-SOSMgalekgolo.png|Mgalekgolo at the Bastion of the Brutes.
-File:H2A-TallMgalekgolo.png|A Mgalekgolo standing straight.
-File:H2A-Mgalekgoloface.png|A close-up of a Mgalekgolo's helmet in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
-File:H2A Terminals - First Hunters.jpg|Pre-Covenant Mgalekgolo in [[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|''Halo 2: Anniversary''{{'}}s terminals]].
-File:H5G-MgalekgoloHunter.png|A Mgalekgolo in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
-File:H5G-Hunterforming.png|A Mgalekgolo being formed aboard the ''[[Argent Moon]]''.
-File:H5G-BerserkHunter.png|A Hunter going berserk aboard the ''Argent Moon'' as their bond has been broken.
-File:Hunters 249.png|First pair of Hunters engaged by [[Fireteam Osiris]] on the [[landing zone]] at Sanghelios.
-File:Brave warrior.png|An enraged Mgalekgolo and a Swords of Sanghelios Sangheili Storm dueling.
-File:H5G-TrappedMgalekgolo.png|A Hunter trapped by [[031 Exuberant Witness]] on [[Genesis]].
-File:H5G-WarzoneHunters.png|Two Legendary Mgalekgolo part of a War Games simulation.
-File:H5G-WarzoneHunter.png|A Serpent Mgalekgolo on [[Escape from ARC]].
-File:H5G Marketing E32015HE ElderHunter.jpg|A hologram of an Elder Mgalekgolo.
-FilE:ElderHunterA.png|An Elder Mgalekgolo on [[Raid on Apex 7]].
-FilE:ElderHunterB.png|Another Elder Mgalekgolo on Raid on Apex 7.
-File:H5G-Mgalekgolo.png|Render of a Remnant Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
-File:H5-Serpent Hunter.png|Render of a Serpent Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
-File:H5G-MythicMgalekgolo.png|A Mythic Mgalekgolo in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
-File:HW2B Banished Hunters.png|Banished Mgalekgolo in the ''[[Halo Wars 2 Open Beta]]''.
-File:HW2-Hunter Render.jpg|Render of the ''Halo Wars 2'' Hunter unit.
-File:HW2 Blitz Hunters.png|[[Blitz]] card of a Banished Mgalekgolo in ''Halo Wars 2''.
-File:HW2 - Colony.png|"Colony" the Banished [[leader]] of the Lekgolo.
-File:HW2-HuntersvsMarines.png|Hunters fighting Marines on Installation 00.
-File:HW2-Colonyhunters.png|A Hunter Captain, Goliath, and Hunter bond brother pair in ''Halo Wars 2''.
-File:HCL Icons 6.jpg|The Hunter figure from the sixth [[Halo Legendary Crate]].
-File:HINF Hunter.png|A Banished Mgalekgolo in ''Halo Infinite''.
-File:HINF Hunters.png|A pair of Banished Mgalekgolo in ''Halo Infinite''.
-File:HINF DamagedHunter.png|A Banished Mgalekgolo's exposed back.
-File:HINF HunterSlam.png|A Mgalekgolo melees the ground.
-File:HINF BerserkHunter.png|A Mgalekgolo berserks after its bond brother was killed.
-File:HINF-Hunters@Spire.jpg|Banished Mgalekgolo at the base of a [[Reformation Spire]].
-File:HINF BanishedHunters.png|Ardent Mgalekgolo in water.
-File:HINF-HunterOfficers.jpg|Ardent Mgalekgolo patrolling.
-File:Enc22-Mgalekgolo.png|A Mgalekgolo worm as they appear in the [[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]].
-File:HINF-TrolliHunter.jpg|A Mgalekgolo made out of [[Wikipedia:Trolli|Trolli]] candies.
-</gallery>
-==List of appearances==
-{{col-begin}}
-{{col-2}}
-*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
-*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
-*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
-*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
-*''[[Halo 2]]''
-**''[[Conversations from the Universe]]'' {{Mo}}
-*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
-*''[[Halo: Uprising]]''
-*''[[Halo 3]]''
-**''[[Bestiarum]]''
-*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''
-*''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]''
-*''[[Halo Wars]]''
-*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
-*''[[Halo Legends]]''
-**''[[Origins]]''
-**''[[The Duel]]''
-**''[[Prototype]]''
-*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
-**''[[Blunt Instruments]]''
-**''[[The Return]]'' {{mo}}
-**''[[Wages of Sin]]'' {{mo}}
-*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
-*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
-*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
-**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant|Covenant]]''
-**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
-{{col-2}}
-*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
-*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
-*''[[Halo 4]]''
-**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
-*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
-*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
-*''[[Halo: Nightfall]]'' {{Mo}}
-*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
-**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
-*''[[Halo: New Blood]]''
-*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
-*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
-*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
-*''[[Halo: Fractures]]''
-**''[[Breaking Strain]]'' {{Mo}}
-*''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''
-*''[[Halo: Smoke and Shadow]]''
-*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
-*''[[Halo: Envoy]]'' {{Mo}}
-*''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]'' {{Mo}}
-*''[[Halo: Recruit]]'' {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
-*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
-*''[[Halo: Battle Born]]''
-*''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]''
-*''[[Halo: Point of Light]]'' {{Mo}}
-*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
-*''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''
-**''[[Emergence]]''
-{{Col-end}}
 ==Sources==
-{{Ref/Sources|2}}
+<references/>
-{{Lekgolo}}
+==Related Pages==
-{{Navbox/Species}}
+*[[Mgalekgolo/Gameplay]]
-[[Category:Mgalekgolo| ]]
+{{Covenant}}
-[[Category:Lekgolo]]
+[[Category:Living Organisms]]
-[[Category:Sapient species]]
+[[Category:The Covenant]]
-[[Category:Covenant species]]