Introduction
The world of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra is one steeped in elemental bending, spiritual balance, and the cyclical rebirth of the Avatar, a figure destined to master all four elements and bring harmony to the world. We are all familiar with Aang and Korra, the avatars in the main series, but what about Lu Ten? The Fire Nation prince, son of Iroh, is often relegated to a footnote in the grand narrative, a tragic figure whose death fuels Iroh’s profound grief and eventual redemption. But what if the hand of fate had dealt a different card? What if Lu Ten, instead of a casualty of war, had been chosen as the Avatar? This article explores that intriguing possibility, delving into how Lu Ten’s character, the timeline of events, and the very fabric of the Avatar universe could have been irrevocably altered if he had been born with the power to bend all four elements.
Lu Ten’s Character and Strengths: A Different Kind of Avatar
In the relatively limited screen time Lu Ten receives, we get a glimpse of a character shrouded in potential. He is presented as a loyal and devoted son to Iroh, a skilled warrior undoubtedly trained in the Fire Nation’s formidable martial arts, and a respected member of the royal family. While his personality is not fully fleshed out, the sheer depth of Iroh’s grief following Lu Ten’s death speaks volumes about the kind of person he was. Iroh, a man of immense wisdom and compassion, clearly held his son in the highest regard. It is reasonable to infer that Lu Ten possessed traits that mirrored his father’s best qualities: kindness, bravery, a sense of justice, and perhaps even a burgeoning understanding of the interconnectedness of all things.
Unlike Ozai, with his lust for power, and Azula, with her cold and calculated ambition, Lu Ten, raised by Iroh, likely fostered a different set of values. His loyalty to the Fire Nation wouldn’t necessarily equate to blind allegiance to its aggressive expansionist policies. Instead, it could have manifested as a deep-seated desire to protect and serve his people, not through conquest, but through diplomacy and understanding.
These qualities, coupled with the Avatar’s inherent responsibilities, could have molded Lu Ten into a truly exceptional Avatar. His loyalty would translate into an unwavering commitment to safeguarding the balance of the world, his bravery would empower him to face seemingly insurmountable challenges, and his potential for compassion, nurtured by Iroh’s influence, would enable him to bridge the divides between nations and find common ground. The world would have a Fire Nation Avatar who didn’t subscribe to the fire nation’s ambitions of conquering.
Altering the Avatar Timeline: A Ripple Effect
The implications of Lu Ten being the Avatar are far-reaching, creating a ripple effect that would drastically alter the course of Avatar history. Let’s consider some key events:
First, the Siege of Ba Sing Se. If Lu Ten were the Avatar, would Iroh even participate in the war? The very knowledge that his son carried such a burden and responsibility might have compelled Iroh to renounce his military position and dedicate himself to guiding and training Lu Ten. If the siege did still occur, Lu Ten’s presence as the Avatar could significantly impact the Earth Kingdom’s resistance. His reputation, actions leading up to the siege, and demonstrated compassion could influence the morale and resilience of the Earth Kingdom defenders, for better or for worse.
Second, the Hundred Year War. With Lu Ten as the Avatar, it’s highly probable that the war would have either been significantly shortened or averted entirely. His access to the Avatar State and mastery of all four elements would give him immense power to counter Fire Lord Sozin’s aggression. More importantly, his inherent compassion and desire for balance might have led him to seek diplomatic solutions and address the underlying issues that fueled the conflict. He might have challenged his own nation’s aggressive policies, even at great personal risk, choosing the wellbeing of the world over blind national pride.
The arrival of Aang is another crucial point. Would Aang still need to emerge? If Lu Ten successfully maintained peace and balance, the need for a new Avatar might not have been as urgent. Alternatively, Aang could have still been born, but his role would have been significantly different. Perhaps he would have become Lu Ten’s close ally and advisor, working alongside him to further promote peace and understanding.
Finally, consider The Legend of Korra. Lu Ten’s legacy would undoubtedly shape the world Korra inherited. Whether for better or worse is a matter of speculation. Perhaps the issues that Korra faced, such as social inequalities and the rise of anti-bending movements, might have been mitigated, or even exacerbated, depending on Lu Ten’s choices and actions during his time as the Avatar.
Challenges and Obstacles: The Burden of Balance
Despite his potential, Lu Ten would face immense challenges as the Avatar. Internal conflict would undoubtedly be a significant hurdle. Balancing his loyalty to the Fire Nation with his duty to the world would require immense strength and resolve. Would he face opposition from within the Fire Nation, particularly from those who clung to the ideals of conquest and domination? Could he overcome the pressure from his family and government to prioritize the Fire Nation’s interests above all else?
Gaining acceptance from other nations, especially during the height of the Hundred Year War, would be a monumental task. Overcoming the prejudice and distrust associated with the Fire Nation would require exceptional diplomacy, empathy, and a demonstrable commitment to fairness and justice.
Mastering all four elements is a challenge for every Avatar, but Lu Ten would face the added pressure of doing so while navigating the complexities of international relations and the ever-present threat of war. He would need unwavering spiritual guidance. Iroh, his father, could play a vital role in nurturing his spiritual growth and helping him connect with the wisdom of past Avatars.
Lu Ten’s Potential Legacy: A Question of Perspective
Lu Ten’s legacy as the Avatar would be complex and multifaceted, subject to interpretation and historical context. Would he be remembered as a uniter, a peacemaker who brought an end to the Hundred Year War and ushered in an era of unprecedented harmony? Or would his Fire Nation origins forever overshadow his accomplishments, casting a shadow of doubt on his motives and actions?
Future generations might view him as a revolutionary, a leader who dared to challenge the status quo and prioritize the wellbeing of the world over narrow national interests. He might be celebrated as a symbol of hope, a testament to the power of compassion and understanding to overcome even the most deeply entrenched conflicts. Or, the opposite may be true and he may be seen as the ruler who destroyed all harmony and peace.
How he changed the perception of the Fire Nation throughout history will ultimately define his legacy. If he succeeded in dismantling the Fire Nation’s imperialistic ambitions and fostering a culture of peace and cooperation, he would be revered as a transformative figure, responsible for ushering in a new era of global harmony.
Conclusion
Exploring the hypothetical scenario of Lu Ten being the Avatar offers a fascinating glimpse into the infinite possibilities of the Avatar universe. While he remains a tragic figure in the established canon, contemplating his potential as the Avatar allows us to appreciate the complex interplay of destiny, character, and circumstance. It raises profound questions about leadership, loyalty, and the enduring quest for balance in a world constantly teetering on the brink of chaos.
Ultimately, the “what if” of Lu Ten Avatar is a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring appeal of the Avatar universe. What do you think Lu Ten would have done differently as the Avatar?
