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Forerunner symbols: Difference between revisions

From Halopedia, the Halo wiki

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<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Chrysopteron.gif|The second avatar of [[AdjutantReflex]] on [[Bungie.net]].
File:Chrysopteron.gif|The second avatar of [[AdjutantReflex]] on [[Bungie.net]].
File:AdjutantReflex_3rd.gif|Highjacked AdjutantReflex
File:AdjutantReflex_3rd.gif|Hijacked AdjutantReflex
File:Librarian.png|The [[Librarian]]
File:Librarian.png|The [[Librarian]]
File:Didact.png|The [[Ur-Didact]]'s original sigil, later adopted by the [[IsoDidact]]
File:Didact.png|The [[Ur-Didact]]'s original sigil, later adopted by the [[IsoDidact]]
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The first type is the rectangle ones. The rectangle ones are seen in records the Forerunners have made.
The first type is the rectangle ones. The rectangle ones are seen in records the Forerunners have made.


Rectangle type symbols commonly have a bracket round them. Inside the brackets are small boxes. These range from 1-6 small ones, 1 to 4 medium ones, 1 to 3 medium sized ones, 1 to 2 big ones, or none at all.
Rectangle type symbols commonly have a bracket round them. Inside the brackets are small boxes. These range from 1-6 small ones, 1 to 4 medium ones, 1 to 3 medium sized ones, 1 to 2 big ones, or none at all. It has been noted that the top bracket is not always there. In that case there is either no boxes at all, or small boxes 1-6 would be inside the bracket.
 
It has been noted that the top bracket isnt always there. In that case there is either no boxes at all, or small boxes 1-6 would be inside the bracket.


Forerunner sigils are able to be used as normal characters in this.  
Forerunner sigils are able to be used as normal characters in this.  
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These are symbols seen throughout Forerunner locations.
These are symbols seen throughout Forerunner locations.
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Halo 3 Bestriarum Glyphs.png|Glyphs seen in the [[Bestiarum]] and ''Halo 3'' manuals..
File:Halo 3 Bestriarum Glyphs.png|Glyphs seen in the [[Bestiarum]] and ''Halo 3'' manuals.
File:Door symbols.png|Symbols used to open doors on [[Halo Wars]]'s multiplayer level [[Release]].
File:Door symbols.png|Symbols used to open doors on [[Halo Wars]]'s multiplayer level [[Release]].
File:Halseys Forerunner research.png|Halseys research into several of the circle glyphs.
File:Halseys Forerunner research.png|Halsey's research into several of the circle glyphs.
File:Cortana_going_over_Forerunner_Glyphs.png|Cortana going into several of the circle glyphs.
File:Cortana_going_over_Forerunner_Glyphs.png|Cortana going into several of the circle glyphs.
File:Halo_CEA_Terminal_Unknown_Glyph.png|Unknown glyph located in the room the Monitors met before they left the Ark.
File:Halo_CEA_Terminal_Unknown_Glyph.png|Unknown glyph located in the room the Monitors met before they left the Ark.
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File:Halo 2 anniversary red mural.png|A mural engraved in a wall on Installation 05. This has been seen in red, blue, yellow, green, and without colour.
File:Halo 2 anniversary red mural.png|A mural engraved in a wall on Installation 05. This has been seen in red, blue, yellow, green, and without colour.
File:Forerunner_circle.png|A circle symbol seen on numerous Forerunner planets and relics.
File:Forerunner_circle.png|A circle symbol seen on numerous Forerunner planets and relics.
File:Sandtrap Murals.png|Murals seen on the ''Halo 3'' map ''Sandtrap''.
File:Sandtrap Murals.png|Murals seen on the ''Halo 3'' map ''[[Sandtrap]]''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==External uses==
==External uses==
===REQ Emblems===
===REQ Emblems===
In Halo 5 Numerous Forerunner symbols are applied into REQ card emblems.
In ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', numerous Forerunner symbols are applied into [[Requisition system|REQ card]] emblems.
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H5 Default Librarian Emblem.png|The Librarian Emblem in its default colours.
File:H5 Default Librarian Emblem.png|The Librarian emblem in its default colors.
File:Reclaimer Emblem.png|The Reclaimer emblem and banner in ''Halo 5'' in its default colours.
File:Reclaimer Emblem.png|The Reclaimer emblem and banner in ''Halo 5'' in its default colors.
File:Glyphs REQ Card.png|Unknown symbols on a REQ card called "Glyphs".
File:Glyphs REQ Card.png|Unknown symbols on a REQ card called "Glyphs".
File:Glyphs_Emblem.png|Symbols on the emblem called "Glyphs" in a green color.
File:Glyphs_Emblem.png|Symbols on the emblem called "Glyphs" in a green color.
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Covenant Uses===
===Covenant uses===
The Covenant have adapted many Forerunner symbols to their own uses. Some uses include putting the symbols on armor and weaponry.
The Covenant have adapted many Forerunner symbols to their own uses. Some uses include putting the symbols on armor and weaponry.
====External====
====External====
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Halo2.com_Forerunner_symbols.png|Covenant Forerunner symbols as seen on ''[[Halo2.com]]''.
File:Halo2.com_Forerunner_symbols.png|Covenant Forerunner symbols as seen on ''[[Halo2.com]]''.
File:Covenant Line symbols.png|Small Line type symbols as seen on a ''Halo 2'' marketing poster.
File:Covenant Line symbols.png|Small line-type symbols as seen on a ''Halo 2'' marketing poster.
File:Speaking_Elite.jpg|[[Sangheili (language)|Sangheili speech]] represented by Forerunner glyphs.
File:Speaking_Elite.jpg|[[Sangheili (language)|Sangheili speech]] represented by Forerunner glyphs.
File:Harvest Covenent chatter.png|Symbol pattern used by the Covenant for [[Harvest]].
File:Harvest Covenent chatter.png|Symbol pattern used by the Covenant for [[Harvest]].
File:Covenant Switch.png|Cyan symbol that appears on a switch in ''Halo Reach''.
File:Covenant Switch.png|Cyan symbol that appears on a switch in ''Halo Reach''.
File:Glyph of Faith.JPG|The Glyph of Faith.
File:Glyph of Faith.JPG|The Glyph of Faith carved on the surface of [[Kholo]].
File:Covenant_Node_Halo_CE.png|Two Forerunner type glyphs appearing on a [[Covenant communication node]].
File:Covenant_Node_Halo_CE.png|Two Forerunner type glyphs appearing on a [[Covenant communication node]].
File:Sunaion_Guardian_Symbol.png|A Sangheili interpretation of a Guardian sigil.
File:Sunaion_Guardian_Symbol.png|A Sangheili interpretation of a Guardian sigil.
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File:Grunt Symbol.png|White symbol that appears on Grunts in numerous games.
File:Grunt Symbol.png|White symbol that appears on Grunts in numerous games.
File:Halo 2 anniversary Armor Glyphs.png|Two symbols painted on Sangheili armor.
File:Halo 2 anniversary Armor Glyphs.png|Two symbols painted on Sangheili armor.
File:Prophet_chair_symbol.png|Symbol used on the Prophets chairs.
File:Prophet_chair_symbol.png|Symbol used on the Prophets' [[anti-gravity chair]]s.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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File:H2-PlasmaGrenade.png|Green plasma grenade symbol in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2-PlasmaGrenade.png|Green plasma grenade symbol in ''Halo 2''.
File:PlasGren.png|Green plasma grenade symbol in ''Halo 3''.
File:PlasGren.png|Green plasma grenade symbol in ''Halo 3''.
File:Sword_Study_HRB_1.jpg|Energy Sword hilt with Forerunner symbols on it.
File:Sword_Study_HRB_1.jpg|Energy sword hilt with Forerunner symbols on it.
File:Reach T1 Plas Grenade.png|Green plasma grenade symbol in ''Halo Reach''.
File:Reach T1 Plas Grenade.png|Green plasma grenade symbol in ''Halo Reach''.
File:Phantom_forerunner_symbol.png|Symbol that appears on the [[Type-52 Phantom]] in ''Halo Reach''.
File:Phantom_forerunner_symbol.png|Symbol that appears on the [[Type-52 Phantom]] in ''Halo Reach''.
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===Unknown origin===
===Unknown origin===
The following glyphs are used in several locations, but are unknown who put them there.
The following glyphs are used in several locations, but it is unknown who put them there.
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Halo_2_Aniversary_Warlord_symbols.png|Hand drawn glyphs on the map [[Warlord]].
File:Halo_2_Aniversary_Warlord_symbols.png|Hand-drawn glyphs on the map [[Warlord]].
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Development Gallery==
==Development gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Forerunner_Terminals_Glyphs.jpg|Cut symbols in the ''Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary'' Terminals.<ref>[http://youtu.be/mTwkrMUkNyk '''YouTube:''' ''BTS: Anniversary Terminals'']</ref>
File:Forerunner_Terminals_Glyphs.jpg|Cut symbols in the ''Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary'' Terminals.<ref>[http://youtu.be/mTwkrMUkNyk '''YouTube:''' ''BTS: Anniversary Terminals'']</ref>

Revision as of 13:05, February 14, 2016

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The Eld, the glyph symbolizing the Mantle of Responsibility, one of the most common Forerunner glyphs.

The Forerunners used several forms of symbols and glyphs to convey a variety of meanings. These symbols can be found on Forerunner technology and within Forerunner installations, including the Halo Array. The Covenant later adopted these symbols for their writing system as well as religious imagery and as such, they are also commonly seen in Covenant technology and architecture.

Background

While the specifics of Forerunner languages such as Jagon and Digon remain a mystery, with only a handful of words known, the writing system they used to convey meaning is far better understood.

The Forerunners appear to have used two different writing methods; the first was a system of glyphs or logograms, rather than parts of an alphabet, highly contextual in nature, with the meaning of different glyphs altered by order and context, and further meaning could be derived if the reader used more three-dimensional interpretations; when combined with different glyphs, a symbol might have radically different meanings, making individual glyphs pictograms or ideograms.

The second mode seems to be a more conventional writing system, using two-dimensional characters. There appear to be at least two variations of this conventional script. One type, observed in Forerunner relics on Installation 00, either inscribed onto stone relics[1][2] or in holographic form,[3][4] involves highly complex characters resembling digital patterns or bar codes written vertically. In the other writing system, the characters are considerably simpler, consisting of a series of dots, squares, bars and triangles. The Covenant script is derived from the latter, although they use highly embellished variations of the original characters used by the Forerunners.[5]

Other symbols found on Forerunner relics and structures are even less obvious in their meanings. They are obviously decorative in nature, but they are often larger and more elaborate in nature than their glyphs, and may depict specific shapes and forms, and may have more in common with petroglyphs than logograms.

The glyph system was also adopted by the Covenant as religious symbols, despite having little idea as to the true meanings of the original symbols; the most notorious example is their mistranslation of the "Reclaimer" glyph as meaning "Reclamation". Forerunner glyphs are found on Covenant Luminaries as indicators of Forerunner relics, as the Reclaimer glyph was seen to represent humans on Harvest. Humans in general have had little success in translating Forerunner texts, with the notable exception of Dr. Catherine Halsey.[6]

Specific symbols

Eld

The glyph representing the Mantle of Responsibility,[7] the main belief system of the Forerunners, is perhaps the most ancient and ubiquitous Forerunner glyph. Known as the Eld or the Tree-mark due to its resemblance to a heavily stylized tree,[8] the symbol appears frequently on Forerunner structures and installations due to the Mantle's all-encompassing nature in Forerunner society.

Among many other sites, this symbol appears inside and outside Installation 04's Silent Cartographer,[9][10] as well as on Installation 05 in various areas.[11] It also appears on the Ark's surface, if viewed from space. It also makes an appearance in the Terminals throughout the Ark. The symbol also appears on top of a Monitor's "head" and behind the "eye" on the center orb. The surface of Requiem also bears the symbol,[12] and the symbol is found in a wall on Requiem, accompanied by the inscription "Guardianship for all living things lies with those whose evolution is most complete. The Mantle of Responsibility shelters all.".[7] A similar symbol was found on Installation 03 and moved to Ivanoff Station to be studied.[13]

Shield World

Shield Worlds are represented by a symbol described as a "double-lobed icon". The symbol was described when Dr. Halsey was compiling her data with the AI Endless Summer. While Dr. Halsey was working, CPO Mendez asked her what the symbols on the screen are. Dr. Halsey replied that they are Forerunner symbols from the ruins on Onyx, and their theoretical translations. As she continued to work, Mendez then asked the meaning of a double-lobed glyph. Dr. Halsey replied that the symbol, roughly translated, means Shield World.[14]

Reclaimer

The Forerunner glyph representing a Reclaimer is identical to the Marathon symbol,[15] although the same symbol appears to have been in common use in Forerunner constructs, including the "eye" of 343 Guilty Spark, as well as the frontal section of an Enforcer. However, after Halo: Reach, later media featured a more vague appearance of the original symbol.

The original Marathon symbol is also used by humans in various instances, and it is the ship emblem of the UNSC Pillar of Autumn. It is unknown if this is simply a coincidence, or if there is a relation to their status as Reclaimers.

Defined types of circle symbols

Sigils

A sigil is a symbol representing a specific Forerunner,[16] ancilla, or any other entity. They were often used to label transmissions,[17] or to indicate affiliation with a given individual; for example, members of Master Builder Faber's personal security carried his sigil.[16]

Forerunners and ancilla have been known to change their sigils on some occasions; for example, the Ur-Didact's sigil being changed to an "unbound" state at some point after his fall from grace, and the Warden Eternal's sigil gaining a second ring.

Installation symbols

In Halo 3, a number of details about the Halo Array arise. In the Ark's Citadel, where the Prophet of Truth attempted to fire the seven Installations, each Installation is shown in detail. Each Halo has its own hologram showing its structure and status, as well as a holographic symbol identifying each Installation.

If the installation's fail safe protocol is activated, when the installations are all in communication the symbols all come back as white. In the case an installation is destroyed or contact is fully lost with it, the symbol used to describe it is red as shown with Installation 04.

Symbol types

The Forerunners have been currently shown to use 7 different type of writing systems. The following are shown below. These symbols can often be found in hexagons.

Rectangle type

The first type is the rectangle ones. The rectangle ones are seen in records the Forerunners have made.

Rectangle type symbols commonly have a bracket round them. Inside the brackets are small boxes. These range from 1-6 small ones, 1 to 4 medium ones, 1 to 3 medium sized ones, 1 to 2 big ones, or none at all. It has been noted that the top bracket is not always there. In that case there is either no boxes at all, or small boxes 1-6 would be inside the bracket.

Forerunner sigils are able to be used as normal characters in this.

Hexagon type

The second type is the hexagon type ones. The hexagon ones can appear without a hexagon around them but are more mostly seen with them around. These are seen in Forerunner signals and codes, and also control panels. Images are also known to be inside the hexagon type symbols as images in terminals.

Circular type

The third type is the circular type. The circular type can be seen with being in a circular pattern and has been seen on their own. These are seen in Forerunner co-ordinates, control panels, and several Forerunner artifacts. These are often circle round a Forerunner sigil. This type was also seen in the Halo 4: Promethean Weapons Trailer, where the Promethean weapons were looked over.[18]

Forerunner sigils can be used as normal characters in this writing type.

Scripture type

The fourth type is the scripture type. These are found on Forerunner ruins and holograms.

There is three distinct sets: broad glyphs, LED-like glyphs, and circuit board-like glyphs.

Planet type

The fifth type is the planet type. These are only found on planet records.

Line type

The sixth type is the line type. These are seen on Forerunner control panels and co-ordinate.

Small line type

The seventh type has only appeared in the stone object found at Côte d'Azur Museum of Natural History. This type is known to transmit hexagon type symbols out of it.

Round symbol analysis

The symbols are primarily composed of circles and curves. Each glyph appears to use a circle as a base shape, often combined with either a concentric circle or fragments of one. Another common trait is the presence of one or more circular arcs whose osculating circles' centers lie on the base circle. Non-circular arcs and small non-concentric circles can be seen on some glyphs. The filling in of areas is uncommon but has been seen in Forerunner glyphs.

According to Bungie employee Joseph Staten, the blue and red signs denote the safety of the area — that is, whether or not the Flood are present.[verification needed] However, this has only been noted when there are two red symbols together. As singular red symbols can mean something else as noted by them appearing in numerous locations on Installation 04 not linked to the Flood.

Several of the symbols are variations of each other, or simply rotated versions of one.

Installation 04 symbols

Line Installation glyphs

These symbols appeared throughout Line installations, specifically Line Installation 1-4:

Domain glyphs

In several places linked to the Domain several glyphs appear after Fireteam Osiris activate a console in them. Currently glyphs of this type have appeared on Kamchatka and Genesis. The following glyphs and sigils have appeared.

Iris-like glyphs

These Forerunner symbols are featured on some installations, and also used as a key to open doors in Shield World 0459.

Other symbols

These are symbols seen throughout Forerunner locations.

Wall symbols

Around several Halo installations and Forerunner relics there are numerous murals and symbols on walls.

External uses

REQ Emblems

In Halo 5: Guardians, numerous Forerunner symbols are applied into REQ card emblems.

Covenant uses

The Covenant have adapted many Forerunner symbols to their own uses. Some uses include putting the symbols on armor and weaponry.

External

Armor

Weapons and vehicles

Huragok

Covenant Huragok have during the Battle of Mombasa been noted to use similar glyphs to that of Forerunner Engineers, though there has been some deviation due to time. Many of the symbols depict the New Mombasa Superintendent's avatar, as some of the Huragok deployed to New Mombasa were in contact with the AI.

Unknown origin

The following glyphs are used in several locations, but it is unknown who put them there.

Development gallery

Notes

  1. ^ The Rectangle type symbols in the Halo 3 terminals are all random and do not go towards any specific letter or number. This can be assumed that the terminal is struggling to translate the English words, giving a error with the wrong symbols popping up.

Trivia

The base numerical glyph was used as an avatar by AdjutantReflex.[20]

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ Halo 3, multiplayer map, Sandtrap
  2. ^ Halo 3, multiplayer map, Sandbox
  3. ^ Halo 3, multiplayer map, Epitaph
  4. ^ Halo 3, multiplayer map, Construct
  5. ^ Halo: First Strike, page 197
  6. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx
  7. ^ a b Halo 4, campaign level, Requiem
  8. ^ Halo: Silentium, page 142-143
  9. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level, The Silent Cartographer
  10. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, campaign level, The Silent Cartographer
  11. ^ Halo 2
  12. ^ Halo 3, Epilogue
  13. ^ Halo 4, campaign level, Composer
  14. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 181
  15. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest
  16. ^ a b Halo: Silentium, page 85
  17. ^ Halo 3, Terminals
  18. ^ Halo 4: Promethean Weapons Trailer
  19. ^ YouTube: BTS: Anniversary Terminals
  20. ^ Iris

See also