Introduction to Religion in the Avatar Universe

"Friendly Mushroom! Mushy Giant Friend"
from Book 2: Earth - The Desert

The Avatar's past lives
from Book 3: Fire - Sozin's Comet, Part 4

In 2005, the kids programing network Nickelodeon premiered a new series that was unlike any other typical "kids" show that had ever aired on the network before. Avatar: The Last Airbender was full of culture, complex character growth, and yes, lots of incredibly quotable humor. 

But beyond that, the mythos behind the world of the Avatar Universe has very clear connections to real-world religions and cultures. From the mindful awareness of the blind earthbender Toph, to the spiritual detachment of the air nomads, to the reincarnation of the Avatar cycle, all of these elements and more can be definitively connected to real influences. In this blog I will be exploring the different elements of this incredible world and how each draw from the religions and cultures of our world (particularly those in the East).