Guardian Custode

This article is about the Forerunner construct. For other uses, see Guardian (disambiguation).

Guardians are Forerunner constructs.^[1] At some point in 2558, a Guardian would have an encounter with the Swords of Sanghelios, led by the Arbiter Thel 'Vadam and ONI forces led by Jameson Locke.^[2]

Description

Guardians are seemingly somewhat variable in appearance. One variant possesses horizontally ovoid-shaped heads and long, phoenix-like wings consisting of multiple segments, presumably held together by hard light bonds. Another variant, witnessed on Sanghelios, possesses a head that is vertically roughly elliptical (reminiscent of a humanoid face), topped with a broad, vaguely conical protrusion, along with shorter wings composed of comparatively fewer segments. Both variants are enormous; with the variant present on Sanghelios appearing to be hundreds of meters in height. One of the variants possesseses long, tentacle-like appendages that protrude from the "chin", similar to the tentacles of Gatherers.

Guardians are capable of concealing themselves underground and can produce powerful shockwaves.

Behind-the-scenes

First seen in the Halo Xbox One announcement trailer, this construct bears resemblance to the description of a war sphinx, albeit far larger. However, Jeff Easterling of 343 Industries later confirmed that it was not a war sphinx.^[3]
When asked about the Forerunner construct seen in the Halo 5: Guardians key art on Twitter, the game's Creative Director Josh Holmes replied that "The answer is in plain sight."^[4]

Gallery

Thel 'Vadam studying a holographic render of the Guardian in Halo 2: Anniversary's prologue.
Another view of the holographic render of the Guardian from Halo 2: Anniversary's prologue.
The Guardian rising from the sands in the Halo Xbox One announcement trailer.
A similar Guardian over a Sanghelios city in the cover art for Halo 5: Guardians
A Forerunner symbol resembling the Guardian featured in the final message of Hunt the Signal