Iroh

Infobox Avatar: The Last Airbender character


name = Iroh
age = Possibly 58 or 59
aliases = The Dragon of the West, Mushi
nationality = Fire Nation
gender = Male
hair = Grey (originally brown)
eyes = Gold
position = Anti Hero in the first season, Protagonist in second and third seasons
appearance = "The Boy in the Iceberg"
voice = Mako (season 1-2)
Greg Baldwin (season 3) [cite web| url = http://www.sbvtalentagency.com/vo_talent_detail.php?id=93 | title = Voice Over: Greg Baldwin | accessdate= 2007-02-19 | date = 2006 | publisher = SBV]

Iroh (also known as The Dragon of the West, and most commonly referred to as "Uncle" ) is a fictional character in Nickelodeon's animated television series "". The character, created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, was voiced by Mako in the first and second seasons, but after Mako's death of esophageal cancer, Iroh was voiced by Greg Baldwin in the third season. The short story "The Tale of Iroh", in episode 15 of Season Two, "The Tales of Ba Sing Se", was dedicated "In Honor of Mako".cite episode|title=Tales of Ba Sing Se|url=|airdate=2006-09-29|season=2|number=15|transcripturl=|credits=Director: Ethan Spaulding; Writers: Joann Estoesta, Lisa Wahlander, Andrew Huebner, Gary Scheppke, Lauren MacMullan, Katie Mattila, Justin Ridge, Giancarlo Volpe|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|serieslink=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon]

In the show, Iroh is a Firebending master and a former Crown Prince of the Fire Nation, a race of people who can create and manipulate fire.cite journal|last=Pittarese|first=Frank|title=Nation Exploration|journal=Nickelodeon Magazine|pages=2|year=2006|issue=Winter 2006] He is a retired General of the Fire Nation, and older brother of Fire Lord Ozai. Iroh accompanied his exiled nephew, Zuko, on his quest to capture Aang, the long-lost Avatar, in order to restore the young prince's honor and rights to the throne.

History

In the second season, Iroh was revealed to be the firstborn son of and Fire Lady Ilah. Iroh was destined to succeed Azulon as Fire Lord of the Fire Nation. Due to the intervention of Prince Ozai's wife Ursa, Ozai managed to seize the throne instead of Iroh.cite episode|title=Zuko Alone|url=|airdate=2006-05-12|season=2|number=7|transcripturl=|credits=Director: Lauren MacMullan; Writer: Elizabeth Welch Ehasz|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|serieslink=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon] In The Firebending Masters, Zuko tells Aang that Iroh killed off the last of the dragons, earning the nickname "Dragon of the West". In truth, Iroh lied to cover up and protect the existence of the last two dragons, who had in turn taught him the true art of Firebending. The method that the Fire Nation currently uses gets its source from anger and rage, as opposed to the form that the dragons taught Iroh, Zuko, and Aang, which draws its energy from life.In the 2 hour episode event "Sozin's Comet" in is revealed that he is a high ranking member of the White Lotus, which is also composed of Katara's, Aang's, and Sokka's old masters: Waterbending Master Pakku, Swordmaster Piandao, Omashu King Bumi, and Firebending Master Jeong Jeong.

Plot overview

The show itself is divided into three seasons. The producers of the show have named each season as a "book".cite episode|title=The Storm|url=|airdate=2005-06-03|season=1|number=12|transcripturl=|credits=Director: Lauren MacMullan; Writer: Aaron Ehasz|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|serieslink=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon] When the show opened, Iroh is shown accompanying Zuko on his journey. It is revealed that the pair spent two years at sea, searching in vain for any sign of the Avatar, who is the spirit of the planet manifested in human form.cite episode|title=The Avatar Returns|url=|airdate=2005-02-21|season=1|number=2|transcripturl=|credits=Director: Dave Filoni; Writers: Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|serieslink=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon] Near the end of the first episode of the show, a strange beacon lit the skies off the coast of the South Pole.cite episode|title=The Boy in the Iceberg|url=|airdate=2005-02-21|season=1|number=1|transcripturl=|credits=Director: Dave Filoni; Writers: Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|serieslink=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon] When investigated, Zuko discovers that the Avatar has reappeared at last. Zuko and Iroh quickly engage in hot pursuit, tracking the Avatar and his friends across the globe. In order to get Zuko to the Northern Water Tribe in the end of season 1, he hides Zuko aboard Admiral Zhao's ship and serves as Zhao's chief adviser for his invasion of the North. When Admiral Zhao's plan threatens the spiritual balance, Iroh attacks Zhao and later is labeled a traitor and blamed for the failure of the invasion because of his actions, as well as the death of Zhao.

At the beginning of Season Two, Iroh and Zuko have been branded traitors to the Fire Nation.cite episode|title=The Avatar State|url=|airdate=2006-03-17|season=2|number=1|transcripturl=|credits=Director: Giancarlo Volpe; Writers: Aaron Ehasz, Elizabeth Welch Ehasz, Tim Hedrick, John O'Bryan|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|serieslink=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon] They later take refuge in Earth Kingdom towns, acting as homeless beggars.cite episode|title=The Swamp|url=|airdate=2006-04-14|season=2|number=4|transcripturl=|credits=Director: Giancarlo Volpe; Writer: Tim Hedrick|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|serieslink=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon] Iroh decides to teach Zuko the advanced Firebending techniques he would need to defeat Azula, his sister who is sent to capture him as well as the Avatar. Iroh teaches Zuko a technique of his own creation—to absorb and redirect lightning, which he developed after studying Waterbenders.cite episode|title=Bitter Work|url=|airdate=2006-06-02|season=2|number=9|transcripturl=|credits=Director: Ethan Spaulding; Writer: Aaron Ehasz|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|serieslink=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon] Iroh and Zuko eventually make it to Ba Sing Se, where they soon begin a very prosperous life running a tea house. Iroh eventually convinces Zuko to stop his search for the Avatar, though this does not last. Azula arrives in Ba Sing Se and convinces Zuko to help her conquer the city and defeat the Avatar and Katara in order for him to regain his honor and his father's love. Iroh defends the wounded Avatar and Katara after Zuko had betrayed him, later being imprisoned by Azula's new allies, the Dai Li, for his actions. cite episode | title = The Crossroads of Destiny | episodelink = The Crossroads of Destiny | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-12-01 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 20]

In season three, Iroh has been imprisoned for his actions defending the Avatar. While in prison, he refuses to talk to Zukocite episode|title=The Headband|url=|airdate=2007-09-28|season=3|number=2|transcripturl=|credits=Director: Joaquim dos Santos; Writer: John O'Brien|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|serieslink=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon] until eventually telling him he is descended from Avatar Roku, exercises to become very muscularcite episode|title=Sokka's Master|url=|airdate=2007-10-12|season=3|number=4|transcripturl=|credits=Director: Giancarlo Volpe; Writer: Tim Hedrick|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|serieslink=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon] , and finally escapes during a solar eclipse. cite episode|title=The Day of Black Sun Part 2: The Eclipse|url=|airdate=2007-11-26|season=3|number=11|transcripturl=|credits=Director: Joaquim dos Santos; Writer: Aaron Ehasz|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|serieslink=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon] . In the series finale, he is revealed to have reunited with his fellow members of the White Lotus and he is located by Zuko and the others. Iroh forgives Zuko and declines his birthright for the Fire Nation's throne after Zuko tells Iroh his intention for defeating Azula. Iroh states his wish to return to his tea shop. He later plays the role of liberating Ba Sing Se along with members of the White Lotus from Fire Nation control. He is then seen with the rest of the cast, relaxing at his new tea shop.cite episode|title=Sozin's Comet|airdate=2008-07-19|season=3|number=58-61|credits=Director: Ethan Spaulding; Writers: Elizabeth Welch Ehasz, Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko|series=|network=Nickelodeon]

Personality

Easygoing, friendly and dryly good-humored, Iroh treats his self-imposed exile of the first part of the series as though it were an extended vacation. Something of a hedonist in his old age, he focuses more on the pursuits of relaxation and amusements than on the pursuit of the Avatar, clashing with the dedication of his nephew. However, beneath the easy going exterior lies a wise man experienced in the ways of the world, a seasoned and wily strategist, and a powerful Firebending master.

Iroh is particularly fond of food, a good cup of tea,cite episode|title=The Southern Air Temple|url=|airdate=2005-02-25|season=1|number=3|transcripturl=|credits=Director: Lauren MacMullan; Writer: Michael Dante DiMartino|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|serieslink=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon] the strategy game "Pai Sho",cite episode|title=The Waterbending Scroll|url=|airdate=2005-04-29|season=1|number=9|transcripturl=|credits=Director: Anthony Lioi; Writer: John O'Bryan|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|serieslink=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon] and pleasant music. He founded a music night for the ship's crew (among whom he is popular), where he sings and plays instruments. He later displays skill at playing the pipa, singing lullabies to pacify a crying child. Most likely because of his love of tea, he has shown himself to be an amateur botanist with knowledge of a wide variety of plants, though misinterpretation of some plant characteristics lead him to accidentally poisoning himself.cite episode|title=The Cave of Two Lovers|url=|airdate=2006-03-24|season=2|number=2|transcripturl=|credits=Director: Lauren MacMullan; Writer: Joshua Hamilton|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|serieslink=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon]

Though a very honorable man, he is not above a spot of pilfering as he once pocketed perfumes from an abbey.cite episode | title = Bato of the Water Tribe | episodelink = Bato of the Water Tribe | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-10-07 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 15] He also demonstrates a respect and appreciation for all cultures, which seems to be a rarity among those of the Fire Nation. This partially stems from his trip into the spirit world, which left him with a certain spiritual awareness. He also tends to act as a mentor to everyone he meets, including the Avatar and his friends.

Despite his age, Iroh can be quite the lady charmer when the need arises, and is seen flirting with various, albeit older women throughout the series, and has been addressed as "handsome" on multiple occasions.cite episode | title = Bato of the Water Tribe | episodelink = Bato of the Water Tribe | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-10-07 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 15] cite episode|title=The Drill|url=|airdate=2006-09-15|season=2|number=13|transcripturl=|credits=Director: Giancarlo Volpe; Writers: Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|serieslink=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon]

Veteran

It is revealed that in his younger days, Iroh was a great general and war hero,cite episode | title = The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1) | episodelink = The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1) | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-04-08 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 7] once known among his enemies as the "Dragon of the West" because he supposedly slew a dragon, as well as his particular aptitude for breathing fire during combat. It is revealed in "The Firebending Masters" that he did not kill the dragon but pretended to do so in order to hide and protect it. It should also be noted that Firebenders that have defeated dragons are given the honorary title "Dragon." Though Iroh still commands a great deal of respect, he fell from grace with his one great failure. In a final bid for victory against the Earth Kingdom, he and his men laid siege to the capital city of Ba Sing Se for six hundred days. At one point, Iroh's forces even managed to penetrate the allegedly unbreakable walls, but they were soon driven back.cite episode | title = The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1) | episodelink = The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1) | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-04-08 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 7] Iroh gave up the assault when his son and only child, Lu Ten, was killed. While many, including Ozai, viewed this failure as a disgrace, Iroh believed he did the right thing and later claimed that he and his men were tired after the long siege.cite episode | title = The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1) | episodelink = The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1) | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-04-08 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 7] As a result of his long service in the military, Iroh knows many of the Fire Nation soldiers personally, although many are now enemies due to his being branded a traitor to the Fire Nation.cite episode|title=The Desert|url=|airdate=2006-06-14|season=2|number=11|transcripturl=|credits=Director: Lauren MacMullan; Writer: Tim Hedrick|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|serieslink=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon]

In addition to his extensive military service, Iroh has endured other trials, the hardest and most painful being his beloved son's death, and a journey to the ,cite episode|title=The Siege of the North, Part I|url=|airdate=2005-12-02|season=1|number=19|transcripturl=|credits=Director: Lauren MacMullan; Writer: John O'Bryan|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|serieslink=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon] which has left him with respect for the other world and the ability to see spirits.cite episode | title = The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1) | episodelink = The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1) | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-04-08 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 7] However, the actual nature and events surrounding his journey to the Spirit World has yet to be revealed. At one point in his life, he also encountered the last surviving dragons in the world, who judged him and deemed him worthy to know the true nature of Firebending. In order to protect them, he lied and fabricated a story about him having actually slain the last dragon, thus stopping any further hunts from being conducted.cite episode|title=The Firebending Masters|url=|airdate=2007-01-04|season=3|number=13|transcripturl=|credits=Director: Giancarlo Volpe; Writer: John O'Brien|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|serieslink=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon]

Abilities

Iroh is a renowned and powerful Firebender in the Avatar world. A wise old man who exercises neutral jìn, Iroh's style of Firebending tends to be less aggressive than others. Iroh has a tendency to not involve himself in battle, but when he does partake in them, he displays great skill.cite episode | title = The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1) | episodelink = The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1) | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-04-08 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 7] He has a famous "Breath of Fire", which resembles a dragon breathing flames on its opponent.

Iroh stands as one of the select few Firebenders the show has revealed who possess the ability to generate lightning. Most notably, he is also the inventor of a unique technique involving the absorption and redirection of lightning. Iroh developed the technique by observing Waterbenders, who use their fluid movements to redirect attacks. Thus far, he, his nephew Zuko, and Avatar Aang are the only ones to show this ability, although Firelord Sozin possessed a similar ability to redirect heat.cite episode|title=The Avatar and the Firelord|url=http://www.avatarspiritmedia.net/episode_guide.php?ep=306|airdate=2007-10-24|season=3|number=6|transcripturl=http://www.avatarspiritmedia.net/transcripts.php?ep=306|credits=Director: Ethan Spaulding; Writer: Elizabeth Welch Ehasz|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|serieslink=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon]

Recently Iroh used time in prison to secretly improve himself in a more physical manner, although the exact level of fitness that he has reached is unclear. He was able to perform clapping push ups and one handed pull ups. Later, it is shown that underneath his prison uniform, he has lost his ever present belly and that he is now very muscular and trim. After his escape (off screen) the bars of his cell are seen to be bent and the tied up warden informs Zuko that his uncle was "like a one-man army". Due to Sozin's Comet, Iroh finally realized his dream to take Ba Sing Se, albeit in the name of the Earth Kingdom.

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