Azula: A Broken Child | Avatar The Last Airbender

[@Havoc-kun]

I agree with you about her redemption. The storyteller in me is like, "Her ending is perfect, no redemption." but the humanity in me is like, "Please help this tennage girl find peace."

[@AndalusianPhilosopher]

No matter how we feel it will be up to Bryan and Mike to conclude her story the way they see is best. I think storywise redemption can work. I do not see a reason as to why not. Once new movies and content comes out from avatar studios we shall see.

[@Marqui91]

Yesssss, thank you! For putting in words my thoughts on Azula

[@alexvaughan1013]

If Thorfinn can earn redemption after 11 years of wanton murder, why can't Azula? However, she has to actually EARN it.

[@bensonfang1868]

She does begin recovery in the comics

[@dream6562]

​@alexvaughan1013 no she has to want it, but as a character writing wise, it doesn't work, she's not the type to want it to begin with

[@tariqthomas9090]

Azula is the most well-written character after Zuko. Almost every scene, every line, and every fight she’s in is perfect. One of my favorite moments in ATLA is when Azula finds out about Zuko visiting Iroh in prison and just tells him to be careful. It’s so small but it’s one of the few moments that Azula shows genuine empathy.

[@nikgokuhil]

Even her love language is antagonizing others

[@copiumkiller]

You know that Zuko parallels in so many ways Iroh? And that Iroh too has a redemption arc in ATLA (such as by trying to put Zuko on the right path, he tried to make up for leading his own son to a wrong path, the same with war crimes, when he was Fire Nation's general)? Also 1st time Azula tried to use lightning in the show, Iroh just redirected it and pushed Azula off the boat. I feel the same dynamic is if you compare how well written are both characters - Azula is GREAT, but Iroh is on his own tier.

[@tariqthomas9090]

@@copiumkiller I love Iroh. However, I have way too many issues with him as a character for me to consider him perfect. I’m glad everyone else loves him, though.

[@copiumkiller]

@@tariqthomas9090 I love his ability to mind-bend, that is why he can give so many great advices. Such as looking for knowledge from different sources OR asking yourself difficult questions about whether what we think is our conclusions or are we manipulated by others. I even made a video why I like Iroh.

[@Xagzan]

She also apologizes to Ty Lee when she makes her feel bad and seems to be genuine.

[@psychronia]

In many ways, Azula was the unlucky one. She was born with all the traits to thrive in a toxic, broken system of values. This system was never going to work for anyone but the dictator at the top of it, but she could never have realized that with how well it treated her up until it suddenly stopped.

[@Danka42]

A child soldier, doomed from the start. Her story is a tragedy and a cautionary tale.

[@alexinator-hh5fe]

Azula is honestly one of my favorites from Avatar. Her father teaches her that trust is a weakness. That love is for fools. Because he doesn't love his own family. He plots against his brother in his time of emotional grief, he plays a part in his father's death, scars his own child, and then separates Azula from her mother by teaching her how to do things his way. Azula then goes to keep everyone at arms length. Except for Mai and Ty Lee. And even with them, she still employs some of the manipulation techniques that her father told her worked so well. After all, he's the Firelord. One of the most powerful and influential people alive. He is living proof that using people gets you what you want. That it makes you truly happy. So she does that. She tells herself that, "almost isn't good enough" whenever she slips up even a little bit. Everything has to be perfect. Because when his children are less than perfect, they get treated like Zuko. But Ozai could never treat Azula like Zuko. He obviously has trust in her. She takes down most of team Avatar, she nearly drills into Ba Sing Se, she almost takes out her uncle(a powerful thorn in the side of anyone he goes against), she infiltrated the impenetrable city and brought it down from the inside. "You were never even a player." She brought down the Avatar and had it not been for spiritual water, would've ended the cycle there and then. She has a small slip of emotion when talking about how her mother treated her and gives a small glimpse at her insecurities but quickly brushes it aside. She holds off Team Avatar even when she doesn't have her bending. Then it all falls apart during the boiling rock. Mai loves Zuko more than he fears her. But that's impossible. Ozai said fear was the only rational way. Then Ty Lee betrays her as well. An even further impossibility. It can't be happening. Then Ozai looks at all of the hard work she's done and casts her aside. He gives her a position and then immediately makes an even better one for himself and leaves her at home. After everything she's done, he treats her like Zuko. Azula then begins to panic. Because fear isn't working. Everyone is either leaving or she makes them leave because she's starting to fear that they'll inevitably betray her. To the point where she has to imagine her mother telling her that she LOVES her. Azula smashes the mirror as she realizes that her father left her with nothing. And it all culminates in that final battle. Where she makes mistakes that she would never have made. Slips up. And has a breakdown. Because she was supposed to have everything. She had fear. Zuko was supposed to have nothing. He had weakness. He had love. So why were the roles reversed? Why did her father abandon her? Why did her friends leave? All of that on the shoulders of a 14 year old girl. And it broke her. And that makes Azula's story so tragic to me.

[@StarViewer68]

This was a brilliant take on Azula's character from her perspective! What also makes Azula's story tragic is that as the viewers, we can see and understand her actions, but in the show, there was no one who actually tried to understand Azula or show her a different way. Her father used her and her mother was gone and even before she left, she wondered "What is 'wrong' with that child?" Her brother kept her at arms length and had to protect himself from her emotional manipulations. Outside of giving her a doll, her uncle never made much effort to understand his niece and writes herself off as "crazy." Her friends genuinely cared about Azula, but they saw her as someone that's cold, calculating and too dangerous to be around.

[@ChampionBlaze]

Azula’s psychology is one of the best written aspects in Avatar. As evil as she is, and as young as she is, it’s also truly heartbreaking to see how her story ends in the series when you remember her circumstances she grew up in and how young she is.

[@animeROX08]

I find Azula such a fascinating character. Especially the whole family dynamic because it's a pretty clear representation of an abusive childhood for zuko and azula. Azula is the golden child and zuko is the scapegoat and I think alot of people look at those roles and think the golden child isn't abused, cuz on the surface it doesn't look like most people's idea of abuse, but the golden child is still abused. They are held to impossible standards, they have to constantly walk on eggshells with their abuser and have to keep up the perfect golden child facade. I personally would love to see Azula get redeemed, just cuz I also had an emotionally abusive step father and my sister and I fell into the golden child/scapegoat dynamic and I can tell you that my sister is not happy to have been the golden child... I would love to see how they explore Azula's mental state and how they can deconstruct her father's brainwashing. It might be a little much with redemption for all the royal family members save Ozai lol, but honestly I think it fits into the show's themes really well. Like, if zuko can help his sister heal after ozai twisted and mangled her, then he can help the rest of the fire nation heal. If done well it can be a really interesting story for azula.

[@grantlauzon5237]

Azula needs a hug and some friends.

[@ahmadzuhayri2439]

My friend and I discussed the possibility of an Azula redemption, and we concluded that what we want to see most is for Azula to heal, so that she may walk a path she chose for herself, apart from the shadow of Fire Lord Ozai. Whether she ends up being redeemed or not isn't really a major concern.

[@StarViewer68]

Like Zuko, Azula needs to figure out who she is and what she wants outside of her father. But unlike Zuko, Azula's path needs to happen differently. With honor being a major theme in her brother's character arc, I think learning about real power and control would be a major theme in Azula's arc. Instead of relying on fear and manipulation of others to feel in control and powerful, she could learn how to give herself permission to express all emotions and gradually, learn to connect with others and slowly build trust.

[@vetabeta9890]

i think that's what the implication her solo comic is trying to set

[@ViridianCrisis7]

I think Azula would have been really broken when Mai chose Zuko. But I think Ty Lee betraying her to save Mai is really what made her start to crack. Both of them betraying her in one instant was too much for her to handle. Mai was always standoffish and outspoken despite yielding to Azula’s demands. She would be the one to betray her of the two. But the sweet and obedient Ty Lee turning was something she probably never expected

[@Duiker36]

Mai's choice was something you could see coming. It would not be surprising to Azula if she'd thought about it before. But Ty Lee? No way. Ty Lee made a snap decision at the moment of crisis and chose Mai.

[@Random_Wierdo.]

I completely disliked Mai. She was so boring.

[@anamericanseoul1391]

It speaks to the power of the story when you look at Azula’s character. She goes from this overconfident, smug bad girl who takes no chances to an insecure and vulnerable princess. I’m always amazed, because I pretty much despise her for a majority of Book 2. In Book 3, she feels a bit more quirky and “likable”. But that last shot of her as she watches Zuko and Katara together and begins to sob uncontrollably, as she realizes that Zuko has what she always desired. Genuine love to and from other people. It breaks my heart and I get teary eyed. It cemented my respect and appreciation for Azula as a whole. SUCH A GREAT SHOW 👏

[@benwadez]

Azula is one of my favorite characters on the show. Very complex, and well written.

[@fenris5932]

As much as I love Aang's use of rocks like a gatling gun in his fight vs Ozai, there's just something about the Azula vs Zuko fight that puts it so far ahead as the best fight in Avatar. The music, the choreography, what's being said, what isn't being said, and how Zuko takes the loss for a fight he otherwise would have won in order to protect Katara, which is really just a sign of how far he's come. And Azula just screaming fire as she breaks down at the end is just the bow on top

[@phemeloseotlolla]

Azula's flirting was hot as hell honestly. I would certainly appreciate someone saying I could hack 50 supercomputers at once when I'm wearing a hoodie.

[@marcomora4545]

There is a missing track, there is a comic called "the search" in which the search that Zuko and Aang undertake for Ursa is told. In that comic Urza's plan to save Zuko is shown, yes, Urza poisoned Azulón so that Ozai could usurp the throne. When Urza proposes the plan to Ozai tells him that he is going to take the children, Zuko and Azula, but Ozai tells her that he is going to keep them as hostages so she won't try to poison him or expose him. Urza does love Azula as much as Zuko, and to Ozai they are just life insurance.

[@moriko-chan1059]

As a child Zukos and Azulas stories always resonated with me. Now I know it is because my father also was a narcissist who always compared me to my brother and other silbings and wanted to form us how he wanted. It is really hard to break ourt of this when you are basically born trapped with no outside perspective. And even then you have to spend a lot of time to heal - let alone find your own identity. Azulas and Zukos stories are truly tragic and show the reality that parents sometimes can be bad for their children and need to be distanced from. Even if it´s hard and most others in your life think differently.

[@mysticalarchives7821]

My favorite thing about the comics as they expanded the story. Why is how they showed that Zuko really cared about his family and started wanting to help his sister get better. The amount of care and sympathy that Zuko has been giving to Azula has been really great, and I really do hope that Azula gets a full redemption arc to where she can be in a positive, loving and supportive family again.

[@AndalusianPhilosopher]

This is why I want Azula redemption. Zuko really cares for Azula in the comics. So I agree. However keep in mind redemption is a journey with obstacles and wrong turns. It is a complicated process which takes time, and commitment. But I totally agree with you😆

[@coreyklaustermeier5692]

And it explains WHY Ursa left. She didn’t just leave, when she heard Azulon wanted Zuko dead she (partially under the influence of Ozai) poisoned him. Then, even though it was Ozai’s idea, he decided he couldn’t trust her because she killed the previous Firelord and banished her. She didn’t leave because she wanted to, she was forced. It was either leave the kids with their abusive father, or die and leave your kids with their abusive father. She picked the lesser of the two evils

[@coreyklaustermeier5692]

And it explains WHY Ursa left. She didn’t just leave, when she heard Azulon wanted Zuko dead she (partially under the influence of Ozai) poisoned him. Then, even though it was Ozai’s idea, he decided he couldn’t trust her because she killed the previous Firelord and banished her. She didn’t leave because she wanted to, she was forced. It was either leave the kids with their abusive father, or die and leave your kids with their abusive father. She picked the lesser of the two evils

[@daothucanh9621]

@@AndalusianPhilosopher I think the shows already showcase that he cared for her, but yeah I love the comic for enhancing the sibling love. I don't know if she can be redeemed (in the sense that she becomes a good person or something similar), but I do hope she understands that her mother has always loved her and her brother cares about her lot, that she can find her own path and live the way she wants (but of course she should really pay for the crime she committed in the comic).

[@AndalusianPhilosopher]

@@daothucanh9621 I believe Azula can be. I think Zuko Ursa Iroh Kiyi, and possibly even Noren will try to reach out to her. And it shows that when Zuko told Azula he will love her a sister no matter what it had a profound impact. the problem is the story was never expanded upon....so far. In fact in Korra we get glimpses into Tophs family, as well as Katara's Aang family, yet Zuko's family is mostly blank. I watched Korra as it was coming out, and until late in the 4th season we had no idea what Zuko's daughter name is. And during the run of Korra we did not know that Zuko in addition to Iroh II has a dranddaughter, about which we know nothing about after all these years. Related to Korra, we still yet to get a story focused on fire nation in Korra era.

[@chrishall5570]

I would more than be okay with Azula also getting redeemed. Partially because she's my favorite character but mostly because Iroh got redeemed off screen before we even met him and Azula is only 14 when she's doing all of this. I'm not saying she should be forgiven instantly or even forgiven at all but I would love to see her become more than what she is right now.

[@masonguthrie1257]

I don’t know part of the reason I loved her character is because she was not redeemed.

[@RossLemon]

@@masonguthrie1257 You do realize she can have the same personality and character quirks and still be redeemed, right?

[@masonguthrie1257]

@@RossLemon I mean not really for Azula she is very vindictive and sarcastic but if you redeemed her and took away some of her worst qualities which are her biggest characteristics personality you would get something very close to like Mei.

[@zacharyclark3693]

I agree with you about Azula. She was such a great villain with a tragic backstory. I think giving everyone a redemption arc would water the other ones down. It’s like bringing back a character who you thought died. You feel happy, but when all deaths are fake-outs, then it loses its potency. Let Azula have an emotional, self-reflective moment in the new movies, but don’t make it a rushed redemption that makes her all good now. Plus, I think her character is more interesting as an antagonist than another member of Team Avatar.

[@mellemadswoestenburg1296]

She could become something like an Anti Hero. Not fully good-hearted, not besties with the Gaang but at peace. No more toxic lessons, no more pressure, she's just living life on her own away from her past. That would be a good redemption for her i think.

[@indigoimouto3703]

Being redeemed doesn't change your whole personality. She would still be a perfectionist, she would still be calculating, she would still be highly intelligent. She would just now understand the Fire Nation was wrong. The whole theme of Avatar is forgiveness and everyone deserving a chance. She doesn't even need to be best buddies with the Gaang. There are other ways to do redemption arcs. Not just Zukos

[@davidfaith7477]

One thing I don’t think is brought up enough is that Azula lied to Ozai. She told Ozai that Zuko was the one who took down the avatar. She didn’t need to do that, but she did. She got Zuko’s banishment overturned and got him back into their fathers good graces. And I know she said that it was because that was she couldn’t be held accountable if Aang was alive, but she has no reason to think he survived. I think she was just using that as a justification to herself, because she’s been taught that attachment and trust us weak, so she can’t just want her brother back in her life. Zuko talked out of turn and got half of his face burned off, but Azula told the firelord an absolute massive lie just to benefit her brother, and I think she needs to get props for that.

[@Williamjacob7789]

I think so too. Or the time when goes to check on him in the beach episode. And then a little bit later she calls him pathetic for his emotions. It’s like she has to balance out what she has done. She won’t ever admit that a part of her cares even just a little bit about her brother because theirs another part of her screaming that that is a weakness.

[@yasmina3999]

Yes, she kinda made him heir again and didn't use the information that he had secret meeting with their uncle

[@nunyabusiness3516]

I think she does it because she missed the dynamic having Zuko around creates with her father. He appreciates her more when he can compare her to Zuko.

[@championred3619]

​@@nunyabusiness3516but then Zuko supplants her position, in a way. In the war meeting Zuko was on Ozai's right, Azula his left.

[@RossLemon]

There's actually another time Azula was sympathetic to Zuko. There was a short comic made that details the events of Zuko shortly after he was banished. He struggled to find a crew to help him find the avatar, so Azula felt bad for him and put in a word with Ozai so Zuko could get a ship and crew. The story is canon, but it unfortunately uses the character designs from the M Night Shamalama movie.

[@SamTheGumMan117]

There's a good amount of characters that need some deep mental therapy, and Azula checks off those boxes while she's probably the best antagonist we got she needs some help frfr

[@georgev3433]

6:40 I always assumed Ursa tried to be there for Azula, but the girl never wanted to accept it. Ursa tries doing a girls spa day, and Azula spends the day belittling the staff cause that’s what Ozai taught her. Speaking of him, I’d e en believe if Ozai heard they were doing a girls day, he’d pull Azula for training instead. I definitely believe Azula heard “No! Stop that!” more than she heard “Wow! I’m so proud!” from her mother, but it was almost certainly because of Ozai’s influence. The poor kid was a Daddy’s girl through and through, and her dad was a monster.

[@RiseeRee]

I like your point about Azula (as a second child) being able to observe Zuko’s behaviors and the outcomes. To the points others have made about Ursa distancing herself from Azula, it’s also possible that Azula observed that being in her mother’s favor wouldn’t actually benefit her. The royal line is through her father, not her mother. We know that her mother was powerless to even prevent the marriage in the first place. But also, it’s true what you mentioned about when Azula was spiraling, her hallucination does seem to indicate that she knows her mother loved her, and that she knows that using fear is not as effective as actually being genuine and compassionate. It’s also important to remember that Ursa is Fire Nation. She wasn’t against the war necessarily. When Iroh sent the letter about burning Ba Sing Se down, she laughed along with Zuko and Azula.

[@nikgokuhil]

The comics make it more understandable how she could not have taken her kids imo, Ozai had kept a close eye on her Also, in Azula's case, nurture is obviously an issue, but I dont think we could rule out nature too. She seemed afraid of her nature too, she was afraid of being alone and was certain that she would be unless she makes people submit to her. When she saw her only 2 friends defy her, she realized that she is alone. Deep down she admits that her mother loved her but it also forces her to admit that she herself was the problem. Even if we can debate that it was Ozai who shaped her, to her, she only had herself to blame. And while we are talking about Azula being shaped by her parents and redeemed, do we consider the same for Ozai too? Azulon showed little empathy for even his own grandchildren

[@amberdawn5372]

There’s some underlying gender stereotypes with Iroh’s gifts but I don’t think he intended it that way. I always saw it as him encouraging traits that needed strengthening in each of them. Zuko got a dagger because he was the meeker, quieter child that needed more confidence and to learn to stand up for himself/his beliefs when necessary. Azula was brash and had a bit of a mean streak; a doll was intended to inspire gentler feelings like compassion, empathy, nurturing, etc. that she didn’t show often. At least that’s how I always read into it.

[@Williamjacob7789]

I never thought of it that way. That is interesting. 🤔

[@Duiker36]

That's a good read.

[@dan_man3087]

To Iroh defense regarding the "gender stereotypes gifts" - the ATLA *is* mostly works in the Middle Ages setting with a few exceptions like Ba Sing Se which is more to the 16-17 century type of thing, or Fire Nation tanks roughly the same time period(despite the fact that the first military tank was build somewhere in the beginning of 20 century, the first blueprints of those already existed in 15-16 century thanks to da Vinci). So it's no surprise to see standard separation between two genders. But your interpretation is super cool, i like that!

[@mysteryman9488]

I think we let our love for Iroh cloud our judgment sometimes xD. Even if we assume he had no gender stereotyping behind that action (which I personally believe too as the Fire Nation has always been cool with allowing women to join the military in fact it's the only nation to do so) the 2 gifts are clearly not of the same quality. He gifted Zuko a knife from a straight up enemy general meanwhile for Azula he gifted her just some random doll with pretty clothes he found xD. I think Iroh just never really wanted to connect with Azula the same way he did with Zuko so he literally had no idea what to bring her so he just defeaulted to some doll xD.

[@nunyabusiness3516]

Iroh hasn't had his character arc during this time. I don't think he was spending tons of time with either Zuko and Azula and just bought gifts according to what he thinks they should like for their age and sex.

[@billyalarie929]

She IS a child. Her story doesn’t HAVE to end, so I think a chance at redemption is honestly a perfect way to bring the story forward. They said it themselves, they wanted to explore that in show. I think the new story doing that is the way to go. Everyone should get a redemption. Everyone who deserves a happy ending, should get a happy ending.

[@Xagzan]

I have extremely high hopes and expectations for Azula in her upcoming solo comic and whatever might come after. Been waiting 17 years for her to get the intensive help she needs and a chance to make amends and reconcile with Zuko and Ursa. What Aaron Ehasz tweeted a few years ago sounded great to me. Anything short of that will be a complete failure as far as I can see. She may not have been physically scarred like Zuko, but she also didn't have an Iroh.

[@mellemadswoestenburg1296]

The premise of that comic worries me. "Azula must confront her past and finally face her chance at redemption. But will she take it?" It seems like they are teasing the possibility of her getting that long awaited redemption arc but will they go through with it or are they just baiting us? Only time will tell but for her sake and ours, God i hope it's the former.

[@Xagzan]

@@mellemadswoestenburg1296 I wouldn't necessarily put any stock in that. It's just marketing speak. Regardless of which way the story went, they'd want the synopsis to hook the reader with a tease.

[@drakearvidsson6936]

First redemption arc will have to be her apolegizing to all the maids and servants that she fired.This is no doubt gonna be the longest arc in the series🤣

[@keravnos2231]

I always loved her concept (though I'm not sure if it's proven right) that the arranged marriage between ozai and ursa, given that one comes from Sozen's line and the other comes from Roku's, was to produce a powerful prodigy. Hence why her flame is blue, which is hotter than red. I feel that high power fed into her ego. And even with all this, her mother sees her as a freak.

[@violetlavi2207]

Her mother never saw her like that, Azula THOUGHT she did. And even deep down, she knew her mother loved her

[@keravnos2231]

@@violetlavi2207 oh my bad, I was speaking from azulas perspective. I mean TBF ursa sees alot of ozai in azula

[@rikudoubapeck]

I think children are intuitive and they know if you as a parent feel some type of way about them. I have to assume Ursa did love Azula but she did have concerns about her behaviour. In Zuko Alone she even says, "what is wrong with that girl?" or something to that effect. She seems to favour Zuko and Azula is burdened with Ozai's attention which would have enormous pressure. Anyway I think Azula's mommy issues don't come from nowhere.

[@keravnos2231]

Oh yeah, it's definitely fitting into her type A personality, I honestly don't think she feels pressure from her father that much but just a need to be the best. Her intro with the lightning form to her teachers then she goes off saying 'almost isn't good enough'. It's fitting right into the classic troupe of daddy's little girl and with zuko, Mama's boy.

[@mellemadswoestenburg1296]

Correct me if i'm wrong but i thought they mentioned in the show that the children of the Fire Nation are taught that power in firebending comes from a place of anger. So i always thought that Azula's fire is blue because her rage is twice as strong as the other children. The constant pressure to be perfect, desparately wanting the love of her parents, the rejection she feels from everyone except her father and friendgroup(until that moment). I thought that was why her fire turned blue over time.

[@RubyAmick]

I love Azula. She is such and incredibly written character, and while all the characters are very well written, Azula is one that you can look at and see so many layers and is so beautifully written and incredibly complex. I love when she breaks it’s just so well done. She is just a twisted broken character in a beautiful written way.

[@ryanakers1372]

I consider ATLA Azula to be the twisted reflection of Oozai that he warped her into, so the idea of a story where we get to see the real Azula emerge from her father's shadow sounds very interesting. And her redemption wouldn't necessarily mean becoming 'good,' just following Iroh's advice to Zuko, "Look inside and ask the real questions. Who are you? And what do you want?" Just hope it's done well.

[@RossLemon]

Oh that's good I like that. It would be interesting seeing her be knocked down to the bottom of the totem pole (which she has been) and having to rely on others to get out of her predicament. She can't scare people or use power to get what she wants. She'd have to show some compassion and learn to trust other people. Almost something like from Naruto Shippuden. Indra (the older son of the Sage of Six Paths) constantly used power to get what he wanted while Ashura (the younger son) had to work together with others to achieve his goals.

[@michaelbaiden1308]

I think she should be redeemed but in a different way from Zuko. I think a redemption arc where she still has to suffer the consequences of her actions will be great.

[@HurricaneDDragon]

It would be INCREDIBLY touching if we one day got to see a scene between Azula and Zuko that mirrored the the impactful scene where Iroh forgave Zuko and embraced him in a hug during his emotional apology.

[@robchuk4136]

Azula's gradual mental breakdown in Book 3 is somewhere I don't think anybody expected the story to go based on how much she had it together in Book 2. And it never felt unearned. And I'd never seen a villain treated like that before. We've seen bad guys be their own undoing, but nothing like this. An incredible job by the writers.

[@mattpreece6106]

I wonder if Iroh seeing how Zuko was treated made him resent how his brother was wasting an opportunity to have a son when he had lost his own. I can imagine Iroh being vulnerable and reaching out to a lonely Zuko who's mother had left and father abused.

[@Asher1347]

Azula is currently my favorite character, and you did a great job of explaining why in this video

[@oleksandrbyelyenko435]

Azula is great. Happy to see her be prominent in the comics too

[@peterwindhorst5775]

There is also the broken home argument. Children in broken homes and in divorces either externalize their anger (Zuko -> I am angry that I am angry) or internalize their anger (Azula)

[@Fernando_Cabanillas]

Sometimes things need to be broken down so that they can be reshaped again... I think this was an amazing setup for her to start changing her way. I havent read the comics, but i have heard we see the start of that change there

[@IndustrialQueue]

Extremely thoughtful insight into an astounding character. I grew up (close enough) with the show and grew from seeing as another bully in an outsized fantastical world and situation, to seeing her as a tragic, abused and traumatized child. She’s a character you don’t forget. You’ve thought through and articulated a lot of those thoughts that linger at the back of my mind, but that I haven’t put the time and thought into to really see if they were anything, and you did it with compassion for both her value as a (fictional) human and her story’s value to the message and composition of the wider narrative. It was a delight to watch. Thanks!

[@von2300]

Her break down started after she got her butt kicked by Ty Lee, and Mai left her. She lost her flying mokeys, and her narcissistic supply(Zuko) is obviously more powerful and loved than her in the grand scheme. After that, She could no longer avoid looking in that mirror and FACING HERSELF!

[@kazen16]

I really love the interconnectedness of the characters and stories of this show... It's truly a work of art. Concept of betraying azula by mei is so brilliant ,mei family is really powerful prolly next to the royal blood interms of influence in the fire nation, I really think that when mei said those words she really mean it that she's not scared of her power because she already have those too.... It's like a theory craft but you can imagine this could be true just by how the show was presenting info to us... truly a well written show.

[@SupremeUV2122]

Azula is my fav ATLA villain. She's PERFECTLY written

[@Beatriz-j9q]

it gave me new prespective when you said she could still attack while chained but she was just so broken she couln't, it made me so sad remenbering her sob scene

[@FreshZCORD]

actually made me cry

[@Denis-mg1wj]

She is my favorite character, I can't help but feel they've all let her down, she was only 14 years old at the end of the series and no one has even tried to help her. Iroh ran after Zuko for ever trying to help him but no one even glanced at Azula even her mother dismissed her, only one who had interest in her was her father and he wasn't good influence to say the least.

[@sebastianquinchia1840]

Not every villain needs redeeming, but I love the idea of Zuko turning the love Iroh gave to him, onto his sister to help redeem her. When no one else would give her that chance, only Zuko would show her unconditional love and compassion and try to get her the help that she needs. I think something like that, if done well would be very powerful and emotional.

[@NoName-tu6qi]

I don't like the idea of Zuko being Azula's Uncle Iroh because I don't like the idea of having the abused help their abusers get better. That and Zuko does not have the emotional IQ to help Azula the way she needs to be helped. Imo, I think if anyone should help Azula other than an OC, it should be Iroh or Ursa. Iroh,because he was once in Azula's position, and because it would contextualize his "she's crazy and needs to go down line" as him saying Azula can only be helped once she is taken down/has a downfall because that is what happened to him. Ursa because I feel she would do everything in her power to make up for the fact that she couldn't be the parent that Azula needed in childhood due to Ozai abusing all them.

[@AndalusianPhilosopher]

@@NoName-tu6qiZuni wants to help. I understand you concerns but it goes deeper than abused helping abuser. Zuni did bad things also and harmed people. Abuse Azusa inflicted upon Zulu is a symptom of much deeper problem.

[@Rhekon]

Azula was so used to praise from her other parental figures that she absolutely breaks when it's the exact opposite from the one person whose opinion matters the most. And azula agrees because she never properly reconciled. She's got a specific set of skills from following her father and idolizing him. She thought she couldn't be loved, only praised for her merits. In her mind, *no one* loved her.

[@eloquitodelaesquina]

Its SOOOOOO easy to say "Ursa should have taken the childs away" BRUH THEIR FATHER IS THE FIRE LORD Ursa is no avatar and she has no flying bison, they wouldnt have gotten a day away from the castle before they were captured, and saying a day away is being generous, and at that point at lesst Zuko and her would be executed. How is she taking them away from a dude that is basically all powerful AND has the entire army of the most powerful nation in the world ready to do whatever he says? She didnt have any choice, she gave her life to protect him cause it was the only thing she had to give

[@Chaosm03]

And for that matter she didn't just leave for the hell of it, she was banished. Ozai was afraid of her using poison on him so he forced her out of the capital. Almost assuredly surrounded by guards. And, he used Zuko as a hostage. Telling her that if he ever heard a peep from her again that he would kill Zuko anyway.

[@Pabloski33]

Finally someone acknowledge Iroh prior to his son's death was just another invader

[@j3nki541]

I always loved every second with Azula on screen. She prolly is my favorite character in ATLA, tho Toph would have a word to say about that. They're both just so arrogant and cocky and I really love such character traits. Her Ba Sin Se speech, when she tells the leader of the Dai Lee that she can see in his eyes how he has struggled through his live and fought to be where he is, but some people are just born to rule was honestly an amazing take to completely dismantle a character we previously thought pretty well put together.

[@carmeldavids8801]

Mmmmmm.... From a writing perspective, the most obvious way for Azula to be redeemed is for Iroh and Zuko to take her in and teach her what it means to be loved and to love, which, in my opinion, actually deepens their redemptions in that they're willing to go out of their way to pass that on to somebody who is, quite frankly, very dangerous, even if she is still a child.

[@jz-meister5343]

I absolutely loved this video. Azula was such an interesting and tragic character in the series. While Zuko got his redemption, Azula just kept spiraling down throughout the entire series. Also.. thanks for the reminder that I need to dive into the comics! I have loved avatar since it first aired when I was younger, so I should definitely take time to read the comics, to see where the story goes.

[@edwinvanooijen7749]

From what I remember of the show (it has been years) I think it was actually confirmed that Ursa dedicated way more time to Zuko than Azula (again it has been years, so I could be wrong) The Beach episode actually drives it home. When Azula speaks of her past and how she thinks than Ursa saw her as a monster, because she pulled away, you can actually hear the hurt in her voice. Azula being Azula of course covers this up by saying that "She was right of course, but it still hurt". So yeah I don't find it strange that Azula turned out the way she did, with her being groomed by Ozai and neglected by Ursa (unintended as it may have been on Ursa's part). Personally I think that Azula actually wanted Ursa's love the most, but because Ursa's focus the most she went after the one thing that Zuko wanted the most, the "love" of Ozai. This of course caused Ursa to pull back even more which in turn would have caused Azula to pull even more towards Ozai. As for her redemption, I don't think it is a bad idea, I mean her redemption doesn't mean she becomes best friends with Team Avatar (oh who am I kidding we all know that is where they will go with her). and that is a good thing. For those of you famlliar with D&D (the game NOT the former showrunners of GoT) I see Team Avatar as mostly Lawful Good at the end (Aang, Katara, Zuko and Suki) Toph and Sokka would be Chaotic Good. Ozai would be a very clear Chaotic Evil (same as Sozin) and he masks it as Lawful Evil (again same as Sozin). Azula funnily enough would actually be a Lawful Evil person simply because of how twisted and broke she became, because of he parents (mostly Ozai like 95%). Had Azula killed the Earth King and his bear (which she could have down) she would have been a Chaotic Evil. Think about it, Azula took Ba Sing Se in a way so unlike either Ozai or Sozin would have done. Heck I don't even know if Ozai realized that Azula spared? the Earth King.

[@austincross1954]

I think Zuko is the one who would need to be instrumental in Azulas redemption.. she has absolutely no one else. Lots of forgiveness and healing needs to happen, but I’m so for it. I want the best for Azula.. she’s one of a kind.

[@trinstonmichaels7062]

The show is to deep for my smooth brain to understand.

[@Manz1l1]

This Changed my Whole Perspective On Azula🤯

[@ultrajoe4983]

Azula is a really well written character and she is scary.

[@Grimpy970]

This is *SUCH* a good look for you! At more than one occasion I lost track of what you were saying and was just swooning with a big dumb smile on my face 😅

[@siddhantchauhan1975]

When parents have radically different parenting styles. The children tend to lean towards the one that already approve of them. So azula’s prodigious fire bending skill made her ozai’s favourite and due to that she continues that. Also she witnessed a broken family where power controlled them and it was implied that ozai abused ursa, show as perceptive as she is and her already in his good books realised it was best to stay. Also azula did have traits of a young that hinted her sociopathic tendencies, cruelty to animals, and being such a good liar that, zuko had to remind himself. So she naturally had the traits that ozai praised and due to that found ursa’s parenting extremely difficult to follow.

[@kyliecrawfishin]

I’d like to see Azula come into her own in the post-war world. If it’s well executed, I think it could feel just as weighty as Zuko’s while being completely different. She has different wounds to heal from. If they give us her forming a couple genuine connections and then navigate losing a connection or two in an (eventually) healthy way, she’ll have fully healed ♥️ love my lightning bending maniac ⚡️

[@StarViewer68]

I could see Azula potentially building a genuine relationship with her mother and her half-sister from the comics as part of her redemption arc. I could also see where Azula may not have the same friendships with Mai and Ty Lee as she once had, because both of them have moved on.

[@angrybees8122]

What a beautiful breakdown of her character 😻

[@unnwas]

My favorite character by far

[@fernandozavaletabustos205]

Speaking about her rumored "redemption" arc in future media: While I can't envision her as a goody-two-shoes hero (as she would lose a lot of her personality charm), I believe she can grow up as a person and it would be very interesting how she deals with trauma and mentally heal. She could also become an anti-hero with a tendency to do good actions, even if its for selfish reasons.

[@AndalusianPhilosopher]

It depends on how the writers can pull off the Azula as good person. if done well she can still have charm, and be good. For example in terminator movie, the T-800 (Arnold's character) was quite brutal, and many could not see the T-800 being ever good. It was a ruthless machine who does not feel pity. And yet in Terminator 2 Judgement day, Arnolds character as being a protector for the main hero worked quite well.

[@stevenbennett5004]

She’s the best kind to of antagonist! The character work in this series is so so so good.

[@Miss_All_Sundays]

My favorite AtlA character. She is such a wonderful villain, with so many layers to the way she is when we meet her for the first time.

[@aricente]

Oh man that interpretation of why she stopped fighting really hurt. I never thought about that

[@timeneses]

“She was right but still hurt” still puzzles me. Her delivery is 10/10

[@geeves3118]

I agree with you in that I'm not super thrilled about giving her a redemption arc. She is an incredibly tragic character

[@georgev3433]

21:58 Azula’s VA has said what she thinks would happen in a life changing field trip with Zuko. Wonder if they’ll go that route…

[@johannalehto9154]

No joke, I was watching one of your old videos when you posted this one! Right away clicked on this one. Your videos are always so great. Greetings from Finland ^^

[@HyDrOpYrO777]

Azula is truly a tragic character. I feel so bad for her. I am conflicted about her redemption arc. Everyone deserves a chance at happiness. I am not sure a snippet in a comic would be enough. But maybe Avatar Studios has plans for her.

[@mellemadswoestenburg1296]

If they follow through on giving her a redemption arc i don't think the upcoming comic is gonna be the full story. I think it will set it up. Show some changes and character development for Azula and continue that story in the future comics and movies.

[@HyDrOpYrO777]

@mellemadswoestenburg1296 exactly what I am thinking.

[@dumendlovu3629]

Honestly an Azula redemption arc would be more about healing than switching alignments I still think a redeemed Azula has more of an antihero edge then straight good guy. As you said Azula is a broken child so I think she’ll the get the Damien Wayne treatment. Cold calculating and spoiled child learning to have a broader perspective than war and a mission.

[@bhsprinkle]

Azula did have such a warped and aggressive approach to life thanks to her father.

[@OddyOddity-ob2uv]

On my 15th birthday, one of the first realisations I had afterwards was that I was now older than Azula. Cold, calculating, warrior princess Azula. She was younger than me, and I wasn't even old enough to drive. It was unnerving.

[@snakejazz]

Decided years ago I'll be naming my daughter Azula. I can't wait. She's gonna be perfect and terrible.

[@6ColourMeRainbow9]

Zuko had his own "everybody loves zuko" moment when he befriended the earth kingdom family, and the kid was so thrilled to be gifted his treasured dagger, only to turn his nose up at the very thought of having anything to do with the prince of the fire nation. "Everybody HATES the fire nation prince." He got a little taste of what Azula knew very well.

[@Mindycane]

I love the video but I think you entirely missed the point of irohs gifts to zuko and azulas. He got them specifically BECAUSE he understood them so well. They both represent an attempt by iroh to guide the siblings in the direction he thinks they should. Zukos gift is a symbol of honor that tells him to never give up without a fight. Azulas gift is a doll, a universal symbol of innocence and childhood. Iroh saw zuko being unsure and wanted to encourage him to stand up for himself. Meanwhile he saw azula turning to cruelty and trying to be the perfect prodigy, and wanted to encourage her to embrace kindness and be more like a child. And how did the two characters respond to his encouragement? Zuko embraced it, while azula burned it.

[@MMiel-mv2pt]

Great analysis. She really was a tragedy. I always break when I see her final scene 💔.

[@Bhoddisatva]

"There had to be another way!" No. There really didn't HAVE to be another way. Sometimes life leaves you with very stark do or die choices.

[@DakkogiRauru23]

Murphy’s right. God desires that all should be saved, but not all will be. That’s a very important reality to accept, even as we are trying our best to accept redemption, or to bring others to accepting redemption.

[@JAKEBB]

You know the 2nd I get a notification for a merphy avatar video I'm pressing straight away let's freaking go!!!

[@LuciaPerez-dj1dd]

I don't want Azula to get a redemption, but I want her to heal. She doesn't need to apologize or be sorry or fix her relationship with her family. She just needs to realize she has devoted her entire life to other people and go live for herself for once, find out who she really is outside of the royal family and find what makes her happy (and hopefully it won't be something evil)

[@samanthaperez9891]

Ursa left because she promised to kill the Fire Lord (Ozai's dad) in place of Zuko & furthering Ozai's plan to resume the throne. Making herself an enemy of the nation so it was either flee or go to jail & probably put to death.

[@samanthaperez9891]

This was after Iroh returned home & had a change of heart from the war. Abandoned the siege to grieve the loss of his own son, so again probably wouldn't be the best support system immediately but still. That's the whole reason Ursa had to kill Azulon because Ozai approached him pleading for the throne & Azulon told him for this you must suffer the same loss & told him to kill his only son Zuko. Iroh being the oldest was heir to the throne but Ozai used his grieve to deem him unfit to his father & Azulon didn't buy it... Ursa thought if he finally got the one thing he's been wanting this whole time maybe the abuse would stop? Obvious stupid mistake & not a justification just correcting some of the facts you got wrong in this segment. It wasn't just Ursa fleeing her abuser there was a whole other backstory & method to her madness.

[@indigoimouto3703]

I totally agree with you that we just don't have enough on Ursa that she would neglect Azula. Because we have so little about Ursa anyway! But I think Iron didn't do enough. Mainly because we have more time with him as a character and Iron says he can't fight Ozai because it would be pointless violence, but also go Zuko and defeat your sister. Nope. That was such a hypocritical move

[@AvrahamDiallo]

A redemption is fine imo. Especially if it goes the same way it went for Zuko. It was a long journey for him.

[@xavierMCM]

The best analysis I've seen on Azula. Amazing video!

[@sophiefredrickson9370]

I love Azula!! Her character is complex

[@jamesonbetts1832]

I disagree with your take on Ursa leaving Zuko & Azula. Her son would def have been killed if she failed (probs herself as well), and Ozai has the entire fire nation behind him. She saved Zuko by leaving without the kids because that was the only realistic way to keep him alive.

[@abhikmoj5853]

Yes! This exactly

[@mellemadswoestenburg1296]

Wasn't she the one who killed Fire Lord Azulon? I thought she did that to save Zuko's life and then was banished. Or am i wrong? She basically secured Zuko's safety(his life technically) and then left.

[@calmandfree]

@@mellemadswoestenburg1296 @Melle Mads Woestenburg *SPOILER FROM THE COMICS* From the comics, Ozai taunted her with the idea of Zuko not being his, since at the time of their forced betrothal she had a lover, and I think it was hinted a bit that she was still seeing him for a while after their marriage. Although she knew that was a lie, she also knew Ozai had enough power and influence to make said lie true, thereby giving him the right to kill Zuko as the "aggrieved spouse", so they made a deal, where she would provide a silent poison that will Kill Azulon and she will disappear for good, securing Zuko's safety. At the end of the day, there was nothing she could do, but I also don't like the fact that she just decided to forget her life with Ozai and the children, go back to her first love, change her face, which led to her momeries being wiped and lived a happy family till Zuko and Azula tracked her down in the comics. I honestly could't fault Azula for being pissed then.

[@mellemadswoestenburg1296]

@@calmandfree oh okay. I was right for the most part. There is more to the story. That makes a lot of sense honestly. Ozai WOULD want to kill his father for the throne. I mean yeah i get that Ursa would want to start over after being permanently banished. But still, Zuko and Azula needed her. God this is such a messy situation for all of them

[@calmandfree]

@@mellemadswoestenburg1296 And Ozai is right in the middle playing puppet master😮‍💨

[@MagillanicaLouM]

This is just very good analysis, appreciate diving into Ursula's and Iroh's roles as well. Most always bring up the mom, but i think you being one gives a new take on her effect and how she feels. And ppl don't bring up Iroh's potential role,if a lot more indirect of course. Makes sense given the little interaction between the 2 in her childhood. Also you gave me a knew lens on Mai's "i love Zuko more than i fear you" line.

[@sandilemlambo5701]

Finally convinced to watch Avatar. Growing up I used to see some episodes of it on TV and did not feel the need to watch them all in chronological order, I even saw bits of Kora too but i can never say that I've watched the full shows

[@realKhalilG]

I think something that goes understated is that for all her preparation and cunning, Azula actually loses a lot. She failed to capture Zuko and Iroh, but that was mainly the fault of the officer who gave the plan away. She loses in The Chase and the show even pokes fun at how silly it is that she got away there. She loses again in The Drill and I guess Team Avatar just like...let her leave? Thinking about it now, that escape is actually worse than The Chase. And finally, prior to Zuko's intervention in the season 2 finale, Katara had her on the ropes.

[@LaurenEflake]

For all the reasons you just listed and more, Azula is my all time favorite character. The only other character that I hold in as high of esteem is Nynaeve.

[@raymondvila2344]

I'm happy you all finally enjoyed the avatar. I saw that almost 15 years ago. Now you need to read "100 years of solitude ".

[@shohambarak4616]

19:13 - I really liked this part in the video, honestly never thought about it this way. Really enjoyed this video :)

[@grantlauzon5237]

Iroh didn’t change until his son died. His son’s death was what caused Ozai’s play for the throne and Zuko being saved by his mother.

[@nowlwane9623]

Her arc should be about finally understanding if the loving family is for her or a life of a villain

[@Deadlift4chips]

Azula is as a monster cause she was raised like one

[@PBJT292]

Azula’s redemption would be an interesting area to explore. It would be really difficult for her to break her fanaticism and I see her at first trying to offer her “skills” and fanatical loyalty to her brother. She would probably continue to be two-faced at first appearing totally reformed to her brother but then when unseen, brutalizing and manipulative but in service of her brother and from her perspective that would make her good. Ironically this completely matches a mindset of a famous Shakespearian character, Iago. I severely doubt this kids story will go that route but if that girl gets passed over for promotion……oooof

[@drummerguy438]

My understanding of it is that Ursa actually poisoned the fire lord, Ozai’s father in order to try to save Zuko from the ultimatum. Then Ozai gets the power he wants and banishes ursa for the crime of murder.

[@TtimeXP]

I want Azula to be healed. I think her redemption should take a bit longer than Zukos because of what she has endured. I tear up at the ending of Atla when shes screaming and crying cause you can feel the pain... And hope to have her finds that help she really needs. She is 14 after all... Lets get her some milk!

[@Orbitalbomb]

Ursa made a Deal with Orsay so Suko could survive. There is nothing that she could have done against the will of the fire lord. It’s not just any abusive husband

[@sophiefredrickson9370]

I thought the Agni Kai had sad music because it shows that these two siblings were forced against each other rather than what they could’ve been.