Azula: The Case of Conditional Love

[@marianasandoval7686]

"Zuko loved his sister, he didn't like her, he didn't trust her, he didn´t think he was a good person in the slightest, but he did love her" T_T

[@Neku628]

"He didn't think *she* was a good person". Just thought I would fix that.

[@Watstrid]

I'm crying just for this

[@sifuhotman1300]

I remember Zuko's face showing us he actually disliked it when Iroh said that "She's crazy and she needs to go down." as if he were expecting old wise forgiving Iroh to agree that Zuko, as a brother, should be nice to her. And despite everything, after every fight, they still seek each other out because I guess they do know only they themselves truly can understand eachother. They have the same problem deeply rooted inside them. They're form a good team. I honestly think Zuko will be the first and, perhaps in the beginning, only one to try reach out to Azula.

[@theluigifan1]

@@sifuhotman1300 That last part of your comment is exactly what head writer Aaron Ehasz wanted for Azula had there had been a Book 4 for ATLA.

[@bradydefelice2944]

I think part of that is because Zuko knows that under different circumstances he would be much like her. Power hungry, conniving, and overall ruthless partly due to their father’s influence.

[@joel0joel0]

one thing i have to add, azulas mother never thought that azula is monster, azula is just simply projecting what she thinks about herself on her mother, which is really sad.

[@bluegirl278]

@joel0joel0 We never see her mother call her a monster but it is clear in the series that she was judgemental of her. That’s not to say that she shouldn’t have been, just that it would have effected the child given the way her mother went about it.

[@ninjiinc.8883]

i would like to add to that that azula likely just heard ursa say "what is wrong with that child?" and she misinterpreted that to meaning that she is a monster

[@scarred4life473]

Also, I haven't seen her mother call her her own child once. Ursa/Mother never said goodbye to Azula when she left, nor has she ever said I love you. No one has, Zuko always had people to comfort him, he had his mother, and when his mother was gone, Iroh. It also doesn't seem like Ursa/mother has even tried getting closer with Azula. When Ursa/mother said "WHAT IS WRONG WITH THAT CHILD?", I would've thought the same thing as Azula. I mean, how can you take that any other way? You can see how Ursa/mother treats Zuko differently with Azula.

[@joel0joel0]

@@scarred4life473 Ah she said Goodbye to Azula, but Azula didn't wake up unlike Zuko.

[@scarred4life473]

@@joel0joel0 Is that in the books? Because it's not in the show.

[@r.pizzamonkey7379]

Azula is a tricky case, because her paranoia would likely cause her to reject any attempt to help her. I mean, who _could_ help her? She thinks Zuko betrayed her for power, so she's not going to listen to anything he says. She feels betrayed by Mai and Ty Lee, and Ty Lee is still dealing with the psychological ramifications of betraying her. Iroh never had the same connection with Azula as he did with Zuko, and she probably blames him too. She doesn't trust or respect any members of any of the other nations, and she no longer trusts anyone from the fire nation who's loyal to the new regime. I think she could be rehabilitated, but by far the hardest part would be that first step: breaking through that shell and convincing her that better things are possible.

[@AndalusianPhilosopher]

Search comic when Zuko told Azula that he will love her no matter what, you can see it made impact upon her.

[@AndalusianPhilosopher]

So in a sense there has been breakthrough

[@kikyouwuv]

I felt so alone sympathizing with Azula as a kid because everyone else was just happy the good guys won. Now that older and smarter people are watching the show, maybe for their second time it really gives new appreciation for all the characters. Including Azula a 14 year old kid that in her last moments of clarity just wanted to hear her mother loved her. Its heart breaking.

[@hennessygarciahg]

Your not alone. I felt bad for her too.

[@waterbender25]

I also felt really bad for her when she completely broke down after she lost her fight with Zuko. Despite all the horrible things she has done and knowing how terrible she is as a person she's still just a kid, a human being that couldn't bear the weight of being Ozai's perfect little war machine and the loss of her only friends. I believe its possible for her to be redeemed. She just needs a TON of therapy

[@reginagoodbody213]

Her redemption arc would require a whole series/comic book series or a novel. Would be beautiful to witness

[@carmelab4614]

I think that Azula couldn’t allow herself love Zuko because she was raised to believe that he was weak, and that love was weak, and that the only way to be strong, worthy of love, was to win. Win against Zuko, BaSingSe, her friends, everyone. Love was weak. Zuko was weak. To win, subdue, defeat the weak was the means to be strong To be feared was to strong Vulnerability was not And weakness= unworthiness= get agni kai’d and banished like Zuko smth like that i think,

[@mavg.]

I agree, and that is why I think her mother did love her, but she rejected that love because it would make her weak. The only way to be strong was to be a monster in her mother's eyes

[@bluebee7335]

@@mavg. I do think her mother loved her but Azula never felt that, so she never rejected it. And for that (not feeling loved) and what Ozai taught her she convinces herself that she didn’t need love, even though being loved was the reason she did everything to please her father.

[@nic3152]

This is exactly how I viewed Azula! she is my favorite character. I also believe that the line "I love Zuko more than I fear you" hurts her so much is not only because its what she believes her mother thought. but also because it was something she couldn't do. She didn't believe in love, she always used fear because she thought it was stronger, because fear had always been stronger in her than love. She couldn't love Zuko more than she feared her father, which was fine as long as she could convince herself that it was normal, but once Mai and Ty Lee sacrificed themselves out of love despite fear, Azula could no longer justify her way of thinking, she had to confront the fact that fear was weaker, that she was weaker. its why she banished all her subjects. she could no longer trust fear to control them. I think deep down she feels guilty because she had to be perfect in order to be loved, and in doing so Zuko was belittled and abused by their father. its why she started enjoying him being hurt. because if Zuko was hurt it meant she wouldn't be, she had to adopt this survival tactic very young to be safe.

[@heywhatabout7822]

Beautifully put Nic, I think you nailed it! Couldn’t have said it any better.

[@ladylucifer5044]

Sorry if I get anything wrong, I also have spelling and grammar problem to. In the show they mention how Zuko is the descendant of Avatar Ruko [on his mom side] and Firelord Sozan (spelled that wrong) [on his dad side] so good and bad will always fight with in him and he has the ability to go either way, I don't see anyone ever mention that this applies to Azula to she's his sister after all. If Zuko can be good so can Azula in vise versa and in the same levels. We're Zuko good side was encourage and was able to find a support group of friends and Iroh that could support him and love him no matter what. Azula was just left with her father, she never had support or real love (that she was able to pick up on), her friends enabled her bad habits out of fear and just made everything worse (granted unintentionally). Azula and Zuko are just scared kids (in Zuko case literally) who wanted love and adoration from there parents. We're Zuko finally learned that his dad was abusive and didn't need him, Azula didn't because Ozai was the only parental figure she really had, she never had an Uncle Iroh at least in that way Zuko did. Zuko even in his darkest moments had his mother and Iroh even if they weren't physically with him. If Azula lost Ozai she really won't have anyone. Azula might have been the prodigy and the "golden child" growing up but she was doomed to fail because she didn't have support. You could say. I really wonder what if Iroh reached out to Azula like he did with Zuko? How would have Azula turned out? Would her good side been able to prevail like Zuko's if she was just given the chance? I don't see why it won't have given how she has good in her to. In the show he [Iroh] basically calls her a lost cause to Zuko and dam that has to hurt even someone as loving as Iroh wants nothing to do with her, her own mom said "what is wrong with that child?" Right in front of her, her father only "loves" her as far as she can provide for him, Zuko loves her but he just can't provide for her yet like Iroh did for him. In conclusion Azula needs real love and I want to give her a hug. Thank you for attending my Ted talk, hopefully it made sense. Thanks for reading :)

[@heywhatabout7822]

It did make sense! I loved reading through your analysis. Thanks for taking the time to write it. I definitely agree with you on all points! :D I also wonder about Iroh and Azula, and how that would've ended up had it occurred...?

[@ronaldhaobam7491]

Azula is the perfect example that shows how unfair the life can be. "Everybody deserves a second but not everyone gets it".

[@ronaldhaobam7491]

@Hey, What About -? Also nice work." Almost perfect "...but I guess "Almost isn't good enough ", Right?

[@mavg.]

I do think Iroh tried to reach out for Azula. In the scene where they receive gifts, he gives her a doll, which I think was him trying to let her have a normal childhood. But what does she do? She burns it. People do try to care for her, but she rejects them because that's what Ozai taught her

[@mohamedkamara7701]

@@mavg. i think in that part at least she burn it because the doool at least to her is saying she is week ( and she see it that because zuko got a wepond and she got a dool)

[@Ineedcoffee-Sigyn]

This was beautifully done. I feel like Azula is one of the most complex characters especially how Ozai treated her- something I didn't notice when I was a child. Make me hating Ozai more and more.

[@raya458]

I really like how clear you explained everything. Azula really was one of my favorite characters and this analysis was very nice :))

[@thevioletbee5879]

I see you have good taste in anime.

[@sarak6883]

Zuko also had May. They were both in love and even when May was seemingly with Azula, her heart was with Zuko. Hence, resulting in the betrayal at the prison: "I love Zuko more than I fear you" edit: oh and also, the avatar team offered him something he never would have imagined: friendship, belief, and experience (when he had to travel so much to hunt them down - he saw how hurt people were by the fire nation. He found people like himself). They believed in him. Aang saved him when he came to prison as the blue spirit and said they could have been friends given different circumstances. He thought about that line a lot because when he offered to be Aang's teacher, he brought it up. Additionally, Katara believed in him and was willing to use the spirit water on his scar. Toph believed in him for the sake of Aang learning firebending and also because Zuko wasn't lying when he was talking to the team. Not sure about Sokka...correct me if I'm wrong. Nevertheless, he betrayed everyone: his mother because he lost himself, his father because he joined the avatar, his nation, May, Azula, Iroh, Aang, Katara, and Toph when he burned her feet. It took all those mistakes and belief for him to realise which side he should be on. Azula...had none of that. Her path was set: gain father's love and destroy anything that comes in between. She was alone...during her childhood, adolescents, and cornation. It's tragic, really

[@ilikecarseatheadrestplusim6018]

(english isnt my first language so bear with me) I think something really important is that when azula hallucinates her mother, her mother says to her: "no azula, I love you". I think that was the writers trying to show us that azula DOES have consciense or a sense of guilt and one of the reasons she stifles it so hard is that it takes the form of her mother, who in her fathers and thus in her mind, is the ultimate form of weakness. Azula KNOWs what she's doing is wrong and maybe even knows that if she wasnt so destructive to others she could have their love, but ingrained in her so deeply is that the love those people may give her will make her weak and vulnerable so whenever it is offered to her she reacts with hostility. Also, what incentive does azula have to care about people? when her mother cared for zuko she was never seen again, when iroh cared for lu-ten he lost his place in the military and to the throne. when zuko cared for the soldiers of the 41st division he got burned in front of the whole court and was thrown out. the only family member who has survived and gotten what he wanted was her father who never cared for anyone but himself, why wouldnt she do the same? anyway this was long but i have Many Thoughts about this show also I cant believe you only have 130 subscribers wow! definitley will subscribe.

[@scarletgiry3958]

Those are some really good points!

[@crack.head_cult_1743]

I think azula was the best written and drawn character. To me she’s the prettiest and tbh I kind of blame her mother for what happened to her. Azula was a child when she started getting corrupted by her father. Instead of her mother never giving up on her like a good mother would have done she turned her back on her and only saved sukko. I’m not saying that it would have been an easy task or that she should have saved azula instead of sukko but I think she could have help both of them. Raising them to love each other as the siblings they are. Sukko always had Iroh, he would have been fine without as much help as his mother gave him but azula was completely alone. Because of her fathers corruption and using her she started doing the same to her friends, instead of seeing them as friends and people she cares and loves about, she saw them as objects so that every time her ego went down they could help her bringing it back up. Just a thought.

[@cynicaloptimist970]

Brilliant. Because of what happens to Azula in the finale, I can't even watch that show without getting depressed. That part about "Zuko loved his sister" is exactly why I feel Zuko's arc in the series was not fully complete. This is why I keep hoping that he will eventually succeed in redeeming her somehow in the comics, no matter how long it might take.

[@variedadesonline3926]

Same

[@andreeaalbu6406]

you are criminally underrated

[@greenhorn8278]

Azula in my opinion had an upbringing where her father was very domineering, cold-hearted, and calculated. This, when unchecked, causes the child to take after the most dominant parent. In fact, this cut-throat behavior was encouraged in the fire kingdom. Azula's mother had very little control over making Azula develop any kind of love because if you read the comics, the mother was in an oppressive relationship and forced to marry Ozai. She had no say. Azula was just taking after the strongest. Similar to a child who develops narcissism and becomes like her narcissistic dominant parent to survive the family tribe. Zuko, was forced to play black sheep, and Ursa felt compassion for him. Maybe if Ozai been a different man, Azula would have a better parental figure and would have been better. But what do you expect from a man who forced his son to fight an Agni Kai for speaking out of term when he is just a kid?

[@ivanhunter6492]

Imagine if Azula had a boyfriend who cared for her and loved her for her Unconditionally, would she be a better person? Maybe would she still be the same? Absolutely but toned down to maybe 5

[@ivanhunter6492]

@StrangeIsa indeed she would. I was not trying to be insensitive

[@nicolersands]

Suggesting Azula would get a boyfriend instead of a girlfriend is a hate crime against all the baby pre-Catra lesbians.

[@DustyJones1997BGCL]

​@@nicolersands If azula was going to get a girlfriend it got to be Ty Lee ❤️

[@nephtys369]

I don’t count her as a true villain. She was made to be that way, she was failed by her family. She was always going to become a monster with her upbringing. It’s sad.

[@aussie_mozzie]

Azula deserves a redemption arc.

[@hennessygarciahg]

Yes

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

She deserves a dungeon cell.

[@aussie_mozzie]

@@TheMrPeteChannel She's literally a 14-year-old who desperately needs help.

[@not-a-gerbil9557]

I really like that last bit ya mention about the possibility of an Azula redemption arc. I never really put it in perspective of just how long it would realistically take. 3 seasons...2 and a half to split hairs, for Zuko to find the light...and he had two strong forces of unconditional love in his life, So Azula who effectively had 0? Maybe 4 seasons? But like you said too, it would be thornier..like, harder and just what could she possibly experience at this point? She's pretty desensitized to the horrors of war ..but it makes me wonder what an "Azula alone" episode would be, Something similar to the beach? Shed probably need like, 5 Azula alone episodes to get close to the arc Zuko had...so crazy to think about. In real life it makes sense why some people can just seem...beyond saving at that point...who realistically has as much time and love for that? Iron barely had enough for Zuko it seems like and he was like...the paragon of forgiveness and love....man...nuts..and really makes it sadder to think about Azula as a whole character

[@AndalusianPhilosopher]

Well there is 70 years gap between the last airbender and legend of Korra. More than enough time for changing. I mean look how much transformation Korra gone through or Zuko in just few years.

[@nouration9685]

love this video! one thing I want to comment on is that Azula's redemption arc needs to be much longer than Zuko's arc because she is much more twisted and broken than he ever was. I disagree, I feel Zuko's arc was made much harder by everything he knew trying to corrupt him to the wrong path, only Iroh was there for him. his father viewed him as a failure who needs to redeem himself, Azula tried to manipulate him into returning, his redemption means betraying the entire Fire Nation and everything he knows and loves, including his girlfriend Mai. it was Iroh pulling from one sid and everyone else he knew from the other side. with Azula, the status quo was flipped, the Fire Nation are not invaders any longer and strive for peace, her brother wants her on the right path, Iroh probably does too if he senses any hope in her, Mai and Ty Lee would want her to redeem herself too, and most importantly, her father is out of the picture. unlike during the war where everything was pointing that Azula should stay on her path, as the hero of the Fire Nation, her father's golden child, heir to the throne, everyone worships her, she never fails and always gets what she wants. now Azula is a broken husk of a woman, she is a criminal, no one respects her anymore, she is in Zuko's shoes during Book 2, she is in the very same position as Zuko when she was convincing him to come back. so Azula's only obstacle here is herself, she is her own worst enemy, she needs to realize why she is not happy, and since she is much more broken than Zuko, it's easier said than done, but she can redeem herself with less twists and turns since she doesn't have to go against the entire world like Zuko did.

[@Djinsin]

Praise be to all who dare to tackle Azula's psychology

[@PolliitoAle]

I love how you analized her friendship with Mai and Tylee. I think they started as genuine friends but with every step of the way, specially Mai, began to resent her a bit. Still, I don't think either would have betrayed her had she not threatened something important to them. And as you said, they're both young teens, with their own problems and lives. I went through that problem at some point with a friend, when it was hard to be her friend, a close friend, while remaining in a healthy mental state.

[@ReiraSeju]

I think she can definitely have her redemption arc and just like you said, it would be way more painful, harder and would take longer than Zuko's. Damn but if she does it she could be damn near an amazing spiritual teacher. one of the best.

[@damesayo4656]

I do not like how this video is taking responsibility from the Ursa. Azula is a child and mother is responsible for answering to her needs, no matter how hard it is for her (Something that was said to me by psychotraumatologist just yesterday). In parent-child relationship, little child is never wrong. Ursa in the "Search" comic is not very...good mother. She is traumatised and scared, but she is abondoning her memoris about her children. She is letting herself to be pulled away from Azula and is doing nothing to prevent it. She didn't even go to her and at least try to talk before she left. Did anyone care to remember that "I love you, Azula, I really do." is ALSO a hallucination ? Not only monster part was made up, "I love you" as well.

[@nefelibatayumeno2568]

I wish they had produces book 4, Air, as I remember hearing that it was going to focus on Azula's redemption, or at least, show it's beginning... Thanks for the great video!

[@TrxstMonty]

Just read the comics they still going, Azula isn’t “bad” anymore but she’s very broken and mentally unstable.

[@nefelibatayumeno2568]

@@TrxstMonty They've come out?! Thats great news - I wasn't expecting them for a year more or so :D

[@TrxstMonty]

@@nefelibatayumeno2568 sorry if you misinterpreted what I meant, I was saying the comics haven’t been discontinued or ended but I don’t know if anything came out this year due to COVID.

[@nefelibatayumeno2568]

@@TrxstMonty ah, I see... thanks star!

[@AndalusianPhilosopher]

@@TrxstMonty I know some people do not like the comics. I think what the comics, especially Smoke and Shadow are trying to convey is that change is very difficult. It is non linear. It a journey. This applies as much to Azula as it did to Zuko. When Azula ran away in the search comic after Zuko telling her that he will love her no matter what, I think seeds of possible redemption has been planted. Azula at the end of the search is in the same stage as Zuko was at the beginning of Season two, when in the Cave of Two Lovers when Song has shown her burn marks. Remember the road ahead for Zuko in the Cave of two lovers. Avatars head writer Aaron Ehasz did plan redemption for Azula. Longer and more complicated than Zukos. In order to write redemption arc well, the best is to show characters journey which will be full obstacles, slip ups. A challenge to let go of emotional baggage Azula has, and Azula has just as much if not more baggage than Zuko. So it makes sense her redemption will be much more difficult. It is really a shame her story was left up in the air for years. Her canon story extends up to 6 years after hundred year war. It is still decades away from flashback in Legend of Korra, and never mind Korras time. There are just so many unanswered question about main characters, and many side characters, not just Azula. Like who is Izumis mother. We never got the outright answer to this question sadly. Hopefully new avatar studios will answer those questions, but content is still years away. We have to wait patiently and see.

[@kerrygligorovic9758]

It's a shame Azula didn't have a redemption at the end of third Series finale of the Legend of the Avatar: The Last Airbender like her brother Zuko, especially the fact that Azula went insane since both Mai and Ty-Lee betrayed her. At the end of the Series we never learn what became of Azula after she was defeated and captured except for the comic series because it there were plans to revive the the Legend of the Avatar: The Last Airbender were it continued from Season 3 then we would know more of Azula's fate like if she continued to be a villian.

[@morisatsuki3659]

This was incredible. I always knew Azula was a complex, tormented and exceptional character, but you really nailed why that's so. It's been a long time since I've seen Avatar, but I actually never thought of Azula as Zuko's sister beyond just in name because of how they act with one another. She's just another adversary even though the entire show is about the gang fighting Zuko's family. But it really hit me that you said he doesn't like, trust or think well of her as a person, but he does love her. I've never really understood the concept of not liking but still loving someone as it seemed too contradictory, but the way you put it makes the most sense I've ever heard. That love maybe isn't always this exceedingly grand and conquering thing that is only true through impressive acts of affection and care. Sometimes it can just be the willingness to be vulnerable with someone, which can extend to lovers, family, friends and even strangers you meet on the street. And I find that very heartening, not having an exceedingly close relationship with all members of my family myself.

[@thunderbirdizations]

I’d pay so much money to see azula redeem herself. Knowing that you could still come back from having caused so much chaos. It would have to be done right though

[@BrotiniYT]

You should be azula’s therapist

[@scribeofrebirth1431]

Dude! This is deep! Such an accurate analysis of Azula.

[@louera]

Thanks for tackling this:) I’m the daughter of a crazy mother whose love is conditional on me reaching her standard of beauty. Luckily though, I had my dad and my friends- my uncle Irohs to help me through. If not, I think I would have kept going down the route of trying to please her, never having the courage to leave.

[@Sneke-uWu]

Awesome video! I' think the topic of zuko and azula character is so interesting. I seen a lot of analysis, but you brought p the point of Zuko possibly being her redeemer, or at the least, the only source of unconditional love. I think this is really important as in the show I think this is apparent. Though we see Zuko be vulnerable many times and reach out to people this isn't the same for Azula. But, there was one honest moment the show that Azula seems to honestly care and with no strings attached: On ember island, when Zuko returns to their family's beach house alone. Azula actually seeks him out, alone. He then tells him to come back to the group, "This place is depressing". She didn't have to do this, it could have been cut out and the story won't have changed. It shows that Azula emphasized with zuko. They both had a terrible childhood and both know that. They share that bond with each other alone. And while Azula has been shown to disregard zuko or dismiss zuko's feelings, she actually sought him out. She brought him back to the group, which was honestly better for zuko than him staying, reflecting in that house. I think, like zuko, azula has a kind of love for her brother, and they have a potential to connect like no one else. I think the comics further supports this theory and it would honest be interesting to see played out.

[@Lucario4thewin]

Azula never was shown unconditional love. Her father hammered into her that love is earned by servitude, by doing his bidding. If Azula isn't the best then to her, she isn't deserving of his love. Her mother, her uncle and the Avatar gang all showed Zuko love. Azula is feared and alone.

[@MissUglyArt]

I love how you drop handsome for Zuko Best Part everyone 😍😍😍

[@luyandzabavukiledlamini4693]

Love your video and analysis was excellent!I believe Azula hallucinating her mirror in that moment is because in most of her life was because she blamed Ursa for showing favoritism to Zuko or claiming that she thinks of her as a monster,when in reality the only person calling Azula a monster was herself because in my view deep down she was never happy about being a prodigy,thought of herself as a monster who was unworthy of unconditional love to begin with and treated other badly because that's how she saw it as normal in her upbringing under Ozai!The one person who she wanted to say "I love you " when she knows that she does but wasn't there to say those words cut her deep it was the tragedy of Azula as a character

[@tahraethestoryteller6079]

Reminder that the series took place over a summer And he STILL had a lot to learn (as seen in the comics)

[@pez4]

uhmm no? it starts in an autumn since in season one we get to see a Winter Solstice, and ends at the end of summer

[@add90266]

This is really awesome. You explained everything so clearly and it kept me entertained and intrigued. You beautifully analyzed Azula’s character, giving it a new level of depth that I didn’t really see before. Of course, I knew she was insane and that was because she lacked love (especially from her mother), but I never thought about it like this. More people need to see this.

[@InvinciDon]

I think Azula should come back and have a transformation arc in Book 4, GOD I PRAY IT HAPPENS ONE DAY. I can see her becoming happier by finding someone who’s like her, she would change and become a better person in a way, that’s how I imagine it

[@coco-jl7qc]

tbh this is one of the best atla video essays on yt how do u only have 23 subs?

[@giulialunardon8796]

i absolutely love this! azula was definitely the result of an upbringing that shaped her in a certain way - had she been nurtured like zuko was, had she been helped see the world a different way, she wouldn’t be the cold hearted villain she is. i am quite interested in her relationship with her friends though, especially the one with ty lee. do you plan on ever making a video regarding tyzula?

[@heywhatabout7822]

I’ve often seen TyZula mentioned around, but I’ve never looked close enough into it or thought on it long enough to make something. I’d have to take a second look! Remembering vaguely now, I do recall points where Azula was fond or pleased with Ty Lee if not outright annoyed. That would’ve been very interesting to see but I think even with someone as generous as Ty Lee, any relationship would collapse where Azula has not yet re-evaluated her self worth and valuation beliefs. Their friendship dynamic with Mai was super interesting!

[@giulialunardon8796]

@@heywhatabout7822 I absolutely agree with! And I always thought that if Azula had a redemption arc TyZula would be a wonderful pairing!!

[@emmik1584]

Thank you for making this video and explaining your point so well! I have a friend who I’ve always struggled to explain to why Azula is such a tragic character. I’m sure this video will help!

[@monzed.3948]

This will sound weird but thank you very much for this video, she is my favorite character and I love this analysis. Now I've always thought that she doesn't need a redemption arc, but she needs a better ending than the one in the comics.

[@李玉兰-u6l]

This was very beautiful But i feel the creators don’t have a redemption for her, every time she is given a chance, she continues with her father’s ideology and continues to do malicious things purposely, the only way she can change is if she herself truly wants to, and from what i saw in the comics she doesnt seem to want to

[@AndalusianPhilosopher]

Comics tell her story up to 2 years after the show. Korras time is 70 years away. And considering that Azula is far more messed up than Zuko, it will not happen quickly

[@nabilamiah3814]

This video was very well-thought-out. I agree with everything you said!

[@paranoidspiderbeans3968]

You do not have enough subscribers! This is exceptional quality for such a small size.

[@Potato-se4wb]

Great video! I like your analysis, keep up the good work :)

[@jeangentry6656]

This is an amazing videos that speaks to the power of Love. I'm not sure Azula can be redeemed. Part of redemption is wanting to change, and becoming humble. Azula is so caught up in what she perceives has her right to rule/dominate. Not everyone can be saved. That being said, nothing's going to stop Zuko from trying.

[@AndalusianPhilosopher]

However you have to remember. Her canon story goes up to 2 years after the show. There is still 70 years before Korras time. Perhaps at some point during this time Azula can go through something that will make her humble. Sometimes the things you think can never happen happen just like that. One of the older fellows I was listening to his podcast said he never expected Soviet Union to fall. Not the way it did. So never underestimate the impossible. There night be series of enexpected events happening at some point that will change Azulas view on the world. I seen fanfics. Good ones, where it is shown how it can be possible.

[@herfan1689]

Many people here think Azula hallucinating her mother saying I love you means she knows her mother loved her but I think she had that hallucination to distance herself from the failure of achieving her father's love. She realized she was alone so she might as well try to reach for love from someone who is not around as they are not able to either accept or reject her. It is a coping mechanism. Azula's story is tragic in that even though her mother may have loved her, Azula never got that feeling from her. Child Azula always had her hair up so her mother saying, "always had beautiful hair" makes me think it is far removed from reality since if her mother cared so much about Azula's beautiful hair, she would have bonded with her while braiding and styling, which they did not do so I think she also never heard her mother say I love you to her. We actually see her mother bonding with Zuko but never with her.

[@EverythingHappens4AReason]

Thank you KZbin for this recommendation. And thank you creator for an amazing analysis of one of my favorite characters! This has easily become one of my favorite Avatar video essays. Thank you 💜

[@gachacute7379]

This gives me chills. This is so well worded, such a great analysis. Probably the best I've seen.

[@PseudONym-kz3fr]

Can’t wait to watch this channel blow up!

[@Universeknight10055]

Good morning. Im fan of azula and ty lee and mai. Everyone have great day and next day and week and weekend and next week and full happiness 😊❤.

[@taymackay7251]

Great video, but the first mirrored Zuko gave me whiplash

[@sallie.]

I can’t even express how great this video was and how well you explained everything.

[@BubbleTeaCalico]

This is a very good video! Azura is one of my favorite villains so i love seeing content on her.

[@Mochi-hl6uu]

God I’m in love with your channel someone who finally gets it.

[@Glitterblossom]

Thank you so much for this video.

[@maytalacedo2942]

She's a tragic villain. But the best villain.

[@alonso7124]

New subscriber! You did a great job, i love azula’s character and you explained everything very well

[@DiamondDollDark]

I love this! ❤️ Thank you for making this!

[@andreeaalbu6406]

i really liked this video

[@lincolnbeckett8791]

This was a GREAT analysis!

[@kennethquek8718]

Excellent video and analysis! Sometimes youtube is just being unfair, but thoes who saw your videos know it is well crafted and will return to watch more! Dont give up!

[@vargasmestasestebanalberto5093]

I really love your voice, it’s so relaxing

[@Duckispiano]

I was expecting this video to have like 600k views, i was surprised to see it wasnt lol great video! I subbed with notifications on!

[@cabbagestands1019]

this was so great i wish i could subscribe four times ;)

[@littlebubblegumpop]

imma leave a follow in case u make more videos like this

[@wanderingeye13]

8:22 what is the background music? Great video!

[@skullyfresh8720]

Very well spoken.

[@Deyone_Jackson]

I feel like she could change for the better, if someone new comes into her life. She already has her opinions and experiences with everyone and so going with them it won't be easy and like you said, her redemption arc would be a lot longer and more difficult. I think, if someone new like a strong man who's calm and smart and knows how to control any situation, basically a some sigma male type of dude lol if someone like that comes and catches her attention and he doesn't do all that bowing down and just nonchalantly says he has a free day tomorrow and she should come for dinner or however they could get to know each other, I think this might be the way to get her to change a lot faster. I'd say a man like that could kinda carry a similar presence like Ozai does, but in his own way and she would probably respect him faster than she would anyone else. She didn't want anyone on that party to know who she really is, so there must be more of a reason than just doing a fun experiment when she uses this opportunity to get closer to the strong looking guy and even learning from Ty Lee how to loosen up a bit. So a man like that would make definitely curious and the more they get to know each other and the longer a guy like that keeps himself a bit of a mystery, but shows a way of love to her she isn't very familiar with could make her put down her guard and try to get closer to him instead the other way around where she could control it. She might wonder if he's just playing with her and/or wants to get the benefits of being with her and probably would confront on that. Then, when the dude would tell her he understands her, but it's not like that and if she has it hard to believe, that someone could love her without wanting something in return, then she should take some time for herself and then he just leaves without turning back. That would do some wild stuff in her head and she would even apologize and then turn all vulnerable and opens herself up and would reveal all kinds of weaknesses and why she is the way she is. With showing understanding, compassion, love and instead of speaking, just saying she doesn't need to be worried about that and that now he can say all those pretty sounding things to make her feel better, but actions speak louder than words and so he just hugs her and for maybe the first time she would feel that type of unconditional love she doesn't understand, but now comes to learn what it probably means and with a hand her face and he looks her deep in the eyes and drops the "I love you" bomb, that might cause every wall she had around her to finally crumble down she'd be completely exposed. Then with someone like that in her life and influencing her to change, she'd become a more free and better person over time a lot faster and she would have her inner conflict with her father, but now it would be a bit more shaky and she would see an escape from all of this the moment it all goes down in flames. The Avatar defeating Ozai, the fire nation completely exposed, Zuko confronting her and now there is this other guy in her life who would speak reason into her mind the whole time, I'd say she would either go and live a happy life with her man or she would work together with Zuko and Aang.

[@dinaau]

i love your channel, subscribed! 😍

[@tommybrown5538]

I love it

[@Nirinadu27]

Deserve more views

[@SupremeUV2122]

'My own mother thought I was a monster. She was right of course, but it still hurt'... It's cuz she HERSELF thinks her mother sees her as a monster when she had her mom's unconditional love in the first place. Yea that's one reason to sympathise. Shame on you Phoeniix King of getting his butt whooped!

[@Capnrainbow1]

Awesome video!

[@JabamiLain]

The following question is related to Azula. Kurama was neither manipulative nor patient enough to corrupt him (which is a real shame given the fact he's based around the Kitsune). But let's imagine that the Nine Tails was actually Azula. What would the end result be ?

[@amandagustafsson4589]

This is so underrated!!!!

[@heli4233]

Well done!

[@PeterJosephRivera]

she's a Glorified Narcissistic and Manipulative character she still had a choice to be who she wanted to be and she chose wrong... because she thought she was better than everyone else

[@marwasaeed3189]

Weather you like it or not LOVE DOESN’T EXIST ITS MANMADE AND IF YOU BELIVE IN IF YOU A FOOL

[@dragonbest4972]

Does anybody knows what song plays in the backround around five minutes in? I'm searching for this song several months now...

[@saradoka4539]

Ozai you jerkbender!!! 😡 Soo that's why Azula grew up so fast and wanted power 💪 because her father was a power freak and because she was hardwired to be a brutal person since... well, birth! 😭😭😭 so sad

[@beneaththesurfacepodcast4025]

[@sparxstreak02]

2:42 disagree here slightly on the topic of unconditional love - Ursa loved Azula in spite of their constant friction with each other & as u said yourself, Zuko loved his sister too even after she betrayed him multiple times.

[@variedadesonline3926]

She doesn't feel she's loved tho

[@walkerhaw5468]

The Fire Nation needs Dr Phill.