Thorn beast

Some Thorn Beasts being passed by Marines.

File:ThornBeastHW.png

Thorn Beast in Halo Wars.

Thorn Beasts are used as food by the Covenant, and Jiralhanae in particular. They are docile herd. Their neck and head contain a high concentration and amout of neurotoxins. It is unknown what causes this or what function it has for the animal, but it is possible this is to keep predators from eating it.

Thorn Beasts were originally meant to appear in Halo: Combat Evolved, but were cut from the final game. They finally make an appearance in-game in Halo Wars. The game developers state that they react to units and battles around them. In the videos seen so far however, they merely run away from units, not battles; if there is a bombing next to it, it will not flinch. However, since the game is still in development, this lack of a reaction may be changed in the near future for a more real gaming experience.

Trivia

• In Halo: Contact Harvest, it supposedly gets its name from the five "thorns" that ridge its back.
• Because they are served as food, it is a possibility that they were kept at the agricultural ship Infinite Succor. Perhaps they were the animals seen by Rtas 'Vadumee's unit as infected by the Flood. If that is the case, then the Thorn Beasts is no mere dumb animal, but rather a sentient being. However, this is only speculation.
• The Brute Chieftain, Maccabeus, enjoyed eating the smallest of the five thorns that ridge its back when it was properly prepared.
• Its entrails would be reduced into dipping sauces.
• It is mainly eaten by the Jiralhanae during feasts but also during banquets and other important events.