Editing Sangheili Zealot

{{Era|Covenant|UNSC|HCW|Post}}
{{Redirect|Zealot|the Halo: Reach multiplayer map|Zealot (map)}}
{{Unit infobox
|variant=Cov
|name=Zealot
|image={{tabcontainer|title1=Hesduros-design harness|content1=[[File:H5G-Sangheili Zealot.png|250px]]|title2=Ceremonial battle harness|content2=[[File:Sangheili-Zealot CEA.png|250px]]|title3=Combat-based harness|content3=[[File:H2A Zealot HQ Transparent edited-1.png|250px]]}}
|species=[[Sangheili]]
|authority=[[Ministry of Fervent Intercession]] {{C|pre-[[Great Schism]]}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}
|branch=
|mission=*Apostolic delivery and coercion, reliquary acquisition {{C|Covenant}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}
*Combat specialists {{C|ex-Covenant}}{{Ref/Reuse|Id=HINF}}
|role=
|size=
|notable=[[Sangheili Zealot#Known Zealots|See Known Zealots below]]
|affiliation=*[[Covenant]] <br> 
*[[Covenant separatists]]
*[[Covenant remnants]]
**[[Merg Vol's Covenant]] <br> 
**[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] <br> 
**[[Sali 'Nyon's Covenant]]
}}
{{Quote|The true devotee honors our name with actions, not words.|Sangheili Zealot's mantra.{{Ref/Reuse|Reach}}}}

The '''Zealots''' are a military order of high-ranking [[Sangheili]] warriors in the [[Covenant]], as well as some of its [[Covenant remnants|splinter factions]] during the [[Blooding Years]].<ref name="Clarity">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-clarity-grace '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Clarity & Grace'']</ref> They were supervised and deployed by the [[Ministry of Fervent Intercession]],<ref name="vis">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 60''</ref> with their organization divided into multiple chapters.{{Ref/Reuse|Clarity}}{{Ref/Reuse|Fighting}} Zealots were among the most devout worshipers of the [[Forerunner]]s,<ref name="enc zealot">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)|Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe (2011)]]''', ''page 134''</ref> after the dissolution of the Covenant and the abandonment of [[Covenant religion|its religion]] some continued Forerunner worship.

==Overview==
{{Quote|The Path is strict, Jora — it brooks no deviation, no remorse. We are zealots. We serve the Way. These are our orders. We do not question them.|[[Thel 'Vadamee]] to [[Jora 'Konaree]]<ref name="tcp thel">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 142''</ref>}}
Zealots are greatly experienced and unparalleled in combat skill. Equipped with advanced armor systems and equipment, they are also among the most resilient and powerful Sangheili fighters.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}} Although all Sangheili males are trained in the arts of combat from a young age, Sangheili believe future Zealots are born with an innate desire to kill.{{Ref/Reuse|enc zealot}}
===History===

====Organization in the Covenant====
Unlike the majority of the Covenant's [[Covenant military|conventional military forces]], which fell under the authority of the [[Ministry of Resolution]], the Zealots were a separate group that reported to the Ministry of Fervent Intercession. Within the Ministry existed a number of chapters (such as the [[Devoted Sentries]]), many of which adhered to particular interpretations of ancient codes of honor or debt-packs.{{Ref/Reuse|Fighting}} Some of these chapters traced their lineage back to long before the rise of the Covenant.<ref>[http://www.ultra-combo.com/arbiters-colors-accessories/ '''Ultra Combo''':''Arbiter’s Colors & Accessories'']</ref> The Zealots' internal structure, rankings, and equipment varied from chapter to chapter and from fleet to fleet.{{Ref/Reuse|Clarity}} The ministry deployed small teams of Zealots during all significant engagements to locate, analyze, and amass intelligence regarding [[reliquary]] sites, as well as to recover [[Forerunner]] artifacts or otherwise important data.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}<ref name="tcp team">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 138-139''</ref> During the [[Human-Covenant War]], many Zealots were assigned to battlefield duties in order to directly partake in the destruction of a species the Covenant viewed as heretical.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}

[[Artisan-armorer]]s of the Covenant sometimes allied themselves particularly with the Zealot orders, and would produce specialty equipment such as the [[Suspa Al-pattern Individual Assault Carapace|''Suspa Al''-pattern drop pod]] specifically for only the most pious of commanders. When deploying into battle, only warriors from within the Zealot ranks, or those seeking to aspire to join them, would be permitted to employ these insertion pods.<ref name="WF66">''[[Halo: Warfleet – An Illustrated Guide to the Spacecraft of Halo|Halo: Warfleet]]'', Insertion Pods, p.66-67</ref>

In addition to artifact retrieval, Zealots may serve in a variety of command roles ranging from [[Shipmaster]]<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved''', campaign level ''[[The Truth and Reconciliation]]''</ref>{{Ref/Reuse|tcp thel}} to [[Supreme Commander]].<ref name="Succor">'''Halo Graphic Novel''', ''The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor''</ref> The rank of [[Sangheili Field Marshal|Field Marshal]] is exclusive to the Zealot class. Field Marshals hold supreme authority over Covenant land forces, effectively making them the groundside counterpart to a [[Fleet Master]] or Supreme Commander; Field Marshals are also occasionally tasked with leading Zealot strike teams.<ref name="enc field marshal">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)|Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe (2011)]]''', ''page 135''</ref>

[[Sangheili Zealot Assassin]]s are specialists who operate with teams of [[Stealth Sangheili|stealth troopers]].<ref>'''[[Halo 5: Guardians Official Game Guide]] (Collector's Edition)''', ''page 320''</ref>

====Post-Great Schism====
After their betrayal by the High Prophets, some worshiped the Foreurnners without belief in the Great Journey, while others forsook the religion all together. The role had become a more general rank of combat specialization, similar to how [[Sangheili Honor Guardsmen|Sangheili Honor Guard]]s forsook their original purpose after the Prophets had betrayed them. By [[2558]], some Zealots continued to serve within various [[Covenant remnants|Covenant remnant factions]], including those which remained religiously devoted to the Forerunners following the hegemony's collapse. Despite still having a combat niche, these Zealots served in political and social leadership positions (at least within [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]), filling all roles previously occupied by the [[San'Shyuum]].<ref>[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-US/halo4guide '''Halo 4 Interactive Guide''']</ref><ref name="H4:EVG">'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 49''</ref> Zealot loyalties remain divided amongst the Covenant successor states, and now exercise less discretion in judging the worthy to join their ranks.{{Ref/Reuse|WF66}} 

==Equipment==
{{Quote|no=three|1=Catherine Halsey|q1=Zealots? You're certain?|2=Jorge-052|q2=Their armor configuration matched.|3=SPARTAN-B312|q3=Shield strength, too.|4=[[Catherine Halsey]], [[Jorge-052]], and [[SPARTAN-B312]] during the [[Fall of Reach]].<ref name="SB">'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level [[ONI: Sword Base]]</ref>}}
Zealots have access to a variety of [[Sangheili harness|armor]] types and styles, reflecting the multiple roles encompassed by those who hold the title. The armor worn by a Zealot can be reflective of his chapter or fleet assignment.{{Ref/Reuse|Clarity}} Despite the availability of specialized armor styles, many Zealots wore [[Combat harness|combat harnesses]] during the war with humanity.<ref>'''Halo 2: Anniversary'''</ref> These suits were distinguished by their gold coloration (indicating a command role)<ref>'''[[Halo 2: The Official Strategy Guide]]''', ''page 141''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo: The Great Journey: The Art of Building Worlds]]''', ''page 52''</ref> and the nearly peerless durability of their [[energy shields]].<ref>''Halo 2'' </ref><ref name="H2At">''Halo 2: Anniversary'' [[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|terminals]]</ref>

===Ceremonial battle harness===
The ceremonial battle harness, most commonly utilized during the Human-Covenant War, features a smooth, organic thoracic cage harness; large, sloping shoulder pauldrons; and a long, back-swept helmet with mandible guards.<ref name="Fighting">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-fighting-words '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Fighting Words'']</ref> The helmet and pauldrons feature decorative blue bands. This armour was most famously worn in maroon by the [[Devoted Sentries]].<ref name="Reach">'''[[Halo: Reach]]'''</ref> <ref name="WP">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/rho-barutamee '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Rho 'Barutamee'']</ref> Zealots in command positions,<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved: Prima's Official Strategy Guide]]''', ''page 16''</ref> including those attached to regular Covenant military forces, wore the same armor, albeit colored gold like the suits worn by lower-ranking [[Sangheili General|Generals]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'''</ref> The color scheme worn by [[Sangheili Ultra|Ultras]] (silver-white with black trim) is also used.<ref name="HE15">'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 15|Issue 15]]''</ref> Field Marshals wear a modified version of the ceremonial Zealot harness; the front of the helmet has two horn-like prongs and the pauldrons are wider.{{Ref/Reuse|Reach}} Zealot Supreme Commanders may wear a similarly colored [[doarmir]] fur cloak with their armor.{{Ref/Reuse|Succor}}{{Ref/Reuse|H2At}}{{Ref/Note|''The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor'' depicts Supreme Commander Thel 'Vadamee (a Zealot) wearing purple armor and a purple cloak while in command of his fleet; this was in fact the first time purple was associated with the Zealot class. ''Halo 2: Anniversary''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s terminals instead depict 'Vadamee wearing a gold combat harness during the same timeframe, though the cloak's color is unchanged.}}

===Hesduros-inspired design===
Another armor type is derived from traditional designs worn on [[Hesduros]].{{Ref/Reuse|H4:EVG}} This style was in use by [[2526]],<ref>''Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn''</ref> though the prevalence of its issue relative to other wartime models is unclear. It is commonly worn by Zealots serving various [[Covenant remnants|remnant factions]] in the wake of the Covenant's collapse, most notably the [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|body]] led by [[Jul 'Mdama]], which was formed on Hesduros. In addition to the standard maroon coloration, this version is also produced in blue<ref>'''Halo 4''', ''Spartan Ops''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 14|Issue 14]]''</ref> and gold.<ref>''Halo: Spartan Assault''</ref>{{Ref/Reuse|HE15}}

This suit has a very organic, almost chitinous appearance, reflecting its origin on Hesduros.{{Ref/Reuse|H4:EVG}} The helmet, which encompasses most of the wearer's face, vaguely resembles those worn by the [[Ascetics]] and Covenant Special Operations forces. A cross-shaped pattern of purple, or blue, insets faces outward from a central point on the helmet; the helmets worn by [[Merg Vol]] and Jul 'Mdama emit distinctive holograms, perhaps produced by the aforementioned insets. A blade-like "talon", derived from the armor worn by [[kaidon]]s on Hesduros, is located on the inner toe of either boot. The harness also has protective hand-armor, and raised foil-arcs on its back.{{Ref/Reuse|H4:EVG}} Like the [[Infiltration harness]] worn by Special Operations and Stealth Sangheili, this armor is equipped with active camouflage. Zealots who wear this armor type are colloquially known as "Roaches" by UNSC personnel.<ref>''Halo: Nightfall'', Episode 1</ref>

==Known Zealots==
*[[Thel 'Vadam]] - [[Supreme Commander]] of the ''[[Fleet of Particular Justice]]''; later became the [[Arbiter]] and leader of the [[Swords of Sanghelios]], who allied with the [[UNSC]] during the [[Great Schism]].{{Ref/Reuse|tcp thel}}
*[[Jora 'Konaree]] - A Zealot who fought in Thel 'Vadamee's Zealot team in [[2535]].{{Ref/Reuse|tcp team}}
*[[Saal]] - A Zealot in Thel 'Vadamee's team.{{Ref/Reuse|tcp team}}
*[[Veer]] - One of the Zealots in 'Vadamee's team.{{Ref/Reuse|tcp team}}
*[[Zhar (Sangheili)|Zhar]] - One of the Zealots in 'Vadamee's team.{{Ref/Reuse|tcp team}}
*[[Lat 'Ravamee]] - Shipmaster of the ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]'', part of  the Fleet of Particular Justice.<ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 197''</ref>
*[[Jul 'Mdama]] - Leader of a [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|Covenant faction]] allied with the [[Ur-Didact]] as of July [[2557]].
*[[Merg Vol]] - Leader of the [[Merg Vol's Covenant|Covenant faction]] that [[Battle of Draetheus V|attacked]] [[Draetheus V]] in [[2554]].
*[[Rho 'Barutamee]] - Supreme Commander of the [[Fleet of Valiant Prudence]] and leader of the [[Devoted Sentries]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]'''</ref>
*[[Sali 'Nyon]] - Leader of a [[Sali 'Nyon's Covenant|mutiny]] within Jul 'Mdama's faction in July 2558.
*[[Unidentified Sangheili Zealot (Circinius IV)]] - led the Covenant ground assault on [[Corbulo Academy]] in April 2526.
*[[Unidentified Sangheili Zealot (Sedra)]] - responsible for a terrorist attack on Sedra City in February 2556.

==In-Game Information==
===Halo: Reach===
'''Unlock''': Achieve Captain.
*Description: The true devotee honors our name with actions, not words.
===''Halo: Fleet Battles''===
====Covenant Type-28 Boarding Craft (Elites)====
*Flight slots: 0
*Movement: 12"
*Damage track: 6
*Security detail: 3
*Systems loadout:
**Assault specialist (1)
**Heroic save (Zealot)

==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Zealots}}
*The plasma rifle-wielding Zealots of ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' do not perform melee attacks. This is because they are programmed to go berserk when they see the [[Master Chief]] and have no provisions for melee attacking while in berserk mode.
*In ''Halo: Reach'', the Zealot armor is available as an [[Armor customization (Halo: Reach)|Armor Permutation]] once the player has reached the rank of [[Rank (Halo: Reach)|Captain]]. The game features a loadout called "Zealot" which gives the player a [[Type-31 needle rifle]], a plasma pistol, and two plasma grenades. There is another loadout available only in the third phase of Invasion called "Royal Zealot". This loadout is an improved version of the standard Zealot loadout. It provides a needle rifle, a [[Type-33 Needler]], and three plasma grenades, although once the player uses the third grenade, they will be able to carry only two.
*The real-time strategy game ''[[StarCraft:StarCraft|StarCraft]]'' features a Protoss infantry unit known as the [[StarCraft:Zealot|zealot]]; these warriors also wear golden armor and wield powerful energy blades. In ''[[Halo Infinite]]'', the zealot tip in the loading screen is titled "My Life for Hire"; a reference to the zealots' "My life for Aiur" line.
*[[Seven]] Zealots are fought in ''Halo: Reach''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s campaign: two on ''[[Winter Contingency]]'', one on ''[[Tip of the Spear]]'', (who can be killed to unlock the ''[[Your Heresy Will Stay Your Feet]]'' achievement), and four (including the [[Sangheili Field Marshal|Field Marshal]]) at the end of ''[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Reach level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]''.
*One of the loading screen tips in ''Halo Infinite'' makes a reference to Sangheili Zealots, leading many to initially believe the sword-wielding purple armored Elites in the game are Zealots. However, according to Halo Waypoint's January 2022 Cannon Fodder, the purple armored Elites in ''Halo Infinite'' are canonically classified as Spec Ops, not Zealots.{{Ref/Site|Id=Cannon Fodder|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-foundations|Site=Halo Waypoint|Quote=Those rad-looking purple Sangheili in the sleek armor? They’re classified canonically as Spec Ops, not Zealots. It’s important to remember that oftentimes enemy or character tags that you might find within game files are development shorthand and not necessarily final.|D=12|M=1|Y=2022}}

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:HCE-SangheiliZealot.png|A Zealot in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
File:H1 ZealotCartographer.jpg|A Zealot brandishing his energy sword inside the [[Silent Cartographer]] in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:Scrn 067.jpg|A Zealot standing over a dead [[Flood combat form]] on [[Installation 04]].
File:Zealot attack.jpg|A Zealot issuing orders to an infantry [[lance]].
File:Sangheili FieldM 01.png|A Zealot in ''[[Halo 2]]''. The armor is a palette-swapped version of the standard combat harness.
File:H2 Sangheili Zealot.png|A Zealot in ''Halo 2''.
File:FearlessLeader26001200.PNG|A Zealot issuing orders to his subordinates in [[Old Mombasa]].
File:GoldSword4.jpg|A Zealot eager to fight the [[Jiralhanae]] shortly after the murder of the [[Sangheili Councilor]]s.
File:HReach - Sangheili Zealot.png|A Zealot wielding an energy sword in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:Dual wield.jpeg|A Zealot dual-wielding [[Type-25 plasma rifle]]s on Halo: Reach.
File:Elite Zealot.png|A Zealot attacking [[SPARTAN-B312]] from the latter's perspective.
File:CEA Zealot.png|A Zealot field commander in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.
File: Sangheili-Zealot CEA.png|A Zealot in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
File:Cartographer Zealot.jpg|A Zealot near the entrance to the Silent Cartographer in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
File:H4 FUD Zealot.jpg|A Hesduros Zealot in ''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''.
File:H4FUD-SangheiliZealot-Dorms.jpg|A Zealot in the dorms of Corbulo Academy of Military Science.
File:H4FUD-SangheiliZealot-Closeup.jpg|Closeup of a Zealot's helmet in ''Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn''.
File:H4-Concept-Zealot.jpg|Concept art of a Sangheili Zealot in ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:Halo4-SangheiliZealot-Unarmed.png|A Hesduros Sangheili Zealot, unarmed, in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4SangheiliZealot.png|A Zealot in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4 EliteZealot.png|An early render of a Zealot in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-SangheiliZealot.png|Two variations of the Sangheili Zealot in ''Halo 4''.
File:Spops Zealot.jpg|A Zealot charging a [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IV]].
File:HE15 Found.jpg|A golden Hesduros Zealot part of [[Sali 'Nyon's Covenant faction]] is incapacitated by Prometheans during the [[Battle of Aktis IV]].
File:HE15 Jul Prometheans.jpg|A white Zealot conversing with Jul 'Mdama during the Battle of Aktis IV.
File:Nightfall - Sangheili attack.png|A Hesduros Sangheili Zealot in ''[[Halo: Nightfall]]''.
File:Halo 2 Anniversary Zealot.png|A Sangheili Zealot in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:H2AZealot.jpg|A Zealot participating in the [[Battle of Installation 05]].
File:HFB-Rho.jpg|Rho 'Barutamee, a Zealot in ''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''.
File:H5GA-LockevsZealot.png|A Hesduros Zealot walking towards [[Jameson Locke]] on [[Sanghelios]].
File:H5G-JohnvsZealot.jpg|John-117 fighing a Hesduros Zealot aboard ''[[Argent Moon]]''.
File:H5G - Zealot Assassin 1.png|A Zealot Assassin on [[Raid on Apex 7]] in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:H5G - Zealot Assassin 2.png|A Zealot Assassin firing a [[Type-55 storm rifle]].
File:H5G-CloakedZealot.png|A cloaked Zealot with a T-56D Needler on [[Attack on Sanctum]].
File:KillerInstinctZealotOptions.png|The Zealot harness in ''Killer Instinct''.
File:KIZealot harness 2.png|The Green Zealot harness in ''Killer Instinct''.
File:Halo collateral damage2.png|Zealots on the cover of ''[[Halo: Collateral Damage]] [[Halo: Collateral Damage Issue 2|#2]]''.
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
**''[[Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 4)|Terminals]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Initiation]]
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Nightfall]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Hunt the Truth]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Smoke and Shadow]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Collateral Damage]]''

==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}

{{Sangheili Ranks}}

[[Category:Sangheili ranks and titles|Zealot]]