Senlin Village

Senlin Village is a small farming village located in the center of a dense forest in the western Earth Kingdom. Its surrounding forest is protected by a usually peaceful, though occasionally enraged spirit known as Hei Bai. The Fire Nation did not occupy this village because it had no significant military advantage. Its villagers are mostly farmers and traders. Many of its citizens had left to fight in the War.

History
The surrounding forest was burned down by the Fire Nation as a result of a battle. It is an example of the natural destruction that the Fire Nation had caused in their quest for world dominance. Having lost their home, the wildlife that once lived in the forest had fled to other parts of the Earth Kingdom. The black and white spirit, Hei Bai, had guarded the village's forest for thousands of years. However, Hei Bai was angry that the Fire Nation burned down his forest home and transformed into his frightening and destructive form. As the winter solstice drew near, he sought revenge by attacking the village after sunset, destroying homes and abducting people. Despite Hei Bai being a spirit, the villagers were able to see him.

One of the villagers set out to seek help to save the village from the rampaging spirit. This old man encountered Avatar Aang and his friends, and invited them back to the village. There, the village leader and the old man informed the trio of the problems the spirit was causing. Aang's first attempt to calm the spirit down proved to be a failure as many more buildings got destroyed and Sokka was abducted. When the spirit attacked again the next day, Aang was able to understand why the spirit was so angry and attacking the village. He offered Hei Bai an acorn and promised him that there was hope for the return of the forests. Hei Bai changed into the form of a docile panda bear again and left the village in peace, returning the villagers he had taken.

After the Avatar and his friends left the village to travel to Crescent Island, Prince Zuko arrived, demanding the location of the Avatar as he continued his chase.

Notable figures

 * Hei Bai
 * Senlin Village leader
 * Old wanderer

Trivia

 * "Senlin" (森林, sēn lín) means "forest" in Chinese, which would make sense since the village is surrounded by a large forest.