Why we all remember and cherish Uncle Iroh from Avatar: The Last Airbender

This video explains why Uncle Iroh was such a well-written character, and what specifically made his character stand out in Avatar: The Last Airbender. His two major emotional moments are the memorial he holds for Lu Ten in The Tales of Ba Sing Se, and him hugging and forgiving Zuko at the end of Book 3.
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[@liliks14]

The fact that Toph liked him instantly says a lot about Iroh.

[@jairusjackson4156]

Oh yeah, that's true actually. It took him like 5 seconds to win her over

[@sumbody694]

Yeah it took all of 30 seconds for Iroh to disarm Toph with his god tier banter.

[@AkaiAzul]

A person’s reaction to Iroh tells a lot about a person.

[@greendayfecer]

Omg Iroh and tophs friendship. It’s the best example of instant friendship.

[@kennyg7163]

I actually wanted to see flashbacks in LoK of more interactions with toph and iroh since in atla, we rarely get to see it. Imagine how disappointed i was.

[@poodn4559]

"I was never angry with you, I was sad because I thought you had lost your way"

[@alejandrobernal4987]

And now, we must cry. 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@Trathien-]

Bro pls, I dont wanna cry

[@notjasonye9865]

‘Leaves from th- oh wait wrong place’

[@jaceysmith6599]

Plz dont make me cry again. There are only 2 things that make me cry. This clip of iroh and zuko and trees by TOP

[@randomdude3318]

;__;

[@Blooperfan94]

Iroh is a great model for modern masculinity.

[@WiseSageBum]

YES! He's willing to be vulnerable and acts as a supportive mentor while letting the people he cares about follow their own path

[@marshdidit1676]

A little louder for the people in the back

[@marvit_bot]

For Modern ANYTHING*

[@ahumanbeing7554]

TheShreyax same

[@jairusjackson4156]

Facts, Iroh is my role model

[@warrcoww6717]

Iroh: “I’m sorry, I only nag you because, well... ever since I lost my son...” Zuko: “Uncle, you don’t have to say it.” Iroh: “...I think of you as my own.” Zuko: “I know, uncle.”

[@tinygrass6867]

gamingwith me Ursa: *nervous sweating*

[@capivara6094]

@gamingwith me no

[@mr_doomspire2813]

gamingwith me *no*

[@rowoki3122]

@@tinygrass6867 uhhh

[@seirrawilson504]

Why did I read it in their voice? Aw they botha are amazing

[@breezy3392]

I never noticed or examined Iroh's goofiness as being strategic before. Cool note

[@ClintEPereira]

Iroh probably learned about passive resistance and delay tactics from the air nomads. He's a smart dude.

[@wickedwhisper4568]

Rewatching the series and just noticed it on this watch, in season 1 where he was kidnapped by some earth kingdom soldiers he was using his goofy personally to delay, stall for time, get away/create a diversion, and leave a trail for zucco to follow with his shoe. He's way smarter than I remember

[@calebharkemeister6278]

@@ClintEPereira weren't the air nomads wiped out before he was alive?

[@leila8701]

@@ClintEPereira They were wiped out so he didn't know the Air Nomads just Aang.

[@shybandit521]

I think he's just non-violent and he wants people to smile

[@CFijWPG]

When Zuko defied Ozai even slightly, he was met with lifelong punishment and shame. I'll bet that when Zuko reunites with Iroh in Book 3, he was expecting much of the same, having betrayed Iroh in a much more severe way than the act that got him his scar. Instead, he is met with unconditional love and forgiveness.

[@love_and_venom]

And he doesn't know how to react to it. Thats how you perfectly write a character that has such a tragic past as Zuko

[@Hannah-zc8gn]

Like the prodigal son

[@imannatasha3302]

I'm crying again 😩😭😭

[@alenasenie6928]

That was his only betrayal, the one he got the scar wasn't a betrayal, that time the betrayal was of the warlords sending the people to their death, not to a war they might die or to a battle with the odds against them, to their death, sure death.

[@rosefragrance9351]

Awwww I didn't think about that now I'm crying again! THANKS 😭😥

[@od3910]

Mentions tales from ba sing se Eyes: oh we crying now!

[@RileyJayDennis]

asdfksdnsdfsm legit same

[@kathysontay1162]

Iroh and Momo’s tales made me cry :c

[@hermitsunite953]

Tear bending

[@arthurthekyogre9155]

Now that you mentioned it i'm crying again

[@wingzero-0014]

We all are😢

[@niahoad]

When he gets swoll and breaks out of his prison, he warns the a guard that threated him well. She takes a day off to spend with her family and has no idea that iroh didnt want hurt her.

[@bobthebox2993]

Imagine Iroh telling that to every guard and then being able to break out due to lack of guards

[@grrumakemeangry]

BobTheBox lmaoo

[@danielboughal7793]

The Avatar equivalent of "you really shouldn't come to school tomorrow"

[@kylefreeburg9353]

Oh, she entirely knows. Just look at how she looks at him when he says "trust me, you don't want to be here for the rest of the day" or whatever he said

[@senza4591]

Maybe you dont whant the typo "threated"

[@lilhaierbro]

Our world needs more Uncle Irohs

[@dickgori2623]

It's a heavy burden.. but why wish for more uncle irohs when you can be the uncle iroh? :)

[@lilhaierbro]

Dick Gori True 😩 Iroh is the blueprint

[@CommanderM117]

@@dickgori2623 indeed my mentor figure was exactly like Iroh and i have the same name as him so i will strive to be like him

[@ravenfrancis1476]

Minus the whole "genocidal war criminal" part.

[@krystinaleary3731]

But when the world needed him most he vanished 😔

[@zukzuk5568]

This is why I get mad at people who say that this is only a "Cartoon" Even the simplest things in life can have so much meaning R.I.P Mako Iwamatsu

[@cripplingdepression213]

Even Mark Hamill says it's too smart for a children show

[@jairusjackson4156]

Leave em, they're the ones who are missing out.

[@MiyashiruX]

Meh, they're just traditionalists that still puts a stigma on animated works as just for "children". They'll die off one day so make sure that the newer generation won't pick up their mindset~

[@daniellee8162]

Sounds like Japanime elitist

[@stephanierachal6320]

Ok we're sad now

[@sunnydeee_]

Imagine if iroh actually had the opportunity to meet the air nomads and study their ways, like how they fight and live. I think he would learn to value life and people more than he already does, but not only that; can u imagine how crazy he would be if he was as agile and defensive as aang, but still had the powerful firebending he has, he would be utterly untouchable. 😳

[@EtamirTheDemiDeer]

Guys... FLYING IROH FLYING, FIRE-BREATHING IROH *BEHOLD THE DRAGON OF THE WEST*

[@AriosQarsute]

@@EtamirTheDemiDeer Somebody draw this!

[@Butterpony]

Fuck now I wanna make something like this

[@romano-britishmedli7407]

Mind... blown! O_o As if Iroh wasn't already powerful enough!

[@Dango428]

I mean.... he's already kinda untouchable

[@sophies.9201]

did yall know this is the full lyrics to leaves from the vine "leaves from the vine falling so slow like fragile tiny shells drifting in the foam little soilder boy come marching home brave soilder boy comes marching home" "ash in the snow falling so slow like fragile brokwn hearts with no place to go little soilder boy come marching home brave soilder boy comes marching home" "He thought he knew what he was fighting for but the sight of blood made him question war poor soilder boy cold and alone bombs fall like rain hes all alone" "those leaves did grow from branches overgrown drifting slowly down resting in the snow little soilder boy taken from home fored to fight a war thats not his own" "Leaves from the vine changing so slow like empty, fallen souls looking for a home little soilder boy thought he could soar brave soilder boy died in that war" Like what that is so ridiculously heartwrenching

[@schrodinger1374]

Source?

[@catthemeg336]

I'm screenshotting this

[@FurrySh0ck]

Fuck, that opens up a whole new perspective

[@clumsybadger]

They’re fan written but still pretty cool

[@user-ed9qu5im2y]

T_T fuck.

[@ENBYSS]

honestly Iroh is one of those characters that's timeless and will always be one of the best

[@user-di4vq3cy7d]

I couldn’t agree more👍🏻

[@achillendimond2124]

The most amazing thing to me when looking at Zuko’s apology scene is it compared to the Agni Kai. In the Agni Kai Zuko begged for mercy and forgiveness on his hands and knees and got half his face burned off by his own father, but when Zuko begs Iroh for forgiveness after completely betraying him Zuko is met with complete love and forgiveness.

[@imannatasha3302]

I just stopped crying why are u making me cry again

[@pizzawashere8940]

"How could you forgive me so easily? I thought you'd be furious with me". He's so used to punishment from his family and the world, he's absolutely baffled at the kindness he's being shown ;~;

[@DazzlingPotatoes]

@@pizzawashere8940 Zuko seriously deserves the best

[@elsiemon]

Tea is meant to be the synthesis of all the elemental forces for healing and unity, culture and tradition, hospitality. That’s why I think Iroh is meant to be the representation of these themes which is why he’s obsessed with tea.

[@elsiemon]

And you gotta love Mako. He’s a great voice actor- listen to him on the original soundtrack of the musical Pacific Overtures

[@lej1020]

Off topic but my name is literally Ellie Simone

[@pendragongameart]

Water: Steeps the Tea Earth: Helps grow the leaves Fire: Boils the tea Air: Brings the aroma to our noses Damn, I can be philosophical, what do ya know?

[@lincolnexaron864]

The healing part is especially true, cos hot tea can bring relief to the body

[@ARandomSpace]

In an more scientific way it's Earth and Water: Tea ingredients Fire: Heats the tea up Air: Cools it down Tea is the balance element!

[@sophiecooper3624]

My absolute favorite character He's amazing Everyone needs an uncle Iroh His reunion with zuko was so emotional not just for zuko and Iroh but for us as well cause we haven't seen Iroh just as long as zuko

[@Butterpony]

I think I’m definitely lucky to have like 4-5 uncles irl that are like iroh in little ways cause that just makes the world a little brighter ☺️

[@lifesux1953]

Everyone should become Uncle Iroh

[@lunaudbjrg5457]

We STAN a healthy father figure! Iroh ❤️

[@ninabalton7804]

Having not been able to watch the last season as a kid, the second Iroh scene that always stood out to me (after the Tales of Ba Sing Se of course) was the speech he gave Zuko in Lake Laogai. "IT'S TIME FOR YOU TO LOOK INWARD AND BEGIN ASKING YOURSELF THE BIG QUESTIONS: WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DO YOU WANT?!" I swear, now there's a little Iroh in my head always yelling that at me lol

[@RileyJayDennis]

oof that's a great scene

[@stm7810]

as a tulpa/fictive or is this 1 of those metaphors that neurotypical people use?

[@ninabalton7804]

@@stm7810 I meant it as a metaphor I guess? sorry if it was unclear. I can usually very distinctly picture a visual of that scene whenever I think about it and it feels like he's talking to me lol (and I'm not neurotypical btw)

[@calimorales9880]

@@stm7810 I'd say it's the latter

[@audreym3908]

I got goosebumps reading that in Iroh's voice in my head. One of the most powerful quotes and questions in the show!

[@lucashammontree5676]

The lore suggests that Iroh attempted to search for his son in the spirit world, and that is why he has a connection to it and could see Aang on the dragon. Powerful information that I truly appreciate :)

[@jairusjackson4156]

Dang, well that adds yet another layer to him. He's honestly a character that deserves all the love he gets

[@Iisho]

I'm sure someone has already mentioned this, but Iroh's song at the end of his part in The Tales of Bo Sing Se was a tribute to his voice actor, Mako. In fact, at the end there's a thing of text on screen saying "In honor of Mako". Mako was Iroh's voice actor up to that point and every episode after The Tales of Bo Sing Se is a different voice actor. Mako had cancer and knew he was dying. "Leaves From the Vine" was a song he sang for himself and was incorporated into the show to honor him. Mako died before the episode aired. When fans ask Iroh's new voice actor to sing the song, he refuses saying that it's Mako's song.

[@enzoisrandomnessjl2332]

Mako didn't even get to see the episode air. 🥺

[@austinbutcher8106]

@@enzoisrandomnessjl2332 yes he did..in the spirit world

[@O5-council_12]

@@austinbutcher8106while drinking tea

[@beam_me_up_scotty69]

Iirc Mako did play Iroh for the rest of Season 2, there was a small bit in 'Tales of Ba Sing Se' recorded by Greg, but for the most part Mako finished recording for Season 2

[@Hey-Its-Dingo]

He protecc He attacc But most importantly he got his nephew back

[@madisonmorris7394]

At least one of his soldier boys came marching home. 😢

[@connorscorner443]

@@madisonmorris7394 whhyyyy 😭😭😭

[@itzmeloneh]

Madison Morris imma go cry now 😭😭😭

[@Tandarok]

I nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize

[@frenchwaffl]

lol

[@creeperbook2491]

Same just same

[@Waffles935]

I nominate the noble peace prize to receive iroh

[@geminijesus13]

me too

[@gracielasea]

There’s also the fact that he is an example of pure, genuine, parental love. Uncle Iroh’s example is the reason that I first noticed that the way my family treated me and my siblings wasn’t.. accurate?.. in regards to them claiming to love us. The full extent of that didn’t hit till later but his example gave me something to use as a standard of what actual parental love is.

[@strohhut_tufi]

I don't think there is a need to differentiate between parental love and love in general. Iroh portraits true love

[@MogwaiToboggan]

I was a young adult when this show first aired and I feel it has helped me be the woman I am today. As a kid I was what my mom called fiercely independent, I would always be too ashamed to ask for help when I need it, it was a weakness, because I was so smart and capable. The lesson I needed to learn was from Iroh “Pride is not the opposite of shame, but it's source. True humility is the only antidote to shame.” This made me reevaluate all of my choices as an adult.

[@matthewarant377]

Honestly it's such good advice. It's simple but so opposite to what we as humans naturally think.

[@justinemot2282]

I had to come to this idea too to heal my soul. Only I did not have an uncle Iroh but religious texts.

[@kingkylie9655]

that advice is actually faulty because pride can be the antidote to shame depending on your case.

[@voidify3]

I saw a post one time which adds a whole other layer. So there's a scene in one of the early episodes where Iroh firebends and the fire is like inches from Zuko's face, but Zuko doesn't flinch at all. On a first watch, it just seems like some macho nonsense they do-- but on a rewatch, it's an unfathomably meaningful moment. In those unseen three years, Iroh has been building Zuko up from the trauma Ozai inflicted, grounding him in the basics of firebending, *teaching a kid who had **_half his face burned off_** to not be scared of fire,* and now he can do *that* and Zuko doesn't even flinch because he trusts that Iroh would never hurt him. And then in the agni kai against Zhao, there's a moment when Zuko is on the ground and Zhao has a flaming fist in Zuko's face-- there's a shot of the terror in Zuko's eyes, but instead of panicking, he channels all the fear and rage into turning the fight around

[@librq6514]

the dragon of the west scene was epic

[@r_bear]

"It's more of a demonstration, really."

[@tidepods5506]

If everyone had an Uncle Iroh in their life the world would be a better place.

[@techman9945]

Perhaps

[@lemonhipster8856]

Therefore we must try to be others uncle irohs

[@cryxtheace3129]

nothing hits right in the feels harder than that hard, true, unconditional love Iroh gave Zuko. like damn...every time i see that hug i weep. What did Iroh say? something like, "I was never angry with you, only sad because I thought you had lost your way" ; _ ;

[@r_bear]

crying in the video and crying reading the comments 😤

[@dzeintra6230]

@@r_bear I'll just stand here with a box of tissues for everyone who comes after.

[@sarahp6512]

@@dzeintra6230 *takes a tissue* thank you very much

[@erincahalin6840]

i loved iroh so much i named my first cat after him!

[@RileyJayDennis]

cuuute

[@negativedawn136]

:D

[@s.raheem7666]

You're kidding right?

[@__Oku__]

"I don't know how you don't cry at that moment" Me: literally having a breakdown the first ten seconds of the video

[@gumballwatterson5037]

*rolling my eyes*

[@sparrowfox6943]

Bro imagine if Iroh had actually been an Avatar, I genuinely feel like he would be one of the best

[@JOCoStudio1]

He'd never have been able to get through to all the people he did, especially Zuko, if he had such a title and obligations. Some people would ignore his teachings purely because he was the avatar. Much better as an unassuming old man.

[@manicpepsicola3431]

@@JOCoStudio1 I agree with this wholeheartedly

[@sebastiannemeth-ramirez2160]

For me, the exact moment when I realized I liked Iroh, was the scene when he was captured by the Earth Kingdom. They taunt him over his failures, trying to shame him. But he straight up says along the lines of "Yeah, I lost. After 600 days, we were tired and just wanted to go home. I freely admit my defeat." That was the moment I was won over. Here at least was a honourable, smart, and best of all, humble enemy, who turns out to not be villainous at all.

[@lemonaidebee966]

He protecc He attacc But most importantly... He just wants his son bacc.

[@name.is.V]

NO! YOU CANT MAKE ME CRY LIKE THAT!

[@br12_]

Nice pfp lmao

[@isushimoon799]

Uncle Iroh is the father figure everybody needs

[@rangulfgimfang8322]

Iroh is the truest aspect of father of the year

[@BrigidNotBrigit]

I finally got around to watching ATLA for the first time during quarantine and it was such a joy. I’m so glad you’re still sharing analysis for this show! I love Iroh so much and this covered so many of my reasons!

[@RileyJayDennis]

omg funnn glad you got to see the show recently 😄

[@r_bear]

enjoy Korra next up!

[@masonkelber4381]

@@r_bear Good joke. Enjoy Korra, you're funny.

[@ratboygirl]

@@masonkelber4381 korra seriously isn't that bad. definitely enjoyable.

[@justanothergeek7626]

@@masonkelber4381 Hey, it's not a bad show, just not a masterpice like The Last Airbender was.

[@misterluppus6727]

It is very sad that our generation, raised by real, emotionally crippled men, had to turn to FICTIONAL men for love and support. I'm glad Iroh exists, even in fiction form.

[@adrienlange9956]

I wish Iroh was my dad, then I wouldn't be so traumatized lmao

[@BLAM5980]

Speak for yourself, bud.

[@awesomeawesome8350]

Many men aren't emotionally crippled. I know my dad wasnt.

[@jr8573]

This is a stretch. A big one too.

[@_sstalker]

Even if all men in the world were 100% mentally healthy Iroh would still be an example of what everyone should aspire to be. There's nothing wrong with being inspired by fictional characters and stories. Have you listened to him saying knowledge from a single source is stale and rigid? The interest thing about being a human is you can learn even from what may initially look trivial or silly such as a falling apple or a kid's show.

[@MrDsleepyeyes]

*Spends 10 minutes looking in the mirror repeating a mantra* "You're gonna watch Tales of Ba Sing Se, don't cry. You're gonna watch Tales of Ba Sing Se, don't cry. You're gonna..." *Eyes turns watery with the plucking of the strings for 'Leaf on the Vine'. Hears Iroh wish his son a happy birthday. Spends 1 hr rolled up on the floor crying.*

[@od3910]

I love that everyone has started watching avatar. We are all watching the same thing its so adorable. Also you are amazing, so are your videos I hope you are doing well

[@RileyJayDennis]

thank youu!! and yesss im loving the resurgence of atla discussions and memes 🙌

[@Therealfrostflower]

Uncle Iroh's wisdom has helped my mental health so much

[@whoneedsalife_4371]

I really loved when he went all out for the moon spirit, he was still kinda on the fire nation side, but he still understood that balance is nessary. He's honestly one of the best characters in Avatar, and all of them are so well rounded and well written. They a feel human, but I feel like Iroh had one of the best arks in the show.

[@BYERE]

2:33 - That was also referenced in Legend of Korra, when Korra meets him in the spirit world. One of his most famous lines from those scenes is "Sometimes the best way to solve your own problems is to help someone else"... which pretty much sums up Iroh's character throughout TLA, whether it's helping the people of Ba Sing Se, giving advice to Toph when she storms off after her first argument with Katara, or guiding Zuko throughout the entirety of the series.

[@maem7462]

Iroh’s travels made him him change a lot because he saw how human everyone else was and all the hatred they had for his people and that’s also basically what happened with Zuko as well. Zuko really started to change a lot during his travels. He always had potential for a redemption arc but when Zuko is traveling is when you really want him to have a redemption. It both humanizes Zuko and humanizes the other people besides fired nation in Zuko’s eyes

[@rawkhawk414]

My favourite part of his redemption arc is that he doesn't shake his addiction to the idea of honoring his father and nation until actually going back there and integrating what he'd learned while travelling. It's not just interesting because he goes bad to a bit good then bad then good again. It's interesting because we get to see him reconfront, with more maturity and wisdom, the circumstances of his home life and nation, and why he was banished in the first place--speaking out against the fire nation's cruelty and inhumane war tactics. It feels like he really earns his redemption, despite initially ruining ours and Katara's trust on his journey toward it.

[@deborahp.2085]

It’s nice avatar is getting a second resurgence now

[@Blueberry_Koi]

he is the literally the representation of the good aspect of taoism and confusionism

[@calamity2383]

...confusionism??

[@jairusjackson4156]

Iroh, deserves all the love he gets, he's a great character, a great father figure and I'm pissed he isn't a real person because I'd like to meet him!😣

[@summeronio9751]

RIP Mako

[@yuvalne]

Iroh is the best-written character in all of fantasy.

[@sunnydeee_]

Period.

[@andreasjensvold9881]

@@sunnydeee_ !!!!!!!!!

[@br12_]

Jens Rupert ?

[@awesomeawesome8350]

Maybe not the best, but definitely up there.

[@nathanswedan2676]

No. A couple characters from the Witcher fantasy saga, namely Geralt and Ciri, take that role. Then yes, Iroh.

[@worsethanyouthink]

Because he is the best most believable and straight up greatest mentor figure in any media

[@AsainNerdfighter]

i'm just crying straight from the first mention of tales of ba sing se to the end of the video.

[@FiveOClockTea]

Same... 🤧

[@hermitsunite953]

It's just called tear bending

[@kxt3301]

atla is the best piece of cinematic art i’ve ever consumed. i’ve watched it about 4 times now over the years and i don’t think i’ll ever grow tired of it. everything about it is brilliant. the spirituality of their world is breathtaking, over the show you truly grow to care and love all of the main characters and a lot of other characters as well, and the morals of all of their stories is so well thought out. atla is, in my mind, a masterpiece. i love uncle iroh and some of the pieces of wisdom he gave to zuko and others in the show were things that at the time i needed to hear myself. i have genuine love for this show and all the characters.

[@mushydreams8927]

“Of course zuko does his angsty zuko thing” that’s all of season one basically-

[@mr-hoe]

happy father's day to the only parental figure ever

[@Thulgore]

Ba Sing Se was even more heartbreaking due to the passing of Mako =*(

[@rangulfgimfang8322]

The first time I watched that episode i cried like a baby. I still do

[@PancakeTheKat]

Who’s mako? Someone tell me

[@praetorian9823]

@@PancakeTheKat the VA for Iroh

[@canofworms8029]

not to be dramatic, but i would literally die for Iroh

[@madisonmorris7394]

I've only known Iroh for a week and a half, but if anything happened to him, I would kill everyone in this room and then myself. We need to go to the spirit world to find him.

[@BLAM5980]

Bro, he’s a fictional character…

[@amogus6770]

@@BLAM5980 but if there is one out there

[@user-di4vq3cy7d]

This really show how much effects from a well written fictional character.

[@RuviGaPo]

We all need an iroh in our lives frankly

[@Bigdaddy93413]

Can you imagine how terrifying Fire Lord Iroh would have been if he never lost his son 😰

[@nayelichavez8732]

Lu Ten didn't come marching home but Zuko did 😭😭

[@dop9160]

Even though iron isn’t related to us, he lies in a special place in our heart

[@praalgraf]

man i wish i had uncle iroh as a dad also, i rly love these pop culture videos/ your analysis of them

[@RileyJayDennis]

thank you!!

[@chronictired1242]

When I saw the recommendation for this video I was like: " I am going to cry, at my dining table, at 12:41 PM. Lets do this."

[@demonknight5617]

As I just recently finished ATLA for the first time a couple of weeks ago, Iroh became one of my favorite characters in the whole series. The scene where he was at his son’s grave, I definitely was about to cry. He was so relatable to me because he lost his son. I’m only 14, but at the age of 9, I lost my dad, so I related to him a lot. It’s definitely hard to lose someone you care about so deeply, which is why whenever Iroh gets all sad, I get emotional. And, it is hard to feel like you couldn’t help someone, because I also felt the same for my dad. And, the scene where he forgave Zuko, I didn’t cry, but all my sappy emotions came through. I’m not one to show emotions because it’s hard for me to feel emotions, but Iroh is one of the only few characters who can bring out a sad emotion from me. I love Iroh. He’s so relatable, and he was the only one to make me feel sad emotions throughout the series. I definitely cherish him, and I hope that other people do too.

[@jetstreamjackie3437]

This really recontextualizes the end of Book 1 for me. I never thought of it like this, but confronting Zhao was Iroh's 'crossroad of destiny'. He couldn't just sit back passively while his nation destroyed the very moon, let alone the rest of the northern water tribe. Very cool!

[@teejaykaye4357]

You know Iroh has an eternal grip on your heartstrings when a KZbinr just *talking* about the best moments of Iroh gets your eyes watering...

[@tntkff9901]

One of my favorite Iroh moments from Book 1: when they hire a bounty hunter to look for the avatar, 1) "We'll pay you your weight in gold." "Make it *your* weight and it's a deal!" Iroh: (laughs because he knows he's fat) 2) "Care to have your fortune read, handsome?" "At my age, there is only one surprise left, and I would prefer it remain a mystery." 3) (everyone is paralyzed) "Uncle, when did you get stung?" "....shhhhh..."

[@urielsantos9546]

In THIS HOUSE we PROTECT AND LOVE UNCLE IROH WITH ALL OF OUR HEARTS

[@pixelfox1471]

Imagine if Iroh actually became the fire lord instead of Ozai

[@nathanielhellerstein5871]

It would have destroyed him. The problem was institutional. Iroh's son, by dying, saved him.

[@alessandrodicostanzo7359]

He wouldn’t be the same person we know him as

[@Deadpool....]

"Its time for you to look inward & begin asking yourself the big questions Who are YOU? And what do YOU want?"

[@realityofanykind]

"He's the culmination of every other character's story packed into one". I had never seen it that way, I loved that!! I'd also never considered that he had been trying to help Zuko because he saw so much of himself in him too, and wanted to stop him from making the same mistakes he did. Finally, loved that you mentioned him being willing to deliver justice when needed. That's always been one of my favorite traits of him! That he's also perfected the complex balance between knowing when to be compassionate and understanding, and when to place some limits and stop letting others get away with things. Like, the scene you showed, when Zuko says Iroh must think that he should get along with Azula because they are siblings, it makes sense that he thinks Iroh would say that, because he's seen Iroh be patient, loving and compassionate with mostly everyone so far, even when people are disrespecting or challenging him. But then Iroh goes "No, she's crazy and she needs to go down," and that has always been one of my favorite lines from him, because despite how tragic Azula's past is too, he understands that she's not going to change anymore, or at least, not until she experiences some consequences for her terrible actions (and, actually, I think the feeling of that moment is better expresssed in the Spanish dub of the show, where Iroh says "She needs to be taught a lesson.") Same with the way he acted towards Zuko after his betrayal at Ba Sing Se. I really liked how he just cut him off emotionally. It always felt to me that it wasn't 'cause he might be angry or trying to get back at him, but rather because he sort of went "I've done all I could to help, so if you still want to be like this go ahead, but don't expect me to support or accompany you while you do it anymore." He placed some limits, even if he was sad for Zuko and still wanted him to be better. So he left him (mostly) alone to face the consequences of his actions which was, ultimately, a way of helping him, too. That's just another way in which Iroh expresses love for others, and also for himself and his beliefs, and I just love it SO MUCH!! Great video!

[@shiperobin]

Never having known my own father, charachters like uncle Iroh have shaped me into the man I am today: a better man than my real father.

[@dehro]

"but Fire is the best!" Chibi-Iroh.

[@sukisupremacy]

only the OGs will remember 😂

[@shadowofchaos41]

I literally cried my eyes out when Zuko and Iroh had that moment. I even knew about that moment beforehand and it still hit me. I am a grown 22 year old man and that right there will make a man cry.

[@NoobMaster-zw4oq]

I think we would all love to have Iroh as our uncle

[@yadisfhaddad722]

Iroh personifies the main principle of Taoism: Wuwei or effortless action. He goes with the flow of events, he always finds the peaceful way to engage with his environment, yet he's decisive and focused when necessary.

[@JohnBoen]

I have been re-watching last airbender, and I can see how he has shaped me. Im in my mid 50s, and I watched with my kids... The scene where they are begging - he sings and dances while a guy swings a sword at his feet and mocks him. Iroh finally exclaims "What a nice man!" - This has stayed with me since the first time I saw it. When I grow up, I want to be like Iroh - maybe not as round...

[@alexbenavidez4500]

So I was re-watching this series, as everyone is doing in lockdown, and I'm finding myself after near every episode that he shows up in, audibly saying outloud: "God, I love Iroh." Because I do. He's a brilliant character. He is purely empathetic and a genuine good person who only wants to help; even when he's working against Team Avatar, it's never with any malice. He was a bad person, blinded by his countries propaganda, and he doesn't just change himself and defect like Jeong Jeong, but internalised it and made a conscious effort in all forms of his life to help others, regardless of the circumstance He just wanted to see Zuko redeemed, and it is the greatest scene when he finally does. He is brilliant comic relief, and the scenes of him in prison pretending to be a dirty, senile old man is plain and clear about how he strategically uses his goofiness to fool others. He's incredibly intelligent and calculating, but is so in a benevolent way

[@ramasaputra6205]

I love how in the first season, they potrayed uncle iroh as this wise man, who only like drinking tea. While sooner we find out that uncle iroh was a former top General in the fire nation and the next succesor of the throne.

[@deanfukawa3260]

So sad that Mako, who voiced Uncle Iroh, passed away around the time of the "Tales of Ba Sing Sa" episode, sigh. His voice, humor and wisdom will be missed.

[@poke_cactushobby3780]

The episode where he helps everyone hits so hard. The entire episode is covered in music, but when it gets to the end it is just him crying in silence. RIP Mako.

[@MelonLord44]

I've also found that Iroh helped me to understand Zuko. AMAZING job articulating all of this by the way. I have no idea how to use words to communicate XD

[@brookethebookquintana]

As someone who’s going through a big change in their life and also being someone who is just watching ATLA because they weren’t allowed to growing up, Iroh and his messages were so helpful to me. His teachings to Zuko really helped me detox from my own toxic family and also find myself in he process and thats why i loves him

[@alenasenie6928]

Nobody can handle this 4 words "leaves from the vines", and after that everyone starts crying.

[@maem7462]

The moment when Iroh forgives Zuko always makes me tear up even just hearing about it makes me tear up. While watching this video talking about that part made me cry

[@daylilyanimation8939]

Iroh consistently makes me cry, I love him, so much. I mean damn this video has almost made me cry twice 2 minutes in.

[@raulnatokapa]

TBH in these days if he existed he would be cancelled, because he was a captian, did war, and that kinda stuff. No one would actually acknowlege that he changed his ways, helped Zuko, and was an overall genuine nice guy.

[@salty8202]

I just love him so much, we must protect him at all costs :,(

[@intelligentcucumber8091]

Everyone gangsta until iroh starts singing leaves from the vine

[@MWittmann138]

Iron, defending the moonspirit, exclaiming that he'll unleash the tenfold of any harm, which will be dealt to it. I really enjoy that spot

[@thomasedgerley7453]

My favourite interpretation of Iroh is violently chill.

[@zoneco9013]

I never considered the possibility of Iroh actively working to sabotage Zuko's hunt for Aang while still supporting him but it actually makes so much sense XD

[@nathanielhellerstein5871]

Iroh was a real human being. He spoke from the heart.

[@jeremiahmackey2996]

👍

[@olive3963]

my first thought was aw this should be longer than 12 mins, but then I realised proving our love for iroh shouldnt take long at all

[@AlasdairGR]

Iroh has this infinite well of love and acceptance that I’m too young and probably too immature to comprehend. He just oozes kindness and understanding.

[@mellonlord4616]

Tales of Ba Sing Se was so touching because we already cared about him. It's a very slow reveal with Iroh, showing his humor, hints at his power, his humility, his wisdom, his ambiguity with the fire nation, and the hints of his true depth. How much was hinted at and then we really finally saw it all come together in Ba Sing Se.

[@KirikomiMoon]

Iroh really is an impressive character, whether he's bending his element, or guiding his spirit ❤️

[@kyoneko87]

I really love Uncle Iroh! He has taught so many lessons, when I was a young adult

[@cerealkiller4880]

As Aang once said “at our lowest point we are vulnerable to our biggest change” so with iroh losing his son and being in grief he was able to change his world view.

[@avacadokid8740]

I have watched Avatar: the last airbender so many times I've lost count but whenever "tales from Ba sing se" is on and when it's Iroh's turn I always ball my eyes out. Its amazing how the creators could make that happen everytime especially how they portrayed Irohs character...

[@izzy642]

When you don’t have an uncle iroh in your life: D: When you become the uncle iroh in others life’s: :D

[@horses529]

God, no matter HOW many times I watch Tales of Ba Sing Se I will always cry with Iroh's story. Just hearing Leaves From the Vine or the the line "if only I could have helped you" makes me start crying every time 😭

[@someguy6981]

Iroh is the uncle we all wish we had... I love him. When the clip from Tales of Ba Sing Se came on. I wanted to hug him so bad...

[@fatwalrus4011]

Would love to see a mini series on irohs travels of the world