February 18, 2009

"Avatar: The Last Airbender: Bitter Work (#2.9)" (2006)

Uncle Iroh: [Drawing the Fire Nation symbol in the dirt] Fire is the element of power. The people of the Fire Nation have desire and will, and the energy and drive to achieve what they want. [Drawing the Earth Kingdom symbol]
Uncle Iroh: Earth is the element of substance. The people of the Earth Kingdom are diverse and strong. They are persistent and enduring. [Drawing the Air Nomad symbol]
Uncle Iroh: Air is the element of freedom. The Air Nomads detached themselves from worldly concerns, and they found peace and freedom. [pause]
Uncle Iroh: And they apparently had great senses of humor. [Drawing the Water Tribe symbol]
Uncle Iroh: Water is the element of change. The people of the Water Tribes are capable of adapting to many things. They have a sense of community and love that holds them together through anything.
Prince Zuko: Why are you teaching me these things?
Uncle Iroh: It is important to draw wisdom from different places. If you take it from only one place it become rigid and stale. [he draws straight lines separating the four symbols]
Uncle Iroh: Understanding others, the other elements, the other nations, will help you become whole. [he draws a circle around the whole, uniting the four symbols into one]

Prince Zuko: All this four elements talk, is sounding like Avatar stuff.
Uncle Iroh: It is the combination of the four elements in one person that makes the Avatar so powerful. But it can make you more powerful too.

Prince Zuko: But I don't feel any shame at all! I'm as proud as ever!
Uncle Iroh: Prince Zuko, pride is not the opposite of shame, but it's source. True humility is the only antidote to shame.
Prince Zuko: Well, my life has nothing but humbling lately...