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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|H1|H2|H3|HW|FOR|TF|FS|GOO|CH|HGN|UP}}
{{New content}}
{{Covenant Species Infobox
{{Center|For the Lekgolo colony commonly known as the Hunter, see [[Mgalekgolo]].}}
|name=Lekgolo (Latin ''Ophis congregatio'')
{{Species infobox
|name=Lekgolo
|image=[[File:H2A Terminals - Pile o' Worms.jpg|300px]]
|latin=
|classification=
|subspecies=
|diet=
|height-title=Avg. length
|height=134–155 cm (52.8–61 in)<ref name="waypointarticle">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/lekgolo-mgalekgolo-hunter '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Lekgolo/Mgalekgolo'']</ref>
|weight=5.6-30.7 kg (12.4-67.7 lbs){{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}}
|distinctions=Small worm-like creatures that unify into single entities called "subsistence gestalts"
|lifespan=
|homeworld=[[Te]]
|homeworld=[[Te]]
|height=1.4 meters (4.6 feet) in length
|techlevel=Native Tier 3/Adopted Tier 2{{Ref/Reuse|bestiarum}}
|weight=22.6 kg (49.8 pounds)
|notable-person=
|skincolor=Orange-red
|distinctions=Small eel-like creatures that unify into single entities, such as [[Mgalekgolo]]
|affiliation=[[Covenant]], [[Covenant Separatists|Separatists]], [[Covenant Loyalists|Loyalists]], [[Te]]
|notable=Lekgolo composed colonies: [[Ogada Nosa Fasu]] and [[Igido Nosa Hurru]]
|othernames=
|othernames=
|languages=
}}
}}


=== Summary ===
The '''Lekgolo'''<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 190'' - "Lekgolo: the Elite name for the Hunter race".</ref> are a species of small colonial worm-like creatures that can join together to form purpose specific assemblages, known as subsistence gestalts. Each Lekgolo is an individual organism, about 1.4 meters long, with its own central nervous system. Lekgolo are also able to arrange themselves within machinery and use their combined intelligence to pilot or control it.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=13160 Bungie Weekly Update 01/11/08]</ref>


The '''Lekgolo'''<ref>''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'', page 190 - "Lekgolo: the Elite name for the Hunter race".</ref> (Latin ''Ophis congregatio''<ref name="bestiarum"/>) are a species of small colonial worm-like creatures that can join together to form purpose specific assemblages, such as [[Mgalekgolo]].
One of the most successful and culturally enigmatic gestalt intelligences in the [[Orion Arm]] of the [[Milky Way]] galaxy,{{Ref/Reuse|bestiarum}} the Lekgolo became the first species to be annexed into the [[Covenant]] in [[784 BCE]].{{Ref/Reuse|ENC 114}}


Mgalekgolo are commonly referred to by [[Humans]] as [[Mgalekgolo|Hunters]]. The cores of [[Scarab]]s are also seemingly made up of Lekgolo worms.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=13160 Bungie Weekly Update 01/11/08].</ref>
==History==
The Lekgolo first evolved on one of the moons of the gas giant, [[Te]], and thrived by feeding off the rich metal deposits in its crust. The [[Forerunner]]s cataloged the Lekgolo in their time, albeit in considerably different assemblages than the ones that would be encountered later on.<ref name="bestiarum">'''[[Bestiarum]]'''</ref> Lekgolo specimens of the [[Thanolekgolo]] configuration were to be used in a failed plan undertaken by the Forerunners to defeat the [[Flood]].<ref name="Have S'moa">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-have-s-moa '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder: 2-20-15'']</ref> A number of these specimens were ultimately buried under the surface of [[Installation 04]] by the Forerunners for unknown reasons.<ref name="recon">'''[[Halo: Nightfall: RECON-14]]'''</ref> They survived the firing of the Array and continued to reproduce and exist as a population for many thousands of years.


Every worm-like creature is an individual eel about 1.4 meters long, with its own neural central system. It is speculated that the Lekgolo's neural system can operate a small distance outside of its own body, explaining how the [[Mgalekgolo]] are a collective being.{{fact}}
Since their combined forms could potentially be highly intelligent, the Lekgolo were able to develop [[Technological Achievement Tiers|Tier 3]] technology on their own, though their space travel capabilities remained highly limited due to the high gravity of their homeworld.{{Ref/Reuse|bestiarum}} At some point following the firing of the Halo Array and their [[Conservation Measure|reintroduction]] to the moons of [[Te]], a number of Lekgolo colonies settled in Forerunner installations orbiting the gas giant. These colonies developed distinct appetites; while many consumed the Forerunner structures themselves for food, others ate anything except Forerunner materials. After several millennia, the Forerunner constructs were almost completely broken down, with the debris forming rings in the planet's orbit.<ref name="ch">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 269-271''</ref>


These worms isolated [[Mendicant Bias]] from the rest of the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] when it unsuccessfully attempted to escape from [[High Charity]].
===Contact with the Covenant===
{{Main|Taming of the Lekgolo}}
{{Quote|Our first encounter with the Lekgolo was an effort in futility. The blasphemous creatures had devoured a Forerunner orbital, shattering its remains into a trillion pieces.|[[Unidentified San'Shyuum scribe|A San'Shyuum Covenant scribe recalls the Taming of the Lekgolo]].}}
The Lekgolo first came into contact with the [[Covenant]] when the alien order arrived at [[Te]] in search of Forerunner artifacts in [[789 BCE]].{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}} It discovered that the rings of Te were in fact the remains of a Forerunner orbital construct and soon realized the Lekgolo were responsible for destroying it. The [[San'Shyuum]] viewed this as heresy, and declared war on the Lekgolo in what would later be called the [[Taming of the Lekgolo]].{{Ref/Reuse|ch}} [[Covenant fleet]] commanders soon found that indiscriminate destruction would have unacceptable consequences: since the Lekgolo largely lived in and among sacred relics that the Sangheili were trying to preserve, simply annihilating the Lekgolo would have resulted in the destruction of those relics.{{Ref/Reuse|ch}}


The only time that individual Lekgolo can be seen in the Halo games is in ''[[Halo 3]]''. If you shoot at a dead hunter's body, small eel-like creatures will fly out of the corpse, but will disappear after a few seconds.
Likewise, carrying out a ground campaign against the Lekgolo proved difficult, as the Lekgolo were able to combine into powerful collectives, most notably the [[Mgalekgolo]];{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}} consequently, the Lekgolo won most, if not all, ground engagements.{{Ref/Reuse|bestiarum}} The Covenant's forces were completely overwhelmed by the sheer size, ferocity and teamwork of their foes.{{Ref/Reuse|ch}} As a result, [[Jeht 'Lcmutee]], the [[Arbiter]] who was created during this crisis, suggested that they could be "tamed" and put to better uses as part of the Covenant. The San'Shyuum eventually agreed and decided to forge a pact with the Lekgolo, allowing them to join the Covenant despite their offenses against "sacred" Forerunner artifacts.{{Ref/Reuse|bestiarum}}{{Ref/Reuse|ch}}
''See [[Mgalekgolo]] for more information on Lekgolo assemblages.''


===History===
===Service in the Covenant===
Despite initial difficulties at contact due to the Lekgolo's alien methods of communication,{{Ref/Reuse|bestiarum}} the Covenant incorporated the Lekgolo into their ranks in [[784 BCE]].<ref name="ENC 114">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 114''</ref> The Mgalekgolo gestalts, armed with thick armor plates and [[assault cannon]]s, would come to serve the Covenant as shock troops. Even larger Lekgolo colony assemblages were weaponized as Covenant assault platforms, [[Deutoros-pattern Scarab|Scarab]] and the [[Za'zayara-pattern Harvester|Harvester]], the latter of which is operated by a meta-colony referred to as a [[Sbaolekgolo]].<ref>'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]'''</ref> Individual Lekgolo worms, specifically conditioned not to ingest Forerunner alloys, were employed by the [[Asceticism|ascetic priests]] studying the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] in ''[[High Charity]]''.{{Ref/Reuse|ch}} A number of these Lekgolo stopped [[Mendicant Bias]] from taking off in the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] by short circuiting the ship's systems, themselves dying in the process.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 276''</ref>


The Lekgolo evolved on their homeworld of [[Te]] and fed by burrowing through the ground of their planet. They came into contact with the [[Covenant]] when the alien collective landed in search of [[Forerunner]] artifacts.  
===Post-Covenant===
During the [[Great Schism]], the species was divided between those that remained loyal to the Covenant, led by the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]], and those that supported and sided with the [[Sangheili]] at the time. During the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|further conflicts]] in the wake of the [[Human-Covenant War]], the Lekgolo largely stayed with the Sangheili they had served prior to the Great Schism. A number of these colonies would side with the [[Swords of Sanghelios]], and many would end up fighting alongside the UNSC on occasion.<ref>'''[[Halo: New Blood]]''', ''Chapter 16''</ref> However, many would fight on behalf of other [[Covenant remnants]], including [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|new Covenant]], [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group]], and the [[Banished]].{{Ref/Game|H4}}


They found only the remains of a space station which had once contained many artifacts, but was now bare due to the actions of the worms, which had broken down and eaten the devices. The [[Prophets]] viewed this as heresy, and declared war on the Lekgolo in what would later be called the [[Taming of the Hunters]].
After the destruction of [[Installation 04]], feral [[Thanolekgolo]] swarms that had been sealed beneath the ring's surface by the Forerunners were able to break free in certain sections of the ring, namely [[Alpha Shard]], a fragment propelled through slipspace into a close orbit around a red giant. Because of their extremophilic nature and ability to burrow underground, the Lekgolo were able to survive on the fragment for years despite the extreme daytime temperatures.{{Ref/Reuse|recon}} These Lekgolo were highly aggressive, and significantly faster and more agile than their more commonly-encountered brethren.<ref name="hnf2">'''Halo: Nightfall''', ''Chapter 2''</ref> During a joint [[ONI]]-[[Sedran Colonial Guard]] [[Mission to Alpha Shard|expedition to Alpha Shard]], these Lekgolo swarms hunted and consumed almost the entire group, leaving only two survivors. They were killed when Colonel [[Randall Aiken]] detonated a [[HAVOK tactical nuclear weapon]] to destroy the shard's deposits of a new element fatal to humans.{{Ref/Reuse|hnf2}}


With the aid of an [[Arbiter]], the [[Covenant]] were victorious and absorbed the defeated worms into their ranks. Groups of the aliens were given thick armor plates and [[Fuel Rod Cannons]] to help them serve the Covenant as [[Mgalekgolo]]. With the [[Covenant Civil War]], the species was divided into those that supported the [[Covenant Loyalists]] and the [[Covenant Separatists]].
==Biology==
===Anatomy and physiology===
[[File:Halo Nightfall Lekgolo swarm.jpg|thumb|250px|A swarm of Lekgolo overwhelming a [[D81-LRT Condor]].]]
The Lekgolo are characterized by their ability to form bonds with one another both physically and neurologically to form gestalt colonies with a singular personality; these communities, rather than individual Lekgolo eels, are considered the closest thing to a sapient Lekgolo "individual" that can be named.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 267''</ref> Lekgolo are relatively unintelligent at the most basic level, but can form complex thoughts and emerge as a conscious individual when they combine into larger masses that communicate through chemical and electrical means. A colony's level of intelligence is generally dependent on the amount of neural mass present,{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}} and can be scaled upward to a certain extent for increased intelligence. The neural net that Lekgolo colonies develop enables them to be incredibly strong and very sensitive to their surroundings.{{Ref/Reuse|bestiarum}} These gestalts are capable of manifesting in several different forms according to what goal they are striving to achieve and the amount of Lekgolo worms that are present. The Covenant was aware of six different forms of Lekgolo colonies: [[Dipholekgolo]], [[Mgalekgolo]], [[Rhulolekgolo]], [[Sbaolekgolo]], [[Khantolekgolo]], and [[Thanolekgolo]]. Each of these gestalts differs in size, mass, and complexity.{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}} Because of the nature of the Lekgolo's compound intelligence and consciousness, they cannot be easily assimilated by the [[Flood]], for while each individual worm may have its own central nervous system, the subsistence gestalts do not, and co-opted worms were never able to be used by the Flood to form the gestalts they would otherwise have. The Flood can still certainly use Lekgolo for their biomass, however.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''', ''Wages of Sin'': ''page 301''</ref>


The species' fate after the events of ''[[Halo 3]]'' is unknown, although it is assumed that [[Te]] was not affected by the war.
The Lekgolo are [[xenobiology|xenobiologically]] classified as a "subsistence gestalt", defined as an alien gestalt community with the ability to survive in extreme conditions, including the vacuum of space, for months or even years with barely any to no outside resources. As such, they were able to survive in Te's orbital rings for vast periods of time.{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}} However, Lekgolo are still unable to withstand rapid depressurization.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 218''</ref> Lekgolo [[blood]] is a luminescent orange and smells like burnt plastic.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 221''</ref> This may be a result of a large iron content, seeing as metals are a fundamental part of Lekgolo diets.
 
===Reproduction and life cycle===
Subsistence gestalts arise from the aggregation of many individual Lekgolo. Distinct Mgalekgolo specifically form from a single large colony splitting in two, with their dorsal spikes containing the remnants of the last connections between the two parts of the colony.
It takes 1 to 2 weeks for the Lekgolo to reproduce offspring.
 
==Culture==
[[File:Hunter 3.jpg|thumb|250px|A Mgalekgolo fighting in a Forerunner structure on [[Installation 00]].]]
Little information exists on the internal workings of Lekgolo society, and their political and intellectual structures have been subject to many theories.{{Ref/Reuse|bestiarum}} Most of the information on the Lekgolo is based solely on the Mgalekgolo, which provides only a small hint at the species in its entirety.{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}} The Lekgolo almost never associate or even communicate with the other races in the [[Covenant]]. Sangheili are the sole exception; the Mgalekgolo appreciate and acknowledge the Sangheili warriors' thoughts and adeptness in combat. To the other races of the Covenant, however, the Mgalekgolo are dismissive, scornful, and arrogant, and they are utterly contemptuous of their foes.{{Ref/Reuse|CovenantPrimer}} Mgalekgolo have no qualms about committing friendly fire against the "lesser" races, like [[Unggoy]] and [[Kig-Yar]]; during the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]], a Hunter was seen running over and killing an unaware Kig-Yar.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 222''</ref> In battle, Mgalekgolo will attack foes regardless of any allies that happen to be in their line of fire.<ref name="ODST">'''Halo 3: ODST'''</ref>
 
Many members of the Covenant are mystified and confused by the Lekgolo; their way of life is almost as alien to the Covenant as that of the [[Flood]]. A Sangheili [[Fleet Master]] once noted that Mgalekgolo were known to tear opponents apart with their "bare hands" whilst in a blood frenzy, and then suddenly pause to recite war poetry. It has also been said that Mgalekgolo meditate in their spare time, or before battle.{{Ref/Reuse|p190+1}}
 
===Role within the Covenant===
The most commonly seen variety of Lekgolo are the [[Mgalekgolo]], hulking bipedal forms used for service within the Covenant military.{{Ref/Reuse|bestiarum}} In this form, they are the strongest and most resilient combatants in the Covenant.<ref>'''Halo 3 Instruction Manual'''</ref> Much larger bipedal Lekgolo assemblages that could easily be measured in stories have also been observed, but they are uncommon within the Covenant; the largest known Lekgolo forms reside within the armored shells of Covenant [[Scarab]] and [[Za'zayara-pattern Harvester|Harvester]] walkers, the latter being known as a [[Sbaolekgolo]].<ref>'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 130''</ref> The so-called "[[Slugmen]]" were a "pruned" form of Lekgolo gestalt used by the Covenant as scout-[[sniper]]s in a similar capacity to the [[Kig-Yar]]. However, they were exceptionally rarely encountered within the empire even at its height, and most information about the Slugmen has since been lost with the [[Fall of High Charity]].{{Ref/Site|Id=CFDigsite|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-digsite-dissection|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Digsite Dissection|D=28|M=07|Y=2023}}
 
The Lekgolo were the most plentiful members of the Covenant, numbering in the trillions.{{Ref/Reuse|bestiarum}}
 
===Religion and spirituality===
Lekgolo religious beliefs are poorly understood, though it has been noted that their society in itself has little need for religion.{{Ref/Reuse|bestiarum}} While the Lekgolo joined the Covenant for its access to space trade routes and starships,{{Ref/Reuse|bestiarum}} rather than any real dedication to the [[Covenant religion|Great Journey]], at least some hold a concept of an afterlife.<ref name="Halo: The Flood">'''Halo: The Flood''', ''"Chapter ??"'', ''page ??''</ref> Many Lekgolo colonies meditate in their spare time, or recite war poetry before or after battle, showing a more refined nature than would be believed of the hulking, savage warriors.{{Ref/Reuse|p190+1}} Mgalekgolo have also shown to possess a concept of honor.{{Ref/Reuse|Halo: The Flood}} The fact that some Mgalekgolo allied themselves with the Sangheili during the Great Schism, while others remained with the original Covenant body,<ref name="Halo 3">'''Halo 3'''</ref> is evidence that individual beliefs play a major part in whatever religion or philosophy the Lekgolo possess. Anything further than this is speculation, as Lekgolo culture is extremely reclusive. Even their fellow Covenant know little about them other than that they continue to follow their own cultural traditions, rather than the homogenized religion of the wider Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|bestiarum}}<ref name="CovenantPrimer">[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=697 '''Bungie.net''': ''The Covenant Primer'']</ref>
 
===Languages===
Little is known about the Lekgolo language. The known names of some Mgalekgolo seem to imply that they use very simple vowels, and few consonants—not nearly as many as are contained in the [[English]] alphabet. It is known that Mgalekgolo do not use vocal chords to speak; they are, however, capable of mimicking the language of other species via subsonic vibrations of the Lekgolo in their bodies, forming words and sentences that are "felt rather than heard".<ref name="p190+1">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 190-191''</ref><ref name="field guide">[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/odst/guide.aspx '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo 3: ODST'' Field Guide]</ref> Their quiet nature amongst other races of the Covenant results either from difficulty speaking with other Covenant races or difficulty tolerating other Covenant races.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 277''</ref> For inter-species communications, Mgalekgolo are capable of speaking at least the Sangheili language,<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 198''</ref> and are not known to interact with any other sapient species. Individual Lekgolo also occasionally make vaguely insectile clicking and chittering noises.{{Ref/Reuse|hnf2}}
 
Mgalekgolo tend to make very deep, low rumbling noises when detecting enemies or when wounded. When dying, they occasionally emit a low-pitched scream. They also seem to chuckle after a kill. When angered, Mgalekgolo are also capable of releasing a loud, echoing roar.<ref>'''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''', ''Part 5''</ref> Aside from that, Mgalekgolo barely talk.
 
===Naming conventions===
{{Expand-section}}
 
==Homeworld==
{{Main|Te}}
Lekgolo originated from the rings of Te which formed after the worms demolished a Forerunner orbital. The rings and the planet's moons were home to approximately 1.98 trillion Lekgolo worms. Te is orbited by 25 moons, including [[Rantu]] and [[Uhtua]]. The planet has a high gravity and an atmosphere primarily composed of [[Wikipedia:Nitrogen|nitrogen]], [[helium]], and [[methane]].
 
==Technology==
{{Expand-section}}


== Trivia ==
== Trivia ==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
*"Lekgolo" is [[wikipedia:Tswana language|Tswana]] for "one hundred", probably a reference to their hive-like physiology.
*"Lekgolo" is [[wikipedia:Tswana language|Tswana]] for "one hundred", probably a reference to their hive-like physiology.
*Lekgolo blood is a glowing orange, and supposedly smells like burnt plastic.<ref>''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'', page 221</ref>
*The Lekgolo share many similarities with the alien species known as "Brothers" from the 1992 novel ''[[Wikipedia:Anvil of Stars|Anvil of Stars]]'' by [[Greg Bear]], who coincidentally later wrote the ''[[Forerunner Saga]]''. Both are eel-like creatures which are non-sapient by themselves, but can join together to form intelligent gestalt assemblages with their own individual identities.
*''Ophis'' means snake. ''Congregatio'' means assembly, society, union. Translated it means "assembly of snakes", no doubt alluding to their physical structure.
*A species of caterpillar native to the Amazon rainforest exhibits behavior considerably similar to the Lekgolo. They gather into large gestalt formations which act and move in perfect unison for increased speed and efficiency.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbFMkXTMucA '''YouTube''': ''A STRANGE but GENIUS Caterpillar Speed Trick - Smarter Every Day 93'']</ref>
*Lekgolo stopped [[032 Mendicant Bias|Mendicant Bias]] from taking off in the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] by short circuiting the ship's systems.
*In ''Halo 3'', Scarabs are controlled by the Lekgolo, proven by the fact that they appear around the reactor of the [[vehicle]]. They also make up the joints of the legs of the Scarab.
*In ''[[Halo 3]]'', a [[Scarab]] could be possibly made up of Lekgolo as they appear throughout the [[vehicle]].
*Upon shooting a Hunter in ''Halo 3'', a Lekgolo worm will fly out of the main colony, wriggle, squirm, and then disappear, as if it is going underground; the Lekgolo probably vanish due to technical reasons in order to avoid framerate problems.
*You can see a Lekgolo worm by shooting a dead hunter's body in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
*On the ''Halo 3'' multiplayer map [[Assembly]], an "aquarium" filled with Lekgolo waiting to be integrated into a Scarab can be seen.
*The Lekgolo are the most plentiful members of the [[Covenant]], around the trillions in number.
*When you shoot a worm out of a [[Hunter]] in ''[[Halo 3]]'', it will wiggle, squirm, and then disappear.
*The word '[[Lekgolo]]' has 7 letters in it, yet another reference to [[Bungie]]'s favorite number.
 
== See Also ==


*[[Hunter]]
==Gallery==
*[[Taming of the Hunters]]
<gallery>
*[[Ogada Nosa Fasu]]
File:Halo3-LekgoloDetail.jpg|A group of Lekgolo in a Scarab.
*[[Igido Nosa Hurru]]
File:1203558250 Hunter.jpg|A Hunter, one form of gestalt formed by Lekgolo.
*[[Assault Cannon]]
File:ScarabH3.png|A {{Pattern|Deutoros|Scarab}} controlled by a colony of Rhulolekgolo.
*[[Fuel Rod Gun]]
File:Halo3-HunterBack.jpg|Exposed Lekgolo worms in a Mgalekgolo's back in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3 Scarab Lekgolo.jpg|Lekgolo found in the core of a Scarab.
File:Hunter blood.jpg|Lekgolo blood. Note the luminous properties.
File:HLHunters.png|A larger form of Hunter in ''[[The Duel]]''.
File:Mgalekgolo_back.jpg|Exposed Lekgolo worms in a Mgalekgolo's back in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:FUD-Lekgolo.jpg|An individual Lekgolo worm in ''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''.
File:Halo Nightfall Lekgolo worm.jpg|An individual Lekgolo worm in ''[[Halo: Nightfall]]''.
File:Halo Nightfall - Lekgolo devouring horses.jpg|A swarm of Thanolekgolo devour two horses on [[Alpha Shard]] in ''Halo: Nightfall''.
File:H2A Terminals - Lekgolo.jpg|An individual Lekgolo worm from the ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]] [[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''.
File:H2A Terminals - First Hunters.jpg|Lekgolo coalescing into Mgalekgolo to battle an Arbiter.
File:H2A-Lekgolo.png|Lekgolo in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H5G-Hunterforming.png|Lekgolo forming a Mgalekgolo to combat [[Blue Team]] in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:ImageIZE57D7X.png|Lekgolo forming into Mgalekgolo during the [[Battle of Sunaion]] in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:H5G-AssaultcannonLekgolo.png|Lekgolo in an assault cannon.
File:HW2 - Living Barrier.jpg|Lekgolo in [[Banished caltrop]]s during the [[Battle of Installation 00]] in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HW2-Caltrop.png|A Lekgolo filled caltrop near an [[Banished outpost]].
File:HW2-Caltrops.png|Lekgolo filled caltrops on Installation 00.
File:HW2-VehicleSymbiote.jpg|Lekgolo improving Banished vehicles.
File:HINF DamagedHunter.png||Exposed Lekgolo worms in a Mgalekgolo's back in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HTV-Lekgolo.png|Lekgolo constricting UNSC personnel in ''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''.
</gallery>


==List of appearances==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Uprising]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''
*''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[The Duel]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant|Covenant]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo: Nightfall]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''
*''[[Halo: Smoke and Shadow]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Recruit]]'' {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''
*''[[Halo: Battle Born]]''
*''[[Halo: Renegades]]''
*''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]''
*''[[Halo: Point of Light]]'' {{Im}}
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''
**''[[Contact]]''
**''[[Emergence]]''
**''[[Homecoming (TV Series)|Homecoming]]''
**''[[Allegiance]]''
{{Col-end}}


{{Covenant}}
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[[Category:The Covenant]]
[[Category:Lekgolo| ]]
[[Category:Covenant Species]]
[[Category:Sapient species]]
[[Category:Covenant species]]

Latest revision as of 16:53, December 20, 2023

"WE'VE GOT A NEW CONTACT, UNKNOWN CLASSIFICATION!"
This article may contain information based upon upcoming, unreleased, or recently-released content, and may not be fully complete. Additionally, the information may be subject to change if it is based on pre-release material. Please update it as soon as any relevant and accurate material is available.
For the Lekgolo colony commonly known as the Hunter, see Mgalekgolo.
Lekgolo
H2A Terminals - Pile o' Worms.jpg
Physical information

Avg. length:

134–155 cm (52.8–61 in)[1]

Avg. weight:

5.6-30.7 kg (12.4-67.7 lbs)[1]

Distinctions:

Small worm-like creatures that unify into single entities called "subsistence gestalts"

Sociocultural information

Homeworld:

Te

Technology level:

Native Tier 3/Adopted Tier 2[2]

 

The Lekgolo[3] are a species of small colonial worm-like creatures that can join together to form purpose specific assemblages, known as subsistence gestalts. Each Lekgolo is an individual organism, about 1.4 meters long, with its own central nervous system. Lekgolo are also able to arrange themselves within machinery and use their combined intelligence to pilot or control it.[4]

One of the most successful and culturally enigmatic gestalt intelligences in the Orion Arm of the Milky Way galaxy,[2] the Lekgolo became the first species to be annexed into the Covenant in 784 BCE.[5]

History[edit]

The Lekgolo first evolved on one of the moons of the gas giant, Te, and thrived by feeding off the rich metal deposits in its crust. The Forerunners cataloged the Lekgolo in their time, albeit in considerably different assemblages than the ones that would be encountered later on.[2] Lekgolo specimens of the Thanolekgolo configuration were to be used in a failed plan undertaken by the Forerunners to defeat the Flood.[6] A number of these specimens were ultimately buried under the surface of Installation 04 by the Forerunners for unknown reasons.[7] They survived the firing of the Array and continued to reproduce and exist as a population for many thousands of years.

Since their combined forms could potentially be highly intelligent, the Lekgolo were able to develop Tier 3 technology on their own, though their space travel capabilities remained highly limited due to the high gravity of their homeworld.[2] At some point following the firing of the Halo Array and their reintroduction to the moons of Te, a number of Lekgolo colonies settled in Forerunner installations orbiting the gas giant. These colonies developed distinct appetites; while many consumed the Forerunner structures themselves for food, others ate anything except Forerunner materials. After several millennia, the Forerunner constructs were almost completely broken down, with the debris forming rings in the planet's orbit.[8]

Contact with the Covenant[edit]

Main article: Taming of the Lekgolo

"Our first encounter with the Lekgolo was an effort in futility. The blasphemous creatures had devoured a Forerunner orbital, shattering its remains into a trillion pieces."
A San'Shyuum Covenant scribe recalls the Taming of the Lekgolo.

The Lekgolo first came into contact with the Covenant when the alien order arrived at Te in search of Forerunner artifacts in 789 BCE.[1] It discovered that the rings of Te were in fact the remains of a Forerunner orbital construct and soon realized the Lekgolo were responsible for destroying it. The San'Shyuum viewed this as heresy, and declared war on the Lekgolo in what would later be called the Taming of the Lekgolo.[8] Covenant fleet commanders soon found that indiscriminate destruction would have unacceptable consequences: since the Lekgolo largely lived in and among sacred relics that the Sangheili were trying to preserve, simply annihilating the Lekgolo would have resulted in the destruction of those relics.[8]

Likewise, carrying out a ground campaign against the Lekgolo proved difficult, as the Lekgolo were able to combine into powerful collectives, most notably the Mgalekgolo;[1] consequently, the Lekgolo won most, if not all, ground engagements.[2] The Covenant's forces were completely overwhelmed by the sheer size, ferocity and teamwork of their foes.[8] As a result, Jeht 'Lcmutee, the Arbiter who was created during this crisis, suggested that they could be "tamed" and put to better uses as part of the Covenant. The San'Shyuum eventually agreed and decided to forge a pact with the Lekgolo, allowing them to join the Covenant despite their offenses against "sacred" Forerunner artifacts.[2][8]

Service in the Covenant[edit]

Despite initial difficulties at contact due to the Lekgolo's alien methods of communication,[2] the Covenant incorporated the Lekgolo into their ranks in 784 BCE.[5] The Mgalekgolo gestalts, armed with thick armor plates and assault cannons, would come to serve the Covenant as shock troops. Even larger Lekgolo colony assemblages were weaponized as Covenant assault platforms, Scarab and the Harvester, the latter of which is operated by a meta-colony referred to as a Sbaolekgolo.[9] Individual Lekgolo worms, specifically conditioned not to ingest Forerunner alloys, were employed by the ascetic priests studying the Forerunner Dreadnought in High Charity.[8] A number of these Lekgolo stopped Mendicant Bias from taking off in the Forerunner Dreadnought by short circuiting the ship's systems, themselves dying in the process.[10]

Post-Covenant[edit]

During the Great Schism, the species was divided between those that remained loyal to the Covenant, led by the High Prophet of Truth, and those that supported and sided with the Sangheili at the time. During the further conflicts in the wake of the Human-Covenant War, the Lekgolo largely stayed with the Sangheili they had served prior to the Great Schism. A number of these colonies would side with the Swords of Sanghelios, and many would end up fighting alongside the UNSC on occasion.[11] However, many would fight on behalf of other Covenant remnants, including Jul 'Mdama's new Covenant, Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group, and the Banished.[12]

After the destruction of Installation 04, feral Thanolekgolo swarms that had been sealed beneath the ring's surface by the Forerunners were able to break free in certain sections of the ring, namely Alpha Shard, a fragment propelled through slipspace into a close orbit around a red giant. Because of their extremophilic nature and ability to burrow underground, the Lekgolo were able to survive on the fragment for years despite the extreme daytime temperatures.[7] These Lekgolo were highly aggressive, and significantly faster and more agile than their more commonly-encountered brethren.[13] During a joint ONI-Sedran Colonial Guard expedition to Alpha Shard, these Lekgolo swarms hunted and consumed almost the entire group, leaving only two survivors. They were killed when Colonel Randall Aiken detonated a HAVOK tactical nuclear weapon to destroy the shard's deposits of a new element fatal to humans.[13]

Biology[edit]

Anatomy and physiology[edit]

Halo: Nightfall screenshot
A swarm of Lekgolo overwhelming a D81-LRT Condor.

The Lekgolo are characterized by their ability to form bonds with one another both physically and neurologically to form gestalt colonies with a singular personality; these communities, rather than individual Lekgolo eels, are considered the closest thing to a sapient Lekgolo "individual" that can be named.[14] Lekgolo are relatively unintelligent at the most basic level, but can form complex thoughts and emerge as a conscious individual when they combine into larger masses that communicate through chemical and electrical means. A colony's level of intelligence is generally dependent on the amount of neural mass present,[1] and can be scaled upward to a certain extent for increased intelligence. The neural net that Lekgolo colonies develop enables them to be incredibly strong and very sensitive to their surroundings.[2] These gestalts are capable of manifesting in several different forms according to what goal they are striving to achieve and the amount of Lekgolo worms that are present. The Covenant was aware of six different forms of Lekgolo colonies: Dipholekgolo, Mgalekgolo, Rhulolekgolo, Sbaolekgolo, Khantolekgolo, and Thanolekgolo. Each of these gestalts differs in size, mass, and complexity.[1] Because of the nature of the Lekgolo's compound intelligence and consciousness, they cannot be easily assimilated by the Flood, for while each individual worm may have its own central nervous system, the subsistence gestalts do not, and co-opted worms were never able to be used by the Flood to form the gestalts they would otherwise have. The Flood can still certainly use Lekgolo for their biomass, however.[15]

The Lekgolo are xenobiologically classified as a "subsistence gestalt", defined as an alien gestalt community with the ability to survive in extreme conditions, including the vacuum of space, for months or even years with barely any to no outside resources. As such, they were able to survive in Te's orbital rings for vast periods of time.[1] However, Lekgolo are still unable to withstand rapid depressurization.[16] Lekgolo blood is a luminescent orange and smells like burnt plastic.[17] This may be a result of a large iron content, seeing as metals are a fundamental part of Lekgolo diets.

Reproduction and life cycle[edit]

Subsistence gestalts arise from the aggregation of many individual Lekgolo. Distinct Mgalekgolo specifically form from a single large colony splitting in two, with their dorsal spikes containing the remnants of the last connections between the two parts of the colony. It takes 1 to 2 weeks for the Lekgolo to reproduce offspring.

Culture[edit]

A Mgalekgolo fighting in a Forerunner structure on Installation 00.

Little information exists on the internal workings of Lekgolo society, and their political and intellectual structures have been subject to many theories.[2] Most of the information on the Lekgolo is based solely on the Mgalekgolo, which provides only a small hint at the species in its entirety.[1] The Lekgolo almost never associate or even communicate with the other races in the Covenant. Sangheili are the sole exception; the Mgalekgolo appreciate and acknowledge the Sangheili warriors' thoughts and adeptness in combat. To the other races of the Covenant, however, the Mgalekgolo are dismissive, scornful, and arrogant, and they are utterly contemptuous of their foes.[18] Mgalekgolo have no qualms about committing friendly fire against the "lesser" races, like Unggoy and Kig-Yar; during the Battle of Sigma Octanus IV, a Hunter was seen running over and killing an unaware Kig-Yar.[19] In battle, Mgalekgolo will attack foes regardless of any allies that happen to be in their line of fire.[20]

Many members of the Covenant are mystified and confused by the Lekgolo; their way of life is almost as alien to the Covenant as that of the Flood. A Sangheili Fleet Master once noted that Mgalekgolo were known to tear opponents apart with their "bare hands" whilst in a blood frenzy, and then suddenly pause to recite war poetry. It has also been said that Mgalekgolo meditate in their spare time, or before battle.[21]

Role within the Covenant[edit]

The most commonly seen variety of Lekgolo are the Mgalekgolo, hulking bipedal forms used for service within the Covenant military.[2] In this form, they are the strongest and most resilient combatants in the Covenant.[22] Much larger bipedal Lekgolo assemblages that could easily be measured in stories have also been observed, but they are uncommon within the Covenant; the largest known Lekgolo forms reside within the armored shells of Covenant Scarab and Harvester walkers, the latter being known as a Sbaolekgolo.[23] The so-called "Slugmen" were a "pruned" form of Lekgolo gestalt used by the Covenant as scout-snipers in a similar capacity to the Kig-Yar. However, they were exceptionally rarely encountered within the empire even at its height, and most information about the Slugmen has since been lost with the Fall of High Charity.[24]

The Lekgolo were the most plentiful members of the Covenant, numbering in the trillions.[2]

Religion and spirituality[edit]

Lekgolo religious beliefs are poorly understood, though it has been noted that their society in itself has little need for religion.[2] While the Lekgolo joined the Covenant for its access to space trade routes and starships,[2] rather than any real dedication to the Great Journey, at least some hold a concept of an afterlife.[25] Many Lekgolo colonies meditate in their spare time, or recite war poetry before or after battle, showing a more refined nature than would be believed of the hulking, savage warriors.[21] Mgalekgolo have also shown to possess a concept of honor.[25] The fact that some Mgalekgolo allied themselves with the Sangheili during the Great Schism, while others remained with the original Covenant body,[26] is evidence that individual beliefs play a major part in whatever religion or philosophy the Lekgolo possess. Anything further than this is speculation, as Lekgolo culture is extremely reclusive. Even their fellow Covenant know little about them other than that they continue to follow their own cultural traditions, rather than the homogenized religion of the wider Covenant.[2][18]

Languages[edit]

Little is known about the Lekgolo language. The known names of some Mgalekgolo seem to imply that they use very simple vowels, and few consonants—not nearly as many as are contained in the English alphabet. It is known that Mgalekgolo do not use vocal chords to speak; they are, however, capable of mimicking the language of other species via subsonic vibrations of the Lekgolo in their bodies, forming words and sentences that are "felt rather than heard".[21][27] Their quiet nature amongst other races of the Covenant results either from difficulty speaking with other Covenant races or difficulty tolerating other Covenant races.[28] For inter-species communications, Mgalekgolo are capable of speaking at least the Sangheili language,[29] and are not known to interact with any other sapient species. Individual Lekgolo also occasionally make vaguely insectile clicking and chittering noises.[13]

Mgalekgolo tend to make very deep, low rumbling noises when detecting enemies or when wounded. When dying, they occasionally emit a low-pitched scream. They also seem to chuckle after a kill. When angered, Mgalekgolo are also capable of releasing a loud, echoing roar.[30] Aside from that, Mgalekgolo barely talk.

Naming conventions[edit]

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Homeworld[edit]

Main article: Te

Lekgolo originated from the rings of Te which formed after the worms demolished a Forerunner orbital. The rings and the planet's moons were home to approximately 1.98 trillion Lekgolo worms. Te is orbited by 25 moons, including Rantu and Uhtua. The planet has a high gravity and an atmosphere primarily composed of nitrogen, helium, and methane.

Technology[edit]

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Trivia[edit]

  • "Lekgolo" is Tswana for "one hundred", probably a reference to their hive-like physiology.
  • The Lekgolo share many similarities with the alien species known as "Brothers" from the 1992 novel Anvil of Stars by Greg Bear, who coincidentally later wrote the Forerunner Saga. Both are eel-like creatures which are non-sapient by themselves, but can join together to form intelligent gestalt assemblages with their own individual identities.
  • A species of caterpillar native to the Amazon rainforest exhibits behavior considerably similar to the Lekgolo. They gather into large gestalt formations which act and move in perfect unison for increased speed and efficiency.[31]
  • In Halo 3, Scarabs are controlled by the Lekgolo, proven by the fact that they appear around the reactor of the vehicle. They also make up the joints of the legs of the Scarab.
  • Upon shooting a Hunter in Halo 3, a Lekgolo worm will fly out of the main colony, wriggle, squirm, and then disappear, as if it is going underground; the Lekgolo probably vanish due to technical reasons in order to avoid framerate problems.
  • On the Halo 3 multiplayer map Assembly, an "aquarium" filled with Lekgolo waiting to be integrated into a Scarab can be seen.

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo Waypoint: Lekgolo/Mgalekgolo
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Bestiarum
  3. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 190 - "Lekgolo: the Elite name for the Hunter race".
  4. ^ Bungie Weekly Update 01/11/08
  5. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 114
  6. ^ Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder: 2-20-15
  7. ^ a b Halo: Nightfall: RECON-14
  8. ^ a b c d e f Halo: Contact Harvest, pages 269-271
  9. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide
  10. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 276
  11. ^ Halo: New Blood, Chapter 16
  12. ^ Halo 4
  13. ^ a b c Halo: Nightfall, Chapter 2
  14. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 267
  15. ^ Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe, Wages of Sin: page 301
  16. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 218
  17. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 221
  18. ^ a b Bungie.net: The Covenant Primer
  19. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 222
  20. ^ Halo 3: ODST
  21. ^ a b c Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, pages 190-191
  22. ^ Halo 3 Instruction Manual
  23. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 130
  24. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Digsite Dissection (Retrieved on Jul 28, 2023) [archive]
  25. ^ a b Halo: The Flood, "Chapter ??", page ??
  26. ^ Halo 3
  27. ^ Bungie.net: Halo 3: ODST Field Guide
  28. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 277
  29. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 198
  30. ^ Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, Part 5
  31. ^ YouTube: A STRANGE but GENIUS Caterpillar Speed Trick - Smarter Every Day 93