In the Avatar series (both The Last Airbender and Legend of Korra) I noticed that there seems to be a difference in how each bender produces their respective elements. A fire bender seems to be able to call fire at will and bend it. However, water benders are seen primarily bending water that is already near their person. Earth benders definitely can't produce their own earth-like materials in which to bend; they can really only manipulate their surroundings. And of course it seems that air benders simply use the air around them.
So my question is: how does each bender produce their element and how does it differ for each class of bending? For example: Why can a fire bender seem to call forth fire at will yet an earth bender has to use something in their surroundings?
Answer
You are correct in that Firebenders are the only Benders who can create their own element. Waterbenders must draw their water from around them, although they can get creative with this: notably, Katara bended with her own sweat, and Hama drew water from plants around her. Earthbenders also must have actual earth present to bend, or metal with a sufficient amount of impurity from the earth. Airbenders also appear to need outside air. Since we have seen no Airbenders in a vacuum, we can't really confirm that, but it makes sense.
Regarding Firebenders, they are able to produce their own flame. Why? For a very long time, Firebenders were taught that their rage and hatred fueled their Fire. When Zuko abandons his anger towards the Avatar and begins to help him, his Fire dissipated pathetically. In the episode "The Firebending Masters," they learned that Firebending isn't just about hatred or outside heat; it is about energy and life force.
Aang: All this time, I thought firebending was destruction. Since I hurt Katara, I've been too afraid and hesitant. But now I know what it really is... it's energy, and life.
Zuko: Yeah. It's like the Sun, but inside of you.
Fire is a manifestation of energy being spent. By focusing their energy, they can create Fire, which is ultimately an expression of energy. The cold can dampen Fire, as can the loss of the Sun's energy. A comet brings even more energy close by to draw from.
Lightningbending, the subset of Firebending, is a true manifestation of control over energy. Zuko was unable to master it because his rage was uncontrolled, as was most Firebenders. Azula was a master at it, just as she was a master of manipulating and controlling her emotions (this can also be seen in her skill at lying, which was undetectable even to Toph) to achieve her desired result. In the episode "Bitter Work," Iroh gives this explanation of Lightningbending:
Iroh: Lightning is a pure expression of firebending, without aggression. It is not fueled by rage or emotion the way other firebending is. Some call lightning the cold-blooded fire. It is precise and deadly, like Azula. To perform the technique requires peace of mind.
Zuko: I see. That's why we're drinking tea: To calm the mind.
Iroh: Oh yeah, good point! I mean, yes.
Iroh: There is energy all around us. The energy is both yin and yang; positive energy and negative energy. Only a select few firebenders can separate these energies. This creates an imbalance. The energy wants to restore balance and in a moment the positive and negative energy come crashing back together. You provide release and guidance, creating lightning.
In short, Firebenders can produce their own Fire because it comes from within their souls. Whether fueled by energized rage or by focused positive energy, Fire comes from within. Having the ability to balance your energy perfectly unlocks the most powerful Firebending art: Lightningbending.
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