Lightning redirection

Lightning redirection is a technique within Firebending, allowing a Firebender to absorb lightning into their body as energy, then release the lightning in a more desirable direction. The technique was developed by Iroh after he studied master Waterbenders, who redirect force rather than oppose it head-on. Lightning redirection works equally well for natural and generated lightning.

The technique was first demonstrated by Iroh in "The Storm", in which he used it to protect a Fire Navy ship and its crew from a lightning strike, then again in "The Avatar State", while fighting Azula.

In the episode "Bitter Work", Iroh agreed to teach this technique to his nephew Zuko, after Zuko was unable to learn lightning generation. Iroh explained that the lightning need to go in through the arms, down to the stomach and out the other arm. In his words, "The energy must travel in the arm down into the stomach. The stomach is the sea of chi. Or mine is a vast ocean. Then the energy travels up and out of the other arm. The stomach detour is vital. You must not let the energy pass through your heart or the result may be deadly." After Zuko learns the technique to his satisfaction, he demands that Iroh shoot lightning at him so that he can practice the move, but Iroh refuses. Zuko seeks out a lightning storm at the end of the episode, but it is not made clear whether any lightning strikes him. He is not seen using the technique against real lightning in this episode.

In the Book 3 episode "The Day of Black Sun, Part 2: The Eclipse", Fire Lord Ozai, Zuko's father, shoots lightning at Zuko once the solar eclipse ends. Zuko expertly absorbs and redirects the lightning back towards Ozai.