The Temple of Light
Kini-Nui and the Emergence of Takanuva
The great temple at the center of Mata Nui where the Mask of Light was placed, the Toa of Light was born, and the gate to Mangaia opened beneath the floor.
The Temple of Light was the name by which the MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. of Mata NuiMata Nui (Location)An island created by accident on the Great Spirit's face, home to the Matoran for a thousand years. came to know the great temple at the geographic center of their island. Recorded in canonical sources as Kini-NuiThe Battle of Kini-NuiWhile 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., meaning Great TempleGreat TempleThe Great Temple is a structure situated in Ga-Metru, Metru Nui, associated with the Ga-Matoran and the Bordakh. It formerly fell under the influence of Teridax, though it currently holds no such power. in the MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. tongue, the structure took its second name from the events of the search for the Seventh 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.. It was at this temple that the KanohiKanohiMasks that grant powers and sustain life, they're the most vital artifact in the Matoran Universe. 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. was placed by 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. 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. after their journey across the island, that the six RahkshiBionicle Rahkshi: the Sons of Makuta from Mask of LightRahkshi are armoured hunters made from kraata, the slug-like creatures of the Makuta. Six of them chased the Mask of Light across Mata Nui in 2003. Here's what they are, the different kinds and where they turn up in the films, books and comics. converged in pursuit of the mask, and that the MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. 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 emerged as 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., the Toa of LightToa of LightThe sole Toa wielding the Element of Light through the Avohkii mask, singular and feared by Makuta itself..
The temple at the center of the island#
The temple sat 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 that had formed over the body of the comatose 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. following 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 elemental Toa SuvaToa SuvaThe shrine where six Matoran became Toa Metru by placing their stones and receiving their power. ringed the building, one for each of the original 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., 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. sealed a large tunnel that ran down into MangaiaMangaia: Teridax's lair beneath Mata NuiMangaia was Teridax's hidden lair beneath the island of Mata Nui. It held a pool of Energized Protodermis used to make Infected Kanohi and Rahkshi.. The temple served as the replacement for the lost Great TempleGreat TempleThe Great Temple is a structure situated in Ga-Metru, Metru Nui, associated with the Ga-Matoran and the Bordakh. It formerly fell under the influence of Teridax, though it currently holds no such power. of Metru NuiLegends of Metru NuiThe chronicle of how Toa Mangai Lhikan passed his power to six Matoran, how Metru Nui fell to Teridax, and how Toa Vakama forged the Kanohi Vahi. after the Toa MetruToa Metru and Toa HordikaSix Matoran elevated by Lhikan to save their city, mutated by Visorak venom, and restored in time to deliver the population to safety. brought the surviving MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. to the surface island. From the moment of its founding, it carried both meanings: a place of meditation and ceremony for the villagers above, and an entry point to the lair of their enemy directly below.
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. had assembled at the temple to receive 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. before the descent into MangaiaMangaia: Teridax's lair beneath Mata NuiMangaia was Teridax's hidden lair beneath the island of Mata Nui. It held a pool of Energized Protodermis used to make Infected Kanohi and Rahkshi., and it was through the temple's central gate that the team passed on the way to confront TeridaxTeridaxTeridax orchestrated a thousand-year scheme that ended with him occupying the Great Spirit Robot itself before his death on Bara Magna. for the first time. The six MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. of the original Chronicler's CompanyThe Battle of Kini-NuiWhile 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. defended the gate during that engagement, recorded in detail as the Battle of Kini-NuiThe Battle of Kini-NuiWhile 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.. The temple stood through that battle and continued to serve as the most sacred location on the island in the years that followed.
The placement of 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.#
Two years after the first battle, the 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. 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., then living among the 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. and serving as ChroniclerChroniclerThe Matoran role of recording history and Toa deeds through word and carving, held by figures like Takua and Hahli., recovered a strange golden KanohiKanohiMasks that grant powers and sustain life, they're the most vital artifact in the Matoran Universe. from beneath the surface of Ta-WahiTa-WahiTa-Wahi was the volcanic region of Mata Nui surrounding the Mangai Volcano, encompassing Ta-Koro, the Lake of Fire, the Charred Forest, and the Ta-Wahi Beach.. The mask was brought to the KolhiiKolhiiKolhii was the inter-village sport of Mata Nui, grown out of the older game of koli and played by all six Koro until the Matoran left the island. match at 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., where TuragaTuragaFormer Toa who fulfilled their destiny and transformed into leaders. Turaga wield Noble Kanohi masks and weakened elemental powers, guiding their communities. NokamaNokamaNokama served as Toa Metru of Water, endured the Hordika mutation, and led Ga-Koro and later Ga-Metru as Turaga through three eras. translated the inscription using her Noble RauKanohi RauThe Kanohi Rau allowed its wearer to comprehend foreign written and spoken languages, and was most associated with Turaga Nokama. and identified it as the legendary 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., the Mask of LightThe Search for the Avohkii: Takua, the Rahkshi, and the Coming of TakanuvaThe recovery of the Mask of Light, the death of Jaller, and the transformation of the Chronicler into the Toa of Light at the gate of Mangaia.. The mask was destined for a Seventh Toa, 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. of Light, whose arrival had been foretold but who, unlike the other six, was not waiting in a canister but had to be found.
Because 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. had appeared to shine its light on 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., the TuragaTuragaFormer Toa who fulfilled their destiny and transformed into leaders. Turaga wield Noble Kanohi masks and weakened elemental powers, guiding their communities. designated him Herald of the Seventh Toa and tasked him with carrying the mask in search of its rightful wearer. 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. was sent along as ChroniclerChroniclerThe Matoran role of recording history and Toa deeds through word and carving, held by figures like Takua and Hahli.. Their journey took them across the island through the regions of Ta-WahiTa-WahiTa-Wahi was the volcanic region of Mata Nui surrounding the Mangai Volcano, encompassing Ta-Koro, the Lake of Fire, the Charred Forest, and the Ta-Wahi Beach., Ga-WahiGa-Wahi BeachThe shoreline outside Ga-Koro where the Toa Metru first set foot on Mata Nui, later stripped by the reawakened Bohrok and lost with the island., Le-WahiLe-WahiLe-Wahi is a region on the island of Mata Nui, inhabited by the Le-Matoran and Rahi. Formerly subject to the power of Teridax, the region is no longer under that influence., Po-WahiPo-WahiPo-Wahi is a region of the island of Mata Nui, inhabited by Po-Matoran and Rahi. The territory formerly fell under the control of Teridax., Onu-WahiOnu-WahiThe underground kingdom of Mata Nui, home to the Onu-Matoran and Toa Onua., and Ko-WahiKo-WahiKo-Wahi is a region situated directly above Ko-Metru, inhabited by Matoran, Turaga, Toa, and Rahi. It was formerly under the control of Teridax., and ended at the steps of the central temple. The placement of 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. on the temple was the moment the structure became, in popular memory, the Temple of Light.
The RahkshiBionicle Rahkshi: the Sons of Makuta from Mask of LightRahkshi are armoured hunters made from kraata, the slug-like creatures of the Makuta. Six of them chased the Mask of Light across Mata Nui in 2003. Here's what they are, the different kinds and where they turn up in the films, books and comics. convergence#
TeridaxTeridaxTeridax orchestrated a thousand-year scheme that ended with him occupying the Great Spirit Robot itself before his death on Bara Magna. responded to the discovery of 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. by releasing six RahkshiBionicle Rahkshi: the Sons of Makuta from Mask of LightRahkshi are armoured hunters made from kraata, the slug-like creatures of the Makuta. Six of them chased the Mask of Light across Mata Nui in 2003. Here's what they are, the different kinds and where they turn up in the films, books and comics.. The first three, LerahkLerahkLerahk is a green and dark grey Rahkshi of the Kraata species and a native of Mangaia. Serving as a servant of Makuta within the Brotherhood of Makuta, Lerahk possesses the power of poison and wields the Staff of Poison., PanrahkPanrahkPanrahk is a brown and dark grey Kraata, known as a Rahkshi, who hails from Mangaia and serves as a servant of Makuta within the Brotherhood of Makuta. Carrying the Staff of Fragmentation, Panrahk wields the power of fragmentation., and GuurahkGuurahkThe disintegration-breed Rahkshi released by Makuta Teridax to hunt down the Mask of Light, one of the first three sent to Mata Nui to kill the Herald before the Toa of Light could rise., were dispatched to recover the mask and stop the search. They struck at 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 destroyed the city. The second three, 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., VorahkVorahkVorahk is a black and dark grey Rahkshi of the Kraata species, serving as a servant of Makuta within the Brotherhood of Makuta. Originating from Mangaia, Vorahk commands the power of Hunger and carries the Staff of Absorption., and KurahkKurahkKurahk was a Rahkshi of the Kraata species, a servant of Makuta and a member of the Brotherhood of Makuta. White and dark grey in coloration, Kurahk originated from Mangaia and wielded the Staff of Anger, channeling the power of anger on behalf of its master., were released afterward to pursue the Toa NuvaToa NuvaThe form the Toa Mata took after stepping into the Energized Protodermis beneath the Bahrag, with new masks, new tools, and the elemental scale to fight Karda Nui. and the MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. bearing the mask. The two groups converged on the central temple at the climax of the search.
The Toa NuvaToa NuvaThe form the Toa Mata took after stepping into the Energized Protodermis beneath the Bahrag, with new masks, new tools, and the elemental scale to fight Karda Nui. engaged the RahkshiBionicle Rahkshi: the Sons of Makuta from Mask of LightRahkshi are armoured hunters made from kraata, the slug-like creatures of the Makuta. Six of them chased the Mask of Light across Mata Nui in 2003. Here's what they are, the different kinds and where they turn up in the films, books and comics. on the temple steps and across the surrounding clearing. The fight was costly. 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., the RahkshiBionicle Rahkshi: the Sons of Makuta from Mask of LightRahkshi are armoured hunters made from kraata, the slug-like creatures of the Makuta. Six of them chased the Mask of Light across Mata Nui in 2003. Here's what they are, the different kinds and where they turn up in the films, books and comics. 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. on the temple ground 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. could reach him. The convergence at the temple was therefore the second major engagement at the site, distinct from the earlier Battle of Kini-NuiThe Battle of Kini-NuiWhile 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., and it set the stage for the moment that would give the temple its second name.
The emergence of 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.#
With 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. dead and the Toa NuvaToa NuvaThe form the Toa Mata took after stepping into the Energized Protodermis beneath the Bahrag, with new masks, new tools, and the elemental scale to fight Karda Nui. fighting around him, 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. understood that the Seventh 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. 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. had been searching for was himself. He had been the one to find the mask in Ta-WahiTa-WahiTa-Wahi was the volcanic region of Mata Nui surrounding the Mangai Volcano, encompassing Ta-Koro, the Lake of Fire, the Charred Forest, and the Ta-Wahi Beach.. He had carried it across the island. He had been raised 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. but was in fact 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., one of the lost light villagers, and the mask responded to him because it had always been intended for him. On the steps of the temple, 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. placed 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. on his own face. The transformation produced 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., the Toa of LightToa of LightThe sole Toa wielding the Element of Light through the Avohkii mask, singular and feared by Makuta itself..
A blinding light broke across the field. The combined Toa NuvaToa NuvaThe form the Toa Mata took after stepping into the Energized Protodermis beneath the Bahrag, with new masks, new tools, and the elemental scale to fight Karda Nui. and 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. defeated the remaining RahkshiBionicle Rahkshi: the Sons of Makuta from Mask of LightRahkshi are armoured hunters made from kraata, the slug-like creatures of the Makuta. Six of them chased the Mask of Light across Mata Nui in 2003. Here's what they are, the different kinds and where they turn up in the films, books and comics.. The fallen 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. was revived by the energies released in the transformation. The Toa NuvaToa NuvaThe form the Toa Mata took after stepping into the Energized Protodermis beneath the Bahrag, with new masks, new tools, and the elemental scale to fight Karda Nui. built a vehicle from the parts of the defeated RahkshiBionicle Rahkshi: the Sons of Makuta from Mask of LightRahkshi are armoured hunters made from kraata, the slug-like creatures of the Makuta. Six of them chased the Mask of Light across Mata Nui in 2003. Here's what they are, the different kinds and where they turn up in the films, books and comics., the UssanuiUssanuiBuilt from the wreckage of the six defeated Rahkshi and guided by a Shadow Kraata, the Ussanui carried Takanuva into Makuta's lair., which was guided by the Shadow KraataKraataSlug-like creatures birthed from Makuta's essence, designed as both weapons and the cores of Rahkshi armor. placed in the face plate. 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. mounted the vehicle alone, descended through the temple gate, and travelled through the tunnel into MangaiaMangaia: Teridax's lair beneath Mata NuiMangaia was Teridax's hidden lair beneath the island of Mata Nui. It held a pool of Energized Protodermis used to make Infected Kanohi and Rahkshi. to confront TeridaxTeridaxTeridax orchestrated a thousand-year scheme that ended with him occupying the Great Spirit Robot itself before his death on Bara Magna.. The temple gate was the same one 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. had used a thousand years earlier; the second use sent only one Toa down, this time the one who had been born on the surface at the temple's foot.
Legacy#
The temple's reputation after these events was set. It had been the gate to MangaiaMangaia: Teridax's lair beneath Mata NuiMangaia was Teridax's hidden lair beneath the island of Mata Nui. It held a pool of Energized Protodermis used to make Infected Kanohi and Rahkshi. during the first descent of 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., the holding ground of the Chronicler's CompanyThe Battle of Kini-NuiWhile 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. during the first battle, the site at which the Mask of LightThe Search for the Avohkii: Takua, the Rahkshi, and the Coming of TakanuvaThe recovery of the Mask of Light, the death of Jaller, and the transformation of the Chronicler into the Toa of Light at the gate of Mangaia. was brought home, the convergence point of the RahkshiBionicle Rahkshi: the Sons of Makuta from Mask of LightRahkshi are armoured hunters made from kraata, the slug-like creatures of the Makuta. Six of them chased the Mask of Light across Mata Nui in 2003. Here's what they are, the different kinds and where they turn up in the films, books and comics., and the birthplace of the only 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. of Light in the MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. Universe. The popular name shifted accordingly. Where earlier records spoke of Kini-NuiThe Battle of Kini-NuiWhile 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. or simply the Great TempleGreat TempleThe Great Temple is a structure situated in Ga-Metru, Metru Nui, associated with the Ga-Matoran and the Bordakh. It formerly fell under the influence of Teridax, though it currently holds no such power., later MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. tradition came to call it the Temple of Light, and the two names coexisted for the remainder of the surface settlement's history.
The temple itself did not survive the destruction of the surface island. After the rediscovery of Metru NuiLegends of Metru NuiThe chronicle of how Toa Mangai Lhikan passed his power to six Matoran, how Metru Nui fell to Teridax, and how Toa Vakama forged the Kanohi Vahi., the MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. population returned to the underground city and the island was abandoned. The reawakened BohrokThe Bohrok WarThe campaign of the Toa Mata against the six Bohrok swarms on the island of Mata Nui, ending in the sealing of the Bahrag and the Toa's transformation into the Toa Nuva. swarms cleared the surface as they had been designed to do, and when 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. finally stood from the sea, the surface geography fell with him. The Temple of Light was not rebuilt. What remained was the memory of the events that had given the structure its second name: the placement of 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. on its steps, the death and revival of 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., and the moment a MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. put on a mask and walked off it as 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..
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Temple of Light?
- The Temple of Light was the popular name for Kini-Nui, the great temple at the geographic center of Mata Nui. Recorded in canonical sources as Kini-Nui, meaning Great Temple, the structure took its second name from the events of the search for the Seventh Toa.
- Why was Kini-Nui called the Temple of Light?
- The name came from the events of the Mask of Light arc. After Jaller and Takua brought the Avohkii to the temple steps and Takua became the Toa of Light there, later Matoran tradition came to call it the Temple of Light, and the two names coexisted for the rest of the surface settlement's history.
- What was beneath the Temple of Light?
- The temple sat above a large tunnel that ran down into Mangaia, the lair of Makuta Teridax, sealed by a central Suva. It served as both a place of meditation and ceremony for the villagers above and an entry point to their enemy's lair directly below.
- How did Takanuva emerge at the Temple of Light?
- When Turahk killed Jaller on the temple ground, Takua understood that the Seventh Toa the Avohkii had been searching for was himself. On the steps of the temple he placed the Avohkii on his own face, and the transformation produced Takanuva, the Toa of Light.
- What happened to the Temple of Light?
- The temple did not survive the destruction of the surface island. After the Matoran returned to Metru Nui, the reawakened Bohrok swarms cleared the surface, and when the Mata Nui Being stood from the sea the surface geography fell with him. The Temple of Light was not rebuilt.
Sources
- FilmBIONICLE: Mask of Light, Miramax, 2003 (Avohkii placement and Takanuva emergence)
- ComicBIONICLE 14: At Last -- Takanuva!, LEGO Mania Magazine, 2003 (Rahkshi convergence at Kini-Nui)
- GameMata Nui Online Game II, Templar Studios, 2003 (Kini-Nui as central sacred site)
- WikiBS01 Wiki: Kini-Nui, Center of Mata Nui, gate to Mangaia
- WikiBS01 Wiki: Avohkii, The Mask of Light and its placement
- WikiBS01 Wiki: Takanuva, Birth of the Toa of Light
Spotted a factual error or a primary source we missed? Email a correction. Every flagged claim gets reviewed.
Followed from this entry

Mangaia: Teridax's lair beneath Mata Nui
Mangaia was Teridax's hidden lair beneath the island of Mata Nui. It held a pool of Energized Protodermis used to make Infected Kanohi and Rahkshi.

Kolhii
Kolhii was the inter-village sport of Mata Nui, grown out of the older game of koli and played by all six Koro until the Matoran left the island.

Ga-Wahi Beach
The shoreline outside Ga-Koro where the Toa Metru first set foot on Mata Nui, later stripped by the reawakened Bohrok and lost with the island.

Ta-Wahi
Ta-Wahi was the volcanic region of Mata Nui surrounding the Mangai Volcano, encompassing Ta-Koro, the Lake of Fire, the Charred Forest, and the Ta-Wahi Beach.

Onu-Wahi
The underground kingdom of Mata Nui, home to the Onu-Matoran and Toa Onua.

Mata Nui (Location)
An island created by accident on the Great Spirit's face, home to the Matoran for a thousand years.
Mentioned in7 entries
Agil, Creature of Light
Agil was the hawk-like Elemental Creature of Light from the 2016 reboot story, bonded to Ekimu, who spied on Umarak for the Mask Maker and merged with him to free the Toa from the Destroyer's shadow.
Black Crater
The vast depression in Okoto's Region of Stone, left when the Mask of Ultimate Power drew Capital City into the Shadow Realm, and the site from which Umarak later raised the Black Volcano.
Black Volcano
The volcano that Umarak raised from the Black Crater on the former site of Capital City, atop which the second portal to the Shadow Realm formed and the Okoto campaign was decided.
City of the Mask Makers: Home of Ekimu and Makuta
The City of the Mask Makers was a city on the island of Okoto, named for the brothers Ekimu and Makuta who dwelt there before the Battle of the Mask Makers. It fell to ruin and became the lair of the Lord of Skull Spiders before the Toa reclaimed it.
Region of Stone
The northwestern desert region of Okoto, home of the Stone Tribe and the Protector of Stone, site of the Battle of the Mask Makers and the Black Crater, and the territory through which Pohatu hunted for the Golden Mask of Stone.
The Mask of Creation
The signature Kanohi of Ekimu the Mask Maker, the source of his creative craft. Stolen by Kulta the Skull Grinder, reclaimed at the Mask Makers' forge, and worn again in the final defence of Okoto.
The Prophecy of Heroes
The dying instruction that the Mask Maker Ekimu pressed into the Protectors of Okoto, foretelling the coming of six Toa and the sign of the aligned stars that would let them be summoned.
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