Universe of Avatar: The Last Airbender

[[:Image:Avatar world map.jpg|right|thumb|250px|A map of the four nations. The characters at the top, 群雄四分, mean "the heroes divide [the world or the country or the land] in four." The characters of the four lands are 水善 (Water Peaceful), 土強 (Earth Strong), 火烈 (Fire Fierce), and 气和 (Air Harmony). The phrase at the bottom, 天下一匡, reads "correct all things under heaven." The "correct things" phrase, with roots of the Confucian analect phrase 一匡天下, refers to reunification.]] Avatar: The Last Airbender is an American animated television series that aired for three seasons on Nickelodeon and the Nicktoons Network. The series was created and produced by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. The series follows the adventures of the main protagonist Aang and his friends, who must save the world by defeating the Fire Lord and ending the destructive war with the Fire Nation.

Avatar: The Last Airbender takes place in a fantasy world that is home to humans, fantastic animals, and spirits. Human civilization is divided into four nations: the Air Nomads, the Water Tribes, the Earth Kingdom, and the Fire Nation. Each nation has its own natural element, on which it bases its society. Within each nation exists an order called "Benders" who have the ability to manipulate the eponymous element of their nation. The show’s creators assigned each Bending art its own style of martial arts, causing it to inherit the advantages and weaknesses of the martial arts it was assigned. The Bending types are Waterbending, Earthbending, Firebending, and Airbending.

Each generation yields one person who is capable of Bending all four elements, the Avatar, the spirit of the planet manifested in human form. When an Avatar dies, he is reincarnated into the next nation in the Avatar Cycle. The Avatar Cycle parallels the seasons: autumn for the Air Nomads, winter for the Water Tribe, spring for the Earth Kingdom and summer for the Fire Nation. Legend holds the Avatar must master each bending art in order, starting with his native element. This can sometimes be compromised when the situation requires it, as Aang demonstrates in the show. For the Avatar, learning to bend the element opposite his native element can be extremely difficult. This is because opposing Bending arts are based on opposing fighting styles and disciplines. Firebending and Waterbending are opposites, as are Earthbending and Airbending.

The Avatar possesses a unique power called the Avatar State, which endows the Avatar with the knowledge and abilities of all past Avatars and acts as a self-triggering defense mechanism, although it can be made subject to the will if the user opens his bodily Chakras. If an Avatar is killed in the Avatar State, the reincarnation cycle will be broken, and the Avatar will cease to exist. Through the ages, countless incarnations of Avatar have served to keep the four nations in harmony, and maintain world order. The Avatar serves as the bridge between the physical world and the Spirit World, allowing him or her to solve problems that normal benders cannot.

Air Nomads

Air Nomads is a collective term for the nation of wandering Airbenders. They did not have great cities and towns like the other nations, but instead build four Air Temples, one at each corner of the globe, hidden away atop mountain ranges in the northern Earth Kingdom and on three remote islands. The Air Nomads were home to a monastic order of men and women who practiced Airbending, the mystical art of aerokinesis.

A century before the time of the series, the Air Nomads were the victims of genocide at the hands of the Fire Nation. The sole known survivor of the massacre ironically was the very person the Fire Nation sought to kill in its quest for supremacy: the twelve-year-old Airbender and Avatar, Aang, who had run away from the Southern Air Temple shortly before the war began and became trapped in suspended animation.

Appearance

thumb|200px|left|Air Nomad monks The Air Nomads could be seen wearing orange, saffron yellow, and brown clothing. Aang and other young Airbenders wear orange shawls over long-sleeved yellow shirts, a brown belt, yellow pants with brown on the back, and brown boots that reach the knees. Senior monks wear longer robes in shades of yellow, orange, and brown. Air Nomads who completed their training and became Masters of Airbending were given blue arrow tattoos on their head, back, arms and legs. Many of the monks had beards and mustaches, and many also wore amulets or necklaces engraved with the Air Symbol.

National Symbol

The Air Symbol looked like this Tibetan Origin symbol.

Culture

Based on Chinese Shaolin monks and Tibetan Buddhists, the Air Nomads were a peaceful society that dwelled at high altitudes in temples and traveled the world atop their cherished flying bison. Unlike the other nations, all Air Nomads were Airbenders. Pious and forthright, Airbenders preferred to use their power strictly for defensive purposes, striving to live in harmony with nature. Meditation was an important part of the Airbenders' daily routines; it helped them to focus their energies and understand the potency of their element. The arrow on a Master Airbender's head is an emulation of the natural arrows on the heads of the revered Flying Bison who can naturally Airbend and were the inspiration for the first Airbenders. In order to receive the tattoos as well as the title of a master, an Airbender must pass the thirty-six levels of Airbending along with engineering a new technique.

Natural resources and foods

The Air Nomads were a tranquil and environmentally friendly race of people. Because they attempted not to leave an Ecological footprint, they powered naturally all industries, including farming. All lamps were powered by natural gas which were stored inside sealed rooms within the Air Temples. They also produced their own food, with their diet mainly consisting of fruits and vegetables due to their vegetarian lifestyle.

Air Temples

Southern Air Temple

The Southern Air Temple was inhabited only by Male Monks, and is located on an island close to the Southern Water Tribe. An Air Ball court and Pai Sho room were used for recreation. Before the Firebender attack, a multitude of trees and plants adorned the temple instead of stone. In the middle of the Temple, accessible to only to Master Airbenders or the Avatar lay a sanctuary of statues of past Avatars. Aang and his mentor Monk Gyatso once lived here.

Northern Air Temple

The Northern Air Temple has closely resembles the Southern Air Temple and was also home to only male Airbenders. The temple's location is near the Northern Water Tribe. Bison Polo tournaments were once held there. This temple is currently inhabited by refugees, who are led by The Mechanist and his son. The refugees live similar life to the monks, but have altered the structure to provide for living space that the monks did not need.

Eastern Air Temple

The Eastern Air Temple was inhabited solely by female Airbenders, and is located very close to Ba Sing Se. The Eastern and Western temples were built on three mountains, unlike the Northern and Southern Air temples, which were built on only one mountain. The template has a wheel-like feeding table in the middle of the temple for young Sky Bison. A waterfall, connecting ponds, flowers and vines grow in and around the temple. Guru Pathik currently lives at the temple. The Eastern Air Temple is the temple where Aang first met Appa.

Western Air Temple

The Western Air Temple was also inhabited solely by female Airbenders, and is located close to the Fire Nation capital. The design is very different than the other Air temples; The structure is built underneath a canyon wall and is upside-down. This temple contains a fountain, the world's largest Pai Sho table, an echo chamber, and a hall of statues. The temple came under attack during Book 3 by Combustion Man and Azula, and was partially destroyed.

Airbender Genocide

A century before the series began, the Airbenders were the victims of genocide at the hands of the Fire Nation. All Airbenders were slaughtered in an effort to break the Avatar's cycle of reincarnation and ensure the Fire Nation's victory in their imperialist war. The Airbenders were unable to defend themselves against the Fire Nation, who were empowered by a comet that would be named Sozin's Comet, that granted them great power. The only known survivor of the massacre was the very person the Fire Nation sought to kill the most, the twelve-year-old Avatar, Aang, who had run away from home shortly before the war began in earnest and became trapped in suspended animation. The last known vestiges of Airbender culture include one surviving Flying Bison, Appa, and one winged lemur, Momo, both of whom are Aang's pets.

Because Aang is the the only living Airbender, it is unknown what will happen when the Avatar cycle returns to Air.

Water Tribe

The Water Tribe is a collective term for a nation of people in the fictional universe of the Nickelodeon animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender. One of the series' four nations, the Water Tribe is divided mainly into two nation-states: the Southern Water Tribe and the Northern Water Tribe, who inhabit the South and North Poles, respectively. Also, a branch of the Water Tribe exists in the Earth Kingdom swamp, called the Foggy Swamp Tribe. The Water Tribe is home to an order of men and women who practice Waterbending, the mystical art of hydrokinesis. According to Uncle Iroh, Water is the element of change; its people thrive on change and can easily adapt to different situations, as reflected in Waterbending.

Due to relentless attacks on the Southern Water Tribe by the Fire Nation, the Northern Water Tribe constitutes the majority of the remaining Waterbenders. The Foggy Swamp Water Tribe was hidden and forgotten and isolated until the Avatar and his friends stumbled upon it. Most of its members are competent benders with some unique talents.

Appearance

Ethnically homogeneous, members of the Northern and Southern Water Tribes typically have light or deep brown hair, blue eyes and a brown skintone. Clothing is typically a set of blue anorak and trousers trimmed with white fur, and worn with mittens and mukluks. Men may wear their hair long and half-up or in short ponytails, referred to by Sokka as "a warrior's wolf tail."

Women plait and braid their hair in various styles, sometimes with accent beads, and many sport "hair loopies" in various styles. In the Northern Water Tribe, males appear to wear a darker blue than those of the Southern Water Tribe.

National Emblem

thumb|175px|left|The Water Tribe national emblem The Water Tribe's national emblem is a circle comprising of a white waning crescent moon and three black wavy horizontal lines representing ocean waves and is often found found in the architecture of the Water Tribe. Like the Earth Kingdom's national emblem, it has a literal and figurative meaning to the Water Tribe. The crescent moon and the ocean waves in the emblem symbolize, Tui and La, the Moon and Ocean Spirits, which give their people life and strength.

Season

Each of the Four Nations is influenced by its own distinct, dominant season. The Water Tribe's dominant season is winter. More Waterbenders are born during winter than any other season and their powers are at their strongest during the season, due to the longer nights. Because the Water Tribe lives mostly near the poles, winter-like weather is near constant.

Tribes

The culture of the Water Tribe is divided into three distinct groups, largely based on their geography and a specific affinity for their element. Before the war, while they were separated, the Northern and Southern Water Tribes kept in contact with one another. The Northern and the Southern Water Tribes both were heavily influenced by the Inuit tribes of North America, and the Foggy Swamp Tribe by the Mississippi Delta and Louisiana Swamps culture.

Southern Water Tribe

thumb|200px|left|The Southern Water Tribe's decimated people and home During the war, Southern Water Tribe teetered on the brink of extinction due to Fire Nation raids. Its bending population was decimated to leaving only Katara as its sole Waterbender, due to multiple Waterbenders, such as Hama, either dying in battle or being captured by the Fire Nation, in their raids. Therefore, children born with Waterbending abilities had no one to teach them how to bend. Katara and Sokka's tribe is one of a handful of tribes that are scattered across the South Pole. Before the war, their tribe was part of a beautiful and bustling city built out of the ice by Waterbenders. But decades before the beginning of the series, the Fire Nation destroyed their city and many others like it. With their cities gone, the tribes split apart into smaller groups and scattered across the South Pole. In recent years, the Fire Nation leaves the Southern Water Tribe alone for the most part, instead focusing its forces on bigger threats in the Earth Kingdom, but conducts raids periodically to kill/capture any Waterbenders born.

The remaining population of the Southern Water Tribe is currently defenseless, as its warriors left for the Earth Kingdom to aid in the century-long war against the Fire Nation two years prior to the beginning of the series, leaving the sparse and scattered tribe with only women, children and elderly citzens. However, in the aftermath of the Fire Nation's siege of the North Pole, a select group of benders and healers from the Northern Tribe left for the South Pole in an effort to rebuild their ravaged and cultureless sister tribe.

Not much is said about the Southern Water Tribe. Penguin Sliding is a popular game among children. Warriors are shown to wear special armor when in battle and are also shown to paint their faces. The armor and the wolf helmet, besides from protecting the warriors, is meant to intimidate the enemy by making the warriors look like a pack of wolfs charging. Much of the Southern Tribe culture was lost during the war.

Northern Water Tribe

thumb|200px|right|The proseperous Northern Water Tribe The Northern Water Tribe has survived the century of war, largely due to the harsh terrain surrounding the North Pole, and thus, so did its culture as did its versatile array of Waterbenders of all skills and sexes. Adopting a siege strategy allowed the Northern Tribe to successfully defend itself from encroachment by the Fire Nation, but conversely this also meant that the Northern Tribe has had little impact on the War beyond its own borders. When honored guests arrive at the North Pole, the Northern Tribe holds a feast in their honor, as well as a cultured Waterbending performance accompanied by Water Tribe drums, that take the appearance of a modern-day timpani.

In the north, they are much more strict and patriarchal when it comes to gender roles, operating in the more traditional ways. The art of Waterbending is largely cultivated, in fighting but also in performances. This art, however, is only taught to Waterbending males. The female Waterbenders were only allowed to learn the art of healing, a subtype of Waterbending which uses the control of water and chi in the human body to heal diseases and wounds. This recently changed after Katara, Aang and Sokka's visit to the Northern Water Tribe. Non-Waterbender women serve as homemakers and cooks, while men serve as warrior, hunters and fishermen.

It is not mentioned when young Waterbenders begin their training in healing or in Waterbending itself. It is also not mentioned if non-Waterbenders receive some other kind of education. This is likely, however, as members of the tribe are shown to be able to read and write. Ice marbles is a popular game among children.

Arranged marriages are a common practice among the Northern Water Tribe. While the man involved apparently has a say in the matter, the woman does not. The traditional procedure involves the man carving a betrothal necklace for his bride-to-be, after consulting the young woman's family and asking for permission

The capital city resembles an ice-made version of Venice, Italy with a complicated system of canals and bridges for transportation. Their appears to be three layers of defense within the city that are heavily guarded by the military.

Large cliffs that tower over three sides of the city give it natural protection from land attacks, while sea walls keep the city safe from enemy navies.
It is unclear if there are other cities like the capital in the North Pole, as it is mentioned that most of the territory consists of a frozen tundra where it is impossible to live for long periods.

Foggy Swamp Tribe

thumb|200px|left|Members of the Foggy Swamp Water Tribe The Foggy Swamp Tribe are an unusual offshoot of the Water Tribes who occupy a swamp in the Earth Kingdom. Their ancestry lies in the Southern Water Tribe; a group migrated from the Southern Tribe thousands of years ago and delt comfortable with the large amount of water. However, existance of the Foggy Swamp Tribe remained unclear to either the Northern or Southern Water Tribe.

While most of its members are highly skilled benders who have discovered the unique Waterbending talent of bending the water within plants to control plant life (e.g. Hu, who bends vines to use for attacking as well as protecting himself, as seen when the Foggy Swamp is first seen and during the invasion in Day of the Black Sun). The people of the Foggy Swamp Water Tribe dress very differently than their northern and southern counterparts. They use loincloths, armbands, hats and other materials fashioned out of plants to cover themselves. Instead of worshipping the Moon and Ocean Spirits, they worship the Swamp itself, and the giant tree in the center of it, believing that the Swamp is what gives them life and power.

Government

The Northern Water Tribe is a patriarchal chiefdom also containing the aspects of a tribal group's leader as the chief of state. The Northern Water Tribe is ruled by a former warrior, Arnook, and his counsel of chieftains, composed of Waterbending masters, warriors, healers, noblemen, and his daughter, Princess Yue.

thumb|150px|right|The Southern Water Tribe's leader, Kanna, on the right Scattered all across the South Pole in groups due to the war separating and dwindling their people, the Southern Water Tribe has a patriarchal tribalist system of government, as each village has a designated leader. While initially all the leaders were male, each of the villages leaders can now be both male or female. For example, before he left to fight in the war, Hakoda led the southernmost tribal village. But after the warriors left, the village was just populated by the elderly, women and small children.

Natural Resources and Food

Because they inhabit the frozen poles and ice caps near seas and oceans, the Water Tribes inherently are dependent on the oceans for the majority of their natural resources and food. Sea prunes are a favorite, while giant sea crabs are considered a delicious delicacy to those in the Northern Sea. Squid and seaweed can be used to make a wide variety of dishes, including soup, seasoning, and even bread and cookies.

Skins from seals are used to create decorative tents, while pelts from polar bears and other furry animals are used as clothing and to cover barren surfaces. Naturally, hunters and fishermen of the Water Tribes are some of the best in the world in their field.

For the people of the Foggy Swamp Tribe, they depend on the swamp itself and its odd assortment of animals, such as cat gators for companions and hunting and squirrel fish, possum chicken and other assortments of weird creatures for food. While they use plant leaves, roots, and bark to provide their natural resources, they depend heavily on their Waterbending and swampbending for hunting and cooking meals."The Day of Black Sun Part I: The Invasion". Avatar: The Last Airbender. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)</ref>

Military

As a result of the strong customary theme expressed by the two major sects, the Water Tribes militia is considerably less sophisticated than that of the more modern Earth Kingdom or the industrialized Fire Nation. Nevertheless, the tribes also exhibit deep pride and willpower akin to that of a warrior race.

Warriors

thumb|200px|left|The Southern Water Tribe men charging in for battle All adult male tribe members are fully trained warriors. Their weaponry includes clubs, bladed boomerangs, spears made of bone (also used in spearfishing), scimitars, and machetes laced with whale teeth on the dull side of the blade. Water Tribe warriors typically wear black and white warpaint on their full face before going into battle. In severe combat, Southern Water Tribe warriors put on protective battle gear, denoted as lunar wolf armor.

Wearing dark blue body armor, black and blue grey plated arm and leg guards along with a silver helmet shaped into wolf's head, and a fierce moon symbol unique to each warrior is designed to intimidate the enemy, as when warriors charge, they resemble a pack of wild wolves. As shown by Sokka's father in the Fire Nation invasion, high ranking or those who lead wear a black colored wolf helmet instead of a silver one to show authority.

thumb|200px|right|Master Waterbending warriors from the Northern Water Tribe For the Northern Water Tribe, the normal warriors follow the same traditions but the Waterbending warriors of the Northern Tribe are all masters of their element and wear dark hooded suits and with blue face masks that cover their mouths to give off an air of mystery and danger to the enemy . They also work together in units rather than fight alone. In the "Siege of the North" episodes it shows how no one of the warriors is alone but always have at least one other Waterbender with them. The defense of the Northern Water Tribe is almost entirely benders, and when the lunar eclipse occurs they were left virtually defenseless due to them relying almost totally on Waterbending.

The Foggy Swamp Water Tribe doesn't have a conventional military and when dealing with hostile outsiders, the Foggy Swamp Tribe relies on the swamp itself, its wildlife and fauna, and then Hu, the Waterbender who can bend swamp vines and roots and the rest of the tribe's Waterbenders, such as Due and Tho.

Navy

thumb|200px|left|The Waterbending-themed battle ships used to traverse and guard the terrain surrounding the Northern Water Tribe The ships of the Southern Tribe seem to be cutter sailing ships, containing wooden hulls and utilizing the wind for propulsion. The boats are shown to be operated by at least two people, one to maintain the main sail and one to control the jib, a smaller sail at the rear. The ships are designedas transport vessels rather than for combat.

The Northern Water Tribe's most common ship is a double-hulled vessel powered by Waterbending. Though its small, compact size enables it to be used for a variety of applications, including transporting civilians across the canals within the city, its main purpose is to be used for short, open ocean trips. Even though its not necessarily designed for long voyages, it is capable of being used to travel over a thousand miles and withstanding the harshest ocean conditions. Warriors use this ship to patrol and protect the waters just outside the Northern Water Tribe.

Before the first invasion of the Fire Nation, Sokka and The Mechanist created Waterbending-powered submarines to sneak into the harbot. Resembling a smiling whale-dolphin, these large underwater vehicles possess a hull composed of waterproof wood and metal equipped with watertight glass windows that allows them to traverse deep beneath the ocean surface. The watercrafts function by propelling through the ocean with flexible fins on each side and the rear while sinking or floating by means of the Waterbenders riding inside. The submarines are also equipped with firepower in the form of torpedoes encased in ice. Crafted by pouring blasting jelly into a hollowed out section of a torpedo and freezing it along with the lit fuse, the projectile is launched via Waterbending and designed to explode upon making contact with its target. There was only one real flaw that the vessels retained, that being their limited air supply, which makes it necessary to resurface periodically for air.

Earth Kingdom

The Earth Kingdom is another of the four nations in Avatar. The Earth Kingdom is a large continent which takes up most of the planet's eastern hemisphere. It is home to an order of men and[women who practice Earthbending, which is similar to geokinesis. Earthbenders are characterized by their pride and strength, and often seem virtually immovable.

The Earth Kingdom has long withstood encroachments of their borders in the Fire Nation's imperialist war. Though the Water Tribes have aided the Earth Kingdom, the Earth Kingdom has had to defend much of their nation by themselves, as the Water Tribes are too weak to help the Earth Kingdom. Many citizens of the Earth Kingdom live in Ba Sing Se, a capitol city which is entirely self-reliant. However, Ba Sing Se falls at the end of Book 2 and the Earth Kingdom is almost annihilated during Book 3.

Appearance

The Earth Kingdom is heavily influenced by the culture of Qing Dynasty China. The people of the Earth Kingdom express wide variety in their appearances throughout the vast lands of the empire. Those residing in the rural areas often wear clothes similar to those of peasants. Royals and the wealthy, as illustrated by Toph Bei Fong, as well as the rest of the Upper Ring of Ba Sing Se, usually wear robes similar to the Manchurian-Chinese Qipao, especially during parties and events. Men may grow beards and/or mustaches; younger men may have the same style but wear their hair down. Their skin complexion is usually fair, tan or brown, uniquely various throughout the Kingdom, especially compared to the homogeneous appearances of the other bending groups. They most typically express light brown, deep brown or green eyes. They usually wear green, yellow-green, tan or brown clothing, though they have been seen wearing outfits of other colors.

National emblem

thumb|180px|left|Earth Kingdom National Emblem. The national emblem of the Earth Kingdom is a square inscribed with a circle, at the center of which is a much smaller square (Like a Chinese coin). The insignia symbolizes both the literal and figurative depth of the Earth Kingdom. It represents the immeasurable layers of deep rock and minerals which Earthbenders manipulate to maintain their great cities, as well as the depth of the inhabitants' commitment and strive towards the effort of a peaceful and productive way of life. This emblem can be seen on the helmets of Earth Kingdom troops.

Earth Kingdom currency, coins, are composed from metals such as copper shaped into the fashion of the national emblem. The design is also applied to certain large, stone "coins" which are used as weapons by Earthbending soldiers.

Earth Kingdom is literally written as 土国 (Tǔ guó); the direct translation is Earth Country.

Culture

From the technology-driven refugees under the Mechanist to the initially isolationist inhabitants of Kyoshi Island, the culture of the Earth Kingdom is far less monolithic than those of the other nations. This is likely due to its size. The common aspect of these different cultures is their rather simplistic and somewhat archaic nature, especially in comparison to the more industrialized Fire Nation. According to Uncle Iroh, the diversity of the peoples of the Earth Kingdom is one of its greatest strengths.

The Earth Kingdom citizens have created many games and attractions. In Omashu, the game first played by Aang and invented by King Bumi is based on the mail delivery system of Omashu, which Bumi has referred to as "The World's Greatest Superslide." In Ba Sing Se, an apparently common game played in alleys is a form of soccer that employs Earthbending. Also, an attraction in Ba Sing Se is the Zoo.

Season

Each of the Four Nations is influenced by their own distinct, dominant season; the Earth Kingdom's is spring, the time when most living things on Earth are reborn. To this effect, more Earthbenders are born during the spring than any other time of year and their powers are at their strongest during the springtime.

Natural Resources and Foods

Though at first glance they would appear to be the most simple of substances, rock and stone turn out to be the Earth Kingdom's greatest natural resources, as such are widely used and manipulated into just about everything, from small tools to entire metropolises. While the Earth Kingdom as a whole does not make use of fossil fuels nearly as much as the industrialized Fire Nation, coal is mined in certain villages for fuel. The timber of their forests also serve as fuel along with being lumbered for building.

As a result of the various minerals it contains, an ample amount of vegetables manage to sufficiently grow within the rich, fertile soil of the Earth Kingdom, while fruits and nut trees are equally as abundant. Wild game and domesticated animals thrive in the lush forests and farmlands, adding beef and poultry to the Earth Kingdom citizens' diet.

Government

The Earth Kingdom is a large nation divided into provinces<

and major cities which are subdivided into smaller townships or separate towns. The capital of the Earth Kingdom is Ba Sing Se. While there is a central ruler of the Earth Kingdom, known as the The Earth King, who resided within Ba Sing Se, some larger cities, such as Omashu, have kings of their own; the exact nature of this hierarchy is unknown. However, the Earth Kingdom's central form of government is a Confederate Monarchy. At one time, proud warrior-kings ruled their lands personally and often brutally, but over the generations, the Earth Kings ceded more and more control over the day-to-day operations of their city to the byzantine governmental structure that sprang up around them. The Earth King now is little more than a figurehead who lives a lavish lifestyle surrounded by sycophants, lending one of his royal seals to whatever decrees and laws his advisers suggest.

It is eventually revealed that the Earth King has little true power, being little more than a figurehead. Power in Ba Sing Se is trusted to various advisers and counsels such as Long Feng, the Grand Secretariat of Ba Sing Se & Head of the Dai Li. It is also implied that the Ba Sing Se government chooses to make use of little power beyond its own fortified city, which perhaps explains the dire situation in much of the Earth Kingdom.

The government in Ba Sing Se was very oppressive during the war. Long Feng, the de facto leader for many years, subjected the population to varying degrees of severe economic and social regimentation and segregation, and various methods of eliminating dissent through brainwashing. The government of Ba Sing Se is also incredibly bureaucratic; processing a request to meet with an official may take up to two months and proper clearance is required for posting "lost animal" fliers. The Earth Kingdom is heavily influenced by Qing Dynasty China.

Military

Since the Earth Kingdom is geographically the largest of the four nations, it possesses a large variety of combat organizations and personnel.

Army

thumb|left|250px|Earth Kingdom soldiers. Due to the majority of its territory being landlocked and segregrated by mountainous terrain, the Earth Kingdom is most dependent on its land-based army forces. Like the Fire Nation, the Earth Kingdom armies consist of benders and normal foot soldiers. Soldiers, both benders and non-benders, carry a wide variety of weapons. Nonbending soldiers are more heavily armored, and typically wear a helmet shaped like a mix of a conical straw hat and a spinning top, along with a neck guard underneath. Earthbenders' helmets are pointed and are decorated with the Earth Kingdom emblem. The Benders are also barefooted, unlike the soldieres, to better harmonize themselves with the Earth. Officers wear yellow armor in place of the regular green armor.

Earth Kingdom soldiers in various parts of the Earth Kingdom tend to wear slightly different colored uniforms than that of others. For example, the guards at the gates of Omashu wore slightly different uniforms than other Earthbenders in other parts of the Earth Kingdom. The Earthbenders who captured Iroh in "The Spirit World" wore yellow and light brown. General Fong's soldiers wore light green, the ferry guards of Full Moon Bay wore brown on tan uniforms, and the personal guards of the Bei Fong family wore a cream colored uniform.The non-bending soldiers of Omashu wear leaf-green colors, while other non-bending soldiers across the Earth Kingdom wear a drab olive green. At Ba Sing Se the soldiers on the walls have more diverse uniforms, with black and gold colors.

The cavalry consists of foot soldiers on Ostrich Horses, which can vertically climb short distances and run at high speeds. They are also used as civilian transports.

Earthbenders use stones shaped like the Earth Kingdom emblem as artillery and catapult projectiles. These person-sized round coins are invaluable weapons to the Earthbenders. The coins can be lined up side by side to make a defensive mobile wall, or stacked to make an impromptu lookout tower. Skilled Earthbenders can use these coins as a vehicle and "ride" in the hole in the middle of the coins.

By consulting with various Earthbenders, The Mechanist was able to design Earthbending-powered tanks which were actively used in the Fire Nation invasion. The Earth Kingdom tanks are piloted by a crew of four Earthbenders who work to move the caterpillar-like vehicle by pushing off the ground with their feet. The tanks are able to navigate on uneven terrain and even climb over elevated obstacles. Hatches on the sides of the tank open and close, allowing Earthbenders to fire stone projectiles at the enemy.

Navy

Not much is known about the Earth Navy, save that it is likely inferior to that of the Fire Nation. The Earth Kingdom's General Fong explicitly stated that invading the Fire Nation with its ships would be suicidal. Zuko also mentioned that his ship crashed into an Earth Nation ship, to use as an excuse for the damage done to it when he sent it for repairs at Zhao's harbor.

Dai Li

The Dai Li are the cultural enforcers of Ba Sing Se. They are under the direct command of Long Feng, the culture minister, and function as a sort of secret police; arresting and re-educating anyone who breaks regulations concerning mention of the war. In addition to distinct uniforms, they are notable for sporting stone gloves and shoes, which can be used to great effect as weapons through Earthbending. Though they serve the Earth King, they are loyal only to Long Feng. However, after the events of the coup d'état led against the Earth Kingdom capital, they have pledged loyalty to Azula. It is the Dai Li who are responsible for tearing down Ba Sing Se's walls to allow the entrance of the Fire Nation army invasion force and the eventual firm occupation of the capital city. The Dai Li are seen again during the series finale, where they are summoned by Firelord Azula. Azula, unsatisfied with their performance and fearing that they will eventually betray her, banishes the Dai Li from the palace. They are not seen again afterward.

According to the online flash game, "Escape from the Spirit World," the Dai Li was created several centuries before the start of the story by avatar Kyoshi to preserve the cultural heritage of Ba Sing Se. This was in response to a peasant uprising against the government and the forty-sixth Earth King. She currently regrets having created the Dai Li, as she had no idea how corrupt they would become at the time.

They appear to be modeled after the government agents of Qing Dynasty China, generally known as the Dai Li (in Cantonese) The organization may also be named after Dai Li: the feared Spymaster of Chiang Kai-Shek before and during the Second World War. (Chinese: 大内; Pinyin: dà nèi)-- which literally means "Greater-Inner" and refers to those who serve in the Greater Inner Sanctum of the Forbidden City.

Kyoshi Island Warriors

The Kyoshi Island Warriors are an all-female group of fighters led by Suki on Kyoshi Island. Their fighting style and clothing honor that of their founder, Avatar Kyoshi, although the most current fighters do not implement any of the bending arts in their physical movements. Clad in ornate, green armor and Kabuki-like makeup, designed to intimidate opponents, Kyoshi Island Warriors use metal fans as their primary weapons, but it is later revealed the warriors additionally utilize katana and wrist shields. Holding the fans like extensions of their own arms, they aim to turn the strength of their opponents against them, a principle also hinged upon in Waterbending. Traditionally, only women are trained as Kyoshi Warriors, however there have been exceptions over the years.

Although Kyoshi Island had long remained neutral in the war, following the Avatar's arrival on the island, the Kyoshi Island Warriors were inspired to assist the Earth Kingdom army in its attempts to resist the Fire Nation. They accomplish this not by serving on the front lines, but serving as guards for refugee ferries to Ba Sing Se. The warriors appeared again in "Appa's Lost Days" where they struggled to protect Appa from capture at the hands of Princess Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee. Following the confrontation, Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee infiltrate the city of Ba Sing Se disguised as members of the Kyoshi Warriors, confirming the real Kyoshi Warriors' defeat. They did however succeed in saving the life of Appa, one of the greatest aids to the Avatar that any other characters had performed. They appear again in the series finale after being freed from prison. Ty Lee is now a member of the Kyoshi Warriors and it is implied they now know Ty Lee's chi blocking techniques.

Council of Five

The Council of Five is a group of five high-ranking Earth Kingdom Generals who decide military strategy outside the walls of Ba Sing Se.

In addition to this, the Council also controls the Kings Guards, an elite force of guards who protect the Earth Kinging. The Council of Five was established along with the King of Ba Sing Se, and was equal in power with him until the rise of Long Feng. After Princess Azula's execution of the coup d'état against the capital, all members of the council were taken captive by the Dai Li, but were released after the Order of the White Lotus liberated Ba Sing Se.

Kings Guards

These royal, Earthbending guards of Ba Sing Se are affiliated with neither the Dai Li nor the military, and instead serve as personal protectors of the Earth King. There seem to be hundreds of them guarding the Royal Palace. The guards use specialized surface-to-surface rocks against invaders approaching on foot, but the projectiles are displayed to be able to also serve as surface-to-air rocks against airborne intruders. Sporting dark green armor and feather-topped helmets, the guards have also been shown as the gate keepers of the outer and inner walls of Ba Sing Se.

Light Industry

Architecture, farming, carpentry, hunting, and mining are among many significant Earth Kingdom industries. Its citizens have managed to develop an advanced trade and commerce system so that almost all may benefit. From the complex sewage and postal system of Omashu, to the Ba Sing Se metro transit stations, and various inventions and their inventors, such as the Mechanist, all serve as demonstration of the Earth Kingdom's surprisingly sophisticated society.

Cities and locations

Kyoshi Island

right|thumb|250px|Aerial view of Kyoshi Island. One of the islands off the southern coast of the Earth Kingdom, Kyoshi Island is an island founded in the South Sea by Avatar Kyoshi in an effort to protect her people from invaders. Having born the Avatar over four hundred years ago, the island has a shrine (formerly a temple) dedicated to Kyoshi that contains her relics, including her kimono, metal fans, metal headdress, and her boots. Supposedly, these relics still embody some of Kyoshi's spirit. Predominately a fishing port, travelers and traders favor the island as a stopping point. In the nearby sea, there are Elephant Koi, which serve as the island's main source of commerce, and a giant eel known as the Unagi. The denizens of Kyoshi Island's dwell scattered amongst several small villages found all around the island. Each village has its own leader and is served and protected by a band of female Kyoshi Island Warriors, who fight with metal fans in the same techniques as the island's namesake Avatar, as well as a fighting style that emulates the Waterbender's philosophy of using the opponents' force against them. left|thumb|250px|A Kyoshi Island village. Due to holding no significant military advantage and retaining very few Earthbenders, Kyoshi Island has managed to stay out of the Fire Nation's war for nearly a century — until Zuko recently attacked it looking for Aang. Nevertheless, the inhabitants of the island have no intention of inviting unwanted attention, and the warriors often find themselves dealing with disorderly traders and travelers who, after a night of drinking in the port of Kyoshi, stumble into the villages and cause trouble. As a result, the villagers are quite hostile towards outsiders, often fearing the possibility of Fire Nation spies. However, inspired by the Avatar Aang's arrival on the island, the citizens have gained new hope and have adopted a more welcoming attitude since then. Additionally, the Kyoshi Island Warriors recently left to join the war effort in hopes of making a difference.

During the time of Avatar Kyoshi, a warlord known as "Chin the Great" was enveloping the entire Earth Kingdom in his armies and ruthless dictatorship. Kyoshi managed to keep her people safe from invasion by using a combination of different bending techniques to separate their peninsula from the mainland and form an island. This left a cliff at Chin's feet, where he fell to his death as the rock beneath him collapsed. The village of Chin was founded near the cliff and was known to be very antagonistic towards all reincarnations of the Avatar, believing that they killed their glorious leader. Only recently when Aang, the current Avatar, saves the village from rhino-riding Fire Nation soldiers do they put their qualms aside and reinvent their effigy-burning "Avatar Day" into a more friendly celebration. This day is known as Kyoshi Day on Kyoshi Island and celebrates the day of its founding.

Omashu

[[:Image:Inside OmashuDe.png|thumb|250px|left| Omashu before the occupation.]] thumb|250px|right|Omashu under Fire Nation occupation. Omashu was the Earth Kingdom's first city. It sits within a mountain range, surrounded on all sides by steep canyons and an enormous gorge, with the only way to its gates being a narrow path over the chasm. The cities' three gates are composed from massive stone, each five feet thick and towering over thirty feet high, accessible only by Earthbenders who guard its lone entrance. It is ruled by King Bumi and holds the place of being the Earth Kingdom's second largest city. Omashu's main industry was producing weapons and supplies for the war effort, and had developed a complex and efficient mail system used to transport goods throughout the city that employed Earthbending and gravity using extensive ramps and chutes. As children, Bumi and Aang used the ramps as slides. At the beginning of Book Two, Aang and his friends travel to Omashu once more so that he may learn Earthbending under King Bumi. On their journey, they pass through the Cave of Two Lovers where it is revealed that the city was founded many millennia ago and named for Oma and Shu, a Romeo and Juliet pair from two warring villages who became the first Earthbenders.

Since Aang, Katara, and Sokka's last visit, Omashu had surrendered to the Fire Nation, who had developed metal, extending bridges to bypass the gorge. The entire city is displayed to be undergoing massive reconstruction to better suit the Fire Nation occupation, complete with a huge statue of Fire Lord Ozai built at the highest peak of Omashu. Most notably altered is the palace, the original of which was completely leveled and replaced with the metal pagoda architecture favored by the Fire Nation. The Earth Kingdom citizens and remnant soldiers had managed to find refuge within the sewer systems beneath Omashu and eventually are able to escape the city under the guise of an epidemic shortly after Aang arrives. Soon after, the city of Omashu is renamed "New Ozai" by Princess Azula.

In The Series Finale it is shown that King Bumi escaped his metal cage, destroyed all of the factories and fire nation made structures (Including a statue of Ozai) and retook his city from Fire Nation Control during the Solar Eclipse.

Based on the ancient writing in "The Cave of Two Lovers," the modern way to write Omashu is 奥瑪舒. Ào mǎ ( 奥 瑪 ) mean "mysterious carnelian," while shū ( 舒 ) means relax. Carnelian is a semiprecious stone consisting of an orange or orange-red variety of chalcedony.

Ba Sing Se

Ba Sing Se is the capital of the Earth Kingdom. Ba Sing Se is impenetrable and isolated from the rest of the world. It withstood a six-hundred day siege led by the Fire Nation's General Iroh,which ended after Iroh's son, Lu Ten, died on the front lines. At Comicon 2006, Ba Sing Se was shown as an enormous city with several rock-like monorails, similar to the ones in Omashu. The "cars" are moved by Earthbending. Following the events of the Book 2 finale, the government of Ba Sing Se was deposed through an internal army led by Azula. With the fall of Ba Sing Se, the Earth Kingdom lost its last great stronghold to the Fire Nation. The Fire Nation was deposed by the Order of the White Lotus in the Book 3 finale.

Ba Sing Se's greatest secret to its staying power in the war is the farmland behind its outer wall. These vast fields supply the entire city with food to enable them to survive a siege of any duration, so long as the outer wall remains intact. Only on two separate occasions has the great wall ever been penetrated. It was apparently breached during Iroh's six-hundred day siege, however, the city survived, as the siege broke shortly thereafter. The city's wall is nearly penetrated once again by a large drill-like invention created by the Mechanist for the Fire Nation. However, with Sokka's ingenuity, Aang, Katara, and Toph manage to disable the drill and ruin the Fire Nation plans. Soon after this victory, Azula entered the city and with a coup d'état - forced by the Dai Li - Azula took over power. The Great Wall of Ba Sing Se was broken down and the army of the Fire Nation occupied the city. In the series finale, Iroh, along with the other members of the White Lotus secret society, retakes the city in the name of the Earth Kingdom.

Culture of Ba Sing Se

The main characters do not reach Ba Sing Se until "City of Walls and Secrets," where the culture is at first revealed. The city is divided into various levels based on social class, with the ghettos of the poor and refugees being walled off from the rest of the town (mirroring the strict societal rules of class interaction that governed ancient China). It is also revealed that society is heavily controlled, and that the war is not allowed to be mentioned inside the walls (this is similar to China, where the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 are not to be mentioned in the country). This was meant to maintain order and the cultural heritage of the city, making it the only remaining "utopian" society in the world. It is eventually revealed that the Earth King is actually mostly a figurehead, with great ceremonial power, but little authority. The political leader of the city is Long Feng, the Grand Secretariat of Ba Sing Se and the Head of the Dai Li. He and the Dai Li maintain strict control of the people and the culture, and prefer to pretend the war does not exist. This is most likely the result of Ba Sing Se's safety - the people of the city consider it impenetrable, and thus feel they can delude themselves into pretending all is fine in the rest of the Kingdom. Those who attempt to disrupt this fantasy are promptly brainwashed by the Dai Li into believing that the war doesn't even exist. This is perhaps most powerfully shown in "The Drill," where they maintain the belief in their safety even when the city is threatened---and which also shows the city may not be as strong as believed.

In "The Drill," the name Ba Sing Se is revealed to mean "Impenetrable City," as an Earth Kingdom general jokes that it is not named "Na Sing Se" (meaning "Penetrable City").

Fauna

The Earth Kingdom is home to many exotic creatures:

• Badgermoles reside in the caves. They are blind, but "see" with Earthbending. It is said that they taught the first Earthbenders. They have a touch for music. If one were to play the right music, they could be induced to do almost anything. The Earth Kingdom regards the Badgermole as a symbol similarly to how the Fire Nation perceives the Dragon, the Air Nomads regard the Air Bison, and the Water Tribes regard the Moon.
• Ostrich Horses roam the lands, and are domesticated and mounted by Earth Kingdom citizens as transports.
• In the great Si Wong desert, Buzzard-wasps make their home in the Si Wong Rock. They make a honey like liquid that they feed to their young. It is said that this liquid tastes like rotting penguin meat, though Appa seemed to enjoy it (Likely from being so hungry).
• Singing Groundhogs attract tourists from everywhere. They are able to respond to any musical note.
• Purple Pentapi reside in the sewers of Omashu. They have five eyes and legs and attach themselves to those they come in contact with. When tickled into letting go, they leave behind distinctive sucker marks.
• Platypus Bears are found in the forests of the Earth Kingdom. They usually live in caves, lay eggs and protect the eggs and their young. Mature Platypus bears are as ferocious as actual bear, especially when they are with young.
• Saber-toothed Mooselions are fearsome animals of the Earth Kingdom forests. They have large tusks and large antlers. At a young age, they appear to be herbivores, and are hard to identify, as the antlers and tusks have not yet grown in, but as they mature they may become carnivorous.
• In the caves of the Earth Kingdom, Wolfbats are territorial carnivores. They are as large as wolves and can fly.
• Various kinds of hybrid pigs are farmed here. Sheep, Rooster, Chicken, and Cow pigs are seen.
• Large, insectoid creatures called Canyon Crawlers inhabit the Great Divide.

thumb|250px|Earth Kingdom City of Omashu. thumb|200px|Earth Kingdom Avatar Temple. thumb||200px|Inside Earth Kingdom Avatar Temple.

Fire Nation

thumb|right|225px|The Fire Nation Avatar Temple The Fire Nation is a collective term for a nation of people in the fictional universe of the Nickelodeon animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender. One of the series' "Four Nations," the Fire Nation is located near the planet's equator in the western hemisphere and comprises an archipelago of volcanic islands, drawing its inspiration from China and Iceland to Indonesia and the many volcanic Pacific islands, such as Hawaii and Fiji. The Fire Nation is home to an order of men and women who practice Firebending, the pyrokinetic ability to create and control fire.

Regardless of its ancestral boundaries, the Fire Nation armed forces had subjected much of the globe to colonization and imperialism over the course of a century-long campaign of expansion.

According to Iroh, Fire is the element of power; its people have a energetic willpower to strive to get what they want and need and the drive to get it, as reflected in Firebending.

Appearance

While all the names of people and places in the Avatar series clearly have Chinese influence, the Fire Nation's people, as well as having names most influenced by the Chinese language (notably Prince Zuko, Admiral Zhao and Fire Lord Ozai) also seem more similar in clothing/physical appearance to the Chinese. Women wear their hair in various updos, usually simple and elegant in style and noblewomen often sport long, sharp, well-manicured nails. Men have various hairstyles, however, many men, usually those of importance and higher class wear a traditional bun or top-knot (sometimes accompanied by a hairpiece). Buns are also quite common in hairstyles for both genders. Fashion in the Fire Nation mimics traditional Chinese elements as well. Layers of various colors, coats, and traditional pieces of armor are common elements in their style, as in Chinese traditional clothing. Citizens and rulers of the Fire Nation wear colors ranging from black, to brown, to various reds, very often accented by gold lining or jewelry. Their funeral clothing is white, also like the Chinese culture. Skin complexion is usually fair or pale, however sparingly ranges to tan and darker brown. Those from the Fire Nation have golden, amber or light grey-blue eyes.

National Emblem

The emblem that represents the Fire Nation is, most simply put, a flame. The flag it resides on is red, while the flame on it is black. The flag that holds this emblem is shown many times and in many places, from the Fire Nation itself to the cities and towns that the Fire Nation has conquered and reside in. Unlike other nations, this emblem is not usually worn on the army and navy uniforms, but only stays on the flags of their nation. A gold flame hairpiece is used to signify Fire Nation royalty.

Season

Every Nation is represented by a season, The Fire Nations season is summer. Summer is the warmest of the seasons and is often tied with fire. As such most Firebenders are more powerful in the summer because of longer days (in contrast to Waterbenders.) More Firebenders are also born in summer than in any other season.

Influences

The Fire Nation's landscape and geologic features were based on Iceland. The creators wanted the Fire Nation to look nothing like other locations seen earlier in Avatar, so they captured photos of Iceland to use for the show. Examples of locations from Iceland that were used as models for places in the show include a waterfall from "Sokka's Master" and the hot spring, lava pillars, and lava sand seen in The Beach. Some of the Fire Nation's background designs also come from Korea. In the original designs, the Fire Nation was very industrialized, with its land stripped and its cities full of factories.

Culture

Cultural festivals

The "Fire Days Festival" is a traveling street fair in Fire Nation towns and villages, including those situated in former Earth Kingdom territory. Its participants wear stylized hand-carved wooden masks similar to that of Kabuki theater masks, and merchants vendor a wide variety of trinkets and local snacks. The festival's attractions include puppet shows, fireworks, Firebending jugglers and magicians, and overall displays of individual or group bending prowess. As illustrated in its cultural festivals, the Fire Nation employs propaganda to indoctrinate a sense of nationalism and loyalty to the Fire Lord (cult of personality) in its citizens from the earliest age possible. (A popular attraction cast Ozai as a hero in a children's puppet show.) The Fire Nation is heavily influenced by the Han-Chinese culture.

Agni Kai

Among Firebenders, or at least those of the upper-class, conflicts and disputes of honor are settled by a challenge to an Agni Kai, or "fire duel," a traditional Firebender duel that is centuries old. Such a match is conducted in an open-air arena at sunset and may be witnessed by spectators. The goal in these duels is to knock an opponent off-balance, and incapacitate (fatally or otherwise) with a final blow. The duels have claimed the lives of countless Firebenders, and they've been even more unforgiving to those who show mercy on their opponents. The term 'Agni' was probably derived from the Sanskrit word for the fire element.

Education

thumb|right|200px|Aang in a Fire Nation classroom The Fire Nation expresses a formal education system which overall is quite similar to real-life school systems. High class public schools can be found on the outer islands, which equate to the upper class suburbs of the Fire Nation. Students in certain schools begin the educational process as soon as they begin Firebending or, for non-benders, as soon as they begin walking. Subjects including history, music, etiquette, warfare, and Firebending are taught to the students by various teachers. However, the educational system works also as a "mind-molding" process, causing students to develop a strong sense of nationalism and loyalty to the Fire Lord. Teachers maintain rigid discipline and order and refuse to teach the students the art of dance or any form of self-expression. In addition, censorship and propaganda can be found in articles within history books (e.g. the genocide of the Air Nomads is described as a battle with the Air Nomads' "army," despite the fact that they have no formal military).

Government

thumb|225px|left|Fire Lord's Throne Room.

The Fire Nation is ruled with an iron fist by the latest in a long lineage of Fire Lords, with the most recent leader being Zuko. The title of the Fire Lord is passed down to each generation's eldest son through one family. However, the ruler of the fire nation Fire Lord, Ozai, was the second eldest son, but he managed to scheme his way to the throne and usurp his older brother, Iroh, of his birthright. Also unknown to the general public is the fact that the current royal family shares its lineage with Avatar Roku, Princess Ursa's grandfather. Known Fire Lords are Sozin, Azulon, Ozai. (Princess Azula was Fire Lord Ozai's chosen successor, however right before she was crowned she was stopped by Zuko and Katara).

In the beginning of the Fire Nation history, the Sun Warriors lived on the land that is the Fire Nation. Later, the sages controlled the land with the Grand Sage (Fire Lord) being in charge.

The Fire Nation's current political system is an absolute monarchy that has been waging a century-long imperialist war against the other three nations of the world; the stated goal of which is to create a global empire. They are not above employing genocide to accomplish this goal, having already eliminated the entire nation of Air Nomads, driving the Southern Water Tribe to the brink of extinction, and also planning to burn the entire Earth Kingdom to the ground, with the help of the energy boosts provided by Sozin's Comet.

thumb|200px|right|The capital city of the Fire Nation, located within a dormant volcano However, the Fire Nation was not always the tyrannical, militaristic embodiment it is today. Then, a millennia ago, a council of sages led the Fire Nation who, among several other national interests, were heavily invested in philosophy and spirituality, much like that of the monastic Air Nomads. The lead sage was known as the "Fire Lord" due to his high level Firebending powers as well as his deep spiritual affinity with the element. Over the years, one lead sage chose to sever ties with the remaining sages and sought to be the sole ruler of the Fire Nation. Now led by the Great Sage, the sages were relegated primarily to spiritual matters but nonetheless still retained some political power over the Nation, with tensions between the two sects increasing with every generation.

The dispute finally reached a state of equilibrium during the course of Sozin's rise to the throne and reign. When still alive during Sozin's rule, the sages remained loyal to Avatar Roku and kept watch over his sanctuary. But following the death of the Avatar, the sages, after three generations, finally submitted under the Fire Lord's rule and were forced to serve only him, counseling him on spiritual affairs.

On the day of Sozin's Comet, Phoenix King Ozai was defeated by Aang in battle and placed in a high security Fire Nation prison. His son, Zuko, became the Fire Lord. Zuko as Fire Lord, has officially stopped the 100 year imperialist war and now plans on making an era of peace. However, there is and will for a long period be great tension between the Fire Nation and the other nations.

[[:Image:Ozai TheyJustGottaBeShadowed2.png|thumb|175px|right|Fire Lord Ozai]] Under the servitude of Fire Lord Ozai, the Fire Sages were the last of their kind, aging remnants of an era long past when spiritual matters were placed in high importance over military ambition.

The Chinese text for Fire Lord, as seen on the wanted poster in "The Desert," is "烈火君" in Chinese, which is a literal translation of "Fire Lord" from English. In "The Avatar and the Fire Lord," on the boxes which held the diary scrolls, 'Fire Lord Sozin' is written as 烈火君蘇進 (liè huǒ jūn sū jìn). Sozin or Sū Jìn translates as 'resurrection enters.' The word Sū is also used for Zuko's name in "Tales of Ba Sing Se."

Military

thumb|left|Fire Nation Generals and Admirals.

The Fire Nation military is the strongest of the Four Nations. A key component of this factor is that as a result of the society's advancements, it stands as also the first nation to possess a mechanized armed force. The Fire Nation military makes active use of armored naval vessels as well as a variety of land-based war machines and vehicles and are the only nation to have an air force.

Using a fiery comet that greatly enhanced their powers, they succeeded in wiping out the Air Nomads early in the war. Though the Fire Nation fought on two fronts against the Water Tribe and the Earth Kingdom, they still had the upper hand. As the war dragged on, it became clear that the Fire Nation would eventually win if the Avatar does not intervene. The Water Tribe did not have the military might to directly challenge the Fire Nation, and as of The Crossroads of Destiny, the vast Earth Kingdom has lost its last great military stronghold to the Fire Nation.

Army

thumb|right|A Fire Nation fleet. The Fire Nation's army comprises non-bender foot soldiers, who normally wield spears, swords, and shields, and Firebenders which the latter usually go unarmed. The majority of Firebending soldiers wear white faceplates shaped like abstract skulls, while ranking officers do not. Both have spiked fire crests on the front of their helmets. Normal soldiers wear cone shaped helmets without masks. It is a possibility that a soldier's skull mask is also used for psychological warfare due to their frightening appearance. For practicality, the faceplates can be removed from the helmets. Additionally, troops are shown to retain different sets of uniforms pertaining to the season or climate of the region that they are situated in. Elite Firebenders who serve as the Fire Lord's Royal Procession wear red, highly stylized armor all over, and have three-eyed faceplates.

Their cavalry ride Komodo Rhinos. These creatures are a mix between a large rhinoceros and a komodo dragon, and have three horns like a Triceratops and a long whip-like tail. Outfitted with heavy armor around the face, they're used for pulling carts and carrying people, both for war and civilian purposes. Fire Nation soldiers mount these frightening beasts to terrorize their enemies.

In "Zuko Alone," the act of dressing up prisoners of war as faux soldiers to provide fodder was a tactic used by the ancient Mongolians and some Chinese warlords. During a war planning meeting that takes place in "The Storm," General Bujing suggests sacrificing a novice division of troops to provide a distraction, an act used by various military leaders throughout history.

Yu Yan Archers

thumb|A Yu Yan Archer takes aim The Yu Yan Archers are Colonel Shinu's highly skilled unit of tattooed archers, and are, according to Zhao, "capable of pinning a fly to a tree from 100 yards (91 m) away without killing it." This statement resembles the skill of "piercing a willow leaf at one hundred paces", which is a common occurrence in Chinese literature. It also resembles the skills of a famous archer who lived in ancient China. Records comment after being told by his archery teacher that his vision needed to be trained until something impossibly small looked large, "Ji Chang hung a flea from the window frame by a hair and facing south, watched it. In a couple of weeks it seemed larger, and after three years of practice, it seemed like a cartwheel ... Then he took a bow ... and shot [at the flea]. He hit the middle of the flea and the hair did not even break."

They are so skilled that they succeeded in overwhelming and capturing Aang, the Avatar, though he subsequently escaped from custody. A possible way to write their name is 玉眼 for "jade eye." The Chinese believed that jade had magical properties and would prevent the decay of the body. The word 'Shinu' (死), the colonel's name, means 'to die' in Japanese, however in Chinese, it is pronounced "Si" with a third tone accent above the 'i'.

Rough Rhinos

An elite band of Fire Nation cavalry led by Colonel Mongke. The Rough Rhinos comprise a variety of warriors of varying skills, including a masked warrior who hurls explosives and a Yu Yan Archer. Riding their trademark mounts, they act on their own free will, attacking enemies of the Fire Nation, and claiming land and towns in the name of the Fire Lord. Both of their appearances have been defeats, the first by Aang and company and the second by Iroh and Zuko, although the latter was more of a humiliating draw. In "Lake Laogai," it was revealed that they were responsible for the death of Jet's parents and the burning of his village. According to Iroh the Rough Rhinos are also famed for their singing talents.

Southern Raiders

An elite legion of soldiers who were in charge of attacking and occupying southern lands. Their most distinct notice is that their uniform is different from the army (Their helmet makes them look like birds). Their ships look almost like Azula's ship (it comes with a Pagoda). The flags have a Sea Raven on it. In The Southern Raiders, it is revealed that they are responsible for the death of Katara's and Sokka's mother, Kya.

Navy

thumb|left|Fire Nation naval forces As a result of being an island culture and primarily situated near large bodies of water, the Fire Nation has developed a powerful naval force. The Fire Nation's navy is comprised of hundreds of coal-powered ironclad warships. In addition to its sturdy properties, the Fire Nation's use of metallurgy to remove impurities from the metal ensures that Earthbenders cannot damage their ships with their powers. These vessels serve many purposes, from ferrying and disembarking troops to providing bombardment with their catapults to creating blockades.

Among various watercrafts in the Fire Nation's naval arsenal is the jet ski. Designed to accommodate two passengers, highly maneuverable, and able to travel at very high speeds, these metallic, steam-powered jet skis are honed for short-range water travel in rivers, lakes or coastal areas and warfare. However, the vehicles are generally used by domestic forces for patrolling waterfront population areas rather than in heavy combat.

Azula’s ship

Compared to Zuko's ship, Azula's royal sloop is bigger, faster, and newer. The royal ship is the pride of the Fire Nation Navy as it stands as the most technologically advanced ship in the entire fleet. Under Azula's command, the ship is guarded by the members of the Royal Procession - an elite group of Firebenders dressed in unique armour serving to protect Azula and hunt down Zuko and Iroh. This ship is particularly unique for having a 3-spiked prow, and a pagoda tower. The ship was not seen in the remainder of the second season since the episode "Return to Omashu", when, following her teachers' advice, Azula abandoned it to pursue the Avatar on land with Mai and Ty Lee. The ship is seen again in "The Awakening" as Azula's and Zuko's means of transportation back to the Fire Nation.

Air force

Towards the end of "The Northern Air Temple," the Fire Nation acquired a "War Balloon," a primitive hot air balloon designed by the Mechanist, an Earth Kingdom inventor who the Fire Nation had pressed into service designing weapons and technology. The Mechanist had been impeded with the experimental balloon's development due to difficulty figuring out a means of control, but was able to overcome it thanks to Sokka's ingenuity. The key to piloting the war balloon was the creation of a small valve at the top that allows the pilot to control the release of hot air, thereby controlling the up and down movement of the balloon (which is probably useless if it's ran by Firebenders because they could just weaken the hot air or feed it with their bending). With the ability to carry heavy loads and by possessing the ultimate high ground, the hot air balloon stands as a potent weapon. As stated by War Minister Qin, "This defeat is the gateway to many victories."

Near the end of failed Fire Nation invasion, the war balloons were seen once again and effectively used in combat to close the battle. In addition, utilizing the same technology that engineered the Mechanist's hot air balloon, the Fire Nation has managed to develop gigantic airships that looks like Zeppelins. Several times larger and more destructive than their original counterparts, the airships are able to hold a crew of fifty, along with numerous Firebenders, and capable of flying vast distances. In terms of firepower, the airships are equipped with an engine that has propellers and coal burning to keep the engine moving and a bomb bay for dropping explosives and flanked with catwalks hanging off the belly where safely-harnessed Firebenders are able to open fire on their enemies below and a main deck with avanced controls.

The only zeppelins shown during the series are deployed during the finale and at the beginning of the episode "the Southern Raiders" when Azula attacks the Western Air Temple. Due to the Fire Nation only having six months to build up their fleet, these dozen may be the only in existence. A small strike force infiltrated the fleet off the coast of the Earth Kingdom and destroyed it.

History

A great deal of Fire Nation history is revealed during the course of the series and in the spin-off media.

Dragon Hunting

During the time of Fire Lord Sozin, a new Firebender tradition was created. It was said that if a Firebender tracked down, battled, and killed a dragon, then his powers would become legendary. Though dragons had long been friends of mankind, this act turned them against man and they fled into places of hiding. Once a Firebender killed a dragon, he was bestowed the title of 'Dragon.' The last Dragon was Crown Prince Iroh, who wore the title "Dragon of the West" to his elder years. What he discovered from fighting the dragon was the ability known as Breath of Fire, which he then went on to teach to his family. However, according to Iroh, the dragon that he killed was the last one in existence. It was later discovered that he was lying in order to protect the secret of the Sun Warriors.

Sun Warriors

The Sun Warriors were an ancient sect of powerful Firebenders. They practiced a unique version of Firebending that focused on the pure aspect of fire as the source of life, rather than the channeling of rage and aggression as the modern Firebenders used. To them, fire was a form of energy, the counterpoint to the other nation's views of their own elements as states of matter: earth is solid, water is fluid, and air is gaseous.

The Sun Warriors were said to have died out or been destroyed centuries ago, the Fire Nation archipelago dotted with ancient Sun Warrior ruins. Zuko and Aang went to these ruins to find the ancient source of Firebending, only to discover the last of the Sun Warriors living in seclusion beneath the city ruins. There, they discovered that the Sun Warriors worshipped and were guided by the ancient Firebending masters, the last two dragons in existence, Ran and Sha.

Minor Locations

New Ozai

After conquering the Earth Kingdom city of Omashu, the city is being reconstructed to better suit the new Fire Nation occupants. The former ruler, King Bumi, is currently deposed, and Earth Kingdom forces continue to resist their new masters, at least in secret. The new governor's daughter, Mai, is a friend of the Princess Azula, who renamed the city New Ozai after her father. The city was later retaken by King Bumi, effortlessly and single-handedly.

Prisons

thumb|200px|right|An ironclad prison rig. The Fire Nation military also makes use of coal mines and prisons. The prisons are segregated facilities in which prisoners from other nations are forced to labor. Made of metal, one such facility can be a stationary shipyard situated in the middle of the ocean. Bisected by an enormous wall, one side is used as the shipyard where warships are repaired and refueled, while the other side serves as a prison for captive Earthbenders. Surrounded by the sea and miles away from solid, earthen land, the benders are rendered powerless. However their muscular strength is not wasted, as the wardens force them to labor away in the shipyard, building new ships for the Fire Nation navy to be later used as aid in the conquest of their own Kingdom.

One particular prison, known as Boiling Rock is reserved for dangerous criminals and war prisoners. It is there that Sokka and Zuko journey to free Sokka's father Hakoda but also end up liberating Suki and a prisoner named Chit Siang who tags along. The warden happens to be Mai's uncle ,much to Zuko's surprise. After a botched escape attempt, Chi Siang starts a prison riot that allows them all to escape via Azula's war gondola.

Prisoner Firebending is not allowed in this prison; the punishment for even deflecting fire is time in the 'cooler', a freezer cell that dampens Firebending and prisoner spirit.

The name of the prison comes from the extremely boiling volcanic lake that surrounds the prison; a two-way gondola cable car system is the only way to the volcanic rim, even then one needs the use of a flying gondola to leave the island outright. Unlike the shipyard prisons, the Boiling Rock is strictly a penitentiary institution and is seemingly populated mostly by Firebenders who have committed some serious crimes. Guards , like the prisoners are of both genders and apparently fraternization is not allowed.

Prison Tower

A large, fortified stone tower located inside a hollow volcanic crater near the capital. It is here where the Fire Nation keeps its most highly prioritized criminals. As shown in "The Headband," Iroh is one of the few prisoners being held within the penitentiary.

Fire Nation Academy

One of many upper-class institutions that mold the young minds of the Fire Nation situated on one of the outer islands of the continent. Particularly one of the better public schools of the Nation, the academy retains teachers who maintain strict order and are intensely focused on creating ideal Fire Nation citizens. Students who attend the school begin their education as soon as they begin Firebending, or for non-benders, as soon as they begin walking. The curriculum includes etiquette, Fire Nation history, history of warfare, music and Firebending classes.

Jang Hui Village

A small fishing village seated within the Jang Hui river. This Fire Nation village is unique in that it is comprised of floating houseboats connected together. Once a prosperous fishing community, the village began to struggle to survive ten years ago when the Fire Nation army commandeered a plot of land and built a giant metal smelting factory on the river's edge. The factory spews its waste out into the river, polluting the water and destroying the village's only source of food. After that point, the most local fishermen were able to scrounge up were a few shriveled fish and some filthy clams, causing most shops in the center of town to close down. To make matters worse, villagers were forced to give up their food and medicine to the soldiers of the factory, leaving the citizens unable to care for or treat the many illnesses caused by ingesting the polluted water and air. Without clean water, food, and medicine, the town soon became filled with many poor, sick people. The town's local folklore holds that it is protected by a river spirit known as the Painted Lady, but unfortunately the pollution from the factory had driven her away.

In "The Painted Lady," the gang come across the fishing village on their way to the Fire Lord. Despite Sokka's protests to move on, Katara cannot bring herself to turn her back on the long-suffering village. At night, she dons the identity of the Painted Lady, the village's legendary spiritual resident, and helps the town by gathering food and healing the sick. Eventually, Katara brings herself to utterly destroy the harmful factory. Later on, when soldiers arrive to punish the villagers for the factory's destruction, Katara, with the help of the others, is able to drive them away, never to return. Soon after the waters of the river are restored. At the end of the episode, the real painted lady thanks Katara for what she did.

Military Factory

At the shore of the Jang Hui river lies the enormous metallic structure dedicated to smelting metal to produce weapons and vehicles for the Fire Nation Army and the Fire Navy. The coolant system of the plant is provided by the river water, but as result, it spills tons of waste product into the river, polluting it, while large smoke stacks bellow up into and contaminate the air. This resulted in the destruction of the once thriving Jang Hui Village's only source of food and left the fishing community filled with many sick people struggling to survive. Run by a General Mung, the pollution is seen most soldiers of the factory as a small price to pay for victory in the war.

The Military Factory was left in ruins when Katara (Disguised as the Painted Lady) and Aang destroyed it in an effort to save the Jang Hui Village.

Shu Jing Village

One of the many small, peaceful towns are tucked away throughout the Fire Nation. The village lies scattered across the edge of a cliff lined with spectacular waterfalls just above a river, and surrounded by rolling mountains. To the northeast lies the home of the famed swordsman Piandao, who chose the location because of its tranquility, secluded nature, and inspirational landscape.

Piandao's Castle

Perched high on a cliff overlooking the town of Shu Jing, Piandao's castle is a colossal structure, retaining sixteen bedrooms, two gardens, a sword crafting foundry, and stables. The castle formerly was the home of a Fire Nation nobleman, and sat desolate for many years. After discovering the abandoned castle, Piandao refurnished and redecorated it all on his own. Alongside sculptures of Lion Turtles, the white lotus motif can be seen throughout the castle, most conspicuously on the front gate.

Ember Island

First briefly mentioned in "The Awakening," Ember Island is a highly regarded tropical resort found within the Fire Nation. Filled with palm trees and luscious vegetation, the private beaches are surrounded by mountains and dunes which provide a secluded atmosphere for visitors. Several vacation homes found on the island are owned by high-ranking Fire Nation officials. Fire Lord Ozai himself owns an estate on Ember Island and at a time used to take his family on an annual summer vacation to the island.

Ember Island is written in Chinese as 餘燼島.

Roku's Island

A small island which bore and homed the previous Avatar Roku, situated about one hundred miles away from the Fire Nation capital. When he wasn't attending to his Avatar duties, Roku and his wife Ta Min dwelled peacefully in a modest cottage here. Currently, the isle bares the resemblance of a barren wasteland, showing no signs of past or present civilization. This is a result of a volcanic eruption which took place 112 years ago that buried the island village in deep ash. In the end, Roku lost his life battling the volcanic eruption in the effort to save his home.

Dragonbone Catacombs

An underground system of tunnels and chambers situated deep beneath the Fire Sage's temple in the capital city. Filled with hallways lined with the skulls of dragons, the catacombs hold many rooms as well several secrets about the history of the Fire Nation, particularly in regards to the legacies of past Fire Lords. Similar to Avatar Roku's temple, the catacombs retain numerous doors and mechanisms that require Firebending to access or operate. Dragon Bone Catacombs is written in Chinese as 龍骨墓窟.

Fire Fountain City

One of the several industrial towns in the Fire Nation that provides total support towards the war effort. The most conspicuous evidence of this dedication stands at the city's center, a giant statue of Fire Lord Ozai with his head tilted back and fire gushing from his hands and mouth like a fountain. The monument is so famous and considered to be so inspirational to Fire Nation citizens that the city officially changed its name from North Chung-Ling to Fire Fountain City. However, the working class town is also a very seedy environment, as it is populated by gamblers, deceitful dealers, and various other rogues. It own mayor is shown to be quite easily coerced and bribed. For these reasons, it is considered unsafe to traverse the city at night and most citizens stay indoors.

The Boiling Rock

The Boiling Rock is the Fire Nation's most infamous maximum security prison, specifically built to house the Fire Nation's most dangerous criminals and traitors. The prison is built in the crater of a volcano and is surrounded by a lake of boiling water, which is heated by the geothermal energy of the volcano below it. The only way to access the prison is by cable car, which is connected to a port and war balloon landing pad on the outer edge of the volcano. The Boiling Rock appears to be built like a conventional maximum security prison complete with cell blocks, a central courtyard for recreation, and elevated positions for guards to keep an eye on the prisoners. Since the majority of the prison population are Fire Nation criminals, many of them are also skilled Firebenders. To control them, the guards enforce a ban on all Firebending. Anybody who breaks this rule is sent to the "cooler", which is an isolated, refrigerated pod cooled to below-freezing temperatures. However, even with these strict security measures, the guards often have a difficult time controlling the prisoners, and it is apparent that prison riots are very common. Surprisingly, riots do not start if one prisoner aggravates another, as Hakoda attempted for a distraction, but by grabbing a fellow inmate and shouting: "Riot!" Before Zuko and Sokka's rescue of Hakoda and Suki, the Boiling Rock had a perfect record of zero successful escapes.

Spirit World

thumb|right|300px|The Spirit World The Spirit World is a collective term for a spiritual realm in the fictional universe of the Nickelodeon animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender. A secondary location accessible only by a few select individuals, the Spirit World is a parallel universe connected to the mortal world. It is home to the spirits of the planet as well as the spirits of past Avatars. Some spirit creatures act as guardians of rivers, mountains, and forests.

Appearance

When a spirit is in the Physical World for a brief period of time, they are seen as a bright sky blue and are slightly transparent, as seen in The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1). A spirit choosing to reside within the physical world, such as Wan Shi Tong and his assistants or the Moon and Ocean spirits Tui and La, however, appears fully formed and tangible. Some such as Hei Bai exhibit the ability to freely pass or pass others between the two realms. In the Spirit World, though solid and colored as if it was real, everything is cast into a darker light.

If a person crosses over to the Spirit world, he or she is still able to observe and hear the natural world, but cannot be seen or heard themselves. Those in the natural world cannot observe or hear the spirit world, although Iroh seems to be an exception to this rule. Also, if something were to happen to his or her body in the natural world, their spirit may not be able to return to the body.

When a bender is in the Spirit World, he loses the ability to bend. Due to the fact that the Spirit world has no physical form, a bender is incapable of manipulating any of the four physical elements.

Solstices

The solstice is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the sun is at its greatest distance from the Earth's equator. In the Avatar world, as the solstice approaches, the natural world and the Spirit world grow closer together until the line between the two is almost completely blurred. During the solstices, the spirits are able to exert incredible power when within the natural world. This is also the ideal time for people who possess the ability to enter the Spirit world to do so.

Gateways

Many spiritual locations in the Physical Universe are "gateways" that connect with the Spirit World. The ultimate gateway is the Avatar, for he or she is the "Bridge between the Spirit World and the Physical World."

• Hei Bai's Statue: Hei Bai is the patron spirit of Senlin's Forest, a forest within the Earth Kingdom, with a dedicated statue located within the center. Aang is transported to the Spirit World while his body remained atop the statue in a meditative pose; seen in "The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1)."
• The Spirit Oasis: Located in the North Pole, this sacred oasis is the spiritual center of the Northern Water Tribe and is the home to the mortal incarnations of the Ocean and Moon Spirits. After meditating for a period of time in front of the pond in which two koi fish swim, Aang’s tattoos began glowing and he crossed over into the spirit world. He was later able to return to the physical world through the spirit gate that the oasis contained. Seen in the episode "The Siege of the North."
• Foggy Swamp: A large swamp composed of a single superorganism, the swamp is capable of many mysterious things, including causing mysterious weather patterns and inducing visions of the past and future. The Avatar can use his connection to the spirit world to commune with the tree that envelops all of Foggy Swamp.
• Avatar Roku's Temple: A large temple built on a crescent shaped island in the heart of the Fire Nation, it is dedicated to the reincarnations of the Avatar. When the Winter Solstice occurs, Avatar Roku is able to enter the Physical World within this temple. It was destroyed by Roku to allow Aang and his friends to escape Admiral Zhao, who planned to capture the Avatar and his companions within the temple. It was last seen in "Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2)."
• Roku's Island- Aang goes to Roku's home island on the Summer solstice in order to learn of Roku's history.

Locations

• Realm of Koh - A large swamp that seems to exist throughout the entirety of the Spirit World. It is made up of tall trees whose roots spread across the ground, which is covered by clear waters. Enma, along with various other spirit creatures inhabit the region. At the center stands an especially large, gnarled tree whose roots stretch into the sky, rather than the ground. Beneath this tree is Koh’s lair.
• Koh's Lair - A large tree whose branches spread out at the top. There are pillars of stone set up in front of the tree so people can reach Koh's home. There is nothing set around Koh's home except fog. There is a cave beneath the tree, accessible by stone steps from the gaping hole at the base of the tree.

Notable Spirits

• Hei Bai, the spirit of a forest.
• Tui and La, the Moon and Ocean spirits, respectively, Later Princess Yue became the moon spirit.
• Koh, a face-stealing spirit.
• Wan Shi Tong, a knowledge spirit.
• Avatars
  • Avatar Aang, Air Nomad
  • Avatar Roku, Fire Nation
  • Avatar Kyoshi, Earth Kingdom - a very old avatar who was in the same situation as Aang was when she was alive (Chin the Great was going to throw the world out of balance, but failed). In Sozin's comet, it's revealed that Aang felt uncomfortable with her because of their very different personalities.
  • Avatar Kuruk, Water Tribe -A go with the flow Avatar who did not seem to do his job. He didn't become very active until the woman he loved was taken by Koh. His first appearance was in "The Avatar State" and made a full appearance in Sozin's comet
  • Avatar Yangchen, Air Nomad -An air nomad who apparently is a nun. She is very wise and isn't completely bald. Despite her ancestry, she tells Aang that he should kill Ozai. Her first appearance was in "The Avatar state" and made a full appearance in Sozin's comet.

Minor Spiritual Creatures

Enma

A spirit resembling a humanoid langur that resides on a mound of dirt in the swamp of the Spirit World where he meditates. Enma does not like his meditation to be disturbed and is quite cranky on the occasion that he is interrupted. He is dressed like a monk. When Aang was looking for Koh, he asked Enma for directions, but was rudely rebuffed twice. When Aang returned to the real world, Enma vocally expressed his relief.

Enma or Emma is the Japanese name for Yama, the ruler of the underworld in Buddhist and Hindu mythology. Also, the Mystical Monkey meditating beneath a giant tree is an allusion of the Bodhi tree where Siddhartha Gautama sat under and achieved enlightenment in becoming Buddha.

Knowledge Seekers

The servants of Wan Shi Tong that resemble conventional earth foxes. These small creatures scour the world for Wan Shi Tong, bringing back a scroll or book to add to the knowledge spirit's vast library. They are highly intelligent and are willing to work the planetarium and guide visitors to wherever it is that they need to find information. However, they like a reward after assistance. They can understand humans, can stand on their hind legs, and can scale vertical walls, useful for entering and exiting the library.

The Painted Lady

A pale river spirit with flowing robes and black hair, as well as mysterious red markings striped across her face and body. As is the case with several other spirits, only spiritually enlightened people are able to see her. Known for her benevolence and healing abilities, the Painted Lady is the guardian of the river town of Jang Hui, a small fishing village in the Fire Nation, one situated on stilts in the middle of a river. A decade ago, with the construction of a deleterious smelting factory, the once lucid river became extremely polluted, driving the river spirit away and leaving the villagers to fend for themselves.

In "The Painted Lady," the spirit is impersonated by Katara, who heals the sick and helps the villagers drive away the soldiers in charge of the factory. Once the waters have been cleansed, the Painted Lady is able to return once again. When she does, she reveals herself to Katara and thanks her before disappearing into the mists.

Bending

thumb|250px|right|Avatar Roku bending the four elements in Avatar: The Last Airbender In the show Avatar: The Last Airbender, an award-winning animated television series that aired on Nickelodeon, bending is a form of elemental mysticism, where a person is able to control and manipulate a certain element. In the world of Avatar, the four elements that can be used for Bending are water, earth, fire, and air. Each element is associated with a different type of bending: Waterbending, Earthbending, Firebending, and Airbending, respectively. Furthermore, each type of bending is based on a different real-world martial art. Each type of bending has its own associated culture and technique in the show. If one is a bender (not all people in Avatar are), one can only bend the element associated with one's own culture. The exception to this rule is the Avatar who can bend all four elements.

Waterbending

thumb|200phx|left|Katara Waterbending the water in the Serpent's Pass Waterbenders originally learned Waterbending from the Moon. The ancestors of the Water Tribe noticed the push and pull effect the Moon has on the tides of the ocean. Eventually, these first Waterbenders learned how to manipulate water themselves. Waterbending has the fish as a spiritual animal teacher. The moon taught them how to bend and then became the spiritual koi fish at the North Pole. It taught the people of the North Pole how to Waterbend and the other fish of the ocean taught the other Waterbenders of the world.

Waterbending is based on Tai Chi, a Chinese martial art that features slow movements and elegant forms that evoke the feel of flowing water. Waterbending's strongest asset lies within its defensive capabilities. Unlike some other bending disciplines, Waterbending focuses on turning an opponent's own strength against themselves, rather than direct strikes. Since water can exist in different physical states, Waterbenders can freeze, melt, evaporate, sublimate or condense water at will. The ability to alter the physical state of water gives Waterbenders an array of defensive, evasive and offensive techniques in battle such as encasing an opponent in ice, hiding behind a wall of mist, surfing on bodies of water on a platform of ice, and battering enemies with lashing whips and waves. Waterbenders can also manipulate the molecular cohesion of water for cutting and grabbing objects or running on water. While a bender's victory in battle is usually based on skill and technique, a Waterbender gains a notable advantage or disadvantage over other bending arts depending on the amount of water in their vicinity.

Waterbenders are more powerful at night than during the day due to their spiritual connection with the Moon. Waterbenders are at their most powerful during the Full Moon, and are powerless during a lunar eclipse or when the Moon Spirit is in danger.

Specialized techniques

Healing
Certain Waterbenders are born with the ability to heal wounds and relieve sickness by redirecting chi paths throughout the body, using water as a catalyst. In the Northern Water Tribe, due to the traditionally patriarchal culture of the tribe, healing is the only aspect of Waterbending taught to female Waterbenders, with classes assigned for young girls held in huts towards the development of the ability. In rare cases, a Waterbender is shown to naturally have this ability like Katara discovered she had.

Plant Bending
A member of the Foggy Swamp Tribe, Hu, has illustrated that Waterbenders can manipulate the vines and roots of plants by bending the ample amount of water within them. This skill was later shown by Hama to be able to be taken to another level by sucking all the water out of a plant, turning it into an external source of water. This effect, although useful, ultimately kills the plant from which the water came from.

Bloodbending
Bloodbending is the ultimate Waterbending technique that allows Waterbenders to bend the water within living creatures, giving a Waterbender complete control over it. This can only be done during a Full Moon, when a Waterbender is at his/her full potential.

Freezing/Evaporation
Waterbenders have the ability to utilize water in its various forms, enabling them to freeze (or compress) water into ice, immobilizing enemies, and to evaporate it into steam, facilitating stealth capabilities. Skilled Waterbenders can freeze water using their breath, as Katara demonstrated in Avatar Aang.

Earthbending

thumb|200px|left|The Hung Gar Style of Earthbending as demonstrated by King Bumi. Humans first learned Earthbending by observing and imitating the Badgermoles, large subterranean creatures that use Earthbending to see and interact with the world. The first people to learn Earthbending were two lovers from warring villages who used the art to meet in secret beneath the mountain that separated their people.

Earthbending is generally based on the Hung Gar style of Kung Fu, which features heavily rooted stances and strong kicks and punches. The martial art is based on the movements of animals, among them the Tiger and the Crane. The Tiger represents Hard Power, while the crane embodies Soft Power. There are exceptions to this facet, as the blind Earthbender, Toph, uses a style based on Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu. Unlike other bending disciplines, Earthbending stresses the aspect of neutral jing, which involves listening and waiting for the right moment to attack. Toph uses this discipline having learned it directly from Badgermoles, and teaches this form to Aang.This discipline also allows Toph and Aang to feel minute vibrations in the earth when in direct contact and use these vibrations as a kind of radar, allowing them to detect other people's positions, movements, and even heartbeats. Toph also uses this sense for lie detection.

Earthbenders are known to stand their ground. More skilled Earthbenders absorb and intercept attacks before overwhelming the opponent with superior force. Some can tunnel through the earth to out-maneuver their foes. Earthbenders have been shown to use objects to augment their bending.

While a bender's victory in battle is usually based on skill and technique, an Earthbender gains a notable advantage or disadvantage over other bending arts depending on the amount of earth in their vicinity. However, Earthbending is not limited to rock or soil alone. An Earthbender additionally can manipulate other earth-based substances; these include mud, slurry, sand, meteors, crystals, coal, and even metal.

Specialized techniques

Sandbending
A race of desert dwelling Earthbenders have developed a specialized form of Earthbending that focuses on sand. They use this skill in a variety of unique ways, including combat and travel. They seem to be able to take the pieces of the unground up earth and put them into large amounts, which is why certain benders use this form in a wave. Their style of bending, however, is similar to Air or Water bending.

Earthsight
Badger-moles, the original Earthbenders, are completely blind; they compensate for this by using their Earthbending to "see" vibrations in the ground. Toph learned this ability from the badger-moles as a young girl, and used it to compensate for her lack of sight. The only other human shown to use Earthsight is Avatar Aang.

Metalbending
Metalbending was thought to be impossible, however Toph apparently invented the technique by focusing onto and bending the fragments of unrefined earth within the metal with her unique Earthsight.

Firebending

thumb|200px|Fire Nation soldiers Firebending. While the Sun is the origin and inspiration for Firebending, the Dragons were the Firebenders that taught man how to Firebend. The philosophy of Firebending from when it was first created differs radically from that of the present-day Fire Nation. Originally representing warmth, energy and life, the Fire Nation's is fueled by rage and anger. Firebending in itself is not totally devoted to unleashing the power of fire on opponents. In actuality, the focus is placed upon balance. Firebending hinges on mental stability such as inner calm, discipline, emotional stability and physical stability such as a firm balanced form, breath control and general good health. Firebenders are more powerful during the day than the night due to solar sympathy. Firebenders lose their power to bend during a solar eclipse. But, when a Comet is near, a Firebender's power is increased unimaginably, as if they were in the presence of 100 suns. This gives them the ability to fly, produce pillars of fire, and gigantic fire blasts. Sozin first used the comet to wipe out all the Air Nomads, and thus began the war. Ozai then attempted to use it to wipe out everyone in the Earth Kingdom with it, but he was stopped by Aang and his allies.

Firebending moves are based mainly on the style of Northern Shaolin. Northern Shaolin Kung Fu features quick, successive and flamboyant attacks, making Firebending the most aggressive of the four bending arts. Firebenders tire much easier in battle than other benders due to breath control. Breath control is one of the first things taught to young Firebenders because without control of breath, they are more prone to lose control of the fire they are creating or controlling, leading to disastrous results.

Special Techniques

Creating/Redirecting Lightning
Another type of Firebending used in the show is lightning. Mentally, it involves a complete absence of emotion and peace of mind. Physically it requires separating the energies of yin and yang. When the forces collide, the bender only guides, rather than controls, the lightning's direction. By studying the techniques of Waterbenders, Iroh developed a counter to lightning attacks. When attacked, it is possible to redirect the lightning through and out of the body. However, this technique is not without risk. It is important to route the lightning through the stomach to avoid shocking the heart and die. Azula and Ozai greatly feared this technique since they themselves don't know how to use it. Creating lighting appears to be a secret technique of the Fire Nation's royal family, as only Azula, Iroh, and Ozai are shown creating lightning, and it is revealed that Zuko would also have this ability were it not for his inner emotional strain. Lightning redirection is even more rare; by the end of the series Iroh, Zuko, and Aang are the only benders to know the technique of redirection.

Flight
Some skilled Firebenders are able to project flames out of their feet, resulting in short boosts that enable them to jump much higher. During Sozin's Comet, when a Firebender is most powerful, this ability is greatly enhanced and they are able to sustain full flight for an unlimited amount of time.

Combustion
Combustion Man (or "Sparky Sparky Boom Man") displayed a very unique form of Firebending, the ability to superheat air into a thin beam which results in large explosions. No other character has displayed this ability and it is unlikely that any other can, as the power appears to be connected to the eye-shaped tattoo on his forehead.

Breathing Fire
Part of the reason for Iroh's nickname, "The Dragon of the West." Iroh can breathe fire like a dragon with this skill. Aang and Zuko are also shown using this technique a few days before the day of Sozin's Comet. On the day of Sozin's Comet, Azula and the Fire Lord Ozai also were able to breathe fire. Azula is also shown using this technique in the last episode, in addition to what looked like fire coming from her ears.

Blue Flames
Azula has the ability to bend blue fire, which has a much more intense heat. She is the only Firebender that has shown this ability, not even Iroh, Ozai, or the Avatar has been shown to bend blue fire. Although the fire returns to its natural red colour when it begins to cool, it could be argued that the only difference of blue fire is the color. This was demonstrated when Zuko was able to deflect Azula's blast just as easily as regular fire. Blue fire was shown to be more powerful than regular fire throughout book 2. However, the gap between blue fire and regular fire evidently closed in the second half of book three when Zuko fought Azula with ease. The concussive force that blue fire had seem to have disappeared when Zuko deflected it with no difficulty. This could be due to the fact that Zuko's Firebending skills were improving throughout book 2 and had gotten stronger after learning the original source from the dragons. When Zuko fought Azula in the The Boiling Rock Part 2 and The Southern Raiders, Azula wasn't the least bit surprised that Zuko wasn't having any trouble whatsoever against her, supporting the color difference. However, this was at the height of her mental instability. While no longer outclassed by Azula's blue Firebending, Zuko still cannot perform certain techniques that Azula was shown to do with blue Firebending such as jet propelling and limited flight. It is probable that these are techniques that Zuko hasn't learned since Ozai was able to do this without bending blue fire. Regardless of the fact that he did this with the enhancement of Sozin's Comet, it was stated that he was the most powerful Firebender in the world.

Airbending

Airbenders learned their bending art from the Sky Bison who Airbend using their tail and mouth. The light blue, full body tattoos seen on Aang and other Airbenders are derived from the Sky Bison's natural markings, and symbolize a person's mastery of the Airbending discipline.

thumb|left|200px|Aang projects a dome of focused air to protect himself and deflect arrows Airbending is based on the Ba Gua style of martial arts. Ba Gua is known for its constantly circular movements, which makes it difficult for opponents to attack directly. The practitioner uses his own momentum as a weapon, constantly building up inertia for explosive counterattacks that evoke the unpredictabile nature and explosive force of the wind. While being the most dynamic of the bending arts, the style lacks fatal finishing moves, being an almost entirely defensive art.

Airbenders have the ability to enhance their movements during battle. They can take giant leaps into the air, move at high speeds, run on water and vertical surfaces, glide on air currents to slow their descent and even spin around like a tornado to move quicker and confuse opponents. They can also create cushions of air to soften and blunt the falls of heavy objects. Airbenders can project powerful gusts of wind from their mouths.

Master Airbenders can create vortices to disorient opponents

and tornadoes to attack opponents. An Avatar in the Avatar State can generate the mighty winds of a hurricane that can affect entire landscapes and sustain flight by surrounding themselves in spheres of air.

Airbenders are also capable of projecting solidified constructs of air to knock an opponent off balance or to provide defense from projectile weapons.

Specialized techniques

• Flight - Skilled Airbenders such as Avatar Roku could fly with a tornado-like structure below them. Most Airbenders, however, used less dramatic Airbending in conjunction with their glider-staves to fly. Unlike Firebenders (not including Firebenders under the influence of Sozin's Comet), it seems that Airbenders can sustain their flight indefinitely.

Energybending

thumb|150px|Energybending as shown in the series finale. Energybending, the bending of energy itself, is the oldest of the bending arts. Energybending predates the Avatar, the Four Nations, and the other bending arts. Before the era of the Avatar, people didn't bend the elements. Instead, people bent the energy within themselves. This led to the creation of the bending arts. On the day of Sozin's Comet, Aang was able to Energybend, but there is no evidence that there is a connection between Sozin's Comet and Aang's ability to Energybend. On the eve of Sozin's Comet, a giant Lion Turtle revealed this truth to Aang. In order to bend another person's energy, the bender's spirit must be "unbendable." In order to have an unbendable spirit, the Energybender must be completely pure. If the bender's spirit is bendable, and they attempt to bend another's energy, they will be corrupted by the other's energy and be killed. Aang uses this technique to defeat Fire Lord Ozai without killing him. Aang was able to permanently remove Fire Lord Ozai's Firebending abilities and end the war.

Avatar State

The Avatar State is a powerful form the Avatar enter in times of peril, or if fully trained, at any time. In the Avatar State, the Avatar State, the Avatar has access to the combined powers of all of his past lives.

But if an Avatar is killed while in the Avatar State, they will break the circle of reincarnation and most likely doom the world to chaos.

External links

• 2005 Comic Con Avatar: The Last Airbender panel report
• History of the Water Tribes
• Fire Nation Leaders