Kinfolklore

Light Spoiler Warning: This post includes a few mild spoilers from episode 1 of Avatar: The Last Airbender

In our next podcast, Kinfolklore will explore the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender (ATLA), a show about a world in which an imperialist and destructive power has ravaged the fabric of society -- separating families, destroying natural resources, and throwing the world into a long war. And yet, the show’s optimism is right there at the start. A young girl, Katara, a water bender from the Southern Water Tribe, tells the audience this:

"My grandmother used to tell me stories about the old days, a time of peace when the Avatar kept balance between the Water Tribes, Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation, and Air Nomads. But that all changed when the Fire Nation attacked. Only the Avatar mastered all four elements. Only he could stop the ruthless firebenders. But when the world needed him most, he vanished. A hundred years have passed and the Fire Nation is nearing victory in the War. [… ]Some people believe that the Avatar was never reborn into the Air Nomads, and that the cycle is broken. But I haven't lost hope. I still believe that somehow, the Avatar will return to save the world."

Her hope lies in an unlikely hero — Aang, a 12-year-old air bender, is the Avatar and he must take on the powerful Fire Nation, and return order and balance.

In the most challenging times of my life, I retreated into stories. In the loneliness of my childhood, I found the Chronicles of Narnia and traveled through an unknown land with the Pevensie children in pursuit of justice. In the angst of my pre-teen years, Sailor Moon was there with all her imperfections, being girlie and silly and saving the world at night. In college, just when I was finding myself, I was spellbound by the impossibility of Frodo’s quest. By the time I was a young adult, in the midst of a global recession, I followed the story of Katniss Everdeen like she was my true friend. Later, as I began to find my place in the world, I came to find a deep love and understanding for the adventures Harry, Hermione, and Ron. These stories inspire me.

Fantasy stories have always been a retreat for us. Each year thousands of children will embark on a journey with an 11-year-old boy who learns he is a wizard. They’ll follow his story as he finds his footing in the magical world, experiences losses many of them can hardly imagine, and discovers that his love and bravery — not his magic — are what make him extraordinary. The failures and triumphs those children will read about are not very different from those of the many adults who will watch or read Outlander, Game of Thrones, or The Fellowship of the Ring. But why are we so drawn to stories about other worlds?

There are some who believe fantasy stories are childish, but most are complex – exploring themes such as religion, war, bias, and morality. They bring our world into sharp contrast with societies in which anything seems possible and they give our heroes weapons to fight injustice we cannot access — like prophecies and magic. Most of our beloved fantasy stories bring together unlikely allies, turning casual alliances into blood bonds. They redefine friendship and make us all feel a little less alone. Even when the stakes are high, we believe our heroes will rise to the occasion, because they believe in their mission and because they will do what it takes.

In ATLA, Katara’s optimism pushes the narrative forward in powerful ways. When she and her brother find the Avatar in the first episode, her optimism (and love for her new friend) drive their courageous actions. Katara and her brother, Sokka, could take a more passive approach but their belief that it's possible to restore order to their world takes them on an epic adventure. This is one of the many reasons we chose this show to podcast. This timeless story feels especially relevant now. Our reality is scary and uncertain. Chaos is always looming and the stakes of our stories feel unimaginably high.

Fantasy, in general, tends to be an optimistic genre. Our heroes will sacrifice much and fight against the odds at all costs. They usually win, but even when they don’t, the fight feels worthy. It’s never been more important for us to embrace the stories that take us on a new adventure, and reminds us that while our favorite protagonists might be magical, it's usually their humanity that triumphs in the end.

Avatar: The Last Airbender will be available to stream on Netflix starting May 15th. Kinfolklore will bring you our first episode recapping and providing analysis for the series each Thursday, starting May 14th.

Post by: Andrea