The Arbiter’s Journey in Halo 2: From Disgrace to Redemption
In Halo 2, Thel ‘Vadam, a once-respected Covenant Commander, suffers a dramatic fall from grace. Following the destruction of Installation 04 (Halo) in Halo: Combat Evolved, and his failure to prevent the Master Chief from escaping, Thel ‘Vadam is held responsible for the loss of the sacred ring. As punishment, he is stripped of his rank, branded a heretic, and forced to become the Arbiter, a suicidal role bestowed upon only the most dishonored Elites. The Arbiter’s fate is to undertake dangerous missions deemed too risky for even the most loyal Covenant soldiers, all in the name of atoning for his perceived failure and serving the High Prophets. Throughout the game, he struggles with his faith, his duty, and the growing realization that the Covenant’s war against humanity may be built on lies.
The Arbiter’s Punishment and Early Missions
The Fall of Thel ‘Vadam
The opening scenes of Halo 2 depict the Elite commander’s trial before the Covenant High Council. The High Prophets, Truth and Regret, oversee his condemnation. The proceedings strip him of his armor, replacing it with the ceremonial armor of the Arbiter. This armor is not only a symbol of his shame, but also a constant reminder of the countless Arbiters who perished before him. The message is clear: Thel ‘Vadam is now expendable.
Missions of Sacrifice
As the Arbiter, Thel ‘Vadam undertakes a series of perilous missions. His initial tasks involve quelling Elite heretics who challenge the Covenant’s authority. These missions pit him against former allies and fellow Elites who have begun to question the Prophets’ motives and the legitimacy of the war. As the Arbiter carries out these missions, he begins to uncover disturbing truths about the Covenant’s history and the Great Journey, the central tenet of their faith. He is paired with Tartarus, a brutish Brute who serves as a monitor, ensuring his loyalty and swiftly punishing any sign of disobedience.
Unraveling the Truth
The Arbiter’s experiences lead him to question everything he thought he knew. He witnesses the Prophets’ manipulation and the Brutes’ increasing power within the Covenant hierarchy. He starts to realize that the Prophets are willing to sacrifice anyone, even entire Elite ranks, to achieve their goals. This growing disillusionment plants the seeds for his eventual betrayal of the Covenant.
Betrayal, Alliance, and a New Path
The Betrayal of Tartarus
The Arbiter’s breaking point comes with the discovery of Installation 05 (Delta Halo). He, along with Master Chief, is instrumental in preventing the Halo ring from being activated by Regret. However, upon securing the Index (the key to activating the ring), Tartarus, under orders from the Prophet of Truth, betrays the Arbiter. Tartarus reveals that the Prophets have ordered the replacement of the Elites with the Brutes and pushes the Arbiter down a seemingly bottomless chasm.
An Unlikely Alliance
Instead of dying, the Arbiter survives and is brought before Gravemind, the Flood intelligence. Here, he encounters Master Chief, who has also been captured by the Flood. Gravemind reveals to both of them the true nature of the Halo rings: weapons of mass destruction designed to eradicate all sentient life in the galaxy, not tools of salvation as the Covenant believes.
Recognizing the common threat posed by the Prophets, the Arbiter and Master Chief are sent on separate missions to stop Tartarus and prevent the activation of Delta Halo. The Arbiter, now fully aware of the Prophets’ lies, allies himself with the Elites who oppose the Brutes’ rise to power and the Covenant’s corrupted leadership. He joins forces with Commander Rtas ‘Vadum, later known as the Shipmaster, and other loyal Elites to fight alongside humanity against the Covenant.
A New Purpose
By the end of Halo 2, the Arbiter has completed his transformation from a disgraced commander to a rebel leader fighting for truth and survival. He has embraced his role as a protector of the galaxy, standing alongside humanity against the genocidal threat of the Halo rings and the deceitful High Prophets. The game concludes with the beginning of the Great Schism, the Covenant’s civil war, and the promise of a future where Elites and humans can fight together for a common cause. His experiences lay the groundwork for his expanded role in Halo 3, where he solidifies his alliance with the Master Chief and becomes a crucial figure in the fight against the Flood and the Covenant remnants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Arbiter in Halo 2
1. Why was Thel ‘Vadam chosen as the Arbiter?
Thel ‘Vadam was chosen as the Arbiter because of his failure at Installation 04. The position is reserved for Elites who have brought dishonor to the Covenant and are deemed expendable. It’s a way for the Prophets to publicly punish him while still utilizing his skills in dangerous missions.
2. What is the significance of the Arbiter’s armor?
The Arbiter’s armor is a symbol of disgrace and servitude. It represents the numerous Arbiters who have died in service to the Covenant. It also serves as a constant reminder to the wearer of their failures and the expectations placed upon them.
3. How does the Arbiter view the Covenant leadership in Halo 2?
Initially, the Arbiter is a devout believer in the Covenant and its leadership. However, through his experiences and discoveries, he gradually becomes disillusioned with the Prophets’ corruption and manipulation. By the end of the game, he sees them as liars and betrayers.
4. Why does Tartarus betray the Arbiter?
Tartarus betrays the Arbiter on orders from the Prophet of Truth. The Prophets are enacting a plan to replace the Elites with the Brutes as the dominant force in the Covenant military, and Tartarus is instrumental in carrying out this plan.
5. How does the Arbiter survive his fall in Halo 2?
The Arbiter survives his fall thanks to Gravemind, the Flood intelligence. Gravemind saves him and Master Chief because he recognizes that they are key to stopping the activation of the Halo rings and the spread of the Flood.
6. What is the Great Schism, and how does it relate to the Arbiter?
The Great Schism is the Covenant’s civil war that erupts in Halo 2. It is triggered by the Prophets’ betrayal of the Elites and their elevation of the Brutes. The Arbiter’s experiences and alliance with the Elites who oppose the Prophets are crucial in the formation and continuation of the Schism.
7. How does the Arbiter’s relationship with the Elites change throughout Halo 2?
Initially, the Arbiter commands respect and loyalty from his fellow Elites. However, after his fall from grace, he is viewed with suspicion and disdain by some. As he uncovers the truth about the Covenant and begins to fight against the Prophets, he earns the respect and support of those Elites who value honor and truth, leading to the formation of a rebel force.
8. Does the Arbiter know Master Chief before meeting him in Halo 2?
No, the Arbiter and Master Chief do not know each other before their encounter with Gravemind. Their meeting in Halo 2 is their first direct interaction, and it lays the foundation for their future alliance.
9. Why does Gravemind help the Arbiter and Master Chief?
Gravemind helps the Arbiter and Master Chief because it sees them as tools to achieve its own goals: preventing the activation of the Halo rings and spreading the Flood. It recognizes that their interests, at least temporarily, align with its own.
10. What is the Arbiter’s role in stopping the activation of Delta Halo?
The Arbiter is instrumental in stopping the activation of Delta Halo. He leads the Elite rebels in an assault on the Control Room and fights alongside Master Chief to prevent Tartarus from firing the ring.
11. How does the Arbiter’s faith evolve in Halo 2?
The Arbiter begins Halo 2 as a devout believer in the Great Journey, the central tenet of the Covenant faith. However, as he witnesses the Prophets’ lies and the true nature of the Halo rings, his faith crumbles. By the end of the game, he has abandoned the Covenant’s religion and embraced a new understanding of the universe and his place in it.
12. What are the key differences between the Arbiter and Tartarus?
The Arbiter and Tartarus represent contrasting ideologies within the Covenant. The Arbiter values honor, loyalty, and truth, while Tartarus is a brutal and unquestioning follower of the Prophets. Their conflict reflects the growing divide within the Covenant between those who uphold traditional values and those who embrace ruthless pragmatism.
13. How does the Arbiter’s story in Halo 2 set up his role in Halo 3?
The Arbiter’s experiences in Halo 2 lay the groundwork for his expanded role in Halo 3. His alliance with the Elites, his understanding of the Halo rings, and his commitment to fighting the Prophets make him a crucial ally to Master Chief in the final battle against the Covenant and the Flood.
14. What is the significance of the Arbiter’s alliance with humanity?
The Arbiter’s alliance with humanity represents a significant shift in the Halo universe. It demonstrates the possibility of cooperation between former enemies in the face of a common threat. It also challenges the long-held beliefs of both the Covenant and humanity about each other.
15. Where can I learn more about the impact of games on learning and society?
You can learn more about the transformative potential of gaming and its effect on learning, behavior, and overall societal progress by visiting the website of the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. It provides valuable insights into the connection between games and learning, fostering a deeper appreciation for the potential that games hold in education and beyond.