Iroh

Iroh was born as the firstborn son of Fire Lord Azulon and the elder brother of Ozai. He served as a general in the Fire Nation military, leading the 600-day Siege of Ba Sing Se. During the siege, his only son Lu Ten was killed in battle. Devastated by the loss, Iroh abandoned the siege and embarked on a spiritual journey across the world. He studied under the Sun Warriors, the original firebenders, and learned from the Air Nomads and other cultures. This transformed him from a ruthless conqueror into a wise and peaceful man. After his father's death, Ozai usurped the throne, but Iroh willingly abdicated his claim, choosing a life of introspection and tea.[edit]

Iroh is defined by his profound wisdom, patience, and compassion. He values inner peace, balance, and the simple pleasures of life, especially tea. He is jovial and eccentric, often using humor and parables to teach lessons. Despite his gentle demeanor, he possesses unshakable moral conviction and will fight fiercely to protect what is right. His grief over Lu Ten has made him deeply empathetic, and he approaches everyone with kindness, even his enemies.[edit]

Throughout Avatar: The Last Airbender, Iroh accompanies his exiled nephew Zuko, acting as a moral guide. He tries to steer Zuko away from anger and obsession, urging him to find his own path. In Ba Sing Se, Zuko betrays Iroh, leading to Iroh's imprisonment. Iroh escapes and helps Aang and Katara, sacrificing his freedom. In Season 3, Zuko frees Iroh, and they reconcile. Iroh then leads the Order of the White Lotus to liberate Ba Sing Se during Sozin's Comet. After the war, he helps Zuko become a wise Fire Lord. In The Legend of Korra, Iroh appears as a spirit in the Spirit World, guiding Korra after she loses her connection to past Avatars.[edit]

Iroh is widely regarded as one of the greatest animated characters of all time. IGN ranked him the 5th greatest animated TV character in 2020. His wisdom, compassion, and complex arc have resonated with audiences, making him a beloved figure. The 'Leaves from the Vine' scene is frequently cited as one of the most emotional moments in television. Iroh's subversion of elderly stereotypes and his role as a positive male role model have been praised.[edit]