The Legend Of Korra: A New Era Of Bending Awaits

The Legend of Korra, a sequel series to Avatar: The Last Airbender that debuted on Nickelodeon in 2012, will begin streaming on Netflix on August 14. This show is set in the same world as Avatar, a planet divided into four nations, each with a corresponding elemental power wielded by its population of "benders." However, it takes place 70 years after Avatar Aang defeated the Phoenix King Ozai and opened a new era of peace.

As time moves on, many beloved characters from Avatar: The Last Airbender have passed away by the time of Korra's adventures. Surprisingly, several key characters have survived to witness the rise of the new Avatar, Korra. Let's dive into nine significant characters from Avatar: The Last Airbender that reappear in the sequel series, The Legend of Korra.

Katara: The Last Waterbender of Her Time

After the events of Avatar: The Last Airbender, Katara and Avatar Aang had three children together, one of whom becomes Korra's airbending mentor. Following Aang's passing, Katara took on the role of training the reincarnated Avatar, Korra, in waterbending. Now 85 years old, Katara remains in the Southern Water Tribe as Korra ventures to Republic City, the primary setting for The Legend of Korra.

Toph Beifong: The Earthbending Legend

Aang's earthbending teacher, Toph Beifong, also survived into the era of The Legend of Korra. She became Republic City's first chief of police before retiring to Foggy Swamp. In the show's fourth season, Korra receives invaluable training from Toph, further developing her skills as the new Avatar.

Zuko: The Peace Ambassador

As Fire Lord, Zuko worked alongside Aang to create the United Republic of Nations, healing many of the rifts left after the Hundred Year War. By the time of The Legend of Korra, at 87 years old, Zuko has stepped down as Fire Lord, yet he continues to act as an ambassador for peace and an agent for the Order of the White Lotus, traversing the world on the back of his dragon, Druk.

Sokka: The Hero in Memory

While Katara, Toph, and Zuko are the only three surviving members of Team Avatar, Sokka appears in flashbacks, visions, and memories. Although he has passed by the time of The Legend of Korra, the show reveals that Sokka represented the Southern Water Tribe on the United Republic Council and once saved a baby Korra from criminals, leaving a lasting legacy.

Aang and the Avatars: A Legacy of Wisdom

The avatars possess the unique ability to learn earth, air, fire, and waterbending techniques, connected through a continuum of reincarnation. While Aang passed away at the age of 66, he still appears in The Legend of Korra. As Korra's previous incarnation, Aang provides guidance to her throughout the series, along with other past avatars, like Roku and Kyoshi, who make brief appearances.

Iroh: The Spirit of Wisdom

Despite being old in Avatar: The Last Airbender, Zuko's mentor and former Fire Nation general Iroh surprises fans with his appearance in The Legend of Korra. After the events of Avatar, Iroh entered the Spirit World, where he opened a tea shop. He reappears as a guide in the Spirit World, offering wisdom to characters throughout the series.

Admiral Zhao: A Ghost from the Past

One of the more obscure returning characters in The Legend of Korra, Admiral Zhao was a former nemesis of Zuko's. After killing the Moon spirit in his mortal life, he is condemned to wander in the Fog of Lost Souls, driven mad by his actions and still lost decades later.

Wan Shi Tong: The Guardian of Knowledge

Appearing as a giant owl, Wan Shi Tong is an ancient spirit overseeing a massive Spirit World library. In Avatar: The Last Airbender, Aang and his friends sought knowledge to defeat the Fire Nation, but Wan Shi Tong disapproved of using knowledge for violence. He returns in The Legend of Korra to assist Jinora, Aang's granddaughter, in her quest for portals into the Spirit World.

As we explore The Legend of Korra, we see not just the new challenges faced by the next Avatar but also the enduring legacies of the characters we came to love in Avatar: The Last Airbender. This new adventure is rich with connections to the past, creating a tapestry of history that fans can appreciate as they watch Korra's journey unfold.