Skip to main content

The Battle of Kini-Nui

The Matoran Stand at the Great Temple

While the Toa Mata descended into Mangaia to confront Makuta Teridax, six Matoran with bamboo disks held the temple gate that was their only way back.

By Joe Garratt

The Battle of Kini-NuiKini-NuiThe most sacred temple on Mata Nui, ironically built directly above Teridax's fortress. was the largest single engagement in the history of the island of Mata NuiMata Nui (Location)An island created by accident on the Great Spirit's face, home to the Matoran for a thousand years. and the closing action of the thousand-year Matoran-Rahi WarMatoran-Rahi WarA thousand-year struggle between Matoran villagers and Teridax's enslaved Rahi nearly broke the five koros before the Toa arrived.. Six MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. of the improvised Chronicler's CompanyChroniclerThe Matoran role of recording history and Toa deeds through word and carving, held by figures like Takua and Hahli., reinforced by the Ta-Koro GuardTa-Koro GuardThe Ta-Koro Guard was the largest standing Matoran fighting force on Mata Nui, captained by Jaller and active from the early Rahi conflicts through the return to Metru Nui., the UssalryUssalryOnu-Koro's branch of the Mata Nui Military, made up of Onu-Matoran riders mounted on tamed Ussal crabs and led by High Commander Onepu., and the Gukko ForceGukkoA large, swift bird-like Rahi domesticated by the Le-Matoran as the mount of the Gukko Force, the second-largest Matoran military unit on Mata Nui., held the great temple's gate against waves of infected RahiRahiThe Rahi were the biomechanical wildlife of the Matoran Universe, built largely by the Brotherhood of Makuta, ranging from background fauna to engineered war beasts. while the Toa MataWho are the Toa Mata?Six warriors built to order by Artakha, stored in canisters, dropped into the ocean. This is the origin story of Bionicle's heroes and why their first week of work was entirely amnesiac. descended into MangaiaMangaiaThe hidden stronghold of Teridax beneath the island of Mata Nui, containing Energized Protodermis and connected to the Bohrok Nest. to confront Makuta TeridaxTeridaxTeridax orchestrated a thousand-year scheme that ended with him occupying the Great Spirit Robot itself before his death on Bara Magna.. Three of the MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. who held the field that day, JallerJallerJaller served as Captain of the Ta-Koro Guard, led the Toa Inika to Voya Nui, and commanded the Toa Mahri through the recovery of the Mask of Life., KonguKonguKongu commanded Le-Koro's Gukko Force before a strike from the Kanohi Ignika transformed him into a Toa of Air who later served among the Toa Mahri., and TakuaTakuaAn Av-Matoran hidden on Mata Nui as a Ta-Matoran, who gathered the Toa Stones, served as Chronicler, and ultimately accepted the Avohkii to become Takanuva, the Toa of Light., would later become ToaWho are the Toa Mata?Six warriors built to order by Artakha, stored in canisters, dropped into the ocean. This is the origin story of Bionicle's heroes and why their first week of work was entirely amnesiac. in their own right.

The temple and the stakes#

The Kini-NuiKini-NuiThe most sacred temple on Mata Nui, ironically built directly above Teridax's fortress. temple sits at the geographic center of Mata NuiMata Nui (Location)An island created by accident on the Great Spirit's face, home to the Matoran for a thousand years., the island where the MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. settled after the Great CataclysmThe Great CataclysmThe day Makuta Teridax put the Great Spirit to sleep, the Great Spirit Robot fell from the sky, Metru Nui flooded, and Voya Nui tore loose from the Southern Continent.. Six Toa SuvaToa SuvaThe shrine where six Matoran became Toa Metru by placing their stones and receiving their power. ring it, one for each element, and a central SuvaSuvaSuva were the sacred shrines of Matoran civilisation, holding Toa Stones, Kanohi, and Nuva symbols across Mata Nui, Metru Nui, and beyond. holds the gate down into MangaiaMangaiaThe hidden stronghold of Teridax beneath the island of Mata Nui, containing Energized Protodermis and connected to the Bohrok Nest.. It was at Kini-NuiKini-NuiThe most sacred temple on Mata Nui, ironically built directly above Teridax's fortress. that the Toa MataWho are the Toa Mata?Six warriors built to order by Artakha, stored in canisters, dropped into the ocean. This is the origin story of Bionicle's heroes and why their first week of work was entirely amnesiac. received their Golden KanohiGolden KanohiSix powers in one mask. The Toa Mata's final upgrade transformed them from scrappy protectors into warriors capable of facing Teridax., and from Kini-NuiKini-NuiThe most sacred temple on Mata Nui, ironically built directly above Teridax's fortress. that the pathway to TeridaxTeridaxTeridax orchestrated a thousand-year scheme that ended with him occupying the Great Spirit Robot itself before his death on Bara Magna.'s lair opened. The gate served as the Toa MataWho are the Toa Mata?Six warriors built to order by Artakha, stored in canisters, dropped into the ocean. This is the origin story of Bionicle's heroes and why their first week of work was entirely amnesiac.'s only route both into MangaiaMangaiaThe hidden stronghold of Teridax beneath the island of Mata Nui, containing Energized Protodermis and connected to the Bohrok Nest. and out of it. If the temple fell, the ToaWho are the Toa Mata?Six warriors built to order by Artakha, stored in canisters, dropped into the ocean. This is the origin story of Bionicle's heroes and why their first week of work was entirely amnesiac. would return to a sealed entrance and be buried alive in their own victory.

The trigger for the battle was a tactical decision on TeridaxTeridaxTeridax orchestrated a thousand-year scheme that ended with him occupying the Great Spirit Robot itself before his death on Bara Magna.'s part. The Matoran-Rahi WarMatoran-Rahi WarA thousand-year struggle between Matoran villagers and Teridax's enslaved Rahi nearly broke the five koros before the Toa arrived. had been grinding through all five KorosKoroThe Koros were the six elemental villages established by the Toa Metru on Mata Nui after the Great Rescue, each tied to one element and one Turaga. for a thousand years, with infected RahiRahiThe Rahi were the biomechanical wildlife of the Matoran Universe, built largely by the Brotherhood of Makuta, ranging from background fauna to engineered war beasts. attacking Ta-KoroTa-KoroTa-Koro was a settlement located in Ta-Wahi, home to the Ta-Matoran, Tahu, and Vakama, and formerly connected to Teridax. The settlement was ultimately destroyed., Le-KoroLe-KoroLe-Koro is a village situated within Le-Wahi, inhabited by the Le-Matoran and home to Turaga Matau and Toa Lewa. The settlement was once held under the control of Teridax., Onu-KoroOnu-KoroOnu-Koro was the earth engineers' city, where underground isolation created one of Mata Nui's most self-sufficient settlements, until the Bohrok came., Po-KoroPo-KoroPo-Koro was the Po-Matoran village in Po-Wahi, led by Turaga Onewa and guarded by Toa Pohatu, reached through a single statue-lined road called the Path of Prophecies., and Ga-KoroGa-KoroGa-Koro is a village on the island of Mata Nui, inhabited by the Ga-Matoran and associated with both Nokama and Gali. The settlement was formerly under the power of Teridax. in waves. When TeridaxTeridaxTeridax orchestrated a thousand-year scheme that ended with him occupying the Great Spirit Robot itself before his death on Bara Magna. realized the ToaWho are the Toa Mata?Six warriors built to order by Artakha, stored in canisters, dropped into the ocean. This is the origin story of Bionicle's heroes and why their first week of work was entirely amnesiac. were inbound to MangaiaMangaiaThe hidden stronghold of Teridax beneath the island of Mata Nui, containing Energized Protodermis and connected to the Bohrok Nest., he pulled his RahiRahiThe Rahi were the biomechanical wildlife of the Matoran Universe, built largely by the Brotherhood of Makuta, ranging from background fauna to engineered war beasts. off the villages and pointed them at the temple. KonguKonguKongu commanded Le-Koro's Gukko Force before a strike from the Kanohi Ignika transformed him into a Toa of Air who later served among the Toa Mahri. and TuragaTuragaFormer Toa who fulfilled their destiny and transformed into leaders. Turaga wield Noble Kanohi masks and weakened elemental powers, guiding their communities. MatauMatauA former Le-Metru test driver who became a Toa Metru, Matau wielded air, illusion, and shape-shifting before sacrificing his Toa power to wake the sleeping Matoran. interpreted the redeployment correctly and rallied the Gukko ForceGukkoA large, swift bird-like Rahi domesticated by the Le-Matoran as the mount of the Gukko Force, the second-largest Matoran military unit on Mata Nui., the Ta-Koro GuardTa-Koro GuardThe Ta-Koro Guard was the largest standing Matoran fighting force on Mata Nui, captained by Jaller and active from the early Rahi conflicts through the return to Metru Nui., and the UssalryUssalryOnu-Koro's branch of the Mata Nui Military, made up of Onu-Matoran riders mounted on tamed Ussal crabs and led by High Commander Onepu. in a converging counter-attack. The result was not a defensive siege. It was a meeting engagement on the most important square mile on the island.

The Chronicler's Company#

The unit that took the first blow was assembled by TakuaTakuaAn Av-Matoran hidden on Mata Nui as a Ta-Matoran, who gathered the Toa Stones, served as Chronicler, and ultimately accepted the Avohkii to become Takanuva, the Toa of Light. before any of the KoroKoroThe Koros were the six elemental villages established by the Toa Metru on Mata Nui after the Great Rescue, each tied to one element and one Turaga. militaries arrived. The Chronicler's CompanyChroniclerThe Matoran role of recording history and Toa deeds through word and carving, held by figures like Takua and Hahli. was an improvised force drawn from one MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. of each element. Many of them were the misfits of their home villages rather than their TuragaTuragaFormer Toa who fulfilled their destiny and transformed into leaders. Turaga wield Noble Kanohi masks and weakened elemental powers, guiding their communities.'s first picks; their KorosKoroThe Koros were the six elemental villages established by the Toa Metru on Mata Nui after the Great Rescue, each tied to one element and one Turaga. sent the MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. they could spare.

The roster:

  • TakuaTakuaAn Av-Matoran hidden on Mata Nui as a Ta-Matoran, who gathered the Toa Stones, served as Chronicler, and ultimately accepted the Avohkii to become Takanuva, the Toa of Light., an Av-MatoranAv-MatoranThe Light-element Matoran, prototypes of their species, who colonised Karda Nui from the Southern Continent and built the Stalactite Villages above the Swamp of Secrets. living as a Ta-MatoranTa-MatoranThe Fire-element Matoran of Ta-Metru and Ta-Koro, forgers of masks and Kanoka, lava farmers, and the standing core of the Ta-Koro Guard during the war for Mata Nui., ChroniclerChronicler's StaffA ceremonial inscribing tool used by the Matoran Chronicler to record events on the Wall of History, carried in succession from Kodan to Kopeke. of Mata NuiMata Nui (Location)An island created by accident on the Great Spirit's face, home to the Matoran for a thousand years. and the unit's leader.
  • HafuHafuHafu was a Po-Matoran Carver of Po-Koro, recognized as a Master Carver, who served in the Chronicler's Company and survived the Reign of Shadows., Po-MatoranPo-KoroPo-Koro was the Po-Matoran village in Po-Wahi, led by Turaga Onewa and guarded by Toa Pohatu, reached through a single statue-lined road called the Path of Prophecies. carver from Po-KoroPo-KoroPo-Koro was the Po-Matoran village in Po-Wahi, led by Turaga Onewa and guarded by Toa Pohatu, reached through a single statue-lined road called the Path of Prophecies..
  • TaipuTaipuTaipu is a black and tan Onu-Matoran of the element of Earth who resides on Spherus Magna. A miner by trade, he wields a pickaxe and wears the Kanohi Pakari., Onu-MatoranOnu-KoroOnu-Koro was the earth engineers' city, where underground isolation created one of Mata Nui's most self-sufficient settlements, until the Bohrok came. miner from Onu-KoroOnu-KoroOnu-Koro was the earth engineers' city, where underground isolation created one of Mata Nui's most self-sufficient settlements, until the Bohrok came..
  • TamaruTamaruTamaru was a Le-Matoran Forest Navigator of Le-Koro, Kongu's Kolhii partner, and the Le-Koro representative in the Chronicler's Company at the Battle of Kini-Nui., Le-MatoranLe-KoroLe-Koro is a village situated within Le-Wahi, inhabited by the Le-Matoran and home to Turaga Matau and Toa Lewa. The settlement was once held under the control of Teridax. navigator from Le-KoroLe-KoroLe-Koro is a village situated within Le-Wahi, inhabited by the Le-Matoran and home to Turaga Matau and Toa Lewa. The settlement was once held under the control of Teridax..
  • KapuraKapuraKapura was a red Matoran of Fire who served as a member of the Ta-Koro Guard and formerly as part of the Chronicler's Company. A native of Metru Nui, he later worked as a Vat Controller there, wearing a powerless Ruru on Mata Nui and a powerless Pakari on Metru Nui, and ultimately settled on Bota Magna on Spherus Magna., Ta-MatoranTa-KoroTa-Koro was a settlement located in Ta-Wahi, home to the Ta-Matoran, Tahu, and Vakama, and formerly connected to Teridax. The settlement was ultimately destroyed. guardsman from Ta-KoroTa-KoroTa-Koro was a settlement located in Ta-Wahi, home to the Ta-Matoran, Tahu, and Vakama, and formerly connected to Teridax. The settlement was ultimately destroyed. and deputy Captain of the Guard.
  • MackuMackuMacku was a Ga-Matoran of Metru Nui and later Ga-Koro, attendant to Turaga Nokama, Kolhii partner to Hahli at the championship at Ta-Koro, and a member of the Chronicler's Company., Ga-MatoranGa-KoroGa-Koro is a village on the island of Mata Nui, inhabited by the Ga-Matoran and associated with both Nokama and Gali. The settlement was formerly under the power of Teridax. boatwright from Ga-KoroGa-KoroGa-Koro is a village on the island of Mata Nui, inhabited by the Ga-Matoran and associated with both Nokama and Gali. The settlement was formerly under the power of Teridax..
  • KopekeKopekeKopeke was a Ko-Matoran ice carver of Ko-Koro who served in the Chronicler's Company at Kini-Nui and was later elected the third Chronicler of the Matoran Universe., Ko-MatoranKo-Koro GuardThe defensive force of Ko-Koro on Mata Nui, also known as the Sanctum Guard, drawn from Ko-Matoran trained for vigilance in the icy peaks. attendant and icesmith from Ko-KoroKo-Koro GuardThe defensive force of Ko-Koro on Mata Nui, also known as the Sanctum Guard, drawn from Ko-Matoran trained for vigilance in the icy peaks..

Seven MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body.. One per KoroKoroThe Koros were the six elemental villages established by the Toa Metru on Mata Nui after the Great Rescue, each tied to one element and one Turaga., plus TakuaTakuaAn Av-Matoran hidden on Mata Nui as a Ta-Matoran, who gathered the Toa Stones, served as Chronicler, and ultimately accepted the Avohkii to become Takanuva, the Toa of Light.. They carried bamboo disk launchers and the assumption that they could outlast whatever came at the temple. KapuraKapuraKapura was a red Matoran of Fire who served as a member of the Ta-Koro Guard and formerly as part of the Chronicler's Company. A native of Metru Nui, he later worked as a Vat Controller there, wearing a powerless Ruru on Mata Nui and a powerless Pakari on Metru Nui, and ultimately settled on Bota Magna on Spherus Magna. was a true volunteer, holding the rank of deputy Captain of the Guard under JallerJallerJaller served as Captain of the Ta-Koro Guard, led the Toa Inika to Voya Nui, and commanded the Toa Mahri through the recovery of the Mask of Life. in case of his death. The composition resembled a deliberate cross-section of MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. society, with each elemental district represented in the same proportion as the TuragaTuragaFormer Toa who fulfilled their destiny and transformed into leaders. Turaga wield Noble Kanohi masks and weakened elemental powers, guiding their communities. Council itself.

Each member's civilian skillset was put to use on the road to Kini-NuiKini-NuiThe most sacred temple on Mata Nui, ironically built directly above Teridax's fortress.. HafuHafuHafu was a Po-Matoran Carver of Po-Koro, recognized as a Master Carver, who served in the Chronicler's Company and survived the Reign of Shadows. carved the largest blocking rock into a statue of himself and helped clear the rest. TaipuTaipuTaipu is a black and tan Onu-Matoran of the element of Earth who resides on Spherus Magna. A miner by trade, he wields a pickaxe and wears the Kanohi Pakari. moved the smaller obstructions. KopekeKopekeKopeke was a Ko-Matoran ice carver of Ko-Koro who served in the Chronicler's Company at Kini-Nui and was later elected the third Chronicler of the Matoran Universe. sculpted a key from a hanging icicle at the ice-locked gate near Ko-WahiWahiThe Matoran word for region. The six Wahi of Mata Nui were the six elemental territories that made up the island before the Bohrok cleared its surface.. MackuMackuMacku was a Ga-Matoran of Metru Nui and later Ga-Koro, attendant to Turaga Nokama, Kolhii partner to Hahli at the championship at Ta-Koro, and a member of the Chronicler's Company. brought her Ga-KoroGa-KoroGa-Koro is a village on the island of Mata Nui, inhabited by the Ga-Matoran and associated with both Nokama and Gali. The settlement was formerly under the power of Teridax. canoe under the Ga-KoroGa-KoroGa-Koro is a village on the island of Mata Nui, inhabited by the Ga-Matoran and associated with both Nokama and Gali. The settlement was formerly under the power of Teridax. Waterfall to ferry the company across the river. TamaruTamaruTamaru was a Le-Matoran Forest Navigator of Le-Koro, Kongu's Kolhii partner, and the Le-Koro representative in the Chronicler's Company at the Battle of Kini-Nui. navigated the jungle leg. For the first time in the Matoran-Rahi WarMatoran-Rahi WarA thousand-year struggle between Matoran villagers and Teridax's enslaved Rahi nearly broke the five koros before the Toa arrived., civilian crafts proved to be combat assets in their own right.

A separate engagement at the same temple#

Two years later a second major engagement took place at the same site, when all six RahkshiRahkshiArmor suits powered by parasitic Kraata, Rahkshi were Teridax's most effective soldiers and among Bionicle's most visually iconic early enemies. converged on the temple and TurahkTurahkTurahk is a red and dark grey Kraata of the Rahkshi who serves as a servant of Makuta within the Brotherhood of Makuta. Hailing from Mangaia, Turahk wields the Staff of Fear and possesses the power of fear. killed JallerJallerJaller served as Captain of the Ta-Koro Guard, led the Toa Inika to Voya Nui, and commanded the Toa Mahri through the recovery of the Mask of Life. before TakuaTakuaAn Av-Matoran hidden on Mata Nui as a Ta-Matoran, who gathered the Toa Stones, served as Chronicler, and ultimately accepted the Avohkii to become Takanuva, the Toa of Light. put on the AvohkiiAvohkiiThe Avohkii is the Mask of Light, a golden mask that granted its wearer the power of Light and the ability to spread understanding. It was worn by Toa Takanuva. and became TakanuvaTakanuvaHidden among the Ta-Matoran as Takua, the disguised Av-Matoran who became Takanuva was the sole Toa of Light produced in the Matoran Universe's full history.. That engagement is recorded separately as the convergence at Kini-NuiKini-NuiThe most sacred temple on Mata Nui, ironically built directly above Teridax's fortress. during the search for the Mask of LightKanohi Mask of Light and ShadowA single fused Kanohi formed in Energized Protodermis when Takanuva and Teridax merged into Takutanuva, holding both light and shadow at once.. The Chronicler's CompanyChroniclerThe Matoran role of recording history and Toa deeds through word and carving, held by figures like Takua and Hahli. that fought at the second battle was a different unit: HahliHahliA Ga-Matoran scholar who rose to become Chronicler of Mata Nui, then Toa Inika, then Toa Mahri of Water during the final crises of the Matoran Universe. carried the ChroniclerChronicler's StaffA ceremonial inscribing tool used by the Matoran Chronicler to record events on the Wall of History, carried in succession from Kodan to Kopeke. role into MangaiaMangaiaThe hidden stronghold of Teridax beneath the island of Mata Nui, containing Energized Protodermis and connected to the Bohrok Nest. after TakuaTakuaAn Av-Matoran hidden on Mata Nui as a Ta-Matoran, who gathered the Toa Stones, served as Chronicler, and ultimately accepted the Avohkii to become Takanuva, the Toa of Light.'s transformation, and was later joined by HewkiiHewkiiHewkii rose from Po-Metru carver to Mata Nui's foremost kolhii player, then served as Toa Inika and Toa Mahri through the late wars of the universe., KonguKonguKongu commanded Le-Koro's Gukko Force before a strike from the Kanohi Ignika transformed him into a Toa of Air who later served among the Toa Mahri., MackuMackuMacku was a Ga-Matoran of Metru Nui and later Ga-Koro, attendant to Turaga Nokama, Kolhii partner to Hahli at the championship at Ta-Koro, and a member of the Chronicler's Company., NuparuNuparuAn Onu-Matoran engineer from Metru Nui who built the Boxor and rose to become a Toa of Earth despite no warrior destiny., and MatoroMatoroA quiet Ko-Matoran translator who became a Toa Inika and then a Toa Mahri, Matoro gave his life with the Mask of Life to restore Mata Nui. for the recovery of the Mask of LifeThe Mask of Life (Kanohi Ignika), explainedA failsafe forged by the Great Beings to recharge a god. It curses everyone who touches it, and by the end of Bionicle it had learned how to be a hero.. The two battles share a location but no overlap in cast or attacker, and conflating them obscures what the MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. accomplished in the first.

The engagement#

The fight unfolded in two phases. The opening waves were infected RahiRahiThe Rahi were the biomechanical wildlife of the Matoran Universe, built largely by the Brotherhood of Makuta, ranging from background fauna to engineered war beasts. from across the island: Nui-JagaNui-JagaGiant scorpions with lethal stingers that were hunted for profit despite a grim death toll. scorpions, MuakaMakutaA glossary entry distinguishing the three referents of the word Makuta: the species, the individual Teridax, and the title held by every Brotherhood member. tigers, Nui-RamaThe Nui-Rama HiveThe Nui-Rama Hive served as a Rahi nest, Matoran prison, and protodermis mining site during Teridax's shadow occupation of Mata Nui. wasps, TarakavaMakuta (Species)Shadowy Antidermis beings and the Brotherhood's elite, Makuta commanded darkness and shaped the Matoran Universe's fate. mantises out of the water, and Kane-RaMakuta (Species)Shadowy Antidermis beings and the Brotherhood's elite, Makuta commanded darkness and shaped the Matoran Universe's fate. bulls. The seven MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. held the line by exploiting type advantages. KapuraKapuraKapura was a red Matoran of Fire who served as a member of the Ta-Koro Guard and formerly as part of the Chronicler's Company. A native of Metru Nui, he later worked as a Vat Controller there, wearing a powerless Ruru on Mata Nui and a powerless Pakari on Metru Nui, and ultimately settled on Bota Magna on Spherus Magna. proved effective against Nui-RamaThe Nui-Rama HiveThe Nui-Rama Hive served as a Rahi nest, Matoran prison, and protodermis mining site during Teridax's shadow occupation of Mata Nui. and MuakaMakutaA glossary entry distinguishing the three referents of the word Makuta: the species, the individual Teridax, and the title held by every Brotherhood member.. KopekeKopekeKopeke was a Ko-Matoran ice carver of Ko-Koro who served in the Chronicler's Company at Kini-Nui and was later elected the third Chronicler of the Matoran Universe. cut through Nui-JagaNui-JagaGiant scorpions with lethal stingers that were hunted for profit despite a grim death toll. lines. HafuHafuHafu was a Po-Matoran Carver of Po-Koro, recognized as a Master Carver, who served in the Chronicler's Company and survived the Reign of Shadows. handled Nui-RamaThe Nui-Rama HiveThe Nui-Rama Hive served as a Rahi nest, Matoran prison, and protodermis mining site during Teridax's shadow occupation of Mata Nui.. They defeated successive groups before the RahiRahiThe Rahi were the biomechanical wildlife of the Matoran Universe, built largely by the Brotherhood of Makuta, ranging from background fauna to engineered war beasts. began to arrive in entire hordes.

Then the Chronicler's CompanyChroniclerThe Matoran role of recording history and Toa deeds through word and carving, held by figures like Takua and Hahli. began to lose ground. TakuaTakuaAn Av-Matoran hidden on Mata Nui as a Ta-Matoran, who gathered the Toa Stones, served as Chronicler, and ultimately accepted the Avohkii to become Takanuva, the Toa of Light. himself was struck unconscious by a wounded Nui-RamaThe Nui-Rama HiveThe Nui-Rama Hive served as a Rahi nest, Matoran prison, and protodermis mining site during Teridax's shadow occupation of Mata Nui.. While unconscious he received a vision-link to MangaiaMangaiaThe hidden stronghold of Teridax beneath the island of Mata Nui, containing Energized Protodermis and connected to the Bohrok Nest.: the Toa KaitaToa KaitaTemporary fusion forms where three Toa merged into a single, vastly more powerful being. Rare in the Matoran Universe but instantly memorable. separated, and GaliGali, Toa of WaterThe Toa Nuva of Water and conscience of the Toa Mata, whose attunement to her element anchored the team across every campaign from Mata Nui to Karda Nui. instructed him to find the Toa MataWho are the Toa Mata?Six warriors built to order by Artakha, stored in canisters, dropped into the ocean. This is the origin story of Bionicle's heroes and why their first week of work was entirely amnesiac. so that he could chronicle their final stand against TeridaxTeridaxTeridax orchestrated a thousand-year scheme that ended with him occupying the Great Spirit Robot itself before his death on Bara Magna.. The ChroniclerChroniclerThe Matoran role of recording history and Toa deeds through word and carving, held by figures like Takua and Hahli. experienced the MangaiaMangaiaThe hidden stronghold of Teridax beneath the island of Mata Nui, containing Energized Protodermis and connected to the Bohrok Nest. engagement remotely while bleeding on the temple steps. Both fights were running on the same clock.

The reinforcements#

Relief came from the village militaries the Chronicler's CompanyChroniclerThe Matoran role of recording history and Toa deeds through word and carving, held by figures like Takua and Hahli. had been drawn from. KonguKonguKongu commanded Le-Koro's Gukko Force before a strike from the Kanohi Ignika transformed him into a Toa of Air who later served among the Toa Mahri. led the Gukko ForceGukkoA large, swift bird-like Rahi domesticated by the Le-Matoran as the mount of the Gukko Force, the second-largest Matoran military unit on Mata Nui. in from Le-KoroLe-KoroLe-Koro is a village situated within Le-Wahi, inhabited by the Le-Matoran and home to Turaga Matau and Toa Lewa. The settlement was once held under the control of Teridax.. OnepuUssalryOnu-Koro's branch of the Mata Nui Military, made up of Onu-Matoran riders mounted on tamed Ussal crabs and led by High Commander Onepu. brought the UssalryUssalryOnu-Koro's branch of the Mata Nui Military, made up of Onu-Matoran riders mounted on tamed Ussal crabs and led by High Commander Onepu. up from Onu-KoroOnu-KoroOnu-Koro was the earth engineers' city, where underground isolation created one of Mata Nui's most self-sufficient settlements, until the Bohrok came. through the tunnels; PewkuUssalSix-legged crustacean Rahi domesticated across Metru Nui and Mata Nui for cargo, mining, and sport. Backbone of Matoran labor., TakuaTakuaAn Av-Matoran hidden on Mata Nui as a Ta-Matoran, who gathered the Toa Stones, served as Chronicler, and ultimately accepted the Avohkii to become Takanuva, the Toa of Light.'s pet UssalUssalSix-legged crustacean Rahi domesticated across Metru Nui and Mata Nui for cargo, mining, and sport. Backbone of Matoran labor., followed the army in hopes of being reunited with him. The Ta-Koro GuardTa-Koro GuardThe Ta-Koro Guard was the largest standing Matoran fighting force on Mata Nui, captained by Jaller and active from the early Rahi conflicts through the return to Metru Nui. under JallerJallerJaller served as Captain of the Ta-Koro Guard, led the Toa Inika to Voya Nui, and commanded the Toa Mahri through the recovery of the Mask of Life. (then known as Jala) was the third reinforcement, and the engagement marked JallerJallerJaller served as Captain of the Ta-Koro Guard, led the Toa Inika to Voya Nui, and commanded the Toa Mahri through the recovery of the Mask of Life.'s promotion to Captain of the Guard in the field. He would die at the same temple two years later, struck down by TurahkTurahkTurahk is a red and dark grey Kraata of the Rahkshi who serves as a servant of Makuta within the Brotherhood of Makuta. Hailing from Mangaia, Turahk wields the Staff of Fear and possesses the power of fear. during the convergence.

The combined order of battle comprised the Chronicler's CompanyChroniclerThe Matoran role of recording history and Toa deeds through word and carving, held by figures like Takua and Hahli., the Ta-Koro GuardTa-Koro GuardThe Ta-Koro Guard was the largest standing Matoran fighting force on Mata Nui, captained by Jaller and active from the early Rahi conflicts through the return to Metru Nui., the UssalryUssalryOnu-Koro's branch of the Mata Nui Military, made up of Onu-Matoran riders mounted on tamed Ussal crabs and led by High Commander Onepu., and the Gukko ForceGukkoA large, swift bird-like Rahi domesticated by the Le-Matoran as the mount of the Gukko Force, the second-largest Matoran military unit on Mata Nui.. Four units, three of them organized along KoroKoroThe Koros were the six elemental villages established by the Toa Metru on Mata Nui after the Great Rescue, each tied to one element and one Turaga. lines, one of them improvised two days earlier. Together they held the field.

The synchronized victory#

The Toa MataWho are the Toa Mata?Six warriors built to order by Artakha, stored in canisters, dropped into the ocean. This is the origin story of Bionicle's heroes and why their first week of work was entirely amnesiac. underneath the temple fought their own engagement in parallel. GaliGali, Toa of WaterThe Toa Nuva of Water and conscience of the Toa Mata, whose attunement to her element anchored the team across every campaign from Mata Nui to Karda Nui. and KopakaKopakaKopaka was the Toa Nuva of Ice, deputy commander of the Toa Mata, and one of the six warriors crafted on Artakha to defend the Matoran Universe. fused into WairuhaWho are the Toa Mata?Six warriors built to order by Artakha, stored in canisters, dropped into the ocean. This is the origin story of Bionicle's heroes and why their first week of work was entirely amnesiac.; TahuTahu (2001)Tahu was the Toa Mata of Fire and leader of the team, from his first landing on Ta-Wahi Beach to the destruction of Teridax's Rahkshi army on Bara Magna with the Golden Armor., PohatuPohatuPohatu was the Toa Mata and Toa Nuva of Stone, guardian of Po-Wahi, whose speed and steady humour anchored the team through every era of the Matoran Universe., and OnuaOnuaOnua was the Toa Mata and Toa Nuva of Earth, a quiet, deliberate warrior whose patience and underground mastery anchored his team across the Matoran Universe. fused into AkamaiWho are the Toa Mata?Six warriors built to order by Artakha, stored in canisters, dropped into the ocean. This is the origin story of Bionicle's heroes and why their first week of work was entirely amnesiac.. The two Toa KaitaWho are the Toa Mata?Six warriors built to order by Artakha, stored in canisters, dropped into the ocean. This is the origin story of Bionicle's heroes and why their first week of work was entirely amnesiac. defeated the ManasManasManas are a species of Rahi that exist in two color variants, one black, grey, and yellow and the other white, grey, and orange, and are armed with claws.. The Toa MataWho are the Toa Mata?Six warriors built to order by Artakha, stored in canisters, dropped into the ocean. This is the origin story of Bionicle's heroes and why their first week of work was entirely amnesiac. separated again, faced their own Shadow ToaWho are the Toa Mata?Six warriors built to order by Artakha, stored in canisters, dropped into the ocean. This is the origin story of Bionicle's heroes and why their first week of work was entirely amnesiac., and exiled TeridaxTeridaxTeridax orchestrated a thousand-year scheme that ended with him occupying the Great Spirit Robot itself before his death on Bara Magna. into a wall of solid ProtodermisThe Great CataclysmThe day Makuta Teridax put the Great Spirit to sleep, the Great Spirit Robot fell from the sky, Metru Nui flooded, and Voya Nui tore loose from the Southern Continent..

The surface RahiRahiThe Rahi were the biomechanical wildlife of the Matoran Universe, built largely by the Brotherhood of Makuta, ranging from background fauna to engineered war beasts. lost their controller at the moment of TeridaxTeridaxTeridax orchestrated a thousand-year scheme that ended with him occupying the Great Spirit Robot itself before his death on Bara Magna.'s defeat. The siege broke. TakuaTakuaAn Av-Matoran hidden on Mata Nui as a Ta-Matoran, who gathered the Toa Stones, served as Chronicler, and ultimately accepted the Avohkii to become Takanuva, the Toa of Light. recovered from his concussion, returned to Onu-KoroOnu-KoroOnu-Koro was the earth engineers' city, where underground isolation created one of Mata Nui's most self-sufficient settlements, until the Bohrok came., found a new passageway opened within the tunnels, and descended into the darkness of MangaiaMangaiaThe hidden stronghold of Teridax beneath the island of Mata Nui, containing Energized Protodermis and connected to the Bohrok Nest. to confirm the victory. The MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. had no rest in the immediate aftermath.

Significance#

The Battle of Kini-NuiKini-NuiThe most sacred temple on Mata Nui, ironically built directly above Teridax's fortress. was the only engagement in pre-Toa Mata NuiMata Nui (Location)An island created by accident on the Great Spirit's face, home to the Matoran for a thousand years. history where MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. decided the outcome of a ToaWho are the Toa Mata?Six warriors built to order by Artakha, stored in canisters, dropped into the ocean. This is the origin story of Bionicle's heroes and why their first week of work was entirely amnesiac. confrontation by holding their own ground. Other recorded MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. actions were either evacuations (the Toa MetruThe Great CataclysmThe day Makuta Teridax put the Great Spirit to sleep, the Great Spirit Robot fell from the sky, Metru Nui flooded, and Voya Nui tore loose from the Southern Continent. sphere migration) or self-defenses (the Ga-Koro Defense ForceGa-Koro Defense ForceThe Ga-Matoran militia that patrolled Ga-Wahi with bamboo poles, motorized boats, and tamed Keras, and held the village during the Bohrok War. standing on the lily pads against PahrakBohrok-Kal Kaita ZaA theoretical fusion of Tahnok-Kal, Pahrak-Kal, and Nuhvok-Kal, capable of fusion in principle but never assembled during the Bohrok-Kal campaign.). Kini-NuiKini-NuiThe most sacred temple on Mata Nui, ironically built directly above Teridax's fortress. was offensive. The Chronicler's CompanyChroniclerThe Matoran role of recording history and Toa deeds through word and carving, held by figures like Takua and Hahli. chose the ground, the KoroKoroThe Koros were the six elemental villages established by the Toa Metru on Mata Nui after the Great Rescue, each tied to one element and one Turaga. militaries reinforced, and the combined force took the field against TeridaxTeridaxTeridax orchestrated a thousand-year scheme that ended with him occupying the Great Spirit Robot itself before his death on Bara Magna.'s entire surface army.

The line of inheritance from the unit was equally significant. Three of the seven members of the Chronicler's CompanyChroniclerThe Matoran role of recording history and Toa deeds through word and carving, held by figures like Takua and Hahli. later became ToaWho are the Toa Mata?Six warriors built to order by Artakha, stored in canisters, dropped into the ocean. This is the origin story of Bionicle's heroes and why their first week of work was entirely amnesiac.. TakuaTakuaAn Av-Matoran hidden on Mata Nui as a Ta-Matoran, who gathered the Toa Stones, served as Chronicler, and ultimately accepted the Avohkii to become Takanuva, the Toa of Light. became TakanuvaTakanuvaHidden among the Ta-Matoran as Takua, the disguised Av-Matoran who became Takanuva was the sole Toa of Light produced in the Matoran Universe's full history.. JallerJallerJaller served as Captain of the Ta-Koro Guard, led the Toa Inika to Voya Nui, and commanded the Toa Mahri through the recovery of the Mask of Life., who reinforced the temple with the Ta-Koro GuardTa-Koro GuardThe Ta-Koro Guard was the largest standing Matoran fighting force on Mata Nui, captained by Jaller and active from the early Rahi conflicts through the return to Metru Nui., became a Toa InikaJallerJaller served as Captain of the Ta-Koro Guard, led the Toa Inika to Voya Nui, and commanded the Toa Mahri through the recovery of the Mask of Life. and later a Toa MahriJallerJaller served as Captain of the Ta-Koro Guard, led the Toa Inika to Voya Nui, and commanded the Toa Mahri through the recovery of the Mask of Life.. KonguKonguKongu commanded Le-Koro's Gukko Force before a strike from the Kanohi Ignika transformed him into a Toa of Air who later served among the Toa Mahri., who led the Gukko ForceGukkoA large, swift bird-like Rahi domesticated by the Le-Matoran as the mount of the Gukko Force, the second-largest Matoran military unit on Mata Nui. reinforcement, became a Toa InikaKonguKongu commanded Le-Koro's Gukko Force before a strike from the Kanohi Ignika transformed him into a Toa of Air who later served among the Toa Mahri. and Toa MahriKonguKongu commanded Le-Koro's Gukko Force before a strike from the Kanohi Ignika transformed him into a Toa of Air who later served among the Toa Mahri.. The MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. tested at Kini-NuiKini-NuiThe most sacred temple on Mata Nui, ironically built directly above Teridax's fortress. were those whom the Order of Mata NuiThe Order of Mata NuiThe covert organization founded by Helryx to serve the Great Spirit directly, operating in concealment from a fortress on Daxia and waging the open war against the Brotherhood of Makuta that decided the fate of the universe. and the Mata Nui BeingMata NuiBuilt by the Great Beings to restore Spherus Magna, Mata Nui sustained an entire civilisation inside his body, was deposed by Teridax, and reclaimed his purpose as a mortal on Bara Magna.'s destiny system continued to track.

Years later, after TeridaxTeridaxTeridax orchestrated a thousand-year scheme that ended with him occupying the Great Spirit Robot itself before his death on Bara Magna. had seized the Matoran UniverseThe Great CataclysmThe day Makuta Teridax put the Great Spirit to sleep, the Great Spirit Robot fell from the sky, Metru Nui flooded, and Voya Nui tore loose from the Southern Continent., MackuMackuMacku was a Ga-Matoran of Metru Nui and later Ga-Koro, attendant to Turaga Nokama, Kolhii partner to Hahli at the championship at Ta-Koro, and a member of the Chronicler's Company., TamaruTamaruTamaru was a Le-Matoran Forest Navigator of Le-Koro, Kongu's Kolhii partner, and the Le-Koro representative in the Chronicler's Company at the Battle of Kini-Nui., KopekeKopekeKopeke was a Ko-Matoran ice carver of Ko-Koro who served in the Chronicler's Company at Kini-Nui and was later elected the third Chronicler of the Matoran Universe., and TaipuTaipuTaipu is a black and tan Onu-Matoran of the element of Earth who resides on Spherus Magna. A miner by trade, he wields a pickaxe and wears the Kanohi Pakari. regrouped in the ruins. TaipuTaipuTaipu is a black and tan Onu-Matoran of the element of Earth who resides on Spherus Magna. A miner by trade, he wields a pickaxe and wears the Kanohi Pakari. refused to rest. He had not rested at Kini-NuiKini-NuiThe most sacred temple on Mata Nui, ironically built directly above Teridax's fortress. when the RahiRahiThe Rahi were the biomechanical wildlife of the Matoran Universe, built largely by the Brotherhood of Makuta, ranging from background fauna to engineered war beasts. attacked, he said, and he would not rest now. Even with HafuHafuHafu was a Po-Matoran Carver of Po-Koro, recognized as a Master Carver, who served in the Chronicler's Company and survived the Reign of Shadows. and KapuraKapuraKapura was a red Matoran of Fire who served as a member of the Ta-Koro Guard and formerly as part of the Chronicler's Company. A native of Metru Nui, he later worked as a Vat Controller there, wearing a powerless Ruru on Mata Nui and a powerless Pakari on Metru Nui, and ultimately settled on Bota Magna on Spherus Magna. unaccounted for, the Chronicler's CompanyChroniclerThe Matoran role of recording history and Toa deeds through word and carving, held by figures like Takua and Hahli. lived again. The Company had survived in name and in spirit longer than any other improvised MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. unit in the universe's history.

Without Kini-NuiKini-NuiThe most sacred temple on Mata Nui, ironically built directly above Teridax's fortress. standing, the Toa MataWho are the Toa Mata?Six warriors built to order by Artakha, stored in canisters, dropped into the ocean. This is the origin story of Bionicle's heroes and why their first week of work was entirely amnesiac. would have emerged from MangaiaMangaiaThe hidden stronghold of Teridax beneath the island of Mata Nui, containing Energized Protodermis and connected to the Bohrok Nest. into a sealed temple. The events of the years that followed, from the BohrokBohrokHive-minded mechanical creatures designed to reshape worlds, the Bohrok represent a threat the Toa Mata never expected. awakening to the recovery of Metru NuiMetru NuiThe city beneath Mata Nui functions as the Great Spirit's brain, housing the Matoran whose labor keeps the god alive., depended on six MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. with bamboo disks holding a gate long enough for the ToaWho are the Toa Mata?Six warriors built to order by Artakha, stored in canisters, dropped into the ocean. This is the origin story of Bionicle's heroes and why their first week of work was entirely amnesiac. to finish their work below.

Frequently asked questions

What was the Battle of Kini-Nui?
The Battle of Kini-Nui was the largest single engagement in the history of the island of Mata Nui and the closing action of the thousand-year Matoran-Rahi War. Six Matoran of the improvised Chronicler's Company, reinforced by the Ta-Koro Guard, the Ussalry, and the Gukko Force, held the great temple's gate against waves of infected Rahi while the Toa Mata descended into Mangaia to confront Makuta Teridax.
Why was holding the Kini-Nui temple so important?
The gate at Kini-Nui served as the Toa Mata's only route both into Mangaia and out of it. If the temple fell, the Toa would return to a sealed entrance and be buried alive in their own victory.
Who was in the Chronicler's Company?
The Chronicler's Company was an improvised force assembled by Takua, drawn from one Matoran of each element. Its members were Takua, Hafu, Taipu, Tamaru, Kapura, Macku, and Kopeke, who carried bamboo disk launchers, and many of them were the misfits their villages could spare rather than their Turaga's first picks.
How was the Battle of Kini-Nui won?
The combined surface force held the field while, beneath the temple, the Toa Mata fused into the Toa Kaita Wairuha and Akamai to defeat the Manas, then separated, faced their own Shadow Toa, and exiled Teridax into a wall of solid Protodermis. The surface Rahi lost their controller at the moment of Teridax's defeat, and the siege broke.
Why is the Battle of Kini-Nui considered significant?
It was the only engagement in pre-Toa Mata Nui history where Matoran decided the outcome of a Toa confrontation by holding their own ground. Three of the Matoran who held the field that day, Takua, Jaller, and Kongu, would later become Toa in their own right.

Sources

Spotted a factual error or a primary source we missed? Email a correction. Every flagged claim gets reviewed.

Related entries

Mentioned in10 entries

Get new articles in your inbox

No spam. New lore drops, canon conflicts, and deep dives only when they’re worth reading.

Some links on Lore Fortress are affiliate links. If you buy through them we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.