Avatar Spirit world | Explained
Dynamics of Spirit Portals in the Avatar Universe
The avatar spirit world portals display towering rays of spiritual energy rising from the ground upwards. They can be formed through the concentration of massive spiritual energy, such as that harnessed from spirit vines. Once created, only the Avatar can open or close these portals, a feat performed with a simple touch. This action can be performed whether the Avatar is in the physical or spiritual realm, using either their physical body or projected spirit.
Such manipulation of the exits can only occur during the summer or winter solstice when the boundary between the worlds is at its weakest. Interestingly, the emergence of spiritual energy into the material world through an open portal gives the Avatar the power to open any other closed portals.
Interrelation of the Spirit and Physical Realms
This passage describes the significant shift in the relationship between the physical and avatar spirit universe before and after the reopening of the Northern and Southern spirit portals by Avatar Korra.
Before the portals were reopened, travel between the two worlds was rare and difficult, limited mostly to the Avatar. Only a few ways existed for humans to enter the avatar Spirit World, such as being carried by a spirit or through meditation. Certain locations in the physical world, like the Spirit Oasis and the Forgetful Valley, served as bridges. Powerful spirits could also create passages.
During the solstices and twilight, the barrier between the worlds weakened, facilitating easier crossing. However, individuals crossing over couldn’t use bending unless they entered through the portals, except for the Avatar, who could use energy bending due to their connection to spiritual energy.
When Korra chose to leave the portals open, and inadvertently created a third one, it disrupted the balance between humans and spirits. Some feared or desired to exploit the spirits, leading to tensions and the misusage of spirit resources for warfare.
Furthermore, time passed differently in the Spirit World compared to the physical world, at least while the portals were closed, adding another layer of complexity to the interrelation between the two realms.
Exploring Avatar’s Sacred Locations
North pole
The Northern Spirit Portal, one of the original gateways between the physical and avatar Spirit, derives a vibrant reddish glow. Nestled within an ancient forest at the heart of the North Pole, this portal stands as a testament to the constant connection between realms. Despite the harsh tundras surrounding the North Pole, the forest blossoms due to the powerful spiritual energy present in this sacred location.
Avatar Wan, in the aftermath of the Harmonic Convergence millennia ago, closed this portal as part of his efforts to maintain separation between humans and spirits. However, Avatar Korra later reopened it, just before the Harmonic Convergence of 171 AG, restoring the link between worlds.
Metropolis of Republic City
Formed by the discharge of spiritual energy from the Earth Empire’s cannon, the Republic City spirit portal radiates a flashy green glow amidst the downtown landscape, surrounded by a dense tangle of spirit vines. Unlike its counterparts, this portal leads to a serene underwater field in the avatar Spirit, decorated with delicate aquatic flowers and covered by towering icebergs.
Arising from the chaos of the Earth Empire’s invasion in 174 AG, this portal stands as the sole creation not directly crafted by a spirit. Its presence in the heart of a bustling metropolis starts worry among the spirits, fearing exploitation by humans. Wonyong Keum’s plans to commercialize the portal boost this tension, sparking a clash between spirits and humans over its control.
Following a violent conflict with the Triple Threat Triad, the spirits destroy the floral field connected to the portal, preventing human entry with aggressive vine protection. President Raiko deploys the United Forces to stop the war, but a shift in leadership sees Zhu Li Moon lose control of the portal lands to the Air Nation, signaling a new era of stewardship and collaboration.
Southern Spirit Portal
Nestled within the ancient forests at the heart of the South Pole, the Southern spirit portal emanates a brilliant blue hue, marking its significance as one of the original gateways between worlds. Sealed by Avatar Wan after the Harmonic Convergence ages ago, this portal stood static amidst a gradual decline in spiritual vitality following the Hundred Year War. Encased in ice and surrounded by dark spirits, the portal remained untouched until Avatar Korra arrived in 171 AG.
Her reopening of the portal during the winter solstice praised the lavishness of the Everstorm and the regeneration of the southern lights. Yet, even in times of disruption, the portal faced threats, as the Northern army strengthened the area during the Water Tribe Civil War, aiming to protect the gateway from Southern rebels.
What Entities Populate the Avatar Spirit World?
The avatar Spirit universe is primarily inhabited by spirits, though their origins and characteristics vary greatly. While some spirits, like Raava and Vaatu, are ancient and lack physical features, others, such as the Mother of Faces, possess different identities and roles. The presence of a face serves as a marker of a spirit’s age and value. Additionally, human spirits can transition into the avatar Spirit upon death, as demonstrated by Iroh’s journey.
However, this transition is not universal, dedicated only to those with profound spiritual connections. While some, like members of the Red Lotus, may visit the avatar Spirit World temporarily through meditation, permanence in this realm remains unavailable for most. Iroh’s transformation into a spirit remains covered in mystery, though his deep spiritual awareness, demonstrated throughout his life, hints at the exceptional nature of his transition.
Fascinating Trivia about the avatar Spirit World
In the supernatural realm of the avatar Spirit World, mesmerizing phenomena and rules control its existence. There are no bathrooms in this otherworldly domain, and spirits, described as projections of pure energy, possess the ability to control matter. Spirits can briefly possess human bodies, altering their physical traits, but prolonged possession leads to the host’s end.
Notable spirit counterparts exist, like Tui and La, and a bodily form is necessary to bend in this realm, retained only by those entering through spirit portals. Meditation serves as both a means of access and relaxation. Gravity behaves differently, evidenced by the upside-down library of Wan Shi Tong. Divine beings can teleport, and food consumed here does not affect weight. Time limits apply to human souls in the Spirit World, with prolonged absence leading to death.
Writing requires bringing paper, and inhabitants can transcend into spirits after death, with memories fading over time. Some believe spirits exist in space, and variations of the Spirit World vary, from austere blankness to a realm of vibrant energy. The creators initially planned for four portals but simplified to two for clarity.
What is the Mechanism of the Avatar’s Connection to the Spirit World?
The connection to the avatar Spirit World is a fundamental aspect of their role in maintaining balance in the world of The Last Airbender. While Netflix’s live-action adaptation doesn’t delve deeply into this connection, it’s evident that the Avatar, including Aang and all the Avatars before him, bears the responsibility of ensuring harmony between the physical and spiritual realms. This duty goes beyond just maintaining peace among the Four Nations; it also involves promoting a peaceful coexistence between humans and spirits.
The Legend of Korra further elaborates on this, revealing that the Avatar is empowered by Raava, the primordial spirit of Light, who grants them mastery over the four elements and the Avatar State. This symbiotic relationship underscores the importance of the Avatar’s role in upholding balance across both worlds.
Who possesses the ability to journey into the avatar Spirit World?
In Netflix’s version of Avatar: The Last Airbender, there’s a fascinating change regarding Aang’s journey into the avatar Spirit World. Unlike the original show where only Aang incidents investigating missing villagers, in the Netflix series, Sokka and Katara join him. Aang’s strong spiritual connection pulls both Sokka and Katara into the Spirit World alongside him, allowing all three to launch on the quest to rescue the villagers. This alteration raises the question of who can access the Spirit World.
While the Avatar, with their connection to Raava, naturally possesses the ability to cross into the Spirit World, it’s not limited to them alone. In The Last Airbender World, spiritually tuned individuals can also journey into the Spirit World. For example, in the original series, Iroh is mentioned as somebody who frequently visits the Avatar Spirit World, while Netflix’s adaptation reveals that Monk Gyatso also possesses this ability.