Avatar: The Last Airbender - Mercy & Forgiveness

[@MyBradlynn]

One of the many lines I NEVER can forget is : Aang: You do have a choice- Forgiveness. Zuko: That's the same as doing nothing! Aang: No it's not. It's easy to do nothing. But it's hard to forgive. Katara: It's not just hard...it's impossible. - The Southern Raiders

[@ISetYourFaceOnFire]

Agreed. Such incredible dialogue. Which highlights yet more reasons why Avatar transcends the "animated show aimed at children which aired on nickelodeon before the show where the yellow sentient sponge tries to give his cat snail a bath" tag.

[@helleswahn]

I was thinking the same! One of the quotes that stuck with me the most

[@fredericsalimrahman9365]

Zuko: this is not air temple pree school. This is the real life.

[@kinga6565]

I can relate to that line. I could never ever forgive and forget what my bullies did to me... It burned into my fucking personality

[@gavinwightman4038]

@@kinga6565 Even school bullies are people. Forgiveness and thankfulness are scientifically healthy ways of living.

[@justinmann2962]

Not gonna lie, the scene of Iroh forgiving Zuko still brings a tear to my eye.

[@colinftp3288]

always

[@LegioXXI]

Same to me. Even after watching the show for the 30th time.

[@gumballwatterson5037]

not me, not that that's a bad thing

[@keyloh9386]

Zuko: "How can you forgive me so easily? I thought you'd be furious..." Iroh: "I was never mad, I was sad, because I thought you had lost your way." Zuko: "I did lose my way..." Iroh: "Yes... but you found it again, and this time, you did it ALL ON YOUR OWN, and I could not be more proud of you prince zuko." That last line... every time, without fail, I can't hold it back...

[@mdmalvaro8854]

i cant

[@OceanHedgehog]

Iroh didn't forgive Zuko, because Iroh said there was nothing to forgive; Iroh helped Zuko forgive himself.

[@xavierthomas5835]

Amen. So it is with God.

[@bpwatcher2719]

I can still hear Iroh saying: “What do you want!”

[@NastoKing]

bpwatcher the big question: big tiddies or big ass

[@ExcuseMe881]

Should I put on a pot of tea for him?

[@tong6644]

RobExploit why not both

[@deviljho4260]

RobExploit big ass, tiddies no matter how big or small are always good but big ass is better than small ass

[@Iliadic]

It's time for you to look inward, and begin asking yourself the BIG QUESTIONS!! Who are YOU?! And what do YOU WANT?

[@redgeoblaze3752]

Holy crap, I just had an amazing realiztion. Avatar Roku was friends with Gyatso, who would go on to train the next avatar in his first element. Avatar Aang was friends with Katara, who would go on to train the next avatar in her first element. Following the pattern, Bolin is going to train the next avatar. And that means Kyoshi was friends with the one who would train Roku in Fire.

[@Happy_Abe]

RedGeoBlaze thats pretty sweet

[@marisolmartinez4159]

"Some friendships are so strong, they transcend lifetimes."

[@hana-tox]

And considering that the next avatar will be an Earthbender, this makes a whole lot of sense.

[@Jodiejg76]

I’m really hoping that is the case here

[@oskarwagner5897]

Unfortunately we will never find out

[@LiiiiiiMa]

forgiveness is a really important theme that is often overlooked and no show deals with it better than avatar.

[@joshhetzel355]

I think the closest but it doesnt even get close is lucifer

[@edgargarza486]

"Don't let your past burden your future"...what a quote to learn!!! Thank you for it.

[@dontmindme1681]

It sounds like one of those pieces of advice that's easy to say and impossible to implement.

[@cahya.d]

@@dontmindme1681 true, my past mistakes still become a burden inside of myself. 😔😌

[@craigpeoples9883]

@@cahya.dSame

[@cahya.d]

@@craigpeoples9883 *patpat

[@chapablo]

A key detail in Katara's story is that she *didn't* forgive him. Katara's realized that killing the southern Raider leader would not bring her mother back, and that killing him would break something in her that could not be fixed. She decided she has outgrown the monster of her last, and she could rebuild her life without the weight of her past. Great video!!

[@itachi0089]

Yes, Katara outright told Aang: "But I didn't forgive him. I can *never* forgive him." Instead she moved past her anger at Zuko. The prince didn't betray her because they were never friends in Book 2, but she nevertheless *felt* betrayed by him and that caused her to be very distrustful of and angry at him until he helped Katara find closure over her mother's death. ATLA truly is the most amazing story!!!!!!!! :D

[@joypetinrin2561]

oh she forgived Zuko! right!

[@rampant1apart]

You know what's interesting? Katara didn't forgive, but she found mercy. It's not often we see those two actions parsed apart in fiction, let alone in what is supposed to be a children's show.

[@lemons2300]

I was looking for this comment

[@BobPantsSpongeSquare97]

Yeah honestly I feel like the whole scene could've been ruined if katara got all nice and tearfully said she forgave him because it wouldn't have been at all realistic and sometimes forgiveness is not the answer. You can show mercy to your enemy and say fuck you and that's probably just as good

[@d4dr4g0n]

Just something I want to add about the energybending scene. Aang's spirit had to be unbendable or it would be corroded and destroyed by Ozai's spirit. So his decision to not kill is not coming from a place of weakness but rather a refusal to compromise on his own values. Ozai said that Aang was too weak-willed to kill. But the energy-bending showed that Aang has the will not to. He'd rather die than take someone's life even if that someone is Ozai.

[@sillysokka1130]

Jay but it’s not is it? Aang stayed strong to his own moral views and he wouldn’t budge a bit. But at the same time, he didn’t stand still and do nothing and let Ozai go free to take the world. Theirs a big difference with enforcing necessary justice and doing it in the correct manor, and when Aang has the choice, he could give into his rage and murder or just do the right thing as an example of hope for the future of the world. Aangs mercy is strength. He resists giving into anger and still locks him away. Roku’s unfortunately is mercy through weakness and fear. He doesn’t deal with it at all.

[@leechilo]

Jay yes, that’s one perspective... but there are valid arguments that justifies Aang’s choice. (I’ll not bother listing those coz this is youtube comment) tbh, I don’t mind it ended that way. Plus, I’d argue that there’d be more repercussions and character’s complications at the end of the show if Aang had chosen murder, and thus making the show less satisfying given the target audience and since it is the very last episode.

[@SelvenXXUP]

@Jay Kiyoshi didn't kill the Earth king. He killed himself in his recklesness and was unable to accept Kiyoshi had effectively removed any way for him to force his will upon the now island. The king pushes forward, instead of retreating. Kiyoshi was not atacking, she took the earth king ability to force a confrontation in the first place, and the king's pride lead him to literally have an accident. Roku did nothing, that's the difference. He didn't want to kill his old friend. So he hoped that a show of strenght would be enough to set him on the right path. He was wrong, Sozin just waited. For decades. And let his children carry out his plans. He didn't depose Sozin, didn't take away his bending, didn't even stay there to monitor his ruling. He just let hang in the air the threat that if he tried something similar again Roku would come back and finish the job Yang-Chen says that he understands Aang, but that the duty of the Avatar must be upheld over their belief. In this Yang-Chen shows responsability, and ability to compromise. Aang on the other hand shows strenght of will and persistance. Both are wise. It's just a matter of perspective, they have similar values but different priorities. In neither case was this a mistake. Roku's lack of commitment to his responsability to the world over his feelings was, as it led to the 100 year war. He had decided what he had to do but was unable to act on it Aang knows he has to stop Ozai. And he fights him. But before that he decides that killing him will not be the right solution. It's the easy solution, not the right one. And that's the difference between avatar Roku and Avatar Aang. Roku doesn't do what he believes is right because he doesn't have the will to do it. Aang refuses the course of action others recommend because he feels it's not the right thing and works towards finding a solution that would be. So no, it's not the same sentiment, it's not Roku's mistake all over again. Aang is willing to do whatever it takes for what he feels is right And while Ozai was dangerous, you have to put it into perspective to know why. No, he didn't become more dangerous because he had nothing to lose. That's often said about people who are not afraid and can not be scared because they no longer have anything they value, so they become relentless on the single thought they still have, in this case it would be revenge. What you are saying is that with everything stripped away from him Ozai would never stop until he killed the avatar, which at the same time implies he is still a threat to Aang. Which he is not, he can be all the angry he wants in jail, he can not replicate what Iroh did. Not only does Iroh have a stronger will, he is also more cunning. He was the fire nation general during its "crusade", not Ozai. He was the military man, and so he had the will and knowledge to train and get strong so that he could prepare for the phisical feats he would need to accomplish. And he did more, he fooled the guards, planed his scape for months with incredible efficiency thanks to his experience (Iroh's background gives him an experience in escaping detention thanks to the war that Ozai doesn't have. That's not the only time we see him plot and execute a escape plan. Remember he gets arrested by the earth kingdom troops, almost gets taken prisioner by Azula, infiltrates and escapes the Northern Watertribe...) and to top it all off he pull it all out during the eclipse because the prison guards were not ready for it and the military was occupied with an invasion. But even if he did managed to scape he'd have no secret white lotus organization to turn to, because of they way Aang defeated him proving that mercy is not a weakness it's simply the right thing to do and that there's no glory in conquest, the war is not for the benefit of all, and because of the way Zuko takes the throne through the costume of Agni Kai without killing her sister (The few witness there saw Zuko was actually winning and that it was Azula who acted dishonorably, so it shouldn't be counted as a loss because of Katara's interference, not in their culture of honor and fairness) to enforce that idea of mercy and respect for human life it makes it less probable that he could spark riots or a rebellion. Less people would side with him, he'd get no support from any allies. Lastly, Ozai controlled the masses through fear. In the fire nation is unthinkable to go against your lord or superior. You have a duty, and to betray that duty is to renounce your honor, which is to become a pariah. You want to be the one in charge, you have to prove you have what it takes to shoulder the burden. Through past deeds that give you right to challenge to Agni Kai. You can disobey your king, protest against an order. Just challenge him to an agni kai, if you dare. Also, you believe that killing Ozai would put the fire nation to rest. But Iroh and Zukko have a very different projection of what it would happen. if Iroh killed Ozai it would be a reverse of the same thing Ozai did, brother usurping brother. If Zuko killed him or one of his companions did and he ascended to the throne it would've been seen similar, which would create distrust among the people. Another death and political move for the throne. If you then stop and pull the army back people wouldn't like it because they see virtue in the war, the same virtue that legitimates the new emperor's reing. To turn on the war would be to turn the legitimacy of your ascension. The transition wouldn't be smooth. Their new emperor would have ascended the same way the previous did, gaining strenght and power through the ways that had become culture... and the he would be triying to destroy that culture. Doesn't look good, military leaders could rebel and call themselves the new fire lord or support Azula. Even if you kill her too you still have to deal with the transition of the imperialist fire nation to a more pacifist kingdom, and without making a statement with the details of Azula's and Ozai's defeats it's less organic. It also creates a difference towards the other nations. It's not just the fire nation being an unstopable force so its citizens became proud. It's also the other countries seeing the fire nation as this monster that was devouring him. And now it's been knocked down. Better make sure it doesn't rise again. They are Germany, public enemy #1, everyone wants to beat them. The avatar sparing the tyrant is, at least, setting an example. "Removing a threat permanently" is not always the best course of action. The way you deal with the threat may cause new problems, specially in fantasy fiction where honor and ideals are a strong theme. If this was just about you not liking the spirit turtle I agree that it should have been explored before. If we had seen spirits harming the souls of humans and Aang being able to heal them, to be able to interact with human spirits, then it wouldn't feel so... Deus Ex Machina. But even if it was improbable I believe it was a satisfing end to the story because through the entire series compasion, mercy, forgiveness and unity has been a strong theme. It's what makes the group different to any other faction and what pushes them forwards. They are all different, they have different skills and that allows them to adapt better and reach higher heights when they cooperate.

[@itsjustvin7630]

@Jay so should the same apply to his supporters? Should we kill them too?

[@tiamindamanik8719]

@Jay agree imagine if aang died , there will be firebender left, ozai will kill other bender to stop the cycle

[@lindenlynx]

4:40 That scream, the scream of a thirteen-year-old boy scarred by his own father, always gives me chills.

[@jcthunderable]

Doing nothing is easy. Forgiving is hard.

[@outlawgaviez3705]

the hardest decisions requires the strongest will

[@tiffanypersaud3518]

“Forgiveness is freedom. Forgiveness is love.” Thank you.

[@ashakibailey8008]

Through Unforgiving,there is No Forgiveness but Hatred 😠,but Through the Heart ❤of Jesus Christ Love 💘 can Bring Forgiveness and a Love of Freedom and Peace ✌ That Prayer Friendship and love conquers all!

[@ashockmizer914]

@@ashakibailey8008 Amen 💔💞💓

[@twifanly]

Not gonna lie, man, I'm crying like a little bitch rn. I love this show so much, having grown up with it. I remember running home , turning the TV on, and sitting half a metre away from the Tv, attentively. I can recall the flurry of emotions I felt watching the tv show, the anger at Zuko at the beginning, the pain in book 2 when appa got stolen, the adrenaline of the finale, and the overwhelming feeling of comfort I felt watching iroh's character and his wisdom. Thank you so much for making this video and summing up everything I feel about my favourite show, much love

[@MyWatchIsEnded]

Whovian Alyanna I felt the exact same way as you in every way you described. I really internalized the deep subconcious meaning of the show because of all the loss I've experienced. In a way I'm similar to Zuko.

[@ZenoDovahkiin]

Making me cry is easy, at least if you have footage of that one hug of Zuko and best uncle.

[@igweofart]

Forgiveness is that hardest thing one can do

[@Horror-Man]

You didn't put a period at the end of your sentence. I forgive you.

[@jefferaimer]

True.

[@NickCTorres]

And the best

[@tonysnyder2216]

"It's easy to do nothing, but it's hard to forgive"

[@martialsunwalk9955]

Want to perform a miracle? Forgive yourself

[@Sherparts]

I just want to say the way you explained about forgiveness in avatar and how each character had to go through a journey was absolutely touching and beautiful. The last minute where you asked us "Are you able to forgive others and most of all yourself?" Really inspired and softened my spirit. Thank you sage's rain, you've earned a new subscriber.

[@demonofpixels]

Get away from my feelings

[@sleepyeffy4573]

WHO CRIED IN ZUKO'S PART??

[@dire_ahamkara7802]

Every time

[@MyWatchIsEnded]

Like a bitch, I cried.

[@danasantos6949]

It always gets yo to me smh

[@aineraine3986]

I cried in all the parts

[@ashakibailey8008]

Iroh.

[@crocsqueen1474]

The contrast between Ozai's reaction to Zuko begging for forgiveness for standing up for their soldiers' lives and Iroh's reaction to Zuko asking for forgiveness for betraying him is... Wow

[@JasminTheDreamer]

First: your voice is beautiful and soothing, second: the intro is soothing, inspirational and impressive, third: your content is thoughtfull, poetic and interesting. Please keep the videos going, I can see you having a big channel one day! ♡ I would love to watch more of your thoughts on ATLA :3

[@SagesRain]

Thank you! I really appreciate the kind words!

[@SagesRain]

I'm not worthy of such a comparison. But I do appreciate it, thank you!

[@callmesenpaidesu1506]

+Sage's Rain u deserve this and so more. do u have a patreaon I want to donate. u have changed my perspective on so many things in everything.

[@beckygould7509]

He has the perfect voice for narration!

[@UN_Rico]

"I was never angry with you, i was sad because i'm afraid you'll lose your way" this hit my heart how perfect he is as a father figure :)

[@AnvilApricot]

I've always thought that Aang not killing the fire lord was a bit of a cop out, but this really changed my view of it. My brothers and I related Aang's journey to Son Goku's, saying that, like Goku, Aang should've learned that sometimes you have to kill, even if you don't want to, to save millions. But your point really justifies the ending they decided. That if Aang *had* killed the fire lord, he would be straying away from a culture that he is, essentially, the sole practicioner of, one that he bases his identity off of. He would still technically be an air nomad, but in name alone and such a violent action would only tarnish the image of the nomads for his descendants. I still think that the giant lion turtle was a bit out of left field, but that aside, thanks for giving me a greater appreciation for an already amazing show!

[@shineinouzen7412]

Well they showed lion-turtles 5 times prior to the finale, and mention it by name at least once. So we knew they were ancient creatures that existed in the Avatar mythology, at the very least. The library episode would have been a PERFECT time to foreshadow it *better* (Aang finds a drawing of a lion turtle in that episode.)

[@ravenn2631]

Honestly, a lot of Avatar's inspiration comes from Buddhist and mostly Hinduism's beliefs. If anything, it reminds me of one of the stories from Krishna, who argued for war for the purpose of peace -- I think from the Bhagavad Gita. You can see a direct connection with Hinduism in how the word Avatar comes from the religion in the first place -- which often is the word for a major prophet in its culture. Krishna is actually known to have grown up to be really lighthearted and fun-loving, and somehow ended up having to take the job as the Avatar anyway, which is similar to Aang. Would it be better to surrender or fight? There's a difference between war that is fought for peace, and a war fought to conquer. If anything, this is direct contrast to the stories placed in its mythology, and how many extremists often interpret these sayings. The true war was never external, it was actually very internal. Peace is not always born out of love, if anything peace is sometimes born out of hatred. Because to take a person's abilities and power away without killing them, is often for them a fate worse than death. To deny peace is to do what the firelord wants in the end. What is really meant to have war over is not the firelord's empire or even armies, but his ideals and beliefs that began the whole war in the first place.

[@sillysokka1130]

Aang is supposed to show that no matter how dark the opposition is, there is a chance for peace. Aang from Ep1 represents hope in two ways. Being the avatar, and the best yet, being Aang. His avatar status gives the world a little bit of hope no matter what, but his character himself, and his own positivity allows people around him in the darkest of times, to have faith in a better future. The reason he can energy bend Ozai is because he is incorruptible. If he was corrupted and killed Ozai then it wouldn’t mean as much for the world, but he defeats Ozai the most murderous power hungry villain without killing him, that is true hope of peace, and the reason why he is able to learn the secret of energy bending itself.

[@leechilo]

It’s deux ex machina to a degree but not in a way that negates the value of the show or is void of fulfilling resolution... plus it’s a kids fantasy show and murder has always been veiled or sidestepped in ATLA... that’s why i got no problems with it.

[@marcossantos1359]

Im going thru a difficult time. I play this to remind myself the world doesn’t have to be dark. “When we hit our lowest point, we are open to the greatest change” - aang.

[@craigpeoples9883]

Respect

[@sid7906]

"You don't forgive them because they need it, you forgive them because you need it." -Anonymous

[@samurasdevine4207]

When sage asked the question "are you able to forgive the ones who have done wrong to you?" I instantly started to cry. I could never forgive, not because I haven't tried, but because I didn't really wanted to. But, sage changed my view. I'll try to forgive once more, but now with the will to do so. Thanks sage

[@TheRaven_200]

My forgiveness of those who wronged me depends on the degree in which they wronged me. Especially with regard to people who are supposed to be family.

[@joseph-fernando-piano]

I always laugh at that part in "The Southern Raiders" when Yan Ra is pleading and says "why don't you take my mother, that would fair?" XD

[@jairuscookie2744]

I really don't think Katara forgave Yon Ra. She specifically states that in the episode. But she did forgive Zuko. And in that episode I do believe she came to a new understanding that even though there is a nation of people committing acts of atrocities we cannot generalise all of them as evil.

[@speedy01247]

She didn't, but that is why he used her as an example of mercy, not forgiveness.

[@MynameIsnotforsell]

It was mercy, she gave.

[@sabashukvani]

Life lessons that this show teaches are valuable for everyone, no matter their age.

[@mariekano9730]

The thing I liked in the end of the souther. Raiders is that katara didn't forgive him but showed him mercy. That's very realistic in the real world and it does make a great lesson for people and even children struggling with it. Such a well written show no words can describe how purely beautiful it is. I learned SO MUCH from this show. It's a work of art

[@seekerundue]

This show was way ahead of its time. It's for all ages damn.

[@Lizzie-jz5rc]

Well, what can I say? You just made me remember why I love this show so freaking much :D I guess I never really thought about how much the themes Forgiveness and Mercy appear during the episodes and overall story, but I can definitely see it now. Still, I think I wouldn't have the emotional strength to forgive someone like Ozai or the man who killed my mother. I'd... think it was only fair. Maybe. That being said, I really admire all characters for their personal growth and development, especially with Zuko. And if I had to pick a role-model, I'd take Iroh. Most definitely XDXD I could really use his advising sessions sometimes... And life-changing field trips with his nephew... That's on my bucket list ;) Anyways, another great video!

[@SagesRain]

I agree, I don't know if I'd be able to forgive someone for taking out my entire family, let alone my mother. Thank you though!

[@cultivationape6946]

I personally prefer much more morally ambiguous characters like ken kaneki. I always thought it was a bit lame how aang never really killed the firelord. then again avatar was geared to towards a much younger audience.

[@Lizzie-jz5rc]

I live for morally ambiguous characters, too (especially Kaneki). I think for ATLA, killing Ozai would've also been kinda lame, easily predictable - at least, that's how I thought it would end. However, the canon ending doesn't really offer much development for Aang (besides accepting and standing for the values the monks taught him).

[@cultivationape6946]

I agree but they still could've done something similar like gon from hunter x hunter

[@assasinsmine]

I agree, but I think that it was important because that was what the world needed after 100 years more than anything. It could be argued that Aang was putting his own beliefs over the needs of the world but it was that forgiveness and morality that the world needed after the hundred year war. In a way it's like character development for the world. I think it's summed up nicely from something Iroh said: If I went and killed Ozai, the world would only see it as more bloodshed. A brother killing another brother over the throne. Although they could have written it to feel less deus ex.

[@No-XIV-Xion]

Every time I hear Iroh say "I was afraid you lost your way" I have 2 emotions. 1.) Kill la kill 2.) The need to cry Truly, that scene was one of the most heartwrenching and most amazing scenes. Truly, that moment is my absolute favorite in the series that isn't a battle moment.

[@ThePreacherJD]

I have watched two of your videos and both have brought me to tears. I believe that it is more because of the subject matter of your videos, but the way you present the material truly captures the heart of the show. Good job.

[@SagesRain]

Jason Hamilton thank you! I appreciate the kind words.

[@alexmartin6561]

I need to rewatch this show.

[@shineinouzen7412]

Yes, when's the last time you watched it?

[@alexmartin6561]

Keep It Zen Many years ago back when it first aired.

[@shineinouzen7412]

X. Numbers Oh wow. Long time. I watched it as a kid when it first aired. Then I forgot all about it except for a few basic plot points. Rewatched about 5 years later as a teen and it blew me away. Young adult now and it's still amazing.

[@keloduma]

Same

[@amandaherbert4194]

When Iroh forgives Zuko, he pulls Zuko into his arms to his left; he is hugging him with their hearts connected, subconsciously contextualizing his unconditional love for Zuko. Something I realized just now.

[@FireLadyAzula]

THREE videos on Avatar???!!? Subscribed.

[@legomoviesstudios8822]

Another reason for why avatar: the last airbender is my favorite series of all time!

[@sammy3212321]

This channel gets far too close to making me cry. Edit: ok nvm i'm crying now

[@sharkboy7900]

Your avatar videos are absolutely amazing and they all make me tear up. Please continue to make more! This video made me so unbelievably happy; thank you.

[@tasiaalex9169]

My brother. My only sibling. Only 30 years old. Was murdered a few weeks ago. I'm 21. I've been stuck in life and angry and frustrated. Idk why. But I think this video is starting to help what I need to do to get better. My brother would want me to keep moving forward. And to stop being so caught up with being stuck. He would want me to forgive and let life and karma do it's thing. It's hard. But I'm taking baby steps.

[@kirillsokolov8548]

Good luck to you

[@tasiaalex9169]

@@kirillsokolov8548 much appreciated. Thank you spidey.

[@kingcroft2005]

This man truly has a wise, kind, gentle yet powerful soul. May GOD bless you brother; for all of these powerful gems that you give unto the world!!!

[@penjaminthestrange4427]

Iroh was never mad at zuko, he was sad bc he was afraid he lost himself

[@ashockmizer914]

THAT what made me feel happy when he said that 😌

[@reythejediladyviajakku6078]

Forgiveness is a virtue and one that I wish people practiced more because it’s all too easy to not forgive

[@blackcatleader2459]

Grammy flash used to say, "the problem with an eye for an eye, is that everyone ends up blind."

[@wojszach4443]

Pain from Naruto once said that revenge is worst kind of justice,because in the end it breeds even more justice,and this is why pepole end in cycle of hatred

[@maestusartifex1530]

Yes, that's why I think of Pain as one of the most influential Naruto villains, because it is a rejection of hatred and revenge that allows Naruto to finally befriend Kurama, who becomes an ally rather than a weapon. Not to mention that same philosophy is the only hope for Sasuke to leave his delusions of revenge behind as well. A similar theme to that is explored in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, with the character Scar. He lives to exact vengeance against the State Alchemists that led a genocidal war against his people, but along the way of the plot, he comes to realize that in the act of him taking revenge, he only breeds more hatred. The most poignant scene where this fact is realized is when Winry finds out that he is the reason her parents are dead, and nearly shoots him with a discarded gun in her shock and revenge before Ed intervenes. Her choice to not shoot is what breaks the cycle and allows Scar to see the error of his own mindset. TLDR: It's a beautiful and important theme that I've seen done very well in several shows. (Naruto, FMAB, and ATLA)

[@ghostofdeath663]

@@maestusartifex1530 didn't nagato realise what he's done was wrong and had redemption arc he tries to make everything right and brings back back everyone plus the edo closed his chapter perfectly it seemed like he fixed things between him and his master that sounds like character progression to me

[@kaylajones4356]

GOD THAT ZUKO AND IROH FORGIVENESS SCENE IS SO RAW EMOTIONAL AND REAL IT MAKES ME CRY EVERY DAMN TIME. HOW THE HELL CAN A CARTOON DO THAT?!

[@clown-cult96]

That scene. THAT scene with Iroh and Zuko never fails to make me cry. It’s beautiful.

[@therapywithdestanie6598]

The scream Zuko has when his dad burns still makes me look away like Iroh did. Zuko and Aang are my favorite arcs or people who had to forgive immesnly. With Zuko having to forgive himself and getting forgiveness from the gang and Iroh. Aang forgiving the people who wiped out his culture and showing mercy to the person responsible for it. Both them show that mercy and forgiveness are the best ways to heal.

[@tierefuerimmer9635]

Zuko wasn't directly responsible for Kya's death though someone from his ethnicity was. In fact even before Zuko turned good he had some standards such as leaving the water tribe's villagers in peace. And then he was disgusted with Yon Rha .

[@menace1382]

I'm not crying, you're crying. 😢

[@Wahbun]

Menace yeh

[@dimensional7915]

Avatar is one of the best life lessons every told through film, epically for what was aimed at little kids

[@RyanBright-wg1yk]

Aang - “Monks taught me to never kill” Gyatso - “When genocide is your aim, your life I will then claim.” Yangchen - “fuck around & find out” Zaheer - “Stayeth strapped or get clapped”

[@zam6877]

The core of forgiveness comes from forgiving yourself By looking deep at the causality of ignorance and hurt that led to you causing harm ...knowing that, you see your own loss from harming ...and see how the loss to those who harmed you Experiencing the difference between the harmful and helpful...forgiveness naturally arises

[@thrandompug2254]

avatar is one of the very few series that can still make me tear up to this day

[@oversol5469]

That Iroh Zuko moment always gets me 😭 it reminds of family, reminds me of how I feel about them. I could for them in a heartbeat because I could hate them more than I love and value them.

[@josecajigas9210]

Dude, you are simply making me reflect. Keep doing what you do. A lot of people need this

[@Windjammer19]

Some really insightful stuff you have here. Keep it up. The only gripe I had was about the Air Nomads. It's true that they were peaceful and didn't have a military, but I disagree with the whole "not fighting back" thing. The scene of Gyatso's death is proof enough. He was surrounded by dozens of fire soldiers. I assume kill them (probably with the suffocation technique). Other than that you made amazing connections!

[@iwasanMBTInerd]

Sterling Burton I'm sure they did fight back. In the episode "The Southern Air Temple", Katara and Sokka see a Fire Nation helmet before Katara hides it. Soldiers don't usually leave their helmets unless they are killed in battle, but the way the Airbenders tried to defend themselves was probably similar to how Aang fights in Season 1, where he used evasive tactics and long range blasts to fight his opponents. He was an Airbending master but he would stand little chance against a Fire Nation army during Sozin's Comet. Sozin most likely sent a huge army to each of the four temples considering he had the intention of wiping them out. That along with their evasive fighting styles and the fact that they were taken by surprise is what doomed them.

[@sillysokka1130]

Their evasive fighting style is what would have given them a chance! Tenzin is able to take on all 4 red lotus members simultaneously for a few minutes because he’s so evasive and quick thinking. Gyatso managed to kill 10+ COMET CHARGED fire nation soldiers!! These are absolutely mad feats and show that the air nation could actually be the best fighters they just never needed to be. I mean if you think of it, the monks have great abilities but rarely use them meditating in temples all day. The air nation learned great power, but they also respect and never abuse it due to their culture either, and I feel that’s why no one ever sees them as combat capable or powerful, as such. As you said what killed the air nation was the major disadvantage of surprise and the comet! Game over lol

[@ieuanhunt552]

@@sillysokka1130 Airbending is the most OP style. It perfectly mixes both attack and defense and gives it's users the most mobility. It counters all other styles perfectly as well.

[@deviljho4260]

Sterling Burton gyatso was a pacifist so he likely bended out all the air in the room so everyone would suffocate and die including him

[@deviljho4260]

Ieuan Hunt expect earth because they are opposites

[@FreeMan-uv5kc]

Love is wise; hatred is foolish.

[@abhikmoj5853]

Your avatar videos are just too good !! Please don't ever stop💗

[@ninepuchar1]

The way you go in~depth into the Avatar story is so soothing. I have already watched some of videos,and the content is well~analysed. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos👍😊

[@thatleonardo5563]

Almost cry while listening to it. Nice work!

[@Shox2727]

I love avatar so much but hearing you go in depth about it makes me realize why I love it and makes me love it that much more. You have a true gift and intelligence good sir.

[@jamelhunter3468]

Well put man. This show taught me how to forgive and show mercy to people. But you... Just taight me that all over again. 😊🙏

[@Kagamunde]

I watch this video less for the story and more to grow as a person myself. I need this kind of stuff right now, and there is no example of this humility in my life really. I've never been one to forgive but I see why it is so important to forgive. Living with strife and spite is incredibly harder, than it is to just grow.

[@DamienZshadow]

I love mercy and forgiveness but more than when they are simply themes in fiction but actually applied in reality. Few things tear me up inside like seeing a father of a victim forgive a criminal on trial to his face because of his faith or overcoming my feelings of retribution for the bullies in my life to overcome the anger I had in my heart. I don't think many people watching displays like this realize how hard they are or how worth it they are to pursue. Try talking about the death penalty with someone and see where you stand on it and you will soon find your threshold for forgiveness and mercy. Ultimately, it is not about fairness nor should we seek to balance out the scales as there is nothing anyone can nor any execution that can bring back a loved one lost to a killer. Recognizing this may help you overcome the impulsive nature we might have to exact revenge or punishment on someone who has wronged us or someone innocent. The true test to become better than those we fight against is to not treat them as they would treat us but to rise above it all.

[@WolfmanSonic]

DamienZshadow my view on the death pentautly is this some times that’s what you need not because it gets ride of someone because they have wound you but because they have wound some one to the point they will feel at peace for all that has been lost but that is my opinion and I know that it shouldn’t be like that but my mind is like that because of my past and even then another man that does hero like acts but to another person that one that acts like a hero is a worse enemy

[@blade5308]

I have found the best channel ever,all your videos about philosophies in pop culture all contain the same theories and all philosophies that made me love the art i love today...you truly are a sage.

[@lorax8172]

I recently found your Avatar videos which have brought me to tears several times as I either relive the emotions I had while watching the show, or understand or feel the story even more due to your explanations.

[@muhammedalideniz8906]

this is the best analysis video that I've ever seen about Avatar, by far!

[@ColeTrainWayne]

Sage, I want to say thank you, thank you Sage, I just wanna say that a while back I betrayed a friends trust and it cost me said friend and for a while I thought that I didn’t deserve to ask for their forgiveness but after watching this video I’ve decided to muster up the courage and ask for their forgiveness (even though a tiny part of me still thinks I don’t deserve it) and ask if we could start over. Thank you Sage

[@learnedernest]

avatar's music gives me chills every time, goddamn - and iroh forgiving zuko gets tears rolling, i gotta watch this show again

[@FlygonSal330]

A certain someone once caused me a world of pain in the past, and, ngl, forgiving them hasn't been easy, despite me knowing where their actions come from, the pain is still there, but I'm working on it, want no remorse or hate, only love for them.

[@thomasfuentes2913]

Luke if a brother sins against you rebuke that person if there is repentance forgive even that person sins against you seven times and comes back and ask for repentance you must forgive

[@itadoriyuji4759]

The most needed video of all. Your voice is so calming. And you deep content is 😭 dude do us a favor do not stop doing this. we need more atla deep videos

[@Pogokoala]

damn I'm bench warming this whole sage's rain series right now. Thanks for putting a lot of effort into this great series.

[@mariekano9730]

The dialogue in this show was simply perfection. It was so beautifully well written

[@BonesofStarlight]

If someone hurt you, especially in a violent or insensitive way, never blame yourself for not being able to stop it. It's not something you were prepared for. Should have, could have, and if will only burden you. You are so much stronger because of what you went through, and know that your attacker is weak. I know firsthand forgiveness is hard. It's extremely hard. You don't have to love those who hurt you- but you should love yourself enough to let their control over you, in the form of hatred towards them, go.

[@gerykelf]

This video highlights how stong these characters are. I could not forgive someone even for eating my food out of the fridge I was saving for when I watch cartoons.

[@MisterTellius]

I love your intro. Combined with that username especially. It's all very humble. I really respect that about you.

[@Fullmetal1890P]

Forgiveness isn't for the other person, it's for you, to let go of the pain they gave you.

[@rickblaine9670]

Not saying this as a believer in the strictest sense of the word - so I’m not preaching or anything - but the scene of Iroh forgiving Zuko is what comes to my mind when I think of what God’s love is described to be like. The sheer SPEED with which Iroh embraces Zuko as soon as he hears he’s sorry. The feels, man. The feels.

[@Suedetussy]

This is so true! Everybody, who forgives, moves on and therefore grows. So simple, but true.

[@oliviapete]

“Moral of the story is I chose a half measure when I should have gone all the way. I'll never make that mistake again. No more half measures, Walter.”

[@sethfirethornw101]

I could listen to your voice talk about this show all day

[@Achang3]

I almost cried watching this

[@mikehannon6191]

I absolutely love your content, the thought and work you put behind every video showing the inner beauty of anything especially a kids show that we all great up adoring, it helped teach us how to be who we are and your videos show nothing less than the true beauty behind anything especially something that could be seen and childish or just for pure entertainment, thank you for the high quality videos and the effort you put into each one

[@kch1474]

I keep coming back to this video. That piece about Zuko and Aang are especially beautiful.

[@lee099000]

This is by far the most beautiful vid I've watched, almost cried, almost

[@Tkokat]

Iroh's and zuko's scene always gets me man This videos deserves more views and likes

[@Owl-lm6qj]

Crying all over again. I miss this show

[@lavonscool]

Wow this is probably the best video I've ever seen on KZbin. This relates to what I'm going through thank you for the video

[@tatumtoot]

This show is so damn beautiful. 😭

[@nateriver6171]

Man, i love these videos you make. Its calm and warm, very welcoming and relatable. Thank you so much.

[@diemilch555]

Your voice fits sooooo damn well to the background music, the topic, the show, just everything. Bless you, I'm actually crying right now

[@jdprettynails]

My favourite thing about the episode where Katara goes after her mother's killer, is that she shows him mercy...but not forgiveness. I think that's such an important message. Even Aang does the classic good guy thing of "forgiveness is the only way..." But the fact that not only does Katara not forgive him, but that she isn't told that she's wrong for feeling that way! Growing up, it's been said to me over and over that I need to forgive my abusers. But over the years, that's only invited more abuse. I love ATLA as a whole, but that episode is so powerful to me. Mercy isn't the same as forgiveness and only the person who was wronged has the right to decide whether to forgive or not.

[@ivnoormann7151]

I can do anything I want but to forgive someone is one of the things that I struggle with

[@t.va.6611]

I wish i could forgive some people. Well, actually i don't wish to forgive them, i just want to have my vengeance, justice or whatever, to restore the balance, but there is no earthly way to repay them with thte same and it plagues me. On the other hand i want to feel nothing towards those people, because it will benefit me greatly, it's a selfish reason, but it's next best thing to a positive forgivness, more like a letting go and forgiving yourself for feeling like this, than forgiving them for the harm which had a cascade effect on my life. Oh, and i like that you pointed out that sadly, sometimes even things like mercy and forgivness are... should i say - bad? Like nothing is absolutly good or bad, the kindest acts the most vile wrongdoings could have a whole lot of different effects in the short or a long run. Besides, sometimes you had to sacrifice something from your own spirit for the sake of others wellbeing. Like stepping over your mercy, forgivness and kindess... the question is - when (not) to and a matter of balance. Roku showed mercy and forgivness but ultimately he just acted like an enforcer (which is a huge problem for Korra in LoK), rather than a peacemaker. If he actually talked and discussed it all with Sozin and talked him out, even showed him how other nations live then who knows... but he just left a negative impact without making further moves and burned the last bridge that could save Sozin and by proxy a lot of other people. No wonder Sozing ended up going bonkers in the end, still regretted it on his death bed.

[@NerdyBlue]

Oh man I feel like crying Forgiveness is the right and the best thing to do but it is also one of the hardest that internal fight for forgiving one self

[@taytenmc2115]

That last couple lines gave me shivers

[@jessehaushalter2854]

Every time I watch this I swear I'm not going to cry and every time I do I end up tearing up at the end

[@sympa_is_misanthropic]

These videos really calm me down

[@Yee-Haw_Bird]

Damn this was moving. One of few videos on this site to bring me to tears.

[@JacesSanctum]

All the Zuko stuff bunched together and thrown at me at once made me tear up.

[@Mrsamm1987]

Thank you for the message on this video, you've helped me a lot with your words in an instant. Thank you. Will be on the lookout for your content my friend