Azula is arguably one of the most psychologically interesting characters in Avatar: The Last Airbender. Posing as one of the key antagonists in the series, her descent into madness was a spectacle that was almost difficult to watch. There are many reasons why a character as masterful, calculating, and smart as her, turned into an erratic and reckless leader who led to her own downfall.
Her entire life was a constant power struggle, trying to prove to her father and herself that she was worthy of the empire of Fire Lord Ozai. On top of this, there are layers of insecurity and constant use of fear as a form of gaining loyalty, which made her the way that she was. However, many could argue that it all can be traced down to one moment; the betrayal of Mai and Ty Lee.
Azula Lost Everything
Early into the series, Azula’s character was quite simple. Growing up in a household that looked at affection and love as a weakness and only awarded cruelty and power, she could not help but form a similar belief system. On top of this, constantly fighting with her brother to make sure she came out on top, shaped her view of the world significantly.
She became unlikeable; cruel for no reason by proving her dominance in any situation. She wanted the world to fear her as she thought that was the only way for them to respect her authority. While this is how she was with the entire world, two people managed to slip through her mask, Mai and Ty Lee. Her best friends did not seem to fear her and respected her despite that.
In a world of manipulation and strategies, there were two people that she trusted. It is no wonder that when they betrayed her, she could not help but go crazy, crumbling the fragile system that she had been existing on her entire life.
Mai and Ty Lee’s Betrayal Drove Azula to Insanity
Azula has a very complex yet straightforward relationship with her brother, Zuko. She constantly fought with him to prove herself to be better than him. All the while believing that her mother preferred him over her. It is safe to say that Zuko being preferred over her was a soft spot. This is why when Mai said that her loyalties lay with him and not her, feeling betrayed was just the tip of the iceberg.
“I guess you just don’t know people as well as you think you do. You miscalculated. I love Zuko more than I fear you.” Mai told Azula.
This was followed by Ty Lee also doing the same to her, and Azula’s world fell apart. However, there was a key difference. While Mai’s betrayal could have been expected due to her feelings for Zuko, Ty Lee’s sudden decision to block her chi was something no one saw coming.
After spending her entire life skeptical of everyone around her except for two people, and those two people then betraying her, Azula could not help but lose her mind. She was distrustful towards everyone, including her father, whom she had put on a pedestal her entire life.
Isolation drove her mad, and her insecurities grew bigger and bigger. She banished all who were there to serve her and was left to hate her reflection, something she had been outrunning her entire life.
