The mighty Leonopteryx, or “Toruk” (last shadow), holds a place of honor in Na’vi culture as a symbol of awe, respect, and a healthy amount of fear. So too do those brave or reckless enough to bond with Toruk, and in turn become a part of Na’vi myth.

The Na’vi say that in times of great tribulation and strife, a warrior may arise who seeks out and bonds with Toruk, becoming “Toruk Makto,” rider of the Last Shadow. Toruk Makto is viewed as a mighty force which can unite clans, resolve disputes, vanquish threats and bring back a time of peace and harmony. After the need has passed, the Na’vi rider and Toruk go their separate ways until the time that Toruk Makto may be needed yet again.

Since the era of the First Songs, the earliest recorded Na’vi history, only six Na’vi have ever earned the title of Toruk Makto. The first Toruk Makto was Entu, father of the Sarentu clan. The most recent was Jake Sully, who rode Toruk and led the clans to victory against the RDA during The Battle of the Hallelujah Mountains. Little is known of the other five riders.