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{{Era|Covenant|Human|UNSC|HCW}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Weapon
{{Weapon infobox
|name=Fist of Rukt
|name=Fist of Rukt
|image=[[File:H2-FistOfRukt.png|300px]]
|image=[[File:H2-FistOfRukt.png|300px]]
|manufacturer=[[Jiralhanae]]
|manufacturer=[[Jiralhanae]]
|model=  
|series=
|type=[[Type-2 gravity hammer]]
|type=[[Gravity hammer (fiction)|gravity hammer]]
|length={{Convert|268.2|cm|in}}<ref name="size">[http://halo.bungie.org/misc/sloftus_scalecomparison/1280h.html?display=cov_m_a '''halo.bungie.org''': ''Determining the Real Sizes of Objects in Halo - Update'']</ref>
|cost=
|variant=
|service=[[First Immolation]] <br> [[Human-Covenant War]] <br> [[Great Schism]]  
|length={{Convert|67.3|cm|in}}<ref name="waypointarticle">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/fist-of-rukt '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Fist of Rukt'']</ref>
|width={{Convert|53.8|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}}
|height={{Convert|235.7|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}}
|weight={{Convert|343|lb|kg}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}}
|ammotype=Gravity drive and fixed impellors{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}}
|capacity=
|feed=
|operation=
|rate-title=Damage  
|rate-title=Damage  
|rate=Instant kill. High area-effect damage.
|rate=Instant kill, high area-effect damage.
|ammotype=Gravity shockwave
|velocity=
|optics=
|range=Melee only
|range=Melee only
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]] <br> [[Great Schism]]
|affiliation=[[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]]
}}
}}
{{Quote|no=three
|1=Avery Johnson
|q1=[[Paegaas Workshop Spiker|Heavy pistols]], and a hammer.
|2=Ponder
|q2=Say again?
|3=Avery Johnson
|q3=A giant hammer, sir. On their leader.
|4=[[Avery Johnson]] describing [[Maccabeus]] with the Fist of Rukt, to [[Ponder]]<ref name="ch245">'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 245''</ref>}}


The '''Fist of Rukt''' is a [[Jiralhanae]] ceremonial war hammer exclusively used by the [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]]. Originating from [[Maccabeus' clan]], it was notably used by [[Tartarus]] throughout the [[Human-Covenant War]].
The '''Fist of Rukt''', also known as simply the '''Fist''', is a [[Jiralhanae]] ceremonial war hammer exclusively used by the [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]]. Originating from [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Chieftain]] [[Rukt]] of [[Maccabeus' clan]], it was notably used by [[Tartarus]] throughout the [[Human-Covenant War]].{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}}


==History==
==History==
[[File:HGN-Concept-Tartarus-Crop.jpg|thumb|180px|left|Tartarus sitting upon his throne with the Fist of Rukt in hand.]]
===Early history===
The Fist of Rukt is a ceremonial hammer passed down from [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Chieftain]] to Chieftain in the [[Maccabeus' clan|ruling clan]] of the [[Jiralhanae]]. This tradition had been celebrated by the clan for numerous generations. It is regarded as a holy object to the Jiralhanae, and was expected to be treated with great care by its handler.<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 258''</ref> During the Jiralhanae's induction into the [[Covenant]] until the [[First Battle of Harvest]], Chieftain [[Maccabeus]] held control of the weapon after he had killed his own father in a duel.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 334''</ref> During the Battle of [[Harvest]], Maccabeus' nephew, [[Tartarus]], began to doubt his uncle's competence. This ultimately led to a duel in which Tartarus killed Maccabeus and claimed control of his clan and the Fist of Rukt.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 346''</ref> Tartarus later used the hammer towards the end of the battle to engage [[Harvest militia]] forces aboard the [[Tiara]].<ref name="ch372">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 372-374''</ref>
The Fist of Rukt originated in early [[Jiralhanae]] history, when the species first explored barely accessible areas of [[Doisac]]. A scavenging pack of marauders discovered a cache of rare and extremely resilient metals in an ancient ruins; some of these metals included a large stone that would become the head of the Fist of Rukt. For the following decades, the Fist of Rukt was used by clans of nomadic Jiralhanae, until the weapon eventually fell into the hands of [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Chieftain]] [[Rukt]]. Rukt used the weapon throughout the [[First Immolation]], as he and his descendants killed thousands with the hammer.{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}}


Tartarus continued to wield the Fist of Rukt throughout the [[Human-Covenant War]]. After the end of the [[Raid on the Threshold gas mine]] and [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee had killed [[Sesa 'Refumee]], Tartarus arrived and used the Fist of Rukt to capture [[343 Guilty Spark]] by sending the "Oracle" hurtling towards the hammer. Tartarus proceeded to grab the [[monitor]] out of the air and send him up the [[gravity lift]] of the nearby [[Type-52 Phantom]].<ref name="oracle">'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[The Oracle]]''</ref> After the conclusion of the [[Battle of the Quarantine Zone]] on [[Installation 05]], [[Miranda Keyes|Commander Miranda Keyes]] and [[Avery Johnson|Sergeant Major Avery Johnson]] of the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] were able to retrieve the [[Sacred Icon]] from the installation's [[Library]]. Thel, however, knocked Johnson unconscious and engaged in a firefight with Keyes until Tartarus arrived. The Chieftain was able to levitate Miranda towards himself with the hammer, knocking her unconscious. Subsequently, Tartarus used the Fist of Rukt to attack Thel 'Vadamee, using the gravity shockwave to send the Arbiter flying into a pit below—beginning the [[Great Schism]].<ref name="QZ">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Quarantine Zone (level)|Quarantine Zone]]''</ref>
The Fist of Rukt became a ceremonial hammer passed down from Chieftain to Chieftain in the [[Maccabeus' clan|ruling clan]] of the Jiralhanae. This tradition had been celebrated by the clan for numerous generations. It is regarded as a holy object to the Jiralhanae, and was expected to be treated with great care by its handler.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 258''</ref> Throughout the hammer's long history, the haft of the Fist of Rukt had been broken and reforged numerous times.{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}} During the Jiralhanae's induction into the [[Covenant]] until the [[First Battle of Harvest]], Chieftain [[Maccabeus]] held control of the weapon after he had killed his own father in a duel.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 334''</ref>


At the [[Control Room (Installation 05)|Control Room of Installation 05]], the Arbiter, Johnson, numerous [[Sangheili Councilor]]s, [[Sangheili Zealot|Zealots]], [[Sangheili Ultra|Ultras]], and [[Special Operations Sangheili|Special Operations Sangheili]] attempted to kill Tartarus and deactivate Installation 05. The Fist of Rukt was one of Tartarus' advantages, and despite being heavily outnumbered, the massive area effect damage was able to send most of the [[Sangheili]] into the air, killing them, and stalwart Sangheili that attempted to attack Tartarus at close range with [[Type-1 energy sword|energy swords]] were beaten to death by the massive Fist of Rukt. After the Arbiter and Johnson killed Tartarus, the Fist of Rukt fell from the Jiralhanae Chieftain's limp hands.<ref name="great journey">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Great Journey]]''</ref>
===Human-Covenant War===
[[File:HGN-Concept-Tartarus-Crop.jpg|thumb|175px|left|Tartarus sitting upon his throne with the Fist of Rukt in hand.]]
During the Battle of [[Harvest]], Maccabeus' nephew, [[Tartarus]], began to doubt his uncle's competence. This ultimately led to a duel in which Tartarus killed Maccabeus and claimed control of his clan and the Fist of Rukt.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 346''</ref> Tartarus later used the hammer towards the end of the battle to engage [[Harvest militia]] forces aboard the [[Tiara]].<ref name="ch372">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 372-374''</ref>


It is unknown what became of the Fist of Rukt after Tartarus was killed on Installation 05, though it is likely that the Sangheili confiscated it.
After the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] appointed Tartarus the [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]] the Fist of Rukt was upgraded with Covenant gravity technology, becoming the template for the standardized [[Gravity hammer (fiction)|gravity hammer]]s. The war hammer rarely left Tartarus' side, and he frequently used the Fist of Rukt to ensure obedience from the other species placed under his control. Tartarus would also use the hammer to eliminate any chieftain that attempted to challenge his command.{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}}<ref>'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''page 196''</ref> Tartarus eventually carefully increased the hammer's haft to account for the upgrades added by the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}} Tartarus continued to wield the Fist of Rukt throughout the [[Human-Covenant War]]. After the end of the [[Raid on the Threshold gas mine]] and [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee had killed [[Sesa 'Refumee]], Tartarus arrived and used the Fist of Rukt to capture [[343 Guilty Spark]] by sending the "Oracle" hurtling towards the hammer. Tartarus proceeded to grab the [[monitor]] out of the air and send him up the [[gravity lift]] of the nearby {{Pattern|Kez'katu|Phantom}}.<ref name="oracle">'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[The Oracle]]''</ref> After the conclusion of the [[Battle of the Quarantine Zone]] on [[Installation 05]], [[Miranda Keyes|Commander Miranda Keyes]] and [[Avery Johnson|Sergeant Major Avery Johnson]] of the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] were able to retrieve the [[Sacred Icon]] from the installation's [[Library]]. Thel, however, knocked Johnson unconscious and engaged in a firefight with Keyes until Tartarus arrived. The Chieftain was able to levitate Miranda towards himself with the hammer, knocking her unconscious. Subsequently, Tartarus used the Fist of Rukt to attack Thel 'Vadamee, using the gravity shockwave to send the Arbiter flying into a pit below—beginning the [[Great Schism]].<ref name="QZ">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Quarantine Zone]]''</ref>
 
At the [[Control Room (Installation 05)|Control Room of Installation 05]], the Arbiter, Johnson, numerous [[Sangheili Councilor]]s, [[Sangheili Zealot|Zealots]], [[Sangheili Ultra|Ultras]], and [[Special Operations Sangheili]] attempted to kill Tartarus and deactivate Installation 05. The Fist of Rukt was one of Tartarus' advantages, and despite being heavily outnumbered, the massive area effect damage was able to send most of the [[Sangheili]] into the air, killing them, and stalwart Sangheili that attempted to attack Tartarus at close range with [[Type-1 energy sword|energy swords]] were beaten to death by the massive Fist of Rukt. After the Arbiter and Johnson killed Tartarus, the Fist of Rukt fell from the Jiralhanae Chieftain's limp hands.<ref name="great journey">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Great Journey]]''</ref>
 
It is unknown what became of the Fist of Rukt after Tartarus was killed on Installation 05,{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}} though it is possible that the Sangheili confiscated it. [[Final Grunt|An Unggoy]] encountered by [[John-117]] while escaping [[Installation 08]] claimed to be in possession of the weapon.
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}
==Specifications==
 
==Design details==
[[File:H2A - Tartarus with Rukt.jpg|thumb|250px|Tartarus wielding the Fist of Rukt in Installation 05's [[Control Room]].]]
[[File:H2A - Tartarus with Rukt.jpg|thumb|250px|Tartarus wielding the Fist of Rukt in Installation 05's [[Control Room]].]]
The Fist of Rukt was essentially a long-handled war hammer with a stone head that approximately weighed as much as an adult male [[human]].<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 245''</ref> Although simple in design, it was a very powerful weapon. It could crush the hood of a [[M12 Warthog LRV]],<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 294''</ref> or reduce an [[Unggoy]] to a bloody pulp.<ref name="ch372"/> The [[Jiralhanae]]-wielder's strength further increased the deadliness of the hammer. The Fist of Rukt was 268.2 centimetres (105.6 in) in length.<ref name="size"/>
The Fist of Rukt was essentially a long-handled war hammer with a stone head that approximately weighed as much as an adult male [[human]].{{Ref/Reuse|ch245}} Although simple in design, it was a very powerful weapon. It could crush the hood of an [[M12 Chaingun Warthog]],<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 294''</ref> or reduce an [[Unggoy]] to a bloody pulp.{{Ref/Reuse|ch372}} The [[Jiralhanae]]-wielder's strength further increased the deadliness of the hammer. The Fist of Rukt was 235.7 centimetres (92.8&nbsp;in) in length, with the handle being {{Convert|195.6|cm|in}} long. The hammer's long handle is topped with a rectangular power core that generated powerful energy fields. The four gravity generators on the head's striking side generate gravity shock waves capable of crushing opponents, while the two generators on the reverse side provide additional momentum to swings.{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}}


Originally a primitive stone cudgel wielded by ancient Jiralhanae leaders on [[Doisac]], the Fist of Rukt was outfitted with advanced gravity-affecting technology at a later date, most likely shortly after the Jiralhanae joined the [[Covenant]]. Its upgrades also made it capable of emitting various kinds of energy fields, which could manipulate objects, or generate powerful gravitational vortices and shockwaves. The shockwaves were capable of blasting back enemies, most prominently [[Sangheili]], away from the user.<ref name="oracle"/><ref name="great journey"/> The Fist of Rukt's gravitational manipulation capabilities allowed the wielder to use the hammer to hold objects, such as [[Forerunner]] [[monitor]]s.<ref name="oracle"/> When the hammer's gravitational manipulation capability was used against a human female, [[Miranda Keyes|Commander Miranda Keyes]], she was rendered unconscious by the gravitational force.<ref name="QZ"/>
Originally a primitive stone cudgel wielded by ancient Jiralhanae leaders on [[Doisac]], the Fist of Rukt was outfitted with advanced gravity impellors and an advanced drive system by the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] after the latter put Tartarus in a position of control over all Jiralhanae later in the [[Human-Covenant War]].{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}} Its upgrades also made it capable of emitting various kinds of energy fields, which could manipulate objects, or generate powerful gravitational vortices and shockwaves. The shockwaves were capable of blasting enemies away from the user.{{Ref/Reuse|oracle}}{{Ref/Reuse|great journey}} The Fist of Rukt's gravitational manipulation capabilities allowed the wielder to use the hammer to hold objects, such as [[Forerunner]] [[monitor]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|oracle}} When the hammer's gravitational manipulation capability was used against a human female, [[Miranda Keyes|Commander Miranda Keyes]], she was rendered unconscious by the gravitational force.{{Ref/Reuse|QZ}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*"Rukt" translates to "blood" in [[Wikipedia:Sanskrit|Sanskrit]].
*"Rukt" translates to "[[blood]]" in [[Wikipedia:Sanskrit|Sanskrit]].
*The Fist of Rukt's cultural history with the Brutes is similar to that of the [[Wikipedia:Norse mythology|Norse mythological]] hammer [[Wikipedia:Mjölnir|Mjölnir]], which was wielded by [[Wikipedia:Thor|Thor]].
*The Fist of Rukt's cultural history with the Brutes is similar to that of the [[Wikipedia:Norse mythology|Norse mythological]] hammer [[Wikipedia:Mjölnir|Mjölnir]], which was wielded by [[Wikipedia:Thor|Thor]].
*[[Type-2 gravity hammer|Gravity hammers]] in ''[[Halo 3]]'' are inspired by the Fist of Rukt but were originally going to share an even more similar appearance than the final outcome, as seen in the ''[[Halo 3 ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute?|Et Tu, Brute?]]'' video documentary.<ref>'''[[Halo 3]]''', ''[[Halo 3 ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute?|ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute?]]''</ref>
*[[Gravity hammer (fiction)|Gravity hammers]] in ''[[Halo 3]]'' are inspired by the Fist of Rukt but were originally going to share an even more similar appearance than the final outcome, as seen in the ''[[Halo 3 ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute?|Et Tu, Brute?]]'' video documentary.<ref>'''[[Halo 3]]''', ''[[Halo 3 ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute?|ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute?]]''</ref>
*In ''[[Halo 3]]'', [[Unggoy|Grunts]] seem obsessed with the Fist of Rukt, normally with the IWHBYD skull on, in their sleep a Grunt will say, "Rukt...Fist...Merry Christmas" and "Fist of Rukt". Sometimes during combat, Grunts will also say,"Bring up the Fist of Rukt!" In addition, the [[Final Grunt]] says he has it, though this is considered non-canon as the Final Grunt is just an Easter egg. Grunts will occasionally yell "Oh no, the Fist of Rukt!" if the player charges at them with the gravity hammer. On the level [[Sierra 117]], at the dam, if the player passes a lone Grunt while wielding the Gravity Hammer he often will say, "He still wields the Fist of Rukt".
*In ''[[Halo 3]]'', [[Unggoy|Grunts]] seem to have become obsessed with the Fist of Rukt, or at least the sheer power of the gravity hammer.  Normally with the IWHBYD skull on, in their sleep a Grunt will say, "Rukt...Fist...Merry Christmas" and "Fist of Rukt". Sometimes during combat, Grunts will also say,"Bring up the Fist of Rukt!" In addition, the [[Final Grunt]] says he has it, though this is considered non-canon as the Final Grunt is just an Easter egg. Grunts will occasionally yell "Oh no, the Fist of Rukt!" if the player charges at them with the gravity hammer. On the level [[Sierra 117]], at the dam, if the player passes a lone Grunt while wielding the Gravity Hammer he often will say, "He still wields the Fist of Rukt".
*A hammer similar to the Fist of Rukt is seen in the ''Halo 3'' [[Believe]] ad "[[Diorama]]" at 00:54, wielded by a [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Brute Chieftain]] in gold armor and one Weapons Chieftain, two in the same place at the same time.
*A hammer similar to the Fist of Rukt is seen in the ''Halo 3'' [[Believe]] ad "[[Diorama]]" at 00:54, wielded by a [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Brute Chieftain]] in gold armor and one Weapons Chieftain, two in the same place at the same time.
*In ''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'' the Fist of Rukt was described as weighing at least as much as Staff Sergeant [[Nolan Byrne]], who was an enormous man by himself, testifying to the Jiralhanae's massive strength.
*It is possible that the Fist of Rukt can produce a nearly impervious shield around to the user, though it is more likely that Tartarus was using a different version of the "[[Invincibility]]" device which is commonly used by Brute Chieftains in ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST''.
*It is possible that the Fist of Rukt can produce a nearly impervious shield around to the user, though it is more likely that Tartarus was using a different version of the "[[Invincibility]]" device which is commonly used by Brute Chieftains in ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST''.
*Wizkids released a miniature of Master Chief wielding the Fist of Rukt. This is obviously non-canon.
*Wizkids released a miniature of Master Chief wielding the Fist of Rukt. This is obviously non-canon.
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==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Fist of Rukt.png|The Fist of Rukt gravity hammer used by Tartarus in ''Halo 2''.
File:Fist of Rukt.png|The Fist of Rukt gravity hammer used by Tartarus in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:Tartarushammer.PNG|Tartarus preparing to attack.
File:Tartarushammer.PNG|Tartarus preparing to attack.
File:H2 Tartarus.png|Tartarus wielding the hammer in combat.
File:H2 Tartarus.png|Tartarus wielding the hammer in combat.
File:1208568692_800px-Halo-3-Brute.jpg|A Chieftain wielding an early ''Halo 3'' gravity hammer that looks very similar to the Fist of Rukt, seen in the [[Halo 3 ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute?|ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute?]].
File:H3 pre-alpha Brute with fist of Rukt.png|A Chieftain wielding an early ''[[Halo 3]]'' gravity hammer that looks very similar to the Fist of Rukt, seen in the [[Halo 3 ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute?|ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute?]].
File:HTMCC-H2A Tartarus&FistOfRukt.png|Tartarus wielding the Fist of Rukt in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:H2A - Fist of Rukt on Arbiter.jpg|The Fisk of Rukt being used against the Arbiter in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:HM-Maccabeus.png|Maccabeus with the Fist of Rukt in ''[[Halo Mythos]]''.
File:HLC The Great Schism.jpg|Tartarus battles Thel 'Vadam with the Fist of Rukt.
File:H2 UpperDeck DemonAndDisgraced.png|Art celebrating ''Halo 2''{{'}}s 20th anniversary depicting John-117 wielding the Fist of Rukt.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}
[[Category:Brute Weapons]]
 
[[Category:Melee Weapons]]
[[Category:Gravity Hammer variants]]

Latest revision as of 12:15, November 8, 2024

Fist of Rukt
H2-FistOfRukt.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Jiralhanae

Type:

gravity hammer

Specifications

Length:

67.3 centimetres (26.5 in)[1]

Width:

53.8 centimetres (21.2 in)[1]

Height:

235.7 centimetres (92.8 in)[1]

Weight:

343 pounds (156 kg)[1]

Ammunition type:

Gravity drive and fixed impellors[1]

Damage:

Instant kill, high area-effect damage.

Effective range:

Melee only

Service history

In service:

First Immolation
Human-Covenant War
Great Schism

 

Avery Johnson: "Heavy pistols, and a hammer."
Ponder: "Say again?"
Avery Johnson: "A giant hammer, sir. On their leader."
Avery Johnson describing Maccabeus with the Fist of Rukt, to Ponder[2]

The Fist of Rukt, also known as simply the Fist, is a Jiralhanae ceremonial war hammer exclusively used by the Chieftain of the Jiralhanae. Originating from Chieftain Rukt of Maccabeus' clan, it was notably used by Tartarus throughout the Human-Covenant War.[1]

History[edit]

Early history[edit]

The Fist of Rukt originated in early Jiralhanae history, when the species first explored barely accessible areas of Doisac. A scavenging pack of marauders discovered a cache of rare and extremely resilient metals in an ancient ruins; some of these metals included a large stone that would become the head of the Fist of Rukt. For the following decades, the Fist of Rukt was used by clans of nomadic Jiralhanae, until the weapon eventually fell into the hands of Chieftain Rukt. Rukt used the weapon throughout the First Immolation, as he and his descendants killed thousands with the hammer.[1]

The Fist of Rukt became a ceremonial hammer passed down from Chieftain to Chieftain in the ruling clan of the Jiralhanae. This tradition had been celebrated by the clan for numerous generations. It is regarded as a holy object to the Jiralhanae, and was expected to be treated with great care by its handler.[3] Throughout the hammer's long history, the haft of the Fist of Rukt had been broken and reforged numerous times.[1] During the Jiralhanae's induction into the Covenant until the First Battle of Harvest, Chieftain Maccabeus held control of the weapon after he had killed his own father in a duel.[4]

Human-Covenant War[edit]

Tartarus sitting upon his throne with the Fist of Rukt in hand.

During the Battle of Harvest, Maccabeus' nephew, Tartarus, began to doubt his uncle's competence. This ultimately led to a duel in which Tartarus killed Maccabeus and claimed control of his clan and the Fist of Rukt.[5] Tartarus later used the hammer towards the end of the battle to engage Harvest militia forces aboard the Tiara.[6]

After the High Prophet of Truth appointed Tartarus the Chieftain of the Jiralhanae the Fist of Rukt was upgraded with Covenant gravity technology, becoming the template for the standardized gravity hammers. The war hammer rarely left Tartarus' side, and he frequently used the Fist of Rukt to ensure obedience from the other species placed under his control. Tartarus would also use the hammer to eliminate any chieftain that attempted to challenge his command.[1][7] Tartarus eventually carefully increased the hammer's haft to account for the upgrades added by the Covenant.[1] Tartarus continued to wield the Fist of Rukt throughout the Human-Covenant War. After the end of the Raid on the Threshold gas mine and Arbiter Thel 'Vadamee had killed Sesa 'Refumee, Tartarus arrived and used the Fist of Rukt to capture 343 Guilty Spark by sending the "Oracle" hurtling towards the hammer. Tartarus proceeded to grab the monitor out of the air and send him up the gravity lift of the nearby Kez'katu-pattern Phantom.[8] After the conclusion of the Battle of the Quarantine Zone on Installation 05, Commander Miranda Keyes and Sergeant Major Avery Johnson of the UNSC were able to retrieve the Sacred Icon from the installation's Library. Thel, however, knocked Johnson unconscious and engaged in a firefight with Keyes until Tartarus arrived. The Chieftain was able to levitate Miranda towards himself with the hammer, knocking her unconscious. Subsequently, Tartarus used the Fist of Rukt to attack Thel 'Vadamee, using the gravity shockwave to send the Arbiter flying into a pit below—beginning the Great Schism.[9]

At the Control Room of Installation 05, the Arbiter, Johnson, numerous Sangheili Councilors, Zealots, Ultras, and Special Operations Sangheili attempted to kill Tartarus and deactivate Installation 05. The Fist of Rukt was one of Tartarus' advantages, and despite being heavily outnumbered, the massive area effect damage was able to send most of the Sangheili into the air, killing them, and stalwart Sangheili that attempted to attack Tartarus at close range with energy swords were beaten to death by the massive Fist of Rukt. After the Arbiter and Johnson killed Tartarus, the Fist of Rukt fell from the Jiralhanae Chieftain's limp hands.[10]

It is unknown what became of the Fist of Rukt after Tartarus was killed on Installation 05,[1] though it is possible that the Sangheili confiscated it. An Unggoy encountered by John-117 while escaping Installation 08 claimed to be in possession of the weapon.

Design details[edit]

Tartarus wielding the Fist of Rukt in Installation 05's Control Room.

The Fist of Rukt was essentially a long-handled war hammer with a stone head that approximately weighed as much as an adult male human.[2] Although simple in design, it was a very powerful weapon. It could crush the hood of an M12 Chaingun Warthog,[11] or reduce an Unggoy to a bloody pulp.[6] The Jiralhanae-wielder's strength further increased the deadliness of the hammer. The Fist of Rukt was 235.7 centimetres (92.8 in) in length, with the handle being 195.6 centimetres (77.0 in) long. The hammer's long handle is topped with a rectangular power core that generated powerful energy fields. The four gravity generators on the head's striking side generate gravity shock waves capable of crushing opponents, while the two generators on the reverse side provide additional momentum to swings.[1]

Originally a primitive stone cudgel wielded by ancient Jiralhanae leaders on Doisac, the Fist of Rukt was outfitted with advanced gravity impellors and an advanced drive system by the High Prophet of Truth after the latter put Tartarus in a position of control over all Jiralhanae later in the Human-Covenant War.[1] Its upgrades also made it capable of emitting various kinds of energy fields, which could manipulate objects, or generate powerful gravitational vortices and shockwaves. The shockwaves were capable of blasting enemies away from the user.[8][10] The Fist of Rukt's gravitational manipulation capabilities allowed the wielder to use the hammer to hold objects, such as Forerunner monitors.[8] When the hammer's gravitational manipulation capability was used against a human female, Commander Miranda Keyes, she was rendered unconscious by the gravitational force.[9]

Trivia[edit]

  • "Rukt" translates to "blood" in Sanskrit.
  • The Fist of Rukt's cultural history with the Brutes is similar to that of the Norse mythological hammer Mjölnir, which was wielded by Thor.
  • Gravity hammers in Halo 3 are inspired by the Fist of Rukt but were originally going to share an even more similar appearance than the final outcome, as seen in the Et Tu, Brute? video documentary.[12]
  • In Halo 3, Grunts seem to have become obsessed with the Fist of Rukt, or at least the sheer power of the gravity hammer. Normally with the IWHBYD skull on, in their sleep a Grunt will say, "Rukt...Fist...Merry Christmas" and "Fist of Rukt". Sometimes during combat, Grunts will also say,"Bring up the Fist of Rukt!" In addition, the Final Grunt says he has it, though this is considered non-canon as the Final Grunt is just an Easter egg. Grunts will occasionally yell "Oh no, the Fist of Rukt!" if the player charges at them with the gravity hammer. On the level Sierra 117, at the dam, if the player passes a lone Grunt while wielding the Gravity Hammer he often will say, "He still wields the Fist of Rukt".
  • A hammer similar to the Fist of Rukt is seen in the Halo 3 Believe ad "Diorama" at 00:54, wielded by a Brute Chieftain in gold armor and one Weapons Chieftain, two in the same place at the same time.
  • It is possible that the Fist of Rukt can produce a nearly impervious shield around to the user, though it is more likely that Tartarus was using a different version of the "Invincibility" device which is commonly used by Brute Chieftains in Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST.
  • Wizkids released a miniature of Master Chief wielding the Fist of Rukt. This is obviously non-canon.

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Halo Waypoint: Fist of Rukt
  2. ^ a b Halo: Contact Harvest, page 245
  3. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 258
  4. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 334
  5. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 346
  6. ^ a b Halo: Contact Harvest, pages 372-374
  7. ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 196
  8. ^ a b c Halo 2, campaign level The Oracle
  9. ^ a b Halo 2, campaign level Quarantine Zone
  10. ^ a b Halo 2, campaign level The Great Journey
  11. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 294
  12. ^ Halo 3, ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute?