Avatar: The Last Airbender – How Did Aang Die Young Despite Series Being Infamous for Unnaturally Long Lifespans?

The Netflix adaptation has led many to revisit Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender, sparking curiosity about why Aang passed away at such a young age.

Avatar: The Last Airbender - How Did Aang Die Young Despite Series Being Infamous for Unnaturally Long Lifespans?

SUMMARY

  • With the transition to The Legend of Korra, many were thus compelled to wonder why Aang, met his end so early. Well, it's complicated, to say the least.
  • At just 66 years old biologically, he peacefully passed away from old age surrounded by his beautiful family and friends he made along the way.
  • But let's not forget that Avatar Aang spent a hundred years frozen, making him technically166 years old, when he actually passed away.
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Undoubtedly, one of the most iconic cartoons of all time, Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender, has been making headlines once again with the debut of its live-action adaptation on Netflix. This has compelled many passionate fans to rewatch the OG series again.

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And as viewers dig deep into ATLA lore, they find themselves pondering the mysteries that linger beyond the series finale. With the transition to The Legend of Korra, many were thus compelled to wonder why Aang met his end so early. Well, it’s complicated, to say the least.

Avatar The Last Airbender Aang
Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender

The Truth Behind Aang’s Surprisingly Short Lifespan!

One of the biggest disappointing moments for fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender occurred as they eagerly transitioned to The Legend of Korra, hoping to get more of Aang, only to discover that their beloved hero had already departed this world. Even though Aang changed the world in big ways, his early passing made it really hard for his fans to adjust to Korra’s world.

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First off, let’s not forget that Avatar Aang spent a hundred years frozen. That means when he was found by Katara and Sokka, he was technically 112, thus making him 166 years old, when he actually passed away. And that’s pretty old! Being frozen for so long really did have a significant effect on him.

As he got older, he realized that time was slowly wearing him down. Eventually, at just 66 years old, biologically, he peacefully passed away from old age, surrounded by his beautiful family and friends he made along the way. With all the dangers the Avatar faced in his lifetime, Aang’s end was rather peaceful.

Aang in The Legends of Korra
Aang in The Legends of Korra

It’s also important to note that The Legend of Korra, continues the Avatar story after Aang, and thus, it was necessary for Aang’s character to pass away in order for the cycle of powers to continue. However, his children play a significant role in the series, the series also offers glimpses into the lives of characters like Toph and Katara as they age, and carry Aang’s legacy in the world after Aang.

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While many viewers have various issues with this sequel, which is a whole different story for another time, it’s fascinating to witness Aang’s lasting impact on people’s lives and the restoration of balance in the world. But that does not make the fans want to see more of Aang and how he helped Zuko lead and shape the world we see in Korra’s time, any less.

Is Netflix’s Live-Action Adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender Worth Watching?

These things tend to be pretty touchy subjects, for many given the popularity of the original animated show and the number of people who hold it near and dear to their hearts. However, surprisingly, since its debut in February, the show has been receiving many positive reviews.

With its visually stunning scenes and much-needed alterations to the original plot, the first season of the live-action adaptation has proven to be a must-watch. The actors involved impeccably portray their roles, displaying a serious commitment to their craft. It’s shaping up to be quite a captivating viewing experience.

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Avatar: The Last Airbender cartoon series
Avatar: The Last Airbender cartoon series

Netflix has already renewed the show for its second and third seasons. While there are uncertainties about whether this will extend to The Legend of Korra or not, fans are eagerly anticipating how everything will unfold and pay off in the upcoming seasons.

Both Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legends of Korra are available on Netflix to stream.

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Written by Sampurna Banerjee

Articles Published: 785

Sampurna Banerjee, an ardent enthusiast of pop culture and movies, pours her passion into her role as a writer for FandomWire. With a penchant for Marvel, DC, and sitcoms, she has contributed over 400 articles, staying up-to-date to the entertainment industry's latest buzz. Moreover, she's penned over 300 articles for Animated Times and shared her work across several Instagram pages. Currently she is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Calcutta University.