So I’ve seen and heard many people describe the magic system in Avatar as being based in the four classical elements. While this isn’t an inaccurate description of the show, the word “classical” has a very strong Western cannotation (Greco-Roman, to be specific). I’d like to make the argument that the elemental system in ATLA is far more Eastern than people give it credit for.
The concept of dividing the physical world into water, earth, fire, and air is just as much Ancient Indian in origin as it is Ancient Greek. Additionally, the existence of a fifth element that represents the absence of the physical or a world beyond the physical— which is often translated as “void” or “space”— is present in both Hindu and Buddhist philosophy.
This “void” concept is acknowledged in ATLA through the existence of energybending, an ability granted to our hero after coming into contact with a primordial being who existed before the four elements system. Whereas the other bending arts focus on overcoming obstacles using the physical world (elements), energybending allows one to subdue the enemy by looking beyond the physical and taking away the ego-driven brute force that lies within the opponent.
A solution steeped in a Buddhist conception of the world.
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https://ko-fi.com/atlaculture
I’ve always thought Sokka with his hair down looked like James from Team Rocket. Wonder if they could cosplay as each other.
Aang VS Korra - Avatar: The Last CATbender - Fan Animation
Avatar: The Last Airbender is the G.O.A.T. | Video Essay
A love letter to the show.
I can easily see this during the next Fire-Nation Avatar. And since the Fire-Nation is based off Japan I can see this totally working.
Avatar but its a summer anime in the 90s and they still have powers and stuff but also live like normal highschoolers
I've been playing a lot of "Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" and this is my idea of what a "Bionicle Version" would look like. You'd go to the different temples to gather each element, and the Nuva Gauntlet would change color depending on what element you're using.
I am an Earth Science Teacher who studied the four elements in university. I hope to make a series on the science within Bending.
I’m so happy to see all these Avatar related animations. This one is of Aang Earth Bending by Renan Nunes.
Maybe that’s why Katara was so upset.
Aang and Kya sacrificing themselves to protect Katara and the tribe
I’m a big fan of the game SKY: Children of Light. In the game, there are different seasons where spirits come and bring new stuff. This is my idea for a season.
The Moon and Ocean Spirits are the source of all Waterbending, so Commander Zhao essentially unplugged the Waterbending WiFi and even took out their Internet satellite (i.e. The MOON).
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