Avatar: The Last Airbender 2x15 REACTION | "The Tales of Ba Sing Se" | First Time Watching!

[@jakelovell5882]

Everyone's a gangster until Iroh starts singing Also, relieving the sad feelings with the next episode? Oh no

[@paulh.9937]

This episode will make any grown man cry

[@pazz]

As the saying goes

[@SubtleAmbition]

Especially knowing that it was Mako's (his voice actor) final performance

[@Sairin13]

There is one rule in Avatar. If Iroh is crying, you cry along with him.

[@vagabond61714]

Facts, it gets me every time.

[@vroxus5107]

It's wild how fast Iroh's scene can honest bring someone to tears so deeply

[@melvinr2066]

Fr every reaction I’ve seen almost everyone end up crying

[@Liesmith424]

The scene is so perfectly done that I can't even explain it to anyone without starting to tear up.

[@Nerpeac]

Bruh like fr fr ive seen it over 20 times never fails

[@tjaldin]

Every time...

[@samuelvincent557]

There is just something wrong about seeing Uncle Iroh cry. To see such a kind and generous character in pain like that just feels unfair.

[@modelotime3608]

Mako was uncle Irohs OG voice actor, this episode was makos last episode he had a terminal illness. Rip mako🙏

[@cctomcat321]

Which combined with his talent in portraying the heavy emotional tone in his voice to carry that scene... Never fails to get me no matter how many times I've seen it.

[@TA3DArtist]

He was great in Conan The Barbarian also but he'll always be Uncle Iroh to me.

[@givepaddytheemmy4535]

Not his last episode, he passed away very soon after completing Book 2. But all of Book 2 is Mako

[@michaelash8552]

@@givepaddytheemmy4535 One exception in this episode. Greg Baldwin voices Iroh in the scene where the kid break the window in the Tales Of Iroh.

[@KlooKloo]

Mako voices Iroh for the rest of the season.

[@JesseShadows37]

Iroh just helping anyone and everyone is what he does best. Which makes him saying “if only I could’ve helped you” to his son even more heartbreaking.

[@MineCraft-nz9pg]

_😭😭😭😭_

[@PeterRedhill]

My sister was an alcoholic. I refused to help her until she wanted to help herself, and she ended up dying. I've felt like it shaped who I am now. I tend to be a lot more helpful to people now in need or not, but when I watch this episode and Iroh says, "If only I could helped you..." I break down into a blubbering mess. I know I didn't make her an alcoholic, but my refusing to help her undoubtedly caused more issues. And after all these years, I just wish I could've helped her. Just like Iroh, it's one of my strongest regrets.

[@ISAACThBro]

@@PeterRedhill Sorry for your loss :( It's good you let that experience push you to help people in need

[@dennisonvlee2999]

Also the fact he helps people at different life stages, really gets me

[@marvelsandals4228]

It also really contextualizes his story, which we only see in bits and pieces during flashbacks and throwaway lines of dialogue. He was next in line to be the Firelord, leading a massive invasion force to conquer Ba Sing Se, the capital of the Earth Kingdom. Yet, a few years later, here he is, one of the freest, kindest, most peace loving folk you'll ever meet, many fans favorite character. It begs the question how did he change so drastically, and I think this is the moment where it all clicked for me. His son died in an attack that he was leading. He blames himself for his only son's death. We hear that he withdrew his army and returned to the Fire Nation after that, devastated by his loss. In a way, that's what it took to snap him out of his mindset and made him rethink his entire life. Also, he probably realized that every soldier who died on both sides had a family who mourned their deaths, and he grasped the magnitude of pain he had caused to hundreds of people. We see him as an angel, but I bet his is wracked with guilt for what he did as a general.

[@rafag5018]

I tuned in anticipating the reaction to Iroh and found myself getting caught up in it yet again. R.I.P. Mako.

[@NeroIML]

Same, hade to pause the video to wipe my tears.

[@cloudwatcher608]

Their reaction is the only appropriate one: ugly cry, followed by annoyance at the episode for proceeding in calloused indifference to the emotional bomb it just dropped

[@vincentwilkes1955]

​@@cloudwatcher608yeah weird they didn't leave irohs till the end

[@ItsJustFox]

​@vincentwilkes1955 It makes sense for it being primarily a kids show. Most stories in general tend to not end on a sad note. It might seem counterintuitive considering the Mako situation, but you dont want to leave your audience in tears. I think it leaves just enough time for the audience to process it, then move on to a more lighthearted story without undercutting the emotional value of Iroh's.

[@ZenithPotentia]

​@vincentwilkes1955 Its because Momo's tale directly leads into what happened to appa after he was kidnapped. And I guess Aang blowing the whistle while he was wranging up the animals too since it was revealed that appa heard Aang blowing the whistle and tried to go to him. But personally, I feel like Zukos tale and Irohs tale should have been switched.

[@Monkeespankr]

The original voice actor of Iroh, Mako, was dying of cancer and when he sang this song for the show he was nearing the end of his life, which I believe contributed to his emotions in the song. It's a heartbreaking moment that all fans of this magnificent show remember and instantly feel whenever we hear the song.

[@Kassabonn]

I also love how the second voice actor for Iroh always refuses to sing the song when fans ask for it, he just tells them "that's Mako's song"

[@lostchild06]

@@Kassabonn Oh no I'm tear bending.

[@JesseShadows37]

Everyone thinks they’re Gangsta until they see Iroh cry

[@sirmadchadmckee6343]

Facts

[@mmxxiii9503]

That's a reality

[@andytaylor7912]

Me: I'm disappointed when some reactors are stonefaced or unemotional during Iroh's Tale. I hope these two at least cry a little. Diegesis: *tears up at Toph being called beautiful* Me: ... oh, they're gonna lose it.

[@animusnocturnus7131]

You haven't seen many of the girls reactions, have you? It was absolutely clear that they'll well up like waterfalls in this episode as soon as they started the first episode of season 1. I think the reason Chad has a tissue box in that room is because of Maple.

[@OceanHedgehog]

I think stonefaced is fine - I see a lot of guys who react with other guys who just kind of freeze up during Iroh's singing. They are trying not to show emotion, but in doing so they are showing that they are touched by it. Sometimes, one guy will start crying and his friend will look at him with understanding. Only one reactor started mocking his brother for crying, which is completely toxic.

[@ncard00]

Iroh was so weak and stupid. He let his emotions cloud hos judgement, instead of just killing Zuko, Azula, and Ozai, who were evil, or at risk of becoming evil. The white lotus also didn't fight in the war until after 100 years. And Iroh put his health at risk by being overweight, and thereby not being able to protect the world for as long as he could have.

[@j3pelfrey]

As did we all....

[@liamriddle8794]

@@ncard00 Say sike right now

[@DFAnton]

The slight sob when Iroh gets to "little soldier boy" sells his pain so well. Always just hits me.

[@Zonose]

The voice actor had so much emotion in this line because it was one of his last, iirc he sang this on his death bed in the hospital.

[@ericfalley]

@@Zonose I think I've heard that this story isn't actually true and that Mako recorded the song in the studio. However, he might have known that he didn't have much time left, and I'm sure that would have affected his delivery. Very powerful either way.

[@Zonose]

@@ericfalley you're probably right because that sounds like it makes a lot more sense, why would they have him working in the hospital on his death bed? That would have been cruel..

[@Tetrabiblo]

I’m my head when his voice broke all I could think is “Fatality” from mortal combat as they cried harder

[@pabloc8808]

The fact he doesn't sing "little soldier boy/COMES marching home", but rather "little soldier boy/COME marching home", it's like he's not singing, but rather begging his son to come home. It gets me every time

[@Metal-Spark]

I'm sure someone else has commented this by now, but Iroh's tale is even more genius than it first seems. The people he helps are all men at different stages of their life. It's not just Iroh helping people - it's Iroh experiencing what it's like to raise a son all over again.

[@umadbroyo2388]

Was just about to say that. Its genius writing!!

[@mmxxiii9503]

That's even more heartbreaking

[@Seetiyan]

Dang. I didn't see that. All the more feels to have about it.

[@gandheezy6163]

Bro I'm gonna cry again

[@michaelwilson6480]

Goddamnit, I JUST stopped crying.

[@InsightfulZen]

"I can't wait to get to the next one so I can relieve some of my sad feelings" Yeah that's exactly right, the next episode really lightens the mood.. XD

[@theaprentice6437]

I just remembered what the next episode is! Oh NO! Lol

[@CaptainFluffySlipper]

Funnily enough the inscription roughly translates to “Hi dad, hope you’ve been well. I will see you after the war. Love your son, Lu ten” Adds so much depth to this scene. And also, that photo of lu ten is a modeled after a younger version of mako.

[@mrEduardo354]

As a man once said "Aw sh*t, well, here we go" Everyone, get the tissues ready, bring extra cuz next one is worse

[@dovasil9300]

The second half in general, and in particular the end of the second season, requires a lot of napkins. Probably one of the most emotional parts in all three seasons.

[@brycelamkin1829]

Just want yall to know, toph can tell when people are lying. So she knows katara was being truthful about her beauty

[@IamnotJohnFord]

That's not revealed yet.

[@cybergeek11235]

@@IamnotJohnFord they're like a season ahead though. still poor form, you're absolutely right, but at least it wouldn't have ACTUALLY spoiled them.

[@IamnotJohnFord]

@@cybergeek11235 Yes, they are ahead on Patreon. But, some KZbinrs follow hear but not on Patreon. In fact, I'd bet they have tons more here than there.

[@OrdinaryCritic]

No way! When did Toph say that?

[@windygrass9807]

I am a 400 ft tall purple platypus bear with pink horns and silver wings.

[@videohistory722]

Iroh losing his son humbled him, and made him reevaluate his entire life. It's also part of why he cares about Zuko so much. That's what, "If only I could've helped you." means. Because his son went down the same path Zuko was in season 1, and died for it. So he's determined to not let that happen again.

[@oliviarogers2808]

I can only imagine what he must have been feeling for that brief moment when he thought Zuko got blown up in S1.

[@zachcolbert8781]

​@@oliviarogers2808 not again

[@Ozai75]

The thing about Iroh's story is that he helps young men over their entire lifespan. He calms a crying boy, teaches a good life lesson to pre-teens and gives advice and comfort to a young adult. All lessons he would have given his son, which he laments in his song.

[@cynicallysalty4592]

Sorry guys I'm here for your tears. Sad fact, the portrait of Iroh's son is of Mako (Iroh's voice actor) from his military service.

[@consistentlystupid4726]

Wait really? I never knew that they used a picture of Mako for it.

[@babasolaosikoya5947]

No way

[@joelramnarine]

​@@consistentlystupid4726yes it was what mako himself looked like when he was young

[@joelramnarine]

​@@consistentlystupid4726the face I mean

[@mr.ripley3846]

This episode was aired in honor of Makoto (Mako) Iwamatsu, the original voice actor for Iroh in Season 1 & 2. He was a great actor and voice actor. Rest in Peace.

[@NeverKnows404]

As a nearly 30 year old dude that grew up on this show, Iroh was a fictional character that left a life long impact on me. I can't hear him sing without a tear forming all these years later.

[@mmxxiii9503]

You and me both buddy

[@comicenthusiast]

I believe this was supposed to be a full episode on Irohs history in Ba Sing Se, and his 600 day siege on the walls, where he lost his son, but Mako the voice actor only had enough energy to do the few scenes, so they added in all the other tales of Katara, Toph, Aang, etc. R.I.P. Mako ❤

[@cpob2013]

Wow I would have loved to see general iroh in his prime

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

No. This episode was always planed like this. Also Mako finished season 2 & that was him yelling at Zuko in the last episode of season 2. He had enough energy for that.

[@JNDReacts]

@@TheMrPeteChannelThey didn’t record the episodes in order. This was the last one they recorded for the season. You can even hear Greg Baldwin’s voice for a few lines in this episode, when the kids break the window.

[@blackabsinthe]

A fun fact to be mentioned about this episode is the little girl in Aang's tale who owns the normal cat? That was a make-a-wish foundation request from an ill girl who got to have herself and her cat on her favorite show!

[@alexarias5717]

Aww!! 🥹🥹

[@samuelvincent557]

Small aside about that episode when Aang uses the whistle. I heard a theory that the reason that all the animals respond was because when he blew on it so hard, the sound went up the scale far higher, and lower, that it otherwise would, so it passed through the range that the others would hear and respond to. Don't know if that is true, but it caught my attention.

[@JackMValentine]

One of the few reactors that I've seen to understand Sokka was in a Haiku battle and not just a poetry slam. Props to Arianna.

[@MontgomeryWenis]

Except the woman he battles literally explains the rules of a haiku and explicitly says that's what they're doing.

[@cybergeek11235]

@@MontgomeryWenis and yet so few people explicitly acknowledge it.

[@MontgomeryWenis]

@@cybergeek11235 Is that something that's really necessary to understand it? Are reactors required to mention the haikus by name in order to prove they get it? 🤦‍♂️

[@JackMValentine]

@@MontgomeryWenis Dang man, I was just trying to compliment the reactor. There's lots of stuff people miss on the first viewing, no shade on anyone else.

[@MontgomeryWenis]

@@JackMValentine From my point of view, you're throwing shade on Ariana for being surprised she understood the lines that were literally said in the episode.

[@Misterasianweeman]

iroh helped the flowr bloom representing birth, then he helps a toddler a group of young boys and then a young man. his story represents fatherhood through the ages and the last person he helps is a young man cos thats around the age his son passes.

[@muchuchuroo]

"If only I could have helped you... Leaves from the vine.." 😭😭😭

[@mmxxiii9503]

Falling so slow

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

Like fragile tiny shells.....

[@mmxxiii9503]

@@TheMrPeteChannel "drifting in the foam"

[@calistodorren]

The Iroh short was so impactful that Mako's replacement, Greg Baldwin, (who had worked alongside Mako for many years and had gained extensive experience in duplicating his partner’s voice) actively refused to reprise the song, when asked why, his only response was: "That's Mako's song..."

[@TheService95]

Why do that scene also always make me cry.. It's been like 15 years

[@cctomcat321]

Because the VA was perfect. He was dying from cancer (hence the RIP Mako) and was able to put so much real emotion in his voice work with the song. So, if you didn't know that part, good luck getting through it now. I still can't.

[@coolunusual]

The whole scene with iroh hits incredibly hard, only for it to end with the in honor of Mako, his voice actor. It is a finishing blow to anyone that knows

[@_Darth_Vader_]

Always makes me tear up. Mako thank you for your dedication and exceptional work throughout the years.

[@dastemplar9681]

He will always be our Uncle.

[@robertgarcia6561]

The Iroh chapter always gets to me. Especially the thought of a parent having to bury their child who was killed in combat.

[@TK-hw2ph]

This is definitely my favorite reaction to this episode. Always gets me, and I saw the original premier as a teenager Edit: I can’t get enough of Ariana’s eyes when she realizes Iroh’s memorial for Lu ten. 🥺 and Maples “oh no”

[@twinkietoepinkie]

Verbatim, this. No one can hold a candle to Ariana and Maple's reaction to ATLA. The reaction is unlike any other, from the emotion, to the analysis, to the understanding of what's actually happening. I've never seen a pair of more engaged reactors. It feels like I'm with them.

[@angelparada9904]

Probably my new favorite reaction to this episode and I was dozens of react channels lollll 😅

[@NickSelfridge]

I found out recently that girl with the pink hat asking about her cat in Aang’s tale was an animated version of a fan of the show who was initially dying of cancer, she wanted to meet the creators of avatar and they honored her by actually putting her in the show, and having her voice herself! She survived by the way ☺️

[@athena450]

This is one of the best reactions to Iroh's tale I've seen - y'all were NOT prepared

[@jacobdavidlet]

Been waiting since Episode 1 for this reaction.

[@jeansalomon8225]

The episode to make anyone tearbend

[@cpob2013]

I'm starving

[@TopNotchWatcher87]

When reactors don’t react exactly how you both reacted during Iroh’s song, I question if they feel things at all lol Great reaction, but next episode won’t help with the sad feelings, but I’m sure you know that by now! Can’t wait for you to see it all!!

[@plmokm33]

"Aww he's having a little picnic by himself!" 😊 5 seconds later:

[@jamesrippy1161]

I have been waiting for weeks for them to get to this episode. This episode caused an entire generation us to cry some of the saddest tears we’ve ever shed and even now as adults it continues to cause us to shed those same tears all these years later

[@stranger5011]

I love how this is basically showing Iroh conforting a child with a song, giving advice to other children about responsability and atoning to wrongdoings, a misguided man who needed more positive reinforcement in his passion. Tale of iroh basically lures into a sence of security showing all this wholesome and heartwarming stuff and then suddenly It stabs you in the heart when you realize that he's thinking about his son this entire time, and those people are from the nation his son died fighting against. And instead of persuing revange he simply becomes a better person and help others the way he couldn't help his son.

[@rolfdenpinguin3009]

"I cant wait to get to the next episode so I can relieve some of my sad feelings". Lmao she had no idea what was comming next! Emotional damage.

[@tehsaint1985]

Just to add another layer of heartfelt, when Katara says she thinks Toph is beautiful, Toph can tell when people are lying, and her smile shows she knew Katara really felt that way.

[@CertifiedSunset]

Iroh's part taught me a lot about mourning as a kid, it has stuck with me over a decade later.

[@videohistory722]

Irohs short was written by Andrew Huebner, the production manager on the series. He also wrote Irohs song, Leaves from the Vine. And because of losing Mako, he's sworn that no one else will ever sing it.

[@JMK248]

RIP to mako. First time I heard iroh voice when watched this show as a kid i instantly recognized it. From watching samurai jack A legend 💯🙏🏾

[@cshimp10]

"If only I could've helped you." and now the tears WON'T stop.

[@sammylane21]

Got'em. Everybody is a real one until we hear "Happy birthday my son..if I had been there to help you.", by the end of Iroh's Tale we're all-->😭.

[@Parthuhax]

Everybody knows they wish they could rewatch tales of ba sing se for the first time. And knowing now that this was the voice actor's last episode before he passed just adds to the sadness

[@randomuoutube2029]

The picture of irohs son is a picture of the voice actor mako when he was young

[@Koebalt]

who else clicked on this video just to watch other people cry about Iroh's tale?

[@zynthio]

the Iroh scene is heartbreaking every single time - not only because of the amazing writing, but also the passing of Mako the voice actor of Iroh. Still hurts to this day Also my unpopular opinion is that Jin, the girl Zuko went out with, was the cutest sweetest person ever. She was the best love interest for Zuko in the whole series. He seemed the happiest with her, and she treated him better than pretty much anyone ever did. It's a shame she was never brought back

[@catsfan6984]

One of my favorite tidbits about the Tale of Iroh is that Mako was very nervous about recording himself singing according to the show's creators. They encouraged him to do it and it ended up being one of the best moments in the entire series. RIP to a legend

[@chiefryand24]

Leaves from the Vine....

[@chrisstalbaum3967]

noooo 😭😭😭

[@chiefryand24]

@@chrisstalbaum3967 all we need is uncle iroh.

[@guerney2000]

In honor of Mako

[@chrisstalbaum3967]

@@chiefryand24 true story

[@xirensixseo]

falling so slow

[@markgonzalez8547]

This is honestly the best episode out of the whole show, in my opinion

[@cpob2013]

I prefer zuko alone but this is a close second

[@1337pino]

Hope Chad gave them background on meta part of Iroh's song (the picture being of the original voice actor who past away)

[@FatLittleButterfly]

Iroh helped out people from infants to teens to young adults. He even sang the same song in two different tone

[@dastemplar9681]

Mako actually wrote the song himself and it was shortly after he was informed that his cancer has gone terminal. In fact, him singing that song was his last recording for the series. I do not doubt things got really emotional in that recording studio, as he ended his acting career and said his goodbyes. He sadly departed just a couple weeks before this episode was aired.

[@johnnycortez3435]

I just started watching the new airbender on Netflix. There is a scene where Iroh speaks of his son. Leaves on the vine starts to play softly in the background and it still brings me to tears 😭

[@videohistory722]

Sokkas short is Avatar's version of a rap battle. Fun fact: rap battles have been around for centuries, even before the Shakespearean Era! It was called flyting.

[@johantolli372]

The way they use these short stories to both explore some unexpected character moments and also show that quite some time has passed while the gang is stuck in the city is so smart. Its these more unusual episode that really elevates this show.

[@MrSoBitchy]

It's so good to watch two people not afraid of feeling their emotions and allowing themselves to cry when something sad happens

[@cjg8763]

That girl wondering what her cat was doing at the zoo was voiced by a make a wish kid who wanted to meet the creators of Avatar, and they offered her a cameo in the show. The character was modeled after her and everything.

[@asteven8]

Not only do I cry every time during Iroh's song but also for Lu Ten. You know he had to be an amazing person because his dad was Iroh + his dad still grieves him and honors him by helping others on his birthday.

[@petis1976]

Mako recorded this while his cancer was literally killing him. He started to cry, dealing with his own mortality. In the behind the scenes stuff, people in the studio broke down, some having to turn away or walk out of the booth after becoming so emotional.

[@TacticusPrime]

It's so beautiful how Iroh helps a little boy, young kids, and a young man. Just like how he tried to take care of his son.

[@thomasnovak1537]

Iroh's & Momo's tales are so emotional, which are great and I love it. The moment Iroh sings, makes you feel so much. Generally I love Iroh, personally feel everyone should have an uncle like Iroh in their lives.

[@maxdavidyermolaev4164]

What i find incredible is how fast the emotion strikes when iroh starts singing, i mean you just watch a normal kids show and than just bang, you find yourself all emotional. The way the writers planted our love for iroh and then with one short scene just break us all.

[@cjg8763]

The end of Iroh's tale makes everybody cry. It's heartbreaking. Also, Iroh's original voice actor was dying of cancer at the time, this was one of the last things he recorded for the show. His replacement voice actor can be heard in this episode, there are a couple of lines that had to be dubbed over. Luckily we get Mako for the rest of this season, but in season 3 it's Iroh's new VA. The replacement VA (don't remember his name) has been asked to sing "Leaves from the Vine" by fans but he refuses to do it every time, saying that it's Mako's song. Gotta respect him for that.

[@kurtwagner350]

Anthology episodes are always fun but this one is so emotional

[@videohistory722]

In Irohs short, he helps everyone he meets. Another important thing to point out here is he helps them in every stage of life. Baby. Kids. Young man. Man at the stall.

[@bloodshot0tool1]

Been waiting for this episode to see their reactions, and it didn’t disappoint. That hit them hard.

[@GeneralxGrievousx]

Wanna know an even sadder fact about Iroh's memorial picture of Lu Ten? The message on the picture says "To General Iroh: See you after we win the war. Your loyal son, Lu Ten." Excuse me while I go clean my eyes, gets me every time.

[@SWTobito0702]

I love that the tail of Momo is set up all the way back in "The Chase" cause the bag in which he found some of Appa's fur is the same bag Aang carried all the fur in to lead Azula away.

[@nathancardosi8137]

A bit of lore about the humanity of Iroh’s story from prior to the series, you may remember a few jabs at him “losing” the initial battle for the city. It can be inferred that he just gave up the siege when he learned that his son had died.

[@duraeusentenu]

I remember finding out through this episode that Mako had passed away sometime before it went on air. :'( I actually remember Mako-san in other works of his outside of voiceacting for various cartoons. I know he did a lot of movies, and even cameo'ed in an episode of Frasier XD

[@Do0msday]

Nobody is immune to Iroh singing. RIP Mako.

[@cristianbazurto7028]

Irohs tale has to be the most wise, uplifting, and depressing scene of all cartoon history. I remember I was like 5 or 6 when this show came out and not having a strong male figure in my life was difficult but Uncle Iroh really gave me some valuable lessons about what a man should be. Thank you Uncle Iroh for guiding young men like myself throughout the years.

[@firemiracle]

1:26 and that is why i freaking love toph. She will take no crap from anyone, and if someone dares to insult her, she will fight back hard. Wish everyone can have that courage to stand up to bullies.

[@TheiTzCynical]

It's been said before how Iroh's voice actor Mako sadly passed away. During Tale of Iroh, you can actually hear the new voice actor when Iroh runs into the kids playing like Earth Soccer, shortly before he runs into the mugger, which is when they switch back to Mako.

[@laytonN00000000001]

The fact this was Mako’s last episode he filmed before he died and they gave him the credit at the end of the scene makes the Iroh scene that much more heartbreaking.😭😭

[@sj9139]

season 1 is fun an surprises you with how serious and touching it can be. season 2 drop kicks you in the feels and the hits just keep coming, no one gets through "little soldier boy" song with out getting a little choked up.

[@animusnocturnus7131]

I didn't even realise that he sang the song to the kid in the beginning when I first saw the episode, due to how much is going on in between. But now it always gives me a pre-stab in the feels from the get go.

[@josephknight8793]

Here i am again, weeping just like i did when i was 6 and saw this episode for the first time. What an immaculate piece of animation and acting by the late great Mako.

[@johntheechidna1]

True fact: Mako Iwamatsu, Iroh's voice actor until the end of Book 2, honestly broke out into tears because he knew he was dying while recording the ending to Iroh's tale in Ba Sing Se.

[@khoichau8316]

The writing on the Lu Ten's portrait says, "To General Iroh: See you after we win the war. Your loyal son, Lu Ten"

[@yew2oob954]

Iroh learned a lot from studying other tribes, from waterbenders he learned to re-direct lightning...and also apparently tear-bending. 😢

[@P3wP3wPanda]

Want to know something else? The picture of Lu Ten has a message written by Lu Ten himself. It can be translated as, "To General Iroh. See you after we win the war. Your loyal son, Lu Ten"

[@Awesomeness42102]

The thing that gets to me personally is how Iroh sees a child crying and can sing that song to cheer him up and it makes iroh happy aswell and then when hes alone and sings for his son its turns sad, he had the strength to sing it for the child and not breakdown untill he was alone

[@bvenable78]

4:14 when his voice breaks, and his shoulders shake... just kills me every time. 😭

[@JaocbBond]

Iroh was supposed to be Firelord but the death of his son drove him to change dramatically. Everything happens for a reason. What a beautiful character

[@nazirulnaim5418]

Iroh was a great General of the fire nation back in the old days, loosing his son makes him evaluate the consequences of war and loosing their loved ones which normally not many top military brass would open their hearts to, only by loosing his son Iroh embrace to live a peaceful life far from war and aggression.

[@joshuawells835]

To rub salt into the wound, the portrait of Lu Ten is based on Mako at a younger age and the inscription translates, "General Iroh, I will see you again when victory is obtained. Your loyal son, Lu Ten." It is speculated that this was the last correspondence between Iroh and his son before Lu Ten's death in the Siege of Ba Sing Se.

[@videohistory722]

That's also why he's so adamant on helping Zuko. His son went down the same path Zuko did in Book 1, and DIED for it.

[@piki68]

And that is one moment I dont think we will ever see on a tv cartoon show aired for kids. MASTERPIECE!

[@benjaminshannon1013]

The drawing of Iroh's was drawn from a picture of Mako when he was young.

[@tirayabonnet2586]

4:32 MAKO: portrayed the popular character Iroh in the first two seasons of Avatar: The Last Airbender from 2005 to 2006... In the Avatar: The Last Airbender episode "The Tales of Ba Sing Se", the segment titled "The Tale of Iroh" was created "in honor of Mako", ...wikipedia.

[@meganhutcheson5867]

Interesting fact that leaves on the vine, the only time that song has ever sung is an avatar when Mako is singing it. The actor who ends up, voicing him and book 3 said he won’t sing it, because it is Mako song.

[@christineduncan8979]

It’s crazy none of us were expecting this from Iroh. “ohh that’s his son awe…wait…oh no…I’m crying 😭”

[@circlecircledot]

I’m dying at “I like baskets 🙂” to “ok 🥺” transition

[@mori1bund]

15:10 "I can't wait to get to the next one so I can relieve some of my sad feelings" -> well about that 😅 let's just say, you better keep the tissues handy...

[@RastaSaiyaman]

"You call it dirt, I call it a healthy coating of earth." Toph always was way ahead of everybody else.

[@edim108]

I am fully convinced that the reason they put the Tale of Iroh so early in the episode was so all the people watching wouldn't go to bed in tears.

[@afterdinnercreations936]

Fitting how light-hearted Aang and Sokka's stories are.

[@jpjfrey5673]

We pour some delicious tea to Mako, Greg Baldwin, but most importantly - Iroh. Iroh the wise uncle, homie to everyone, mentor of difficult children and Fire Nation's legend Rest in peace in spirit world