Tanabrax was a dark puppet master. Long ago, Tanabrax was an average puppeteer until he discovered a magical medallion that originally belonged to a djinn, and became obsessed with it.
He then eventually decided to conquer Ninjago with an immortal army of puppets by stealing the souls of villagers. During the years, Tanabrax became a living manifestation of darkness due to the medallion's magic. However, he was defeated after being exposed to sunlight by Moody, who turned on him.
History
Before Wu and Garmadon's journey
Long ago, Tanabrax was a puppeteer. But one day, a djinn's chariot crashed into his theater. During the collision, a magical medallion fell out of the carriage, which was taken by Tanabrax as a fair payment for his destroyed theater. He soon got obsessed with the medallion and tried to figure out how to use it.
After learning how to speak djinn, Tanabrax soon figured out how to use the locket and tested it on Bunch and Moody, who later kidnapped the villagers for Tanabrax so he could turn them into his army of puppets.
The Lair of Tanabrax (flashback)
After Garmadon followed the puppet army to find out where they were taking Wu, he learned that the puppets took him to an underground lair owned by Tanabrax, where Tanabrax was glad that Bunch and Moody brought Wu as another victim to join the puppet army, and quickly made a puppet version of the young ninja.
However, Wu freed himself and prepared to fight the puppet master. But before he could do anything, Tanabrax used the medallion on Wu, stealing his soul and transferring it to the puppet. Moments later, Tanabrax and the puppet army noticed Garmadon, but the latter escaped, taking Moody with him during the process.
Later, Garmadon returned to Tanabrax's lair alongside Hana, intent on rescuing those that Tanabrax had transformed into his puppet slaves. While the villagers kept Tanabrax's army at bay, Garmadon attempted to attack the vile Puppet Master head on, only to discover that he was unable to physically land a blow on Tanabrax. Mocking Garmadon's futile attempts at striking him, Tanabrax proceeded to raise his medallion in preparation to take Garmadon's soul as well, but the eldest son of the First Spinjitzu Master managed to thwart Tanabrax's efforts by using the magic mirror that had been given to him by Obachan, weakening Tanabrax enough to steal the medallion from him. Garmadon then demanded for Tanabrax to return the souls of the people he had taken, but the Puppet Master refused, instead opting to strangle Garmadon with his tendrils in order to retrieve the amulet by force. At that moment, Obachan and Moody rushed into the lair, with the former hurling the latter through the air to open a hatch above Tanabrax and exposing him to intense rays of sunlight. Now exposed to his only weakness, Tanabrax screamed and writhed as he felt himself fading, seemingly disintegrating into nothingness mere moments later.
Appearance
His appearance as a living shadow featured him wearing a long black robe for his attire, and has glowing white eyes, although they can change color. And instead of feet, he had shadowy tendrils that made him look like he was floating.
Abilities
- Shadows - Because of being a living manifestation of one, Tanabrax was able to manipulate his own shadows and fight off anyone with a physical form without getting harmed.
- Soul manipulation - While using a magical medallion that originally belonged to a djinn, Tanabrax was able to steal the soul from any victim, leaving the victim's body in a dormant state until it fades away.
- Immortality - Because of the usage of the medallion, Tanbrax became a living shadow, allowing him to live for several years until his defeat.
Weaknesses
- Sunlight - Due to being made of darkness after using the medallion too much, Tanabrax can't withstand the light from the Sun.
Relationships
Allies
Enemies
- Villagers
- Sons of the First Spinjitzu Master
- Moody (deceased; former ally)
Official description
A mysterious powerful villain, Tanabrax is a creature of shadow, using the dark energy of a djinn’s medallion to build his own puppet army to take control over the world of Ninjago.
Etymology
"Tanabrax" is likely derived from "tenebris," the Latin word for darkness.
Appearances
Books
Spinjitzu Brothers
- The Lair of Tanabrax (flashback)
- The Chroma's Clutches (mentioned)
Gallery
.jpeg "Tanabrax turning Wu into a puppet (1).jpeg (335 KB)")
.jpeg "Tanabrax turning Wu into a puppet (2).jpeg (248 KB)")
.jpeg "Tanabrax vs Garmadon (1).jpeg (591 KB)")
.jpeg "Tanabrax vs Garmadon (2).jpeg (234 KB)")
References