We all know about the beloved animal companion of the Avatar Aang. Appa is not just the animal companion of the team Avatar. But is also the sole surviving member of the Flying Bisons. And together both Appa and Aang are the last remnants of the once-great Air Nomads civilization. Appa has played a very huge role in whatever the Team Avatar has accomplished. Because not only is Appa the primary source of transportation for the team. But is also their savior in a lot of situations. Appa flies because of his ability to bend the air.
Appa’s Design And Conception
The shows’ creators describes Appa’s design as a crossover between buffaloes and manatees. He has one of the most likable and cute design among all the cartoons. He is a six-legged mammal and has a huge size but is till able to fly because of his ability to bend the air. The creators wanted to create something that will really click with Aang’s character and by the looks of the success and popularity that Appa’s design and concept received it looks that they have succeeded in their goal quite convincingly.
Appa’s Importance In The Series
Appa is not just the animal companion of Avatar Aang but is very rightly a full member of the Team Avatar. He has appeared in almost every episode of Avatar: The Last Airbender (TV Series) and in every subsequent comic book issue based on the series as well. Appa is not only the animal companion of The Avatar but is also the last of his kind.
The Air Nomads and their entire civilization including the Flying Bisons were destroyed by Firelord Sozin. Sozin knew that after the death of Avatar Roku, the next Avatar will be born in the Air Nomads as per the Avatar cycle. So he used the power derived from Sozin’s comet to completely wipe out the Air Nomads in hopes of killing the next Avatar as well. And when Aang woke up after a hundred years into the war and discovered that his civilization has been completely wiped off by the fire nation. He was left shattered with pain and grief. And he blamed himself for their killing as well.
The only entity that could understand Aang’s pain was Appa because like Aang, Appa too had lost his species of Flying Bisons as well. And they were the only members of the once great civilization of the Air Nomads that survived Sozin’s onslaught. This sense of pure loss and grief made them even more closer than even before.
Appa and Aang’s Relationship
The Flying Bisons were highly respected by the Air Nomads as they believed the Bisons to be the first Airbenders. Each Air Nomad received a partner baby bison when they are just children and learning to bend the air. And these Bisons are the lifelong companions of the Air Nomads. Additionally the flying Bisons were also thought to be the only way to reach the Temples of the Airbenders because of their isolated locations on top of mountains.
Like other Air Nomads, Aang too met Appa when he was choosing him to be his partner. Aang offered an apple to Appa which he accepted thus signaling a bonding of a lifetime between them. Appa has protected Aang several times whenever Aang and the rest of the team are cornered.
Appa also fought head-on with Nyla who tracked the team on behalf of Zuko. Nyla also had the ability to paralyze a person with the stung of her tongue. But Appa still fought with the animal and protected the team even getting stung a couple of times.
Flying Bisons can not fly naturally but have accomplished this feat by mastering the art of bending the air. But these Bisons still need to rest in between periods of flight as they get tired due to their heavier bodies. But when the team was in danger and was being tracked by Princess Azula. Appa flew for two days non-stop to protect the team Avatar which in itself is a testament to Appa’s stamina and his love fro Aang that made him fly for this much time without getting any rest.
Conclusion
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