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{{Infobox Avatar: The Last Airbender character| {{short description|Fictional character from Avatar: The Last Airbender}}
{{For|the first episode of the 2024 live-action television series|Aang (Avatar: The Last Airbender episode){{!}}Aang (''Avatar: The Last Airbender'' episode)}}
|image=]
{{Infobox character
|name=Aang
| name = Aang
|aliases=Kuzon
| image = Avatar Aang.png
|nationality=] (Southern Air Temple)<br />
| caption = Avatar Aang in '']'', kneeling in a battle pose, holding his new staff behind him.
|gender=Male
| series = ]
|hair=Dark brown<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avatarspiritmedia.net/images/nickmag2/nickmag2_cover.jpg|title=Picture Of Aang}}</ref>
| alt = Aang kneeling in a battle pose, holding his new staff behind him.
|eyes=Hazel \ Blue Gray
| first = {{Plainlist|
|age=Biologically 12,(Chronologically 112)
* '''Original series''':
|position=]<!--Do not change this without discussion.-->
|appearance="]" * "]" (2005)
* '''''The Legend of Korra''''':
|voice=] (''Pilot Only'')<br />]
* "]" (2012)
* '''Live-action series''':
* "]" (2024)}}
| last = {{Plainlist|
* '''Original series''':
* "]" (2008)
* '''''The Legend of Korra''''':
* "]" (2013)}}
| creator = ]<br>]
| lbl1 = Voiced by
| data1 = {{ubl|] (])|] (])|Ben Helms ('']'')|Jaxson McBride ('']'')|Dustin Sardella ('']'')|Davis Pak ('']'', ''Quest for Balance'')|Caz Inghram ('']'')|] ('']'')|] ('']'')}}
| lbl2 = Portrayed by
| data2 = ] (])<br>] (])
| gender = Male
| title = {{Plainlist|
* The Avatar
* '''Preceded by:''' ]
* '''Succeeded by:''' ]}}
| spouse = ] (wife)
| children = {{ubl|] (son)|] (daughter)|] (son)}}
| nationality = ]
| lbl21 = Animal guide
| data21 = ]
| lbl22 = Bending element
| data22 = {{hlist|] (native)|]|]|]|Energybending}}
| lbl23 = Katara, onji and meng
}} }}
'''Aang''' is the ] ] in the ] ] '']''. He is voiced by ], but was voiced by ] in the ]. Despite his young appearance, Aang is actually a 112-year-old monk, derived the ], a tribe of people in the series who are defined by their ability to manipulate air. While spending 100 years of his life in ], a war breaks out between the belligerent Fire Nation and the other more peaceful nations, which include the Air Nomads, the ], and the ]. After being released by ] and ], members of the Water Tribes at the South Pole, he is soon to be found as the current reincarnation of the ], the character whom all of the nations have been hoping would return and end the disastrous war. With his new friends, including ] who would appear in the second season (denoted as Book 2 as according to the show's aliases for different seasons), and his two ]s, ] and ], Aang journeys on a quest to master the elements, defeat the ], and bring peace to the war-torn ]s.


'''Avatar Aang''' ({{lang-zh|c=安昂|p=Ān Áng}}), or simply '''Aang''', is the ] ] of ]'s ] '']'' (created by ] and ]), voiced by ]. Aang was the last surviving Airbender, a ] of the ]' Southern Air Temple, and the youngest ever airbending master (for his time).
Aang's shaved head is a symbol of his status as a monk of the Air Nomads and the blue, arrow-shaped ] mark him as an Airbending Master. He comes from the ] where his guardian was ]. After he overheard that he would have to be separated from his guardian, he ran away, leaving the temple vulnerable to the attack that would soon wipe out the rest of the airbenders. While running away, a storm drove him and his flying bison, Appa, underwater, almost drowning them both until Aang encased the two in a massive ball of ice, which Aang would remain in for one hundred years of suspended animation. However, after ] and ] broke him out of the frozen prison while fishing at the South Pole where they live, he quickly learns about the war going on between the ] and the other three ]s, in addition to discovering that a banished Fire Nation Prince, ], has been chasing him for the longest time, hoping to destroy all hopes of the war ending and to regain his honor after a previous dispute between him and his father, ].


He is an ] of the "]", the spirit of light and peace manifested in human form. As the Avatar, Aang controls all four ] (water, earth, fire, and air) and is tasked with bringing balance and keeping the ] at peace. At chronologically 112 years old (biologically 12), Aang is the series' ], spending a century in ] in an iceberg before being discovered and joining new friends ] and ] on a quest to master the elements and save their world from the ] ] ,as Aang progressed on his journey he is joined by ], ] and ].
After leaving the South Pole to save the tribe from being destroyed by ], he is accompanied by Katara and Sokka on a long journey to the ''North'' Pole where he will be able to master ], the ability to manipulate water. He encounters many side trips, but finally succeeds by getting to his destination, from which he will leave to learn ], the ability to manipulate earth, and then to learn ], the ability to manipulate fire.


Aang's character has appeared in other media, such as ]s,<ref name="Trading Cards">{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/avatar/en/interface.aspx|title=Avatar Trading Card Game|access-date=2008-03-24|publisher=Nickelodeon |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080302152900/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/avatar/en/interface.aspx |archive-date = 2008-03-02}}</ref><ref name="Trading Cards 2">{{cite web|url=http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/22469/avatar-the-last-airbender-trading-card-game|title=Avatar: The Last Airbender Trading Card Game|access-date=2008-03-24|publisher=BoardGameGeek|archive-date=2010-02-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100221154127/http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/22469/avatar-the-last-airbender-trading-card-game|url-status=live}}</ref> ]s,<ref name="The Burning Earth">{{cite web|url=http://www.avatartheburningearth.com/|title=Avatar: The Last Airbender&nbsp;— The Burning Earth|access-date=2008-03-13|format=Flash|publisher=Nickelodeon| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080314184122/http://www.avatartheburningearth.com/| archive-date= 14 March 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="EscapeFromSpiritWorldGame">{{cite web|url=http://www.nick.com/avatarescape/index.jhtml|title=Avatar Escape From The Spirit World|access-date=2008-02-19|author=Nickelodeon|format=Adobe Flash File|publisher=Viacom Corporation|archive-date=2011-11-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111119223956/http://www.nick.com/avatarescape/index.jhtml|url-status=live}}</ref> ]s,<ref name="T-Shirts">{{cite web|url=http://shop.nick.com/?categoryId=2060004|title=The Nickelodeon Shop&nbsp;— Avatar|access-date=2008-02-11|publisher=Nickelodeon|archive-date=2011-07-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714181633/http://shop.nick.com/?categoryId=2060004|url-status=live}}</ref> and ]s.<ref name="Web Comics">{{cite book|title=Avatar: The Last Airbender Cine-Manga|volume=1|url=http://www.tokyopop.com/product/1423|access-date=2008-03-14|publisher=Tokyopop|isbn=1-59532-891-2|author=Michael Dante DiMartino|author2=Bryan Konietzko|name-list-style=amp|date=2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080416071717/http://www.tokyopop.com/product/1423|archive-date=16 April 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> Avatar Aang has also been portrayed by ] in the live-action film ]<ref name="mtv">{{cite web |last1=Marnell |first1=Blair |title='Last Airbender' Star Noah Ringer Joins 'Cowboys And Aliens' Cast |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/2596517/last-airbender-noah-ringer-cowboys-and-aliens-cast/ |website=MTV News |access-date=February 10, 2022 |date=April 19, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929182238/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2010/04/19/last-airbender-noah-ringer-cowboys-and-aliens-cast/ |archive-date=2012-09-29 }}</ref> and voiced by ] in the sequel series '']''. ] portrays Avatar Aang in the ] live-action ].<ref>{{Citation|title=Avatar: The Last Airbender: Netflix Live-Action Series Reveals Cast and Creative Team|website=IGN|date=12 August 2021 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/avatar-the-last-airbender-netflix-cast-aang-zuko-katara-sokka|access-date=2021-08-12|archive-date=2021-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812145745/https://www.ign.com/articles/avatar-the-last-airbender-netflix-cast-aang-zuko-katara-sokka|url-status=live}}</ref>
==History==
]


{{TOC limit|limit=3}}
Aang, as the present reincarnation of the Avatar, was born upon the death of Avatar Roku, the late human Avatar incarnate. During his childhood, Aang was housed, raised and educated at the Southern Air Temple hidden in the Patola Mountain range--one of four Air Nomad temples and ]. When Aang was a child, he unknowingly revealed to the Air Nomad Elders of the Southern Air Temple that he was the next ] of the ] when he chose four specific toys out of thousands. These four toys--a string-powered propeller (Air), a clay turtle flute (Water), a wooden Hog-Monkey (Earth) and a wooden hand drum (Fire)--were the same ones that past Avatars had chosen for generations when they were children.<ref name="The Storm">{{cite episode | title = The Storm | episodelink = The Storm (Avatar: The Last Airbender)| series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-06-03 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 12}}</ref>


==Appearances==
This is the same procedure a child must go through in order to be recognized as the reincarnation of a ] Lama in ]. According to the book ''Magic and Mystery in Tibet'' by ], "''a number of objects such as rosaries, ritualistic implements, books, tea-cups,<ref>“Each Tibetan owns a private bowl in which he alone drinks tea. The bowl may be the wooden one of the poor or the costly jade one with golden saucer and cover of the rich, or any of the intermediate kinds, but it is never lent to anyone to drink in.” (David-Neel 1971: 124)</ref> etc., are placed together, and the child must pick out those which belonged to the late '']'', thus showing that he recognizes the things which were ''his'' in his previous life''".<ref>David-Neel, Alexandra. ''Magic and Mystery in Tibet''. New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1971 (ISBN 0-486-22682-4)</ref>
===''Avatar: The Last Airbender''===
Upon death, Avatar Roku was reincarnated and Aang was born, and later raised by Monk Gyatso, a senior monk at the Southern Air Temple and friend of the late Avatar Roku. Even prior to learning he was the Avatar, Aang distinguished himself by becoming one of the youngest Airbending Masters in history by inventing a new technique. As a result of Fire Lord Sozin's increasingly hostile attitude towards the other nations, the senior monks decided to reveal Aang's nature as the Avatar four years before the traditional age (Avatars are usually told of their status once they turn 16) and relocate him to one of the other Air Temples.<ref name="The Storm">{{cite episode|title=The Storm|airdate=2005-06-03|season=1|number=12|credits=Director: Lauren MacMullan; Writer: Aaron Ehasz|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon}}</ref><ref name="The Southern Air Temple">{{cite episode|title=The Southern Air Temple|airdate=2005-02-25|season=1|number=3|credits=Director: Lauren MacMullan, Writer: Michael Dante DiMartino|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon}}</ref> Learning that he was to be taken from Gyatso caused Aang to flee the monastery on his flying bison, Appa, before being caught by a storm; the life-or-death conditions triggered the Avatar State, encasing the young Avatar and his bison in an air-pocket among ]s, where he remained suspended for a century. Although Monk Gyatso had snuck into Aang's bedroom late at night to tell Aang that he will not be relocated to the Eastern Air Temple, it had already been too late.<ref name="The Boy in the Iceberg" /><ref name="The Southern Air Temple" />


====Book One: ''Water''====
Raised by ] monks, Aang grew up in the idyllic surroundings of the Southern Air Temple. Aang was a carefree young boy, given to frequent travel, play, and possessing an almost effortless mastery over his native element. His world drastically changed when the monks revealed that he was the Avatar, destined to master all four elements and bring peace to the world.
After one hundred years of suspended animation in an iceberg, twelve-year-old Aang was freed when found by ] and ], yet unaware of the events that occurred during his rest.<ref name="The Boy in the Iceberg"/> His reawakening catches the attention of Prince ], the banished son of current Fire Lord ], and Aang is forced to leave, with Katara and Sokka accompanying him after they learn that he is the Avatar.<ref name="The Avatar Returns">{{cite episode|title=The Avatar Returns|airdate=2005-02-21|season=1|number=2|credits=Director: Dave Filoni, Writers: Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon}}</ref> Aang and his new friends visit the Southern Air Temple, where they meet a winged lemur whom Aang later names Momo. It is there that Aang learns that the Fire Nation wiped out his people, including Gyatso which causes Aang to summon his avatar spirit and the other 3 nations find out the avatar is back. After a series of misadventures, Aang meets his previous incarnation, Roku, who informs him that he must master all four bending arts and end the war before the coming of Sozin's Comet at the end of summer.<ref name="Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2)">{{cite episode|title=Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2)|airdate=2005-04-15|season=1|number=8|credits=Director: Giancarlo Volpe, Writer: Michael Dante DiMartino|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon}}</ref> Upon arriving to the Northern Water Tribe, after a few conflicts, Aang became an apprentice of Waterbending Master Pakku alongside Katara.<ref name="The Waterbending Master">The Waterbending Master". '']''. Nickelodeon. 2005–]. No. 18, season 1.</ref> After helping the Water Tribe drive off a Fire Nation invasion headed by Admiral Zhao, with Katara as his teacher, Aang and his group journey to the Earth Kingdom to find an Earthbending teacher. Ozai, angered that ] betrayed the Fire Nation, sends his daughter, Princess ], to hunt down Zuko and Iroh.<ref>The Siege of the North, Part 2". '']''. Nickelodeon. 2005-12-02. No. 20, season 1.</ref>


====Book Two: ''Earth''====
Usually, the Avatar is told of his or her true identity only after turning sixteen; however, Aang's caretakers feared that a war between the Four Nations was on the horizon and believed that the Avatar would be needed to help maintain ]. Aang soon began to feel overwhelmed with the burden of his position. His peers ostracized him for his airbending skill, while his caretakers pressured him to mature too quickly.
In the second season, Aang learns Earthbending from ]<ref name="The Blind Bandit">{{cite episode|title=The Blind Bandit|airdate=2006-05-05|season=2|number=6|credits=Director: Ethan Spaulding; Writer: Michael Dante DiMartino|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon}}</ref> after he has a vision of the blind Earthbender in a swamp telling him to find her.<ref name="The Swamp">{{cite episode|title=The Swamp|airdate=2006-04-14|season=2|number=4|credits=Director: Giancarlo Volpe; Writer: Tim Hedrick|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon}}</ref> On their journey, they are chased by Zuko’s sister Princess ] and her friends ] and ].<ref name="The Chase">{{cite episode|title=The Chase|airdate=2006-05-26|season=2|number=8|credits=Director: Giancarlo Volpe; Writer: Joshua Hamilton|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon}}</ref> The group learns about the Day of Black Sun in a secret underground library, and they attempt to reveal the information to the Earth King at Ba Sing Se. However, their flying bison, ], is captured by Sandbenders. Aang grows upset and angry and confronts the Sandbenders, learning that Appa has been sold. After stopping a Fire Nation drill threatening the safety of Ba Sing Se, they look for Appa only to find themselves dealing with the Dai Li before exposing their leader's deception. The group reunites with Jet helping them find Appa at Dai Li headquarters. They expose the Hundred Year War to the Earth King, who promises to help them invade the Fire Nation. Soon after, Aang meets a guru who attempts to teach Aang to open his seven '']s'' in order to control the defensive 'Avatar State'; but when Aang perceives Katara in danger, he leaves before the seventh ''chakra'' is opened, and thus loses his progress until the seventh is opened.<ref name="The Guru">{{cite episode|title=The Guru|airdate=2006-12-01|season=2|number=19|credits=Director: Giancarlo; Writers: Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|series-link=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon}}</ref> Though Aang manages to unlock the Seventh Chakra, he is fatally ] by Azula. He is later brought back to life by Katara, using the spirit water given to her by the Northern Water Tribe at the start of the second season.<ref name="The Crossroad of Destiny">{{cite episode|title=The Crossroad of Destiny|airdate=2006-12-01|season=2|number=20|credits=Director: Michael Dante DiMartino; Writer: Aaron Ehasz|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon}}</ref>


====Book Three: ''Fire''====
The only monk sympathetic to Aang's feelings was the elder ], Aang's Airbending teacher and guardian. When the burden weighed heavily on his favorite student, Gyatso worked to instill a sense of fun through jokes and games. He sincerely believed that Aang should be allowed to grow up as a normal boy. However, the other monks disagreed. Citing Gyatso's attachment to the boy as an interference, they decided to send Aang away to the ] to focus on his training, oblivious to the fact that Aang had overheard their caucus.
In the beginning of third and final season, after he woke after being knocked out by Azula, Aang grew some hair. After that, Aang is unable to use the Avatar State for quite a while. Although reluctant with the plan at first, Aang accepts to have everyone think he had died and his remaining allies attack the Fire Nation's capital, but are thwarted by Azula.<ref name="The Invasion">{{cite episode|title=The Day of Black Sun Part 1: The Invasion|airdate=2007-11-23|season=3|number=10|credits=Director: Giancarlo Volpe; Writer: Michael Dante DiMartino|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon}}</ref> However, Zuko has a change of heart, rebels against his father,<ref>{{cite episode|title=The Day of Black Sun Part 2: The Eclipse|airdate=2007-11-30|season=3|number=11|credits=Director: Joaquim Dos Santos; Writer: Aaron Ehasz|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon}}</ref> and offers to teach Aang Firebending. Aang and Zuko also improve their Firebending powers with the help of their world's last two ]s.<ref name="The Western Air Temple">{{cite episode|title=The Western Air Temple|airdate=2007-12-14|season=3|number=12|credits=Director: Ethan Spaulding; Writers: Elizabeth Welch Ehasz, Tim Hedrick|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon}}</ref> During the finale, finding himself on a strange island, Aang is reluctant to actually kill Fire Lord Ozai, despite his four previous past lives (Roku, Kyoshi, Kuruk, and Yangchen) convincing him it is the only way. But upon learning that he was actually on the back of a Lion Turtle, one of four that made the first benders by manipulating humans' chi, Aang receives the Lion Turtle's Energybending. During the final battle, Aang's scar is pressed against a jutting rock, opening his chakras and allowing him to enter the Avatar State. Aang wins the battle, but before he delivers the final blow, he stops himself. Instead, Aang removes Ozai's firebending ability, rendering him harmless and ending the Hundred Year War. Later, in the Fire Nation capital, Aang is seen beside Zuko, the new Fire Lord. The series ends with Aang and his friends relaxing at Iroh's tea shop at Ba Sing Se, where Aang and Katara share a ].<ref name="Sozin Comet">{{cite episode|title=Sozin's Comet|airdate=2008-07-19|season=3|number=58-61|credits=Director: Ethan Spaulding; Writers: Elizabeth Welch Ehasz, Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon}}</ref>


====Graphic Novel Trilogies====
Confused and frightened by what he had learned, Aang fled from his home on his ], Appa, towards the ]. While over the Southern ocean, a sudden storm caused Appa to plunge deep into the sea. Entering the Avatar State, Aang instinctively used a combination of Airbending and Waterbending to surround himself and Appa in an air bubble that quickly froze into an iceberg, putting them into a state of ]<ref name="The Storm">{{cite episode | title = The Storm | episodelink = The Storm (Avatar: The Last Airbender)| series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-05-12 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 12}}</ref> for the next hundred years.<ref name="The Boy In The Iceberg">{{cite episode | title = The Boy In The Iceberg | episodelink = The Boy in the Iceberg | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-02-21 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 1}}</ref>
{{main|Avatar: The Last Airbender (comics)}}
After beginning the Harmony Restoration Movement, an event that was meant to remove Fire Nation remnants from the Earth Kingdom, Aang agrees to end Zuko's life should he go down a path similar to his father, after the latter requests it, being stopped by Katara from entering the Avatar State as he began a later encounter with Zuko<ref>DiMartino, Michael Dante; Konietzko, Bryan; Yang, Gene (writer), Sasaki of Gurihiru (penciling, inking), Kawano of Gurihiru (colorist), Heisler, Michael; Comicraft (letterer). The Promise Part 1 (January 25, 2012), Dark Horse Comics.</ref> and then tries to mediate protestors and the Yu Dao resistance,<ref>DiMartino, Michael Dante; Konietzko, Bryan; Yang, Gene (writer), Sasaki of Gurihiru (penciling, inking), Kawano of Gurihiru (colorist), Heisler, Michael; Comicraft (letterer). The Promise Part 2 (May 30, 2012), Dark Horse Comics.</ref> afterward assembling members of a fan club and forming the "Air Acolytes", a group that he intends to teach the ways of the Air Nomads.<ref>DiMartino, Michael Dante; Konietzko, Bryan; Yang, Gene (writer), Sasaki of Gurihiru (penciling, inking), Kawano of Gurihiru (colorist), Heisler, Michael; Comicraft (letterer). The Promise Part 3 (September 26, 2012), Dark Horse Comics.</ref> Aang then participated in a search for Zuko's mother Ursa,<ref>DiMartino, Michael Dante; Konietzko, Bryan; Yang, Gene (writer), Sasaki of Gurihiru (penciling, inking), Kawano of Gurihiru (colorist), Heisler, Michael; Comicraft (letterer). The Search Part 1 (March 20, 2013), Dark Horse Comics.</ref> successfully finding her and entering the Spirit World to assist in locating the Mother of Faces,<ref>DiMartino, Michael Dante; Konietzko, Bryan; Yang, Gene (writer), Sasaki of Gurihiru (penciling, inking), Kawano of Gurihiru (colorist), Heisler, Michael; Comicraft (letterer). The Search Part 2 (July 10, 2013), Dark Horse Comics.</ref> convincing her to grant Rafa a new face.<ref>DiMartino, Michael Dante; Konietzko, Bryan; Yang, Gene (writer), Sasaki of Gurihiru (penciling, inking), Kawano of Gurihiru (colorist), Heisler, Michael; Comicraft (letterer). The Search Part 3 (October 30, 2013), Dark Horse Comics.</ref> After a period of entertainment,<ref>DiMartino, Michael Dante; Konietzko, Bryan; Yang, Gene (writer), Sasaki of Gurihiru (penciling, inking), Kawano of Gurihiru (colorist), Heisler, Michael; Comicraft (letterer). Smoke and Shadow Part 1 (September 23, 2015), Dark Horse Comics.</ref> Aang is contacted by his former life Yangchen,<ref>DiMartino, Michael Dante; Konietzko, Bryan; Yang, Gene (writer), Sasaki of Gurihiru (penciling, inking), Kawano of Gurihiru (colorist), Heisler, Michael; Comicraft (letterer). The Rift Part 1 (March 5, 2014), Dark Horse Comics.</ref> who tried contacting him about Old Iron's return.<ref>DiMartino, Michael Dante; Konietzko, Bryan; Yang, Gene (writer), Sasaki of Gurihiru (penciling, inking), Kawano of Gurihiru (colorist), Heisler, Michael; Comicraft (letterer). The Rift Part 3 (November 5, 2014), Dark Horse Comics.</ref> Aang also has a fight with the Rough Rhinos when they try to oust him from the Eastern Fire Refinery.<ref>DiMartino, Michael Dante; Konietzko, Bryan; Yang, Gene (writer), Sasaki of Gurihiru (penciling, inking), Kawano of Gurihiru (colorist), Heisler, Michael; Comicraft (letterer). The Rift Part 2 (July 2, 2014), Dark Horse Comics.</ref> Aang then aids in preventing Azula, disguised as the Kemurikage, from stealing any more children.<ref>DiMartino, Michael Dante; Konietzko, Bryan; Yang, Gene (writer), Sasaki of Gurihiru (penciling, inking), Kawano of Gurihiru (colorist), Heisler, Michael; Comicraft (letterer). Smoke and Shadow Part 2 (December 16, 2015), Dark Horse Comics.</ref><ref>DiMartino, Michael Dante; Konietzko, Bryan; Yang, Gene (writer), Sasaki of Gurihiru (penciling, inking), Kawano of Gurihiru (colorist), Heisler, Michael; Comicraft (letterer). Smoke and Shadow Part 3 (March 16, 2016), Dark Horse Comics.</ref>
He later returns to the South Pole and reunites with Katara and Sokka during the festival of the rebuilt and newly expanded Southern Water Tribe, with assistance from dozens of waterbenders and healers from the Northern Water Tribe.


===''The Legend of Korra''===
==Story==
While frozen in an iceberg for 100 years, the Avatar State drained much of Aang's life energy. While he did not feel the effects for many years, after he entered middle age in his 50s, the strain of this exertion increasingly weighed upon his body. Ultimately, it resulted in Aang dying at the relatively young biological age of 66 (since he was in the ice for 100 years, in 153 AG). Aang was outlived by his wife, Katara, and his three children, but he did not live to see his grandchildren, all of whom would become powerful airbenders. As his death drew near, Aang tasked the Order of the White Lotus with finding and guiding the new Avatar after him. When Aang died, the Avatar spirit reincarnated into ] of the Southern Water Tribe. Aang intended for the Order to simply guide and guard Korra, but several mishaps in the aftermath of Aang's death (including a kidnapping attempt by the anarchist ]) and the still-fragile state of relations between the now-Five Nations resulted in Katara and Tenzin sequestering Korra in a compound at the South Pole, bringing teachers to her instead of allowing her to seek out her own.
<!-- Deleted image removed: ] -->
=== Book 1: Water ===
==== Reawakening ====
In the present day, two teenage ]s from the ] - Katara, a Waterbender, and her brother Sokka - discovered and freed Aang from his ]. Aang's first thought from being freed from the iceberg was to go penguin sledding with Katara.<ref name="The Boy In The Iceberg">{{cite episode | title = The Boy In The Iceberg | episodelink = The Boy In The Iceberg| series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-02-21 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 1}}</ref>


====Book One: ''Air''====
Aang soon discovered that in his absence, the monks' fears of war had became reality. The very year he vanished, the leader of the Fire Nation at the time, Fire Lord Sozin, took advantage of the ]-enhancing powers of a mystical ] to launch a war on the three other nations. Unfortunately, to Aang's utter shock and disbelief, the Fire Nation's opening gambit had been a ] assault on the ]. All of the Air temples were stormed, and the monks slaughtered in an effort to break the Avatar Cycle, leaving him as the last known Airbender in existence.<ref name="The Southern Air Temple">{{cite episode | title = The Southern Air Temple | episodelink = The Southern Air Temple | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-02-25 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 3}}</ref>
] in ''The Legend of Korra''.]]
In the sequel series' first season, Avatar Aang's spirit occasionally serves as the spiritual advisor to seventeen-year-old Korra (much like the previous Avatar incarnation, Roku, did for Aang). Korra struggles with the spiritual aspects of bending and being the avatar, so initially Aang is only able to give Korra glimpses of his memory concerning Yakone in relation to her confrontations with his two sons, ] and Tarrlok, the products of Yakone's Bloodbending vendetta on the Avatar. It is only after she loses her ability to bend that Korra allows herself to listen to her past lives, at which point Aang is able to manifest more directly to her and helps to restore her powers by triggering the Avatar State and teaching her to Energybend.


====Book Two: ''Spirits''====
Aang has since realized that the future of the Four Nations rests in his hands. It is his duty to defeat the ] and restore peace to the world. To achieve this, Aang and his newfound friends (and pets) set off on a quest to find and learn from Master Benders, while evading capture by the Fire Nation.
The sequel series' second season reveals that Avatar Aang apparently treated Tenzin as his favorite child, due to his son's Airbender status; Kya and Bumi mentioned to Tenzin that Aang always took Tenzin on vacations with him, but never them. Aang's Air Acolytes also were unaware that Aang had two other children besides Tenzin. Tenzin himself insists that Aang loved all his children equally, but that Aang took more precedence in raising him since Tenzin would have to take care of future generations of airbenders. Aang himself later appears, along with Roku, Kyoshi and Kuruk, before Korra in a vision and encourages her to learn the origins of Wan (the first Avatar) and Raava. Aang, or possibly a vision of him, later appears in the Spirit World, encouraging Tenzin to move past the enormous legacy of being Aang's son and find his own path. Korra's connection to Aang and the other preceding Avatars is severed when Vaatu extracts and subsequently kills Raava, the divine Avatar Spirit entity within her. Even though Raava is reborn and fused again with Korra, she discovers, to her dismay, that her spiritual connection to Aang and all past Avatars is presumably gone forever.


====Book Three: ''Change''====
During one of their detours they land on ] (an island named after one of Aang's previous incarnations), where they were captured by the Kyoshi Warriors; the ] inhabitants had kept out of the war for the past 100 years. There, they would meet a future ally, The warrior ] When ] arrived on Kyoshi Island, Aang realized that by staying too long he had endangered the people, it is here that Aang and his group learn they need to be constantly on the move.<ref name="The Warriors of Kyoshi">{{cite episode | title = The Warriors of Kyoshi | episodelink = The Warriors of Kyoshi | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-03-04 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 4}}</ref>
When Zaheer gave an ultimatum: Surrender to him or lose the new airbenders, Korra meditated into the spirit realm, she expressed her wish to call upon Aang's spirit and ask his advice in saving the new Air Nomads. Iroh's spirit assured her that, even though Aang was no longer able to guide her, she could ask one of Aang's closest friends: ].


===Appearances in other media===
In another detour, Aang took Katara and Sokka to the ] city of ], where, long ago, his old friend ] took him on the world's biggest slide; the city's postal system. After their own ride on the slides, they were arrested for damages and taken before the King; the old King encased Katara and Sokka in a strange mineral called "creeping crystal," and after passing the King's odd tests in order to free his friends Aang was asked to guess his name. Aang deduced that it was his old friend Bumi. King Bumi told Aang that to end the war he must learn all the Bending Arts and defeat the ] himself.<ref name="The King of Omashu">{{cite episode | title = The King of Omashu | episodelink = The King of Omashu | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-03-18 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 5}}</ref>
====Games====
Aang's character appeared in the '']'' on a multitude of cards.<ref name="Trading Cards"/><ref name="Trading Cards 2"/> He appeared in the ] as one of the four ].<ref name="AvatarVideoGame">{{cite web|url=http://www.nick.com/games/avatar-games|title=Avatar: The Last Airbender Video Game|access-date=2008-03-22|work=Nick.com|publisher=Nickelodeon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206045806/http://www.nick.com/games/avatar-games|archive-date=2013-02-06|url-status=dead}}</ref> Two sequels were made: '']'',<ref name="The Burning Earth"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/games/avatar-the-last-airbender-the-burning-earth|title=Avatar: The Burning Earth|access-date=2022-02-10|publisher=IGN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080925154305/http://wii.ign.com/objects/905/905219.html|archive-date=2008-09-25|url-status=dead}}</ref> followed by '']''. Aang also appeared in ''Escape from the Spirit World'', an online video game found on Nickelodeon's official website. The game includes certain plot changes that are not shown in the show. The show's directors, Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, claim the events are ].<ref name="EscapeFromSpiritWorldGame"/>


Aang is also a playable character in Nickelodeon crossover titles such as '']'', '']'', and the '']'' series, including '']'' and ].<ref name="AangandKorra">{{cite web|url=https://nintendoeverything.com/nickelodeon-all-star-brawl-aang-korra-movesets/|title=Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl videos highlight Aang and Korra movesets|date=October 1, 2021|website=Nintendo Everything|access-date=October 3, 2021|archive-date=October 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002195513/https://nintendoeverything.com/nickelodeon-all-star-brawl-aang-korra-movesets/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Winter Solstice ====
When trying to help a village tormented by an angry spirit, Hei Bai, he unknowingly entered the ]. There he was contacted by ] dragon, gave him a vision of Roku's temple on a crescent island, a fiery Comet and beams of light shining towards Roku's statue, Aang realized he could talk with his previous incarnation during the ].<ref name="The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1)">{{cite episode | title = The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1) | episodelink = The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1) | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-04-08 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 7}}</ref>


On April 12, 2024, Aang was released as a ] in the video game ].<ref name="AangFortnite">{{cite web|url=https://www.fortnite.com/news/use-techniques-from-avatar-the-last-airbender-in-fortnite-brs-elements|title=Use techniques from Avatar: the Last Airbender's 'elements'!|access-date=18 May 2024}}</ref>
On the morning of the solstice, Aang and his friends passed through a ] blockade and entered the Fire Nation, journeying to the Avatar temple. With the help of the only Fire Sage that was still loyal to the Avatar, Shyu, Aang managed to enter the inner chamber of the temple. Avatar Roku, who manifested himself when light from the solstice sun struck his statue, warned Aang of Sozin's Comet, a comet that returns once every one hundred years and greatly increases a Firebender's power. ] used the power of the comet to start the war a century ago, and Sozin's Comet will return at the end of summer. If Aang does not defeat Fire Lord Ozai before the Comet's arrival, the Fire Nation will be unstoppable, and the Avatar will be unable to restore balance to the world. Aang despairs that he has not learned the other bending arts and will be unable to complete his training before the Comet's arrival, but Roku assures him that, as his previous incarnations have done, he will succeed.<ref name="Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2)|">{{cite episode | title = Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2) | episodelink = Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2) | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-04-15 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 8}}</ref>


==== Future deadline ==== ====Films====
] has published a ] (sometimes referred to as cine-manga), in which Aang, being the main character of the show, appears repeatedly.<ref name="Web Comics"/>
Although it takes years of discipline and training to master any particular element, Aang must master them all and defeat ] before summer's end.<ref name="Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2)|">{{cite episode | title = Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2) | episodelink = Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2) | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-04-15 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 8}}</ref> Fortunately, shortly before Sozin's Comet is due to arrive, there will be a complete ] during which Firebenders will lose their power, giving Aang a huge advantage when invading the Fire Nation and confronting Ozai.<ref name="The Library">{{cite episode | title = The Library | episodelink = The Library (Avatar: The Last Airbender) | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-07-14 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 10}}</ref>


In 2010, director ] cast 12-year-old ] practitioner ] as Aang in the film adaptation of the series, '']''.<ref>{{cite news | first = N | last = Sperling | title = Movies | publisher = ] | volume = 1026 | date = 2008-12-17 | page = 15}}</ref> His name in the film is pronounced instead of . The casting of a presumed ] actor in the role of Aang (as well as a primarily ] cast) in the Asian-influenced ''Avatar'' universe triggered negative reactions from some fans, marked by accusations of racism, a letter-writing campaign, and a protest outside of a ] casting call for movie extras.<ref>{{cite news|author=Graeme McMillan|title=Avatar Casting Makes Fans See... White|access-date=2022-02-10|date=2008-12-17|url=https://gizmodo.com/avatar-casting-makes-fans-see-white-5111680| work=]| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081220073248/http://io9.com/5111680/avatar-casting-makes-fans-see-white| archive-date= 20 December 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Jeff Yang |title='Avatar' an Asian thing- why isn't the cast? |access-date=2022-02-10 |date=2008-12-29 |url=https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Avatar-an-Asian-thing-why-isn-t-the-cast-3252822.php |work=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201034055/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2009%2F01%2F28%2FDDMU15ICE4.DTL |archive-date= 1 February 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Naomi Tarlow|title=Protesters oppose "whitewashing" in new Shyamalan film|access-date=2008-12-29|date=2008-12-29|url=http://thedp.com/node/58215|work=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725022507/http://thedp.com/node/58215|archive-date=2011-07-25|url-status=dead}}</ref> The casting decisions were also negatively received by several critics, who stated that the original casting call expressed a preference for Caucasian actors over others.<ref name="Casting controversy">{{cite web|last=Hoffman |first=Jordan |url=http://www.ugo.com/movies/airbender-casting-call-controversy-continues |title=Racebending&nbsp;— The Controversy Continues&nbsp;— The Last Airbender |publisher=UGO.com |date=2010-05-21 |access-date=2010-06-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524121422/http://www.ugo.com/movies/airbender-casting-call-controversy-continues |archive-date=24 May 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Noah Ringer later identified himself to '']'' as an ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/11/03/noah-ringer-last-airbender-cowboys-aliens/|title=Noah Ringer of 'The Last Airbender' has nothing up his sleeve: EW at 'The Kids' Table'|author=Karen Valby|date=November 3, 2010|publisher=]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111223161246/http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/11/03/noah-ringer-last-airbender-cowboys-aliens/|archive-date=December 23, 2011|access-date=October 8, 2011}} <!-- ATTENTION: The reporter Karen Valby had re-confirmed that Noah Ringer self-identified as "American Indian", not a "clerical" error. For details please check ]'s entry and talk page. --></ref>
With the knowledge of the Comet's impending arrival, the weight of his duty increasingly agitates Aang. To help relieve his predicament, Katara teaches Aang her ] skills. She also steals a Waterbending scroll from a group of pirates. After a run-in with the pirates and Prince Zuko, Aang and Katara decide to learn together from the scroll.<ref name="The Waterbending Scroll">{{cite episode | title = The Waterbending Scroll | episodelink = The Waterbending Scroll | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-04-29 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 09}}</ref>


==Creation and conception==
Aang is briefly captured by the Yu Yan Archers under Admiral Zhao, a Fire Nation admiral who is competing with ] to capture Aang, while collecting a remedy for his friends' illness. Aang is imprisoned in a Fire Nation fortress. Though Zhao assured him no one is coming to his rescue, he is proven wrong when a masked vigilante called the Blue Spirit freed Aang. However, he was knocked out at long range. Aang took off the Blue Spirit's mask, to discover it was Zuko. Not wanting the banished prince to be executed for what he had done, Aang takes Zuko with him. When he woke up, Aang related him to a friend of his in the Fire Nation, Kuzon. Zuko responded by blasting him only for Aang to leave the scene. He then recollects the frogs and give them to his friends.
Aang's character was developed from a drawing by Bryan Konietzko of a "balding human man in his forties wearing a futuristic outfit" based on Michael Dante DiMartino's appearance with an arrow design on his head.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Konietzko |first=Bryan |url=https://www.worldcat.org/title/on1154191221 |title=Avatar, The Last Airbender: The Art of the Animated Series |last2=DiMartino |first2=Michael Dante |last3=Yang |first3=Gene Luen |date=2020 |publisher=Dark Horse Books |others=Nickelodeon (Television network) |isbn=978-1-5067-2169-9 |edition=Second |location=Milwaukie, OR |pages=10-11 |oclc=on1154191221}}</ref> Konietzko later developed this man into a child with a flying ].<ref name="NickMagInterview1">{{cite journal|last=DiMartino|first=Michael Dante|author2=Konietzko, Bryan|title=In Their Elements|journal=Nickelodeon Magazine|page=6|date=2006|issue=Winter 2006}}</ref> Meanwhile, DiMartino was interested in a documentary about explorers trapped in the ], which he later combined with Konietzko's drawing.
{{blockquote|''"There's an air guy along with these water people trapped in a snowy wasteland...and maybe some fire people are pressing down on them..."''|Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko<ref name="NickMagInterview1" />}}


The plot they described corresponds with the first and second episodes of ''Avatar: The Last Airbender'', where the "water people" (] and ]) rescue the "air guy" (Aang) while "trapped in a snowy ]" (the Southern Water Tribe) with "some fire people are pressing down on them" (] and the Fire Nation troops).<ref name="NickMagInterview1" /><ref name="The Boy in the Iceberg">{{cite episode|title=The Boy in the Iceberg|airdate=2005-02-21|season=1|number=1|credits=Director: Dave Filoni, Writers: Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon}}</ref><ref name="The Avatar Returns" /> The creators of the show intended for Aang to be trapped in an iceberg for one thousand years, later to wake up to a futuristic world, wherein he would have a ] named Momo and a dozen flying bison. The creators eventually lost interest in this science fiction theme and changed it to an Asian-inspired fantasy world. Aang was changed to being stuck in a hundred years of ], his bald head was explained away by him hailing from a culture inspired by ], the robotic Momo became a flying ], and the herd of bison was reduced to one.<ref name="NickMagInterview1"/>
In "The Deserter" While masquerading in secret at a Fire Nation festival, Aang searches for a firebending master and is directed to Jeong Jeong, an enlightened and exiled firebending master. After basic training, Aang, frusturated attempts more advanced techniques against Katara's warning and in his lack of control, burns Katara. Although she would learn to heal her wounds promptly afterward, Aang, throughout the series due to this event, is afraid to attempt firebending and vows never to firebend again. He would finally accept himself as a firebender when he must unblock his chakras, namely, the one blocked by guilt.


In the episode "Tales of Ba Sing Se", Aang's name was written as 安昂 (ān áng) in Chinese.
Aang also travels to the Northern Air Temple and discovers that Earth Kingdom refugees have moved in and renovated the temple with the inventions of "the mechanist". He meets Teo, his disabled son, and after discovering the Fire Nation threatens to kill the colony if the mechanist does not hand his inventions over for their use, Aang helps the people drive off a Fire Nation attack, and accepts them as the new inhabitants of the temple. However, they were forced to abandon a crashed hot air balloon, inadvertently handing the Fire Nation soldiers a powerful war machine with some repair.


===Personality and characteristics===
After arriving at the North Pole, Aang is introduced to Pakku, a ]. However, Pakku refused to teach Katara because she was a girl. After a day of training, Aang taught Katara in secret but their lesson was discovered by Pakku who refused to teach him further until Katara apologizes. After their battle, Pakku decides to teach the two after discovering his past connection with Katara's grandmother.


Michael Dante DiMartino, the show's co-creator, said:
Aang discovers the massive Fire Nation fleet heading to the North Pole, lead by Zhao intent on capturing him and destroying the Water Tribe. Aang decides he must contact the spirits of Moon and Ocean. Princess Yue directs him to the Spirit Oasis, a gateway to the Spirit World. There, Aang's spirit crosses over. However, Zuko stole his body and escaped into a frozen tundra. When Aang entered the Spirit World, he learns from a malevolent spirit, Koh, the Face Stealer, that the spirits are the koi fish. Aang returns to the physical world, and his body. After being rescued by his friends, he arrives at the spirit oasis where Admiral Zhao kills the moon spirit to disable waterbending permanently. Aang enters the avatar state and merges with the ocean spirit, and begins a fierce assault on the escaping Fire Nation ships. Princess Yue gives her life to restore the moon spirit and Aang and the ocean spirit return. Katara's natural skill with waterbending coupled with her eagerness to learn make her a waterbending master, and she would become Aang's waterbending instructor on their travels from then on.<ref name="The Siege of the North Part 2">{{cite episode | title = The Siege of the North, Part 2 | episodelink = The Siege of the North#Part 2 | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-12-02 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 20}}</ref>
{{blockquote|''"We wanted Aang to solve problems and defeat enemies with his wits as well as his powerful abilities"''.|Michael Dante DiMartino<ref name="IGN Interview-Solving Problems">{{cite interview|last=DiMartino |first=Michael Dante |last2=Konietzko |first2=Bryan |interviewer=Eduardo Vasconcellos |work=IGN |title=Interview: Avatar's Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/09/06/interview-avatars-bryan-konietzko-and-michael-dante-dimartino |date=2007-09-06 |access-date=2022-02-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071118151020/http://tv.ign.com/articles/818/818284p1.html |archive-date=18 November 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref>}}


According to the show's creators, "Buddhism and ] have been huge inspirations behind the idea for ''Avatar''."<ref name="NickMagInterview2" /> As shown in "The King of Omashu"<ref name="The King of Omashu">{{cite episode|title=The King of Omashu|airdate=2005-03-18|season=1|number=5|credits=Director: Anthony Lioi; Writer: John O'Bryan|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon}}</ref> and "The Headband",<ref name="The Headband">{{cite episode|title=The Headband|airdate=2007-09-28|season=3|number=2|credits=Director: Joaquim dos Santos; Writer: John O'Bryan|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon}}</ref> a notable aspect of Aang's character is his ] diet, which is consistent with ], ], and ].<ref name="NickMagInterview2">{{cite journal|last=DiMartino|first=Michael Dante|author-link=Michael Dante DiMartino|author2=Konietzko, Bryan|title=Myth Conceptions|journal=Nickelodeon Magazine|page=7|date=2006|issue=Winter 2006}}</ref> In the ], a Buddhist code of ethics, vegetarianism is encouraged.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.purifymind.com/BrahmaNetSutra.htm|title=Brahmajala Sutra Translated Text|access-date=2008-02-12|last=Jing|first=Fanwang|publisher=Purify Out Mind|page=4|quote=He must not create the causes ... and shall not intentionally kill any living creature.| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080204235921/http://www.purifymind.com/BrahmaNetSutra.htm| archive-date= 4 February 2008 |url-status= live}}</ref> Furthermore, the writers gave Aang a consistent reluctance to fight and an aversion to killing. In "The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1)", Aang encounters an angry spirit destroying a village and kidnapping villagers; but instead of fighting the spirit, Aang negotiates.<ref name="The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1)">{{cite episode|title=The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1)|airdate=2005-04-08|season=1|number=7|credits=Director: Lauren MacMullan; Writer: Aaron Ehasz|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon}}</ref> He is also depicted showing ethical reluctance in killing the Phoenix King,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.toonzone.net/news/articles/25009/sozins-comet-produces-an-epic-season-finale-for-avatar-the-last-airbender |title="Sozin's Comet" Produces an Epic Season Finale for "Avatar the Last Airbender" |author=Liu, Ed |publisher=Toon Zone |date=2008-07-18 |access-date=2008-07-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613195155/http://www.toonzone.net/news/articles/25009/sozins-comet-produces-an-epic-season-finale-for-avatar-the-last-airbender |archive-date=2011-06-13 }}</ref> and eventually strips Ozai of his bending instead of murdering him.<ref name="Sozin Comet"/>
=== Book 2: Earth ===
==== Return to Omashu ====
Following the defeat of Admiral Zhao at the hands of Ocean Spirit, Aang and his friends are escorted to General Fong's Earth Kingdom base, where he would then be taken back to Omashu to begin his earthbending instruction. However, Fong was intent on unleashing the ] to immediately defeat the Fire Lord. Aang eventually became willing to comply, realizing how many people were being hurt or killed everyday. However, after three unsuccessful attempts, Fong takes matters into his own hands and orders his troops to attack Aang. As Aang was able to avoid his numerous attacks, Fong decided to attack a more defenseless target: Katara. By feigning to sink Katara totally into the ground, Fong finally triggered the Avatar state. This did not go as expected, and, as inevitable, resulted in Aang losing control and devastating the entire base. While in the Avatar state, Aang's spirit is taken from his body and he encounters Avatar Roku once again, who provided an explanation of the mechanism behind the state. Roku concluded his speech with a warning, if Aang were to be killed while in the Avatar state, the reincarnation cycle would be broken and the Avatar would cease to exist.


===Bending the elements===
After meeting a band of singing nomads and surviving the Cave of Two Lovers, the group at last returns to Omashu, only to discover that the city had been conquered and occupied by the Fire Nation. Taken in by the resistance, Aang and his friends learned that Bumi perplexingly surrendered to the invading forces. After evacuating the civilian population and reuniting with Bumi, the king explains to Aang that he surrendered in order to wait for the perfect opportunity to strike. Aang comes to accept that he must leave his old friend behind and find another earthbending teacher, who Bumi describes as "someone who waits and listens before striking." Before leaving the fallen city, Aang reunites the Fire Nation governor and his wife with their wandering son Tom-Tom.
{{further|Korra#Bending the elements}}
As the Avatar, Aang is capable of bending ] (air, water, earth and fire). The series' creators consulted a professional martial artist in the design of the show's fighting style; each of these styles' philosophies and set movements corresponds to a specific "bending arts".<ref name="Kisu">{{cite web | title=Kisu – Filmography by TV Series | url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0457467/filmoseries?ref_=nm_flmg_msc_1#tt0417299 |publisher=IMDb | access-date=2013-10-21}}</ref>


The creators made bending a natural extension of consistent limitations and rules of the world. Everything in Avatar's world, whether it be clothing, culture or infrastructure, is influenced by bending. The City of Omashu uses a complex system of gravity and earthbending to transport supplies. The Water Tribes were a naval superpower: their buildings are made of ice and used waterbending as mechanisms for their walls and gates. Airbenders built temples atop high mountains and cliffs that could only be easily reached by Airbending and they have a hermetic ideology to reflect this isolation. The Fire Nation were the first to industrialize due to their ability to generate power and master ] with their bending of fire and lightning.
==== In Search of a Teacher ====
Aang and friends later come upon an Earth Kingdom town retaining an underground earthbending tournament in their continuous search for Aang's teacher. There, Aang meets and battles with the standing champion, "The Blind Bandit", whom he recognizes as the girl seen during his vision in "]". After seeing the blind Earthbender easily dispatch of an opponent, Aang comes to the conclusion that she would be a perfect teacher for him. However, before he could ask her, she left. After some researching, Aang discovers The Blind Bandit really to be Toph Bei Fong, the only daughter of a wealthy nobleman. He is able to meet her, and discovers her overprotective father shut his daughter off from the world to ensure her safety. Toph eventually came to accept Aang's offer. Her father, however, did not approve of this, leading her to run away from home to join the group. Once her father discovered she was gone, he paid Xin Fu and Master Yu, Toph's benefactor and earthbending teacher respectively, to bring her home.


At the start of the series, Aang is initially only proficient in air, having been able to bend it with ease since he was a young child. Through the teaching of Katara and Zuko, he gradually learns waterbending and firebending; but struggles with Toph's teachings of earthbending due to its rigid nature conflicting with his desire for freedom. Aang utilizes all elements equally, but heavily favors airbending for crowd control and non-lethal purposes, in accordance with his ] principles.
Excited to finally learn earthbending, Aang was prepared to try, but could not handle the basics, or Toph's teaching methods. After confronting a saber-tooth moose-lion head-on, Aang could finally perform earthbending.


*'''Airbending''': The bending art Aang primarily uses in the entire franchise, is a ''Southern Temple Style'' based on an "]" ] called ]. Aang is the only person in ] to have mastered this form of airbending, and would later pass down this knowledge to his son, ], who with the aid of ], would prove instrumental in the reconstruction and preservation of Air Nomad oral and ]. Due to the genocide of his people, all other "styles of airbending arts" have been forever lost to history. This fighting style focuses on circular movements, and does not have many finishing moves; traits meant to represent the unpredictability of air and the peaceful character of Airbenders.<ref name="NickAv">{{cite web| url = http://www.nick.com/shows/avatar/| title = Nickelodeon's Official Avatar: The Last Airbender Flash Site| access-date = 2006-12-02| publisher = Nick.com| archive-date = 2010-08-19| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100819182658/http://www.nick.com/shows/avatar/| url-status = live}}</ref> Airbending represents the element of freedom,<ref name="Ehasz, Aaron 2006">Ehasz, Aaron (writer) & Spaulding, Ethan (director). (June 2, 2006). "Bitter Work". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 2. Episode 9. Nickelodeon.</ref> and is categorized as the ''most elusive'' of the "four bending arts". Airbending utilizes '']'', which involves retreating and dodging attacks. Airbending involves "smooth coiling and uncoiling actions"; dynamic footwork, throws, and open-handed techniques; and swift, evasive maneuvers designed to evoke the "intangibility and explosive power of wind". These techniques are intended to increase the difficulty for opponents to attack directly or land a lethal blow—allowing airbenders to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury—a pacifist-philosophy that is prevalent among the Air Nomad people. Airbending lacks "finishing moves" or effective methods for permanently disabling foes, a weakness frequently exploited by opponents.
==== Desert of the Dead ====
*'''Waterbending''': Waterbending is the bending art Katara, later Pakku, teaches Aang in the series, which is based on ] techniques of "]" ] and ]. When Aang traveled north, he learned ''Northern Tribe Yin-style''. During '']'', Katara is the only Master of "]", forced to reconstruct the style from surviving manuscripts; all other masters were killed, their collective knowledge ] by the Fire Nation.<ref>The Lost Scrolls: Water, page 31 of The Lost Scrolls Collection.</ref><ref name="kungfumagazine.com">{{Cite web |url=http://www.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=1038 |title=Archived copy |access-date=2019-08-18 |archive-date=2019-11-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191127043329/http://www.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=1038 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="NickAv"/><ref name="Return To Omashu">{{cite episode|title=Return to Omashu|airdate=April 7, 2006|season=2|number=3|credits=Director: Ethan Spaulding; Writer: Elizabeth Welch Ehasz|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|series-link=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon|episode-link=Avatar: The Last Airbender (Season 2)#ep23}}</ref> Waterbending represents the element of change—a shapeshifter constantly changing forms<ref name="Ehasz, Aaron 2006"/>—and is categorized as the most adaptive or pliable of the "four bending arts". Waterbending emphasizes "softness and breathing" over "hard aggression"; fluid and graceful, acting in concert with the environment; creating opportunities where none exist; this "flow of energy" allows their defensive maneuvers to translate into focus on control and counter-offenses, turning their opponents' momentum against them. Despite these advantages, Waterbending is almost entirely dependent on inertia; it is essential for practitioners to not be rigid, but to be fluid and able to adapt to any situation.
Travelling to the Misty Palm Oasis of the Si Wong Desert as a mini vacation, Aang and friends find that, like everything else, had drastically changed. However, they do come across the inquisitive Professor Zei, an anthropologist in dedicated search of a long lost spirit library hidden in the desert. Easily transerving the sparse desert atop Appa, the library is soon located. The group along with Zei, descend into the almost completely buried building, with Toph choosing to remain outside and guard Appa. Once inside, the group is led to a planetarium where they discover that a solar eclipse had once rendered the Fire Nation helpless. They immediately began contemplating plans to make use of this information, only to be overhead by Wan Shi Tong, spirit guardian of the library. Frustrated that his knowledge being used for evil, the spirit attempted to sink and seal off the library forever, with them inside. With Sokka, they were quickly able to determine when the next eclipse would happen and make their escape, save Professor Zei who choose to stay behind with his life's work. Due in part to Toph holding up the library, Aang, Katara, Sokka and Momo manage to make it outside just before the structure completely submerges. Their rejoicement over escaping with the vital information swiftly disperses when it is revealed that Appa had been taken by a group of Sandbenders.
*'''Earthbending''': Earthbending is the martial art Toph teaches Aang in the series, which is based on ] techniques of '']'' and ].<ref>The Lost Scrolls: Fire, page 159 of The Lost Scrolls Collection. The Lost Scrolls: Earth, page 93 of The Lost Scrolls Collection.</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226175923/http://www.avatarspiritmedia.net/con_reports.php?id=3 |date=2012-02-26 }} – Avatarspirit.net</ref><ref name="kungfumagazine.com"/><ref name="NickAv"/><ref name="Return To Omashu"/> Earthbending represents the element of substance.<ref name="Ehasz, Aaron 2006"/> Toph's earthbending style is Chu Gar Praying Mantis, as opposed to the more common Hung Gar, taught to her by the original earthbenders, badgermoles. Earthbending is categorized as the ''most diverse and enduring'' of the "four bending arts".<ref name="Avatar Earth"/> Earthbending is the geokinetic ability to manipulate earth, rock, sand, lava, and metals in all their various forms. Earthbending utilizes '']'', which involves waiting and listening for the right moment to act decisively. Earthbending involves enduring attacks until the right opportunity to counterattack reveals itself, emphasizes "heavily rooted stances and strong blows that evoke the mass and power of earth", and demands precise ] to maintain constant contact with the ground. Earthbending parallels ] movements (such as the tiger's hard blows and the crane's affinity to landing gracefully). Earthbending is at its strongest when the feet or hand are in direct contact with the ground, enabling earthbenders to transfer their kinetic energies into their bending for fast and powerful moves. This reliance on direct contact with the earth is a literal ]; separating earthbenders from any contact with the earth renders them ineffective.
*'''Firebending''': Firebending is the martial art Zuko teaches Aang in the series, which is based on ] techniques of '']'', ], ] and '']''.<ref>The Lost Scrolls: Fire, page 159 of The Lost Scrolls Collection.</ref><ref name="kungfumagazine.com"/><ref name="NickAv"/><ref name="Return To Omashu"/> Firebending represents the element of power—desire and will paired with energy to achieve it,<ref name="Ehasz, Aaron 2006"/> a philosophy reflected in firebending's unique capability for its users to generate their central element, rather than manipulating already present sources. Firebenders use breath control to manipulate chi in their own bodies and convert the energy from breathing into fire once it exits the body.<ref name="DiMartino, Michael Dante 2006">DiMartino, Michael Dante & Bryan Konietzko (writers) & Filoni, Dave (director). (February 21, 2005). "The Boy in the Iceberg". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 1. Episode 1. Nickelodeon.</ref> A century of warfare have corrupted the Fire Nation's rich culture, and with it, their firebending-styles "regressed" into militarized format based on hatred and raw aggression; Zuko and Aang sought to learn firebending in its purest and most harmonious form, and rediscovered ''Dancing Dragon Style'' from the last surviving dragons. Dragon Style is the bending art first practiced by the Sun Warriors, the earliest incarnation of the modern Fire Nation; for the Sun Warriors, fire is life, energy, and creativity, rather than destruction and hate.<ref name="O'Bryan, John 2008">O'Bryan, John (writer) & Volpe, Giancarlo (director). (July 15, 2008). "The Firebending Masters". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 3. Episode 13. Nickelodeon.</ref> Firebending is categorized as the most determined and powerful of the "four bending arts".<ref name="Avatar Earth">{{cite web | title=Inside the Nicktoons Studio: Avatar: "Firebending" Episode Clip | url=http://spongebob.nick.com/videos/clip/nicktoon-studio-avatar-earth.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021113936/http://spongebob.nick.com/videos/clip/nicktoon-studio-avatar-earth.html | archive-date=2013-10-21 |publisher=Nickelodeon | access-date=2013-10-21|url-status=dead}}</ref> All Firebending styles emphasize initiative and speed, overwhelming their opponents with powerful jabs and kicks that hurl fire before building to an explosive finishing move, mirroring the vitality and explosive power of fire. This is often seen in the "Agni Kai" or fire-duels that Zuko competes in. A master firebender will confidently control fire, rather than allowing their energy to become unfocused rage. A select few high-level firebenders can access highly destructive and lethal skills, such as lightning-bending and combustion-bending. Firebending's offensive power comes with a trade-off: a lack of blocks or evasive maneuvers, particularly when facing other elements.
*'''Energybending''': Aang learned about energybending from the last living lion turtle, as he did not wish to kill Ozai, and was given the ability to do so. He is able to use energybending to connect with his inner spirit and gain cosmic energy from the universe. In '']'', Aang gave Avatar Korra, the current Avatar, the ability to energybend, which was used to restore people's bending abilities after Amon removed them using bloodbending.


===The Avatar State===
Infuriated, Aang unreasonably blames Toph for Appa's kidnapping. Seeing how everyone is more focused about making their way through the desert than his life long friend, Aang flies off on his own in search of Appa. In the end, Aang's search proves to be fruitless, with him engendering a gigantic mushroom cloud in frustration. After returning to the others, the group continues their trek through the endless desert, with Aang acting despondent, if not outright hostile and bitter, over their situation all the way. The group eventually comes across an abandoned sand sailer and compass, which they used to travel to a large rock formation in the desert's center. There, they are attacked by a hive of Buzzard-Wasps, one of which Aang viciously strikes down after attempting to take Momo.
]


As the Avatar, Aang serves as a bridge between "]" and the "]", the plane of existence where the universe's disembodied spirits dwell. His spirituality training progressed swiftly, granting visions and access to the various memories from his past lives.
The group then encountered the Sandbenders themselves, one of whom Toph identified as the person who stole Appa. Aang demanded to know where his bison was, threateningly obliterating their desert sailers one by one before slipping into the Avatar state. The Sandbender Ghashuin confessed that he had traded Appa over to some merchants and was probably in Ba Sing Se by now where he would be sold. The wind and sands twist around Aang as he proceeds to fully enter the state. Katara, however, manages to make her way to him and calm him down. Tears roll down his face as he falls into her arms and out of the Avatar state.


Like his predecessors, his most powerful ability is the ], in which he receives a massive boost in raw power from the cosmic energy, enabling him to easily overcome any opponent that tries to fight him head-on. In addition, this state allows him to access bending techniques he would not have learned during his own lifetime but throughout those of his past lives. If he is killed in the Avatar State, then this would cause the Avatar to cease being reincarnated and end the Avatar Cycle.
==== To Ba Sing Se ====
En route to the Earth Kingdom capital of Ba Sing Se, the group contemplates on what path to take on foot, seeing as they no longer have Appa, whom a repressed Aang questionably seems to no longer be upset over. They then meet a trio of refugees also headed for the same destination who direct them towards a ferry port. Thanks to Toph's status, she, Aang, Katara, and Sokka were able to secure four passes. However, when the refugees they had met earlier come to the four with the news that their passes had been stolen, Aang charges himself to guiding them safely across the ], but not before being reunited with and accompanied by the Kyoshi Warrior Suki. In the midst of surviving and overcoming various trials of the dreaded pass, Aang experienced a dream of his very first bonding with Appa during one of their rest stops. Katara later finds Aang standing out on the edge of a cliff, staring out across the lake and expresses her concern over his unfeeling attitude. Aang states that he is imposing it upon himself to prevent himself from losing control again, a feeling he has come to hate. Katara asks Aang to promise not to stop caring, even when its hurts.
At last the travelers finally make it out of the Serpent's Pass, and the walls of Ba Sing Se can be seen just over the next valley, when suddenly, Ying goes into labor. Fortunately Katara, who was experienced into delivering infants, was able to safely deliver the baby girl. The sight of the child brings Aang to tears before expressing that while he's had some hardship lately, she has made him feel hopeful. For that reason, the parents decide to name their new daughter Hope. Taking Katara aside, Aang goes on to admit that he thought that he was trying to be strong, but really was just running away from his feelings. Seeing this family together, so full of happiness and love, reminded him of how he felt about Appa, as well as her.


==Critical reception==
With the outer wall of Ba Sing Se was at last reached, the group was forced to delay their search once more in order to stop invading Fire Nation forces, which were using a giant drill to plow through the wall. Prideful in their defensive abilities, the commander of the wall, General Sung, refused the Avatar's help, that is until his elite platoon was easily defeated by Mai and Ty Lee. Thanks to Sokka's ingenuity, they were able to get into the machine and learn how to destroy it from the inside. Aang and Katara would go about this by using waterbending in tandem to sever the braces. As he prepared to deliver the final blow atop the drill, Aang's progress was obstructed by the interference of Princess Azula. Aang waged a fierce battle with the princess, using water, earth, air to hold his own. In the end, by driving a large, earthen spike into the drill's weak spot, he was able to delivered the final blow, which produced a shockwave that simultaneously disabled the machine completely as well as defeat his opponent.
{{Expand section|date=November 2021}}
Aang was received exceptionally by critics and fans. Kendall Lyons stated, "Aang seems to be the lighthearted kid that you can easily familiarize yourself with", and that he "seems to bring comfort in the most dangerous or hostile situations."<ref name="Lighthearted Personality">{{cite web|url=http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=613 |title=Avatar: The Last Airbender |access-date=2008-02-15 |last=Lyons |first=Kendall |date=2005-12-08 |publisher=Animation Inside |page=2 |quote=Aang seems to be the lighthearted kid that you can easily familiarize yourself with. He seems to bring comfort in the most dangerous or hostile situations. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222171926/http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=613 |archive-date=22 February 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> There are many similar descriptions about Aang as a childlike character who is "reckless and excitable".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scifi.com/sfw/anime/sfw12366.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080217013803/http://www.scifi.com/sfw/anime/sfw12366.html|archive-date=2008-02-17|title=Avatar: The Last Airbender|access-date=2008-02-15|last=Robinson|first=Tasha|date=2006-03-07|publisher=Sci-Fi Weekly|page=2|quote=Aang, meanwhile, is as reckless and excitable as a kid his age should be, but he also shows the marks of a monastic life of training and responsibility.}}</ref> Reviews point out that "as the Avatar, Aang seems unstoppable, but as Aang, he is just another Airbender"; the review states later that the show continues to focus on a more realistic character instead of a perfect one by revealing many character flaws.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/02/28/avatar-the-last-airbender-the-spirit-world-winter-solstice-part-1-review|title=Avatar: The Last Airbender – "The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1)" Review|access-date=2022-02-10|last=Mell|first=Tory Ireland|date=2008-02-27|publisher=IGN |quote=As the Avatar, Aang seems unstoppable, but as Aang, he is just another Airbender...| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080302202924/http://tv.ign.com/articles/855/855270p1.html| archive-date= 2 March 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref>


In 2016, '']'' ranked Aang #15 on its "30 Best Animated TV Characters Of All Time" list.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/best-animated-tv-characters-of-all-time/|title=30 Best Animated TV Characters Of All Time|website=]|first=Jason|last=Berman|date=June 9, 2016|access-date=February 28, 2018|archive-date=February 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228161812/https://screenrant.com/best-animated-tv-characters-of-all-time/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Once inside the inner wall and within the actual city itself, the Avatar and his friends are given a house positioned in the Upper Ring as merit of their efforts against the Fire Nation. Though they were urgent to meet with the Earth King and deliver the information about the Fire Nation's weakeness, their tour guide, Joo Dee absentmindedly ignored their talk about the eclipse. Presented with notion that it would be at least over a month before their request for an audience with the Earth King would be processed, Aang decides that they should spend their time looking for Appa. Accompanied by Joo Dee, Aang and company are unable to acquire any leads, as everyone they ask instantly becomes nervous and seemingly oblivious at the mere sight of her. Opportunity arose for the group when they received a newsletter for a ball being held at the royal palace and came to be able to sneak in by dressing up as guests and waiters. Though they came close, their chance to see the king was stolen due to the interference of Ba Sing Se's cultural enforcers, the Dai Li. Their leader and the city's Grand Secretariat, Long Feng, reveals that the war had been kept from the citizens of Ba Sing Se in order to create what he has come to call a utopia. When Aang defiantly threatens to expose their conspiracy, Long Feng goes on to state that while the Avatar and his friends had been treated as our honored guests, they would be watched every waking moment by Dai Li agents. Before being escorted home by another Joo Dee eerily identical to their previous guide, they are warned that if they were to mention the war to anyone, it would result in expulsion from Ba Sing Se and Aang would never see Appa ever again.


At the ], Dutch windsurfer ] won the gold medal in ] while having a blue arrow haircut inspired by Aang's design.<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Connor |first1=Phillip |title=Sailing-'Last Airbender' Badloe in control for final RS:X gold |url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/sailing-last-airbender-badloe-control-final-rsx-gold-2021-07-30/ |website=reuters.com |date=30 July 2021 |access-date=30 July 2021 |archive-date=30 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730153149/https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/sailing-last-airbender-badloe-control-final-rsx-gold-2021-07-30/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
During his separated tale that takes place within "]", Aang helps a zookeeper out with the animals of his underfunded zoo. Confident in his abilities with nature, the Avatar declares that he would be able to transport all the creatures to the wide, open plains just outside the inner wall. However, his attempt only resulted in the animals running rampant all over the city. By amplifying the effect of his bison whistle with a powerful exhale produced by airbending, Aang managed to lure the animals to the agricultural zone. There, he proceeded to create a brand new zoo from scratch using earthbending. Unfortunately, it soon becomes apparent that Aang also lured several domestic pets in the process. Though sincerely grateful, the zookeeper left an embarrassed Aang with the suggestion that he "stick to saving people."


==Family tree==
==== Crossroads of Destiny ====
{{Water Tribe–Air Nomad family tree}}
In "]" the group had made posters and fliers of Appa and sent them all over the city. But the first Joo Dee told them they needed permission for this but Aang, tired of rules, enragingly tells her to stay out of their way. The group then once again met Jet, who claimed to know where to find Appa. But the arrival of the other Freedom Fighters makes it obvious that Jet was brainwashed by the Dai Li. Managing to awaken Jet's real memories, the group along with the Freedom Fighters stormed the Dai Li's base at Lake Laogai and battled against the corrupt enforcers. When Aang and Jet confronted Long Feng alone, he offered to reunite Aang with Appa in exchange for leaving the city. When Aang refused, Long Feng used a hypnotization technique to turn Jet against him. Aang was able to remind Jet of who he was but Jet was mortally wounded by Long Feng. While the other freedom Fighters stood to defend their leader, the group returns to the surface, they were surrounded had not Appa been released by Zuko. With they friend back, there was nothing stopping them from informing the Earth King - except the palace guards and Long Feng trying to convince the King that they were part of a group plotting to take control. But thanks to the not covered Fire Nation drill, it was enough for the king to order Long Feng's arrest. To brighten the day, the Council of Five, the highest ranking generals in the Earth Kingdom, had found a number of letters for Aang and Toph. The letter for Aang told him that a ] at the Eastern Air Temple plans to teach him how to control the Avatar State. While Toph went to see her mother (which was unfortunately a trap), Katara stayed to plan the invasion of the Fire Nation, Aang dropped Sokka off at Chameleon Bay to see his father. Once he and Appa reached the Eastern Air Temple, he met Guru Pathik who was teaching how to open his ]s, the pools of energy swirling in his body in order to control the Avatar State. But at the Thought Chakra, Aang could not give up his attachment to Katara but Pathik said it was necessary. Just as he was about to open the final chakra, Aang received a vision of Katara being in danger and left, despite the guru's warning that he will not be able to go into the Avatar State at all.


==References==
Gathering Sokka and Toph (who had escaped from Xin Fu and Yu), Aang returns to Ba Sing Se. However, the Earth King assures him everything is fine and that Katara was probably off with the Kyoshi Warriors (who were actually Azula, Mai and Ty Lee in disguise). When the came back to their house and found no one else was there, they get a plead from Iroh, who had also moved into the city that they need to rescue Zuko as well. Thanks to a capture Dai Li agent, they learned that Azula and Long Feng were plotting a ] and that Katara and Zuko are in the crystal catacombs of old Ba Sing Se. While Sokka and Toph went to warn the Earth King of this, Aang and Iroh made their way underground. As they went, they talked about the differences between love and power. When they reached the captives and went their separate ways, Aang is confronted by Azula, joined by Zuko (who was promised he could regain his honor) and the Dai Li (who had switched loyalty to Azula). With few options left, Aang enters the Avatar state, only to be hit with lightning from Azula. But due to intervention from Katara and Iroh, they escaped the city. She then uses water from the Spirit Oasis to heal Aang. Glad that he was okay, Katara embraces him as they fly off into a bleak future.
{{reflist}}

=== Book 3: Fire ===
==== The Awakening ====
After several weeks spent unconscious, Aang finally awakens aboard a captured Fire Nation ship. He soon realizes that he now sports a full head of hair, a mass of bandages, and a vicious scar on his back. As Katara works to heal the scar on his back, Aang has a painful flash of memory back to the moment he had fallen--realizing in the process that he was not just injured, but was actually killed. Though Katara insists that it was the Spirit Water that saved him, Aang states it was her.
]
The next day, Aang learns a horrid truth--the entire world believes he is dead. While Sokka is delighted by the idea, insisting that it provides a needed advantage, Aang finds himself in a state of frustration and dismay. He blames himself for the defeat at Ba Sing Se and the fall of the Earth Kingdom, saying that he had been there and failed to stop it. After a scuffle with a Fire Nation vessel that discovers them, a battle in which he was forced to remain hidden, Aang slips away in the night with only his glider in order to face his destiny alone, intending to redeem himself and keep anyone else from paying for his mistakes. Aang manages to make it past the naval blockade but finds himself caught in a nasty squall in which he falls into the sea and loses his glider. Believing he has failed once again and will now die because of his foolishness, Aang finds himself unable to work up the will to continue. In his darkest hour, Avatar Roku suddenly appears to Aang and tells hims not to blame himself, claiming that the fault is his own. Roku goes on to confide his belief that the boy is destined to redeem him as well as save the world. Additionally, the spirit of Yue appears and removes the last of Aang's doubt, encouraging him to save the world as he has before. She then helps Aang to safety, sending a wave that carries him to ] where Roku's home once stood.

The following morning, Aang is reunited with his friends when they find him lying at the shore. Aang apologizes to his friends for his rash actions, who in turn reply that they will be there with him for whatever comes next. In a symbolic link to this, Aang's glider washes ashore, broken, tattered and beyond repair. Admitting that it truly would be best for the world not to know he is alive, Aang accepts this and proceeds to plants the staff firmly in the volcanic rock, burning away the evidence of his existence and a piece of his old life.

====The Headband====
After stealing some clothes from an isolated household, Aang is grabbed from the streets by truant officers and thrust in a Fire Nation school. While there, however, he has fun and decides to remain enlisted so that he and the others could learn more about the local customs (including a secret river leading into the Fire Nation palace). He learns that history has been warped (e.g. Sozin attacked an Air Nomads army) but eventually becomes popular among the students--especially a girl named On Ji. After getting in trouble in several classes and getting in a "fight" with On Ji's overprotective boyfriend (said fight featuring Aang easily dodging every wild punch the other boy attempted to deliver), he is caught by the school's headmaster, earning a meeting with his "''parents''" (Sokka and Katara). Although he agrees with Sokka's firm statement that there is to be no more school for him, Aang tries to grant the students a little more freedom--by holding a dance party. He manages to help them overcome their fear and reluctance by showing them some ancient dance movements, and wins their admiration and loyalty. He also manages to gain the admiration of Katara, who shyly accepts an offer to dance with him. The two amaze the crowd with a flawless series of moves, until the headmaster and some police come to put a stop to this intolerable activity. When they learn that their superiors are searching for Aang as "the boy with the headband," the entire student body helps to cover Aang's escape by covering their own foreheads with their belts. Toph congratulates Aang for teaching those kids to be free while Katara gives him another kiss on the cheek.

While relaxing in a well-hidden lake, Aang and Momo take a stream that lead outside but he was noticed by two bored Fire Nation soldiers who sent a messenger hawk to the Fire Lord. But luckily and unluckily for Aang, the message was intercepted by an assassin hired by Zuko to eliminate him. Aang discovers the man can fire bend with a tattoo of an eye on his forehead. After an intense battle, Aang escapes.

Aang later came upon the remains of Roku's last home, after being instructed to be there on the day of the summer solstice. Through intense meditation he is able to contact his past incarnation once again. In the Spirit World, Aang appears in his Air Nomad clothes and without hair. He then sees Roku's life with the to-be Fire Lord Sozin, who was Roku's best friend and had the same birthday as him. Roku's life story ends with him dying in an attempt to stop a volcano, after, Aang witnesses his own birth (a baby him with a small patch of hair).

==== The Runaway ====
In "The Runaway" Aang, Toph, and Sokka scam people in order to get more money, but soon Toph begins drawing too much attention to herself and eventually, while doing a scam with Katara, gets thrown into a wooden jail along with Katara. It was revealed that The ] was behind it, attempting to draw Aang out to save them. After an intense battle, Toph (who was freed by Katara bending her sweat to help them escape) sends a large rock at the Combustion Man and he blows it up, but a small pebble hits him hard on his third eye which damages his ability to blow things up.

==== The Invasion ====
In part one, Aang has had a good nights sleep, and the day of the invasion has come. The rag-tail invasion force comes in a cloud of fog. The Boulder, Haru, The Mechanist and his son, and the Foggy Swamp Tribe are just some of the people from around the Earth Kingdom to help. The Mechanist creates a new glider for Aang with a food compartment and also creates submarines, designed by Sokka to by-pass the Gates of Azulon. Zuko reveals he is going to do something, which will give him inner peace and Iroh asks a prison guard, who has been nice to him, to leave this afternoon. A great fight ensues while the Earth and Water benders make progress towards the Palace.Huu recreates his Vine Monster by gathering sea-weed. Sokka and Katara take out the senteries on either side of the vally. Also this is the first time we see Appa in full body armour. Aang flies ahead towards the Palace, ready to fight Fire Lord Ozai just before the eclipse happens, but the Palace is empty, leaving Aang alone with the eclipse near by. In part two, flying back to the invasion force, Aang tells the others the Fire Lord was not there. Sokka says that there may be an Underground Base. Sokka, Toph and Aang fly up on Appa to the volcano and Toph reveals that there is an underground base. Once finding the Fire Lords room, the eclipse has started, Azula is sat on the throne. She baits them, along with two Dai Li agents, stalling them. Zuko confronts his father during the eclipse, telling him that Iroh was right, and that he was more of a father figure to him then Ozai was. The details of his mother is revealed about what happened that night. Zuko states he will help the avatar and release Iroh. By now, the eclipse is over, and Ozai fires lightning at his son, only for Zuko to return it back, from what he learnt from Iroh. The firebenders regain their fire and soon take advantage. Hokkada says that the younger ones should retreat on Appa, since the subarines have been destroyed. The older warriors are left behind. As Aang and co fly off, Azula states that they will be back, and Zuko can be seen on a Hot Air Baloon following them. Their destination, The Western Air Temple

==Personality==
Aang is fun-loving, ], and adventurous. As Michael Dante DiMartino, the show's co-creator said, "We wanted Aang to solve problems and defeat enemies with his wits as well as his powerful abilities."<ref>{{cite interview|last=DiMartino|first=Michael Dante|subjectlink=Michael Dante DiMartino|last2=Konietzko|first2=Bryan|subjectlink2=Bryan Konietzko|interviewer=Eduardo Vasconcellos|title=Interview: Avatar's Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino|url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/818/818284p1.html|format=url|date=2007-09-06|accessdate=2007-11-11}}</ref> He possesses a deep respect for life and freedom; he does not eat meat<ref name="The King of Omashu">{{cite episode | title = The King of Omashu | episodelink = The King of Omashu | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-03-18 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 5}}</ref> and is often reluctant to fight.<ref name="The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1)">{{cite episode | title = The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1) | episodelink = The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1) | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-04-08 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 7}}</ref> He craves the stimulation of new people and places; in short, he is the consummate ]. His frequent off-course detours frustrate both allies and pursuers alike.<ref name="The Warriors of Kyoshi">{{cite episode | title = The Warriors of Kyoshi | episodelink = The Warriors of Kyoshi | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-03-04 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 4}}</ref> Yet Aang has always prided himself on a complex ] of friends extending over all four nations, and war will not stand in his way.<ref name="The Boy In The Iceberg">{{cite episode | title = The Boy In The Iceberg | episodelink = The Boy In The Iceberg| series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-02-21 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 1}}</ref> In addition, he looks forward to playing with all the exotic ] in each place he visits.<ref name="The Avatar Returns">{{cite episode | title = The Avatar Returns | episodelink = The Avatar Returns | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-02-21 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 2}}</ref> Whether it's ]s,<ref name="The Boy In The Iceberg">{{cite episode | title = The Boy In The Iceberg | episodelink = The Boy In The Iceberg| series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-02-21 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 1}}</ref> ]-] or gigantic ]s,<ref name="The Warriors of Kyoshi">{{cite episode | title = The Warriors of Kyoshi | episodelink = The Warriors of Kyoshi | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-03-04 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 4}}</ref> no fit animal Aang sees goes un-ridden.

Aang feels a terrible guilt and burden in his duties as Avatar. Very much the ], he wishes he had been there to help his people a century ago, but he had still rather live a child's carefree life.<ref name="The Storm">{{cite episode | title = The Storm | episodelink = The Storm (Avatar: The Last Airbender)| series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-06-03 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 12}}</ref> This initially caused him to conceal his true identity from friends,<ref name="The Avatar Returns">{{cite episode | title = The Avatar Returns | episodelink = The Avatar Returns | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-02-21 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 2}}</ref> and he still has a tendency to slack off in his studies of the Bending Arts,<ref name="The Siege of the North Part 1">{{cite episode | title = The Siege of the North, Part 1 | episodelink = The Siege of the North#Part 1 | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-12-02 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 19}}</ref> even though he naturally excels at it.<ref name="The Waterbending Scroll">{{cite episode | title = The Waterbending Scroll | episodelink = The Waterbending Scroll | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-04-29 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 09}}</ref>

Being the last Airbender and having no living peers (with the exception of the aged ] and ]), Aang cares deeply for those close to him, even to the point of deceiving and hurting others to keep the group together. In "]," Aang heard that Katara and Sokka might leave the group to visit their father, so Aang hid the map showing his whereabouts and lied about ever having it in the first place.<ref name="Bato of the Water Tribe">{{cite episode | title = Bato of the Water Tribe | episodelink = Bato of the Water Tribe | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-10-07 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 15}}</ref>

Recent events in the Earth Kingdom, however, have begun to take a toll on his care-free personality. Aang's attitude changed dramatically when Appa was captured. He became visibly enraged and hostile, particularly toward ], who was "keeping an eye on" Appa while they were gone.<ref name="The Library">{{cite episode | title = The Library | episodelink = The Library (Avatar: The Last Airbender) | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-07-14 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 10}}</ref> Despite attempts by Katara to calm Aang down, his anger continued to grow until finally he flew off to search for Appa alone. Eventually Aang returned to the group, but was still visibly upset. He violated the principles of Airbending when ] was snatched up by a ]. He followed the creature and rescued Momo, but then unnecessarily struck it down with his staff. After Aang returned with Momo the group was confronted by the Sandbenders who had taken Appa. When one of the Benders revealed that they had sold the bison, Aang lashed out and smashed all their sand boats in a matter of moments. He then turned his sights on the Sandbenders and entered the Avatar State. Aang's rage was only stopped when Katara grabbed hold of him and held him in an embrace until he finally calmed down and returned to his normal state.<ref name="The Desert">{{cite episode | title = The Desert | episodelink = The Desert | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-07-14 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 11}}</ref>

==Avatar==
===Bending===
]
As the incarnation of the Avatar, Aang possesses the ability to bend all four elements. He is already an Airbending master and has made impressive progress with the other elements, except for Firebending, for which he has yet to find a master. Though he is able to master techniques with more ease than his young Waterbender friend ],<ref name="The Waterbending Scroll">{{cite episode | title = The Waterbending Scroll | episodelink = The Waterbending Scroll | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-04-29 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 09}}</ref> his lack of focus has allowed her to surpass him.<ref name="The Siege of the North Part 1">{{cite episode | title = The Siege of the North | episodelink = The Siege of the North#Part 1 | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-12-02 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 19}}</ref>Now he must learn from her, as their teacher ] deemed her a master.<ref name="The Siege of the North Part 2">{{cite episode | title = The Siege of the North, Part 2 | episodelink = The Siege of the North#Part 2 | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-12-02 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 20}}</ref> He is an extremely skilled Waterbender, and in the episode "]," Katara tells Aang he has the reflexes of a Waterbending Master.<ref name="Bitter Work">{{cite episode | title = Bitter Work | episodelink = Bitter Work | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-06-02 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 9}}</ref> That being said, the gap between Katara and Aang in water bending ability appears to be getting narrower, as Katara continues to show great waterbending prowess, while Aang is rarely seen practicing and in battle he uses his earth and airbending more often.

The Earthbending style is the opposing style to his natural Airbending, and as such conflicts with his natural personality. At first, Aang's Earthbending abilities appeared stunted, as he has difficulty learning simple skills from Toph in ''Bitter Work'' as it was easier for Aang to simply avoid the obstacles physically. However, when he confronted with a need for direct ], rather than ], he took his first step and successfully stood his ground to defend Sokka, who could not defend himself, and now Aang was able to assume the position of an Earthbender.<ref name="Bitter Work">{{cite episode | title = Bitter Work | episodelink = Bitter Work | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-06-02 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 9}}</ref> By the time of "]," his skills have improved dramatically, when he comfortably uses Earthbending in combat against ].<ref name="The Drill">{{cite episode | title = The Drill | episodelink = The Drill| series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-09-14 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 13}}</ref> He appears to have achieved mastery in Earthbending by the time of "]," creating a giant zoo with his bending,<ref name="The Tales of Ba Sing Se">{{cite episode | title = The Tales of Ba Sing Se | episodelink = The Tales of Ba Sing Se | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-09-29 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 15}}</ref> and by fending off hundreds of Earthbenders in "]".<ref name="The Earth King">{{cite episode | title = The Earth King | episodelink = The Earth King | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-11-17 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 18}}</ref> By the time of ] he has at least begun learning how to see with earthbending like Toph does. Later, he incorporates his ] into his Earthbending, much like Avatar Kyoshi incorporates her fans into her bending.<ref name="The Avatar State">{{cite episode | title = The Avatar State | episodelink = The Avatar State | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-03-17 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 1}}</ref> It is possible for Aang to bend two elements at the same time, as demonstrated in "]."<ref name="The Tales of Ba Sing Se">{{cite episode | title = The Tales of Ba Sing Se | episodelink = The Tales of Ba Sing Se | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-09-29 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 15}}</ref> He has little skill with fire, but has received a rudimentary object lesson in breath control and ]. When he was briefly instructed by the ] Firebending master Jeong Jeong, he ignored warnings to restrain himself and accidentally burned Katara (leading inadvertently to the discovery of her healing powers).<ref name="The Deserter">{{cite episode | title = The Deserter | episodelink = The Deserter (Avatar: The Last Airbender) | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-10-21 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 16}}</ref> Newly respectful of fire's destructive power, he has not used Firebending since, and has even vowed to never firebend again, although, as Guru Pathik said in "]," he will eventually have to, as he is the Avatar, therefore he is a Firebender.<ref name="The Guru">{{cite episode | title = The Guru | episodelink = The Guru (Avatar: The Last Airbender) | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-12-01 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 20}}</ref>

As the Avatar, Aang is quite possibly the most powerful Bender in the world; he once used his Airbending skills to halt a massive lava flow without entering the Avatar State.<ref name="The Fortuneteller">{{cite episode | title = The Fortuneteller | episodelink = The Fortuneteller | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-09-25 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 14}}</ref> Additionally, Aang has exceptional natural talent towards all bending, performing Waterbending on his first try when Katara took several months to learn the same move,<ref name="The Waterbending Scroll">{{cite episode | title = The Waterbending Scroll | episodelink = The Waterbending Scroll | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-04-29 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 09}}</ref> and assuming a perfect Earthbending stance on his first try.<ref name="Bitter Work">{{cite episode | title = Bitter Work | episodelink = Bitter Work | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-06-02 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 9}}</ref> However, Aang is loathe to use his skills in battle, preferring to solve problems non-violently. Even when forced into combat, Aang typically holds back, fighting defensively and trying to subdue opponents without seriously hurting them, even if they are not human.<ref name="The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1)">{{cite episode | title = The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1) | episodelink = The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1) | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-04-08 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 7}}</ref> This attitude was apparently common among Airbenders, who were all vegetarians and taught that all living things are precious.

The only exception to Aang's pacifism is when his friends are threatened; in which case, he gets very angry and relentlessly attacks his opponents, sometimes even entering the Avatar State.<ref name="The Avatar State">{{cite episode | title = The Avatar State | episodelink = The Avatar State | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-03-17 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 1}}</ref>

In ''The Deserter'', Jeong Jeong says that to master Firebending, Aang, as the Avatar, will need to first master the other Bending ] in order and not to deviate from their natural order--], ], ] and ]--hinting that the disciplines of one Bending Art will support the disciplines of the next Bending Art in order--'evade and avoid' - 'redirect and turn against the opponent' - 'standing one's ground and enduring' and 'pre-emptive first strike'. In ''Bitter Work'', Iroh comments "''It is important to draw wisdom from many different places. If we take it from only one place, it becomes rigid and stale. Understanding others, the other elements, and the other nations will help you become whole...It is the combination of the four elements in one person that makes the Avatar so powerful,''" as he reveals how a Waterbender's ] of redirecting energy enabled him to develop his own technique to redirect a bolt of ]--proving that the disciplines and ]s of one Bending Art support the disciplines and principles of another Bending Art. Other than his brief training with Jeong Jeong, Aang is yet to begin Firebending. During the same episode, Jeong Jeong said in a brief exchanging of words with Admiral Zhao that "I have never seen such raw power", a reference to Aang's bending prowess.

===Spirit===
<!-- Commented out because image was deleted: ] -->

Aang is the newest incarnation of the ] of the planet, which has been continually reincarnated since time immemorial. The passage of reincarnation moves from the population of the Air nation to the Water, Earth and Fire nations in order. The most recent incarnations were ] (fire), ] (earth), ] (water) and ] (air). In life-threatening situations or during instances of extreme emotional stress, Aang involuntarily channels the power of all his past lives, entering the powerful ]. His tattoos, eyes and mouth glow white, and he either uses bending as an immediate means of self-preservation, or lapses into a dangerous fit of elemental volatility until he is calmed down.<ref name="The Avatar State">{{cite episode | title = The Avatar State | episodelink = The Avatar State | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-03-17 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 1}}</ref>

This spiritual state is the manifestation of all the Avatar's previous incarnations, which allows Aang to tap into the sum total of their power. When in this state the Avatar is at his most powerful, but also his most vulnerable. If the Avatar dies while in the Avatar State, the previous incarnations of the Avatar will die along with him, and the cycle of reincarnation will be permanently broken.<ref name="The Avatar State">{{cite episode | title = The Avatar State | episodelink = The Avatar State | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-03-17 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 1}}</ref>

Aang often receives advice and guidance from Avatar Roku, the previous Avatar incarnation. Born into the Fire Nation in life, Roku is a benign force in spirit, serving as Aang's advisor and protector. On the Winter Solstice, after informing Aang of the impending return of Sozin's Comet, he manifested himself to defeat a group of Firebenders holding Aang's friends hostage. (When Roku manifests, his voice can be heard behind Aang's when he speaks.)<ref name="Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2)|">{{cite episode | title = Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2) | episodelink = Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2) | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-04-15 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 8}}</ref> He has guided Aang several times since, appearing to Jeong Jeong to persuade him to teach Aang,<ref name="The Deserter">{{cite episode | title = The Deserter | episodelink = The Deserter (Avatar: The Last Airbender) | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-10-21 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 16}}</ref> offering critical wisdom in the ways of the ] during "]",<ref name="The Siege of the North Part 2">{{cite episode | title = The Siege of the North, Part 2 | episodelink = The Siege of the North#Part 2 | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-12-02 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 20}}</ref> and most recently, revealing to Aang the nature of the Avatar State.<ref name="The Avatar State">{{cite episode | title = The Avatar State | episodelink = The Avatar State | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-03-17 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 1}}</ref>

After receiving a letter from Guru Pathik in "]",<ref name="The Earth King">{{cite episode | title = The Earth King | episodelink = The Earth King | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-11-17 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 18}}</ref> Aang journeys to the ] to learn to control the Avatar State. Guru Pathik reveals that the secret of entering, controlling, and leaving the Avatar State by free will lay in the 'releasing' of seven ]. Aang has little trouble with the first six, but struggles with the seventh - earthly attachments, namely, love. Aang's love for Katara, accompanied by a vision of her in dire need of help, captured in Ba Sing Se, causes him to leave the Guru and return to Ba Sing Se. Guru Pathik states that Aang's refusal to let Katara go has 'locked the final chakra' and disallowed him to enter the Avatar State at all. .<ref name="The Guru">{{cite episode | title = The Guru | episodelink = The Guru (Avatar: The Last Airbender) | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-12-01 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 20}}</ref> Later, in "]", however, Aang begins to open the Seventh Chakra and enter the Avatar State by doing just as he had been told - letting go of his attachment to Katara. However, moments after entering the Avatar State, the process is interrupted as he is struck with lightning from behind by Azula, nearly killing him and removing him from the State. Fortunately, after their escape, Katara is able to use the water from the spirit oasis to save his life.<ref name="The Crossroads of Destiny">{{cite episode | title = The Crossroads of Destiny | episodelink = The Crossroads of Destiny | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-12-01 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 20}}</ref>

===Medium===
The Avatar also has the capacity to act as a ], a bridge between mortal world and the Spirit World, the plane of existence where the universe's disembodied spirits dwell. Through inducing a deep ] state, Aang can separate from his body and travel the physical world's ] in ],<ref name="The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1)">{{cite episode | title = The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1) | episodelink = The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1) | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-04-08 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 7}}</ref> or, with the help of a gateway, travel completely to the Spirit World. Once in the Spirit World, Aang can travel freely and communicate with beings such as Avatar Roku or Koh the Face Stealer. This position as intermediary also allows him to channel other spirits while in the Avatar State. He once acted as the Avatar of the ] to defeat the Fire Nation during the siege of the North Pole.<ref name="The Siege of the North Part 2">{{cite episode | title = The Siege of the North, Part 2 | episodelink = The Siege of the North#Part 2 | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-12-02 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 20}}</ref> He has also channeled the spirits of previous Avatars, namely Roku,<ref name="Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2)|">{{cite episode | title = Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2) | episodelink = Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2) | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-04-15 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 8}}</ref> and Kyoshi.<ref name="Avatar Day">{{cite episode | title = Avatar Day | episodelink = Avatar Day | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-04-28 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 5}}</ref>

==Family==
===Monk Gyatso===
The closest person to a father in Aang's days at the Southern Air Temple, ] was a caring and understanding teacher. He seems to have been the source of Aang's love for fun, games, and jokes.<ref name="The Storm">{{cite episode | title = The Storm | episodelink = The Storm (Avatar: The Last Airbender)| series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-06-03 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 12}}</ref> When Aang returns to the temple after a century in suspended animation, he is devastated to find the ] of his beloved mentor surrounded by the remains of Fire Nation soldiers. This prompts Aang to enter the Avatar State, causing a violent emotional episode of involuntary Airbending, which only abates when his friend Katara promises that she and her brother, Sokka, will be his new family.<ref name="The Southern Air Temple">{{cite episode | title = The Southern Air Temple | episodelink = The Southern Air Temple | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-03-25 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 03}}</ref>

===Avatar Roku===
], while not "family" per se, is a facet of Aang's self, the previous incarnation of the Avatar. He serves in much the same capacity as Monk Gyatso before him, guiding Aang through the difficult process of becoming a fully realized Avatar. Though a deep relationship has not yet been established, each knows the other instinctively, and both are pleased to communicate with one another when the opportunity arises.<ref name="Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2)|">{{cite episode | title = Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2) | episodelink = Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2) | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-04-15 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 8}}</ref>

===Zuko and Azula===
Zuko and Azula are descendants of Aang's previous incarnation, Avatar Roku: their mother, Ursa, is the granddaughter of Avatar Roku.

==Relationships==
===Katara===
The first face Aang sees upon waking from suspended animation is the young Waterbender, ], who was his liberator from the iceberg.<ref name="The Boy In The Iceberg">{{cite episode | title = The Boy In The Iceberg | episodelink = The Boy In The Iceberg| series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-02-21 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 1}}</ref> Aang fell in love with her; Guru Pathik later explained that Aang's love for her was the reincarnation of the love of his extinct people. The episode, "]," has an ambiguous scene where Katara and Aang lean in to kiss, not long after Katara suggested that they kiss to escape the cave they are trapped in. The scene then goes black until the two are seen, with their hands locked, looking up at the glowing crystals on the cave ceiling. It has not been revealed whether they actually kissed or not. When asked how they got out of the cave, Aang said that they "let love lead the way." As they prepare to depart, Aang gives Katara a sidelong glance, and she blushes.<ref name="The Cave of Two Lovers">{{cite episode | title = The Cave of Two Lovers | episodelink = The Cave of Two Lovers | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-03-24 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 02}}</ref> Katara is known to have kissed Aang on the cheek at the end of the episode "]",<ref name="Bato of the Water Tribe">{{cite episode | title = Bato of the Water Tribe | episodelink = Bato of the Water Tribe | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-10-07 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 15}}</ref> near the end of "]",<ref name="The Earth King">{{cite episode | title = The Earth King | episodelink = The Earth King | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-11-17 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 18}}</ref> and at the end of "]".<ref name="The Headband">{{cite episode | title = The Earth King | episodelink = The Earth King | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2007-09-28 | season = 3 (Book 3) | number = 02}}</ref>

Katara is Aang's only teacher so far to use positive reinforcement as a teaching method. Aang responds well to this method, most likely due to the generally free-spirited nature of Airbenders. In addition, as of the events in "]," Katara remains the only person able to calm Aang down from the Avatar State. Also, as has seen from events in "]," Katara is able to renew emotions and believes in Aang where others were unable. While others had tried to renew Aang's optimism and hope, only Katara was successful.

This love for Katara put Aang in an unforeseen position as he goes to the Eastern Air Temple in "]" to learn to control the Avatar State from Guru Pathik. Pathik tells Aang that the control of the Avatar State involves the releasing of various emotions in the seven chakras spread throughout the body, including earthly attachment. In order to open the seventh chakra, Aang is told that he must let go of his earthly attachment to Katara. He is reluctant but starts to do so, when he has a vision that Katara is in danger. Aang breaks his meditation and leaves to save her, despite Guru Pathik's warning that it would lock his inner chakra and he would never be able to enter the Avatar state at all.

At the end of "]," Aang and Katara face overwhelming odds against Azula, Zuko, and the Dai Li. Believing that entering the Avatar State is their only hope, Aang isolates himself and meditates, hoping to let go of his attachment to Katara and unlock the seventh chakra. Though Aang began to release the chakra and entered the Avatar State, according to Nick.com's description of the "Celestial Avatar Spirit Aang," he is unable to complete the process due to the interruption caused by Azula's lightning bolt strike. Consequently, Aang was prevented from clearing the seventh chakra and mastering the Avatar State, leaving his attachment to Katara intact.

In "]", the group tries to blend in. After stealing some Fire Nation clothes, Aang sees how Katara's new appearance and is shocked at how beautiful she looks. When Aang decides to hold a dance party for the kids in his class, he asks Katara to dance. The two perform brilliantly and, after flying away, Katara kisses Aang on the cheek.

In "]", Aang is left to distract a firebender sent by Prince Zuko to kill Aang, so that the rest of the group is able to escape. At the end of this episode Katara is seen holding onto Aang. He says that he is O.K. and Katara seems more relieved than the rest.

In "]", Roku and Aang talk about how hard love is when you're young, but that it get's eaiser. Aang seems to be relieved that his love for Katara wont always be so hard to deal with.

In "]", Aang has this peculiar daydream that he is fighting the war for the ones he loves and directly expreses his love towards Katara and suddenly kisses her. Katara, at first, is stunned, but then kisses him again in a romantic surrounding. Finally, when Aang reaches for her to kiss her again, he realises that he has been hallucinating and acts towards Katara as if nothing happened, but feels relieved when he sees that Katara was not even imagining what Aang has been thinking.

In "]", Aang kisses Katara before leaving to confront the Firelord.

===Sokka===
While Aang has since disproved the young ]'s initial suspicions that he was a Fire Nation spy, his occasional carelessness can raise Sokka's hackles. When Aang tried Firebending, resulting in Katara's burnt hands, Sokka pushed a concerned Aang away, saying "You burned my sister!" Also, for his part, Aang often makes light of Sokka's serious demeanor. Along with Katara, he views Sokka's skeptical favoring of ] over ] with some bewildered amusement, though he has grown impressed with Sokka's ] skills. In "The Drill," Aang tells ] that he's usually the one who comes up with plans to help them, proving that he needs to depend on Sokka's help once in a while. Aang is also one of the few characters who does not voice any annoyance towards Sokka, nor contempt for his lack of Bending skills. Aang and Sokka are often seen goofing around with each other, often to Katara's chagrin. In fact, the childlike nature of their characters usually results in them sharing in on a joke or react very similarly to games and activities. He also seems to desire Sokka's permission for a relationship with his sister Katara, as seen in "]" (though Sokka could not tell he was talking about Katara.)

===Toph===
] is a blind twelve-year old who is exceptionally skilled at Earthbending. Through Earthbending, she can "see," due to her increased perception of vibrations in the ground. While in the desert, Toph had said "As far as I'm concerned, we're walking on sandy pudding." Toph is Aang's Earthbending teacher, although she has a much different teaching approach than Katara, more akin to that of an army drill sergeant. Just like their elements, Aang and Toph's personalities are complete opposites as well. At first, Aang is intimidated by Toph's bold nature and tries to work peacefully around it. He is beginning to learn to stand up to her, however. He takes back his staff/glider when she refuses to stop mishandling it. In "]", Aang, in a fit of anger, finally snaps at Toph, believing that she allowed Appa to be captured based on her previous complaints about him. However, they seem to get along much easier now. In the episode "The Earth King", he refers to everyone, including Toph, as his family.

Toph first appeared in "]" as a vision to Aang. The vision was a message that he would meet her in the future (as Aang correctly concluded in the episode). Her real first appearance was in "]".

===Appa===
] the flying bison is both Aang's dear pet, friend and the group's primary means of travel. Aang met Appa at the Eastern Air Temple when he was just a calf because all Airbender children are paired with a flying bison for life. Appa is not only a skilled flier but also an adept swimmer, and he seems fairly impervious to adverse weather. Aang loves his fellow survivor of a century of sleep, as they both may be the last of their kind. Aang possesses a flying bison ] (inaudible to humans, much like a dog whistle) to summon Appa from a distance, and he commands him to fly with a cry of "Yip-yip!"

Appa is a natural Airbender, and it is speculated that his species, like the badgermoles, inspired the locals to develop their own Airbending skills. The Airbenders even tattoo themselves with the flying bison's arrow-shaped markings. Appa seems to be able to communicate with animals of other species, such as Momo, and he hates going underground (as seen in the episode "]").

Appa is very faithful and protective of Aang, and on various occasions he has actively entered into battle to protect his little friend. As seen in "The Desert," Appa means a lot to Aang, since he has been with Aang for over 100 years. When Appa is taken by Sandbenders, Aang is driven mad in his anger, reverting to his Avatar State and destroying all the Sandbender skiffs and almost killing the Sandbenders. During the several episodes it took to retrieve Appa, Aang was often morose and very driven to get him back, which he finally did in "]" which he cried in happiness at getting him back.

===Momo===
Aang discovers ], a ], while wandering about the ruined Southern Air Temple. Aang quickly claimed him as a pet and named him after the peach Momo was holding at the time (''momo'' is Japanese for "peach"). Aang is very fond of the creature, because he represents the small hope that other fragments of Air Nomadic ], even other Air Nomads, could have survived somewhere in the world. He also seems very protective of Momo, as seen in the episode "The Desert", where he strikes a Buzzard-wasp in order to protect him. Momo, though he cannot understand English, seems to be able to understand Aang's wishes.

===King Bumi===
So far, ], the Earthbender ruler of the Earth Kingdom city of ], is the only known peer of Aang's still living. Aang fondly remembers how a young Bumi taught him to use Omashu's mail chutes as a giant super slide. Now a ], Bumi maintains the eccentric and unconventional thinking that caused Aang to dub him, "a mad genius." In the second season premiere, it is revealed that Aang plans to receive teachings in Earthbending under King Bumi, but after he is taken prisoner in "]", with no intention of escaping from his prison, waiting for an unsaid opportunity, Aang is forced to find a new teacher.

===Iroh===
Aang spent some time with Zuko's uncle ] when they were tunneling into the underground of Ba Sing Se to save Katara and Zuko. Despite the past, Aang bore no real grudge against Iroh and vice versa. Instead, Aang asked Iroh for some advice as Iroh had done for Toph earlier. When Aang told him he had given up the chance to gain control of the Avatar state when he had heard it would mean forgoing his feelings for Katara, Iroh commended Aang on choosing love instead of power. At the end of season 2, Iroh holds off Zuko and Azula, allowing Katara to escape with the injured Aang.<ref name="The Crossroads of Destiny">{{cite episode | title = The Crossroads of Destiny | episodelink = The Crossroads of Destiny | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-12-01 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 20}}</ref>

===Kuzon===
In a previous episode Aang was talking to Zuko, talking about friends he had from the Fire Nation. Kuzon was one of these friends. Kuzon was from the fire nation and when Aang gets accidentally involved in a fire nation school during a later episode, he uses this name as a disguise.

==Enemies==
===Prince Zuko===
The Firebender ] is ostensibly one of Aang's greatest enemies. His quest to capture Aang, thus ensuring the Fire Nation's victory, is a threat to Aang's work and the world at large. Yet each has worked in the other's service. Because Zuko's throne and right to return home from exile are forfeit if he does not find the Avatar, he must protect Aang from other potential threats.<ref name="The Southern Air Temple">{{cite episode | title = The Southern Air Temple | episodelink = The Southern Air Temple | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-02-25 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 2}}</ref> When Aang was captured by Zuko's rival, ], Zuko posed as a blue-masked, dual-]-wielding ] named the Blue Spirit to free Aang from custody. In turn, Aang rescued Zuko from capture when he was knocked unconscious in their escape attempt. Afterward, reflecting on an old Fire Nation friend named Kuzon, Aang asked Zuko if they could have been friends under different circumstances, only to receive a fire blast in reply, though Zuko subtly seemed to regret the action after-the-fact.<ref name="The Blue Spirit">{{cite episode | title = The Blue Spirit | episodelink = The Blue Spirit | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-06-17 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 13}}</ref> Despite objections, Aang also saved Zuko from freezing to death in the icy tundra of the North Pole.<ref name="The Siege of the North Part 2">{{cite episode | title = The Siege of the North | episodelink = The Siege of the North#Part 2 | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-12-02 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 20}}</ref> During their first encounter in Book 2, Zuko and Aang initially trade blows but eventually fight alongside once again, this time against Zuko's sister, Azula.<ref name="The Chase">{{cite episode | title = The Chase | episodelink = The Chase (Avatar: The Last Airbender)|The Chase | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-05-26 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 8}}</ref>

The character development of Zuko in the series parallels that of Aang's. In the episode "The Storm", both Aang and Zuko confront their pasts and in "Bitter Work," while Aang was trying to learn a new art (Earthbending), Zuko was also learning a new skill (generating and redirecting lightning).

As individuals, Aang and Zuko share many similarities: both have had profound father figures in their lives - Monk Gyatso served as Aang's guardian when taken from his parents, while Iroh acted as a watchful mentor to his nephew Zuko after Ozai banished him. The two also share shameful pasts and must live with the guilt of disappointing those that they revered the most, forever marked in remembrance; Aang with his traditional tattoos and Zuko with the scar he received from his father.<ref name="The Storm">{{cite episode | title = The Storm | episodelink = The Storm (Avatar: The Last Airbender) | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-06-03 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 12}}</ref> Lastly, the two are fighting for something: Aang for the world and the people around him, Zuko for his honor. To an end, Aang has displayed interest in Zuko as a person, but Zuko only sees Aang as a means to regain his lost honor.<ref name="The Blue Spirit">{{cite episode | title = The Blue Spirit | episodelink = The Blue Spirit | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-06-17 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 13}}</ref>

During the course of "The Earth King," Zuko fell into a deep fever, during which he experienced a number of visions, hallucinations, and dreams, some of which seemed to allude to future events in his life. In the last of these, Zuko experienced a ] in which he saw himself with Aang's tattoos and no scar.

At the end of Book 2, he claims to have changed for the better, but then chooses to side with Azula and tries to capture Aang again.

In the beginning of Book 3, Zuko, under the belief that Aang is still alive, hires an assassin to "end" the Avatar.

At the end of "The Avatar and the Fire Lord", it is revealed that Zuko's mother Ursa is in fact Avatar Roku's descendant. Consequently, Aang is the reincarnation of Zuko's Great-Grandfather, but Aang however does not know yet that he is semi related to his enemies, Zuko and Azula.

At the end of "The Invasion, Part Two: The Eclipse, Zuko decides to side with Aang after learning the truth about his mother from his father. He was last witnessed using a hot air balloon to catch up with Aang and his friends who escaped after the failed invasion.

===Admiral Zhao===
] was a high ranking and important officer in the Fire Nation who had believed since childhood that he was destined for greatness. After discovering Aang's return to the world, Zhao became convinced that capturing Aang would be one of the paths to that greatness. As a result Zhao became one of Aang's primary enemies during Book One, although the two would only encounter each other face to face on a few occasions.

Zhao participated in a number of notable attempts to capture Aang. The first came during Aang's visit to the Fire Temple in order to seek advice from the spirit of Avatar Roku. Zhao attempted to corner and ambush Aang, but was thwarted when Roku himself intervened and caused an eruption of the volcano the temple was situated on. Later Zhao employed the skills of a legendary squad of archers to trap Aang, only to watch as Aang escaped from imprisonment with help from the disguised Zuko. While Aang was briefly being tutored by renegade Firebending master and Zhao's former teacher Jeong Jeong, Zhao led a convoy of ships up the river to Jeong Jeong's camp, where he attacked both his former teacher and Aang. However, Aang had learned from Jeong Jeong about Zhao's tremendous temper and lack of control, and decided to use that against his foe. He egged Zhao on until, careless with rage, Zhao's wild firebending destroyed the ships in his convoy. Aang then left Zhao there to stew on this, effectively defeating Zhao without having thrown a punch.

Finally, Zhao led a huge armada to attack and destroy the Northern Water Tribe, where Aang was studying Waterbending. Having discovered the mortal forms of the Moon (]) and Ocean (]) Spirits, Zhao sought to kill the Moon spirit, the Waterbenders' source of power. While Aang is in the Spirit World, Zhao invades the Oasis and bags the Moon Spirit fish (Which was what the spirit looked like after it gave up its immortality to become a part of the mortal world), causing a lunar eclipse which negated Waterbending abilities. Quickly confronted by Aang's group and Iroh, Zhao killed the Moon Spirit and fled. Angered, the Ocean Spirit allowed Aang to control its powers while in the Avatar State to vanquish Zhao's fleet. Foiled in his escape by the appearance of Zuko, Zhao fought the prince until the Moon Spirit was restored by ] sacrifice. Seeing the return of its ally, the Ocean Spirit left Aang to hunt down Zhao. Zhao, unwilling to accept help from Zuko even if it meant the cost of his own life, is carried underwater to his apparent death, a fact which Aang seems to be unaware of.

===Princess Azula===
] is Zuko's younger sister, a princess of the Fire Nation and the current heir to the throne, considering Zuko's status as an exile and having been declared a traitor by his father. Cruel, ruthless, cunning and a firebending prodigy who has mastered firebending despite her youth, Azula is a formidable opponent for Aang.

Azula has taken over the Fire Nation's attempts to capture Aang during his attempts to rescue King Bumi in the episode "]". The two engaged in a fight across the city. Aang, with help from Bumi, escaped her.

The two met again in "]" where Azula and her allies relentlessly pursued Aang and his friends. Finally, the two confronted each other in a deserted Earth Kingdom town. As they prepared to face off, Zuko arrived, and Azula had to fight against the two who were attacking her independently. Azula would have emerged victorious if not for Sokka, Katara, Iroh, and Toph arriving to help.

Aang and Azula would face off for a third time in "]", where they battled on top of a massive Fire Nation drill attempting to breach the walls of Ba Sing Se. Aang is better able to fight Azula on his own, and with waterbending and earthbending abilities, was still evenly matched until he managed to destroy the drill.

His fourth faceoff against Azula occurs in "]". Zuko joins the fight on Azula's side, Aang fights and struggles against each individually. The arrival of corrupted Dai Li forces Aang to attempt to open the seventh Chakra and enter the Avatar State. However, just seconds after entering the state, he is struck in the back by a lightning blast from Azula and falls to the ground, defeated (Aang was actually killed by the blast). He is caught by Katara and they manage to escape with the intervention of Iroh, who held off the siblings and the Dai Li as Katara escapes with Aang. Later, Katara uses her water from the Spirit Oasis in the North Pole to bring Aang back to life.



==Notes and references==
{{Reflist|3}}


==External links== ==External links==
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* at ]
* at Nick.com


{{Avatar}} {{Avatar: The Last Airbender}}
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Revision as of 05:35, 28 December 2024

Fictional character from Avatar: The Last Airbender For the first episode of the 2024 live-action television series, see Aang (Avatar: The Last Airbender episode). Fictional character
Aang
Avatar: The Last Airbender character
Aang kneeling in a battle pose, holding his new staff behind him.Avatar Aang in Avatar: The Last Airbender, kneeling in a battle pose, holding his new staff behind him.
First appearance
Last appearance
Created byMichael Dante DiMartino
Bryan Konietzko
Voiced by
Portrayed byNoah Ringer (2010 film)
Gordon Cormier (2024 television series)
In-universe information
GenderMale
Title
SpouseKatara (wife)
Children
NationalityAir Nomads
Animal guideAppa
Bending element

Avatar Aang (Chinese: 安昂; pinyin: Ān Áng), or simply Aang, is the titular protagonist of Nickelodeon's animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender (created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko), voiced by Zach Tyler Eisen. Aang was the last surviving Airbender, a monk of the Air Nomads' Southern Air Temple, and the youngest ever airbending master (for his time).

He is an incarnation of the "Avatar", the spirit of light and peace manifested in human form. As the Avatar, Aang controls all four elements (water, earth, fire, and air) and is tasked with bringing balance and keeping the Four Nations at peace. At chronologically 112 years old (biologically 12), Aang is the series' reluctant hero, spending a century in suspended animation in an iceberg before being discovered and joining new friends Katara and Sokka on a quest to master the elements and save their world from the imperialist Fire Nation ,as Aang progressed on his journey he is joined by Toph, Zuko and Suki.

Aang's character has appeared in other media, such as trading cards, video games, T-shirts, and web comics. Avatar Aang has also been portrayed by Noah Ringer in the live-action film The Last Airbender (2010) and voiced by D.B. Sweeney in the sequel series The Legend of Korra. Gordon Cormier portrays Avatar Aang in the Netflix live-action adaptation of the same name.

Appearances

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Upon death, Avatar Roku was reincarnated and Aang was born, and later raised by Monk Gyatso, a senior monk at the Southern Air Temple and friend of the late Avatar Roku. Even prior to learning he was the Avatar, Aang distinguished himself by becoming one of the youngest Airbending Masters in history by inventing a new technique. As a result of Fire Lord Sozin's increasingly hostile attitude towards the other nations, the senior monks decided to reveal Aang's nature as the Avatar four years before the traditional age (Avatars are usually told of their status once they turn 16) and relocate him to one of the other Air Temples. Learning that he was to be taken from Gyatso caused Aang to flee the monastery on his flying bison, Appa, before being caught by a storm; the life-or-death conditions triggered the Avatar State, encasing the young Avatar and his bison in an air-pocket among icebergs, where he remained suspended for a century. Although Monk Gyatso had snuck into Aang's bedroom late at night to tell Aang that he will not be relocated to the Eastern Air Temple, it had already been too late.

Book One: Water

After one hundred years of suspended animation in an iceberg, twelve-year-old Aang was freed when found by Katara and Sokka, yet unaware of the events that occurred during his rest. His reawakening catches the attention of Prince Zuko, the banished son of current Fire Lord Ozai, and Aang is forced to leave, with Katara and Sokka accompanying him after they learn that he is the Avatar. Aang and his new friends visit the Southern Air Temple, where they meet a winged lemur whom Aang later names Momo. It is there that Aang learns that the Fire Nation wiped out his people, including Gyatso which causes Aang to summon his avatar spirit and the other 3 nations find out the avatar is back. After a series of misadventures, Aang meets his previous incarnation, Roku, who informs him that he must master all four bending arts and end the war before the coming of Sozin's Comet at the end of summer. Upon arriving to the Northern Water Tribe, after a few conflicts, Aang became an apprentice of Waterbending Master Pakku alongside Katara. After helping the Water Tribe drive off a Fire Nation invasion headed by Admiral Zhao, with Katara as his teacher, Aang and his group journey to the Earth Kingdom to find an Earthbending teacher. Ozai, angered that Iroh betrayed the Fire Nation, sends his daughter, Princess Azula, to hunt down Zuko and Iroh.

Book Two: Earth

In the second season, Aang learns Earthbending from Toph Beifong after he has a vision of the blind Earthbender in a swamp telling him to find her. On their journey, they are chased by Zuko’s sister Princess Azula and her friends Mai and Ty Lee. The group learns about the Day of Black Sun in a secret underground library, and they attempt to reveal the information to the Earth King at Ba Sing Se. However, their flying bison, Appa, is captured by Sandbenders. Aang grows upset and angry and confronts the Sandbenders, learning that Appa has been sold. After stopping a Fire Nation drill threatening the safety of Ba Sing Se, they look for Appa only to find themselves dealing with the Dai Li before exposing their leader's deception. The group reunites with Jet helping them find Appa at Dai Li headquarters. They expose the Hundred Year War to the Earth King, who promises to help them invade the Fire Nation. Soon after, Aang meets a guru who attempts to teach Aang to open his seven chakras in order to control the defensive 'Avatar State'; but when Aang perceives Katara in danger, he leaves before the seventh chakra is opened, and thus loses his progress until the seventh is opened. Though Aang manages to unlock the Seventh Chakra, he is fatally electrocuted by Azula. He is later brought back to life by Katara, using the spirit water given to her by the Northern Water Tribe at the start of the second season.

Book Three: Fire

In the beginning of third and final season, after he woke after being knocked out by Azula, Aang grew some hair. After that, Aang is unable to use the Avatar State for quite a while. Although reluctant with the plan at first, Aang accepts to have everyone think he had died and his remaining allies attack the Fire Nation's capital, but are thwarted by Azula. However, Zuko has a change of heart, rebels against his father, and offers to teach Aang Firebending. Aang and Zuko also improve their Firebending powers with the help of their world's last two dragons. During the finale, finding himself on a strange island, Aang is reluctant to actually kill Fire Lord Ozai, despite his four previous past lives (Roku, Kyoshi, Kuruk, and Yangchen) convincing him it is the only way. But upon learning that he was actually on the back of a Lion Turtle, one of four that made the first benders by manipulating humans' chi, Aang receives the Lion Turtle's Energybending. During the final battle, Aang's scar is pressed against a jutting rock, opening his chakras and allowing him to enter the Avatar State. Aang wins the battle, but before he delivers the final blow, he stops himself. Instead, Aang removes Ozai's firebending ability, rendering him harmless and ending the Hundred Year War. Later, in the Fire Nation capital, Aang is seen beside Zuko, the new Fire Lord. The series ends with Aang and his friends relaxing at Iroh's tea shop at Ba Sing Se, where Aang and Katara share a kiss.

Graphic Novel Trilogies

Main article: Avatar: The Last Airbender (comics)

After beginning the Harmony Restoration Movement, an event that was meant to remove Fire Nation remnants from the Earth Kingdom, Aang agrees to end Zuko's life should he go down a path similar to his father, after the latter requests it, being stopped by Katara from entering the Avatar State as he began a later encounter with Zuko and then tries to mediate protestors and the Yu Dao resistance, afterward assembling members of a fan club and forming the "Air Acolytes", a group that he intends to teach the ways of the Air Nomads. Aang then participated in a search for Zuko's mother Ursa, successfully finding her and entering the Spirit World to assist in locating the Mother of Faces, convincing her to grant Rafa a new face. After a period of entertainment, Aang is contacted by his former life Yangchen, who tried contacting him about Old Iron's return. Aang also has a fight with the Rough Rhinos when they try to oust him from the Eastern Fire Refinery. Aang then aids in preventing Azula, disguised as the Kemurikage, from stealing any more children. He later returns to the South Pole and reunites with Katara and Sokka during the festival of the rebuilt and newly expanded Southern Water Tribe, with assistance from dozens of waterbenders and healers from the Northern Water Tribe.

The Legend of Korra

While frozen in an iceberg for 100 years, the Avatar State drained much of Aang's life energy. While he did not feel the effects for many years, after he entered middle age in his 50s, the strain of this exertion increasingly weighed upon his body. Ultimately, it resulted in Aang dying at the relatively young biological age of 66 (since he was in the ice for 100 years, in 153 AG). Aang was outlived by his wife, Katara, and his three children, but he did not live to see his grandchildren, all of whom would become powerful airbenders. As his death drew near, Aang tasked the Order of the White Lotus with finding and guiding the new Avatar after him. When Aang died, the Avatar spirit reincarnated into Korra of the Southern Water Tribe. Aang intended for the Order to simply guide and guard Korra, but several mishaps in the aftermath of Aang's death (including a kidnapping attempt by the anarchist Zaheer) and the still-fragile state of relations between the now-Five Nations resulted in Katara and Tenzin sequestering Korra in a compound at the South Pole, bringing teachers to her instead of allowing her to seek out her own.

Book One: Air

Avatar Aang's spirit with Korra in The Legend of Korra.

In the sequel series' first season, Avatar Aang's spirit occasionally serves as the spiritual advisor to seventeen-year-old Korra (much like the previous Avatar incarnation, Roku, did for Aang). Korra struggles with the spiritual aspects of bending and being the avatar, so initially Aang is only able to give Korra glimpses of his memory concerning Yakone in relation to her confrontations with his two sons, Amon and Tarrlok, the products of Yakone's Bloodbending vendetta on the Avatar. It is only after she loses her ability to bend that Korra allows herself to listen to her past lives, at which point Aang is able to manifest more directly to her and helps to restore her powers by triggering the Avatar State and teaching her to Energybend.

Book Two: Spirits

The sequel series' second season reveals that Avatar Aang apparently treated Tenzin as his favorite child, due to his son's Airbender status; Kya and Bumi mentioned to Tenzin that Aang always took Tenzin on vacations with him, but never them. Aang's Air Acolytes also were unaware that Aang had two other children besides Tenzin. Tenzin himself insists that Aang loved all his children equally, but that Aang took more precedence in raising him since Tenzin would have to take care of future generations of airbenders. Aang himself later appears, along with Roku, Kyoshi and Kuruk, before Korra in a vision and encourages her to learn the origins of Wan (the first Avatar) and Raava. Aang, or possibly a vision of him, later appears in the Spirit World, encouraging Tenzin to move past the enormous legacy of being Aang's son and find his own path. Korra's connection to Aang and the other preceding Avatars is severed when Vaatu extracts and subsequently kills Raava, the divine Avatar Spirit entity within her. Even though Raava is reborn and fused again with Korra, she discovers, to her dismay, that her spiritual connection to Aang and all past Avatars is presumably gone forever.

Book Three: Change

When Zaheer gave an ultimatum: Surrender to him or lose the new airbenders, Korra meditated into the spirit realm, she expressed her wish to call upon Aang's spirit and ask his advice in saving the new Air Nomads. Iroh's spirit assured her that, even though Aang was no longer able to guide her, she could ask one of Aang's closest friends: Lord Zuko.

Appearances in other media

Games

Aang's character appeared in the Avatar: The Last Airbender Trading Card Game on a multitude of cards. He appeared in the Avatar: The Last Airbender video game as one of the four playable characters. Two sequels were made: Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Burning Earth, followed by Avatar: The Last Airbender – Into the Inferno. Aang also appeared in Escape from the Spirit World, an online video game found on Nickelodeon's official website. The game includes certain plot changes that are not shown in the show. The show's directors, Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, claim the events are canon.

Aang is also a playable character in Nickelodeon crossover titles such as Nicktoons Nitro, Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix, and the Nickelodeon Super Brawl series, including Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl and its sequel.

On April 12, 2024, Aang was released as a skin in the video game Fortnite.

Films

Tokyopop has published a films comic (sometimes referred to as cine-manga), in which Aang, being the main character of the show, appears repeatedly.

In 2010, director M. Night Shyamalan cast 12-year-old Tae Kwon Do practitioner Noah Ringer as Aang in the film adaptation of the series, The Last Airbender. His name in the film is pronounced instead of . The casting of a presumed white actor in the role of Aang (as well as a primarily Caucasian cast) in the Asian-influenced Avatar universe triggered negative reactions from some fans, marked by accusations of racism, a letter-writing campaign, and a protest outside of a Philadelphia casting call for movie extras. The casting decisions were also negatively received by several critics, who stated that the original casting call expressed a preference for Caucasian actors over others. Noah Ringer later identified himself to Entertainment Weekly as an American Indian.

Creation and conception

Aang's character was developed from a drawing by Bryan Konietzko of a "balding human man in his forties wearing a futuristic outfit" based on Michael Dante DiMartino's appearance with an arrow design on his head. Konietzko later developed this man into a child with a flying bison. Meanwhile, DiMartino was interested in a documentary about explorers trapped in the South Pole, which he later combined with Konietzko's drawing.

"There's an air guy along with these water people trapped in a snowy wasteland...and maybe some fire people are pressing down on them..."

— Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko

The plot they described corresponds with the first and second episodes of Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the "water people" (Katara and Sokka) rescue the "air guy" (Aang) while "trapped in a snowy wasteland" (the Southern Water Tribe) with "some fire people are pressing down on them" (Zuko and the Fire Nation troops). The creators of the show intended for Aang to be trapped in an iceberg for one thousand years, later to wake up to a futuristic world, wherein he would have a robot named Momo and a dozen flying bison. The creators eventually lost interest in this science fiction theme and changed it to an Asian-inspired fantasy world. Aang was changed to being stuck in a hundred years of suspended animation, his bald head was explained away by him hailing from a culture inspired by Buddhist monks, the robotic Momo became a flying lemur, and the herd of bison was reduced to one.

In the episode "Tales of Ba Sing Se", Aang's name was written as 安昂 (ān áng) in Chinese.

Personality and characteristics

Michael Dante DiMartino, the show's co-creator, said:

"We wanted Aang to solve problems and defeat enemies with his wits as well as his powerful abilities".

— Michael Dante DiMartino

According to the show's creators, "Buddhism and Taoism have been huge inspirations behind the idea for Avatar." As shown in "The King of Omashu" and "The Headband", a notable aspect of Aang's character is his vegetarian diet, which is consistent with Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism. In the Brahmajala Sutra, a Buddhist code of ethics, vegetarianism is encouraged. Furthermore, the writers gave Aang a consistent reluctance to fight and an aversion to killing. In "The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1)", Aang encounters an angry spirit destroying a village and kidnapping villagers; but instead of fighting the spirit, Aang negotiates. He is also depicted showing ethical reluctance in killing the Phoenix King, and eventually strips Ozai of his bending instead of murdering him.

Bending the elements

Further information: Korra § Bending the elements

As the Avatar, Aang is capable of bending all four elements (air, water, earth and fire). The series' creators consulted a professional martial artist in the design of the show's fighting style; each of these styles' philosophies and set movements corresponds to a specific "bending arts".

The creators made bending a natural extension of consistent limitations and rules of the world. Everything in Avatar's world, whether it be clothing, culture or infrastructure, is influenced by bending. The City of Omashu uses a complex system of gravity and earthbending to transport supplies. The Water Tribes were a naval superpower: their buildings are made of ice and used waterbending as mechanisms for their walls and gates. Airbenders built temples atop high mountains and cliffs that could only be easily reached by Airbending and they have a hermetic ideology to reflect this isolation. The Fire Nation were the first to industrialize due to their ability to generate power and master metallurgy with their bending of fire and lightning.

At the start of the series, Aang is initially only proficient in air, having been able to bend it with ease since he was a young child. Through the teaching of Katara and Zuko, he gradually learns waterbending and firebending; but struggles with Toph's teachings of earthbending due to its rigid nature conflicting with his desire for freedom. Aang utilizes all elements equally, but heavily favors airbending for crowd control and non-lethal purposes, in accordance with his pacifism principles.

  • Airbending: The bending art Aang primarily uses in the entire franchise, is a Southern Temple Style based on an "internal" Chinese martial art called Baguazhang. Aang is the only person in living memory to have mastered this form of airbending, and would later pass down this knowledge to his son, Tenzin, who with the aid of Korra, would prove instrumental in the reconstruction and preservation of Air Nomad oral and intangible cultural heritage. Due to the genocide of his people, all other "styles of airbending arts" have been forever lost to history. This fighting style focuses on circular movements, and does not have many finishing moves; traits meant to represent the unpredictability of air and the peaceful character of Airbenders. Airbending represents the element of freedom, and is categorized as the most elusive of the "four bending arts". Airbending utilizes negative jing, which involves retreating and dodging attacks. Airbending involves "smooth coiling and uncoiling actions"; dynamic footwork, throws, and open-handed techniques; and swift, evasive maneuvers designed to evoke the "intangibility and explosive power of wind". These techniques are intended to increase the difficulty for opponents to attack directly or land a lethal blow—allowing airbenders to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury—a pacifist-philosophy that is prevalent among the Air Nomad people. Airbending lacks "finishing moves" or effective methods for permanently disabling foes, a weakness frequently exploited by opponents.
  • Waterbending: Waterbending is the bending art Katara, later Pakku, teaches Aang in the series, which is based on Chinese martial arts techniques of "internal style" tai chi and Jeet Kune Do. When Aang traveled north, he learned Northern Tribe Yin-style. During The Legend of Korra, Katara is the only Master of "Southern Tribe Yang-style", forced to reconstruct the style from surviving manuscripts; all other masters were killed, their collective knowledge confiscated or destroyed by the Fire Nation. Waterbending represents the element of change—a shapeshifter constantly changing forms—and is categorized as the most adaptive or pliable of the "four bending arts". Waterbending emphasizes "softness and breathing" over "hard aggression"; fluid and graceful, acting in concert with the environment; creating opportunities where none exist; this "flow of energy" allows their defensive maneuvers to translate into focus on control and counter-offenses, turning their opponents' momentum against them. Despite these advantages, Waterbending is almost entirely dependent on inertia; it is essential for practitioners to not be rigid, but to be fluid and able to adapt to any situation.
  • Earthbending: Earthbending is the martial art Toph teaches Aang in the series, which is based on Chinese martial arts techniques of Hung Ga and Southern Praying Mantis. Earthbending represents the element of substance. Toph's earthbending style is Chu Gar Praying Mantis, as opposed to the more common Hung Gar, taught to her by the original earthbenders, badgermoles. Earthbending is categorized as the most diverse and enduring of the "four bending arts". Earthbending is the geokinetic ability to manipulate earth, rock, sand, lava, and metals in all their various forms. Earthbending utilizes neutral jing, which involves waiting and listening for the right moment to act decisively. Earthbending involves enduring attacks until the right opportunity to counterattack reveals itself, emphasizes "heavily rooted stances and strong blows that evoke the mass and power of earth", and demands precise stepping footwork to maintain constant contact with the ground. Earthbending parallels Five Animals movements (such as the tiger's hard blows and the crane's affinity to landing gracefully). Earthbending is at its strongest when the feet or hand are in direct contact with the ground, enabling earthbenders to transfer their kinetic energies into their bending for fast and powerful moves. This reliance on direct contact with the earth is a literal Achilles' heel; separating earthbenders from any contact with the earth renders them ineffective.
  • Firebending: Firebending is the martial art Zuko teaches Aang in the series, which is based on Chinese martial arts techniques of changquan, Shaolin kung fu, Southern Dragon kung fu and xingyiquan. Firebending represents the element of power—desire and will paired with energy to achieve it, a philosophy reflected in firebending's unique capability for its users to generate their central element, rather than manipulating already present sources. Firebenders use breath control to manipulate chi in their own bodies and convert the energy from breathing into fire once it exits the body. A century of warfare have corrupted the Fire Nation's rich culture, and with it, their firebending-styles "regressed" into militarized format based on hatred and raw aggression; Zuko and Aang sought to learn firebending in its purest and most harmonious form, and rediscovered Dancing Dragon Style from the last surviving dragons. Dragon Style is the bending art first practiced by the Sun Warriors, the earliest incarnation of the modern Fire Nation; for the Sun Warriors, fire is life, energy, and creativity, rather than destruction and hate. Firebending is categorized as the most determined and powerful of the "four bending arts". All Firebending styles emphasize initiative and speed, overwhelming their opponents with powerful jabs and kicks that hurl fire before building to an explosive finishing move, mirroring the vitality and explosive power of fire. This is often seen in the "Agni Kai" or fire-duels that Zuko competes in. A master firebender will confidently control fire, rather than allowing their energy to become unfocused rage. A select few high-level firebenders can access highly destructive and lethal skills, such as lightning-bending and combustion-bending. Firebending's offensive power comes with a trade-off: a lack of blocks or evasive maneuvers, particularly when facing other elements.
  • Energybending: Aang learned about energybending from the last living lion turtle, as he did not wish to kill Ozai, and was given the ability to do so. He is able to use energybending to connect with his inner spirit and gain cosmic energy from the universe. In The Legend of Korra, Aang gave Avatar Korra, the current Avatar, the ability to energybend, which was used to restore people's bending abilities after Amon removed them using bloodbending.

The Avatar State

The Avatars standing in line, including Aang, Roku, Kyoshi, Kuruk, Yangchen, Szeto, Salai in that order.
The Avatars (from right to left): Aang, Roku, Kyoshi, Kuruk, Yangchen, Szeto, and other previous Avatars.

As the Avatar, Aang serves as a bridge between "Material World" and the "Spirit World", the plane of existence where the universe's disembodied spirits dwell. His spirituality training progressed swiftly, granting visions and access to the various memories from his past lives.

Like his predecessors, his most powerful ability is the Avatar State, in which he receives a massive boost in raw power from the cosmic energy, enabling him to easily overcome any opponent that tries to fight him head-on. In addition, this state allows him to access bending techniques he would not have learned during his own lifetime but throughout those of his past lives. If he is killed in the Avatar State, then this would cause the Avatar to cease being reincarnated and end the Avatar Cycle.

Critical reception

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (November 2021)

Aang was received exceptionally by critics and fans. Kendall Lyons stated, "Aang seems to be the lighthearted kid that you can easily familiarize yourself with", and that he "seems to bring comfort in the most dangerous or hostile situations." There are many similar descriptions about Aang as a childlike character who is "reckless and excitable". Reviews point out that "as the Avatar, Aang seems unstoppable, but as Aang, he is just another Airbender"; the review states later that the show continues to focus on a more realistic character instead of a perfect one by revealing many character flaws.

In 2016, Screen Rant ranked Aang #15 on its "30 Best Animated TV Characters Of All Time" list.

At the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, Dutch windsurfer Kiran Badloe won the gold medal in Men's RS: X while having a blue arrow haircut inspired by Aang's design.

Family tree

Water TribeAir Nomad family trees
Hakoda's fatherKannaPakku
HakodaKyaAvatar Cycle
SokkaKataraAvatar AangKorra's grandparents
BumiKyaPemaTenzinSennaTonraqUnalaqMalina
JinoraIkkiMeeloRohanAvatar KorraDesnaEska
Color key:
Color Description
  Water Tribe and Waterbenders
  Air Nomads, Air Acolytes, and Airbenders
Notes:
  1. ^ Aang and Korra are both parts of Avatar Cycle of reincarnation, with Korra immediately following Aang.

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