Warning! SPOILERS for Halo episode 3.
Paramount's live-action Halo series has seemingly introduced a brand new version of the classic energy sword from the games. While the brutal melee weapon is most often used by the Covenant forces known as Elites, a surprising variation is seen in use by the Covenant's sole human member known as Makee (played by Charlie Murphy). Although there have been different kinds of energy blades seen in the continuity of the Halo video games and novels, none are quite like this one which makes its debut in Halo episode 3.
Used by the Sangheili (more commonly known by humans as Elites), energy swords are weapons of nobility. Only the most esteemed members and highest-ranking members are allowed to wield them. Powered by the weapon's handle with built-in magnetic fields, energy swords typically have two blades made from partially ionized, electron-based gas. Incredibly powerful, cuts from energy swords are immediately cauterized due to their high temperatures (much like a lightsaber in Star Wars). However, they also lose their power with every strike, eventually needing to be recharged or discarded.
While the past Halo games and novels have featured variations of the energy sword such as the single-pronged "energy dagger" used by Elite Zealots in Halo: Reach, there hasn't been a version quite like the one seen in Halo episode 3. Used to kill a UNSC commander, Makee wields what looks to be a miniaturized energy blade that extends from her index finger, stabbing the commander through his eye. As such, it certainly seems to be a brutal new version of the energy sword, proving that there's much more to the Covenant's Blessed One than meets the eye.
Spared and raised by the Covenant due to her ability to activate the artifacts left behind by Halo's Forerunners (whom the Covenant worship as gods), it makes sense that Makee would have some unique modifications to keep her protected. Makee's purpose among the Covenant and work with the Prophets as a Blessed One would certainly grant her a high enough status to wield an energy blade (even if it is smaller than the typical version). While the exact mechanics behind how it works are unclear, it wouldn't be a stretch to assume that Makee's hand is a prosthetic, or at the very least her index finger, considering the magnetic-field generator needed to give the blade its form.
At any rate, the finger sword used by Makee is quite surprising. Having begun her mission for the Covenant to find the Master Chief and the artifact he found in the series' first episode, it's clear she's far more formidable than initially assumed. Likewise, this new and stealthier variation of an energy sword might only be the first of many tools the Covenant's Blessed One has at her disposal. Viewers will have to wait to see as Paramount's Halo continues.
Halo streams new episodes Thursdays on Paramount+.