As a realist, I have always been drawn to the fantasy world of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Despite its supernatural elements, the show’s use of natural and cultural references makes it feel surprisingly familiar. For 15 years, I thought I was the only one who loved this series, until I met my friend who shared the same passion. We would say the same things at once during discussions, like “I still can’t forget that library episode.” We also fondly remembered the surreal scene with “those two fishes in water,” which had left a lasting impression on both of us. This shared enthusiasm made me realize that there was something special about Avatar that resonated with us on a deeper level.
Image from Wallpaper Cave
After watching the series again with my friend, I understood what that “something” was – our realism. As someone who can’t imagine unreal or fantastical things, I was surprised by how much I loved Avatar. But it’s not just the show’s engaging storyline or memorable characters that make it special; it’s the way it grounds its fantasy world in reality. The magic system, based on elemental bending, is rooted in the natural world. Earth, water, fire, and air are all familiar elements that make the fantastical feel more relatable. This connection to reality makes the magic system feel less senseless and more believable.
Moreover, Avatar draws inspiration from various cultures and spiritual traditions, including Islamic and Middle Eastern architecture, Hindu and Buddhist concepts like chakras and reincarnation, and Taoist philosophies of yin and yang. The spirit world, populated with creatures connected to real-world animals and concepts, feels less alien and more relatable – like Owl the wise master of the library and his helper foxes. Owl is a representation of wisdom, while the Foxes represent wit and sharpness. So, such spirits in making up a library seems very relatable.
The series also explores real-world issues like imperialism, dystopian societies, capitalism and dictatorships, making it feel more grounded and relevant.
Each nation, a world unto itself, yet together; a harmonious balance of elements, a symphony of cultures, and a dance of personalities.
Can’t we hope to experience such a world? As technology and materialism threaten to destroy our world, can’t we yearn for a return to a time when nature was pristine and alive, like the serene swamp where all living beings coexist in harmony? Elemental Bending may seem far-fetched, but it’s not entirely impossible. As one character wisely said, “It’s not magic, it’s bending." Perhaps there’s some truth to it, a sense of wonder that we can’t quite dismiss.
Comments