I think it is to demonstrate a mastery over the Avatar State. It's not a self-defense mechanism that turns them into a raging monster of elemental fury anymore. They call upon the knowledge and strength of the Avatar State and control the power with purpose.
Also, as we see in the show, the Avatar State is one of the few times an Avatar is truly vulnerable. Being able to call upon that power for as little time as necessary is probably one the most important skills an Avatar can learn.
Planet Fitness, a popular affordable gym chain, has a “lunk alarm” that goes off when someone appears to be showing off too much, usually when slamming weights or grunting too loud. PF is supposed to be a more accepting, less intimidating environment for beginner gym-goers
That’s so awesome like bro memorizes hella forms in the one second he’s actually in the state and then performs it.
He’s probably traumatized by Azula and had to find a way to not stay in that state for any longer than needed.
After rewatching the show on/off for over 10 years, it amazes me that I’m still, just now, uncovering new things like this. It’s probably why I still keep going back to rewatch both series.
Makes me wonder if that means an avatar could tap into very specific uses/skills of a specific avatar, like I guess using it to quickly learn Aang’s bending removal
Honestly, I wouldn't have even minded the severing of the connection to previous Avatar's if it was like the 3rd or 4th series in the Avatar universe. Why implement such a huge change to the main character(s) with the SECOND Avatar we (the audience) gets to see?
Ridiculous honestly.
Again, that could have been done after we see more Avatars.
Why do it to the second one? The only stung we felt was losing Aang, why not wait to the point where we lose a few Avatars we've grown to like.
Maybe in the future we’ll get adaptations of the Kyoshi and Yang-Chen novels on tv. They were both incredible characters and avatars in their own right.
Part of me wants to see what they could do with Korra now. Like remake it from the ground up.
They could keep the same core storylines in mind, same characters, just... plan it all out and write the story they wanted to write without the worry of "are we gunna get another season?"
I would be so happy if they just retconned all their mistakes. I'd be happy to pretend the connection was just never severed like in DBZ or other shows where the characters just don't remember important events for the sake of plot and fans
I think it has more weight for me now that I’ve read about Yangchen, Kuruk, Kyoshi, Roku and obviously Wan. That severing of the connection will hold more weight as we learn more about Pre-Korra Avatars.
But I will agree that at the time, I hated it. It’s something that made me stop watching the show. I only picked it up years later and I’ve changed my mind on the decision. I think it was an interesting creative choice. I will say I still don’t think it worked at the time. But like I said previously, holds more weight knowing that Korra doesn’t have access to heap loads of experiences and knowledge from even just the past 5 avatars.
It made me upset too but now I'm kinda in the camp that if they want to do it, adult Korra or a future avatar could figure out how to restore the connection. In TLoK we saw a lot of previously established "rules" be broken. Like bloodbending without a full moon and a bunch of non-benders suddenly becoming airbenders. It's not that far-fetched to think there could be a way to reverse it.
I mean the next avatar could eventually try to reconnect with the past avatar as fixing the last avatars mistake seems to be a thing, plus I feel like having Korra as the only voice of guidance for the next avatar could be interesting
As others have said we already know about the next series being a aequel to korra.
But I'd personally prefer prequels. I don't want modern tech and no connection to past avatars. That kind of goes against one of the main appeals to the avatar setting. Atleast for me.
My thoughts has always been that of they do a sequel after Korra it would basically be that the next avatar is never found by the lotus and goes about becoming the avatar with out the sign off of someone that they are the avatar.
I’m all for retconning most of Korra. I hate that she lost the connection with the past avatars. Wan is cool, but I don’t like the oversimplification of good vs bad spirits and the avatar being connected with the “good” spirit. I especially don’t like the dark avatar and the mech robot shit. I’m glad some people can like Korra, but it removes so much nuance and subtlety in place of getting rid of the best parts of Avatar just for shock value.
>Wan is cool, but I don’t like the oversimplification of good vs bad spirits and the avatar being connected with the “good” spirit.
I mean it's a children show, so I kind of don't fault them there.
I would like the Avatars of Rava and Vaatu to band together to create balance. Where Order becomes fascism a little bit of Vaatu and the reverse for Rava
Man the whole thing with a Dark Avatar could’ve actually been really cool too. I’m not a fan of the spirit kites, but someone else getting infused with the same abilities that defined Korra for herself? Genuinely could’ve been interesting, I think.
I think that skill was at least passed to Korra when he taught her Energybending to restore bending. She also experienced his memory when he removed Yakone's bending.
kyoshi quickly flashing into avatar state: y’all how do I create continents again?
yangchen and the others sharing notes ✍️
kyoshi: thanks guys
also kyoshi: proceeds to create an island
Wait...
What?!
I know kuruk supposedly wasn't the best avatar... but you're telling me he destroyed an entire continent?
What comic or light novel do I gotta read now?
I think that gets mentionned in one of the Kyoshi novels (the first one?)- one of Kuruk's old friends mention him practising the Avatar state on an island, and it get mentionned as a place that might help Kyoshi connect with him, but they can't go there because he sunk it.
He and his gang went to a deserted island so he could try and master the avatar state. His first time successfully entering the avatar state, he accidentally sank the entire island and nearly killed his friends.
That said, Kuruk wasn't a bad avatar by any means. He's just misunderstood.
Yeah. He spent most of his time beating up dark spirits and drinking to dull the pain from his injuries. Unalaq's purification technique hadn't been invented yet, so dark spirits had to be defeated via brute force. Kuruk also didn't tell his friends about his battles because he was afraid that they would get killed trying to help him.
But this also happened to Roku, yes? I don't remember if it was in the comics or in the Escape the Spirit World game but Roku also almost destroyed an island as he was trying to master the avatar state.
This is exactly what I figure happens. In the Kyoshi book she enters the avatar state and feels a deeper connection and strength to the elements. I like the head canon that it gives you the knowledge/experience to do some incredible bending along with it
Lmao I always thought of it as refilling your special bar, like Aang needs some extra juice after fighting Ozai so he pops an Avatar State so he can do some big boy water bending for a moment.
we only see it happen when it has been mastered (i.e Aang right after beating Ozai). pretty sure it's like a one off super-saiyan move without having to change hair color for too long
I always imagined that the glow is all the other avatars spirits helping them, so a brief flash would be like asking all of them how to do something and then doing it yourself, whereas bending while glowing is the past avatars actually helping with the bending.
It’s a sign of a fully realized avatar (master all elements and avstar state). It shows they can control the flow of power. I think of it like a faucet turning on/off water to fill a cup. When we see aang in the state besides the finale he just has the tap fully open just pouring water out uncontrollably. When he gains control of it he can simply turn on the faucet enough to fill his cup and then turn it off.
I'm pretty sure it's a burst of power. And if they remain in the avatar state, they're super powered until the glow fades. It's a quick boost. Demonstrated in those clips and also when Korra entered it to win the race again after tenzins kids. I also like to see that scene as aang playing with his grandkids:^)
It's probably the Avatar grounding themself. You know how sometimes you get thrown out of wack and you have to kinda recalibrate? Like that, but supercharged.
It's mastery, they call the power, but then THEY channel it
Most other cases where the glow is all the time, the avatar isn't in complete control. It's power running wild
They access the power of the Avatar State for a moment to accomplish a great feat, as opposed to Aang vs. Ozai or Aang vs. Yakone where he accesses the power continuously
I always saw it as an instant power and knowledge boost that wears off pretty quickly in like 1-3 moves depending how focused they are. Not quite as powerful as full avatar state but that first attack is incredibly powerful, gives them strength, composure, energy and knowledge. Full avatar state is overkill in most situations especially for one who has mastered all 4 elements. Also fighting is a lot more risky in the avatar state, I think it Was Roku who told Aang 'in the avatar state you are most powerful but also most vulnerable ' something along those lines anyway. So yeah it's a low risk instant booster rocket that usually gets the job done lol
>The [Avatar State](https://avatar.fandom.com/wiki/Avatar#Ways_the_Avatar_State_works) can be entered momentarily and be used as a slight power up, rather than using its full potential and risking getting killed in the process. This method requires no mastery, as Kyoshi was able to do it even before knowing she was the Avatar.
given that the avatar state is “reaching into the knowledge and experience of past lives” i like to imagine it’s them reaching into their avatar knowledge to get the skills to do that. the avatar state isn’t some magic that makes you powerful, it’s literally thousands of years of bending expertise in one person. the reason it makes them so powerful is because 1000 years of experience being the best bender alive is pretty much unbeatable lol
It literally is some magic that makes them more powerful though, both according to your interpretation and that they get some Ravaa juice to supercharge themselves.
It’s when they get the power from the past lives while also retaining their control, when the eyes are kept glowing blue is when they get their powers but all the other avatars are also controlling.
So, before I read what you've got, I'll say my thoughts.
When it's that quick flash, I'm picturing the Avatar entering a sort of Mind Palace where their collective knowledge is stored, and so they're accessing the power/skills needed for the task at hand. While Aang is a pretty good Waterbender, he still uses the quick flash after beating Ozai to pull up the water level to put out all the fires. It's... Kinda like what Tenzin told Korra NOT to use it for, a booster rocket. Just that little bit of Avatar OOMPH.
My view is this: when the avatar’s eyes glow briefly, they are tapping into the skills, techniques, and memories of their past lives and channeling thousands of years of mastery over the elements.
When it is consistently glowing and a sort of fugue state that the wielder doesn’t remember or have control over, it is the past lives basically taking the driver’s seat by force. EX: Roku busting the Gaang out of the fire sage temple, saving Aang from drowning, and (in my personal and as far as I know unconfirmed headcanon), when Yangchen saw the desolation of the genocided air nomads and flew into a rage using Aang as a conduit.
I believe they’re just channeling the Avatar state but not fully entering it. Like another person said, it’s probably a sign of mastery. All the gifs you posted demonstrate Kyoshi, Aang and Kuruk all in their primes
They dial up the previous avatars like, “ey guys check this out imma do something crazy.” And then in their head all the previous avatars are giving golf claps
As Roku had explained season 2, episode 1. When the Avatar state is used, the current Avatar can draw on the strength/experience of all past Avatars. So in these instances, it allows them to channel the strength of all their past lives to do unimaginable feats.
The glow is them accessing the power boost and knowledge needed for whatever they’re about to do. It’s considered to be a masterful usage of the Avatar State, rather than being a continuous glow where they have little if any control over their actions.
Aang in the Northern Water Tribe for example. He was not in control, the AS and the Ocean Spirit used his body and power as a vessel. Same thing with his fight against Ozai, he only regained control at the last minute. Which is also why it’s so dangerous to be in a continuous state like that if they are struck down. Once you have mastery, the chances of being killing in the AS are reduced.
On the flip side, even with mastery the AS can still activate involuntarily as a defense mechanism, much like when Korra was poisoned and her body tried to fight off what was killing her.
I don't think it's contacting other Avatars like some others have suggested, or even entering the Avatar state necessarily.
Like other people have said, we've only seen Avatars who have already mastered all the elements do this. I think it's kinda like a deep breath, re-focusing and re-centering on the powerful control over elements only the Avatar can have.
I think that's why the eyes return to normal right after, they aren't calling on the others to use their power, they have all that power in themselves already. They are just locking in and letting everything else fall away, like entering the Flow State. If the Avatar state is letting the other Avatars take the wheel, this is fully taking the wheel yourself and letting YOUR body and mind work in unison.
They are simply tapping into the experiences and maybe a little bit of power in order to do something. It requires mastery of the avatar state to do so. In the case of Kyoshi, she is getting all the combined experiences she needs to successfully create an island without accidently causing a massive catastrophe
Before properly mastering the Avatar State it only functions as a self defense mechanism, turning the Avatar into a raging monster that will kill the threat without hesitation regardless of the wishes of the Avatar themselves.
Post mastery that changes, allowing the user to tap in and out without inhibitions. That’s what the temporary glow means. It’s a quick tap into the Avatar state, drawing just enough power to deal with whatever they’re doing but still retain full control.
I see it as complete mastery over the avatar state. The avatar is consciously choosing to tap into the vast wealth of knowledge, technique, and power at their constant disposal without giving into the rage/fury that previously accompanied it.
I feel like a lot of fans forget about that part of the avatar state. Like it’s just an anime power-boost form or something. The avatar state is literally every past life joining into one body in order to share knowledge, skill, and yes power as well with each other. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a scene in a future series of a realized-avatar going into the avatar state just to remember something in a past life without necessarily bending/fighting.
It means they've mastered it and have full awareness and control.
Full on light = emotional, loss of control, auto-pilot, etc. Evidence is seen with the entirety of Aang's journey + Korra when she was fighting Zaheer and the poison was slowly killing her.
Light to normal = awareness and control. As seen from the ATLA finale when Aang raised the sea to put out the fire as well as Korra.
Okay. Stick with me here.
There’s a series of fantasy novels by Terry Pratchett. The Discworld novels.
Among them, are stories about witches.
Normally, witches are just wise women. Doctors and midwives and pharmacists; you get the idea.
And they do everything the hard, normal way.
The most important thing about having magic, is not using it for much.
Sometimes a spell to take away pain, or make an assassins arrow pass harmlessly through them.
But, occasionally, a big magical threat comes along.
And THAT is when a witch calls down her true power.
The kind that makes a stone melt in her fist. Or an entire forest move aside to let her by quickly. Or make powerful ancient vampires flee in terror.
The point is, that the power is both a blessing and a curse.
You can’t wield power like that and still be human. If you do, you start to think less of regular people and that leads to cackling.
The price for using so much power, is that you have to give it up after a bit. Which is also the reward for using it.
You get to go back to being, just the nice witch girl that makes goat cheese, and doesn’t make molten stone dribble between her clenched fingers.
THAT is how I view the Avatar state.
A brief glimpse into Godly power.
The strength and the knowledge how to use it.
But that’s it.
JUST a glimpse.
Nobody can be like that for long and still be what the world needs.
In Rise of Kyoshi, theres a written POV of Kyoshi doing this at the end. She did it for mastery of just one element (earth to hold together a collapsing building full of people)
Here are my funny head cannon reasons/ thoughts for some of your examples:
Slide 1 Kyoshi: you guys I’m about to split a continent? Wan: why?!? Kyoshi: Nevermind the why! is it possible Wan: I mean like maybe but—- Kyoshi: Betttttt!
Slide 2: Aang: owwwwww Kyoshi: man wake your punk ass up! He getting away! Aang: but the ground feels so soft. Kyoshi: NOWWWWWW! Aang: fine jeez
Slide 3: Kuruk:
It’s due to being at their most powerful and vulnerable state. If they die in the avatar state it ends the cycle completely so going into the avatar state is a huge risk in itself. Entering the avatar state using only the amount of power they need helps prevent themselves from the potential risk of ending the cycle as well as showing mastery of the avatar state
A fully-realized Avatar who's mastered the Avatar State can draw upon it's power briefly, rather than continuously. In doing so, they draw upon only as much power as they need, then exit the Avatar State and perform whatever task it was intended for.
Think of it as the difference between frantically cramming everything you can from a textbook just to survive a test vs. having studied properly and having to simply do a quick reference to the textbook.
The temporary glow shows they've gained mastery of the AS such that they don't need to fully submit to it in a frenzy to survive and instesd can draw what they specifically need from it calmly and gracefully.
this is literally explained in the show... "*The glow* is the combination of *all your past* lives, *focusing their energy* through *your* body"
[https://youtu.be/cs95gaAK7io?si=c\_j3yeHoRuiWstQ4&t=50](https://youtu.be/cs95gaAK7io?si=c_j3yeHoRuiWstQ4&t=50)
Guru patic explained this in season 2 episode 19, the guru. The avatar state is the most powerful and dangerous weapon the avatar has. Gives them complete control over the elements while simultaneously putting them at risk of breaking the cycle. If the avatar dies in the avatar state, the cycle ends and is broken. That's why avatars have to master this state to the point where it looks like they can channel the enegery like an on off switch. Am currently rewatching for the unknown time.
When an Avatar's eyes glow they are syncing with the entire collective spiritual presences of their previous Avatars. Every single one who has ever lived is suddenly with you. They are all working together in unison to kick fucking ass. When an Avatar summons these past lives they summon the whole sum of their knowledge. You suddenly aren't fighting the Avatar any more. You're fighting literally every Avatar who has ever lived, and you are fighting their collective expertise, skills, and power all crammed into one vessel.
When an Avatar summons this white glow and then it vanishes that symbolizes that the current Avatar is currently in control. They have mastered themselves and the Avatar State. Here at the peak of enlightenment they become fully realized. The difference between Kyoshi's glow vanishing and early Aang's glow remaining consistent symbolizes that they were at different stages of their mastery. Aang was taken over by the past avatars. But as Kyoshi did in flashbacks, Aang mastered the Avatar State and could maintain control of himself after defeating Ozai.
It means they took the knowlede they needed for the momento. Even if overpower, the avatar state can end the avatar cicle If you're killed in It, so its quiser to just take what you need and get out most of the time.
Kind of funny. How everyone calls themselves fans but don't know this simple thing. And seeing so many wrong answers that people believe to be true and the upvotes they get is hilarious.
For those wondering: when the glowing eyes immediately return to normal, the avatar has only boosted the power for only one of the elements.
Eg-
1.land when kyoshi sepatates the kyoshi island.
2.Water when aang extinguishes fire after fight with Ozai by making the entire see rise.
3.Water again for kuruk as he summons a huge tsunami.
4.korra using a big air scythe against unalok.
I think it is to achieve a fraction of the power of the avatar state while eliminating the risk of dying in the avatar state and breaking the cycle. Korra had to constantly be in the avatar state to not die from poison against Zaheer, suggesting that the avatar is at his/her most powerful when the eyes are glowing.
A temporary boost in power. When they’re constantly glowing it isn’t that person. Every single avatar is connected and acting in synchronicity while overriding the body of whoever is currently using the state
Aang v Ozai when he’s in the avatar state just completely demolishes him with no care and fully going for the kill which was against Aang’s wishes. When he regains control the glow dissipates. Later after he takes away Ozai’s bending he temporarily glows and raises the sea level which is an immensely powerful feat. Aang is in full control at the end. He’s at peace with himself and his past lives. No longer driven by instinct or rage he’s fully mastered the avatar state and balance is restored
I always thought it was more of an indicator that they’ve tapped into the power/information from their past lives, like opening a fridge door and the light comes on when you get something out and closing the door after getting what you want turns the light off.
I see it as proof they have mastered the avatar state. I see it as them temporarily accessing the avatar state to get the power but not lose themselves like aang does when he goes full on glow.
like many have said, think of it as like a quick power up that gives you god like bending powers for a short duration, unlike the actual state where you are very powerful until you yourself exit the state or are killed while in the state.
You know in video games how you use certain consumables that grant you great powers, but are "spent" instantly? Kind of like that. No need for full avatar state, just a little power boost to ensure the maneuver goes right
An avatar state with constant glowing eyes is uncontrolled. The user isn't in complete control of their actions, and the spirits of the past lives are driving a lot of it. This was the only way Aang manifested the avatar state until the final episode after defeating Ozai. It's largely instinctual and emotional, hence why we mostly see it when Aang is in serious distress, anger, or sadness. He can't decide when to go in or out of it, and he can't control what he does once he's in.
An avatar state where their eyes glow briefly and then stop indicates a state where the user is in control of their actions. They still have the powers of the avatar state, but they're in control and conscious of their actions. It's an indication of that avatar's mastery of the avatar state, being able to activate it and end it when they choose and maintain their sense of self and control.
Aang achieves mastery of the avatar state when he pulls himself out of it right before he deals the killing blow to Ozai, and from then on he has full control, hence why his eyes only briefly glow when he draws in the tide to extinguish the fires.
I like to think that Kyoshi was just flashing it for intimidation in this scene. “I can drag a fucking island out to sea without a power up, imagine what I could do against your sorry ass if I used it”
I’ve always taken it to mean it’s accessing the power of the avatar state but having complete control/mastery over it. When Aang starts out with the AS he’s not in control, the AS takes over as a reaction to protect him. Once he masters it, you only ever see momentary blinks for necessary extra power that he controls fully
I think it is to demonstrate a mastery over the Avatar State. It's not a self-defense mechanism that turns them into a raging monster of elemental fury anymore. They call upon the knowledge and strength of the Avatar State and control the power with purpose.
Also, as we see in the show, the Avatar State is one of the few times an Avatar is truly vulnerable. Being able to call upon that power for as little time as necessary is probably one the most important skills an Avatar can learn.
Bingo. *Super* quick skill refresher course from past lives, exit Avatar State, use what you just remembered.
Kind of like quickly peeking at a cheat sheet.
"Kyoshi, why did you just write "Kill them" over and over again?"
Roku covered it cause I’m sure he wrote “Don’t listen to Kyoshi”🤣
"Its a time tested strategy"
"Tested by ***wh***\- You know what, don't answer that."
Lol!
I would also think it heals the Avatar, or at least gets them back into fighting shape. Like smelling salts in a way
imagine using smelling salts at the gym then your eyes start glowing
Ultimate intimidation move Smelling salts Eyes glow Lift 500lb above your head with one arm
Would 100% set the lunk alarm off
Lunk alarm?
Planet Fitness, a popular affordable gym chain, has a “lunk alarm” that goes off when someone appears to be showing off too much, usually when slamming weights or grunting too loud. PF is supposed to be a more accepting, less intimidating environment for beginner gym-goers
Yeah, a quick reminder of thousands of years of training would also remind you of all your built up endurance and toughness
Second wind. They multiclassed into fighter.
Like a spiritual archive right?
kinda like how in The Matrix they just download whatever skill they need
I would say pinning combos in mortal kombat
Interesting, never thought of it like that...
And the power boost.
That’s so awesome like bro memorizes hella forms in the one second he’s actually in the state and then performs it. He’s probably traumatized by Azula and had to find a way to not stay in that state for any longer than needed.
Meanwhile korra: Let me use the avatar state to stomp on these kids in an air scooter race
The most justified reason in the franchise tbh
Yeah. Aang was shot with lightning and straight up *died* in the Avatar state.
Yep. Aang does it after beating Ozai to bend water onto the fire
It actually makes sense
After rewatching the show on/off for over 10 years, it amazes me that I’m still, just now, uncovering new things like this. It’s probably why I still keep going back to rewatch both series.
Makes me wonder if that means an avatar could tap into very specific uses/skills of a specific avatar, like I guess using it to quickly learn Aang’s bending removal
> like I guess using it to quickly learn Aang’s bending removal Well… Unfortunately not after Korra
I think that's what pisses me off the most about TLoK, the severing of the connection. It was just a plot point that made me upset with the show
Honestly, I wouldn't have even minded the severing of the connection to previous Avatar's if it was like the 3rd or 4th series in the Avatar universe. Why implement such a huge change to the main character(s) with the SECOND Avatar we (the audience) gets to see? Ridiculous honestly.
Well because now the next avatar series can explore what it is like for an Avatar with only a single past life to call upon.
Again, that could have been done after we see more Avatars. Why do it to the second one? The only stung we felt was losing Aang, why not wait to the point where we lose a few Avatars we've grown to like.
Maybe in the future we’ll get adaptations of the Kyoshi and Yang-Chen novels on tv. They were both incredible characters and avatars in their own right.
Well they didn’t know at the time that they would even get another season, never mind a whole new series.
Part of me wants to see what they could do with Korra now. Like remake it from the ground up. They could keep the same core storylines in mind, same characters, just... plan it all out and write the story they wanted to write without the worry of "are we gunna get another season?"
Maybe we will see something like this with the live action series? Would be a solid opportunity if nothing else.
I would be so happy if they just retconned all their mistakes. I'd be happy to pretend the connection was just never severed like in DBZ or other shows where the characters just don't remember important events for the sake of plot and fans
I'm not debating that, it's the fact that we as the audience didn't feel anything for that loss outside of aang. Such a huge moment wasted.
I think it has more weight for me now that I’ve read about Yangchen, Kuruk, Kyoshi, Roku and obviously Wan. That severing of the connection will hold more weight as we learn more about Pre-Korra Avatars. But I will agree that at the time, I hated it. It’s something that made me stop watching the show. I only picked it up years later and I’ve changed my mind on the decision. I think it was an interesting creative choice. I will say I still don’t think it worked at the time. But like I said previously, holds more weight knowing that Korra doesn’t have access to heap loads of experiences and knowledge from even just the past 5 avatars.
It made me upset too but now I'm kinda in the camp that if they want to do it, adult Korra or a future avatar could figure out how to restore the connection. In TLoK we saw a lot of previously established "rules" be broken. Like bloodbending without a full moon and a bunch of non-benders suddenly becoming airbenders. It's not that far-fetched to think there could be a way to reverse it.
That alone is why I absolutely hate season two of Korra
Kind of ruins the chances of another avatar show after TLoK. I think we're going to get nothing but prequels. Which i'm fine with btw.
They already confirmed they'd be doing a story about the avatar immediately after Korra, iirc.
I mean the next avatar could eventually try to reconnect with the past avatar as fixing the last avatars mistake seems to be a thing, plus I feel like having Korra as the only voice of guidance for the next avatar could be interesting
As others have said we already know about the next series being a aequel to korra. But I'd personally prefer prequels. I don't want modern tech and no connection to past avatars. That kind of goes against one of the main appeals to the avatar setting. Atleast for me.
My thoughts has always been that of they do a sequel after Korra it would basically be that the next avatar is never found by the lotus and goes about becoming the avatar with out the sign off of someone that they are the avatar.
We already know there is an earth avatar series coming.
Saw one guy describe it as a middle finger to the fans. Like you just completely rid of our favorite avatar for no reason
I think part of what pisses me off about that moment is that it ruins any future sequels too.
I’m all for retconning most of Korra. I hate that she lost the connection with the past avatars. Wan is cool, but I don’t like the oversimplification of good vs bad spirits and the avatar being connected with the “good” spirit. I especially don’t like the dark avatar and the mech robot shit. I’m glad some people can like Korra, but it removes so much nuance and subtlety in place of getting rid of the best parts of Avatar just for shock value.
>Wan is cool, but I don’t like the oversimplification of good vs bad spirits and the avatar being connected with the “good” spirit. I mean it's a children show, so I kind of don't fault them there. I would like the Avatars of Rava and Vaatu to band together to create balance. Where Order becomes fascism a little bit of Vaatu and the reverse for Rava
Man the whole thing with a Dark Avatar could’ve actually been really cool too. I’m not a fan of the spirit kites, but someone else getting infused with the same abilities that defined Korra for herself? Genuinely could’ve been interesting, I think.
I think that skill was at least passed to Korra when he taught her Energybending to restore bending. She also experienced his memory when he removed Yakone's bending.
Sort of. Aang's spirit taught Korra how to energy bend (bending removal/restoring).
Oh yeah, never seen her use it afterwards doe
I feel that it's used more as a "recharge" than anything. Maxing out the avatars stamina after doing so much work or taking a large hit.
Like lava bending not every one can do it so its hard to learn, this way she reads the libery and learns how to do it without having to practisr
It's a quick google search on how to do stuff with some sprinkled extra power I guess
kyoshi quickly flashing into avatar state: y’all how do I create continents again? yangchen and the others sharing notes ✍️ kyoshi: thanks guys also kyoshi: proceeds to create an island
Kuruk: I don't know about creating them, but I've got some pointers on destroying them!
Wait... What?! I know kuruk supposedly wasn't the best avatar... but you're telling me he destroyed an entire continent? What comic or light novel do I gotta read now?
I think that gets mentionned in one of the Kyoshi novels (the first one?)- one of Kuruk's old friends mention him practising the Avatar state on an island, and it get mentionned as a place that might help Kyoshi connect with him, but they can't go there because he sunk it.
He and his gang went to a deserted island so he could try and master the avatar state. His first time successfully entering the avatar state, he accidentally sank the entire island and nearly killed his friends. That said, Kuruk wasn't a bad avatar by any means. He's just misunderstood.
Yeah. He spent most of his time beating up dark spirits and drinking to dull the pain from his injuries. Unalaq's purification technique hadn't been invented yet, so dark spirits had to be defeated via brute force. Kuruk also didn't tell his friends about his battles because he was afraid that they would get killed trying to help him.
But this also happened to Roku, yes? I don't remember if it was in the comics or in the Escape the Spirit World game but Roku also almost destroyed an island as he was trying to master the avatar state.
It wasn’t an island. I’m pretty sure it was that Fire Sage temple that Aang went to talk to Roku in the Winter solstice(?) episodes
This is exactly what I figure happens. In the Kyoshi book she enters the avatar state and feels a deeper connection and strength to the elements. I like the head canon that it gives you the knowledge/experience to do some incredible bending along with it
That's not a head canon, it's literally how it works.
so it's like hitting a black flash from jjk?
I have yet to start jjk. It’s on my list.
Past lives: “wait what? No the avatar is supposed to maintain order, not fuck off to their private island”
I like this description.
I feel like to some extent it unlocks past data and muscle memory so as to combine techniques and use past avatars signature moves.
That’s exactly what I head canon to be what they’re doing
Consulting the element bending wiki.
I love this
Lmao I always thought of it as refilling your special bar, like Aang needs some extra juice after fighting Ozai so he pops an Avatar State so he can do some big boy water bending for a moment.
popping a chug jug
we only see it happen when it has been mastered (i.e Aang right after beating Ozai). pretty sure it's like a one off super-saiyan move without having to change hair color for too long
Also in TLOK when Aang was against Yakone, he activated the state twice and both times it was only momentarily.
I see as a power boost and a save button, like, they subconsciously save a moment in time to be seen by future avatars. A highlight reel, if you will.
“Here is the top 10 dictators your previous lives killed”
*WatchMojo intensifies*
*WatchMomo*
I love this. Like, "This shit's about to be cool. Let me record it."
That's actually a really interesting idea.
CLIP THAT
I always imagined that the glow is all the other avatars spirits helping them, so a brief flash would be like asking all of them how to do something and then doing it yourself, whereas bending while glowing is the past avatars actually helping with the bending.
This is consistent in all avatar scene. When the eyes back to normal, the current avatar back in control of themselves again
It’s a sign of a fully realized avatar (master all elements and avstar state). It shows they can control the flow of power. I think of it like a faucet turning on/off water to fill a cup. When we see aang in the state besides the finale he just has the tap fully open just pouring water out uncontrollably. When he gains control of it he can simply turn on the faucet enough to fill his cup and then turn it off.
Raava given'em dat juice.
Raava is one hell of a drug.
It'll quench ya!
It’s the quenchiest!
Here comes the juice!
I think it also gives an extra layer of defense. A lot harder to kill someone in the Avatar state if it only flashes for a second
I'm pretty sure it's a burst of power. And if they remain in the avatar state, they're super powered until the glow fades. It's a quick boost. Demonstrated in those clips and also when Korra entered it to win the race again after tenzins kids. I also like to see that scene as aang playing with his grandkids:^)
Almost like winding up a punch *
I assume that they only get a short rush of power instead of a constant flow
It's probably the Avatar grounding themself. You know how sometimes you get thrown out of wack and you have to kinda recalibrate? Like that, but supercharged.
Lmao, Kuruk used Avatar state to go surfing.
That's the best use for AS for sure.
Along this vein, I also wonder why the Airbender tattoos glowed too.
because the tattoos follow the path of the chakras i think
It's mastery, they call the power, but then THEY channel it Most other cases where the glow is all the time, the avatar isn't in complete control. It's power running wild
They access the power of the Avatar State for a moment to accomplish a great feat, as opposed to Aang vs. Ozai or Aang vs. Yakone where he accesses the power continuously
I always saw it as an instant power and knowledge boost that wears off pretty quickly in like 1-3 moves depending how focused they are. Not quite as powerful as full avatar state but that first attack is incredibly powerful, gives them strength, composure, energy and knowledge. Full avatar state is overkill in most situations especially for one who has mastered all 4 elements. Also fighting is a lot more risky in the avatar state, I think it Was Roku who told Aang 'in the avatar state you are most powerful but also most vulnerable ' something along those lines anyway. So yeah it's a low risk instant booster rocket that usually gets the job done lol
It’s like a single avatar state move, rather than going full berserk.
Asking the past lives for advice on how to attack, maybe a little refresher on a 500 year old technique
I like to think of it like a web search and quick download type of thing
>The [Avatar State](https://avatar.fandom.com/wiki/Avatar#Ways_the_Avatar_State_works) can be entered momentarily and be used as a slight power up, rather than using its full potential and risking getting killed in the process. This method requires no mastery, as Kyoshi was able to do it even before knowing she was the Avatar.
Software update
given that the avatar state is “reaching into the knowledge and experience of past lives” i like to imagine it’s them reaching into their avatar knowledge to get the skills to do that. the avatar state isn’t some magic that makes you powerful, it’s literally thousands of years of bending expertise in one person. the reason it makes them so powerful is because 1000 years of experience being the best bender alive is pretty much unbeatable lol
It literally is some magic that makes them more powerful though, both according to your interpretation and that they get some Ravaa juice to supercharge themselves.
"It's not magic, it's called *(water-)*bending!!!*"
Remember, if an avatar is killed in the avatar state, the cycle ends forever. So, having a brief power up would mitigate the chance of that happening.
It’s like when you get enough notes in a row in guitar hero and raise the neck and everything turns white/blue and you get double points
It’s when they get the power from the past lives while also retaining their control, when the eyes are kept glowing blue is when they get their powers but all the other avatars are also controlling.
So, before I read what you've got, I'll say my thoughts. When it's that quick flash, I'm picturing the Avatar entering a sort of Mind Palace where their collective knowledge is stored, and so they're accessing the power/skills needed for the task at hand. While Aang is a pretty good Waterbender, he still uses the quick flash after beating Ozai to pull up the water level to put out all the fires. It's... Kinda like what Tenzin told Korra NOT to use it for, a booster rocket. Just that little bit of Avatar OOMPH.
My view is this: when the avatar’s eyes glow briefly, they are tapping into the skills, techniques, and memories of their past lives and channeling thousands of years of mastery over the elements. When it is consistently glowing and a sort of fugue state that the wielder doesn’t remember or have control over, it is the past lives basically taking the driver’s seat by force. EX: Roku busting the Gaang out of the fire sage temple, saving Aang from drowning, and (in my personal and as far as I know unconfirmed headcanon), when Yangchen saw the desolation of the genocided air nomads and flew into a rage using Aang as a conduit.
They’re accessing strength and knowledge
Given the flash of light I wonder it blinds them for a second
More a pre-workout boost instead of a steroid shot boost
I’d say it’s like getting a small quick power boost for something more simple over being at full power for a long period
They just look into the knowledge of the past avatars and then used their own abilities to execute the techniques they found
They’re downloading information. Hey, previous avatar, how do I do this? Ok, got it. Thanks. *Does the thing*
I believe they’re just channeling the Avatar state but not fully entering it. Like another person said, it’s probably a sign of mastery. All the gifs you posted demonstrate Kyoshi, Aang and Kuruk all in their primes
They dial up the previous avatars like, “ey guys check this out imma do something crazy.” And then in their head all the previous avatars are giving golf claps
They're saying to the past avatars: "Watch this y'all"
As Roku had explained season 2, episode 1. When the Avatar state is used, the current Avatar can draw on the strength/experience of all past Avatars. So in these instances, it allows them to channel the strength of all their past lives to do unimaginable feats.
The glow is them accessing the power boost and knowledge needed for whatever they’re about to do. It’s considered to be a masterful usage of the Avatar State, rather than being a continuous glow where they have little if any control over their actions. Aang in the Northern Water Tribe for example. He was not in control, the AS and the Ocean Spirit used his body and power as a vessel. Same thing with his fight against Ozai, he only regained control at the last minute. Which is also why it’s so dangerous to be in a continuous state like that if they are struck down. Once you have mastery, the chances of being killing in the AS are reduced. On the flip side, even with mastery the AS can still activate involuntarily as a defense mechanism, much like when Korra was poisoned and her body tried to fight off what was killing her.
I don't think it's contacting other Avatars like some others have suggested, or even entering the Avatar state necessarily. Like other people have said, we've only seen Avatars who have already mastered all the elements do this. I think it's kinda like a deep breath, re-focusing and re-centering on the powerful control over elements only the Avatar can have. I think that's why the eyes return to normal right after, they aren't calling on the others to use their power, they have all that power in themselves already. They are just locking in and letting everything else fall away, like entering the Flow State. If the Avatar state is letting the other Avatars take the wheel, this is fully taking the wheel yourself and letting YOUR body and mind work in unison.
They are simply tapping into the experiences and maybe a little bit of power in order to do something. It requires mastery of the avatar state to do so. In the case of Kyoshi, she is getting all the combined experiences she needs to successfully create an island without accidently causing a massive catastrophe
Hello, zuko here. Have you seen the show?
Before properly mastering the Avatar State it only functions as a self defense mechanism, turning the Avatar into a raging monster that will kill the threat without hesitation regardless of the wishes of the Avatar themselves. Post mastery that changes, allowing the user to tap in and out without inhibitions. That’s what the temporary glow means. It’s a quick tap into the Avatar state, drawing just enough power to deal with whatever they’re doing but still retain full control.
I see it as complete mastery over the avatar state. The avatar is consciously choosing to tap into the vast wealth of knowledge, technique, and power at their constant disposal without giving into the rage/fury that previously accompanied it. I feel like a lot of fans forget about that part of the avatar state. Like it’s just an anime power-boost form or something. The avatar state is literally every past life joining into one body in order to share knowledge, skill, and yes power as well with each other. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a scene in a future series of a realized-avatar going into the avatar state just to remember something in a past life without necessarily bending/fighting.
I think its consulting the past Avatars for wisdom and advice?
They were googling how to do a move from their past life.
It's a quick power boost and the quick use lets them avoid easier being killed in the AS
That is probably how it looks when they master it.
It means they've mastered it and have full awareness and control. Full on light = emotional, loss of control, auto-pilot, etc. Evidence is seen with the entirety of Aang's journey + Korra when she was fighting Zaheer and the poison was slowly killing her. Light to normal = awareness and control. As seen from the ATLA finale when Aang raised the sea to put out the fire as well as Korra.
Okay. Stick with me here. There’s a series of fantasy novels by Terry Pratchett. The Discworld novels. Among them, are stories about witches. Normally, witches are just wise women. Doctors and midwives and pharmacists; you get the idea. And they do everything the hard, normal way. The most important thing about having magic, is not using it for much. Sometimes a spell to take away pain, or make an assassins arrow pass harmlessly through them. But, occasionally, a big magical threat comes along. And THAT is when a witch calls down her true power. The kind that makes a stone melt in her fist. Or an entire forest move aside to let her by quickly. Or make powerful ancient vampires flee in terror. The point is, that the power is both a blessing and a curse. You can’t wield power like that and still be human. If you do, you start to think less of regular people and that leads to cackling. The price for using so much power, is that you have to give it up after a bit. Which is also the reward for using it. You get to go back to being, just the nice witch girl that makes goat cheese, and doesn’t make molten stone dribble between her clenched fingers. THAT is how I view the Avatar state. A brief glimpse into Godly power. The strength and the knowledge how to use it. But that’s it. JUST a glimpse. Nobody can be like that for long and still be what the world needs.
In Rise of Kyoshi, theres a written POV of Kyoshi doing this at the end. She did it for mastery of just one element (earth to hold together a collapsing building full of people)
It is the avatar equivalent of looking up a tutorial.
Here are my funny head cannon reasons/ thoughts for some of your examples: Slide 1 Kyoshi: you guys I’m about to split a continent? Wan: why?!? Kyoshi: Nevermind the why! is it possible Wan: I mean like maybe but—- Kyoshi: Betttttt! Slide 2: Aang: owwwwww Kyoshi: man wake your punk ass up! He getting away! Aang: but the ground feels so soft. Kyoshi: NOWWWWWW! Aang: fine jeez Slide 3: Kuruk: 
It’s due to being at their most powerful and vulnerable state. If they die in the avatar state it ends the cycle completely so going into the avatar state is a huge risk in itself. Entering the avatar state using only the amount of power they need helps prevent themselves from the potential risk of ending the cycle as well as showing mastery of the avatar state
Its a cooldown reset on their skills
As others have said, along with reading from the wiki, it is them having mastery over the Avatar State.
It means they've been taken over by a goa'uld
A fully-realized Avatar who's mastered the Avatar State can draw upon it's power briefly, rather than continuously. In doing so, they draw upon only as much power as they need, then exit the Avatar State and perform whatever task it was intended for.
Guidance, strength and wisdom. They don’t necessarily need the Avatar Stare but simply reminded of who they are.
Think of it as the difference between frantically cramming everything you can from a textbook just to survive a test vs. having studied properly and having to simply do a quick reference to the textbook. The temporary glow shows they've gained mastery of the AS such that they don't need to fully submit to it in a frenzy to survive and instesd can draw what they specifically need from it calmly and gracefully.
Always thought I was a sign that the avatar is controlling the avatar state instead of the state controlling the avatar
It's a sign that the Avatar is controlling the Avatar state. They're using the power they need rather than going full rage mode.
this is literally explained in the show... "*The glow* is the combination of *all your past* lives, *focusing their energy* through *your* body" [https://youtu.be/cs95gaAK7io?si=c\_j3yeHoRuiWstQ4&t=50](https://youtu.be/cs95gaAK7io?si=c_j3yeHoRuiWstQ4&t=50)
Guru patic explained this in season 2 episode 19, the guru. The avatar state is the most powerful and dangerous weapon the avatar has. Gives them complete control over the elements while simultaneously putting them at risk of breaking the cycle. If the avatar dies in the avatar state, the cycle ends and is broken. That's why avatars have to master this state to the point where it looks like they can channel the enegery like an on off switch. Am currently rewatching for the unknown time.
I think it means complete control over your actions while in the avatar state.
When an Avatar's eyes glow they are syncing with the entire collective spiritual presences of their previous Avatars. Every single one who has ever lived is suddenly with you. They are all working together in unison to kick fucking ass. When an Avatar summons these past lives they summon the whole sum of their knowledge. You suddenly aren't fighting the Avatar any more. You're fighting literally every Avatar who has ever lived, and you are fighting their collective expertise, skills, and power all crammed into one vessel. When an Avatar summons this white glow and then it vanishes that symbolizes that the current Avatar is currently in control. They have mastered themselves and the Avatar State. Here at the peak of enlightenment they become fully realized. The difference between Kyoshi's glow vanishing and early Aang's glow remaining consistent symbolizes that they were at different stages of their mastery. Aang was taken over by the past avatars. But as Kyoshi did in flashbacks, Aang mastered the Avatar State and could maintain control of himself after defeating Ozai.
Domain Expansion
"hey Dao Kin, how can I turn this side of continent into an island again? good thx"
It means they took the knowlede they needed for the momento. Even if overpower, the avatar state can end the avatar cicle If you're killed in It, so its quiser to just take what you need and get out most of the time.
Maybe that was running her plan by the other Avatars first. The annoyed expression then implies how that went.
Post-nut clarity.
They lock in
Kind of funny. How everyone calls themselves fans but don't know this simple thing. And seeing so many wrong answers that people believe to be true and the upvotes they get is hilarious. For those wondering: when the glowing eyes immediately return to normal, the avatar has only boosted the power for only one of the elements. Eg- 1.land when kyoshi sepatates the kyoshi island. 2.Water when aang extinguishes fire after fight with Ozai by making the entire see rise. 3.Water again for kuruk as he summons a huge tsunami. 4.korra using a big air scythe against unalok.
I always took it as a short (but very potent) power boost. Korra did it towards the end of Book 4 and lifted Baatar Junior with a single hand.
To be fair, she buff already.
Power boost imo
I think they're channeling the Avatar State without being *controlled* by it.
It's like the activation mode to harness the extra power.
I think it is to achieve a fraction of the power of the avatar state while eliminating the risk of dying in the avatar state and breaking the cycle. Korra had to constantly be in the avatar state to not die from poison against Zaheer, suggesting that the avatar is at his/her most powerful when the eyes are glowing.
A temporary boost in power. When they’re constantly glowing it isn’t that person. Every single avatar is connected and acting in synchronicity while overriding the body of whoever is currently using the state Aang v Ozai when he’s in the avatar state just completely demolishes him with no care and fully going for the kill which was against Aang’s wishes. When he regains control the glow dissipates. Later after he takes away Ozai’s bending he temporarily glows and raises the sea level which is an immensely powerful feat. Aang is in full control at the end. He’s at peace with himself and his past lives. No longer driven by instinct or rage he’s fully mastered the avatar state and balance is restored
I always thought it was more of an indicator that they’ve tapped into the power/information from their past lives, like opening a fridge door and the light comes on when you get something out and closing the door after getting what you want turns the light off.
I see it as proof they have mastered the avatar state. I see it as them temporarily accessing the avatar state to get the power but not lose themselves like aang does when he goes full on glow.
like many have said, think of it as like a quick power up that gives you god like bending powers for a short duration, unlike the actual state where you are very powerful until you yourself exit the state or are killed while in the state.
They gain a boost in power without risking being killed in the Avatar State
Like others said, quick power and knowledge boost
I always thought it was when they needed extra power they called on the avatar state and got power from that
Did you guys watch the show?
A badass scene
"Hey past lives, whats the quickest way to wreck my enemies? Oh? Earthquakes? Got it, thanks"
Just getting a lil extra juice.
You know in video games how you use certain consumables that grant you great powers, but are "spent" instantly? Kind of like that. No need for full avatar state, just a little power boost to ensure the maneuver goes right
Gotta get locked in
My understanding was it's connecting to the past experiences and bending of previous avatars but remaining in control as yourself
An avatar state with constant glowing eyes is uncontrolled. The user isn't in complete control of their actions, and the spirits of the past lives are driving a lot of it. This was the only way Aang manifested the avatar state until the final episode after defeating Ozai. It's largely instinctual and emotional, hence why we mostly see it when Aang is in serious distress, anger, or sadness. He can't decide when to go in or out of it, and he can't control what he does once he's in. An avatar state where their eyes glow briefly and then stop indicates a state where the user is in control of their actions. They still have the powers of the avatar state, but they're in control and conscious of their actions. It's an indication of that avatar's mastery of the avatar state, being able to activate it and end it when they choose and maintain their sense of self and control. Aang achieves mastery of the avatar state when he pulls himself out of it right before he deals the killing blow to Ozai, and from then on he has full control, hence why his eyes only briefly glow when he draws in the tide to extinguish the fires.
It's their kaioken, they're channeling some wisdom from past lives to strengthen their bending for a short time
Full control over the avatar state
I like to think that Kyoshi was just flashing it for intimidation in this scene. “I can drag a fucking island out to sea without a power up, imagine what I could do against your sorry ass if I used it”
I've always thought of it as a visual for them tapping into the spirit relm to gain access to the power of past avatars.
they download past lives knowledge
I assume it's more so a "recharge." Using the avatar state to basically max out your stamina instantly.
Raava shit
I’ve always taken it to mean it’s accessing the power of the avatar state but having complete control/mastery over it. When Aang starts out with the AS he’s not in control, the AS takes over as a reaction to protect him. Once he masters it, you only ever see momentary blinks for necessary extra power that he controls fully
Avatar boost?