The Lore of Avatar: The Last Airbender - An Episode Guide (Featuring Exclusive Spoiler!)
Water. Earth. Fire. Air.
Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony. Then, everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked. Only the Avatar, master of all four elements, could stop them. But when the world needed him most, he vanished.
Hello, and welcome to the final of three parts of lore articles for Avatar: The Last Airbender in preparation for the Magic: The Gathering Standard set that is being released soon. These articles are geared at giving those who are unfamiliar with the lore of this amazing series an understanding of the world, the bending, and the characters that make up the Avatarverse.
This article specifically focuses on the episodes of the show itself and the big important story beats. In addition, we've got an exclusive preview card from Wizards of the Coast! Thanks so much to Wizards for providing these cards.
Avatar: The Last Airbender, or as it's known colloquially among fans as Avatar: The Legend of Aang, is separated into three core seasons known as "Books." Each Book focuses on a different Element of bending that Aang is required to master in order to save the world. Each episode of a Book is known as a "Chapter." I am not going to cover every chapter of the show, but just the important ones per Book (including the one our special preview card comes from).
Book One: Water
Book One of the series focuses primarily on Aang's reemergence into the world of the Four Nations after having been frozen for 100 years. Once it is realized that Aang is the Avatar, the goal is to find Aang a Waterbending master so that he can begin to learn all four elements and bring balance to the world.
Chapter One: The Boy in the Iceberg
The very first episode of the series gives a great introduction to the primary cast of characters the show spends most of its time with. Aang is introduced as the titular "Boy in the Iceberg" after Katara accidentally frees him. We're also introduced to Sokka and Katara, both characters that make up the primary core of "Team Avatar".
In addition we're also introduced to Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation. This is rather important because Zuko's character arc is exceptionally important across the entire series, and the writers on the show give that arc its slow burn development by showing Zuko in these early stages where he seeks the Avatar to regain his lost honor.
This episode also sets the stage for Aang being known as "The Last Airbender", as the nation of the Air Nomads is believed to be extinct. One thing this episode does a great job of, besides just setting the stage for the series, is that it also helps foreshadow a lot of plot threads that weave throughout the series. Sokka's ingenuity and comedic nature, Aang's burgeoning romantic relationship with Katara (love at first sight), and even Zuko's eventual turn towards the light all come from this episode.
Chapter Three: The Southern Air Temple
This episode is generally when the show does get very real in many ways. For a kids show in the early 2000s, addressing a topic that's as heavy as genocide makes this show smart and powerful in its storytelling. Aang, Sokka, and Katara find their way to the Southern Air Temple, with Aang eager to show off his once-home. There, he discovers the true fate of the Air Nomads, as well as the skeletal remains of his former mentor, Monk Gyatso.
This episode also gives the first glimpse at the raw power of the Avatar State, a thread that weaves throughout the entire series and has importance to the overall story, as Aang enters the State as a defense mechanism from the pain of losing all of his people. This act also alerts the world of the Avatar's existence, which also alerts the Fire Nation. Again, it's Katara who is able to keep Aang calm and bring him back to his senses, foreshadowing how close these two would be long term.
In addition, we also get to continue Zuko's story alongside these events as we're introduced to Zhao, an antagonist who has major importance throughout Book One. Zuko and Zhao fight an Agni Kai during this episode, giving the audience a glimpse into Fire Nation culture. Zuko wins this Agni Kai, proving he is an honorable warrior by not killing Zhao at the end of the duel.
This is a massively important episode in Book One, as it also leads into the introduction of Avatar Roku (the Avatar prior to Aang).
Chapter Four: The Warriors of Kyoshi
This episode is worth mentioning as its character development for someone other than Aang. This episode is very much focused on Sokka's character, and again it proves how smart the show is in its storytelling by showcasing something such as generational sexism. Sokka comes from a world where the women are rooted in more traditional gender roles, so his entire worldview is challenged when he meets the Kyoshi Warriors, a fighting force of women who protect Kyoshi Island. What's great about this episode is how Sokka is willing to grow and learn specifically from Suki, the leader of the Kyoshi Warriors. Suki's introduction is also very important, as her character arc becomes important down the line.
This episode also introduces another previous Avatar, the Avatar known as Kyoshi, who was the Avatar prior to Roku. Kyoshi's wisdom and her impact on the world is very important throughout the rest of the series.
Zuko attempts to capture the Avatar here again, but is unsuccessful in doing so thanks to the efforts of the Kyoshi Warriors.
Chapter Eight: Winter Solstice, Part 2: Avatar Roku
Aang and company travel to the Fire Temple deep within the Fire Nation on the basis of a summons from Avatar Roku while Aang previously had spent some time in the Spirit World in this episode. This culminates in the Winter Solstice where Aang is able to speak to Roku through his connection to his past lives.
What makes this second part of the Winter Solstice episodes so very important to the series is the introduction of Sozin's Comet to the series. Fire Lord Sozin used the Comet to begin the Hundred Year War, but it's revealed in this episode that the Comet is due to return by the end of the summer. This forces Aang into the precarious position of needing to master all four Elements by the time the Comet arrives and defeat the Fire Lord in order to bring balance to the world. This revelation is important overall to the series, because it sets the tone for what needs to happen in order for Aang to save the world from the Fire Nation's armies.
This episode is also the first time we get to see the awesome power of a fully realized Avatar in Avatar Roku taking over Aang's body temporarily to clear away the Fire Nation soldiers at the temple.
Chapter Eleven: The Great Divide
The Great Divide is by far one of the most divisive and generally unpopular episodes of the entire series of Avatar: The Last Airbender. It is sort of amusing to me, as an Avatar fan, that this episode is where our exclusive preview card from Wizards of the Coast comes from! Again, thanks so much to Wizards for providing these preview cards!
I present to you... Great Divide Guide!
Editor's note: thanks to Wizards for hooking us up with a free preview to show off for you all!
One of the major things that makes "The Great Divide" unpopular is the fact that most of the episode has relatively small significance to the rest of the series. The episode has to do with Aang and company assisting two rival tribes of refugees in getting through the canyon alongside the titular Great Divide Guide who actually ends up being knocked out of commission partway through the journey as his arms are broken by a canyon crawler.
The only major aspect of this episode that carries some measure of importance is the notion that Aang is capable of lying. This is a fact that comes up later in the episode "Bato of the Water Tribe".
Otherwise, this is an episode that is absolutely capable of being skipped in any rewatch of the series. Hilariously, even Mike & Bryan call out this episode in the Book Three episode "The Ember Island Players".
Chapter Twelve: The Storm
This episode has some further importance to the overall series because it gives the audience insight into both Aang and Zuko's characters. Aang's story focuses on when he ran from the Air Nomads after learning that he would be leaving the Southern Air Temple after finding out he was the Avatar. It covers the fact that he used the Avatar State for the first time to freeze himself into the Iceberg, missing his entire nation being destroyed by the Fire Nation.
Zuko's story covers how it intertwines with the Avatar, revealing that as a child he spoke out of turn at a war meeting and was forced to fight an Agni Kai against his own father. This led to his scarring and banishment from the Fire Nation, setting him on the path he eventually would walk upon alongside his Uncle Iroh.
Chapter Sixteen: The Deserter
This episode gives us our first glimpse at Aang's training in Firebending by introducing the character of Jeong Jeong, a deserter to the Fire Nation Army. Jeong Jeong is retiscent of training Aang, but does so when Avatar Roku makes himself known to the master. Aang's first firebending is disastrous however and he inadvertently burns Katara's hands.
The important aspect of this episode is the introduction of healing as a waterbending art. Katara finds that she's capable of healing using water, a topic that comes up imminently soon in the series in the next entry we will cover.
In addition, Zhao continues his pursuit of the Avatar but is tricked into destroying his own fleet, lacking the self control that Jeong Jeong had attempted to instill in Aang.
Chapter Eighteen: The Waterbending Master
The group finally arrives in the Northern Water Tribe, where we are introduced to the culture and way of life of the North. One of the major important aspects of this episode is Aang's need to find a Waterbending Teacher, who they do find in Pakku. However, Pakku refuses to train Katara, as women are mainly expected to use waterbending strictly for healing in their culture and aren't trained to fight.
This hearkens back to Sokka's upbringing by showcasing the generational sexism instilled by the Water Tribes. This time however, its Katara who challenges these notions by fighting Pakku. While she loses this fight, she ends up proving her value as well as finding out that Pakku was originally in love with her grandmother, who had left the Northern Water Tribe due to the aforementioned generational sexism of the tribe. Pakku decides to take on Katara and Aang as students to train them in Waterbending.
This episode also sets up the finale of the season, with Zhao gathering an army for an assault on the Northern Water Tribe city.
Chapter Twenty: The Siege of the North, Part 2
The finale of Book One showcases much of the Spirit World, as well as the incredible power of the Avatar State. Aang is captured by Zuko in the midst of his journey into the Spirit World, which results in a meeting with Koh, the Face Stealer.
Zhao manages to press deeper into the Northern Water Tribe, finding the oasis where the Moon and Ocean Spirit live as koi fish. Zhao murders the Moon Spirit, causing the Moon above to disappear and the waterbenders to lose their powers. Aang's anger and rage manifests alongside the Ocean Spirit, entering into the Avatar State before beginning to sweep away the Fire Nation ships.
Princess Yue gives up her life force to save the Moon Spirit, becoming the Moon Spirit herself. This restores the Moon in the sky and gives the Waterbenders the ability to defeat the Fire Nation. Zhao is also defeated and presumed dead in this conflict after a battle with Zuko and being pulled beneath the water by the angry Ocean Spirit.
After the conflict, Katara is granted the rank of Master by Pakku, and the group sets out to continue Aang's training and find an earthbending teacher. Iroh and Zuko flee as fugitives, and Princess Azula is sent by Fire Lord Ozai to track them down.
Book Two: Earth
Book Two focuses primarily on the element of Earthbending. Now that Aang has mastered the art of Waterbending, he must search for an Earthbending teacher in order to fulfill his destiny. In doing so however, the group finds much more than they bargain for in Ba Sing Se.
Chapter One: The Avatar State
Book Two begins by opening up on the group heading out of the North Pole and into the Earth Kingdom with the intent of returning to Omashu so that Aang can learn Earthbending from King Bumi there. However, Aang and group are waylaid by an ambitious Earth Kingdom general who wishes to force Aang to use the Avatar State in order to end the war.
This episode continues to show the raw power of the Avatar State. This is one of Aang's central struggles in the series is understanding the Avatar State and how to access it and control it. This is a foreshadow of things to come later in the season. The Avatar State is a defensive mechanism provided to the Avatar as we learn in this episode through Avatar Roku's talk with Aang.
In addition we are introduced fully to Princess Azula. sister to Prince Zuko, who attempts to trick Zuko and Iroh into becoming prisoners of the Fire Nation. The two escape and strike out on their own into the Earth Kingdom.
Chapter Three: Return to Omashu
This episode establishes Azula as the main antagonist of the season to the group, in addition to allowing the audience to revisit Omashu, however it is now captured by the Fire Nation. We're also introduced to Mai and Ty Lee in this episode, members of Azula's "team" who become recurring characters throughout the rest of the series.
We also get to see King Bumi again from Book One, this time captured by the Fire Nation. Bumi gives Aang the knowledge that his Earthbending teacher must be a master of Neutral Jing, one who "waits and listens". This is a direct foreshadow to several episodes later. It's also revealed that Bumi is capable of Earthbending by only using his face, a fact that becomes relevant down the line in Book Three.
Chapter Six: The Blind Bandit
This episode is notable because its the first introduction of Toph Beifong, a blind Earthbending girl who eventually becomes Aang's Earthbending teacher (and also the best character in the series, let's be real). The group finds Toph at Earth Rumble VI, where she soundly defeats several opponents and showcases that she is one who "waits and listens" like King Bumi told Aang he needed to find.
Toph however is prevented by her family from leaving due to her family being extremely overprotective. Toph does eventually leave on her own power, which leads her family to send Master Yu and Xin Fu after her, a plot point that reveals itself several episodes down the line.
Chapter Nine: Bitter Work
This episode is the first that we see Aang actively trying to Earthbend under instruction by Toph. This is notable because its the first time we also see the Avatar struggling with a certain element. It's noted that learning an element of one's opposing nature is much more difficult because of how the two elements actively oppose each other. In Aang's case, learning Earthbending is difficult because it is the natural opposite of Airbending. Aang does manage to get the hang of it and manages to save Sokka from a sticky situation.
This episode also follows alongside Zuko and Iroh as the latter resumes Zuko's training in firebending in order to be able to better fight Azula. Iroh demonstrates knowledge of the other bending disciplines and how to redirect lightning by having studied Waterbenders. This is a plot point that picks up down the line during the Day of Black Sun.
Chapter Ten: The Library
The Library of Wan Shi Tong is introduced in this episode, which is a plot point that actually crosses over into the Legend of Korra. The group investigates the library of the titular bird spirit, who warns them to not to seek any knowledge for war-like gain or to abuse the knowledge.
This is the first mention of what is known as the "Day of Black Sun", which is a solar eclipse that will render all Firebending inert for a short time. The group discovers that the next eclipse will take place before the return of Sozin's Comet, and seeks to use the knowledge to gain the upper hand on the Fire Nation by planning an invasion.
In addition, Aang's Sky Bison Appa is captured by Sandbenders, who sell Appa later on. Appa later reappears in Ba Sing Se after a harrowing journey described in the episode "Appa's Lost Days".
Chapter Fourteen: City of Walls and Secrets
This episode marks the introduction of the inner walls of Ba Sing Se, a city mentioned several times throughout the series by this point but never seen. Ba Sing Se is under secret control of the Dai Li, a secret police who seeks to erase any mention of the War from the populace to keep the population of the city happy and carefree. Aang and company spend much of their time here navigating this political situation while trying to locate Appa.
We also see Iroh and Zuko, having become refugees to the city, struggle and work for a tea house, all while the Freedom Fighter Jet tries to prove that they aren't who they say they are. Jet is captured by the Dai Li and subjected to brainwashing.
This episode sets up the Dai Li and the long term infiltration of the city of Ba Sing Se by Azula and her cohorts to take control of the city for the Fire Nation, and shows just how willing the Earth Kingdom capital will go to remove any knowledge of the War.
Chapter Nineteen: The Guru
Aang travels to the Eastern Air Temple in this episode to meet with Guru Pathik, who claims he can help Aang control the Avatar State and be able to go in and out of it willingly. To do this, Aang must open the seven chakras in his body. Many of these Chakras are able to be cleared by Aang, but the final Chakra dealing with Cosmic energy is blocked by earthly attachments. Aang must be willing to give up his attachments including to Katara, despite being in love with her.
Aang gives up opening the Chakra to head back to Ba Sing Se to save Katara, who he perceives as being in danger, but he is warned that he has locked the Chakra and will not be able to trigger the Avatar State at all.
This episode is noteworthy as well for the beginning of the coup by Azula and Long Feng of the Dai Li of the Earth Kingdom as well as the introduction of Toph's ability to bend metal, a specialized form of Earthbending invented by her. This ability is not only relevant to Toph's character down the line of the series but also extends into Legend of Korra as Toph would later teach others how to utilize this ability.
Katara ends up captured in this episode by Azula and is moved the Crystal Catacombs beneath Ba Sing Se.
Chapter Twenty: The Crossroads of Destiny
With Azula's help, the Dai Li assumes leadership over the Earth Kingdom, and Long Feng is ousted as their leader. Zuko is captured by Azula while Iroh escapes, meeting up with Team Avatar. Katara and Zuko end up imprisoned together, and Zuko struggles with doing the right thing. Katara reveals that she has water from the Spirit Oasis at the North Pole that she can use for healing.
This finale is a bit of a cliffhanger because we see how Zuko makes his choice to become good or turn back to the Fire Nation. Zuko ends up turning against Team Avatar and works with Azula, making his choice. Aang attempts to unlock the Avatar State again, but is attacked by Azula in the midst of it, seemingly killing him. Katara ends up using the Spirit Water to attempt to heal him, which does revive Aang, albeit weakened.
This season ends with a statement about the Earth Kingdom having fallen, setting the stage for the final season.
Book Three: Fire
Book Three focuses primarily on the element of Firebending. Aang's destiny is fast approaching as the group takes up disguises to blend into the Fire Nation after the disaster within the walls of Ba Sing Se, while trying to locate a Firebending teacher, trying to prepare for an Invasion on the Fire Nation, and the return of Sozin's Comet.
Chapter One: The Awakening
The opening of this season begins with Aang waking up on a Fire Nation ship that was stolen by his friends to blend in. The entire world believes Aang to be dead.
This episode really hammers home Aang's frustration and fear that he established early on in the series from having been locked in ice for 100 years. Aang wants to be the Avatar again, but he's too weak to do so, and the smart decision is to use his existence as a secret to plan the Invasion on the Day of Black Sun.
Zuko, having returned to the Fire Nation as a hero, still feels uneasy about the choice he made at Ba Sing Se. Azula makes it seem like he is the one who killed the Avatar, conveniently creating a scapegoat if the Avatar is indeed found alive.
Chapter Four: Sokka's Master
This episode furthers the character development of Sokka by introducing a master for him to learn the art of the sword from. This master, Piandao, also hints at the knowledge of the larger White Lotus Organization that becomes relevant later down the line. Sokka also forges his own sword in this episode out of a meteorite.
This episode also introduces the notion that Uncle Iroh is no mere prisoner in the Fire Nation, and has been using his time there to recondition his body and become a much more formidable opponent.
Chapter Six: The Avatar and the Fire Lord
This episode goes back into some history of the Fire Nation, revealing that Avatar Roku and Fire Lord Sozin both used to be friends. This is revealed by Roku to Aang during the Summer Solstice. At the same time, Zuko is sent a letter by Iroh to investigate a history of "The Final Testament of Fire Lord Sozin".
It's revealed through this episode that Roku became a fully realized Avatar and returned to the Fire Nation where Sozin had become the Fire Lord. Sozin believed that the Fire Nation could be expanded to share their prosperity with the world, which disturbed Roku greatly. Years later, he discovered that Sozin had acted on that belief and had established colonies in the Earth Kingdom.
During a cataclysmic event on Roku's home island, Roku attempted to stop the volcano's wrath. Sozin, who came to help his friend, allowed Roku to perish to the poisonous gas, resulting in the birth of Aang as the next Avatar.
It's also revealed during this episode that Zuko is not only the great grandson of Fire Lord Sozin, but he is also the great grandson of Avatar Roku on his mother's side.
Chapter Eight: The Puppetmaster
The relevance of this episode is primarily because its the first episode that introduces the sub skill of "bloodbending" to Waterbending mythology. Hama, a survivor of the Fire Nation raids, attempts to teach the skill to Katara.
Katara in fact does learn the skill, but only to stop Hama from kidnapping others and harming them. Bloodbending is the art of using the water in one's body to control them like a puppet. This technique becomes even further relevant during the events of Legend of Korra.
Chapters Ten / Eleven: The Day of Black Sun
A lot happens in this two-part episode set. The Invasion of the Fire Nation during the Eclipse begins to take place, with the realization that the Fire Nation was aware of the invasion in general and had prepared for it. These episodes also brings full circle Aang's feelings for Katara, as he kisses her before leaving to the Fire Nation Palace.
The group tries to locate the Fire Lord, but are waylaid by Azula who is attempting to waste their time to prevent them from finding him during the Eclipse. Iroh escapes from prison.
Zuko makes a definitive decision in this episode, bringing his arc of redemption to a point where he makes the decision to leave and help the Avatar defeat his father. Ozai attempts to strike Zuko with lightning, but Zuko uses the technique Iroh taught him to redirect the lightning back at him.
The Invasion fails due to the war balloons the Fire Nation built to repel them. Aang and friends are able to escape, Zuko in pursuit.
Chapter Twelve: The Western Air Temple
This episode marks a turning point, and even though its only episode Twelve, the series really picks up towards the finale after this episode. Zuko has followed Aang and the rest of Team Avatar to the Western Air Temple, offering to teach Aang how to Firebend. The group is skeptical of his assistance, and Katara especially is doubtful of Zuko's transformation towards the light.
The Firebender Combustion Man reappears in this episode, having been hired by Zuko to destroy the Avatar. Zuko helps the group defeat him and earns a place in the group.
Chapter Thirteen: The Firebending Masters
Aang's Firebending training begins! Well, sort of. Zuko's lost his stuff (not the stuff that Toph didn't touch, but his Firebending stuff), and so both Aang and Zuko have to go seek out the ruins of the Sun Warriors to see they can learn anything from the ancient civilization. This episode reveals that the original Firebenders were the dragons, and that according to Zuko's history the dragons were wiped out by the Fire Nation.
The two find an ancient Firebending art known as "The Dancing Dragon", and it is discovered that the Sun Warriors are still around. Zuko and Aang are given the opportunity to present themselves to the Firebending Masters, Ran and Shaw in order to learn the true art of Firebending. Of course, these masters are actually the two last dragons in existence. It's also revealed here that Zuko's uncle Iroh protected the last dragons and learned from the Masters.
The true form of Firebending is centered in energy and life, and Aang is able to begin his Firebending training.
Chapters Eighteen Through Twenty-One: Sozin's Comet
The Beginning of the End is upon us! This episode, split into four pieces, aired all at the same time originally on Nickolodeon. So much happens in these four episodes. Team Avatar begins preparing to face the Fire Lord and the Fire Nation by the time of the arrival of Sozin's Comet in three days. Zuko teaches Aang the ability to redirect lightning, and Aang begins to worry that he may have to actually take the Fire Lord's life to win the war, going against his pacifist beliefs.
Aang and Momo disappear, ending up on a mysterious island just off the shore of Ember Island. The group tries to find Aang, but is unable and have to turn to June and her shirshu to try to locate him.
Meanwhile, Ozai appoints Azula as the new Fire Lord, taking up the mantle of the Phoenix King.
June and company are unable to find Aang, so Zuko has her take the group to Iroh instead. This is where the Order of the White Lotus enters, having been gathered at the city of Ba Sing Se in order to liberate it. Zuko is reunited with Iroh. The group meets back up with Jeong Jeong, Master Piandao, and King Bumi (who earthbent his way out of prison using his face during the Day of Black Sun).
Aang and Momo are still on the mysterious island, and Aang uses his connections to his past lives to try to get advice on having to end the Fire Lord's life. Each past life advises Aang to be decisive and end the war in this fashion. Aang also quickly realizes that the island is a massive Lion Turtle who gives Aang secretive knowledge before depositing him near where the Fire Nation's airships are preparing to raze the Earth Kingdom.
Zuko and Katara head back to the Fire Nation capital to take down Azula, while Sokka, Suki, and Toph take out the airships. Meanwhile, Ozai and Aang begin to battle and the Order of the White Lotus liberates Ba Sing Se.
Azula and Zuko fight a massive Comet-enhanced Agni Kai that ends with Katara tricking her and taking her down while Zuko is injured in the fight.
Aang's Avatar State is triggered by an injury on his back (where Azula struck him at the end of Book Two) and both he and Ozai battle to the point of Aang having the upper hand. Aang decides that he is not going to kill the Fire Lord, but instead uses his powers as the Avatar to bend Ozai's inner energies to take away his Firebending. This is the first mention of Energybending in the entire series, and this technique continues on into the Legend of Korra.
Zuko takes charge of the Fire Nation and alongside Aang declares a new era of love and peace. This episode also neatly wraps up Aang and Katara's romantic aspirations, as the two kiss at the very end.
Wrapping Up
And that wraps us up! I hope you enjoyed this series of articles on the lore of Avatar: The Last Airbender in addition to the free preview card given to MTGGoldfish from Wizards! I'm certainly looking forward to this set.
Until next time, see you in the Avatar State!
