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{{Era|UNSC|HCW}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Character Infobox|variant=Cov
{{Character infobox
|variant=Cov
|name=Tartarus
|name=Tartarus
|image=[[File:Mr. Mohawk from HGN.PNG|275px]]  
|image=[[File:H2A Tartarus.png|300px]]
|homeworld=[[Doisac]]
|homeworld=[[Doisac]]<ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/tartarus '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Tartarus'']</ref>
|birth=July 8th, 2491<ref name="VIS">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 194''</ref>
|birth=[[2491|July 8, 2491]]{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}<ref name="VIS">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 194''</ref>
|death=[[2552|November 3rd, 2552]] (aged 61)
|death=[[2552|November 3, 2552]]{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|rank=[[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]]
|causeofdeath=Killed in battle by [[Thel 'Vadam]]
|species=[[Jiralhanae]]
|parents=
|siblings=
|spouses=
|children=
|species=[[Jiralhanae]]{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|gender=Male
|gender=Male
|height=9'0" (276.7cm)<ref name="VIS"/>
|height={{Convert|276.7|cm|ftin|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|VIS}}
|mass=1'389.3lbs (630.2kg)<ref name="VIS"/>
|mass={{Convert|1389.3|lb|kg|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|VIS}}
|weapons=*[[Type-25 Carbine]]
|hair=White, formerly black<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 225''</ref>
*''[[Fist of Rukt]]''
|eyes=Amber{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|equipment=Unknown Personal Shield type
|affiliation=*[[Covenant]]{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|vehicles=*''[[Rapid Conversion]]''
**[[Covenant Honor Guard]]{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
*[[Type-52 Troop Carrier]]
|rank-title=Title|rank=[[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]]{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
*[[Brute Chopper]]
|sn=
|hair=White
|notable=
|eyes=Orange
|cyber=
|era=
|types=
|notable=*Killed his own [[Maccabeus|uncle]] to become the Chieftain of the Jiralhanae.
*Began the uprising of the Jiralhanae against the Sangheili, under the Hierarchs' command.
*Killed by the [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]].
|affiliation=[[Covenant Empire|Covenant]], later [[Covenant Loyalists]]
}}
}}
{{Article Quote|The Great Journey has begun, and the Brutes, not the Elites, shall be the Prophets' escort!}}
{{Quote|The Great Journey has begun, and the Brutes, not the Elites, shall be the Prophets' escort!|Tartarus, to the Arbiter<ref name="journey">'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level, ''[[The Great Journey (Level)|The Great Journey]]''</ref>}}


'''Tartarus''' was the last known appointed [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]] to serve in the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]]. He acted as the [[Hierarchs]]' chief enforcer and, more accurately, the [[Prophet of Truth]]'s second-in-command.
'''Tartarus''' was the last appointed [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]] and military chief to serve in the [[Covenant]]. He acted as the [[Hierarchs]]' chief enforcer and, more accurately, the [[High Prophet of Truth]]'s second-in-command. Tartarus was responsible for enforcing Truth's changes to the Covenant which caused the [[Great Schism]], the civil war that led to the dissolution of the Covenant empire. In the final weeks of the [[Human-Covenant War]], Tartarus attempted to activate [[Installation 05]] to begin the [[Covenant religion|Great Journey]], but he was ultimately killed by [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]] with the help of Sergeant Major [[Avery Johnson]].{{Ref/Reuse|journey}}
 
==Physical description and personality==
Tartarus was easily recognized by his silver hair and fur, distinctive "Mohawk" mane, and his use of the [[Fist of Rukt]] as his primary weapon. His devotion and faithfulness to the Covenant religion and the Prophets was unwavering, but he nevertheless strongly represented the general attitude of his entire race: rough, arrogant, and disdainful of the [[Sangheili]]. He was a powerful, aggressive, and intelligent leader who inspired both fear and respect in his Jiralhanae forces. Tartarus is also the nephew of [[Maccabeus]], whom he killed on the bridge of [[Rapid Conversion|''Rapid Conversion'']] in order to gain the position of Chieftain of the Jiralhanae.
 
===Combat skills===
Before he became Chieftain, Tartarus wielded the [[Type-25 Carbine]] with deadly force, with both its projectiles and fierce blades. Tartarus used an empty Carbine in his battle against his uncle Maccabeus. Eventually, he defeated Maccabeus and gained his new primary weapon, the Fist of Rukt. Tartarus was able to wield the [[Fist of Rukt]] with great strength, effortlessly decimating foes in a single blow. He also made use of a variety of "invincibility shield" used by other Jiralhanae Chieftains, although his was longer lasting. In the battle between [[Thel 'Vadam|the Arbiter]] during the [[Battle of Installation 05]], his shield was so strong that only multiple direct hits from a [[Beam Rifle]] could penetrate it. The shield quickly recharged, making Tartarus invincible once more. Even without his shield, Tartarus was still able to take enormous amounts of damage and take on disproportionate numbers of his Sangheili foes and kill many before succumbing to his injuries, a trait all [[Jiralhanae]] share.


==Biography==
==Biography==
===Early military career===
===Early military career===
Tartarus started life as the nephew of a venerable and religious pack leader known as Maccabeus. He took on the childhood nickname of "Tartar". Wearing the scarlet armor of a Brute Captain, the young Tartarus was part of his uncle's crew of one of the few Brute-controlled ships in the Covenant, the ''[[Rapid Conversion]]''. The Sangheili did not approve of a Jiralhanae controlling a ship and had disabled many of its key features such as weaponry, gravity lifts, and other useful mechanics, but Maccabeus' faith in the [[Great Journey]] helped him turn a blind eye to this unfair treatment. Soon the Grunt Deacon [[Dadab]] and his companion [[Lighter Than Some]] found themselves on board the ''Rapid Conversion'' after escaping the destruction of their ship, the ''[[Minor Transgression]]'', a [[Kig-yar]] pirate ship.
Tartarus started life as the nephew of a venerable and religious pack leader known as [[Maccabeus]] on [[Doisac]] on [[2491|July 8, 2491]] and was a member of the [[Rh'tol]] skein.<ref name="waypoint">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/jiralhanae '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Jiralhanae'']</ref> He took on the childhood nickname of '''Tartar'''. Wearing the scarlet armor of a [[Jiralhanae Captain]], the young Tartarus served as the security officer of his uncle's crew of one of the few Jiralhanae-controlled ships in the Covenant, ''[[Rapid Conversion]]''.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 224''</ref> The Sangheili did not approve of a Jiralhanae controlling a ship and had disabled many of its key features such as weaponry, gravity lifts, and other useful mechanics, but Maccabeus' faith in the [[Great Journey]] helped him turn a blind eye to this unfair treatment.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 194''</ref>
 
Soon the [[Unggoy]] [[Deacon]] [[Dadab]] and his companion [[Lighter Than Some]] found themselves on board the ''Rapid Conversion'' after escaping the destruction of their ship, the ''[[Minor Transgression]]'', a [[Kig-Yar]] [[missionary ship]].<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 134''</ref>


Maccabeus summoned Tartarus at the pair's explosive arrival and would later become a protector of the Engineer when the resentful [[Yanme'e]] on board set out to kill it for taking their job: repair and maintenance of the vessel. He journeyed to [[Harvest]] during the first contact between the Jiralhanae and the [[Human]]s, in a staged offer of peace that soon erupted into battle. Tartarus found himself aboard a [[DX-class Dropship]] that was soon destroyed, although he did not evacuate until he had tried everything to save [[Ritul]], a young pack mate of his, from the destruction. Ritul burned to death before Tartarus could save him.
===First contact on Harvest===
{{Quote|no=two|q1=Never forget the meaning of [[Ages of Doubt|this Age]], nephew.|Maccabeus|q2=Don't you know, Uncle? This sorry Age has ended.|Tartarus|Tartarus, right before he kills his uncle<ref name="ch347">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 345-347''</ref>}}
[[File:HM-Jiralhanae.png|thumb|250px|left|Tartarus (far right) on Harvest, with his pack.]]
Maccabeus summoned Tartarus at the pair's explosive arrival and would later become a protector of the Engineer when the resentful [[Yanme'e]] on board set out to kill it for taking their job: repair and maintenance of the vessel. He journeyed to [[Harvest]] during the first contact between the Jiralhanae and the [[human]]s, in a staged offer of peace that soon erupted into battle after an Unggoy, [[Yull]], nervously attacked [[Osmo|a member]] of Harvest's [[Colonial Militia]]. Tartarus proceeded to kill Yull by throwing him down cascades of water.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 213''</ref> Later, Tartarus and [[Vorenus]] scouted out Harvest's orbiting platform [[Tiara]]. The two Jiralhanae remained at the station briefly, long enough to be sure that it was devoid of human life. They left Dadab in charge of sixty Unggoy on the station to protect it from human soldiers.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 303''</ref> 


After being attacked by the Humans in a trap designed by [[Loki]], the ''Rapid Conversion'' was left severely damaged with Maccabeus on board. After Tartarus returned to the crippled ship he confronted Maccabeus about the legitimacy of their search for holy artifacts. Tartarus then challenged his uncle in the ritualistic manner of Jiralhanae to a fight to the death. He made concession to his wounded opponent by allowing Maccabeus to keep his weapon and removing the ammunition from his own. He successfully killed Maccabeus by taking his uncle's weapon, The Fist of Rukt, and smashing his skull. Through this fight, Tartarus began his ascent to the upper echelons of power.<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 347''</ref>
On [[2525#February|February 22, 2525]], Tartarus participated in the [[First Battle of Harvest#Siege on Gladsheim|siege of Gladsheim]], serving as a gunner on a {{Pattern|Dextro Xur|Spirit}}. The Spirit was destroyed when several [[JOTUN Heavy Industries|JOTUN cropdusters]], controlled by the [[AI]] [[Mack]], were launched at the Spirit. Tartarus barely made it out alive, although he did not evacuate until he had tried everything to save the Spirit's pilot and young pack mate of his, [[Ritul]], from the destruction. Ritul burned to death before Tartarus could save him.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 312''</ref> When Tartarus, the injured Maccabeus, and others returned to the cruiser, they discovered that several Yanme'e that did not participate in the engagement were attempting to kill Lighter Than Some for "stealing" their engineering responsibilities. Vorenus and Tartarus attempted to defend the Huragok from the enraged Yanme'e and were eventually able to subdue them.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 313''</ref>


Later during the battle on the [[Tiara]] above Harvest, Tartarus was dealt the most insulting wound of his life when, after murdering Babap, [[Dadab]] shot him with a charged plasma pistol shot. After killing Dadab with the Fist of Rukt his injury forced him to retreat and abandon combat against [[Avery Junior Johnson|Johnson]] and the militia.
[[Ponder|Captain Ponder]] later managed to lure Tartarus, Vorenus, and two other Jiralhanae to the abandoned [[Utgard Mall]] using a false Oracle. As ''Rapid Conversion'' began to move over Tartarus' position, the colony's [[mass driver]] disabled the cruiser after two rounds and it crashed into Utgard. Furious over the trick, Tartarus killed Ponder and ordered Vorenus and the other Jiralhanae to disable the mass driver. Meanwhile, Tartarus returned to ''Rapid Conversion'' to confront his uncle.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 335-336''</ref> After Tartarus returned to the crippled ship, he confronted Maccabeus about the legitimacy of their search for holy artifacts. Tartarus then challenged his uncle in the ritualistic manner of Jiralhanae to a fight to the death. He made concession to his wounded opponent by allowing Maccabeus to keep his weapon and removing the ammunition from his own. He successfully killed Maccabeus by taking his uncle's weapon, the Fist of Rukt, and smashing his skull. Through this fight, Tartarus began his ascent to the upper echelons of power.{{Ref/Reuse|ch347}} Later during the battle on the Tiara above Harvest, Tartarus found Dadab dying from lack of [[methane]]. After saving the Unggoy, Tartarus revealed that he suspected him of aiding the humans and that he would allow Dadab to live long enough to explain the extent of his betrayal. Tartarus then killed the wounded [[Bapap]], Dadab's friend.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 365''</ref> As Tartarus charged into the fray, Dadab came to blame Tartarus for the deaths of his friends and the ongoing violence. As Tartarus battled [[Avery Johnson]] and the militia, Dadab came up behind the newly-crowned chieftain and shot him in the chest with an over-charged [[plasma pistol]] shot. Collapsing Tartarus' [[energy shielding]], the chieftain killed Dadab and was then forced to flee the firefight.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 371-373''</ref> In the following months, Tartarus and the crew managed to repair the ''Rapid Conversion'' and began to glass Harvest, eventually reducing the planet's surface to cinder.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 382''</ref>


===Right hand of Truth===
===Right hand of Truth===
Even back before the [[Battle of Earth]], the [[Prophet of Truth]] had trusted Tartarus enough to dismiss the [[Honor Guard of the Covenant|Sangheili Honor Guardsman]] (that never left the Prophets unprotected) in order to speak to him alone. Tartarus had scoured the wreckage of the Covenant attack coordination station ''[[Unyielding Hierophant]]'' after its destruction at the hands of the [[SPARTAN-II|SPARTANs]] during [[Operation: FIRST STRIKE]]. Tartarus reported the Covenant Fleet preparing to attack [[Earth]] was largely destroyed, and an artifact of the Forerunners that was able to bend time and disrupted Slipspace was almost entirely lost. The pilots had managed to recover three small chips of the crystal, (the rest of which were lost in Slipspace after [[Corporal (UNSC)|Corporal]] [[Locklear]] destroyed it with [[C-7 Foaming Explosive]]) which Tartarus presented to Truth.
After the battle, Tartarus caught the eye of the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]], who was attempting to replace the [[Sangheili]] with the Jiralhanae.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} Tartarus continued to gain more authority and soon controlled the majority of his skein.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} Truth and Tartarus would work together throughout the [[Human-Covenant War]],{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} and the Prophet of Truth eventually crowned Tartarus as the [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]], a position that put him in control of all Jiralhanae forces in the entire [[Covenant military]] late in the war.<ref>'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''page 221''; ''page 196'' (Google Play edition)</ref>


He was instructed to reward the surviving pilots well, then execute them all quietly to ensure Truth's plans remained secret from the rest of the Covenant. He was also ordered to bring [[Supreme Commander]] [[Thel 'Vadamee]], who was unable to stop the destruction of [[Installation 04]], before the Council to let "''his fate match the magnitude of his failure.''" Tartarus branded the Commander with the [[Mark of Shame]] and took him to the [[Mausoleum of the Arbiter]] for his execution. When the Sangheili was pardoned and promoted to [[Arbiter]], Tartarus was obviously displeased, but kept silent out of respect for the Prophets. Tartarus provided aerial support for the Arbiter during his mission to assassinate [[Sesa 'Refumee]] on [[Threshold]]. The Arbiter encountered [[343 Guilty Spark|the Oracle]] during his duel with 'Refumee, and Tartarus quickly captured it and returned back to ''[[High Charity]]''.
The two continued to scheme, with Truth intending to make Tartarus the commander-in-chief of the entire Covenant military, and arm him and his Jiralhanae to lead a coup against the zealous Sangheili.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}<ref>'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''page 209''</ref> The meetings between Truth and Tartarus were kept a secret from the other Hierarchs, allegedly to prevent "petty jealousies".<ref name="bc195">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 195-196''</ref> Meanwhile, Truth accelerated production of Jiralhanae weaponry at [[Sacred Promissory]] and placed clans loyal to Tartarus' on valuable resource worlds.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
 
[[File:H2A - Tartarus and HighCouncil.png|thumb|250px|Tartarus and the [[High Council]] during the trial of Thel 'Vadamee.]]
Before the [[Battle for Earth]], the Prophet of Truth had trusted Tartarus enough to dismiss the [[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Sangheili Honor Guardsmen]] in his presence—that never left the Prophets unprotected—in order to speak to him alone. Tartarus had scoured the wreckage of the Covenant attack coordination station ''[[Unyielding Hierophant]]'' after its destruction at the hands of the [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN-IIs]] during [[Operation: FIRST STRIKE]]. Tartarus reported the [[Truth's fleet|Covenant fleet]] preparing to attack [[Earth]] was largely destroyed, and an [[Menachite Forerunner crystal|artifact]] of the Forerunners that was able to bend time and disrupt [[slipstream space]] was almost entirely lost. The eight squadrons of Covenant pilots sent by Tartarus had managed to recover three small chips of the crystal, (the rest of which were lost in slipspace after [[Locklear|Corporal Locklear]] destroyed it with [[C-7 foaming explosive]]s) which Tartarus presented to Truth.<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', ''pages 406-408''</ref>
 
He was instructed to reward the surviving pilots well, then execute them all quietly to ensure Truth's plans remained secret from the rest of the Covenant. He was also ordered to bring [[Supreme Commander]] [[Thel 'Vadamee]], who was unable to stop the destruction of [[Installation 04]], before the Council to let "''his fate match the magnitude of his failure.''" Tartarus branded the Commander with the [[Mark of Shame]] and took him to the [[Mausoleum of the Arbiter]] for his execution. When the Sangheili was pardoned and promoted to [[Arbiter]], Tartarus was obviously displeased, but kept silent out of respect for the Prophets.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level, ''[[The Heretic]]''</ref> Tartarus provided aerial support for the Arbiter during his mission to assassinate [[Sesa 'Refumee]] on [[Threshold]]. The Arbiter encountered [[343 Guilty Spark|the Oracle]] during his duel with 'Refumee, and Tartarus quickly captured it and returned back to [[High Charity]].<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level, ''[[The Oracle]]''</ref>
 
On [[2552#November|November 2, 2552]], shortly after the [[Assassination of the Prophet of Regret|assassination]] of the [[Prophet of Regret|High Prophet of Regret]], Tartarus and the [[Prophet of Exquisite Devotion]] met with the Prophet of Truth in the [[Palace of the Hierarchs]]. Truth informed Tartarus that their plans to rid the Covenant of the Sangheili would soon be set in motion, as the Jiralhanae had already replaced most of the Sangheili forces on [[Earth]].<ref name="bc198">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 198-202''</ref>


===The Sacred Icon===
===The Sacred Icon===
Using information gained from the Oracle, the Prophets of Truth and Mercy sent the Arbiter and Tartarus on a mission to obtain the [[Index|Sacred Icon]] on [[Installation 05]] <ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', level ''[[Sacred Icon (Level)|Sacred Icon]]''</ref>. However, as soon as the Index was obtained, Tartarus betrayed the Sangheili, apparently acting on orders from the Prophets. Also on the Prophets' orders, Tartarus captured four humans [[Lieutenant Commander|LCDR]] [[Miranda Keyes]], [[Sergeant Major|SgtMaj.]] [[Avery Johnson]], [[Gunnery Sergeant|GySgt.]] [[Stacker]] and [[Staff Sergeant|SSgt.]] [[Banks]], as they required a [[Reclaimer]] to activate the Installation. He chose Miranda Keyes to activate Delta Halo and then told his Brutes to kill the others.
{{Quote|A bloody fate awaits you and the rest of your [[Sangheili|incompetent race]]. And I, Tartarus, Chieftain of the Brutes will send you to it!|Tartarus, to Arbiter Thel 'Vadamee<ref name="h2qz">'''Halo 2''', campaign level, ''[[Quarantine Zone]]''</ref>}}
[[File:H2A - Tartarus smashing Flood.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Tartarus and the Honor Guardsmen engage a Flood swarm.]]
Using information gained from the Oracle, the Prophets of Truth and Mercy sent the Arbiter and Tartarus on a mission to obtain the [[activation index|Sacred Icon]] on [[Installation 05]]. After dropping off the Arbiter in a [[Kez'katu-pattern Phantom|Phantom]], Tartarus had the dropship engage an [[Enforcer]] before it could kill the Arbiter. After the Arbiter disabled the [[containment shield]], Tartarus arrived to pick him up in the Phantom, but was attacked by another Enforcer.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level, ''[[Sacred Icon (Level)|Sacred Icon]]''</ref> Later, while the Arbiter rode an [[anti-gravity gondola]] to reach the Library, Tartarus provided him air support against the attacking Flood. He also engaged the gondola that was ridden by the UNSC forces. When Tartarus entered the Library, he witnessed [[Miranda Keyes|Commander Miranda Keyes]] engaged in a firefight with the Arbiter. Using the Fist of Rukt, he captured Keyes and took the index for himself. Tartarus and his Jiralhanae surrounded the wounded Arbiter, and the chieftain revealed that the Hierarchs had ordered him to betray and kill the Sangheili. Shocked at the revelation, the Arbiter was seemingly killed when Tartarus blasted him into an abyss. Tartarus then took Keyes and [[Avery Johnson|SgtMaj. Avery Johnson]]—as a [[Reclaimer]] was required to activate Delta Halo—and returned to High Charity.{{Ref/Reuse|h2qz}} At the same time, Tartarus' second-in-command, [[Melchus]] led the massacre on the [[Sangheili Councilor|Sangheili High Councilors]].<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 219-222''</ref> Tartarus later commanded Covenant forces as the [[Great Schism]] broke out in High Charity when Sangheili warriors [[Fall of High Charity|battled]] Covenant forces, while [[John-117]] attempted to assassinate the remainder of the Covenant leadership.<ref name="gravemind">'''Halo 2''', campaign level, ''[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]]''</ref>
 
As the Flood began to infest the holy city, Tartarus and a group of [[Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman|Jiralhanae Honor Guardsmen]] escorted the High Prophets of Truth and [[Prophet of Mercy|Mercy]] to evacuation Phantoms, with Miranda and Johnson in tow. Tartarus ordered the humans to be split up into two different dropships. As Truth tasked Tartarus with activating Installation 05, the group was ambushed by  [[Pod infector]]s. While Tartarus and the Jiralhanae guards succeeded in holding off most of the Flood, a single Pod infector managed to climb up along Tartarus' Fist of Rukt and latch onto Mercy's throat. Tartarus attempted to save the frail prophet, but Truth intervened and ordered that Mercy be left for dead. Tartarus reluctantly complied out of respect for Truth and carried on with his mission to activate Halo.{{Ref/Reuse|gravemind}} He chose Miranda Keyes to activate Delta Halo and then told the Jiralhanae under his command to kill the other human prisoners that had been accumulated over the course of the battle.{{Ref/Reuse|journey}}


===Death===
===Death===
While trying to get Commander Miranda Keyes to cooperate in the [[Control Room]] to activate the ring, Tartarus was confronted by the Arbiter and Sergeant Johnson.<ref>'''Halo 2''', level ''[[The Great Journey (Level)|The Great Journey]]''</ref> There was a brief standoff in which the Arbiter asked 343 Guilty Spark about Halo's true purpose. The Monitor explained that the Rings were weapons of last resort built by the Forerunners to destroy potential Flood hosts. Guilty Spark also revealed that the Forerunners, having exhausted all other means of stopping the Flood, activated the Halo Array, destroying themselves along with all sentient life in the galaxy. The truth having been revealed, the Arbiter attempted to convince Tartarus of the Prophets' betrayal.  
[[File:HLC The Great Schism.jpg|thumb|250px|Tartarus duels Thel 'Vadam.]]
While trying to get Commander Miranda Keyes to cooperate in the [[Control Room]] to activate the ring, Tartarus was confronted by the Arbiter and Sergeant Johnson. There was a brief stand-off in which the Arbiter asked 343 Guilty Spark about Halo's true purpose. The monitor explained that the rings were weapons of last resort built by the Forerunners to destroy potential Flood hosts. Guilty Spark also revealed that the Forerunners, having exhausted all other means of stopping the Flood, activated the Halo Array, destroying themselves along with all sentient life in the galaxy. The truth having been revealed, the Arbiter attempted to convince Tartarus of the Prophets' betrayal.{{Ref/Reuse|journey}}
 
Tartarus, however, remained blinded by loyalty to the [[Hierarchs]] and the promise of salvation, as well as his hatred for the Sangheili. He forced Keyes to unify the index with Installation 05's control panel activating the ring. Tartarus declared that the Jiralhanae, not the Sangheili, would be the escorts of the Prophets to the Divine Beyond. It was in this instant that Tartarus demonstrated a key difference between the Jiralhanae and the Sangheili, and one of the main reasons that the Prophet of Truth chose them to replace the Sangheili with the Jiralhanae. Truth knew that the Sangheili were more honorable and intelligent, and thus less easily manipulated. After learning the truth about Halo, Arbiter Thel 'Vadam turned against the Prophets. Tartarus, however, even after being presented with indisputable evidence of the Prophets' falseness, still chose to blindly follow them and activate Halo on their behalf. In the battle that followed, Tartarus used the Fist of Rukt to devastating effect, killing many of the attacking Sangheili. Eventually, the Jiralhanae Chieftain was brought down by the Arbiter after Johnson lowered Tartarus' shields with a [[Type-50 particle beam rifle|beam rifle]].{{Ref/Reuse|journey}}
 
===Legacy===
The unexpected death of Tartarus had a profound effect on his nephew, [[Choros]], who had served the Prophet of Truth alongside his uncle. Choros had also served other San'Shyuum aboard the ''Anodyne Spirit'' for quite some time, but his uncle's death caused him to doubt the promises of these Prophets. Ultimately, he decided to abandon the Covenant before Truth took the [[Portal at Voi|portal]] to [[Installation 00|the Ark]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=Sacrifice|HSoR|Detail= Adjunct - [[Sacrifice]]}}
 
In [[2559#October|October 2559]], [[Atriox]] sought to return to the Milky Way from the Ark using the shards of the [[Menachite Forerunner crystal]] that Tartarus had collected following the [[Massacre at Eridanus Secundus]]. To [[Castor]]'s surprise, [[Blademaster]] [[Inslaan 'Gadogai]] knew about the meeting where Tartarus had given the shards to the Prophet of Truth, but guessed that 'Gadogai had witnessed the meeting in person. Atriox wanted the [[Banished]] forces in the Milky Way to find the [[Menachite portal complex|portal complex]] on [[Reach]] so that a [[slipspace portal]] could be opened between the Ark and Reach. [[Escharum]] stated that while there were many places on Reach where the portal could be, Atriox had also found a record of Tartarus calling it the Portal Under the Mountain, giving the Banished and their allies a place to start looking.{{Ref/Novel|Id=Chapter 3|HSoR|Chapter=3}}
 
==Personality and traits==
[[File:H2A - Tartarus and Brute.jpg|thumb|250px|Tartarus inside a Phantom cockpit.]]
Tartarus was easily recognized by his silver hair and fur, distinctive "mohawk" mane, and his use of the [[Fist of Rukt]] as his primary weapon. He was a powerful and aggressive leader who inspired both fear and respect in his subordinates. His devotion and faithfulness to the [[Covenant religion]] and the [[San'Shyuum]] (most notably the Prophet of Truth) was unwavering, but he nevertheless strongly represented the archetypal attitude of his entire race: rough, arrogant, and disdainful of the [[Sangheili]]. The [[Prophet of Clarity]] noted that he "radiated a sense of his own importance". He not only regarded himself as the chieftain of the entire Jiralhanae race, but as the leader of the entirety of the [[Covenant military]]. Although Tartarus generally disliked most species, he held some respect for the San'Shyuum, particularly the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]]. In fact, Clarity believed that only his belief in the Great Journey prevented Tartarus from using his hammer against other species in the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|bc195}}
 
Tartarus was the nephew of [[Maccabeus]], whom he killed on the bridge of ''[[Rapid Conversion]]'' in order to gain the position of [[Chieftain]] of his entire [[Maccabeus' clan|clan]]. Tartarus was very ambitious and impatient, as he desperately was wanting to set his plan with the Prophet of Truth into fruition.{{Ref/Reuse|bc198}} Like most Jiralhanae, he sought to reach the top of his species' hierarchy, a goal he succeeded in.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}
 
Despite his typically rude attitude, he was always polite and respectful when around the Prophet of Truth.{{Ref/Reuse|bc195}} Tartarus was reluctant to leave the [[Prophet of Mercy]] for dead on [[High Charity]], and only did so at the insistence of Truth.{{Ref/Reuse|gravemind}} Tartarus enjoyed a beverage that Truth reserved for high-ranking Jiralhanae. The drink was a thick, red, noxious liquid that was rumored to be toxic to other species.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 197''</ref> Tartarus took great joy in using the Fist of Rukt, and the war hammer rarely left his side. Using the hammer 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 name="waypointfist">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/fist-of-rukt '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Fist of Rukt'']</ref>
 
==Skills and abilities==
Before he became Chieftain, Tartarus wielded the [[Paegaas Workshop Spiker]] with deadly force, with both its projectiles and fierce blades. Tartarus used an empty Carbine in his battle against his uncle Maccabeus. Eventually, he defeated Maccabeus and gained his new primary weapon, the Fist of Rukt.{{Ref/Reuse|ch347}} He also made use of a variety of "invincibility shield" used by other Jiralhanae Chieftains, although his was longer lasting. In the battle between [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]] during the [[Battle of Installation 05]], only multiple direct hits from a [[Type-50 particle beam rifle|beam rifle]] or [[Type-51 Carbine|Covenant Carbine]] were able to penetrate his powerful shield. The shield quickly recharged, making Tartarus invincible once more. Even without his shield, Tartarus was still able to take enormous amounts of damage and take on disproportionate numbers of his Sangheili foes and kill many before succumbing to his injuries, a trait all [[Jiralhanae]] share.{{Ref/Reuse|journey}}


Tartarus, however, remained blinded by loyalty to the [[Hierarchs]], the promise of salvation, as well as his hatred for the [[Sangheili]].  He forced Keyes to unify the Index with Installation 05's control panel activating the ring. Tartarus declared that the Jiralhanae, not the Sangheili, would be the escorts of the Prophets to the Divine Beyond. It was in this instant that Tartarus demonstrated a key difference between the [[Jiralhanae]] and the [[Sangheili]], and one of the main reasons that the [[Prophet of Truth]] chose them to replace the Sangheili. Truth knew that the Sangheili were more intelligent, and thus less easily manipulated. After learning the truth about Halo, the [[Arbiter]], [[Thel 'Vadam]] turned against the [[San 'Shyuum|Prophets]]. Tartarus, however, even after being presented indisputable evidence of the Prophets' falseness, still chose to blindly follow them and activate Halo on their behalf.  In the battle that followed, Tartarus used the Fist of Rukt to devastating effect, killing many of the attacking Elites.  Eventually, the Brute Chieftain was brought down by the Arbiter after Johnson lowered Tartarus' shields with a Beam Rifle.
Tartarus was able to wield the Fist of Rukt with great strength, effortlessly eliminating foes in a single blow. By the time of the [[Great Schism]], there were few individuals serving the Covenant that did not fear the sight of Tartarus and his hammer. After the hammer was upgraded by the High Prophet of Truth, Tartarus became an expert in operating the Fist of Rukt's newly attached fixed gravity impellors. He learned to not only use them to enhance the damage of the war hammer's attacks, but to also manipulate the gravity fields near and around opponents to his advantage.{{Ref/Reuse|waypointfist}}


==Fist of Rukt==
==Equipment==
{{main|Fist of Rukt}}
The [[Fist of Rukt]] was the personal weapon of Chieftain Tartarus. After he was given the title of [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]], the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] had the hammer modified with Covenant technology. Tartarus later carefully increased the hammer's haft to account for the upgrades added by the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|waypointfist}} A heavily modified war hammer and the precursor to the [[Gravity hammer (fiction)|gravity hammer]], the Fist of Rukt not only served as an excellent melee weapon, but could alter gravity to move objects and living beings around. The hammer was passed down from generations to generations in his family, by killing the current chieftain in a battle. Tartarus claimed ownership over the weapon after killing his own uncle, [[Maccabeus]].{{Ref/Reuse|ch347}} Tartarus wore little armor, aside from a heavy bandolier and a golden shoulder pad on his left arm, which he later attached what appears to be a Sangheili skull.{{Ref/Reuse|journey}}
The Fist of Rukt is the personal weapon of Chieftain Tartarus. It not only serves as an excellent melee weapon, but can alter gravity to move objects and living beings around. It is passed down from generations to generations in his family, by killing the current chieftain in a battle. It is believed to be the first seen and most powerful [[Gravity Hammer]] in existence though this can be disputed. It was not mentioned after Tartarus's death, despite non-canon references by Grunts in ''[[Halo 3]]''.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
{{Linkbox
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|quote=yes}}
|quote=yes
}}
*Tartarus was voiced by [[Kevin Michael Richardson]].
*Tartarus was voiced by [[Kevin Michael Richardson]].
*Tartarus wielded the Fist of Rukt left-handed while in combat, though he carried it right-handed while apperaring before the Hierarchs.
*[[Wikipedia:Tartarus|Tartarus]] is the deepest part of the underworld in [[List of references to Greek mythology in the Halo series|Greek mythology]]. It is a place of torment for the wicked, analogous to the Christian hell. The abyss is guarded by the three-headed "hellhound" known as [[Wikipedia:Cerberus|Cerberus]]. Tartarus knocking the Arbiter into a deep abyss-like shaft may be an allusion to this namesake.
*Tartarus was the name of the deepest part of the underworld or pit in Geae, or Earth in [[List of Greek mythology references in Halo|Greek mythology]], comparable to the Christian Hell, where the worst criminals were sent. This was where Zeus, the king of the gods, imprisoned the Titans. It was very well guarded, having triple walls, a river of flame surrounding it, and the three-headed hellhound Cerberus, ensuring that no sinner would escape.
*It is possible that Tartarus was originally a [[Jiralhanae Captain|captain]], as during the First Battle of Harvest, he wore red armor and served as a security officer. Incidentally, a red armored variation of the Brute captain was cut from ''Halo 3''.
*In ''Halo: Contact Harvest'', Tartarus received Maccabeus' helmet and his golden armor, but in ''Halo 2'', he does not have a helmet or a full set of armor. However, he seems to have kept his left shoulder pauldron, which is visible in-game.
*It is possible that Tartarus upgraded the Fist of Rukt, giving it the ability to alter magnetism and gravity, because it did not have this capability when it belonged to his uncle, Maccabeus. However, it is possible that Maccabeus may not have been aware of this ability or that he decided not to use it, instead relying on primitive Jiralhanae fighting styles.
*Shortly after the outbreak of the Great Schism, Tartarus mounted the upper half of a Sangheili's skull on his shoulder pauldron.
*During the battle with Tartarus, he can sometimes be heard saying ''"Hammer time!"'', a reference to the popular catchphrase of rapper [[Wikipedia:MC Hammer|MC Hammer]].
*During the battle with Tartarus, he can sometimes be heard saying ''"Hammer time!"'', a reference to the popular catchphrase of rapper [[Wikipedia:MC Hammer|MC Hammer]].
 
*In ''Halo Infinite'', a Marine can be heard cracking a joke about Tartarus, “Cry about it to Tartarsauce. Or whatever the hell his name was!”
==List of appearances==
{{Clear}}
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Tartarusfull.png|Tartarus with the Fist of Rukt in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:H2-ChieftainTartarus.png|Tartarus in a variety of "action poses" wielding a Brute Shot.
File:Tartarus hammerhold.JPG|Tartarus forcing Commander Keyes to activate Installation 05.
File:Tartarus hammerhold.JPG|Tartarus forcing Commander Keyes to activate Installation 05.
File:Tartarus.jpg|Tartarus transporting prisoners to Installation 05.
File:Tartarus.jpg|Tartarus transporting prisoners to Installation 05.
File:Tartarusfull.png|Tartarus with the ''[[Fist of Rukt]]''.
File:HaloP_20-_2009.jpg|Tartarus holding 343 Guilty Spark.
File:HaloP_20-_2009.jpg|Tartarus holding 343 Guilty Spark.
File:Tartarus HD.jpg|Tartarus anticipates the Prophets' decision of Thel 'Vadamee's fate.
File:Tartarus HD.jpg|Tartarus anticipates the Prophets' decision of Thel 'Vadamee's fate.
File:1223827446 Tartarus.jpg|A close-up of Tartarus's face.
File:H2 Tartarus face close up.jpg|A close-up of Tartarus' face.
File:Tartarus with his energy shield.jpg|Tartarus' nearly impervious energy shield.
File:H2 Tartarus.png|Tartarus' nearly impervious energy shield.
File:HGN-Concept-Tartarus-Crop.jpg|A piece of artwork from the ''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]'' depicting Tartarus sitting on a throne.
File:H2A-leonid-enin-tartarus.jpg|Concept art of Tartarus for ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:H2A - Tartarus model.jpg|A model of Tartarus for ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2A-Tartaruscloseup.png|A close-up of Tartarus' face in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2A - Tartarus branding.jpg|Tartarus prepares to brand [[Thel 'Vadamee]] with the [[Mark of Shame]].
File:H2A - Tartarus and Spark.jpg|Tartarus captures 343 Guilty Spark at the Gas Mine after the Heretics' demise.
File:H2A - Tartarus capturing Keyes.jpg|Tartarus takes Miranda Keyes prisoner before betraying the Arbiter.
File:HTMCC-H2A Tartarus&FistOfRukt.png|Tartarus wielding the Fist of Rukt.
File:H2A - Reluctant Tartarus.jpg|Tartarus is ordered by Truth to abandon Mercy to his fate just as he attempts to kill the [[Flood]] [[Pod infector|form]].
File:H2A - Tartarus with Keyes and Spark.jpg|Tartarus escorts the imprisoned Keyes into Installation 05's Control Room.
File:Merch-Misc TartarusArt.jpg|Artwork of Tartarus created for merchandise.
</gallery>
</gallery>
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''
**''[[Hunting Party]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Sacrifice]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{Mo}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources|2}}
 
{{Brutes}}


[[Category:Brutes (Characters)]]
[[Category:Jiralhanae characters]]
[[Category:Covenant military personnel]]
[[Category:Covenant politicians]]
[[Category:Bosses]]

Latest revision as of 20:49, November 23, 2024

Tartarus
Tartarus in Halo 2: Anniversary.
Biographical information

Homeworld:

Doisac[1]

Born:

July 8, 2491[1][2]

Died:

November 3, 2552[1] (aged 61)

Cause of death:

Killed in battle by Thel 'Vadam

Personal details

Species:

Jiralhanae[1]

Gender:

Male

Height:

276.7 centimeters (9 ft 0.9 in)[1][2]

Weight:

630.2 kilograms (1,389.3 lb)[1][2]

Hair color:

White, formerly black[3]

Eye color:

Amber[1]

Political and military information

Affiliation:

Title:

Chieftain of the Jiralhanae[1]

 

"The Great Journey has begun, and the Brutes, not the Elites, shall be the Prophets' escort!"
— Tartarus, to the Arbiter[4]

Tartarus was the last appointed Chieftain of the Jiralhanae and military chief to serve in the Covenant. He acted as the Hierarchs' chief enforcer and, more accurately, the High Prophet of Truth's second-in-command. Tartarus was responsible for enforcing Truth's changes to the Covenant which caused the Great Schism, the civil war that led to the dissolution of the Covenant empire. In the final weeks of the Human-Covenant War, Tartarus attempted to activate Installation 05 to begin the Great Journey, but he was ultimately killed by Arbiter Thel 'Vadam with the help of Sergeant Major Avery Johnson.[4]

Biography[edit]

Early military career[edit]

Tartarus started life as the nephew of a venerable and religious pack leader known as Maccabeus on Doisac on July 8, 2491 and was a member of the Rh'tol skein.[5] He took on the childhood nickname of Tartar. Wearing the scarlet armor of a Jiralhanae Captain, the young Tartarus served as the security officer of his uncle's crew of one of the few Jiralhanae-controlled ships in the Covenant, Rapid Conversion.[6] The Sangheili did not approve of a Jiralhanae controlling a ship and had disabled many of its key features such as weaponry, gravity lifts, and other useful mechanics, but Maccabeus' faith in the Great Journey helped him turn a blind eye to this unfair treatment.[7]

Soon the Unggoy Deacon Dadab and his companion Lighter Than Some found themselves on board the Rapid Conversion after escaping the destruction of their ship, the Minor Transgression, a Kig-Yar missionary ship.[8]

First contact on Harvest[edit]

Maccabeus: "Never forget the meaning of this Age, nephew."
Tartarus: "Don't you know, Uncle? This sorry Age has ended."
— Tartarus, right before he kills his uncle[9]
Maccabeus and his pack on Harvest in 2525.
Tartarus (far right) on Harvest, with his pack.

Maccabeus summoned Tartarus at the pair's explosive arrival and would later become a protector of the Engineer when the resentful Yanme'e on board set out to kill it for taking their job: repair and maintenance of the vessel. He journeyed to Harvest during the first contact between the Jiralhanae and the humans, in a staged offer of peace that soon erupted into battle after an Unggoy, Yull, nervously attacked a member of Harvest's Colonial Militia. Tartarus proceeded to kill Yull by throwing him down cascades of water.[10] Later, Tartarus and Vorenus scouted out Harvest's orbiting platform Tiara. The two Jiralhanae remained at the station briefly, long enough to be sure that it was devoid of human life. They left Dadab in charge of sixty Unggoy on the station to protect it from human soldiers.[11]

On February 22, 2525, Tartarus participated in the siege of Gladsheim, serving as a gunner on a Dextro Xur-pattern Spirit. The Spirit was destroyed when several JOTUN cropdusters, controlled by the AI Mack, were launched at the Spirit. Tartarus barely made it out alive, although he did not evacuate until he had tried everything to save the Spirit's pilot and young pack mate of his, Ritul, from the destruction. Ritul burned to death before Tartarus could save him.[12] When Tartarus, the injured Maccabeus, and others returned to the cruiser, they discovered that several Yanme'e that did not participate in the engagement were attempting to kill Lighter Than Some for "stealing" their engineering responsibilities. Vorenus and Tartarus attempted to defend the Huragok from the enraged Yanme'e and were eventually able to subdue them.[13]

Captain Ponder later managed to lure Tartarus, Vorenus, and two other Jiralhanae to the abandoned Utgard Mall using a false Oracle. As Rapid Conversion began to move over Tartarus' position, the colony's mass driver disabled the cruiser after two rounds and it crashed into Utgard. Furious over the trick, Tartarus killed Ponder and ordered Vorenus and the other Jiralhanae to disable the mass driver. Meanwhile, Tartarus returned to Rapid Conversion to confront his uncle.[14] After Tartarus returned to the crippled ship, he confronted Maccabeus about the legitimacy of their search for holy artifacts. Tartarus then challenged his uncle in the ritualistic manner of Jiralhanae to a fight to the death. He made concession to his wounded opponent by allowing Maccabeus to keep his weapon and removing the ammunition from his own. He successfully killed Maccabeus by taking his uncle's weapon, the Fist of Rukt, and smashing his skull. Through this fight, Tartarus began his ascent to the upper echelons of power.[9] Later during the battle on the Tiara above Harvest, Tartarus found Dadab dying from lack of methane. After saving the Unggoy, Tartarus revealed that he suspected him of aiding the humans and that he would allow Dadab to live long enough to explain the extent of his betrayal. Tartarus then killed the wounded Bapap, Dadab's friend.[15] As Tartarus charged into the fray, Dadab came to blame Tartarus for the deaths of his friends and the ongoing violence. As Tartarus battled Avery Johnson and the militia, Dadab came up behind the newly-crowned chieftain and shot him in the chest with an over-charged plasma pistol shot. Collapsing Tartarus' energy shielding, the chieftain killed Dadab and was then forced to flee the firefight.[16] In the following months, Tartarus and the crew managed to repair the Rapid Conversion and began to glass Harvest, eventually reducing the planet's surface to cinder.[17]

Right hand of Truth[edit]

After the battle, Tartarus caught the eye of the High Prophet of Truth, who was attempting to replace the Sangheili with the Jiralhanae.[1] Tartarus continued to gain more authority and soon controlled the majority of his skein.[1] Truth and Tartarus would work together throughout the Human-Covenant War,[1] and the Prophet of Truth eventually crowned Tartarus as the Chieftain of the Jiralhanae, a position that put him in control of all Jiralhanae forces in the entire Covenant military late in the war.[18]

The two continued to scheme, with Truth intending to make Tartarus the commander-in-chief of the entire Covenant military, and arm him and his Jiralhanae to lead a coup against the zealous Sangheili.[5][19] The meetings between Truth and Tartarus were kept a secret from the other Hierarchs, allegedly to prevent "petty jealousies".[20] Meanwhile, Truth accelerated production of Jiralhanae weaponry at Sacred Promissory and placed clans loyal to Tartarus' on valuable resource worlds.[1]

Tartarus and the High Council during the trial of Thel 'Vadamee.

Before the Battle for Earth, the Prophet of Truth had trusted Tartarus enough to dismiss the Sangheili Honor Guardsmen in his presence—that never left the Prophets unprotected—in order to speak to him alone. Tartarus had scoured the wreckage of the Covenant attack coordination station Unyielding Hierophant after its destruction at the hands of the SPARTAN-IIs during Operation: FIRST STRIKE. Tartarus reported the Covenant fleet preparing to attack Earth was largely destroyed, and an artifact of the Forerunners that was able to bend time and disrupt slipstream space was almost entirely lost. The eight squadrons of Covenant pilots sent by Tartarus had managed to recover three small chips of the crystal, (the rest of which were lost in slipspace after Corporal Locklear destroyed it with C-7 foaming explosives) which Tartarus presented to Truth.[21]

He was instructed to reward the surviving pilots well, then execute them all quietly to ensure Truth's plans remained secret from the rest of the Covenant. He was also ordered to bring Supreme Commander Thel 'Vadamee, who was unable to stop the destruction of Installation 04, before the Council to let "his fate match the magnitude of his failure." Tartarus branded the Commander with the Mark of Shame and took him to the Mausoleum of the Arbiter for his execution. When the Sangheili was pardoned and promoted to Arbiter, Tartarus was obviously displeased, but kept silent out of respect for the Prophets.[22] Tartarus provided aerial support for the Arbiter during his mission to assassinate Sesa 'Refumee on Threshold. The Arbiter encountered the Oracle during his duel with 'Refumee, and Tartarus quickly captured it and returned back to High Charity.[23]

On November 2, 2552, shortly after the assassination of the High Prophet of Regret, Tartarus and the Prophet of Exquisite Devotion met with the Prophet of Truth in the Palace of the Hierarchs. Truth informed Tartarus that their plans to rid the Covenant of the Sangheili would soon be set in motion, as the Jiralhanae had already replaced most of the Sangheili forces on Earth.[24]

The Sacred Icon[edit]

"A bloody fate awaits you and the rest of your incompetent race. And I, Tartarus, Chieftain of the Brutes will send you to it!"
— Tartarus, to Arbiter Thel 'Vadamee[25]
Tartarus and the Honor Guardsmen engage a Flood swarm.

Using information gained from the Oracle, the Prophets of Truth and Mercy sent the Arbiter and Tartarus on a mission to obtain the Sacred Icon on Installation 05. After dropping off the Arbiter in a Phantom, Tartarus had the dropship engage an Enforcer before it could kill the Arbiter. After the Arbiter disabled the containment shield, Tartarus arrived to pick him up in the Phantom, but was attacked by another Enforcer.[26] Later, while the Arbiter rode an anti-gravity gondola to reach the Library, Tartarus provided him air support against the attacking Flood. He also engaged the gondola that was ridden by the UNSC forces. When Tartarus entered the Library, he witnessed Commander Miranda Keyes engaged in a firefight with the Arbiter. Using the Fist of Rukt, he captured Keyes and took the index for himself. Tartarus and his Jiralhanae surrounded the wounded Arbiter, and the chieftain revealed that the Hierarchs had ordered him to betray and kill the Sangheili. Shocked at the revelation, the Arbiter was seemingly killed when Tartarus blasted him into an abyss. Tartarus then took Keyes and SgtMaj. Avery Johnson—as a Reclaimer was required to activate Delta Halo—and returned to High Charity.[25] At the same time, Tartarus' second-in-command, Melchus led the massacre on the Sangheili High Councilors.[27] Tartarus later commanded Covenant forces as the Great Schism broke out in High Charity when Sangheili warriors battled Covenant forces, while John-117 attempted to assassinate the remainder of the Covenant leadership.[28]

As the Flood began to infest the holy city, Tartarus and a group of Jiralhanae Honor Guardsmen escorted the High Prophets of Truth and Mercy to evacuation Phantoms, with Miranda and Johnson in tow. Tartarus ordered the humans to be split up into two different dropships. As Truth tasked Tartarus with activating Installation 05, the group was ambushed by Pod infectors. While Tartarus and the Jiralhanae guards succeeded in holding off most of the Flood, a single Pod infector managed to climb up along Tartarus' Fist of Rukt and latch onto Mercy's throat. Tartarus attempted to save the frail prophet, but Truth intervened and ordered that Mercy be left for dead. Tartarus reluctantly complied out of respect for Truth and carried on with his mission to activate Halo.[28] He chose Miranda Keyes to activate Delta Halo and then told the Jiralhanae under his command to kill the other human prisoners that had been accumulated over the course of the battle.[4]

Death[edit]

Tartarus duels Thel 'Vadam.

While trying to get Commander Miranda Keyes to cooperate in the Control Room to activate the ring, Tartarus was confronted by the Arbiter and Sergeant Johnson. There was a brief stand-off in which the Arbiter asked 343 Guilty Spark about Halo's true purpose. The monitor explained that the rings were weapons of last resort built by the Forerunners to destroy potential Flood hosts. Guilty Spark also revealed that the Forerunners, having exhausted all other means of stopping the Flood, activated the Halo Array, destroying themselves along with all sentient life in the galaxy. The truth having been revealed, the Arbiter attempted to convince Tartarus of the Prophets' betrayal.[4]

Tartarus, however, remained blinded by loyalty to the Hierarchs and the promise of salvation, as well as his hatred for the Sangheili. He forced Keyes to unify the index with Installation 05's control panel activating the ring. Tartarus declared that the Jiralhanae, not the Sangheili, would be the escorts of the Prophets to the Divine Beyond. It was in this instant that Tartarus demonstrated a key difference between the Jiralhanae and the Sangheili, and one of the main reasons that the Prophet of Truth chose them to replace the Sangheili with the Jiralhanae. Truth knew that the Sangheili were more honorable and intelligent, and thus less easily manipulated. After learning the truth about Halo, Arbiter Thel 'Vadam turned against the Prophets. Tartarus, however, even after being presented with indisputable evidence of the Prophets' falseness, still chose to blindly follow them and activate Halo on their behalf. In the battle that followed, Tartarus used the Fist of Rukt to devastating effect, killing many of the attacking Sangheili. Eventually, the Jiralhanae Chieftain was brought down by the Arbiter after Johnson lowered Tartarus' shields with a beam rifle.[4]

Legacy[edit]

The unexpected death of Tartarus had a profound effect on his nephew, Choros, who had served the Prophet of Truth alongside his uncle. Choros had also served other San'Shyuum aboard the Anodyne Spirit for quite some time, but his uncle's death caused him to doubt the promises of these Prophets. Ultimately, he decided to abandon the Covenant before Truth took the portal to the Ark.[29]

In October 2559, Atriox sought to return to the Milky Way from the Ark using the shards of the Menachite Forerunner crystal that Tartarus had collected following the Massacre at Eridanus Secundus. To Castor's surprise, Blademaster Inslaan 'Gadogai knew about the meeting where Tartarus had given the shards to the Prophet of Truth, but guessed that 'Gadogai had witnessed the meeting in person. Atriox wanted the Banished forces in the Milky Way to find the portal complex on Reach so that a slipspace portal could be opened between the Ark and Reach. Escharum stated that while there were many places on Reach where the portal could be, Atriox had also found a record of Tartarus calling it the Portal Under the Mountain, giving the Banished and their allies a place to start looking.[30]

Personality and traits[edit]

Tartarus inside a Phantom cockpit.

Tartarus was easily recognized by his silver hair and fur, distinctive "mohawk" mane, and his use of the Fist of Rukt as his primary weapon. He was a powerful and aggressive leader who inspired both fear and respect in his subordinates. His devotion and faithfulness to the Covenant religion and the San'Shyuum (most notably the Prophet of Truth) was unwavering, but he nevertheless strongly represented the archetypal attitude of his entire race: rough, arrogant, and disdainful of the Sangheili. The Prophet of Clarity noted that he "radiated a sense of his own importance". He not only regarded himself as the chieftain of the entire Jiralhanae race, but as the leader of the entirety of the Covenant military. Although Tartarus generally disliked most species, he held some respect for the San'Shyuum, particularly the High Prophet of Truth. In fact, Clarity believed that only his belief in the Great Journey prevented Tartarus from using his hammer against other species in the Covenant.[20]

Tartarus was the nephew of Maccabeus, whom he killed on the bridge of Rapid Conversion in order to gain the position of Chieftain of his entire clan. Tartarus was very ambitious and impatient, as he desperately was wanting to set his plan with the Prophet of Truth into fruition.[24] Like most Jiralhanae, he sought to reach the top of his species' hierarchy, a goal he succeeded in.[5]

Despite his typically rude attitude, he was always polite and respectful when around the Prophet of Truth.[20] Tartarus was reluctant to leave the Prophet of Mercy for dead on High Charity, and only did so at the insistence of Truth.[28] Tartarus enjoyed a beverage that Truth reserved for high-ranking Jiralhanae. The drink was a thick, red, noxious liquid that was rumored to be toxic to other species.[31] Tartarus took great joy in using the Fist of Rukt, and the war hammer rarely left his side. Using the hammer 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.[32]

Skills and abilities[edit]

Before he became Chieftain, Tartarus wielded the Paegaas Workshop Spiker with deadly force, with both its projectiles and fierce blades. Tartarus used an empty Carbine in his battle against his uncle Maccabeus. Eventually, he defeated Maccabeus and gained his new primary weapon, the Fist of Rukt.[9] He also made use of a variety of "invincibility shield" used by other Jiralhanae Chieftains, although his was longer lasting. In the battle between Arbiter Thel 'Vadam during the Battle of Installation 05, only multiple direct hits from a beam rifle or Covenant Carbine were able to penetrate his powerful shield. The shield quickly recharged, making Tartarus invincible once more. Even without his shield, Tartarus was still able to take enormous amounts of damage and take on disproportionate numbers of his Sangheili foes and kill many before succumbing to his injuries, a trait all Jiralhanae share.[4]

Tartarus was able to wield the Fist of Rukt with great strength, effortlessly eliminating foes in a single blow. By the time of the Great Schism, there were few individuals serving the Covenant that did not fear the sight of Tartarus and his hammer. After the hammer was upgraded by the High Prophet of Truth, Tartarus became an expert in operating the Fist of Rukt's newly attached fixed gravity impellors. He learned to not only use them to enhance the damage of the war hammer's attacks, but to also manipulate the gravity fields near and around opponents to his advantage.[32]

Equipment[edit]

The Fist of Rukt was the personal weapon of Chieftain Tartarus. After he was given the title of Chieftain of the Jiralhanae, the High Prophet of Truth had the hammer modified with Covenant technology. Tartarus later carefully increased the hammer's haft to account for the upgrades added by the Covenant.[32] A heavily modified war hammer and the precursor to the gravity hammer, the Fist of Rukt not only served as an excellent melee weapon, but could alter gravity to move objects and living beings around. The hammer was passed down from generations to generations in his family, by killing the current chieftain in a battle. Tartarus claimed ownership over the weapon after killing his own uncle, Maccabeus.[9] Tartarus wore little armor, aside from a heavy bandolier and a golden shoulder pad on his left arm, which he later attached what appears to be a Sangheili skull.[4]

Trivia[edit]

Graphic Halo.png Check out our collection of quotes related to Tartarus on its quotes page.
Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • Tartarus was voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson.
  • Tartarus is the deepest part of the underworld in Greek mythology. It is a place of torment for the wicked, analogous to the Christian hell. The abyss is guarded by the three-headed "hellhound" known as Cerberus. Tartarus knocking the Arbiter into a deep abyss-like shaft may be an allusion to this namesake.
  • During the battle with Tartarus, he can sometimes be heard saying "Hammer time!", a reference to the popular catchphrase of rapper MC Hammer.
  • In Halo Infinite, a Marine can be heard cracking a joke about Tartarus, “Cry about it to Tartarsauce. Or whatever the hell his name was!”

Gallery[edit]

  • Tartarus with the Fist of Rukt in Halo 2.

    Tartarus with the Fist of Rukt in Halo 2.

  • Tartarus in a variety of "action poses" wielding a Brute Shot.

    Tartarus in a variety of "action poses" wielding a Brute Shot.

  • Tartarus forcing Commander Keyes to activate Installation 05.

    Tartarus forcing Commander Keyes to activate Installation 05.

  • Tartarus transporting prisoners to Installation 05.

    Tartarus transporting prisoners to Installation 05.

  • Tartarus holding 343 Guilty Spark.

    Tartarus holding 343 Guilty Spark.

  • Tartarus anticipates the Prophets' decision of Thel 'Vadamee's fate.

    Tartarus anticipates the Prophets' decision of Thel 'Vadamee's fate.

  • A close-up of Tartarus' face.

    A close-up of Tartarus' face.

  • Tartarus' nearly impervious energy shield.

    Tartarus' nearly impervious energy shield.

  • A piece of artwork from the Halo Graphic Novel depicting Tartarus sitting on a throne.

    A piece of artwork from the Halo Graphic Novel depicting Tartarus sitting on a throne.

  • Concept art of Tartarus for Halo 2: Anniversary.

    Concept art of Tartarus for Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • A model of Tartarus for Halo 2: Anniversary.

    A model of Tartarus for Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • A close-up of Tartarus' face in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    A close-up of Tartarus' face in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • Tartarus prepares to brand Thel 'Vadamee with the Mark of Shame.

    Tartarus prepares to brand Thel 'Vadamee with the Mark of Shame.

  • Tartarus captures 343 Guilty Spark at the Gas Mine after the Heretics' demise.

    Tartarus captures 343 Guilty Spark at the Gas Mine after the Heretics' demise.

  • Tartarus takes Miranda Keyes prisoner before betraying the Arbiter.

    Tartarus takes Miranda Keyes prisoner before betraying the Arbiter.

  • Tartarus wielding the Fist of Rukt.

    Tartarus wielding the Fist of Rukt.

  • Tartarus is ordered by Truth to abandon Mercy to his fate just as he attempts to kill the Flood form.

    Tartarus is ordered by Truth to abandon Mercy to his fate just as he attempts to kill the Flood form.

  • Tartarus escorts the imprisoned Keyes into Installation 05's Control Room.

    Tartarus escorts the imprisoned Keyes into Installation 05's Control Room.

  • Artwork of Tartarus created for merchandise.

    Artwork of Tartarus created for merchandise.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Halo Waypoint: Tartarus
  2. ^ a b c Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 194
  3. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 225
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Halo 2, campaign level, The Great Journey
  5. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint: Jiralhanae
  6. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 224
  7. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 194
  8. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 134
  9. ^ a b c d Halo: Contact Harvest, pages 345-347
  10. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 213
  11. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 303
  12. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 312
  13. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 313
  14. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, pages 335-336
  15. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 365
  16. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, pages 371-373
  17. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 382
  18. ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 221; page 196 (Google Play edition)
  19. ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 209
  20. ^ a b c Halo: Broken Circle, pages 195-196
  21. ^ Halo: First Strike, pages 406-408
  22. ^ Halo 2, campaign level, The Heretic
  23. ^ Halo 2, campaign level, The Oracle
  24. ^ a b Halo: Broken Circle, pages 198-202
  25. ^ a b Halo 2, campaign level, Quarantine Zone
  26. ^ Halo 2, campaign level, Sacred Icon
  27. ^ Halo: Broken Circle, pages 219-222
  28. ^ a b c Halo 2, campaign level, Gravemind
  29. ^ Halo: Shadows of Reach: Adjunct - Sacrifice
  30. ^ Halo: Shadows of Reach, chapter 3
  31. ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 197
  32. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint: Fist of Rukt
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