Painted Lady

''This article is about the spirit. For the episode, see "The Painted Lady".'' "spirit"

- Thank you.

The Painted Lady is the benevolent spirit of the Jang Hui river, known for her kindness and healing abilities. She watches over the river town of Jang Hui, although she has fled before due to pollution.

History
The Painted Lady watched over the river town of Jang Hui until a Fire Nation factory moved in ten years ago and began polluting the river. This event drove the Painted Lady away, leaving the villagers to fend for themselves.

When the Avatar and his friends come to the village of Jang Hui, Katara notices that it needs help. She disguises herself as The Painted Lady and brings food to the village. She then goes and heals the sick another night. The following night she dresses up and with the help of Aang, they destroy the factory. As they prepare to leave, they see a squad of Fire Nation troops heading towards the town on vehicles similar to jetskis, and realize that they must believe the villagers had sabotaged the factory, Katara is determined to stop them. The soldiers start attacking the village, but a gust of wind blows their flames out. With help from Appa, Toph, and Sokka providing spooky sound effects, Aang and Katara stage an encounter with the Painted Lady to defeat the troops and drive them away.

After Katara helps the villagers of Jang Hui drive away the Fire Nation and clean the river, the real Painted Lady reveals herself to Katara and thanks her.

Trivia

 * The Painted Lady's makeup somewhat resembles the makeup of the Firebender seen Firebending in the Avatar Series Unaired Pilot Episode's Opening.


 * Katara is the second character to take up the identity of a spirit, the first being Zuko.


 * The Painted Lady is an example of abused and censored spirituality belonging to a pre war Fire Nation.