Did the Elites Respect Humanity? Absolutely.
As a hardcore Halo fan, I can definitively say that the badass Elite warriors did respect us humans – even while we were battling each other to the death across the stars! While they saw us as physically weak, they couldn‘t help admiring human bravery, honor and skill as warriors. Let‘s delve deeper into the evidence…
A Grudging Respect Emerges from Hatred
When the war erupted in 2525, the Covenant saw humanity as an affront – a heresy to their Forerunner gods. The campaign of genocide against human worlds was brutal, with Elites leading charges against outmatched defenders. Yet despite facing claims of heresy and experiencing tragic losses, humanity persevered. Our refusal to give up earned us hatred but also begrudging respect from Elites witnessing unrelenting human valor unfold battle after battle:
| Date | Battle | Outcome |
| Feb 4, 2535 | Battle of Chi Rho | Pyrrhic UNSC victory |
| Mar 2, 2537 | Battle of New Legaspi | Tactical Covenant victory |
| Sept 13, 2552 | Battle of Sigma Octanus IV | Covenant victory |
Little wonder that veteran Elites vastly respected skilled human warriors and commanders like Admiral Cole, Captain Keyes and Master Chief. This growing respect was reflected in the epithet "Demon" granted to SPARTAN-II supersoldiers. Originally meant as an insult, it became an acknowledgement of human capabilities.
Alliance of Convenience Forges Deeper Bonds
When the Covenant fragmented after the Prophet‘s betrayal of the Elites, strained alliances were forged. This alliance against the Brutes and Flood was reluctant for both sides initially. But the Arbiter and Rtas ‘Vadum acknowledged human tenacity and valor had earned the Elites hard-won respect. As the alliance persisted through grave battles like the Ark and those on Installation 00, mutual admiration blossomed into brotherhood-in-arms.
ByWAR‘s end in 2553, hatred had turned to respect, then camaderie from the fires of battle. With wartime alignments persisting into the postwar galaxy, perhaps our species shall someday move fully from allies to true friends. There are already positive signs with Sangheili ambassadors on Earth and talks of wider trade and cultural exchanges. And that possibility fills this Halo fan‘s heart with hope and excitement!
In closing, while it was not immediate, the courageous defense of Earth and her colonies did ultimately earn humanity the Elites‘ respect – the true mark of a formidable foe. Our alliance remains uneasy, but it stands on the shoulders of giants like the Master Chief and Arbiter whose skill and valor showed the way. From the bitterest enmity, respect and possibility was forged!
