The symbol of the Three Virtues.
The Three Virtues were a quintessential gift supposedly granted by Mata Nui to the Matoran. They gave them a purpose, and kept them prosperous. Supposedly, with the arrival of the Makuta on the island of Mata Nui, the Matoran there forgot the Virtues until the coming of the Toa Mata.
In Mask of Light, it is shown that the two smaller points on the Toa symbol were Unity and Duty, and the large middle one was Destiny.
The Shape could possibly be a reference to the shattering as there is one planet, Bara Magna, and two moons, Aqua Magna and Bota Magna.
The Three Virtues
Unity
Unity was the virtue most stressed, especially among Toa, as most Toa teams seemed to lack it. It stressed the need to work together and help others.
Duty
Duty stressed doing your everyday jobs dilligently and responsibly. A Toa's duty, for example, would be to protect the Matoran.
Destiny
Destiny represented the ability to better yourself. It meant what a being was 'meant' to accomplish in their lifetime. Most beings had different destinies. For example, the Toa Mata/Toa Nuva were destined to awaken Mata Nui, while the Toa Inika/Toa Mahri were destined to save his life with the Kanohi Ignika.
Three Virtues On Mata Nui
The Three Virtues were the center of Matoran everyday life on Mata Nui, and a symbol of hope. Each Koro on Mata Nui focused on certain Virtues and sub-virtues (called Principles), pertaining to their unique lifestyles and environments. Using the Principles, the Matoran derived certain Skills that aided them in playing kolhii. Each Principle had an enemy, which happened to be the powers of the six Rahkshi that the Makuta first unleashed against Mata Nui.
- Ga-Matoran believed in the Principle of Purity, derived from Unity. It granted Speed, and its enemy was Poison.
- Ta-Matoran believed in the Principle of Courage, derived from Duty. It granted Strength, and its enemy was Fear.
- Ko-Matoran believed in the Principle of Peace, derived from Destiny. It granted Willpower, and its enemy was Anger.
- Le-Matoran believed in the Principle of Faith, derived from Unity and Duty. It granted Accuracy, and its enemy was Fragmentation.
- Po-Matoran believed in the Principle of Creation, derived from Unity and Destiny. It granted Strategy, and its enemy was Disintegration.
- Onu-Matoran believed in the Principle of Prosperity, derived from Duty and Destiny. It granted Stamina, and its enemy was Hunger.
Trivia
- The Blade Burrowers' map is in the shape of the symbol of the three virtues. This map includes the Matoran Universe, although the map shows more than the Matoran Universe.