Avatar: The Last Airbender, an animated series that has carved a niche for itself in the hearts of many, revolved around the adventures of Avatar Aang, a 12-year-old airbender. The audience watched him grow, learn, and ultimately defeat Firelord Ozai, bringing peace to the four nations. However, the sequel series, The Legend of Korra, unveiled the poignant truth about Aang’s mortality, leaving fans puzzled and asking the question: How did Aang die?
A Brief Recap of Avatar Aang’s Life
Avatar Aang, the young airbender who was projected as the last hope for the world, was the protagonist of the original series. Aang, discovered by siblings Katara and Sokka, was revealed to be not just an airbender, but also the Avatar, the only human capable of mastering all four elements – water, earth, fire, and air.
Aang’s First Death: His Disappearance
Before delving into the details of Aang’s physical death, it’s crucial to understand his symbolic disappearance, which was considered as his first death. When the Fire Nation launched its hostile takeover, their success hinged on the Avatar’s absence. In essence, Aang’s vanishing was seen as his death by the world. He disappeared into an iceberg, suspended in the Avatar state for a century. Upon his return, Aang embarked on a journey with Katara and Sokka to restore balance to the world.
The Mystery of Aang’s Mortality
The sequel series, The Legend of Korra, unveiled the truth about Aangs death. He had passed away due to natural causes at the age of 66, which was surprisingly young compared to previous Avatars. It was revealed that the energy Aang used while in the Avatar state, trapped in the iceberg for a century, continued to drain him even after his release. This constant struggle likely accelerated his aging process, leading to his earlier-than-expected death.
Aang’s Final Days
The Legend of Korra did not provide extensive details about Aang’s final days, but it’s known that he lived a fulfilling life. He helped form a new nation, negotiated peace with spirits, combated a powerful bloodbender, and continued his adventurous life. The absence of any great battle, tragedy, or plot in his death might seem anticlimactic, but the truth remains that Aang was simply exhausted.
Aang’s Spiritual Death
Interestingly, Aang underwent another kind of death even after his reincarnation – a spiritual death. The Avatar Cycle connects all benders, allowing their spirits to live on within the next Avatar. However, during Korra’s time, a dark Avatar named Unalaq sought to destroy this connection. Unalaq merged with the spirit of darkness, Vaatu, and attacked Raava, the spirit empowering the Avatar Cycle. This led to the severing of Korra’s connection with past Avatars, symbolizing yet another death for Aang.
Aang’s Legacy: The Order of the White Lotus
Before his death, Aang entrusted the Order of the White Lotus with the task of finding the next Avatar. This organization found the talented Korra, who becomes the next human vessel for the Avatar spirit. Aang’s legacy thus lived on through Korra and his own children. He and his wife, Katara, had three children, two of whom became airbenders, continuing the legacy of the Air Nomads.
Aang’s Offspring and the Continuation of Air Nomads
Aang and Katara’s three children – Bumi, Kya, and Tenzin – carried on the tradition of the Air Nomad. Of the three, Tenzin and Kya became airbenders. Tenzin’s four children, in turn, also became airbenders, ensuring the survival and continuation of the Air Nomads.
A Key Question: What Became of Aang’s Comrades?
The Legend of Korra provided insights into the fates of Aang’s comrades. A notable figure, Toph, became the first Chief of Police in Republic City and formed the Metalbending Police Force. Sokka became a chieftain of the Southern Water Tribe, and his death was suggested to have occurred sometime between 158 and 170 AG. Fire Lord Zuko and his uncle Iroh also made appearances to guide the new Avatar.
Conclusion
The question, “how did Aang die,” unravels a lot more than the mere physical death of a beloved character. It delves into the symbolic and spiritual deaths he experienced, painting a broad picture of Avatar Aang’s life and legacy. Despite his early demise, Aang’s influence continues to resonate through the Avatar universe, reminding us of his indomitable spirit and dedication to peace.
The Legacy Lives On
Despite the mystery surrounding Aangs death, one thing remains clear: his legacy lives on. Through the Avatar cycle, his children, and the peace he helped establish, Aang’s spirit continues to influence the world of Avatar. The story of Aang, from his discovery in the iceberg to his eventual demise, remains a testament to his strength, courage, and enduring spirit.
Remember to share your favorite Aang moments from Avatar: The Last Airbender in the comments below. His journey may have ended, but his story will forever remain etched in the annals of animation history.
