Matrix of Leadership: Difference between revisions

From MediaWiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
← Older editNewer edit →
undoZacWilliam (talk | contribs)
595 edits
Crockalley (talk | contribs)
714 edits
m →Unicron Trilogy: sentence structure
ZacWilliam (talk | contribs)
595 edits
Wow, this article was a horrible mush Frankenstein-continuity. Fixed it so it actually talks about its topic.
Line 3: Line 3:
[[Image:Matrix.jpg|thumb|right|250px|You put the life in the coconut.]]
[[Image:Matrix.jpg|thumb|right|250px|You put the life in the coconut.]]


'''The Matrix of Leadership''' (sometimes the '''Creation Matrix''') is an artifact of great power that contains the essence of [[Primus]] and acts as a dimensional gateway to the [[Allspark_(dimension)|Allspark]], through which all living things are connected. It is traditionally carried by the current Autobot Leader.
'''The Matrix of Leadership''' (not to be confused with the [[Creation Matrix]] from the Marvel comic) is an artifact of great power which holds within it the accumulated wisdom of past Autobot Leaders. As such it is traditionally carried by the current Autobot Leader.


Not much about the Matrix is common knowledge.  Its exact nature remains largely a mystery.  The Matrix is, however, widely known to possess '''"The Wisdom of the Ages."'''  This may be due to its nature as a portal to the Allspark.  As a Transformer lives and grows in experience, so does the Transformer's [[Spark]], thus when it returns to the Allspark upon death, the lifetime's worth of knowledge is added to the whole.
The Matrix is the one thing, the only thing, which [[Unicron]] fears and seems to be in some way connected to [[Primacron's Assistant]].
 
The Matrix is the only thing which [[Unicron]] fears.




==Known Matrix Bearers==
==Known Matrix Bearers==
====Generation 1====
====Generation 1====
*[[Primon]]
The only named robots known to have posessed the Matrix of Leadership in the cartoon are:
*[[Prima]]
[[Optimus Prime]]
*[[Prime Nova]]
[[Rodimus Prime]]
*[[Sentinel Prime]]
[[Scourge]]
*[[Optimus_Prime_(G1)|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Ultra_Magnus_(G1)|Ultra Magnus]]
*[[Hot_Rod_(G1)|Rodimus Prime]]
*[[Scourge_(G1)|Scourge]]
*[[Thunderwing_(G1)|Thunderwing]]
*[[Starscream_(G1)|Starscream]]


====Robots in Disguise====
More than a dozen more past Autobot Leaders are seen within it at various points, but none of these are ever given names.
*[[Optimus Prime_(RID)|Optimus Prime]]
====Unicron Trilogy====
*[[Vector Prime]]
*[[Optimus_Prime_(Armada)|Optimus Prime]]


Furthermore, there are individuals who have possessed a piece of the Matrix or integrated a portion of its powers and abilities into their being. 


*[[Buster Witwicky]]
*[[Spike Witwicky]]
*[[Deathbringer]]
*[[Longtooth]]
*[[Desire]]


===Leadership Matrix===
==Fiction==
{{see|Leadership Matrix}}
In Japanese continuity, a Matrix is carried by any individual with a ranking of "[[Hyper Convoy|Convoy]]" (a rank named after Japan's name for [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]) who achieves the status of [[Hyper Convoy]].  Therefore, there are several distinct Matrices, possibly each a piece of the original Matrix of Leadership or its own unique identity.  ''(Note: [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Fire Convoy]] specifically did not have a Matrix.)''


*[[Optimus_Primal|Beast Convoy]]
===Animated continuity===
*[[Leo Prime]]
*[[Lio Junior]] (a copy of Leo Prime's)
*[[Big Convoy]]
*[[Crow Convoy]]
*[[Great Convoy]]
*[[Maximal Elder|The Convoy Council]]


==Generation One==
In the distant past the scientist [[Primacron]] and his assistant created some of the first, primitive Transformers ''(how exactly this connects to their Quintessonian origin revealed elsewhere in the Cartoon is unrevealed).'' Primacron eventually created Unicron, who rebeled against his maker. In the ensuing conflict Primacron was badly injured and his robotic-seeming assistant appeared destroyed. His Assistant surrvived however and out of his remains rose what appeared to be the Autobot Matrix of Leadership which then flew off into space. ''(The exact meaning and import of this flashback is unclear, but it seems to suggest the Matrix began as the essence of Primacron's assistant.)''
===Marvel Comics continuity===
 
[[Image:Geneticmatrix.jpg|left|thumb|150px|No one can be told what the Matrix is.]]
The Matrix of Leadership first documented appearence in modern times occured when a dying [[Optimus Prime]] passed it, and Autobot Leadership to his chosen successor, [[Ultra Magnus]].  
The [[Keeper]] of Primus refers to the Creation Matrix as the '''Genetic Matrix.'''
===Animated continuity===
The Matrix of Leadership first appeared in the animated ''Transformers'' universe in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', when a dying [[Optimus Prime]] passed it to [[Ultra Magnus]]. Prime was the seventh holder of the Matrix - after the death of the sixth holder, [[Alpha Trion]] briefly kept the Matrix safe before bestowing it upon Optimus.


Before passing away, Prime spoke of a prophecy - that one day, "The Chosen One" would rise from the ranks of the Autobots, and use the power of the Matrix to light the Transformers' darkest hour. That darkest hour soon came upon Cybertron in the form of the world-eater, [[Unicron]], who knew that the Matrix's power was the one thing that could destroy him. Recreating Decepticon leader [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] as [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], he dispatched him to steal the Matrix, but when Galvatron obtained the talisman, he tried and failed to use its power against Unicron. Ultimately, the Chosen One who could open the Matrix proved to be the youthful [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], who reclaimed the Matrix and was transformed by its power into [[Rodimus Prime]], before opening it within Unicron and releasing its power, which tore Unicron apart from within.
Before passing away, Prime spoke of a prophecy - that one day, "The Chosen One" would rise from the ranks of the Autobots, and use the power of the Matrix to light the Transformers' darkest hour. That darkest hour soon came upon Cybertron in the form of the world-eater, [[Unicron]], who knew that the Matrix's power was the one thing that could destroy him. Recreating Decepticon leader [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] as [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], he dispatched him to steal the Matrix, but when Galvatron obtained the talisman, he tried and failed to use its power against Unicron. Ultimately, the Chosen One who could open the Matrix proved to be the youthful [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], who reclaimed the Matrix and was transformed by its power into [[Rodimus Prime]], before opening it within Unicron and releasing its power, which tore Unicron apart from within.


As the animated series progressed, more was divulged about the nature of the Matrix that had not been explained in the movie. When injured in battle, Rodimus's consciousness briefly entered the Matrix itself, and he discovered that it was more than a mere source of energy - it, in fact, contained the amassed wisdom of deceased Autobot leaders throughout history. Venturing into the Matrix a second time, Rodimus was shown the history of Cybertron by the ancient Autobots whose consciousnesses existed within the Matrix, revealing to him the [[Quintessons]] role in the creation of the Transformers. When he was resurrected, Optimus Prime later did the same thing when faced with the [[Hate Plague]], and came to a drastic conclusion - to cure the madness of the plague, he expelled all of the wisdom from within the Matrix, saving the universe, but emptying the Matrix and leaving only a shell.
Later, when injured in battle, Rodimus's consciousness briefly entered the Matrix itself, and he discovered that it was more than a mere source of energy - it, in fact, contained the amassed wisdom of deceased Autobot leaders throughout history. Venturing into the Matrix a second time, Rodimus was shown the history of Cybertron by the ancient Autobots whose consciousnesses existed within the Matrix, revealing to him the [[Quintessons]] role in the creation of the Transformers. When he was resurrected, Optimus Prime later did the same thing when faced with the [[Hate Plague]], (which he ALSO seemed to claim as their "darkest hour"). To cure the madness of the plague he expelled all of the wisdom from within the Matrix, saving the universe, but emptying the Matrix and leaving only a shell. He claimed they would have to start filling it with wisdom again, from that moment on.
 
The Matrix's story subsequently branched off in two directions following this, as America and Japan took the story in their own unique directions. In the US finale, "The Rebirth," Optimus Prime used the shell of the Matrix as a substitute key to access [[Vector Sigma]]. Conversely, in Japan - where the Matrix is treated simply as a reservoir of pure energy - the shell was left hidden on Earth to slowly recharge its depleted energy. However, the emptying of the Matrix had destabilised Vector Sigma, leading the Autobots to search for its location before Optimus Prime sacrificed himself to restore the computer's balance. The ghost of Alpha Trion re-energised the Matrix, but Optimus Prime merged with Vector Sigma to stabilise it, and Rodimus Prime was again left in charge of the Autobots. 
 
No origin was ever offered for the Matrix of Leadership in the animated continuity, but it was vaguely hinted that it was in some way connected to the origins of [[Unicron]], perhaps to explain why it was his antithesis. Unicron was created by the insane genius, [[Primacron]], but turned on him. After Unicron's attack against his master, Primacron's assistant was shown to flee, and from his damaged robotic body, an object that appeared to be the Matrix emerged. If this truly was intended to be the Matrix, how the Transformers obtained it was never revealed.
 
===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:Ancients.jpg|thumb|right|Matrix-shaped platform above the Oracle Tank]]Prior to Optimus, the Matrix was held by [[Sentinel Prime]], an Autobot leader killed by Megatron in an attempt to gain possession of the artifact.  But Sentinel had already given up the Matrix for reasons unknown (perhaps forseeing his own death), passing it to the [[Council of Ancients]], who chose a data archivist named Optronix as the new bearer.  Optronix and the Matrix were lowered into the [[Oracle Tank]], with the words "Fill this sacred vessel with the wisdom of the ages", though it may be that the council was referring to Optronix and not the Matrix.  Like [[Hot Rod]], Optronix - now [[Optimus_Prime_(G1)|Optimus Prime]] - is physically changed by the installation of the Matrix, his frame altered to become larger and more powerful.  Soon after, he is attacked by Megatron who cracks open his form and exposes the Matrix, which shows both Optimus and Megatron visions of the future, seeming to transport them to [[Earth]], then to [[Nebulon]].  It is implied that Optimus somehow uses the Matrix to force Megatron to forget these visions, though how much knowledge he himself retains is unknown.
 
Before the Autobots leave for [[Cybertron_(planet)|Cybertron]] on the [[Ark II]], Optimus Prime gives [[Spike Witwicky]] a piece of the Matrix to safeguard during their journey.  The Ark II crashes, but when Spike and Optimus are reunited, Spike returns the piece to him.  Optimus uses the complete Matrix of Leadership to awaken his deactivated troops and call them to him.
 
After returning to Cybertron, a chain of events ultimately leads Optimus Prime to a confrontation with [[Shockwave]] in the chamber containing Vector Sigma.  Shockwave transforms and blows open Optimus Prime, claiming the Matrix for himself and using it to access Vector Sigma's databanks.  Shockwave was defeated by [[Ultra Magnus]] and the Matrix returned to Optimus Prime, but the forceful removal of the Matrix from his body combined with the long period of time spent without it caused a great deal of trauma to his systems, necessitating an extended session in a CR chamber to recover, and suggesting that at least in the [[Dreamwave]] comics the Matrix actually integrates with the systems of its holder to some degree rather than merely residing inside them.
 
==Beast Wars==
In the [[1990]]s animated series, [[Beast Wars]] and [[Beast Machines]] series, the nature of the Matrix was explored and evolved.
 
These series used "The Matrix" as a term that referred not merely to the physical object, but to an actual other-dimensional realm - the Transformer [[afterlife]] also called the [[Allspark (dimension)|Allspark]], the well of all sparks that are, have been, or ever shall be. From the Allspark springs all Transformer life, and when a Transformer dies, their spark returns to the Allspark, sharing its life experience with the collective, creating a huge store of accumulated wisdom and knowledge. Understanding this, it can be retroactively assumed that the physical Matrix object wielded by Autobot leaders in the cartoon continuity is not simply a storehouse of knowledge itself, but rather, a gateway to this afterlife realm. Similarly, this also explains its ability to bestow life as seen in the comic book continuity - by transferring a spark from the Allspark through its connection to the realm.
 
''Note: the objest shown holding Optimus Prime's spark is not the Matrix, desptit looking nearly identical. Apperently, Mainframe's animators came across images of the Matrix when looking for references for the inside of Prime's chest, bud didn't understand the significance of the object. A BotCon comic would later retcon the error by explaining that the Matrix (which has a gold globe) was hidden under Prime's Spark holder (which is all silver). The series creators have also clairified that Primal's upgrade was the result of holding two sparks and nothing else.''
 
The Matrix was also used as a nickname in the Beast Wars series for the facility which produced [[Maximal]] [[protoform]]s.
 
==Beast Machines==
See [[Allspark (dimension)|Allspark]].


Optimus Prime eventually used the shell of the Matrix as a substitute key to access [[Vector Sigma]].


==Unicron Trilogy==
[[Image:ArmadaMatrix.jpg|right|thumb|Armada's version of the Matrix]]
When [[Optimus Prime (UT)|Optimus Prime]] died by standing purposefully in the path of the Hydra Cannon, it was the Mini-Cons themselves who resurrected him, entering the Matrix and reconstructing a new body for him. Subsequently, Prime was forced by Unicron to face the dark part of his soul; on some level, he enjoyed the thrill of combat. Following Unicron's defeat, Prime's denial was sorely tested as Galvatron forced him into one final furious battle, that ended when Galvatron sacrificed himself to end the circle of hate that powered Unicron. Prime survieved this battle, but he discarded the Matrix and exiled himself, as he thought himself unworthy.


In ''[[Cybertron (television series)|Transformers: Cybertron]]'', Optimus Prime uses the Matrix of Leadership to widen [[Vector Prime_(UT)|Vector Prime]]'s dimension gates. Optimus Prime's distinctive [[cyber key]] is unique becuse of the influence of his Matrix.
===Japanese Animated Continuity===
After it's draining durring the Hate Plague, the matrix shell was left hidden on Earth to slowly recharge its depleted energy. However, the emptying of the Matrix had destabilised Vector Sigma, leading the Autobots to search for its location before Optimus Prime sacrificed himself to restore the computer's balance. The ghost of Alpha Trion re-energised the Matrix, but Optimus Prime merged with Vector Sigma to stabilise it, and Rodimus Prime was again left in charge of the Autobots.


[[Category: Generation 1]]
[[Category:MacGuffins]]
[[Category:MacGuffins]]
[[Category:Objects]]
[[Category:Objects]]
[[Category:Matrix bearers]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>
[[Category:Matrix bearers]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Revision as of 02:44, 30 October 2006

The name or term "Matrix" refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, see Matrix (disambiguation).
You put the life in the coconut.

The Matrix of Leadership (not to be confused with the Creation Matrix from the Marvel comic) is an artifact of great power which holds within it the accumulated wisdom of past Autobot Leaders. As such it is traditionally carried by the current Autobot Leader.

The Matrix is the one thing, the only thing, which Unicron fears and seems to be in some way connected to Primacron's Assistant.


Known Matrix Bearers

Generation 1

The only named robots known to have posessed the Matrix of Leadership in the cartoon are: Optimus Prime Rodimus Prime Scourge

More than a dozen more past Autobot Leaders are seen within it at various points, but none of these are ever given names.


Fiction

Animated continuity

In the distant past the scientist Primacron and his assistant created some of the first, primitive Transformers (how exactly this connects to their Quintessonian origin revealed elsewhere in the Cartoon is unrevealed). Primacron eventually created Unicron, who rebeled against his maker. In the ensuing conflict Primacron was badly injured and his robotic-seeming assistant appeared destroyed. His Assistant surrvived however and out of his remains rose what appeared to be the Autobot Matrix of Leadership which then flew off into space. (The exact meaning and import of this flashback is unclear, but it seems to suggest the Matrix began as the essence of Primacron's assistant.)

The Matrix of Leadership first documented appearence in modern times occured when a dying Optimus Prime passed it, and Autobot Leadership to his chosen successor, Ultra Magnus.

Before passing away, Prime spoke of a prophecy - that one day, "The Chosen One" would rise from the ranks of the Autobots, and use the power of the Matrix to light the Transformers' darkest hour. That darkest hour soon came upon Cybertron in the form of the world-eater, Unicron, who knew that the Matrix's power was the one thing that could destroy him. Recreating Decepticon leader Megatron as Galvatron, he dispatched him to steal the Matrix, but when Galvatron obtained the talisman, he tried and failed to use its power against Unicron. Ultimately, the Chosen One who could open the Matrix proved to be the youthful Hot Rod, who reclaimed the Matrix and was transformed by its power into Rodimus Prime, before opening it within Unicron and releasing its power, which tore Unicron apart from within.

Later, when injured in battle, Rodimus's consciousness briefly entered the Matrix itself, and he discovered that it was more than a mere source of energy - it, in fact, contained the amassed wisdom of deceased Autobot leaders throughout history. Venturing into the Matrix a second time, Rodimus was shown the history of Cybertron by the ancient Autobots whose consciousnesses existed within the Matrix, revealing to him the Quintessons role in the creation of the Transformers. When he was resurrected, Optimus Prime later did the same thing when faced with the Hate Plague, (which he ALSO seemed to claim as their "darkest hour"). To cure the madness of the plague he expelled all of the wisdom from within the Matrix, saving the universe, but emptying the Matrix and leaving only a shell. He claimed they would have to start filling it with wisdom again, from that moment on.

Optimus Prime eventually used the shell of the Matrix as a substitute key to access Vector Sigma.


Japanese Animated Continuity

After it's draining durring the Hate Plague, the matrix shell was left hidden on Earth to slowly recharge its depleted energy. However, the emptying of the Matrix had destabilised Vector Sigma, leading the Autobots to search for its location before Optimus Prime sacrificed himself to restore the computer's balance. The ghost of Alpha Trion re-energised the Matrix, but Optimus Prime merged with Vector Sigma to stabilise it, and Rodimus Prime was again left in charge of the Autobots.

Retrieved from "https://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Matrix_of_Leadership&oldid=6503"