The Legend of Korra has perfectly continued the story of Avatar: The Last Airbender. If the original animated series introduced the world, the spin-off built upon it to a degree no one saw coming. One of the most explored aspects was that of bending; more specifically, how much more one could do as a bender.
During Aang’s time, it was as though we were shown only the tip of the iceberg. However, by the time Korra comes around, it is as though everything becomes more and more advanced. Suddenly, earthbenders and firebenders are also taking part in medicine, and airbenders could propel themselves like cannonballs.
However, there was one specific change that had fans scratching their heads, not because it did not make sense, but because they were confused about why benders like Aang were unable to do it. Many fans have been wondering why Aang was not able to fly as Zaheer could, and a theory may answer this question.
Why Can Zaheer Fly in The Legend of Korra and Aang Can’t in Avatar: The Last Airbender?
Zaheer’s airbending style has stood out for Avatar: The Last Airbender fans. It was the first time they saw an element that is supposed to be gentle and peaceful be used in such a violent and aggressive manner. On top of it all, he also had the ability to fly; not gliding or floating on clouds of air, but actually flying through the skies.
Many fans have always wondered why he was able to do this, and even powerful benders like Aang never could. Atlalore on Tumblr posted an anonymous theory that may have cracked the code, and it has everything to do with Sky Bisons. They proposed that before the flying creatures became integrated into Air Nomad culture, all airbenders were able to fly. The reason for this was that they had no earthly attachments, no reason to keep their feet on the ground.
However, when they did become such an important part of their lives, with each airbender receiving a flying bison to become their lifelong companion, they grew attached. They no longer needed to keep flying because that would make creatures like Appa useless in their lives.
Since Zaheer has no earthly ties, he has no reason to keep his feet on the ground.
A Time Before
A perfect example of the time before Sky Bisons became a part of their lives would be Season 2, Episode 8. Wan meets a group of airbenders who were given their powers by the Lion Turtle. Their looks and tattoos are similar to those of the Air Nomads, hinting at their future. There is one specific scene that supports the theory that airbenders were able to fly before the Sky Bisons.
There is a point in the episode where several members of the group are seen picking fruit out of trees with the help of clouds of air at their feet. This method of ‘flying’ is very similar to Zaheer’s, making the theory even more likely.
It is possible that since before the Bisons, the airbenders had no way of flying, they learned it themselves. However, when the flying creatures did enter the picture, they no longer needed the ability. Perhaps, because of this, they grew out of flight and stopped teaching it to new benders.
