Mark of Shame
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
- Rtas 'Vadumee: "This armor suits you, but it cannot hide that mark."
- Thel 'Vadamee: "Nothing ever will."
- — Conversation between Vadumee and Vadamee after the latter was branded with the Mark of Shame, but given the rank of Arbiter.
The Mark of Shame is a brand given to those who have either disgraced or turned away from the Covenant. The Mark of Shame is permanently imprinted onto the bare chest of the disgraced being via a special branding iron. After being branded with the Mark of Shame, the being is executed soon thereafter out of sheer humility.[1]
The only known exception to the execution tradition was the Sangheili Thel 'Vadam, formerly the Supreme Commander in charge of the protection of Installation 04.[2] He became the Arbiter and was sent to eliminate the heretical movement led by Sesa 'Refumee over Threshold.[3]
It seems that an Arbiter's name is disregarded and is thus not mentioned due to the disgrace signified by the mark. Ironically, during the Great Schism, the Mark of Shame became a rallying symbol of the Arbiter-loyal Sangheili and a sign of deference to 'Vadam's honor, often being worn by rank-and-file Sangheili warriors.[4]
Trivia
- The Mark of Shame is available as a multiplayer emblem in Halo 2, Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST.
- The Mark of Shame appeared as the symbol for the Heretic Skull in the Halo 3 multiplayer map Heretic.
Gallery
The Mark of Shame on Thel 'Vadam.
Tartarus holding the Mark of Shame brander.
Tartarus preparing to brand 'Vadamee.
List of appearances
- Halo 2 (First appearance)
- Halo 3
- Halo 3: ODST
- Halo 2: Anniversary
- Halo 5: Guardians (Mentioned only)
Sources
- ^ Halo 2, campaign level, Cairo Station
- ^ Halo 2, campaign level, The Heretic
- ^ Halo 2, campaign level, The Arbiter
- ^ Halo 3
