Western Air Temple


 * ''For the episode, see The Western Air Temple



History
Along with the Eastern Air Temple, it exclusively housed female Airbenders. This temple was closest in location to the Fire Nation. It is unique in that, unlike the other temples, it was built underneath the edge of a cliff instead of atop a mountain. The spires seem as though they were built upside-down. Aang and his friends headed to the Western Air Temple for a safe place to stay after the unsuccessful invasion. It was there that Zuko began his search for the Avatar following his banishment. Ironically, after following the remnants of the invasion force there, Zuko decided to join Aang, pledging to teach him firebending. Although its interior has not been shown, Teo also mentions seeing a hall of statues.

The Combustion Man attacked this temple in hopes of eliminating the Avatar and his gang. Thanks in part to Zuko's intervention on their behalf and Sokka's expertise at using a boomerang, the Combustion Man was defeated and killed when the building he was on exploded and fell into the nearby canyon. The temple suffered extensive damage from the attack but is still largely intact.



Customs
While other nations possess royalty and are run by monarchies, the Air Nomads are led by the monks/nuns of the Air Temples, i.e. by a theocracy.

The Air Nomads are the only nation comprised entirely of benders, due to the highly spiritual nature of their lives. It is said that meditation was an important part of the Airbenders' daily routines, as it helped them to focus their energies and understand the potency of their element.

The arrow on an Airbender's head signifies that he or she has mastered Airbending. This is an emulation of the natural arrows on the heads of Flying Bison, animals revered by the Air Nomads who can naturally Airbend and are believed to be the inspiration for the first Airbenders. As seen in the episode "The Storm", apprentice Airbenders have no tattoos. In order to receive the tattoos as well as the title of a master, an Airbender must pass the thirty-six levels of airbending along with engendering a new technique.



Natural resources and foods
As could be determined, air is the main and most significant power source and natural resource of the Nomads, as without it they would be rendered powerless. With the power of air channeled under their control, the Airbenders were enabled to defend and protect their homes and way of life and travel across the globe.

The Air Nomads were a tranquil and environmentally friendly race of people and did their best not to leave a mark on the land. Any industry that they engendered, such as farming and gardening, were powered naturally. They also produced their own food.

Air Nomads are also vegetarians, as are the modern monks of Tibet. This is suggested by Aang's words when he said he didn't eat meat in "The King of Omashu", as well as other various episodes.

Trivia

 * Until Combustion Man destroys part of the fountain structure, this temple seemed to be the only temple untouched by the fire nation in their attack on the air nomads.