“Avatar: The Last Airbender,” an American animated television series created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, follows the journey of Aang, the last Airbender and current Avatar, as he seeks to end the Fire Nation’s war against the other nations. The series intricately explores the lore of the Avatar, a being who can bend all four elemental forces (Water, Earth, Fire, and Air) and maintain balance in the world. Throughout the series, we encounter previous Avatars who offer guidance and wisdom. Here, we rank these Avatars from last to first based on their impact, character development, and contributions to the series’ overall narrative
7. Avatar Kuruk
Avatar Kuruk, the Avatar preceding Kyoshi and the successor of Yangchen, hailed from the Northern Water Tribe. Known primarily for his laid-back and carefree attitude, Kuruk enjoyed the pleasures of life more than the responsibilities that came with being the Avatar. His tenure occurred during an era of relative peace, which might have contributed to his more relaxed approach to his duties.
Achievements and Impact
– Kuruk is primarily remembered for his struggles against dark spirits, particularly the spirit Koh, who stole the face of his beloved, Ummila. This personal tragedy haunted Kuruk and influenced his actions as Avatar.
– His confrontations with dark spirits, while significant, were more personal quests rather than worldwide achievements.
While Kuruk’s battle with dark spirits adds depth to his character, his relatively carefree attitude and less direct impact on the world compared to other Avatars place him lower on the list. Kuruk’s representation in the series serves to highlight the burden and responsibilities of the Avatar and the consequences of neglecting them.
6. Avatar Roku
Avatar Roku, preceding Aang, is a Fire Nation-born Avatar and one of the most prominently featured past Avatars in the series. Roku was a close friend of Fire Lord Sozin, but their relationship deteriorated as Sozin pursued ambitions of world domination.
Achievements and Impact
– Roku is known for his moral integrity and commitment to balance, often seen as Aang’s primary guide and mentor.
– Despite his strong efforts, Roku’s inability to prevent Sozin’s rise and the subsequent Hundred Year War highlights the complexities and limitations faced by the Avatar.
– His journey and struggles provide critical lessons to Aang, both in terms of leadership and the consequences of inaction.
Roku’s extensive screen presence and integral role in guiding Aang elevate his significance in the series. His personal connection to the war and the present conflicts adds emotional and narrative depth. The duality of his strengths and shortcomings offers a profound narrative component, placing him high on this list.
5. Avatar Wan
Avatar Wan is notable as the first Avatar and the originator of the Avatar cycle. His tale, revealed in “The Legend of Korra,” expands our understanding of the Avatar’s origins. Wan’s story dates back to 10,000 years before Aang’s time, when humans lived on the backs of lion turtles and relied on the spirits for safety and the elements for survival.
Achievements and Impact
– Wan’s most significant achievement was the unification with Raava, the spirit of light, creating the first Avatar and establishing the cycle of reincarnation. This bond allowed humans to harness all four elements and maintain balance between the spirit and physical worlds.
– He actively participated in the battle against Vaatu, the spirit of darkness, preventing the total annihilation of light and setting the precedent for the ongoing struggle between light and darkness.
Wan’s story is foundational and integral to the Avatar mythos, illustrating the origins of the Avatar’s powers and responsibilities. However, his relatively brief screen time in the original series limits the exploration of his character compared to others. Despite his critical role in establishing the Avatar’s legacy, he ranks lower due to his limited narrative presence in “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”
4. Avatar Yangchen
Avatar Yangchen, an Air Nomad, preceded Avatar Kuruk. Unlike Kuruk, Yangchen fully embraced her role as the Avatar, dedicating herself to maintaining balance and peace. She was a revered figure known for her wisdom and effectiveness in diplomacy.
Achievements and Impact
– Yangchen is celebrated for her efforts in maintaining harmony across the Four Nations through her wise and judicious leadership.
– Her legacy influenced the Air Nomads’ philosophy, with her teachings and values deeply embedded in the Air Nomad culture.
– She made significant contributions to maintaining spiritual and material balance in the world, emphasizing her era’s peace and stability.
Yangchen’s dedication to her duties and profound impact on the world solidify her place among the higher-ranked Avatars. Her wisdom and achievements underscore the responsibilities and expectations placed upon the Avatar. However, her more profound influence and background are primarily explored through secondary materials and acknowledgments within the series, limiting her more vivid presence on screen.
3. Avatar Korra
The central figure in “The Legend of Korra,” Korra is a Water Tribe Avatar known for her headstrong and proactive nature. She arguably underwent through the most struggles when compared to the other Avatars on this list.
Achievements and Impact
– Mastered energy bending in addition to her mastery of the four elements.
– Reconnected humanity with the spirits, establishing a new era of harmony and cooperation.
– Her initial impulsiveness often led to complications and conflicts.
– Struggled deeply with her identity and responsibilities as the Avatar.
Korra rejuvenated the Avatar Cycle after Aang, faced numerous world-altering threats, and successfully navigated the complexities of a modernizing world. Her actions permanently altered the relationship between the physical and spiritual realms, creating a new paradigm for future Avatars.
2. Avatar Kyoshi
Avatar Kyoshi, hailing from the Earth Kingdom, is renowned for her formidable presence and uncompromising approach to justice and balance. She founded the Kyoshi Warriors and left behind a lasting legacy, including the formation of the Kyoshi Island.
Achievements and Impact
– Kyoshi’s decisive actions, including the creation of Kyoshi Island to protect her people from Chin the Conqueror, showcase her profound abilities and strategic acumen.
– She founded the Kyoshi Warriors, a group committed to keeping her principles and fighting for justice, further extending her influence.
– Her long life allowed her to impact the world significantly, making her one of the most remembered and respected Avatars.
Kyoshi’s pragmatism, decisiveness, and lasting legacy cement her position as second on the list. Her actions and philosophies continue to influence events and characters throughout the series, from Sokka’s experiences with the Kyoshi Warriors to the training of future warriors. Her powerful presence and enduring impact make her one of the most compelling Avatars.
1. Avatar Aang
Avatar Aang, the protagonist of “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” is the last Airbender and the bridge between the past Avatars and the current world. Trained as a monk and living through the trauma of a century-long sleep, Aang represents the series’ moral heart, balancing the ideals of peace and pacifism with the need for decisive action.
Achievements and Impact
– Aang’s journey to defeat Fire Lord Ozai and end the Hundred Year War is the central narrative of the series, showcasing his growth from a reluctant child to a powerful and wise Avatar.
– His ability to learn and master the other three elements, his spiritual connections, and his confrontation with past Avatars’ legacies reflect his unique struggles and triumphs.
– Aang’s commitment to preserving life, including his final battle with Fire Lord Ozai where he opts for energybending over taking a life, underscores his deep moral conviction.
Aang’s central role in the series, his extensive character development, and his significant achievements place him at the pinnacle of this ranking. His journey is emblematic of the Avatar’s ultimate mission: to maintain balance and harmony in the world while staying true to personal values. Aang’s profound impact on the world and his growth as a character solidify his place as the foremost Avatar in “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”
“Avatar: The Last Airbender” presents a rich tapestry of characters, with the Avatars themselves embodying various aspects of leadership, morality, and balance. From the foundational origins of Wan to the enduring legacy of Kyoshi, each Avatar adds depth and meaning to the narrative. Yet, it is Aang’s journey that stands out most prominently, encapsulating the essence of what it means to be the Avatar. Each Avatar, in their unique way, contributes to the ongoing narrative of balance and justice, making them all integral to the lore of this beloved series.
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