Canon

Forerunner symbols

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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] Indeed, it took nearly five years to decode glyphs recovered during the Battle of New Mombasa.[7]

Specific symbols

Eld

The glyph representing the Mantle of Responsibility,[8] 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,[9] 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,[10][11] as well as on Installation 05 in various areas.[12] 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,[13] 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.".[8] A similar symbol was found on Installation 03 and moved to Ivanoff Station to be studied.[14]

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.[15]

Reclaimer

The Forerunner glyph representing a Reclaimer is identical to the Marathon symbol,[16] 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.

  • The Reclaimer glyph.

    The Reclaimer glyph.

  • The Reclaimer glyph on a Requiem control panel.

    The Reclaimer glyph on a Requiem control panel.

Defined types of circle symbols

Sigils

A sigil is a symbol representing a specific Forerunner,[17] ancilla, or any other entity. They were often used to label transmissions,[18] or to indicate affiliation with a given individual; for example, members of Master Builder Faber's personal security carried his sigil.[17]

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 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.

  • All known rectangle-type symbols.

    All known rectangle-type symbols.

  • Possibly all known variants of the symbols (Found in the bottom right corner of a Halo 3 Forerunner hologram Atlas texture which was also used in Halo: Reach for covenant weapons).

    Possibly all known variants of the symbols (Found in the bottom right corner of a Halo 3 Forerunner hologram Atlas texture which was also used in Halo: Reach for covenant weapons).

  • The rectangle type symbols in a terminal with hexagon-type images.[Note 1]

    The rectangle type symbols in a terminal with hexagon-type images.[Note 1]

  • A record of Forerunner weaponry, with the rectangle-type symbols making the names of the weapons.

    A record of Forerunner weaponry, with the rectangle-type symbols making the names of the weapons.

  • Symbols used during the Halo 4 #EvilAwakens marketing campaign.

    Symbols used during the Halo 4 #EvilAwakens marketing campaign.

  • Close analysis of the symbols used during the Halo 4 #EvilAwakens marketing campaign.

    Close analysis of the symbols used during the Halo 4 #EvilAwakens marketing campaign.

  • Expanded analysis of the symbols used during the Halo 4 #EvilAwakens marketing campaign.

    Expanded analysis of the symbols used during the Halo 4 #EvilAwakens marketing campaign.

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.

  • Forerunner symbols that can make an alphabet if used in certain ways. Used in numerous places including control panels on forerunner devices.

    Forerunner symbols that can make an alphabet if used in certain ways. Used in numerous places including control panels on forerunner devices.

  • Two possible ciphers for the hexagon symbols used in the Section 3 ARG.

    Two possible ciphers for the hexagon symbols used in the Section 3 ARG.

  • A glyph used in Hunt the Signal that was used to find the Signal that led to the discovery of the Guardian sigil.

    A glyph used in Hunt the Signal that was used to find the Signal that led to the discovery of the Guardian sigil.

  • A glyph used in the Section 3 ARG.

    A glyph used in the Section 3 ARG.

  • A transmission from the artifact on Sigma Octanus IV with the hexagon symbols in it.

    A transmission from the artifact on Sigma Octanus IV with the hexagon symbols in it.

  • Trove's Apex Site control panel with the hexagon symbols in it.

    Trove's Apex Site control panel with the hexagon symbols in it.

  • X50's control panel with the hexagon symbols in it.

    X50's control panel with the hexagon symbols in it.

  • Installation symbol with two hexagon symbols at the top corner of it.

    Installation symbol with two hexagon symbols at the top corner of it.

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.[19]

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

  • A complete alphabet of this language.

    A complete alphabet of this language.

  • "Assertion of control" Seen when 343 Guilty Spark contacts the UNSC Pillar of Autumn.

    "Assertion of control" Seen when 343 Guilty Spark contacts the UNSC Pillar of Autumn.

  • "Bio Scan Begin - End" Seen in a transmission in which 343 Guilty Spark lowered Installation 04's security to let the UNSC Pillar of Autumn though.

    "Bio Scan Begin - End" Seen in a transmission in which 343 Guilty Spark lowered Installation 04's security to let the UNSC Pillar of Autumn though.

  • "Trespass is doom Reclaimer". Forerunner symbols put on numerous official Facebook pages during Halo 4's marketing.

    "Trespass is doom Reclaimer". Forerunner symbols put on numerous official Facebook pages during Halo 4's marketing.

  • Eld with the inscription, "Guardianship for all living things lies with those whose evolution is most complete. The Mantle of Responsibility shelters all."

    Eld with the inscription, "Guardianship for all living things lies with those whose evolution is most complete. The Mantle of Responsibility shelters all."

  • How the Eld says "Guardianship for all living things lies with those whose evolution is most complete. The Mantle of Responsibility shelters all."

    How the Eld says "Guardianship for all living things lies with those whose evolution is most complete. The Mantle of Responsibility shelters all."

  • The co-ordinates to Requiem that were found on Gamma Halo. That make a almost complete alphabet. Note letters "I", "J", "K", "L" don't appear.

    The co-ordinates to Requiem that were found on Gamma Halo. That make a almost complete alphabet. Note letters "I", "J", "K", "L" don't appear.

  • "Techlink Established Forerunner" on one of the Requiem slipspace artifacts.

    "Techlink Established Forerunner" on one of the Requiem slipspace artifacts.

  • A symbol on a control panel on Requiem.

    A symbol on a control panel on Requiem.

  • A different Control panel on Requiem. The words "Shield", "On", "Off", and "Power" appear on it.

    A different Control panel on Requiem. The words "Shield", "On", "Off", and "Power" appear on it.

  • A Forerunner starmap with the circular type symbols near a system.

    A Forerunner starmap with the circular type symbols near a system.

  • Eld inscription on the Z-130 Suppressor Refractive skin

    Eld inscription on the Z-130 Suppressor Refractive skin

  • Binary Rifle zoom symbols. Small hexagon equals medium range zoom. Large hexagon equals long range zoom.

    Binary Rifle zoom symbols. Small hexagon equals medium range zoom. Large hexagon equals long range zoom.

Scripture type

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

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

It is likely this was Digon, an ancient Forerunner script utilized for sacred and ceremonial purposes.[20]

  • Forerunner script engraved onto a stone structure with energy going though it.

    Forerunner script engraved onto a stone structure with energy going though it.

  • The same scripture as the one on the stone, but as a hologram wall.

    The same scripture as the one on the stone, but as a hologram wall.

  • Forerunner script on a hologram of the Halo rings on Installation 05.

    Forerunner script on a hologram of the Halo rings on Installation 05.

  • An old analysis of the scripture-type glyphs.

    An old analysis of the scripture-type glyphs.

Planet type

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

  • Infestation of a planet with the planet type symbols at the top.

    Infestation of a planet with the planet type symbols at the top.

Line type

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

  • Translation of the line-type glyphs

    Translation of the line-type glyphs

  • "01910876" as seen on Requiem control panels.

    "01910876" as seen on Requiem control panels.

  • "1" used to signify a signal on Requiem.

    "1" used to signify a signal on Requiem.

  • "117" is seen when Cortana is confused about the Knights appearing for the first time.

    "117" is seen when Cortana is confused about the Knights appearing for the first time.

  • The line type symbol 0-9 seen round the co-ordinates to Requiem.

    The line type symbol 0-9 seen round the co-ordinates to Requiem.

  • Roland translating the co-ordinates to Genesis.

    Roland translating the co-ordinates to Genesis.

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.

  • Analysis of existing small line type symbols.

    Analysis of existing small line type symbols.

  • Brute wallpaper for Halo 2 with the symbols.

    Brute wallpaper for Halo 2 with the symbols.

  • Symbols that appear in Sadie's Story.

    Symbols that appear in Sadie's Story.

  • A look as the artifact.

    A look as the artifact.

  • Halsey checking to see if there is a link between this and the standard circle glyphs.

    Halsey checking to see if there is a link between this and the standard circle glyphs.

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:

  • Glyphs that appeared before ships are shot down.

    Glyphs that appeared before ships are shot down.

  • Circle glyphs that appeared in Line Installation 1-4's systems.

    Circle glyphs that appeared in Line Installation 1-4's systems.

  • More glyphs that appeared in Line Installation 1-4's systems.

    More glyphs that appeared in Line Installation 1-4's systems.

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.

  • The Guardian sigil on Kamchatka.

    The Guardian sigil on Kamchatka.

  • A blue glyph similar to the Warden Eternal's sigil on Kamchatka.

    A blue glyph similar to the Warden Eternal's sigil on Kamchatka.

  • An unknown Forerunner glyph on Kamchatka.

    An unknown Forerunner glyph on Kamchatka.

  • An unknown Forerunner glyph on Kamchatka.

    An unknown Forerunner glyph on Kamchatka.

  • An unknown Forerunner glyph on Kamchatka.

    An unknown Forerunner glyph on Kamchatka.

  • An unknown Forerunner glyph on Genesis that appeared when a auxiliary station was activated.

    An unknown Forerunner glyph on Genesis that appeared when a auxiliary station was activated.

Iris-like glyphs

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

  • The glyph on itself.

    The glyph on itself.

  • The avatar of AdjutantReflex on Bungie.net.

    The avatar of AdjutantReflex on Bungie.net.

  • The glyphs discovered in Iris.

    The glyphs discovered in Iris.

  • The Iris symbol N'chala saw and carved on Earth.

    The Iris symbol N'chala saw and carved on Earth.

  • The glyphs used to open the interior doors of Shield World 0459.

    The glyphs used to open the interior doors of Shield World 0459.

  • A glyph in Cortana's eye.

    A glyph in Cortana's eye.

  • Iris symbol on Mendicant Bias.

    Iris symbol on Mendicant Bias.

  • The Iris-like symbols on an Forerunner planet as seen in 343 Guilty Spark's memory before it is wiped.

    The Iris-like symbols on an Forerunner planet as seen in 343 Guilty Spark's memory before it is wiped.

Other symbols

These are symbols seen throughout Forerunner locations.

  • Glyphs seen in the Bestiarum and Halo 3 manuals.

    Glyphs seen in the Bestiarum and Halo 3 manuals.

  • Symbols used to open doors on Halo Wars's multiplayer level Release.

    Symbols used to open doors on Halo Wars's multiplayer level Release.

  • Halsey's research into several of the circle glyphs.

    Halsey's research into several of the circle glyphs.

  • Cortana going into several of the circle glyphs.

    Cortana going into several of the circle glyphs.

  • Unknown glyph located in the room the Monitors met before they left the Ark.

    Unknown glyph located in the room the Monitors met before they left the Ark.

  • Glyph seen on page 24 of the Halo 3 manual

    Glyph seen on page 24 of the Halo 3 manual

Wall symbols

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

  • An undefined Forerunner symbol on Installation 05.

    An undefined Forerunner symbol on Installation 05.

  • A mural engraved in a wall on Installation 05. A similar mural was present in Installation 04's Silent Cartographer.

    A mural engraved in a wall on Installation 05. A similar mural was present in Installation 04's Silent Cartographer.

  • Holographic version of the mural that is engraved on numerous locations on Forerunner relics.

    Holographic version of the mural that is engraved on numerous locations on Forerunner relics.

  • A mural engraved in a wall on Installation 05. This has been seen in red, blue, yellow, green, and without colour.

    A mural engraved in a wall on Installation 05. This has been seen in red, blue, yellow, green, and without colour.

  • A circle symbol seen on numerous Forerunner planets and relics.

    A circle symbol seen on numerous Forerunner planets and relics.

  • Murals seen on the Halo 3 map Sandtrap.

    Murals seen on the Halo 3 map Sandtrap.

External uses

REQ Emblems

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

  • The Librarian emblem in its original default colors.

    The Librarian emblem in its original default colors.

  • The Reclaimer emblem and banner in Halo 5 in its original default colors.

    The Reclaimer emblem and banner in Halo 5 in its original default colors.

  • Unknown symbols on a REQ card called "Glyphs".

    Unknown symbols on a REQ card called "Glyphs".

  • Symbols on the emblem called "Glyphs" in a green color.

    Symbols on the emblem called "Glyphs" in a green color.

Covenant uses

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

External

  • Covenant Forerunner symbols as seen on Halo2.com.

    Covenant Forerunner symbols as seen on Halo2.com.

  • Small line-type symbols as seen on a Halo 2 marketing poster.

    Small line-type symbols as seen on a Halo 2 marketing poster.

  • Sangheili speech represented by Forerunner glyphs.

    Sangheili speech represented by Forerunner glyphs.

  • Symbol pattern used by the Covenant for Harvest.

    Symbol pattern used by the Covenant for Harvest.

  • Cyan symbol that appears on a switch in Halo Reach.

    Cyan symbol that appears on a switch in Halo Reach.

  • The Glyph of Faith carved on the surface of Kholo.

    The Glyph of Faith carved on the surface of Kholo.

  • Two Forerunner type glyphs appearing on a Covenant communication node.

    Two Forerunner type glyphs appearing on a Covenant communication node.

  • A Sangheili interpretation of a Guardian sigil.

    A Sangheili interpretation of a Guardian sigil.

Armor

  • The non-glowing cyan symbol is found on the back of Stealth Sangheili and Sangheili Zealots.

    The non-glowing cyan symbol is found on the back of Stealth Sangheili and Sangheili Zealots.

  • Sangheili Minor harnesses emblazoned with Forerunner glyphs.

    Sangheili Minor harnesses emblazoned with Forerunner glyphs.

  • White symbol that appears on the Sangheili armor in Halo Reach.

    White symbol that appears on the Sangheili armor in Halo Reach.

  • White symbol that appears on Grunts in numerous games.

    White symbol that appears on Grunts in numerous games.

  • Two symbols painted on Sangheili armor.

    Two symbols painted on Sangheili armor.

  • Symbol used on the Prophets' anti-gravity chairs.

    Symbol used on the Prophets' anti-gravity chairs.

Weapons and vehicles

Graffiti

Covenant Huragok have during the Battle of Mombasa been noted to graffiti Forerunner symbols on the walls of New Mombasa. Some of the symbols depict the New Mombasa Superintendent's avatar along side the Forerunner symbols. The symbols were first seen in the Halo 3 ViDoc trailers and during gameplay as the symbol for the Regenerator.

  • All known symbols

    All known symbols

  • Y glyph.jpg
  • GlyphA.jpg
  • GlyphB.jpg
  • Super Y glyph.png
  • SuperTriglyph.jpg
  • SuperMonoGlyph.jpg
  • Sad Monoglyph.png
  • O glyph.jpg
  • TheSuperCircle.jpg
  • Transmission glyphs.png

Unknown origin

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

  • Hand-drawn glyphs on the map Warlord.

    Hand-drawn glyphs on the map Warlord.

Development gallery

  • Cut symbols in the Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary Terminals.[21]

    Cut symbols in the Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary Terminals.[21]

  • Cut render of the Lightrifle that had the Line type symbols "34-1112" on it.

    Cut render of the Lightrifle that had the Line type symbols "34-1112" on it.

  • Forerunner control panel concept art.

    Forerunner control panel concept art.

  • Forerunner control panel concept.

    Forerunner control panel concept.

  • Forerunner control panel concept art.

    Forerunner control panel concept art.

  • Cut Halo 2: Anniversary Terminal symbols.

    Cut Halo 2: Anniversary Terminal symbols.

  • Forerunner and Sangheili symbols in the Art of Halo 5 book.

    Forerunner and Sangheili symbols in the Art of Halo 5 book.

Trivia

The base numerical glyph was used as an avatar by AdjutantReflex.[22]

List of appearances

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 an error with the wrong symbols popping up.

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. ^ Halo: Spartan Strike, Operation E: Brother’s Keeper
  8. ^ a b Halo 4, campaign level, Requiem
  9. ^ Halo: Silentium, page 142-143
  10. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level, The Silent Cartographer
  11. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, campaign level, The Silent Cartographer
  12. ^ Halo 2
  13. ^ Halo 3, Epilogue
  14. ^ Halo 4, campaign level, Composer
  15. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 181
  16. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest
  17. ^ a b Halo: Silentium, page 85
  18. ^ Halo 3, Terminals
  19. ^ Halo 4: Promethean Weapons Trailer
  20. ^ Halo: Epitaph, chapter 5
  21. ^ YouTube: BTS: Anniversary Terminals
  22. ^ Iris

Related links

Internal

External

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