Here is a closer look at Iroh's firebending evolution.
As we study Iroh, we'll explore how this humble man became
the legendary Dragon of the West.
Iroh's firebending stems from several different styles;
the original style, Sozin's style and his own styl.
Here we'll break down how Iroh used each style
to become a full fledged maste. During Fire Lord Sozin's reign,
firebending focused its power on destruction and aggression.
Water brings healing and life...
but fire brings only destruction and pain.
It forces those of us burdened with its care
to walk a razor's edge between humanity and savagery.
Iroh and Ozai became extremely powerful firebenders.
But Iroh always knew there was more to the element.
Fire wasn't always the element of anger and destruction.
But the original ways had been lost in history.
As a young man, Iroh traveled the world and studied benders
and non-benders from the other nations.
He learned to take the styles
from benders of different elements
and incorporate them into his own bending.
It is important to draw wisdom from many different places.
If we take it from only one place,
it becomes rigid and stale.
Understanding others, the other elements
and the other nations will help you become whole.
During his journey, he found the secretive Sun Warriors.
Their civilization was home to the original form
of firebending that was passed down
from the dragons.
[screaming]
[gasping]
I understand.
The dragon's technique was thousands of years old
and hadn't been practiced in over a century.
We'll just tap dance our way to victory over the Fire Lord.
It's a sacred form that happens to be thousands of years old!
Oh, yeah? What's your little form called?
The Dancing Dragon.
[laughing]
Ran and Shaw were the last known dragons
in the world, so in order to keep them a secret,
Iroh claimed he killed them
and earned the title of Dragon of the West.
I can't believe there are still living dragons.
My Uncle Iroh said he faced the last dragon and killed it.
So your uncle lied.
Actually, it wasn't a total lie.
Iroh was the last outsider to face the masters.
They deemed him worthy
and passed the secret on to him as well.
Using what he learned from the masters,
he became a great general for the Fire Nation.
He found success in not just his bending,
but his wisdom and strategic thinking.
He was as wise as he was stron.
It's pretty wild how close he came
to conquering Ba Sing Se and taking over the world.
I hope you all may see it someday...
if we don't burn it to the ground first.
[laughing]
But his son, Lu Ten fought alongside him
and died in battle.
My beloved Lu Ten, I will see you again.
After his death, Iroh abandoned the siege of Ba Sing Se,
and disappeared for a long tim.
No one knew for sure where he went.
Some say he traveled to the Spirit World.
We know Iroh can see spirits
whenever they're in the human world,
so it's no surprise that he also has
a strong spiritual connection.
[gasping]
What's the problem?
Nothing.
When he eventually returned to the Fire Nation,
he wanted to pass down what he learned
to his nephew, Prince Zuko.
No. Power in firebending comes from the breath.
Not the muscles.
The breath becomes energy in the body.
The energy extends past your limbs and becomes fire.
During their travels,
we saw Iroh's skills on full display,
and we don't just mean his firebending.
[screaming]
As a former general, Iroh is a master tactician.
He was always planning ahead while never being too erratic.
He and Zuko never feared being outnumbered
and were always one step ahead of their opponents.
It's five against two. You're clearly outnumbered.
Ah, that's true, but you are clearly outmatched.
[grunting]
[groaning]
[grunting]
[groaning]
One of the more crucial lessons he taught Zuko was
how to redirect lightning,
a powerful but potentially deadly skill,
Iroh, however, developed a special technique
after carefully studying different forms of waterbendin.
From the stomach, you direct it up again and out the other arm.
The stomach detour is critical.
You must not let the lightning pass
through your heart,
where the damage could be deadly.
You may wish to try a physical motion to get a feel
for the pathways flow, like this.
Now, are you focusing your energy?
Can you feel your own chi flowing
in, down, up and out?
I think so.
Come on, you've got the feel the flow.
He taught this technique to Zuko,
who in turn passed it down to Avatar Aang.
[screaming]
Iroh's philosophy was to study and adapt to the other element.
Again, it's all about balance. He never panics.
Part of what makes him a great bender is
his quick thinking.
Did I ever tell you how I got the nickname
The Dragon of the West?
I'm not interested in a lengthy anecdote, Uncle.
It's more of a demonstration, really.
As a prisoner, he used the time he had to plan out
an immaculate escape.
He took advantage of the eclipe
and literally fought his way out.
Where's my uncle?!
He's gone. He busted himself out.
I've never seen anything like it.
He was like a one man army.
We've already seen what makes Iroh so strong.
Now imagine seeing everything amplified
with the power of Sozin's comet.
Only once every hundred years
can a firebending experience this kind of power.
[screaming]
Even when Iroh past on,
he crossed over to the Spirit World.
From there, he would guide lost souls
and even help out the Avatar.
I don't know what do.
Just because you are the Avatar
doesn't mean you will have all the answers.
I know many Avatars have needed guidance,
but I'm the only one since Avatar Wan
that can't get help from my past lives.
I wish I could talk to Aang.
You know Zuko and Aang were close friends.
Lord Zuko, of course.
Yes, my nephew.
Their relationship started off a little rocky,
but they grew to become lifelong friends.
Best friends.
Thank you. Thank you so much.
You're right about the Spirit World.
I came here looking for someone else,
but I'm glad I found you.
And that wraps up Iroh's bending evolution.
Which bender should we break down next?
Let us know in the comments and don't forget to subscribe
for all things Avatar.
Get out of the water.
Very well.
On second thought, why don't you take
another few minutes, but be back at the ship
in half an hour or I'm leaving without you.
[sighing]