Toa (Generation 1)

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"Haven't you figured it out yet? You have to be insane to be a Toa at all. It's the first requirement for the job."
— Toa Helryx to Takanuva, Swamp of Secrets

Toa (Generation 1)
Sapient Species
Powers Elemental Powers, use of Kanohi, Toa Power
Status Active
Locations Matoran Universe (formerly), Spherus Magna
Pronunciation TOE-ah


The Toa are the heroes of the Matoran Universe. They are powerful beings that have Elemental Powers and a Kanohi. Toa also carry Toa Tools, which aid in the channeling of their Elemental Powers. Although Toa tend to serve the powers of good, this is not guaranteed; Toa have been known to be swayed by their negative emotions, such as greed.

History

The Great Beings, when creating the Matoran Universe, implemented the concept of the Toa as the defenders, who would protect the universe's primary residents, the Matoran. Basing the general design on the warrior species of Spherus Magna and the powers off of the Element Lords, the Great Beings created Helryx, the first Toa, who assisted the Matoran in the construction of Metru Nui. Helryx was also a member of the Hand of Artakha, which defended the universe from early threats. They also created Orde, a male Toa of Psionics. However, due to Orde's aggressive nature and failure to calm the Zyglak, they made all subsequent Matoran users of Psionics female. After the first Toa, certain Matoran were imbued with a specific energy at their creation. Matoran who had this energy triggered were transformed into Toa this way, instead of being created by the Great Beings. More and more Toa came into being, eventually replacing the Hand as the main protectors of the universe. Helryx later founded the Order of Mata Nui, and prohibited other Toa from joining.

Cautious of the great power they had given the Toa (and not recognizing their nanotech creations as independent beings), the Great Beings created a being called Marendar to destroy the Toa if they did not shut down as planned when the Great Spirit Robot fulfilled its task. Marendar was only to be activated by the presence of Toa on Spherus Magna, and was sealed away in a Protodermis vault until that time.

The Toa Mata in stasis inside their canisters

A group of eight Toa, consisting of Lesovikk, Nikila, and six others, banded together and became the first known Toa Team; however, all but Lesovikk were killed by Zyglak.

Six Toa, the Toa Mata, were created by Artakha at the behest of the Great Beings. These Toa, who were designed to awaken the Great Spirit Mata Nui should something happen to him, were trained by the Order of Mata Nui, and later put into stasis to await the time they were needed.

The Brotherhood of Makuta, an organization originally tasked with creating Rahi, began assisting the Toa, using them to defeat common enemies such as the rebellious League of Six Kingdoms. The Toa also earned themselves the enmity of the Dark Hunters, a group of renegades devoted to profit making. The Dark Hunters killed various Toa over the years, though some Toa defected from the side of good and joined the mercenaries.

A group of Toa began to grow suspicious of the Brotherhood, believing they would take on the same goal as the League: to overthrow the Great Spirit. They gathered any useful information about the Brotherhood, such as the names of their members and fortress locations, on a stone. However, their base was situated next to a Frostelus encampment, and they were eventually attacked. An inexperienced Toa, Lhikan, was ordered to take the stone and run. However, when he went to retrieve the stone, he found it to be gone, stolen by two Skakdi who later joined the Dark Hunters.

Several Makuta hired elite teams of Toa for protection, who were named the Toa Hagah. The Toa Hagah defended the Makuta for many years, though they also eventually began to mistrust the Brotherhood. One group, led by Toa Norik, discovered proof of the Makuta's treachery, and led a rebellion. All other teams of Toa Hagah were assassinated or corrupted by the Brotherhood following this event.

When the Dark Hunters declared war on Metru Nui, numerous Toa from all over the universe rallied under Lhikan's command to defend it. The war ended when one of the Toa Mangai, Nidhiki, tried to gain rule of the city by betraying his brothers and sisters to the Hunters. However, Lhikan learned of the betrayal, and agreed to permit the Hunters to leave at the request of Hakann in exchange for the Makoki Stone. The Toa then ambushed the Dark Hunters, forcing them to leave and to take Nidhiki with them.

The Toa Metru

Several thousand years later, the Toa Mangai began mysteriously disappearing after being sent out on missions. Lhikan grew suspicious of Turaga Dume, who was actually Makuta Teridax in disguise. To ensure that new Toa would arise to stop him, he gave Toa Stones to six chosen Matoran, following the stars (which Teridax tried to defy, but the Order of Mata Nui ensured their existence). Together, these new Toa sealed Teridax in a cage of Protodermis and brought the Matoran to the island of Mata Nui for safety, becoming Turaga in the process.

In wake of the Great Cataclysm, Toa everywhere became aware of the Brotherhood's treachery. From the Codrex, six Toa Canisters carrying the Toa Mata were sent to the island of Mata Nui to begin Mata Nui's reawakening.

A thousand years later, the Matoran Takua gathered up all six of the Toa Stones which the Toa Metru had hidden on the island. Using the Toa Stones, he summoned the Toa Canisters of the Toa Mata, which had malfunctioned and lain floating in the ocean of Aqua Magna after the Great Cataclysm had occurred. The Toa arrived on the island, and began to undo the attacks and damages done to the island and its inhabitants by Teridax. They became the Toa Nuva, and Takua consequently became Takanuva, Toa of Light, and together, they temporarily defeated Makuta Teridax, allowing the Matoran to return to the island of Metru Nui.

Shortly after, a new team of Toa, the Toa Inika, was created from six Matoran who were transformed by the energies of the Red Star whilst searching for the missing Toa Nuva, who had gone to the island of Voya Nui to find the Ignika, the Mask of Life, in an attempt to save the life of Mata Nui. They were successful in their search, becoming the Toa Mahri along the way, and the Toa Nuva embarked on a quest to prepare the universe for Mata Nui's reawakening.

They were successful, and were sent to the universe's core, Karda Nui. Equipped with new armor and weapons from Artakha, the Toa Nuva embarked on a final confrontation against the Brotherhood of Makuta. They succeeded in waking Mata Nui and returned to Metru Nui. There, they learned that Teridax had taken over Mata Nui's body and thus the entire universe. The Toa rallied against the oppressive regime of Teridax, and began fighting against his forces.

After Teridax landed on Bara Magna, Takanuva and Tahu were able to escape the robot with a force of Toa, and they started fighting Teridax's forces. When Teridax accidentally sent out a tractor beam that pulled the two moons of Bara Magna back to where they had originally been, a piece of one smashed into his head, killing him. After his body crashed onto the ground, the rest of the Toa in the Matoran Universe came out to the surface of Bara Magna, which soon became part of Spherus Magna. Unfortunately, the sudden presence of Toa on the newly reformed planet activated Marendar, who then escaped onto Spherus Magna.

The Toa began to work with the Glatorian to help integrate Agori and Matoran societies. Tahu worked with Ackar and Kiina, while others went to fulfill the last request of Mata Nui to find the Great Beings. Toa of Water worked with helping water breathers migrate from the Matoran Universe.

Alternate Universes

The Melding Alternate Universe

Great Beings created Toa the size of prime universe Matoran in this reality. They had all the same powers as the prime Toa, and helped save Spherus Magna from shattering at all.

Spherus Magna Alternate Universe

As the Makuta never rebelled in this universe, the Toa moved to Spherus Magna and began to interact with Glatorian and Agori a thousand years prior to the time it occurred in the prime universe.

The Kingdom Alternate Universe

Toa helped stabilize Mata Nui and block the Rahkshi and Makuta from entering the Matoran Universe after Matoro failed to resurrect the Great Spirit in this splinter reality.

Toa Empire Alternate Universe

In this alternate universe Toa Tuyet killed Lhikan, later taking the leadership of Metru Nui away from Turaga Dume and forming a Toa controlled empire. Resistance forces led by Lesovikk and Pohatu, aided by the prime universe Takanuva stormed the Coliseum, and Tuyet was severed by a portal that allowed Takanuva to escape.

Gali and Lewa combining their elemental powers

Abilities and Traits

The Toa have a myriad of abilities, most of them developed from a limited capacity possessed by Matoran. In addition to the minute elemental traits of Matoran, Toa have a fully developed ability to control a single element; Stone, Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ice, Light, Sonics, Gravity, Plasma, Magnetism, Lightning, the Green, Iron, and Psionics. Proficiency with an element is a learned skill, with more experienced Toa able to perform a wide range of tasks. Using the element draws upon a reserve of power, a reserve that is constantly being recharged. Toa are capable of releasing all of their Elemental Energy at once in a Nova Blast, but this ability is rarely used due to the damage and death it can cause.

Physically, Toa are stronger and have better endurance than their Glatorian counterparts due to their largely mechanical physiology, which also grants them superhuman durability.[1][2][3] They also heal faster than Glatorian and other organic beings due to the properties of organic protodermis.[4] The average Toa is strong enough to lift more than one ton.[5] Despite having varying set sizes, most Toa are about the same height.

Vakama using his Kanohi Huna to become invisible

All Toa wear and can use the abilities of Great and Noble Kanohi masks; without wearing a mask, their power is greatly weakened. Toa must train in order to access their Kanohi powers, or be forced to use them in stress-inducing situations.

Within a Toa's body is an energy called Toa Power, and Toa use this energy instinctively. This energy is dormant within all Matoran, and is the trigger for transforming into a Toa; Toa that were never Matoran also possess this energy. Unlike Elemental energy, Toa Power does not recharge, so it must be used cautiously. A Toa will turn into a Turaga if they have completed their destiny and sacrifice their Toa Power. If a Toa has expended all their Toa Power before they fulfill their destiny, then they will become a Turaga as soon as their destiny is fulfilled.

Toa have other abilities as well, including the ability to merge into Toa Kaita. Another power is the ability to forge a mental link with another being, which can be used send them visions of things seen from the eyes of the Toa who created the link.

Tools

Toa are known to carry a variety of weapons that they use to focus their elemental energies. Many of them also serve dual functions, such as Toa Metru Nuju's Crystal Spikes doubling as snowshoes. Toa are also known to wield secondary weapons, usually projectile launchers.

When Matoran are transformed into Toa by normal means, they will automatically receive a set of Toa armor as part of their transformation. The armor's appearance is dictated by what the Matoran expects a Toa to look like. However, Toa who were previously Matoran have otherwise identical body designs underneath the armor. The Toa Mata are exceptions to this rule, having been created as Toa.[6]

Known Toa

Social Structure and Interactions

The Toa typically organize themselves into a team structure; these teams typically consist of six members, though smaller or much larger groups are not unusual. Toa are also known to go solo, although this is rare. All Toa devote themselves to the cause of the Three Virtues, and strive to see them defended. Matoran look up to and revere the Toa, and the Toa in turn befriend the Matoran, and attempt to protect them to the best of their ability.

Toa Code

The Toa Code is a series of principles developed over the time, after the Toa realized that their success depended on having the trust and respect of the Matoran, and not their fear. Although this code's exact rules remain unknown, one of the key rules is that Toa must not kill their enemies, unless they have no other choice. However, certain circumstances allow Toa to avoid the Code, like instances where saving one's enemies would potentially cause the death of the Toa. Almost all Toa follow this, known exceptions being Helryx, who cannot afford to obey the Code, Lesovikk, who does not consider himself worthy of the title "Toa", and Tuyet, who ignores it.

Set Information

Toa were released as sets in every year of BIONICLE's run with the exception of 2009. Their first appearance was in mid-2001 at BIONICLE's launch, with the release of six canister sets depicting the Toa Mata (then known simply as Toa). In mid-2002, six Toa Nuva canister sets were released, depicting the same characters having undergone transformation by Energized Protodermis.

In late 2003 the Takanuva set was released, and became the first non-canister set to contain a Toa. A large boxed set, Takanuva was packaged with the Ussanui.

In early 2004 for United States buyers and mid-2004 for others, the six Toa Metru canister sets were released, becoming the first Toa sets to deviate from the previously-established Toa structure. Toa Lhikan appeared later that year in the special edition set Toa Lhikan & Kikanalo. Six Toa Hordika canister sets followed in 2005 with a release date that varied by country like that of the Toa Metru, depicting the same characters after mutation by Visorak venom. In mid-2005 two special edition Toa Hagah canister sets appeared, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the LEGO brick.

During the summer of the next year, the Toa Inika canister sets were released, followed in mid-2007 with the Toa Mahri canister sets. Mid-2007 also marked the release of a large boxed set depicting Lesovikk and his Sea Sled.

The Toa Nuva returned in 2008 as the final team to appear in sets. Their release was staggered, with Lewa, Pohatu, and Kopaka appearing in the early 2008 Phantoka line, and Tahu, Gali, and Onua appearing in the later Mistika series. The staggering was a means of offsetting the LEGO Group's desire to include villainous Makuta in each series. Takanuva appeared in a large boxed set later in the year, enlarged. New forms of Pohatu and Lewa also appeared as pilots in the Rockoh T3 and Axalara T9 sets, respectively.

Two Toa, Tahu and Takanuva, were released in 2010 as part of the BIONICLE Stars line.

Quotes

"No wonder we had to be chosen to be Toa. Nobody would ever volunteer for this job."
— Toa Metru Nuju, Mystery of Metru Nui

"You Toa are so trusting ... one day, it'll be the death of you."
— Krahka, The Darkness Below

"A Toa is not someone who has no fear — but someone who masters their fear."
— Vakama's thoughts, Legends of Metru Nui

"I am doing the same thing Toa do. I am saving one who cannot save himself."
Kualus, Challenge of the Hordika

"Toa aren't killers. If we were, we would have started with you."
Toa Metru Vakama to Makuta Teridax, Time Trap

"Matoran with the calling sometimes are a little... eccentric. Almost like their brain knows something it isn't telling them."
Jerbraz, Brothers In Arms

"To be a Toa is to defeat all those who oppose you? Is this what you believe a Toa to be? A mighty arm to strike down your enemies? Your power is nothing. A Toa's true strength lies here," Whenua said, pointing to his head. Then he placed a hand over his heartlight, saying, "And here. Your Toa Power can move the dirt ... Your mind and heart can move mountains."
— Narrator, Tales of the Masks

"Here I thought you Toa were so peace loving."
"Peace loving. Not weak.
"
Reidak and Toa Nuva Lewa, Dark Destiny

"You know, Jaller always used to say that Toa were invincible, because the things they stand for — unity, duty, and destiny — were invincible. Oh, we had seen them injured, even defeated temporarily, but somehow they — we — always stood to fight again. Even in the worst moments, I thought surely we would win out and return home again. That's what Toa do, isn't it? "
Toa Mahri Hahli to Kopeke, Downfall

"But being a Toa isn't about who's strongest or toughest or has the best mask power. It's about spirit. And by that measure, you are a great Toa."
— Toa Mahri Jaller to Matoro, Downfall

"A handful of Toa? A handful of Toa stole the Mask of Light from Destral itself. Another prevented the conquest of Metru Nui, kept the Mask of Time from us, and even dared to imprison a Makuta! Still another — this very group — defeated Rahi, Rahkshi, and Bohrok swarms, and invaded Makuta Teridax's very lair. One thing I've learned is that you underestimate Toa — any Toa — at your own peril."
— Makuta Antroz, Shadows in the Sky

"Do you know why we Makuta hate Toa so much? It's because you are what we could only pretend to be, once upon a time -- heroes who do good for no reward. And so we call you fools, and even slay you... because we could not be you."
Krika, Swamp of Shadows

"But you wouldn't understand — you're a Toa. Every Toa is your brother or your sister. You all rush around thinking whatever you do must be right. Well, sometimes it's not."
Gavla to Toa Takanuva, The Final Battle

Trivia

  • A little more than 40 active Toa now remain.[7] Currently, twenty-six of the remaining Toa are accounted for: five Toa Nuva, Toa Mata Tahu, the five remaining Toa Mahri, the Toa Hagah, Takanuva, Lesovikk, Krakua, Helryx, Tuyet, Orde, Chiara, Zaria, and Varian. Toa revived in the Red Star do not contribute to this total.
  • Ignika and Mata Nui were not considered true Toa, as both simply labeled themselves as such. Both of them were bodies that the Mask of Life itself created.
  • Artakha can create Toa, but only if the Great Beings provide him with the necessary materials.

References

  1. Chat with Greg Farshtey, 22. April 2014
  2. Chat with Greg Farshtey, 25. August 2014
  3. [1], 30. October 2014
  4. Chat with Greg Farshtey, 3. September 2014
  5. Chat with Greg Farshtey, 18. August 2014
  6. Chat with Greg Farshtey, 25. August 2014
  7. BZPower: Farshtey Feed, 9. June 2012 (archive)

See Also