CASTOR IS BACK CASTOR IS BACK CASTOR IS BACK
who is castor? ONLY THE BEST JIRALHANAE CHARACTER SINCE MACCABEUS
lydus man, i think you’re great and all but i’m sorry, you are outclassed here
Like Atriox is really cool as a character, an “upgrade” so to speak on Tartarus, as they’re both villains whose threat comes from their physical power and aggression, but we see Atriox’s motivations and cunning a lot more than Tartarus, who is mainly just bloodthirsty. Essentially, they both play to the “Brute” stereotype in a large manner. Tartarus is the quintessential Brute, Atriox is a quintessential Brute with a few more layers added on. (Hekabe thinks he’s an Atriox, but he’s more of an iso-Tartarus...)
I think all of them are good, even great characters, especially in the context in which each of them are placed in the Halo narrative
BUT the holy trinity of Maccabeus, Castor, and Lydus...
These are Jiralhanae that, while they still are feared warriors that are physically powerful, the focus of their character and/or threat is in their values. These are characters who aren’t defined by the magnitude of their cruelty or physical prowess.
Lydus’ main role in his one appearance is as a diplomat wary of the Arbiter’s offer of peace because it could be another exploitation gambit against his people.
Castor’s role is more military-based, as he’s leading an assault on a UNSC colony, but what makes him a threat is the fact that he understands people and he uses diplomacy to manipulate or put them off-guard. And then, in a critical moment, he does what none of the other characters, even the heroes of the story end up doing: respecting the Huragok’s agency.
And then Maccabeus, ho boi, this boy... like how can I list the ways this guy is the best Jiralhanae? Um... because this is a post to celebrate Castor’s return, I’m just gonna link to my thoughts on this boy so it doesn’t overshadow poor Castor...
ALSO: MACCABEUS IS DEAD, CASTOR IS NOT, AND I WAS SO HAPPY WHEN TROY DENNING DID NOT KILL OFF YET ANOTHER FASCINATING JIRALHANAE CHARACTER AND NOW HE’S BACK AND I’M EVEN MORE HAPPY.
