Decoding the Symbolism of the Bird in Halo Season 2, Episode 5

In Halo season 2, episode 5, "Aleria," Master Chief (Pablo Schreiber) is seen observing a bird in flight as he ponders his next steps following the events of Halo's Fall of Reach storyline. John-117 is not merely enjoying the scenery of the planet. His fellow Spartan, Riz-028 (Natasha Culzac), gets injured during the evacuation of Reach, prompting John to question the wisdom of her actions. Vannak-134 (Bentley Kalu), another member of Silver Team, had lost his life in the previous episode, and Riz bravely went back to retrieve his body.

Halo Season 2 Revealed That Vannak Had A Fondness For Animals

During a conversation with Dr. Catherine Halsey, the creator of the Spartan program, John is reminded that Spartans don't leave their own behind. However, he expresses his belief that Vannak, along with the rest of the Spartans, died on the day they were taken by Halsey for the program. The loss of their home planet Reach, once considered untouchable, leaves Master Chief and his fellow survivors struggling to come to terms with their grief. In the episode "Aleria," Master Chief reflects on the reasons for his fight and contemplates his purpose, all while drawing connections to the bird imagery in the Halo series.

Vannak (Bentley Kalu) smiles at the birds in Halo season 2 - Halo Season 2 Revealed That Vannak Had A Fondness For Animals

In season 1 of the Halo show, there was a change made to Master Chief and the other Spartans involving an emotional inhibitor. This device was implanted in every Spartan-II as part of Halsey's program to ensure they follow orders. In the first season, the inhibitor plays a crucial role in the storyline. When the Spartans lose their inhibitors, many of them undergo significant emotional changes. Although the technology is not mentioned in season 2, the Spartans in Halo season 2 start to question their humanity and their purpose more often.

John is torn between whether he is more of a weapon or a human...

The show doesn't provide much background on Vannak before he meets his demise in Halo's Fall of Reach episode. However, the Spartan does express his love for animals. Just before Reach is attacked by the Covenant, viewers witness Vannak's affection for animals as he spends time with pigeons on a rooftop. Despite the birds flying away due to the explosions, the show hints at Vannak's connection to them. In his final moments after being wounded by a Needler, Vannak gazes at the sky and sees a single bird before passing away.

Master Chief Sees A Bird On Aleria Before Vannak’s Funeral

Master Chief (Pablo Schreiber) sees a bird on Aleria in Halo season 2 - Master Chief Sees A Bird On Aleria Before Vannak’s Funeral

As Vannak's life fades away, the last sight that the Spartan catches is a bird soaring away from the chaos and destruction on Reach. This imagery not only brings back memories of Vannak's first appearance in episode 4 but also holds a significant thematic meaning. Following the Fall of Reach, the survivors of the invasion find refuge on Aleria to regroup. While Halsey and the doctors on Aleria attend to Riz's wounds, sustained while trying to retrieve Vannak's body, Master Chief ponders on the porch of the medical facility.

Kwan Ha (Yerin Ha), who stayed by Vannak's side during the journey to Aleria, urges John to assist her in giving their fallen comrade a proper burial. However, the leader of Silver Team hesitates, claiming that Vannak had died long before. According to him, Spartans do not mourn each other, although his actions suggest otherwise. As John struggles with his identity as either a weapon or a human, he notices a bird circling above. This sight mirrors the bird that had flown over Vannak's body. This moment compels John to join the memorial for Vannak and Reach later that evening.

The Bird Imagery Highlights The Spartans’ Desire For Freedom

Master Chief (Pablo Schreiber) at the funeral pyre on Aleria in Halo season 2 - The Bird Imagery Highlights The Spartans’ Desire For Freedom

The next day, John and Riz meet on the porch of Aleria's medical building where they had seen the bird before. They discuss their futures, with Riz expressing her desire to move on from being a soldier while John cannot imagine a different life for himself. Riz has been contemplating a new path for herself after learning the truth about Halsey's Spartan program, which has changed the supersoldiers. The loss of Reach has intensified their internal struggles. The bird imagery in Halo symbolizes the Spartans' longing for freedom that seems just out of reach.

Halo season 2's finale is set to air on March 21, 2024.

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the complexities of Master Chief's character in Halo season 2, highlighting his struggle with his identity and purpose in the wake of the Fall of Reach. The bird imagery serves as a powerful symbol of the Spartans' desire for freedom, as they grapple with their humanity amidst the horrors of war. The article effectively explores the emotional turmoil experienced by Master Chief and his fellow Spartans, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

The article also sheds light on the impact of Vannak's death on the team, particularly on Master Chief. Through Vannak's love for animals, the show subtly hints at the Spartans' yearning for a connection with nature and a sense of peace that eludes them in their relentless battles. The bird that circles above Vannak's body and the one that Master Chief observes before Vannak's funeral serve as poignant reminders of the Spartans' longing for a life beyond the battlefield.