Editing Artifact Temple

The main chamber of the Artifact Temple is the location of the twelve [[Chozo Totem|mystical pillars]] requiring twelve Chozo Artifacts, known collectively as the Cipher, to open a path to the meteor impact site. These Artifacts were scattered throughout Tallon IV to prevent access to the source of the poison from falling into the wrong hands.<ref name=cradle/> Clues regarding their location were left in the original Chozo language to guide the one who would be worthy of recovering them.<ref name=artifact>{{cite|We have come to another dead end. It is clear now that we will never discover the locations of the Chozo's artifacts until we can decipher the messages carved into the statues in this abominable temple. Our language databases are woefully inadequate, and our linguistic analysts can come up with little more than vague theories. The best hypothesis we can offer is that finding the artifacts will require items spiritually linked to the Chozo civilization. However, without these items, we are lost, and Command grows more impatient by the day. Results must be produced soon.|Space Pirate Data "Artifact" - PAL version|Metroid Prime}}</ref> When [[Space Pirate]]s came to Tallon IV in search of Phazon, they attempted to rupture the seal held in place by the Artifact Temple and enter the Impact Crater.<ref>{{cite|Field team reports are in on an aged structure of alien design built on the surface of Tallon IV. Studies show this structure projects a containment field. This field bars access to a prime source of energy within a deep crater. Science Team believes the field is powered by a number of strange Chozo artifacts. Studies for possible resting places for these talisman have begun. As the field could hinder future energy production operations on Tallon IV, we must dismantle it as soon as possible. If this means the destruction of the Chozo Artifacts, it will be done.|Space Pirate Data "Artifact Site"|Metroid Prime}}</ref> Though the Space Pirates managed to acquire some Artifacts and discover their function, the vast majority of the relic remained hidden, much to their aggravation.<ref>{{cite|Although we are no closer to finding the artifacts of the Chozo, we have at least produced a viable hypothesis for their function. It appears that each of the artifacts corresponds to one of the statues on the temple platform, and that each one acts as a small key to a huge lock. Judging by the number of statues, we assume there must be twelve artifacts. Once we find the resting spots of all twelve, we can bring them here, unite them with their statues, and open the gate system at long last. Once we do, the impact crater - and whatever creature it shelters - will be ours for the taking.|Space Pirate Data "The Key" - PAL version|Metroid Prime}}</ref><ref>{{cite|Analysis continues on these cursed ruins and the Chozo temple that hovers near them. We are now completely certain that the containment field denying us access to the impact crater is linked to strange artifacts that belong in the temple... but we are no closer to finding them or deciphering the riddles that seem to cover every wall of this ruined place. Command grows increasingly anxious for a resolution to this matter, so we must redouble our efforts. X-ray squads will begin terrain sweeps within days - until they begin, patrols are instructed to report any and all architectural anomalies to their commanders.|Space Pirate Data "Gate System" - PAL version|Metroid Prime}}</ref> They eventually discovered that the key to recovering the Artifacts was translating the messages carved into the twelve pillars in the temple, but their language databases were inadequate to the task and they ultimately failed.<ref name=artifact/>

Samus removes her helmet and surveys the destruction from her ship, and then flies away.