Why does Arbiter help the humans?

Why Does the Arbiter Help the Humans?

In the renowned Halo video game series, the Arbiter is an iconic character known for his unwavering loyalty and unrelenting determination to protect his people. At first glance, it seems contradictory that this Covenant warlord would ever team up with the humans, considered enemies by the Elites. However, upon examining the events that transpire throughout the series, we can uncover the underlying motives behind the Arbiter’s decision to help the humans.

Learning from Frustration and Failure

In Halo: Combat Evolved, we are introduced to the Covenant, a theocratic state comprising various alien species under the leadership of the San’Shyuum. The Prophets, revered beings with godlike status among the Covenant, instigated a holy war against the humans, viewing them as inferior and deserving of extermination. The Elites, one of the most powerful and intelligent races within the Covenant, play a crucial role in these conflicts.

During the human-Covenant war, Thel ‘Vadam, the Arbiter, undergoes a transformative journey from a loyal Elite warlord to a heroic leader with a newfound understanding of his people’s misguided motivations. His experiences with the Fall of Reach, his mentorship under Thelassyr, and his encounters with the Prophets shape his outlook, ultimately leading him to question the Prophets’ true intentions.

Discovering the Truth: A Shift in Allegiance

Halo 3 marks a significant turning point in the series as the Arbiter becomes the protagonist of his own arc. Master Chief John-117, a.k.a. the legendary Human Super Soldier, forms a crucial bond with the Arbiter, solidifying a foundation for future collaborations.

Key Factors Influencing the Arbiter’s Decisions

1. Realization of the Prophet’s Deception: Upon learning about the Reverent, the Precursor artifact hidden within Halo, the Arbiter acknowledges the Prophets’ lies and their intentions to eradicate humanity, contradicting the Covenant’s fundamental purpose.
2. Self-Discovery: As a warrior, the Arbiter understands the futility of fighting against a superior, more technologically advanced species like humanity. Recognizing his own limitations, he begins to question the senseless bloodshed.
3. Gratitude Toward Master Chief: His experiences with Master Chief cultivate a deep respect and trust, as he witnesses firsthand the Chief’s unwavering dedication to his missions and his commitment to defending humanity.

Collaboration and Common Ground

Halo 4 sees the Arbiter joining forces with the United Nations Space Command (UNSC) and Master Chief. Their shared objectives drive a newfound alliance:

• Stemming the threat of the Flood: This parasitic species poses an existential threat to all forms of life, requiring urgent attention and collective effort from both humans and Elites.
• Securing the safety of their peoples: By cooperating, both species aim to safeguard their future, ensuring the well-being of their own kind against the backdrop of a complex, ever-evolving galactic landscape.

Rationale Behind the Arbiter’s Actions

By working together, the Arbiter has found a new path for himself, abandoning his duties as a Covenant warlord and embracing a new alliance. His experiences with humans have broadened his perspectives, allowing him to differentiate between the noble fight and the misguided ideology.

While some may question the loyalty of an Elite who was once devoted to the Prophets, it becomes clear that the Arbiter’s actions stem from:

1. Loyalty to his people and the greater good
2. Personal growth and self-discovery
3. Gratitude towards Master Chief and shared experience

In Conclusion:

The Arbiter’s decision to help the humans can be attributed to the culmination of events and characters within the Halo series. Through his transformative journey, he comes to realize that his people have been manipulated by the Prophets and that cooperation with the humans is necessary to protect the well-being of all life.

This bold move towards diplomacy marks a turning point in the series, opening avenues for future exploration and reinforcing the importance of teamwork in the face of adversity.