Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer

The Gravity Hammer is melee weapon of the Brute Chieftains. It not only serves as an excellent melee weapon, but can alter gravity to move objects and living beings around.

Fist of Rukt
Tartarus's battle hammer is named the Fist of Rukt. It is unknown what "Rukt" actually is or was. Presumably it is named after some entity, possibly the first to possess the hammer. It also translates to "blood" in Sanskrit and Hindi. Looking at the Hammer, one can notice two very sharp blades, protruding from the Hammer. This might be why it is called Rukt. The blades resemble that of the Brute Shot and the Brute "Spiker".

In "Starry Night"
In the "Starry Night" TV spot released on December 4, 2006, one of the Brutes that the Master Chief attacks is carrying a hammer. However, this is probably not the Fist of Rukt, and it remains to be seen whether or not it is even a gravity hammer; it is most likely a captain's or chieftain's hammer, a very honorable thing to carry in Brute culture--though the Fist of Rukt is most definitely a higher status symbol.

In "Et Tu Brute"
In the ViDoc "Et Tu Brute" released December 20, 2006, there were a few animations of Brutes using Hammers, and Brutes in gameplay that were wielding Hammers. It is still unknown whether it is a gravity hammer that they are using, but the Hammers do make similar blue explosions, much like Plasma Grenade explosions, that the Fist of Rukt made during the battle with Tartarus.



Halo 3
There is speculation that the Gravity Hammer will be a usable weapon in Halo 3. Due to its large size and apparant power there is a theory that if it does appear in Halo 3, it will fall under the support weapon category. If it is wieldable, it is likely to be in 3rd person, as well as make the player move slower. But looking at the Brutes, you might be able to move at normal speed. The Brutes were moving quite fast.

Different Types
In the new Halo 3 trailer, it seems that the Hammer has different looks. If the different Hammers have different abilities, is still unknown. It might be different rankings though. That therory seems more plausible.