Great Beings (Bionicle)

Bionicle characters belong to the various species and races which exist in the fictional universe of the Lego franchise Bionicle. The universe is mostly inhabited by beings with a skeletal and muscular structure, but who have metallic armor rather than skin. Most beings' skulls are bare, and they wear Kanohi Masks. Some of these enable psychokinetic feats.

The Matoran are a race of small humanoid beings, and the most common inhabitants of their namesake universe. A few become Toa at some point in their lives if they are destined for it. In their natural state their elemental energies cannot be accessed, instead manifesting as minor physical enhancements corresponding to their respective elements, such as increased heat tolerance, minor night vision etc. Additionally they cannot activate the powers of Kanohi Masks. Though they are among the weakest races, they will fight to the last for their homes and lives, and are able to create fortresses, weapons, defense machines, and whatever other tools they need. The Matoran live by the principles of Unity, Duty, and Destiny. All Water, Lightning, & Psionics Matoran are female; all others, with the exception of Light and Shadow, are male. Both Light and Shadow are mix-gender. Light Matoran, more commonly known as Av-Matoran, can change the colour of their armour and channel power through their weapons. Certain Matoran such as Fe-Matoran of iron and De-Matoran of sonics, have been reduced in number by the Brotherhood of Makuta due to fear of what a Matoran destined to become a Toa of said elements could achieve.

Notable Matoran include:

Toa are humanoid beings, each with power over their element. They are the heroes and primary protagonists of BIONICLE. They were created as protectors of the Matoran race. Some Toa began life as such, while in other cases certain Matoran, using Toa Stones, transform into Toa. They serve as the public heroes of the Great Spirit Mata Nui and can wield the power of the elements. Teams of Toa typically consist of six members, each representing one of the main elements: Air, Water, Earth, Stone, Fire, Ice.

When a Toa fulfills his/her destiny, it may give up its power and join the Turaga: the elders that lead the Matoran. Their elemental powers are minimal and rarely used, but they can access the powers of weaker Noble Kanohi Masks.

Vakama, Nokama, Whenua, Nuju, Matau, and Onewa were released as the 2001 small sets. The Matoran Akhmou was released in 2004 as a first-wave small set; the form in which he appeared in the role of "Turaga" was never released as an actual set. Dume was available as part of the second-wave 2004 sets "Turaga Dume & Nivawk", and "Ultimate Dume". A Duracell exclusive figure depicting Lhikan in his Turaga form was released in 2006. Jovan was never released as a Turaga, but in the Lego Club's Official magazine, recipients were given the option to build his Toa form with pieces from Toa Inika Nuparu, Hewkii, and Hahli.

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