Yuyan Archers

"fire"

- The Yu Yan's precision is legendary; they can pin a fly to a tree from one hundred yards away, without killing it.

The Yu Yan Archers are a group of elite, extremely proficient Fire Nation archers. Their skill is first demonstrated by one of the archers firing an arrow into the bullseye of a target, then firing another arrow directly into the first arrow, splitting it down the middle, followed by a repetition of the feat with a third arrow. Commander Zhao claims they can pin a fly to a tree a hundred yards away without killing it.

History
Little is known about the history of the Yu Yan Archers prior to their servitude under Colonel Shinu as guards of the Fire Nation's Pohuai Stronghold. After Commander Zhao received his promotion to Admiral, surpassing Colonel Shinu's rank, he took control of the Yu Yan and employed them in his hunt for the Avatar. When the archers discovered the Avatar, Aang's extreme agility was matched by their expert aim. Outnumbered and simultaneously trying to collect frozen wood frogs in order to cure Katara and Sokka of fever, Aang could not resist the group and was consequently captured. The archers were also later used to incapacitate the Blue Spirit.

It is unknown whether or not the Yu Yan Archers remained active following the conclusion of the War. Though in theory, there would be no need for their existence as an elite force so they may have continued on without practical purpose.

Trivia

 * A possible way to write their name is 玉眼 for "jade eye." "Yu" means "jade" in Chinese and "yan" means "eye". The Chinese believed that jade had magical properties and would prevent the decay of the body.
 * One Yu Yan Archer, Vachir, is a member of the Rough Rhinos and is seen in other episodes.
 * Their uniforms, especially the short jackets and poofy pants, resemble Zouave uniforms from the American Civil War, which in turn were inspired by 19th century French Zouave uniforms which also were widely imitated by forces of other nations in the 19th century.
 * It is possible that the Yu Yan are a coed (unisex) unit, as shown in the picture above, the two archers on the ends look female, while the other three in the middle can clearly be seen as male. Also the three in the middle, while having short tunics going down around their waist, the two on the end have extended tunics making a skirt reaching to their knees.
 * The small triangle that is present on the Yu Yan's head bands, and also on Lo and Li's hair bands, is the alchemical symbol for fire.