Ice dodging



Ice Dodging is a rite of passage for young men in the Southern Water Tribe. It involves successfully sailing a boat through a field of dangerous icebergs. Up to three people have been known to take part in the ritual simultaneously. At the end of the ritual, the participant(s) is given a ceremonial mark on the forehead, depending on their role in the ritual.

Sokka did not perform the Ice Dodging before leaving his tribe, so Bato suggested that he perform a variation of the ritual, dodging jagged boulders instead of icebergs. Sokka, with the help of Katara and Aang, managed to complete it without injury. Sokka was given the Mark of the Wise, Aang the Mark of the Trusted, and Katara the Mark of the Brave.

Apparently, assisting the participant earns even non-Water Tribe people recognition as a member of the Southern Water Tribe.