Exploring Thermopylae in Halo Season 2: Unpacking the Spartan Connection

In Halo season 2, episode 6, "Onyx," ex-Spartan-turned-rebel-pirate Soren-066 (Bokeem Woodbine) mentions the term "Thermopylae" to his wife, Laera (Fiona O'Shaughnessy), while they are searching the titular planet. This term has been brought up by various characters throughout the Halo TV show's sophomore outing. For instance, Master Chief (Pablo Schreiber) mentioned Thermopylae to Admiral Jacob Keyes (Danny Sapani) in the Fall of Reach episode, possibly referring to the evacuation ship that serves as the Pillar of Autumn's TV series stand-in. This indicates that Thermopylae plays a significant role in the storyline.

Soren Mentions Thermopylae While Looking For Kessler On Onyx

Even though the Halo TV series takes place in the Silver Timeline, which is a separate version of events from the core canon of the video games and books, it still draws heavily from other entries in the franchise. The sophomore outing makes a point to include small details from the Halo games and put new twists on existing characters, such as Halsey's replacement James Ackerson (played by Joseph Morgan). Surprisingly, the term "Thermopylae" is also referenced in the core Halo canon, with a deeper significance than viewers may realize.

Fiona O'Shaughnessy as Laera and Bokeem Woodbine as Soren-066 search for Kessler on Aleria in Halo season 2 - Soren Mentions Thermopylae While Looking For Kessler On Onyx

In the fifth episode of the second season of the Paramount+ series, Soren and Laera are on a mission to find their son, Kessler. However, things take a dangerous turn when Soren's desire for revenge leads them into a trap set by Ackerson and ONI. Realizing the danger they are in, Laera decides that they must leave Halo's The Rubble. As they try to escape with rebel Kwan Ha, they encounter a problem - Soren's rebellious crew. To ensure Laera's safety, Kwan is forced to leave Kessler behind temporarily.

After saving Soren and the other survivors, Laera and Kwan regroup with them on Aleria. They soon discover that Kessler was not on Aleria as they thought; he had been taken by the UNSC. The reason for his capture remains unclear in the Halo series, but it may be related to his Spartan father's supposed sterility. Dr. Halsey provides Soren and Laera with a lead on Kessler's possible location while they are on the UNSC- and ONI-controlled Onyx. The desperate parents search the planet and stumble upon a UNSC installation, leading Soren to mention Thermopylae.

The Halo Series Features A Ship Class Called Thermopylae

Perez (Cristina Rodlo) flies the Reach evacuees off the planet in Halo season 2 - The Halo Series Features A Ship Class Called Thermopylae

During the Fall of Reach, Corporal Talia Perez worked alongside Admiral Keyes to evacuate civilian survivors while the Chief and Keyes' forces fought off the Covenant invasion. Keyes ultimately sacrificed himself to ensure Perez's escape, making him a key character who dies in Halo season 2, episode 4. Thanks to Keyes' actions, Perez was able to pilot the ship off-world, referred to as the Thermopylae.

The viewers see that the Thermopylae, piloted by Perez, successfully reached Onyx. Perez has since joined Ackerson's Spartan-III program. It is evident that Soren recognized the ship and understood that Reach's survivors were relocated to Onyx, a planet with a mysterious Forerunner connection. In the Halo universe, the Thermopylae-class supercarrier is known for its durability and power, specifically designed to combat the Covenant's formidable capital ships. In Halo: Evolutions, the UNSC Thermopylae destroyer plays a significant role in the Battle of 18 Scorpii.

Thermopylae Is A Reference To The Historic Spartan Battle In Ancient Greece

Closeup of Perez (Cristina Rodlo) in Spartan-III armor in Halo season 2 - Thermopylae Is A Reference To The Historic Spartan Battle In Ancient Greece

Halo's ship is named after the Battle of Thermopylae, a famous conflict that took place in 480 BC. This battle pitted the powerful Achaemenid Persian Empire, led by Xerxes I, against a coalition of Greek city-states, led by Sparta's Leonidas I, over the course of three days. The Battle of Thermopylae was a significant event in the Persian invasion of Greece, occurring around ten years after the Battle of Marathon. While the Greeks were successful in repelling the Persians at Marathon, Thermopylae is remembered for the noble sacrifice made by the defenders (via Livius.org).

This story highlights the incredible dedication that even the most disadvantaged soldiers can show when defending their homeland.

The Greek forces, vastly outnumbered, are known for their famous last stand at the Battle of Thermopylae. This historical event has inspired pop culture, such as the movie 300. It highlights the incredible determination of even the most disadvantaged soldiers when it comes to protecting their homeland. The Halo franchise, known for using the Spartan moniker, includes other historical references. In Halo, the use of Thermopylae as an evacuation ship on Reach is a nod to this iconic battle and showcases the attention to detail in the show.

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

Sources: Halopedia, Livius.org

Editor's P/S:

The mention of "Thermopylae" in Halo season 2 has intrigued viewers and sparked discussions about its significance. It connects the show to the core Halo canon, referencing a historical battle and a specific ship class. The Thermopylae-class supercarrier, known for its durability, serves as a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Furthermore, the battle of Thermopylae, which inspired the ship's name, highlights the unwavering determination of outnumbered soldiers defending their homeland. This parallels the Spartans' unwavering commitment to protecting humanity in the Halo universe. The use of this historical reference adds depth to the show's narrative, drawing inspiration from real-world events to enhance the fictional world's mythology.