Korra


 * This article is about the character. For the series, see The Legend of Korra.

"water"

- I'm the Avatar! You gotta deal with it!

Avatar Korra, originally from the Southern Water Tribe, is the Avatar immediately succeeding Aang. A talented and eager-to-learn bender, Korra has already mastered waterbending, earthbending and firebending, but has yet to understand airbending. Hotheaded and rebellious, Korra fully accepts and relishes her role as "The Chosen One", and believes that being a powerful bender is all that it takes to be a great Avatar. The resulting lack of spiritual development is one of the reasons Korra has been unable to overcome her airbending block or connect with the Spirit World.

Background
Korra was born to Tonraq and Senna in the Southern Water Tribe after the death of Avatar Aang. She discovered at the age of four that she was the Avatar, a fact she proudly announced to the Order of the White Lotus when they came on her family's request. After performing waterbending, earthbending, and firebending before them, her identity as the Avatar was established, and her training to become a fully realized Avatar began in earnest under the Order's watchful eye. Over the next thirteen years, Korra became a prodigy in waterbending and earthbending, and by 170 ASC, her firebending training was almost complete.

Arrival in Republic City
At the age of seventeen, Korra demonstrated her firebending prowess to the Order of the White Lotus and Katara, her waterbending teacher. Although expressing concerns over her lack of restraint and ignorance on spiritual matters, the leader of the White Lotus decided that she had successfully mastered fire, her third element, and was ready to commence her airbending training under Tenzin's tutelage. However, Korra's airbending training was put on hold when Tenzin announced that the imbalance in Republic City was preventing him from leaving the city to relocate to the Southern Water Tribe as planned. Unhappy, she unilaterally decided that if Tenzin could not come to her, she would go to him. With Katara's blessing, she stowed away on a cargo ship headed for the city with Naga, her polar bear dog and animal guide.



Upon their arrival in Republic City, Korra and Naga roamed the city, discovering for themselves just how out of balance it really was with its unequal division of wealth and rampant street crime. In the park, Korra comes across an Equalist protester trying to bring together non-benders to join Amon and the Equalists. After she calls bending "the coolest thing in the world" and openly considering to waterbend the protester off of his platform, the non-benders get riled up against her. After successfully thwarting members of the Triple Threat Triad, Korra found herself apprehended by the Metalbending Police Force on charges of destruction of private and city property. After an unsuccessful runaway attempt, she was brought to the police headquarters, where she was interrogated by a displeased Chief Lin Beifong. Although Tenzin managed to persuade her to drop all the charges against Korra, Lin made it very clear that she would keep an eye on the young Avatar.

Even though Tenzin had promised to send Korra back home again, she managed to persuade him to let her stay, as he now realized that Republic City needed its Avatar. She was allowed to stay and commence her airbending training on Air Temple Island under Tenzin's tutelage. Her decision to take residence at Air Temple Island was publicly announced during a press conference in front of City Hall in Republic City, during which she stated that "Avatar Aang meant for this city to be the center of peace and balance in the world," and that she would strive to obtain that goal.

Pro-bending


Korra found herself struggling with the "element of freedom", eventually destroying a priceless Air Nomad training tool in a fit of rage. She continually found herself frustrated at her inability to airbend, and by the fact that Tenzin would not allow her to attend a pro-bending match, something she wanted to watch since childhood. Unwilling to sit idle on the island, she snuck off at night so she could finally attend a match at the arena. Upon arriving, she was caught exploring the arena's gym by Toza, but was bailed out by Bolin, who stated she was "with him". Following her rescuer, she was guided to the playing area where she was introduced to Bolin's brother, Mako. She hung around for the match, and became enthralled with the sport and the Fire Ferret team. After the match, Bolin taught her some basics, and Korra proved herself to be a natural.

When the Fire Ferrets' waterbender, Hasook, appeared to be a "no-show" for the final match, Korra jumped at the chance to take his spot and compete. Early on, her inexperience showed when she committed two quick fouls, prior to revealing herself as the Avatar by earthbending. The official ruled she could continue to compete but had to stick with waterbending. When Tenzin ordered her to return to the island immediately, she justified her stay by stating that it was important for her as the Avatar to learn modern-style bending, something pro-bending could help her with. Struggling with the rules and the pace of the game, Korra slowly got the feel of it. Korra started applying some of her airbending lessons by moving around in her zone like "a leaf in the wind", proving to Tenzin who was still watching that his teachings weren't all lost to her. This sudden change of tactics from Korra won the match for the Fire Ferrets. This victory gained the team access to the official pro-bending championship tournament, and Korra was accepted to permanently replace Hasook as the waterbender on the team.

Meeting Amon


When Korra was practicing airbending at Air Temple Island with Jinora and Ikki, Mako arrived to ask her about Bolin's location. After her insistence to help find Bolin, she and Mako decided to go looking for him through the city. In Central City Station, they met Skoochy, who told them he had been recruited to the Triple Threat Triad. When Mako and Korra made it to the gang's headquarters, they learned that Bolin had been captured by the Equalists in a raid and immediately set out to rescue him. They traveled to Republic City Park to find the protestor, who told them that Bolin was likely taken to the Equalist rally called "The Revelation". At the rally, they discovered that Amon possessed the power to permanently remove one's bending powers, a skill thus far believed only to be obtainable by Avatars. During Amon's demonstration on the captured benders, among whom Bolin, Korra released a large sheet of steam from containers hanging from the sides of warehouse, which created panic and distracted the Equalists long enough to allow Mako to rescue Bolin. When the brothers were overpowered by the Lieutenant, Korra arrived just in time to save them with her earthbending, and they made their escape on Naga. As soon as Korra got back to Air Temple Island, she informed Tenzin and consequently the United Republic Council of Amon's power.

The encounter with the Equalists and their leader left a profound impression on Korra, as she had nightmares about being immobilized by their chi blocking and subsequently being stripped of her bending by Amon. For the first time in her life, Korra found herself afraid of something, although she refused to admit it. This fear held her back in her daily life, and when Councilman Tarrlok approached her with the offer to lead a special task force with him to take down Amon, she politely refused with the excuse that she needed to focus on her airbending training. However, Tarrlok didn't let up, and threw a gala in her honor; he tricked her into a press conference, during which Korra buckled under the accusing questions of the journalists and shouted that she would join Tarrlok's task force to help fight Amon, if that was what the city needed.



Eager to prove to everyone, including herself, that she wasn't afraid of anyone, Korra successfully apprehended several Equalists, with the help of Tarrlok's special task force, and publicly challenged Amon to a midnight duel at Aang Memorial Island, without any back-up of the task force or chi blockers. However, Amon didn't show up alone, and his henchmen quickly overpowered her. When Amon emerged from the shadows, Korra was terrified that he was going to take her bending away. However, he didn't, and instead revealed that he had a plan to rid the world of benders and that he was saving her for last in order to prevent her from becoming a martyr. Following Amon's monologue, he knocked her unconscious where she experienced several flashbacks surrounding Avatar Aang. When she gained consciousness, Tenzin was running towards her. After telling him what happened, Korra broke down and finally admitted to that she was terrified of Amon and the Equalists and that she didn't know what to do.

Struggles
After the horrifying encounter, Korra settled down, taking a break from Tarrlok's task force to prepare for the upcoming Pro-bending Tournament. However, her feelings for Mako continued to impact her, showing jealousy in the presence of Asami. She refused Bolin's advances to her, declining his requests to spend time together, rather electing to return to Air Temple Island for further training with Tenzin.

She later spoke with Jinora and Ikki, hoping for advice on how to approach Mako. Pema overheard the conversation and gave Korra the advice to just be honest with Mako.



After Korra and the Fire Ferrets earned a convincing victory in the first round of the tournament, she followed Pema's advice and confessed her true feelings to Mako. However, he turned her down, telling her he was with Asami and didn't see her in the same way. Seeing her downbeat, Bolin again invited Korra for a night out, and this time, she accepted, much to Mako's annoyance. The two enjoyed a dinner at Narook's Seaweed Noodlery, but were interrupted by Tahno, who attempted to provoke them into a fight. Bolin urged Korra to ignore Tahno's approach, warning her that harming him outside of the arena would disqualify the Fire Ferrets from the tournament. Heeding the warning, Korra called on Naga instead, who intimidated Tahno with a loud growl. After this little interruption, the two continued their night out together, enjoying drinks in a bar and the panoramic view of Republic City at night from atop a tower.

When Korra returned to the pro-bending arena the following night, Mako was awaiting her, inquiring what kind of game she was playing with Bolin to get back at him. Korra immediately saw through his attitude and called his reaction jealousy. However, when she asked Mako to be honest and admit that he liked her, the two got into an argument, which nearly cost them the next match against the Boarcupines.



Korra was approached by Mako after the match, who admitted that he hadn't been honest with her. He explained that he did have feelings for her, but was confused due to his relationship with Asami. Korra impulsively kissed Mako, and was kissed back in return. However, she quickly broke it off after noticing Bolin standing nearby, and was blamed by Mako for breaking Bolin's heart.

The next day, the semifinals began against the Buzzard Wasps. The romantic struggles presented a serious problem during the match and further divided the team. Frustrated, Korra excessively roughed up the opposing firebender with waterbending and even assaulted an official. At the start of round three, having lost the first two rounds convincingly, Korra tried to motivate her dejected teammates to not give up, albeit to no avail. Stubbornly refusing to give up herself, Korra fought the match of her life by herself, and secured a spot in the final by knocking all the Buzzard Wasps off the field with one powerful attack. Afterwards, the team made amends, putting their romantic differences aside to let friendship prevail. Korra was later complimented by Asami for her hat trick victory, and returned this kind gesture by sincerely thanking her and her father for their financial aid.

The championship
Later, Korra, along with Bolin and Mako, were preparing for the final match when they heard a radio broadcast from Amon, who was requesting to the United Republic Council that the Pro-bending Arena be shut down or there would be "severe consequences". The team rode to City Hall on Naga, and the Avatar tried to convince them not to shut it down. However, the council had already unanimously agreed to do so, much to the team's disappointment.

However Lin Beifong's interference helped the Fire Ferrets convince the council not to shut down the Pro-bending Arena. Afterwards, Korra confronted Tenzin about why Lin was hostile towards her. She came to the conclusion that Lin and Tenzin had been a couple, but Pema separated them. Tenzin denied it at first and stalked off.

The Fire Ferrets are prepared to face the Wolfbats in the championship match. The Wolfbats almost win the match in the first round with a knockout, but Korra holds onto the edge of the field and loses her grip when she throws Mako up. The second round ends in a tie, and Korra fights Tahno in the tiebreaker. Korra defeats Tahno. However, the Wolfbats defeat the Fire Ferrets with an illegal knockout.

Amon attacks the Pro-bending Arena. Korra, Mako, and Bolin are electrocuted in the water by the Lieutenant. Korra had an additional flashback of Aang fighting someone while in the Avatar State, and Toph also alongside him. When she comes to, she realized she and the Fire Ferrets were tied to a post. Pabu bites through the rope and frees them. Korra gives chase to Amon and is assisted by Lin Beifong. The two abandon the chase when Korra falls through the glass ceiling of the Arena and Lin saves her.

Mako and Bolin are happy to see that Korra is safe. Mako rushes in and hugs her immediately. Bolin hugs both of them.

Personality
Korra is fiery, hot-headed, and pugnacious. Her personality is in many ways the opposite of the previous Avatar. Aang was a peaceful, diffident, nomadic airbender, whereas Korra is tough, impatient, headstrong, sarcastic, and assertive. She has a poor grasp of the damage her powerful bending can cause and, though considerate and devoted to doing good in the world, her immaturity and lack of forethought often lead her to disrespect those around her. However, like Aang, she also has a good sense of humor, with a teenage charm and vulnerability. While Aang was amiable and non-confrontational, the one thing he was assertive about was his path as the Avatar. He never allowed his path to be dictated by anyone; however, Korra seems to be genuinely concerned with what others think her path should be as the Avatar.

The lack of spiritual grasp has proven to be a detriment in Korra's training; she admitted that her personality is opposite to that of an airbender, something to which Tenzin agreed, noting that Avatars struggle with the bending art most opposite to their personality.

Korra also has a fearful side to her, such as growing worried in the light of seeing Amon's true abilities during his demonstration. This and her later encounter with Amon revealed this fear.

Being direct, Korra has a hard time hiding her true feelings, as seen when she witnessed Asami Sato as Mako's date during the gala Tarrlok threw in her honor. She immediately expressed her jealousy by being rather hostile toward Asami and short with Mako. Also, while being in denial of her own fears, Korra had difficulties staying her usual upbeat self and became rather reclusive, indicating that she is ruled by her emotions.

Bending


As the Avatar, Korra has the unique ability to master all four elements, rendering her the most powerful bender in the world. Furthermore, since she was young, Korra has always had an affinity for the more physical aspect of bending, though she struggles with its spiritual aspects.

Waterbending
Korra's waterbending abilities manifested at a young age, before she had even been recognized as the Avatar by the Order of the White Lotus. Subsequently, she was trained formally in the art by Katara. She is capable of creating large walls of ice and powerful water whips. She used her waterbending abilities to procure herself a spot on the Fire Ferrets pro-bending team, referring to herself as a "top-notch waterbender".

Healing
Korra learned the waterbending technique of healing from Katara, who Korra described as the best healer there is. She first demonstrated the ability by healing the wound on Bolin's shoulder after he was injured in a pro-bending match.

Earthbending
Korra's earthbending abilities also manifested early, and her training in the art only strengthened her technique. Korra has demonstrated her adept skill and power in earthbending on several occasions, notably launching a member of the Triple Threat Triad several stories into the air.

Firebending


Contrary to the usual difficulty an Avatar has with learning the opposite of his/her native element, firebending has become second nature to her. This unusual combination has been noted to be due to her innate personality being quite fit for the art thanks to her natural assertiveness and fiery spirit. As with earth and water, fire too manifested at a young age, and it became the element Korra most prominently utilizes. Her firebending training was completed when she passed the test at the age of seventeen, under the guidance and teachings of the Order of the White Lotus.

Airbending
Unlike the prior three elements, airbending never came easy to Korra, and upon her move to Republic City and subsequent training with Tenzin, she still found the technique difficult. Despite frustrated attempts; she has yet to successfully airbend. Tenzin explained that she found difficulty with the bending technique due to the same reasons that his father, Avatar Aang, had difficulties with earthbending, as they are the elements most opposite their respective personalities.

During her first pro-bending match after joining the Fire Ferrets, she managed to employ evasive movements similar to that of an airbender's, and after tiring out the opposing team, she won the match, along with Mako and Bolin. As the show progressed, she was shown practicing at Air Temple Island, she demonstrated a better understanding of maneuvering through the gates. During her fight with Lieutenant she employed different varieties of maneuvers and evasions she had not been able to perform in previous episodes giving her the advantage to defeat him.

Other skills


Korra also appears to have impressive physical strength: she is capable of lifting Tenzin, Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo at the same time without effort, as well as hoisting herself easily up and off a rooftop and being able to throw a huge opponent at pipes with enough force to break them. In addition, she is a highly capable unarmed fighter, able to knock out opponents with a single kick and subdue them with only Mako's scarf to aid her. Even against a highly skilled weapon-wielder like Lieutenant, with a combination of bending to create openings, Korra was able to parry his close-range assault and land powerful punches and kicks, ultimately defeating him. She is also quite fast and agile, able to skillfully dodge a much larger opponent's assault in a narrow area.

Relatives

 * Tonraq and Senna (parents)
 * Aang (immediate predecessor)
 * Tenzin (spiritually related through his father, Aang)
 * Jinora (spiritually related through her grandfather, Aang)
 * Ikki (spiritually related through her grandfather, Aang)
 * Meelo (spiritually related through his grandfather, Aang)
 * Zuko (spiritually related through his great grandfather, Roku)

Trivia

 * Her name follows a longstanding tradition in the polar Water Tribes, where often people include one or two "K"s and have an "UH" sound in their name (Katara, Hakoda, Sokka, Pakku, Kuruk, Kanna, Arnook, etc.)
 * The creators could not find a name that they agreed on that followed the tradition of the Water Tribe names, but when they were staying in an eco-lodge, the owner introduced them to his dog, Cora. The creators agreed on the name, and with a spelling tweak, it fit into the established culture.
 * Korra's situation appears to be the opposite of that of Aang; Aang had mastered airbending and had to travel the world to learn the other three elements. Korra has mastered waterbending, earthbending, and firebending, and has yet to learn airbending. In addition, while Aang was very in tune with the spiritual side of bending and had to work to achieve the physical side of it, Korra is talented with the physical side of bending, but has very little aptitude for the spiritual side.
 * When anglicized, Greek "Kore" reforms as "Cora", with both names meaning "maiden". Kore is also another name for Persephone, Greek goddess of the underworld, who is described by Homer as a "formidable and powerful young queen".
 * Korra is also the name of a village in the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China.
 * Korra, spelled "Corra", in Portuguese, it means "run" (subjunctive), which somehow also relates to her physical skills.
 * Korra's name also bears resemblance to Cora Baker's given name. Baker is the voice actress who voiced the young, four year old Korra.
 * Korra is the first Avatar to hail from the Water Tribes since Kuruk from 489 years ago, although he's from the Northern Water Tribe whereas Korra is from the Southern Water Tribe.
 * Korra is the second known Avatar shown to know of her status as the Avatar before her sixteenth birthday, Aang being the first, though she knew of her status at a significantly younger age.
 * Despite being born a waterbender, meaning firebending is her polar opposite, Avatar Korra has trouble with airbending instead due to her headstrong nature and lack of spirituality.
 * Korra is the only known Avatar to have both biological parents featured in the series.
 * Korra is the only known Avatar to have their bending blocked with chi-blocking.
 * Korra favors the "I'm looking for the bathroom" excuse whenever someone confronts her on what she's doing, when she shouldn't be there.
 * Unlike Katara and a waterbender from Triple Threat Triad, Korra does not carry a water skin. Instead, she relies on her firebending skills when there is no water around.
 * The opening animation with her as the waterbender also depicts her headstrong personality, compared to Pakku in the previous series with his graceful control and smooth motion releasing a clean ball of water; Korra's form spills excess water and forms a rough water whip which torrents onto the screen.
 * Whereas Aang relied very heavily on his native element and preferred to use it before making use of any other, Korra doesn't seem to have any real preference over using her own native element; as noted, she doesn't bother to carry a water skin.
 * It seems that when Korra is knocked out or about to be unconscious, she has visions of the previous Avatar: Aang.