Zuko's Honor and Redemption Arc - Avatar: The Last Airbender

[@naquada4626]

In Zukos 3 years of exile he was: A disgraced prince A captain of a little boat A traitor, chased by his nation A homeless traveler, literaly stealing food for survive A honest worker in a tea shop A prince again A in the end, The Fire Lord Zuko. The best character of all ATLA.

[@naomichadwick4223]

That's My Boy

[@knightnigjt7703]

They are all the best.

[@S1rD4niel]

That's rough buddy...

[@teamaang7915]

And a boyfriend and anngs best friend

[@firehouse4807]

Zuko is one of the best characters of all time exemplified in his humanity and growing up to be his own person

[@bionicbison4952]

I agree I don’t think I will ever see a better story ark than zukos or one that even comes close

[@ghostofdeath663]

@@bionicbison4952 there are better characters lol

[@bionicbison4952]

@ghost of death there might be but I haven’t found any yet

[@nanaway4074]

bionicbison bruh his arc is the most basic arc of all time

[@bionicbison4952]

Anna way I didn’t say it is or isn’t basic I just said that it is one of the greatest story arcs ever

[@angiep.3532]

The scene where Zuko screams at the lightning to get him, gets me everytime!

[@somuchtocook9159]

Pretty much asking to die

[@GlobalOutcast]

"STRIKE ME! YOU NEVER HELD BACK BEFORE!"

[@LadyhawksLairDotCom]

He was crying in the rain.

[@twinbmx1]

Bro the scene at the beach at ember island when he shows how after he got everything he wanted he was confused and not happy. That hit me

[@adrianmach7952]

To that one guy who disliked the video, we're not angry with you, we are just sad, afraid that you lost your way.

[@matthewfranchi5533]

Shut up your not funny stupid child

[@adrianmach7952]

@@matthewfranchi5533 Don't worry Big man, I hope things will turn out alright for you soon, no reason to be angry with a stranger on the internet on years eve. I hope that you will manage to solve what ever it is that makes you this way, happy new year dude

[@matthewfranchi5533]

@@adrianmach7952 shut up idiot

[@Andrea_she-her]

@@matthewfranchi5533 hey man I sorry you couldn’t like Avatar. But you don’t have to be rude to other people.

[@acat3772]

@@adrianmach7952 You mean 7 now?

[@jeangentry6656]

Also, Azula seemed to be convinced that her mother saw her as a monster. She was envious of Zuko in that regard, but was too prideful to admit it.

[@AkaiAzul]

Based on the flashbacks we get, it’s not difficult to see this, her mother disciplined her and even asked aloud in front of her, “What is wrong with that child?” Not ‘my daughter,’ that child. And yet, in Azula’s mind, when she becomes psychotic, her vision of her mother as the benevolent and loving ideal mother came to her whom we see as the real version of her, but was incongruent with what she experienced. She was treated as a monster, believed it herself, and couldn’t change that perspective.

[@Ismaring007]

"he became the brave soldier boy, marching home" Me = sobbing. Don't even need Mako to sing it, just the words, and I'm crying

[@acat3772]

Forever?

[@jeangentry6656]

It wasn't just negative influence. When Zuko had to chose between Azula and Aang, he was really choosing between everything he was striving for (his restored Honor and a chance to go Home) and the Avatar, who was the key to what he thought was his restoration. While he made the wrong choice, I understand why he did it.

[@DrUpauli]

You're right it wasn't. But did I mention that (maybe not in enough detail.) At 7:00 I say "he must bow choose between his old life and capture the avatar or fully embrace his new persona" or something like that

[@heli4233]

DrUpauli I think Zuko really needed to know if his father would actually love and accept him if he brought him the Avatar. If he hadn’t made that choice, it would have haunted him for the rest of his life. Experiencing himself that his father was just a brutal dictator and would never love him made it possible for Zuko to finally break with his father.

[@Gracie0918]

I feel emotional and sad about the duel between Zuko and Azula. That is a very depressing sibling relationship.

[@luz1673]

Ive always loved seeing the way Zuko perceived the world. Like when he saw that girl’s scar, he was just so concerned and surprised that someone else understood him in regards to that pain. When he relates to Katara in the Catacombs about their mothers. He and Toph both have shitty dads, the way that he bonds with Aang and Sokka? However I do wish we could see Azula’s side more and her development! Im dying for her to have a redemption arc or SOMETHING.

[@Riftimmortal]

That confrontation on the day of black sun was so poetic. A water bending technique triumphed against the most powerful firebending technique. Iroh's technique and wisdom. Firebending supremacy versus understanding learned from other nations. And with that, Zuko began his path to regaining his honor but not from Ozai, from actions taken himself.

[@bobbygould1960]

Zuko is one of my favourite character of all time. He deserves better.

[@IrvingIV]

3:50 "would you really do it, lower yourself? become a simple human like the rest of them?" "What do you mean, 'lower myself'? That's all I've ever been."

[@samueltheblonde]

Where was this from?

[@LlamaLopez]

@@samueltheblonde The ending of the anime 'Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood'. 65 episodes, excellent show -- I highly recommend it

[@ianmillado1810]

Absolutely wonderful video. This is why, out of all the characters, I relate to Zuko to most. He is one of the most human characters in fiction, and his actions are almost too realistic. I especially saw myself whenever Zuko relapsed on his self-development, and you are right when you say that progress isn't linear. There was a moment in my life where, because of both my circumstances and my own issues, I wanted to end my life (and I almost went through the act). I was able to get a bit better, but then I relapsed and felt even more suicidal. It wasn't until someone reached out to me online and was there to comfort me that I was able to regain some sort of control over myself before I could do something horrible to myself; this reminds me of when Uncle Iroh told Toph that it's okay to get help from other people, and you even said that the people around you can affect you. I'm still struggle with my personal demons, and I relapse way too many times than I'd like to admit; I even suffer from having a self-destructive personality, and being happy makes me feel uncomfortable. However, Zuko's redemption helps reassure me that I'm not some hopeless, worthless sack of trash who's not trying just because I relapsed. Healing takes time, so I should try to treat myself in the same understanding, loving way Iroh treated Zuko. If I just keep doing my best to hold on, even if that means just waking up in the morning, things will eventually change. Through reflecting on stuff like this, I can find the strength to keep on moving forward. Thank you for your thoughts, they helped me sort through my own.

[@DrUpauli]

Thank you for sharing your story!

[@ianmillado1810]

@@DrUpauli It was an honor (pun intended hehe)! I find that writing out my thoughts is a pretty good form of therapy, and it helps me sort through the mess in my head. Thanks for reading :-)

[@abetheconservationist595]

Wow, I really like your story. I also relate to Zuko in many ways, and in fact, I see myself as Zuko's real-life counterpart.

[@Tigerlilygurl1]

Ian. You and I are almost exactly alike. I'm so glad you reached out to someone online, and even happier they helped you. I went through the same struggles. Though the people (family in my case) I reached out to pretty much turned away. In some strange way I identify as both Zuko. In the end I found my own Iroh. But now you and I can lean on each other if need be. We are all connected.

[@mukullataroy2195]

i think it's also significant that the show took time to show other fire nation citizens, both normal people and royals, as more than just villains. the way zuko's actions of choosing to do the right thing indirectly or directly inspired mai and ty lee during the prison break episodes was an example of the reasons why iroh was convinced that only zuko could restore the fire nation's honour. they no longer needed a ruler, they needed a leader, especially one who would lead by example. this is in direct contrast to the way azula, inspired by her father, used fear to control even her friends. great video.

[@McMelog]

your videos about avatar helped me to understand how much this show had an impact on me growing up. thank you

[@DrUpauli]

My pleasure!

[@petrapuljas2306]

I almost started crying at the end, becaouse of how you explained Zuko and Azula's relationship and how it could end in the comics.

[@markwritt8541]

Another thing about Zuko and Azula's Agni Kai is that Azula went all out with huge flames and large movements, while Zuko often used a minimum of flame and movements to deflect.

[@swordpegasus4032]

Zuko is my favourite characters because he is badass and very passionate and strategic.

[@ijustexistnchill]

Ya know, the way the writers wrote Zuko's redemption really is one of the reasons why ATLA is such an amazing masterpiece.

[@anuzsbd]

ATLA has always inspired me be a better human every next day i live. The choice to go with right always gives peace is something I have learned very well from it.

[@sarveshnathan7559]

Using Sasuke's theme for Zuko is fitting, since they're a lot alike. -Come from prestigious families -Angsty, bitter emos -Fire and lightning abilities -Left their homeland -Daddy issues -Sword wielders -Overshadowed by their siblings -Obsessed with finding someone. -Betrayed people close to them -Suffered abuse from a family member

[@Gracie0918]

I honestly pity Azula. Nobody came to rescue her from Osai's clutches. But I hope Zuko's plan of Azula's redemption become successful.

[@nathancarabajal8271]

Well done. Zuko's redemption was done in an incredible way, regaining who he truly is and will be in the future. Great analysis of this great character.

[@hilarymajor3983]

Thank you! This is the first time someone else has mentioned that Zuko’s Fire chakra was blocked by his shame in himself. That’s a personal theory I’ve had for awhile.

[@dvdscds9539]

Could you possibly talk about the relationships between Zuko Katara and Aang? I think a lot of people are quick to say Zutara without looking at their personalities, desires, and necessities. Our society tells us that Zuko and Katara should be together do to our ideas of masculinity and media. But what is really good for these characters? I think that could make a good video and you seem to have the insight for it.

[@DrUpauli]

Sounds interesting! I'll look into it. No promises

[@adrianmach7952]

wtf, every women should be with Uncle Iroh

[@WeMissDimebag]

I never felt like Zuko and Katara made sense as a romantic pairing. Katara was already committed to Aang by the time Zuko joined them. Their relationship is much more a deep platonic one, where they bond very deeply over their shared pain of losing their parents. Much of Zuko’s arc is centered around him learning to see beyond the Fire Nation, and growing to understand what the war has done to the rest of the world. His time in the Earth Kingdom starts this, and its his shared trauma with Katara that solidified it. She’s the thing that finally convinces him the Fire Nation needs to be reformed, and Zuko embraces that as his new destiny.

[@Renegade7654]

@@adrianmach7952 this guy gets it

[@justopher8487]

Uses Sasuke’s theme for a Zuko video. Mad respect.

[@thomasgyebi8717]

I can relate to silo greatly. At the core I was a good hearted soft spoken kid. Trauma, the world Im telling u it can change a person. As just like zuko I was able to find my way again.

[@proctorgrance9524]

This straight up made me tear up

[@MrKinezos01]

I think Zukos arc and redemption is the true hero of ATLAB

[@KentrenYeh]

Excuse my delay, I slept in hahahaha. Very well done. This video does touch people emotionally and really have that taste of Zuko's struggle and suffering. He could've been a Darth Vader, but thank the Lord for having Uncle Iroh along the way. Watching this totally brings an even stronger evidence why Zuko and Uncle Iroh brings a story in ATLA. This is such an underrated story.

[@Kitsuru98]

7:07 Hans Zimmer - Mountains, I love the intestellar OST 12:03 Hans Zimmer - Time Honnestly great OST choices throughout the video.

[@DrUpauli]

It's all in the description

[@Kitsuru98]

@@DrUpauli I realised that a few moments after commenting

[@blackhood7200]

I personally think Arbiter's redemption arc in the Halo trilogy is similar and on par with Zuko's. If you really think about it, they're more similar than you think. In their beginnings, they both received their mark of shame for their failures. Arbiter getting his burned on his body from Tartarus, chieftain of the brutes, and Zuko getting his burned on his eye from his father. Zuko then becomes devoted to getting his honor back by hunting the Avatar, and Thel Vadam(Arbiter) becomes the new arbiter in order to get his honor and respect back. When Arbiter kills the Elite heretic leader after he and 343 guilty spark told him the lies that the prophets were spewing, he begins to question his loyalty to the Covenant, and when Zuko finally got his father's respect after thinking he killed Aang after being told by Azula, he starts to question his loyalty to the fire nation and after betraying his Uncle. When Tartarus betrays Arbiter, it is similar to when Azula found Zuko and his Uncle to tell them that his father wants them to come back to the Fire Nation, but instead being told accidentally by her men that they were actually going to be prisoners. After the encounter with the Flood Gravemind along with Master Chief, he confronts Tartarus at the hall to activate the next Halo ring. He tells them the truth about what Halo really is, and I think it's similar to when Zuko reunited with his Uncle in an emotional moment. The 2 lines really resonated with me on how similar they are being: "Tartarus, the prophets have betrayed us." And "I was sad because I thought you lost your way." Arbiter is broken inside because his role in the covenant was all for a lie he didn't want to believe, and Iroh was sad inside because he thought he lost Zuko to help him become the man he wanted him to be. If you also think about it, Tartarus and Azula have some similar traits. The we're both jealous of their rivals. Tartarus hated Thel Vadam(Arbiter) because Brutes and Elites hated each other while also being jealous, and Azula was jealous because of Zuko getting more love from his mother when they were younger. They were both tools being used for a cause. Tartarus sadly didn't want to believe what he was doing was for a lie and had to fight Arbiter, and Zuko and Azula had one final Agni Kai battle to finish it once and for all to become Fire lord. Then once their arcs came to an end, Zuko became the Fire Lord and brought the war to an end, and Arbiter killed the last prophet and after his fellow Elites made peace with the humans and returned to their home planet. And those are why I think these 2 redemption arcs are similar to each other.

[@hotsingleplaguedoctorinarea]

He's so edgy and angry, but there's a believable reason for it and it's amazing

[@JazzysChaos]

I’ve always wanted to write my own story and avatar has some of the best written characters I’ve ever seen, I can only wish to replicate that in my own way and maybe one day I can have my own soldier boy who comes marching home

[@AfghanPureShilajit]

Anyone else notice the Sasuke theme song playing the background😅

[@DrUpauli]

It fits well I think

[@tutankhamen5080]

@@DrUpauli it really does, and not only the song :)

[@DrUpauli]

@@tutankhamen5080 I put way too much effort into the music I use for these videos. I'm glad some people appreciate it!

[@tutankhamen5080]

@@DrUpauli dude not only the background music , the explanation and the way you synchronized your voice and zuko's is absolutely amazing. You are deserving of so much more ... Keep doing what you're doing! ❤️❤️👌

[@DrUpauli]

@@tutankhamen5080 Thank you so much! I try with these videos to make everything sync and create a fully immersive experience. I think that's how I want to separate myself from others who do similar analysis videos, I try to make mine a full experience and I'm glad you enjoy it! Share the video around Reddit, Twitter, Facebook etc. if you can that would be awesome

[@UmbraStarWolf]

I have no idea why i didn’t get notified of this video of all things. Im watching this as im waking up

[@DrUpauli]

How was it?

[@MrDudeman9442]

Love love love the music scores in the background

[@nightangelx1513]

"I'm mad at myself" Is such a good line, and it's heartbreaking because it's so relatable.

[@Ironcabbit]

Zuko set out to restore his honor and ended up restoring the honor of an entire nation. I’d call that a win.

[@TotalTech_]

Ever notice how the longer Zuko's hair gets the cooler he gets?

[@Mportella7]

Everyone is gangsta until Kamado Tanjiro no Uta starts playin

[@波切和雄]

Poor poor Azula. :( Great video mate. 👍

[@ryos81]

You are amazing. I love you analogy

[@kenworks5937]

dam this is a really dope video ive always loved zukos character

[@zubaydahtalukdar8088]

Personally, I don’t blame Ursa and Iroh too much for not being there for Azula as they were for Zuko, I mean… I’m not excusing it obviously but look who they were up against… (*cough Ozai), it would’ve been MUCH harder for them to reach out to her as they did Zuko, considering she was literally Ozai’s favourite. That being said, I do like the notion that Zuko would be able to be patient and get through to her, and I also believe that Kiyi would be able to as well; albeit indirectly and also be able to bridge the gap between Zuko & Azula as well ❤🥰😊.

[@keltonwerner5480]

Spectacular character in one of the best pieces of animation ever put to screen

[@issybella66]

Zukos redemption arc is incredible i haven’t seen many redemption arcs as good as his

[@acuatico69]

Crying

[@kingdeedee]

16:24 live footage of Pauli hopping on the mic for this one 🔥🔥🔥

[@Dragiare]

I can't like this enough. Well said, well written, and currently aligns with where I am right now. Keep up the great work.

[@DrUpauli]

Thank you!

[@angelusnielson7135]

thank you, I needed to see this right now.

[@DrUpauli]

Dont forget to share!

[@jjman1232]

I think fire lord ozai disliked this video

[@acat3772]

7 times, he got alts

[@alzat._]

Oh boy i wasnt expecting such a great video, with such good content an quality, i hope this gets the views that it deserves

[@DrUpauli]

Thank you and feel free to share it!

[@rizwanzaman1793]

Sasukes theme with Zuko is so satisfying

[@sarveshnathan7559]

They're a lot alike.

[@dreamxcviii3249]

This video was a masterpiece 💯

[@HadiLePanda]

Love the wisdom in this series, this video is also really well put up :)

[@TheYoungNinja]

Sasuke’s Theme Music Fits Surprisingly well with Zuko LoL

[@sarveshnathan7559]

They're a lot alike.

[@zacharysulacia5443]

Thank you brother So much for this video it helps me understand my own self so much better my love for aang and my embodiment of Zuko. Thank you so much I cried in the end. 😌

[@lettuce8635]

This is a great video essay which goes into detail on one of the best redemption arcs out there. Great work! I’ll definitely check out your other content. Even though I know ‘brave solider boy’ is referencing Leaves On the Vine, sung by Iron, I can’t help but picture the failed gaming console creator when you mentioned ‘Solider boy’.

[@kokobean5921]

Beautiful

[@DrUpauli]

Thank you 😊

[@als7473]

This was an awesome and very well done video. Subscribed!

[@onigirifortoge]

Amazing character analysis and video!

[@Delta_Aves_Mashups]

I've always wondered why Ozai would give Zuko a chance (no matter how slim it was) to return home with his honor if he truly wanted to get rid of him? Why not just straight up banish (or even kill) him? And I believe there are a few reasons: A). Zuko knew a lot about the Fire Nation that could give the other nations an advantage if he were to join them, so he probably gave Zuko a task to keep him occupied and distracted from the bigger picture. B). Ozai actually wanted to mold Zuko into the "perfect" son through suffering and punishment, and probably thought sending him into the outside world and be antagonized by the others nations would drive Zuko to accept the militaristic Fire Nation more wholeheartedly. C). Ozai thought banishment was too light of a punishment, like treason, and was originally going to kill Zuko, but Iroh managed to talk him out of it, and Ozai only obliged if Iroh went with the banished prince. D). When he became Fire Lord, Ozai probably felt a huge responsibility to capture the Avatar, despite the latter's disappearance, and he decided to bestow that burden onto his son, so Ozai could focus more on his nation.

[@colinftp3288]

Love zuko great video

[@takbyo4485]

Really good and deep video

[@Doom501st]

This was epic, good job man!

[@unityedits3722]

Soooo anyone else's hairs stand up at the 17:14 montage or???

[@vikramraturi5284]

Those are called 'goosebumps'

[@williamfinch9858]

I find the vast majority of Zuko's arc to be great and filled with nuance. However, one part that has started to bother me is why Zuko decides to confront his father and join Team Avatar. The meeting that led Zuko to realize that he wasn't being himself in "Nightmares and Daydreams" is the same meeting from "Sozin's Comet: The Phoenix King" where Ozai goes on a spiel about destroying much of the Earth Nation and basically commiting another genocide for the sake of him becoming the supreme rule of the world. This means that Zuko didn't entirely change sides because he realized that regaining his honor and the love of his father couldn't satisfy him, that the life he wanted wasn't the one that would allow him to stay true to himself and be happy. The crux of his entire redemption instead hinges on Zuko witnessing his father being so cartoonishly evil and merciless that he had absolutely no choice other to "become good". Ozai was already a bastard before declaring his plan, especially since he tried to kill Zuko during "The Eclipse". However, Season 3 pushes this narrative that Zuko is stuck between the forces of Good and Evil since his great grandfather is Avatar Roku; and while this is great for strengthening the parallels between Zuko and Aang, it implies that Zuko struggles because of his heritage and threatens to simplify his arc a little bit. This simplification is emphasized by Zuko deciding to face his father because he acts so incredibly "evil".

[@carlbenson1923]

This shit is cash, an absolute banger

[@wdlaw4204]

"It is the quest for honor that makes one honorable"

[@MrDudeman9442]

This should have more views

[@DrUpauli]

Yes. Please share

[@derbarone]

15:40 *meant to kill katara, amazing essay btw

[@DrUpauli]

I noticed that after I rendered the video and watched it again. I had already spent so much time making the video I just said "forget about it" lol

[@Jakkob37]

Love the video watched it twice

[@DrUpauli]

Thank you! Sharing the video would be very appreciated!

[@tomasnanni5594]

I can´t believe this amazing video has so little views

[@DrUpauli]

Share it

[@yeagerist2912]

holy shit kamado tanjiro no uta during zukos fight with ozai

[@iforgottbh4488]

As an american this hit me extremely hard.

[@DrUpauli]

Care to elaborate?

[@iforgottbh4488]

DrUpauli can’t help but draw fire kingdom and America comparisons

[@falkovon9135]

Character arcs are the very reason TLAB > TLOK

[@tamas8950]

*Demon slayer music kicks in*

[@NathanBrussat]

Zuko and Azula are on opposite paths. Zuko is a reflection of Ursa, Rina, and Roku while Azula is a reflection of Ozai, Azulon, and Sozin. Zuko is on the path of Roku while Azula is on the path of Sozin.

[@AmitCinematicUniverse]

9:44 more like his whole life

[@niklant1986]

who else cryed like a bitch?

[@ryanwoo4315]

Can u talk about legend of korra or at least what u think about it?

[@DrUpauli]

I've gotten a lot of requests for this. Theres a lime in my Iroh video where I mention how th avatar state isnt a booster rocket and play a clip from Korra and people think that I hate the show or something. It's really weird

[@djtf99]

@@DrUpauli So what are your thoughts on the show?

[@DrUpauli]

Basically I just think they didnt have enough time. To explain why this is and what problems this caused would take way too long and I would probably actually need to make a video on that. But the short of it is I think season 1 is ok, season 2 is a mess in the end but kinda decent in the beginning. Season 3 is good and on the same level at ATLA, and season 4 is charming but only decent

[@djtf99]

@@DrUpauli A compelling villain makes a good story, I think that was the major strength of season 3 over the other seasons. Season 1 is interesting specifically regarding a masked Amon, unfortunately as soon as he is unmasked the character suffers greatly (although in theory the backstory works, he was a better character as a mystery) . IMO

[@DrUpauli]

Amon is an enigma. The villains of Korra I feel just also have more of a focus so the story hinges on their success more. I will say that a lot of the developments to the bending stuff was hit or miss. Like lava bending is sweet but no hands blood bending and taking away bending is super weird

[@Mark_o_Helm]

16:30 Kevins can be great.😁

[@thevioletbee5879]

Found in literature? The fuck? I mean I know the seasons are called books, but…