Avatar: The Last Airbender ~ The Elements In Popular Media

INTRODUCTION

In honor of April's PW Challenge, I will be talking about one of the most popular forms of modern media that are centered around the elements - Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Not only is this my favorite show and just a genuinely good piece of media, but this show, though fictional, does quite a good job of representing the 4 elements; the energies associated with them, how they are seen in our lives, etc.

I will specifically break down how each element is represented and how it was portrayed as akin to actual elemental understandings and practices.

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#1: FIREBENDING

“Fire is the element of power. The people of the Fire Nation have desire and will, and the energy and drive to achieve what they want.”

In the show, the element of fire is an element associated with ambition, motivation, and action. The characters who Fire bend are also some of the characters that go through the greatest transformation, like Zuko (best redemption arc ever written).

This is in line with the element of fire in magickal practices as well. Fire is ionate and buring and is associated with go-getting energy. You can see this through fire ruled Zodiacs or fire ruled planets such as Mars, for instance.

In the show, the fire bending style is actually based on Shaolin Kung Fu. This fighting style is characterized by fast, dynamic movement, footwork, extended stances, and aggressiveness.

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#2: AIRBENDING

“Air is the element of freedom. The Air Nomads detached themselves from worldly concerns, and they found peace and freedom. And they apparently had great senses of humor.”

In the show, the element of air is associated with freedom, creativity, and the joyousness of life. The only airbender we really see in the show is, of course, Aang, who embodies these traits from the moment he pops out of the iceberg.

This is in line with the element of air in magickal practices. Air is the invisible tether, which fills the space yet can not be contained. You can see these aspects through Zodiacs and spirits of the air such as Zephyrus.

In the show, airbending is based off of Baguazhang which focuses on agility, spiral movements, and deflection.

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#3: WATERBENDING

“Water is the element of change. The people of the Water Tribes are capable of adapting to many things. They have a sense of community and love that holds them together through anything.”

In the show, the element of water is associated with healing, adaptability, and familial relationships. One of the only examples we see of a strong family is through Katara and Sokka's ties with their father and grandmother.

This is in line with the magickal associations of water in witchcraft, too. Water is an emotional element and can just as easily cleanse us as it can drown us. I think the show does a great job of showcasing this dual aspect of the element with Katara confronting her bloodbending abilities.

In the show, the waterbending fight style is based on Tai Chi. Which uses redirection over brute force, circular movements, and internal focus.

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#4: EARTHBENDING

“Earth is the element of substance. The people of the Earth Kingdom are diverse and strong. They are persistent and enduring.”

In the show, earthbending is associated with headfirst mindsets, perseverance, and patience. The best eartjbender in the world, Toph Beifong, of course, is known for this as she waits and listens to the Earth rather than defaults to action like a firebender would.

These associations are in line with Earth in a magickal sense, too. Earth is a provider but only over time. Earth is strong and stable and is not keen to constant change like air.

In the show, earthbenders use a Hung Gar style of fighting. This style is based on strong stances, low centers of gravity, and durability.

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CONCLUSION

This silly Nickelodeon show was some of my first exposures to different aspects of energy, and even though it was fictional, it always made a deeper type of sense to me.

It was a gateway, in many ways, to explore more in-depth the idea of elemental spirits and energies that are now cornerstones of my day-to-day practices. It was a children's show, but it was also pretty accurate in its portrayals of the elements.

I hope you enjoy, blessed be witches :dizzy: :dizzy: :dizzy:

#ElementalMagick