Cave of Two Lovers


 * ''This article is about the location. For the episode, see "The Cave of Two Lovers".

Located near the city of Omashu in the Earth Kingdom, the Cave of Two Lovers, also known as the Secret Tunnel, is a series of caverns which pass underneath a section of the Kolau mountain range. It has become a place of legend revered by bards. When the Avatar and his friends were unable to cross the mountains, which were controlled by Fire Nation forces, they were forced to venture down these tunnels.

Creation
Legends say that the tunnels were created by Oma and Shu, who fell in love despite being from enemy villages. They are believed to have been the first earthbenders, and created the passage between their villages to meet secretly.

Layout
The "tunnel" is actually a giant underground labyrinth full of dangerous animals, including wolfbats and the gigantic badgermoles. It was also shown to be impossible to map the maze because the badgermoles earthbend the tunnels regularly; this prevents any sort of normal navigation. To find one's way out of the tunnels, they must "trust in love" and relinquish one's dependence on torches and any sort of natural lighting; if one does so, then shining crystals will guide the way.



In the center of the labyrinth is the Tomb of the Two Lovers, which is believed to contain the remains of the two, encased side-by-side in two massive stone sarcophagi. The walls of the tomb are decorated with carvings telling the story of the two lovers.

The cave is no longer passable, as the Fire Nation destroyed the north entrance in an attempt to trap Team Avatar while the central entrance later caved in.

Name



 * The cave's name in Chinese is, which translates literally into "The Lovers' Cave". This name is carved over both entrances; however, the name, as well as the writing found in the tomb, is written in archaic Seal Script style characters that have since changed form.

Connection

 * The Cave of Two Lovers seems to be based on the Labyrinth in Greek mythology. It is said that the minotaur dwelled within the labyrinth, and anyone who entered as a sacrifice would never come out.