#if aang had actually let katara go in book 2 and the platonic/familial aspect of their relationship had been built up in book 3 | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

firelxdykatara · 3 years

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Came across a post that claimed for Zutara "a romantic relationship would undermine Zuko’s redemption arc & undermine the found family aspect of Zutara's friendship" & I'm so annoyed now. So, becoming romantically involved w someone means your redemption arc is no longer valid? & what exactly is wrong with becoming friends w someone, choosing them as your family & then falling in love w them? If anything, K@taang undermines the found family aspect of K@taang's friendship.

People who claim that romance undermines found family relationships must have a very odd view of like, families in general......like are two people who are in love and have kids w each other not each other’s family now???? It’s just really bizarre to me lmfao like, familial relationships aren’t inherently platonic bc I’ll tell you what, I wouldn’t be able to genuinely fall in love with someone I didn’t consider to be family, or close to it!

Anyway, this idea that found families must Stay Platonic otherwise their bonds are being undermined is just so fucking boring. Like, you know what the absolute best found family dynamic in television in the early 2010s was? Leverage. And guess what! Nate and Sophie fell in love and John Rogers himself said that the ot3 was made canon in the finale, a poly relationship that comprises the other three of the family. That doesn’t make them any less a found family, though???? Like, they chose each other. They found each other and then they chose each other and they kept choosing each other, and that isn’t somehow Less just because romantic love became involved in some of their relationships.

Found family is all about choosing the people you love. Choosing the people you want in your life, choosing the people you want to be around. Romantic love can be part of that, and often is! Zuko and Katara falling in love doesn’t undermine the found family of the gaang any more than Suki being part of it because she’s Sokka’s girlfriend does--because that may be where her connection to the gaang began, but not where it ended. (Or, rather, didn’t have to be where it ended--one of my gripes with the show is how little Suki is given to do with the rest of the gaang, especially Katara. They should have had a friendship on screen and I’m a little annoyed they didn’t.)

And as far as it undermining Zuko’s redemption goes, that’s actually really funny when you consider that Katara and Aang getting together in the finale actually did undermine Aang’s character arc--in a way that Zutara getting together wouldn’t have for Zuko, because his redemption itself didn’t actually hinge on his relationship with Katara. (His redemption was complete before he joined the gaang at the Western Air Temple--those life changing fieldtrips were about Zuko earning forgiveness for the things he’d done before he made the choice to do and be better, but he still would have been redeemed even if the others hadn’t chosen to forgive him.) On the other hand, Aang’s growth--and, indeed, his ability to become a fully realized avatar--explicitly hinged on his attachment to Katara. This is made explicit in the book 2 finale, where Aang is forced to make a show of ‘letting go’ of Katara in order to unblock his final chakra and enter the avatar state--and then it is promptly thrown out in book 3, where he’s allowed to double down on his possessive attachment and unlock the avatar state and defeat the firelord and get the girl at the end of it all.

Aang needed to let go of his selfish attachment to Katara--not actually his love for her, but, for example, the expectation that his romantic love needed to be returned, which is a huge part of the problem with his actions and overall arc in book 3--in order to achieve enlightenment master the avatar state, but this is completely undermined when, later on, he is... selfishly attached to Katara and practically demands she return his feelings, and then gets the avatar state back anyway, and is able to master it in order to defeat the firelord nonlethally. Aang getting absolutely everything he wanted just handed to him on a silver platter in the eleventh hour, without having to sacrifice a single thing--not even his selfish entitlement to another person’s feelings--is the definition of undermining a character arc tbh.

Meanwhile, two characters falling in love after helping each other complete their respective arcs--Zuko helped Katara finally achieve closure for her trauma and begin to heal, and Katara helped Zuko accept himself and gain the courage to face his uncle and beg forgiveness (forgiveness he never really needed, because as Iroh says, he was never angry--he was sad that his beloved nephew had lost his way, and this is something I think Katara understood even without knowing exactly what had happened between them)--would be building on and enhancing their journeys, rather than undermining them.

So yeah, I just.... do not understand that argument (except insofar as it comes from ppl with a vested interest in delegitimizing zutara, usually because they’re mad that it’s more popular or has more support than their preferred ship), because it completely misses the point of not only found family, but redemption arcs--Zuko’s in particular. (And I don’t even have an issue with redemption via romantic love--as with anything, it depends on how it’s handled--but Zuko’s very clearly wasn’t, and the fact that he was redeemed before seeking out Katara’s forgiveness means that if she did fall in love with him post-canon, it wouldn’t be undermining anything at all.)

#atla #zutara #zuko #katara #kataang salt #just covering my bases #asked #Anonymous

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daughterofzagreus · 3 years

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The Astrological Signs of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" characters

Part 1 - Team Avatar

♎ Aang - Libra

Libra is an air sign and Aang is an airbender. More than that, though, Libra (represented by the scales) is the sign of harmony and balance. As the Avatar, restoring and maintaining balance is Aang's primary duty. Aside from all that symbolism though, Aang's personality is a lot like a Libra.

Libra is the opposite compliment to Aries, a war sign. Libra don't really like discord (at least, they don't like to be IN the discord and chaos). They're lovers, not fighters, so they tend to be peacekeepers. This is Aang to a T. Aang is not only one of the youngest characters in the show (and therefore, the most likely to be uncomfortable with violence), but he is also a monk, raised by other peaceful monks.

He values peace and all life. Even his fighting styles are evasive and are more about using an opponent's strength against them, rather than attacking. It's something that is brought up in the Book 2 episode "Bitter Work", when Aang has trouble learning earthbending from Toph. Libras (depending on the rest of their chart, of course) often tend to respond to conflict in a similar manner, by being avoidant.

You see the pacifist in Aang anytime he needs to mediate a conflict. Examples include "The Great Divide" in Book 1, where Aang has to mediate between the two tribes (as well as Sokka and Katara). He does so by telling them that "Harsh words won't solve anything. Action will". Of course, when that doesn't work, he just lies and makes up the alternative story of WeiJin and JinWei. I don't think Aang is a big fan of lies, but it was for the sake of peace, a means to an end. Very Libra.

Another thing that makes Aang a Libra is the fact that 1) Libra is ruled by Venus and 2) Libra rules the 7th house, which is essentially relationships. Aang's relationships (platonic and romantic) mean EVERYTHING to him, and there's a reason why putting one of his loved ones in danger is initially the only way to activate the Avatar state. He's a very friendly, charming and loving kid (like most Libras) and he's the first one from team Avatar who believes they can make it through the secret tunnel, because of how strongly he believes in his love for Katara. The final point is Aang's reluctance (or sometimes downright refusal) to cause harm to others unless absolutely necessary. While others use violence, Aang is more likely to want to befriend his enemies, and that's actually a good thing. It's Libra's superpower.

♋ Katara - Cancer

Cancer is a water sign that is ruled by the moon, and Katara is a (very powerful) waterbender who draws her powers from the moon. In astrology, water signs are known for being on the emotional side. And with Cancer's ruling planet being the moon (the planet of emotions and also the celestial body that pushes and pulls the tides), Cancers are known to be so emotional, that they're often just archetyped by it. Katara is similarly emotional (see the Book 3 episode "Ember Island Players"). However, Katara being so in touch with her emotions also makes her extremely emotionally intelligent. Like Cancers and most other water signs, her heightened sensitivity allows her to almost psychically sense how others are feeling, and to know how exactly to respond to and comfort them. There's a reason why Katara has such great chemistry (when it comes to her one-on-one conversations) with so many people (Aang, Haru, Jet, Zuko, Toph). Her emotional intelligence also makes her very mature for her age and allow her to see things clearer than others, or to foresee things that others don't.

Cancers are often either family oriented, or they love and value their home (this can either be their childhood home, current home, or the city, country or culture that they came from). This applies with Katara. As a waterbender, being from the water tribes is a big part of who she is, and she has a deep love for her culture. We see how being the only waterbender in the South Pole and having no one to show her the ways of waterbending saddens her, and how happy she is to hear that Hama is willing to teach her (the only other waterbender from the Southern water tribes that Katara has ever met).

With regards to Katara being mature for her age, she's also very motherly. The Book 3 episode "The Runaway" (as well as most of her interactions with Toph) demonstrates this. The moon (which rules Cancer) is The Mother in astrology, and so most Cancers have a significant relationship with motherhood. Katara was very close to her late mother and her death still affects her.

Following the death of her mother, Katara has basically had to become everyone else's mother and hold things together. You see this as well (in a more positive light) in the Book 2 episode "The Desert". In this episode, Appa is missing, Aang is too upset to think or act clearly, Toph can't see properly because of the sand and Sokka is high off cactus juice. Katara is the one that is keeping everything together in this episode.

On the downside, Katara's mothering can turn to nagging sometimes, but I don't blame her. She's a child that's had to grow up way too fast. She has a lot of pressure on her. With water, that pressure can build up, until it bursts like a dam wall (which it's likely to do). It's the combination of this, as well as Katara's strong and fearless sense of right and wrong that lead to those cataclysmic outbursts that both Katara and water signs are sometimes known for.

♋♐Sokka - Cancer sun, but with a lot of Sagittarius aspects in the birth chart

Okay, let's start with the Sagittarius side of things. There are a lot of elements of the Sag personality in Sokka. For one thing, luck. Not only does he manage to survive (and thrive) in the entire series WITHOUT any bending powers, but that boomerang ALWAYS comes back! That's some Jupiter-luck energy if I've ever seen it.

Sokka was originally going to be a more serious character, but the voice actor decided to improvise and add some of his own humor to the role, which created the Sokka that we know and love now. I mention this because the voice actor (Jack De Sena) is a Sagittarius. Sokka has the kind of personality that provides humor in difficult times and can lighten up the sometimes very heavy atmosphere in the group. He doesn't just make people laugh, he likes to laugh as well (at his own jokes and even at his enemy's jokes). In the book 3 episode "The Ember Island Players", heeven goes to the effort of getting Suki to sneak him backstage, so he could give the actor playing himself some tips and extra jokes (and low and behold, the crowd actually laughs at them). In his words, he's "just a guy who loves comedy". In fact, I think he's one of the only ones there who just decides to kick his feet up and enjoy the show (by basically turning the situation into a date night for him and Suki). Sagittarians love to laugh and make people laugh. They're optimists who like to have a good time, and are likely to be the make-lemonade-out-of-lemons type.

He's also one of the smartest and most competent characters on the show. He has excellent problem solving skills, and isn't afraid to look at things through a different angle and try new things to expand his worldview and knowledge. This is relevant, as Sag rules the 9th house which includes, amoung other things, higher learning, truth and knowledge. He can be a bit tactless and insensitive...a little slick at the mouth, but it's largely ignored by others, as he is likeable and funny enough for others to let it go. That's quite a Sag trait.

The Cancerian part of Sokka's personality is less pronounced, but it's there. He's VERY protective of his loved ones, even before the situation with Princess Yue. He is family oriented in that he admires his dad and the traditions and customs of the water tribes. He loves and is just as proud of his culture and home life as Katara is, but just in a different way. He also always looks out for the other members of team Avatar. He can tell when a member of the team needs support and immediately jumps to action (for example, the way he immediately grabs Toph's hand to guide her in "The Serpent's Pass", in "The Desert" and on the air ships during the final battle in the series finale). He's also very loving and protective of his sister, despite how often they fight. Also, quiet as it's kept, Cancers are one of the funniest signs in the zodiac.

♉♈Toph - Taurus sun, but with a lot of Aries aspects in the birth chart

Let's start with the Taurus aspects. Taurus is not just an earth sign, it's FIXED earth. It embodies the firm stance and hardheadness of not just Toph, but earthbenders in general. Tauruses are very stubborn and like to do things their own way at their own pace. Combine that with the independence and confrontational nature of an Aries, and you've got Toph.

Aries value their independence, sometimes to the point of being selfish, which is what we get with Toph in the Book 2 episode "The Chase". In this episode, it's Toph's first time riding with the group, but it's also her first taste of freedom. Like an Aries, she hates the idea of seeming weak or helpless, and has to learn that freedom doesn't mean that she has to do everything alone.

As Toph shows us, there is, however, power and strength in valuing independence, so long as you're not insecure about independence or projecting. Toph is a wealthy, sheltered child who is blind, which, in most cases, would make her vulnerable. But it's not the case. Toph ran away once before when she was little, and that's where she learned earthbending from the giant blind moles. She learned earthbending not just as a martial art, but as an extension of herself and her senses, and as a way to see. She would have never been able to master doing that (nor would shehave gone on to do even greater things like train the avatar and discover metal bending), if she didn't have the will, bravery and self assurance to run away in the first place. That little pilgrimage (her life changing adventure, if you will...but still not with Zuko, I'm afraid😔) showed the value of independence. Of going out on your own journey of self-discovery. Much like how Zuko needed to be be alone for a while during Book 2 for his own journey of self-discovery.

Oh, speaking of "Zuko Alone"...

♈Zuko - Aries

Zuko's arc in the show shows us the transition from a dark-sided, low vibrational Aries, to a high-vibrational Aries at it's best: passionate, brave, protective, strong, innovative, a good leader, driven, energetic and independent. Zuko embodies many Aries (and general fire sign) traits, both good and bad. He can be impulsive, and doesn't always think things all the way through. Aries is cardinal fire, so it's about getting up and going, just DOING something. Zuko is known for never giving up. These are things that that Iroh, Sokka and Ursa have mentioned. Zuko is an impatient person and is very fiery, hot headed and reactionary even for a firebender.

His reactionary nature makes him prone to a bit of melodrama (and I imagine that's why it's so fun for Azula or even Iroh to get a rise out of him). This is definitely the case with Aries. They're not the only sign with a temper, but they are the most likey to cause a scene and storm off in a huff about it. Or challenge you to a fight. Zuko can't refuse a fight for the life of him. At least not until he evolves and figures out his ✨true destiny✨.

One the other hand, he also keeps that same fiery energy when it comes to defending those who can't defend themselves and fighting for what he believes is right. In these cases, he refuses to back down. Even if his chances of winning are low, he'll still keep pushing forward. That's the will, energy and drive of cardinal fire. Zuko just needs to chanel all that power into something useful and constructive, like creating change for the greater good, and not distraction. Like with fire in general, Aries (and Zuko) is useful and powerful, but requires direction, guidance and purpose, so as to not risk letting the fire run wild to cause destruction and devastation.

#astrology #astro observations #libra #moon #cancer #aries #sagittarius #taurus #avatar aang #avatar tla #atla #the last airbender #avatar the last airbender #katara #team avatar #sokka #zuko #avatar toph #toph beifong

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