The Matoran are the villagers of BIONICLE, small figures each with a mask and a tool, belonging to one of the six elemental tribes, fire, water, air, earth, stone and ice. The first ones came in 2001, and they were the people the Toa heroes were sent to protect. Several of them became heroes later in the story. Takua became Takanuva, the Toa of Light, in 2003, and in 2006 Jaller, Hahli, Kongu, Nuparu, Hewkii and Matoro were turned into the Toa Inika.
2001 LEGO Sets
2001 marked the global debut of BIONICLE, a story-driven theme that blended mechanical building with rich mythology, becoming one of LEGO’s most successful original lines. LEGO Harry Potter launched alongside The Sorcerer’s Stone film, beginning a long-running partnership with the Wizarding World franchise. Other new releases included Alpha Team and the action-oriented Racers theme. LEGO also introduced Serious Play for business training and Jack Stone for younger builders. Life on Mars was launched and discontinued within the same year, while LEGO expanded its global retail presence with new brand stores in Europe and the U.S.