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Iroh

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Iroh
File:Iroh ID BitterWork.png
Voiced byMako (season 1-2)
Greg Baldwin (season 3)[1]
In-universe information
AliasesThe Dragon of the West
Mushi (refugee alias)
GenderMale
PositionAntihero in the first season, Protagonist in second and third seasons
NationalityFire Nation

Iroh (also known as The Dragon of the West, and most commonly referred to as "Uncle" ) is a fictional character in Nickelodeon's animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender. The character, created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, was voiced by Mako in the first and second seasons, but after Mako's death of esophageal cancer, Iroh was voiced by Greg Baldwin in the third season. The short story "The Tale of Iroh", in episode 15 of Season Two, "The Tales of Ba Sing Se", was dedicated "In Honor of Mako".[2]

Iroh is a Firebending master and a former Crown Prince of the Fire Nation, a race of people who can create and manipulate fire.[3] He is a retired General of the Fire Nation, and older brother of Fire Lord Ozai. Iroh accompanied his exiled nephew, Zuko, on his quest to capture Aang, the long-lost Avatar, in order to restore the young prince's honor and rights to the throne.

In "Tales of Ba Sing Se", Iroh’s name was written as 艾洛 (aì lùo).


History

In the second season, Iroh was revealed to be the firstborn son of Fire Lord Azulon and Fire Lady Ilah. Iroh was destined to succeed Azulon as Fire Lord of the Fire Nation. Although the change was never officially announced by Fire Lord Azulon, Ozai became Fire Lord. Even when Ozai had seized the throne, there was never any action taken by Iroh to take back the throne.[4] This is because Iroh was saddened by the death of his only son, Lu Ten, in the Siege of Ba Sing Se. In The Firebending Masters, Zuko tells Aang that Iroh killed off the last of the dragons, earning him the nickname "Dragon of the West". In reality, Iroh lied to conceal and protect the last two dragons, who had taught him the true art of Firebending. The method that the Fire Nation currently uses gets its source from anger and rage, as opposed to the form that the dragons taught Iroh, Zuko, and Aang, which draws its energy from life. In the 2 hour episode event "Sozin's Comet" it is revealed that he is a Grand-Lotus, or high-ranking member, of an international secret society named the "Order of the White Lotus", which is also composed of Katara's, Aang's, and Sokka's old masters: Waterbending Master Pakku, Swordmaster Piandao, Omashu King Bumi, and Firebending Master Jeong Jeong.

Plot overview

File:IrohWhiteLotus.png
Iroh leading an assault along with other members of the Secret Society known as the 'Order of the White Lotus'.

When the story begins, Iroh is shown accompanying the banished Prince Zuko on his journey. It is revealed that the pair have spent three years at sea, searching in vain for any sign of the Avatar, who is the spirit of the planet manifested in human form.[3][5] Near the end of the first episode of the show, a strange beacon lights the skies off the coast of the South Pole.[6] When this is investigated, Zuko discovers that the Avatar has reappeared.[5] Zuko and Iroh quickly engage in hot pursuit, tracking the Avatar and his friends across the globe. In order to get Zuko to the Northern Water Tribe in the end of season 1, Iroh hides Zuko aboard Admiral Zhao's ship, while serving as Zhao's chief adviser for his invasion of the North. When Admiral Zhao's plan threatens the spiritual balance, Iroh attacks Zhao and is subsequently branded a traitor to the Fire Nation and blamed for the failure of the invasion.

At the beginning of Season Two, Iroh and Zuko are fugitives from the Fire Nation.[7] They take refuge in Earth Kingdom towns, posing as homeless beggars.[8] Iroh decides to teach Zuko the advanced Firebending techniques he will need to defeat Princess Azula, who is sent to capture him and the Avatar. Iroh teaches Zuko a technique of his own creation—to absorb and redirect lightning, which he developed after studying Waterbenders.[9] Iroh and Zuko eventually reach Ba Sing Se, where they soon begin a very prosperous life running a tea house. Iroh eventually convinces Zuko to stop his search for the Avatar, though this does not last. Azula arrives in Ba Sing Se and convinces Zuko to help her conquer the city and defeat the Avatar and Katara in order for him to regain his honor and his father's love. Iroh defends a wounded Aang and Katara after Zuko betrays him, and is imprisoned by Azula's new allies, the Dai Li, for his actions.[10]

In season three, Iroh -- held in Fire Nation prison -- refuses to talk to Zuko after what he did at Ba Sing Se[11], but eventually tells Zuko that Zuko is descended from Avatar Roku. Though he poses as a psychologically broken man to the Fire Nation guards, Iroh remains mentally sharp, and when he is not being observed he spends his time in prison exercising relentlessly, transforming his rotund physique into that of a muscular warrior[12]. He finally escapes during the solar eclipse. When Zuko finds his cell, the bars have been bent outwards and the guards all unconscious.[13]. In the series finale, he is revealed to have reunited with his fellow members of the White Lotus and he is located by Zuko and the others. When a much-changed Zuko arrives to beg forgiveness for his betrayal, Iroh grants it without hesitation, and declines his own birthright to the Fire Nation's throne after Zuko tells Iroh his intention for defeating Azula. Here, Iroh states his wish to return to his tea shop. He later plays the role of liberating Ba Sing Se from Fire Nation control. In the final scene, he is later seen with the rest of the cast, relaxing at his new tea shop.[14]

Personality

File:Iroh Happy PaiSho Sleeve.png
A cheerful Iroh holds up the missing White Lotus Pai Shō piece he had previously "lost".

Easygoing, friendly, and dryly good-humored, Iroh treats his self-imposed exile of the first part of the series as though it were an extended vacation. Something of a hedonist in his old age, he focuses more on the pursuits of relaxation and amusements than on the pursuit of the Avatar, clashing with the dedication of his nephew. Iroh is only seen attacking the Avatar once in the story when they discover his existence. This shows how Iroh has great respect for the Avatar, and he understands Aang's position as Avatar. However, beneath the easy going exterior lies a wise man experienced in the ways of the world,[9] a seasoned and wily strategist,[4] a powerful Firebending master and a good mentor. He believes that Zuko will not succeed in bringing Avatar Aang to Fire Lord Ozai, but sees this pursuit as a way to give Zuko a goal that would occupy his mind and keep him busy, thus healing his psychological well-being that was damaged by the Fire Lord.

Iroh is particularly fond of food, good tea,[15] the strategy game Pai Sho,[16] and pleasant music.[17] He later displays skill at playing the pipa, singing lullabies to pacify a crying child. Most likely because of his love of tea, he has shown himself to be an amateur botanist with knowledge of a wide variety of plants, though his misinterpretation of some plant characteristics leads him to accidentally poisoning himself.[18]

He also demonstrates a respect and appreciation for all cultures, which seems to be a rarity among those of the Fire Nation.[9] This partially stems from his trip into the spirit world, which left him with a certain spiritual awareness, and partially from his membership in the Order of the White Lotus. He also tends to act as a mentor to everyone he meets, including the Avatar and his friends, he even gave advice to a man that tried to rob him. In this respect, he is something of a father-figure to Prince Zuko and cares deeply for him, to the point of willingly following his nephew into a self-imposed exile. In Tales of Ba Sing Se, it is suggested that his perpetual optimism and generosity are a form of post-traumatic growth resulting from the death of his son, Lu Ten.

Though Iroh has endured much pain in his life, he is able to grow and appreciate everything he has gone through and has a great deal of wisdom and compassion for others. This is seen on numerous occasions throughout the show, and with a wide array of the characters, including his talk over tea with Toph. When the Avatar's friends ask him to face the Fire Lord, he declines, regretfully pointing out that the world would only see it as a brother killing a brother, simply another civil war in Fire Nation history, and that balance had to be restored through the Avatar. His strongest display of his caring and gentle character is best shown in his relationship with his nephew, Zuko. He continuously presses Zuko to find his true self, and realizes that Zuko can only find those answers for himself. Even when Zuko marks him as a lazy old man and a disgrace to the Fire Nation, and rebels against him, Iroh acts solely out of love, and waits for Zuko to discover that what he wanted meant losing himself. Never lashing out at him, and only giving him guidance, he accepts Zuko effortlessly when Zuko begs for his forgiveness.

Despite his age, Iroh is seen flirting with various women throughout the series, and has been addressed as "handsome" on multiple occasions.[19][20]

Veteran

It is revealed that in his younger days, Iroh was a great general and war hero,[21] once known among his enemies as the "Dragon of the West" because he supposedly slew the last two dragons in the world, as well as his particular aptitude for breathing fire during combat.[10][22] It is revealed in "The Firebending Masters" that he did not kill these dragons, but pretended to do so in order to hide and protect them.[22] It should also be noted that Firebenders that have defeated dragons are given the honorary title "Dragon". Though Iroh still commands a great deal of respect, he falls from grace when after six hundred days of siege he fails to conquer Ba Sing Se.[21] Iroh gives up the assault when his son and only child, Lu Ten, is killed in battle. While many, including Ozai, view this failure as a disgrace,[4] Iroh believes that he did the right thing and later claims that he and his men were tired after the long siege.[21] As a result of his long service in the military, Iroh knows many of the Fire Nation soldiers personally, although many become enemies due to his being branded a traitor to the Fire Nation.[23]

In addition to his extensive military service, Iroh has endured other trials, the hardest and most painful being his beloved son's death,[4] and a journey to the Spirit World,[24] which has left him with respect for the other world and the unique ability to see characters of the spirit world from the regular world.[21] The nature and events surrounding his journey to the Spirit World are not revealed. At one point in his life, he also encounters the last surviving dragons in the world, who judge him and deem him worthy to know the true nature of Firebending. In order to protect them, he lies and fabricates a story about him having actually slain the last dragon, thus stopping any further hunts from being conducted.[22] Near the finale, he is addressed again by his former title of "General".

Abilities

File:Iroh Lightning BitterWork.png
Iroh demonstrates the separation of positive and negative energies, thus creating lightning.

Iroh is a renowned and powerful Firebender in the Avatar world. A wise old man who exercises 'neutral jing', Iroh's style of Firebending tends to be less aggressive than others. Iroh has a tendency to not involve himself in battles, but when he does partake in them, he displays great skill.Throughout the entire series, Iroh was never placed in a battle where he was seriously challenged. The only times when it might be inferred that he wouldn't have been able to emerge victorious was when he faced Azula twice in Ba Sing Se. It should be noted however that both times Azula also had the Dai Li fighting alongside her, and despite this, Iroh escaped easily the first time and peacefully surrendered the second. The greatest sign of Iroh's true power is when he practically retook Ba Sing Se himself.[7][21] It has been hinted throughout the series that Iroh is more skilled at firebending than his brother, Fire Lord Ozai. With Iroh holding a far greater respect and understanding of firebending than his brother, but as the two had never fought each other in the series, it is unknown who is really the more powerful of the two in combat; Iroh himself has stated that there is a possibility he could not defeat his brother in combat. Although some have attributed this to Iroh's compassionate nature preventing him from causing his own younger brother harm, such as when Iroh was unwilling to challenge his brother for the throne to the fire nation. He has a famous "Breath of Fire", which resembles a dragon breathing flames on its opponent.[10]

Iroh stands as one of the select few Firebenders the show has revealed who possess the ability to generate lightning.[9] Most notably, he is also the inventor of a unique technique involving the absorption and redirection of lightning. Iroh developed the technique by observing Waterbenders, who use their fluid movements to redirect attacks.[9] Thus far, he, his nephew Zuko, and Avatar Aang are the only ones to show this ability, although Firelord Sozin possessed a similar ability to redirect heat.[25]

This ability to both generate and redirect lightning makes Iroh the only character to demonstrate the ability to both use lightning as a weapon and defend against while all other firebenders with knowledge of lightning only demonstrate the ability to generate or redirect lightning, not both.

In season 3, Iroh used his time in prison to secretly improve himself in a more physical manner, although the exact level of fitness that he has reached is unclear. After his escape (off screen) the bars of his cell are seen to be bent and even cut, and the tied up warden informs Zuko that his uncle was "like a one-man army". It has never been revealed exactly how he escaped his cell. Due to Sozin's Comet, Iroh finally realized his a vision he had earlier (it is not clear when)to take Ba Sing Se, although rather than for the Fire Nation, it was in the name of the Earth Kingdom.

Appearance in other media

Iroh appears in the feature film The Last Airbender played by Shaun Toub. This version is not as comedic as his cartoon counterpart but still retains his role as mentor to the afflicted Zuko. Iroh (pronounced EE-Ro in the movie), while he doesn't engage in any combat in the movie, shows great skill in firebending and great respect for the spirits. He shows that, while he is not necessarily a pacifist, he will defend himself and his nephew from attack when Zhao attacks Zuko, who is attempting to leave after Iroh convinces him not to fight as Zhao would be fighting him "so he could capture him."

References

  1. ^ "Voice Over: Greg Baldwin". SBV. 2006. Archived from the original on 2007-02-11. Retrieved 2007-02-19.
  2. ^ Director: Ethan Spaulding; Writers: Joann Estoesta, Lisa Wahlander, Andrew Huebner, Gary Scheppke, Lauren MacMullan, Katie Mattila, Justin Ridge, Giancarlo Volpe (2006-09-29). "Tales of Ba Sing Se". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 2. Episode 15. Nickelodeon. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |transcripturl= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ a b Pittarese, Frank (2006). "Nation Exploration". Nickelodeon Magazine (Winter 2006): 2.
  4. ^ a b c d Director: Lauren MacMullan; Writer: Elizabeth Welch Ehasz (2006-05-12). "Zuko Alone". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 2. Episode 7. Nickelodeon. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |transcripturl= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ a b Director: Dave Filoni; Writers: Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko (2005-02-21). "The Avatar Returns". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 1. Episode 2. Nickelodeon. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |transcripturl= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ Director: Dave Filoni; Writers: Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko (2005-02-21). "The Boy in the Iceberg". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 1. Episode 1. Nickelodeon. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |transcripturl= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ a b Director: Giancarlo Volpe; Writers: Aaron Ehasz, Elizabeth Welch Ehasz, Tim Hedrick, John O'Bryan (2006-03-17). "The Avatar State". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 2. Episode 1. Nickelodeon. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |transcripturl= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ Director: Giancarlo Volpe; Writer: Tim Hedrick (2006-04-14). "The Swamp". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 2. Episode 4. Nickelodeon. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |transcripturl= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ a b c d e Director: Ethan Spaulding; Writer: Aaron Ehasz (2006-06-02). "Bitter Work". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 2. Episode 9. Nickelodeon. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |transcripturl= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ a b c "The Crossroads of Destiny". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 2 (Book 2). Episode 20. 2006-12-01. Nickelodeon. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ Director: Joaquim dos Santos; Writer: John O'Brien (2007-09-28). "The Headband". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 3. Episode 2. Nickelodeon. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |transcripturl= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ Director: Giancarlo Volpe; Writer: Tim Hedrick (2007-10-12). "Sokka's Master". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 3. Episode 4. Nickelodeon. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |transcripturl= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ Director: Joaquim dos Santos; Writer: Aaron Ehasz (2007-11-26). "The Day of Black Sun Part 2: The Eclipse". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 3. Episode 11. Nickelodeon. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |transcripturl= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ Director: Ethan Spaulding; Writers: Elizabeth Welch Ehasz, Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko (2008-07-19). "Sozin's Comet". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 3. Episode 58–61. Nickelodeon.
  15. ^ Director: Lauren MacMullan; Writer: Michael Dante DiMartino (2005-02-25). "The Southern Air Temple". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 1. Episode 3. Nickelodeon. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |transcripturl= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ Director: Anthony Lioi; Writer: John O'Bryan (2005-04-29). "The Waterbending Scroll". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 1. Episode 9. Nickelodeon. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |transcripturl= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ Director: Lauren MacMullan; Writer: Aaron Ehasz (2005-06-03). "The Storm". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 1. Episode 12. Nickelodeon. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |transcripturl= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ Director: Lauren MacMullan; Writer: Joshua Hamilton (2006-03-24). "The Cave of Two Lovers". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 2. Episode 2. Nickelodeon. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |transcripturl= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ "Bato of the Water Tribe". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 1 (Book 1). Episode 15. 2006-10-07. Nickelodeon. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ Director: Giancarlo Volpe; Writers: Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko (2006-09-15). "The Drill". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 2. Episode 13. Nickelodeon. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |transcripturl= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  21. ^ a b c d e "The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1)". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 1 (Book 1). Episode 7. 2006-04-08. Nickelodeon. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help)
  22. ^ a b c Director: Giancarlo Volpe; Writer: John O'Brien (2007-01-04). "The Firebending Masters". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 3. Episode 13. Nickelodeon. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |transcripturl= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  23. ^ Director: Lauren MacMullan; Writer: Tim Hedrick (2006-06-14). "The Desert". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 2. Episode 11. Nickelodeon. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |transcripturl= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  24. ^ Director: Lauren MacMullan; Writer: John O'Bryan (2005-12-02). "The Siege of the North, Part I". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 1. Episode 19. Nickelodeon. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |transcripturl= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  25. ^ Director: Ethan Spaulding; Writer: Elizabeth Welch Ehasz (2007-10-24). "The Avatar and the Firelord". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 3. Episode 6. Nickelodeon. {{cite episode}}: External link in |transcripturl= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |transcripturl= ignored (|transcript-url= suggested) (help)
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