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Fire Nation Navy

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The Fire Nation Navy,[1][2][3] less commonly called the Fire Navy,[1] is the naval warfare service branch of the military of the Fire Nation. As a result of the Fire Nation being an archipelago, its navy is a key part of its armed forces as it is required to defend the homelands as well as project the Fire Nation's power to foreign territories. The Fire Nation thus maintains a large standing navy.

The navy has a long history, originally emerging as an armada of sailing ships. Around the late 4th and early 3rd century BG, the Fire Nation's fleets were gradually upgraded to include iron-plated warships using both sails and steam engines.[4] In the 1st century BG, the modern Fire Nation Navy took shape as Fire Lord Sozin ordered the construction of large numbers of solely coal-powered warships. By the Hundred Year War, the navy was composed of hundreds of coal-powered, armored vessels, manned by firebending and nonbending soldiers. In this conflict, it repeatedly defeated the fleets of other states, proving to be the largest and most powerful navy in the world. By 100 AG, the navy used a great variety of ships, though cruisers were the most common type of large vessel.[5]

History[]

Early operations[]

At some point long before the life of Avatar Kyoshi, the Fire Navy was involved in some kind of conflict with the Earth Kingdom, causing the 22nd Earth King to ban it from entering the Eastern Sea.[6] The Fire Navy's power also intimidated many corsairs, meaning that the waters around the Fire Islands were usually less affected by piracy than others seas around the world.[7]

By the late 4th century BG, the Fire Navy was considered the most powerful naval force on the world,[7] and it even began to integrate early types of iron-plated warships into its ranks.[4] It still patrolled the waters around the Fire Islands. As a result, Earth Kingdom politician Jianzhu and his pupil Yun planned to sign a treaty with the mighty Fifth Nation pirate group which would redirect the corsairs against the Fire Nation, with both hoping that the Fire Navy could wipe out the criminals.[7] Even though this plan did not succeed due to the pirates ambushing Yun's party instead of signing the treaty in 296 BG, the Fire Navy later assisted the Earth Kingdom in destroying the Fifth Nation's bases and freeing slaves held there.[6] One village, however, became hard to track down, and the Fire Navy hunted down Chukagnak's splinter fleet in order to get them to give up the location of the missing villagers.[8]

In the late 290s BG, state-sponsored inventor Tei Eesoni was allowed to use a Fire Nation warship to test one of her new technologies. However, the vessel was ambushed and captured by a Fifth Nation splinter fleet, causing the Fire Nation organize a mission to rescue Tei.[4][9] As the navy's commanders took too long to plan the operation, Hei-Ran led a small strike team to carry out the rescue mission.[9]

By 66 BG, most of the Fire Navy was engaged in operations to contain the Outer Islands Rebellions.[10]

Expansion and modernization of the navy[]

In the 50s BG, the inventor/lover pair Nyn Chei and Massak designed a revolutionary new ship type, solely powered by coal. The two fell out over their design's use, however, as Nyn Chei opted to allow the Fire Nation Navy to use their concepts to build defensive patrol ships. Unbeknownst to to either inventor, Fire Lord Sozin recognized the new design's worth for potential expansionist warfare.[11][12] He thus kickstarted a massive fleet-building project, causing international tensions.[13] In attempt to garner resources and occupy strategic territories, Sozin deployed the navy to occupy the Water Tribe Sacred Island.[14]

In the period leading up to the Hundred Year War, Fire Lord Sozin continued to expand and modernize the already powerful Fire Navy to prepare for his quest of global domination.[15]

Hundred Year War[]

The Fire Nation owed many of its victories in the century-long War with the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribes to its navy. It deployed thousands of firebenders to the front lines to fight in the land war against the Earth Kingdom and was capable of bombarding enemy coastlines as well as raiding defenseless settlements.[16]

Southern Raiders attacking

Southern Raiders carried out the late Southern Water Tribe raids.

One of the navy's most notable achievements was its victory over the two Water Tribes. In the war's early stages, it inflicted a series of massive naval defeats on the tribes, forcing the Northern Water Tribe to retreat and limit itself to the defense of the North Pole, while the Southern Water Tribe became vulnerable to direct attacks.[16] The Fire Navy consequently began a prolonged campaign against the Southern Tribe on Fire Lord Azulon's orders, intended to wipe out the local waterbenders. In the opening stages, the navy repeatedly bombarded and raided the coastal settlements of the South Pole.[17][18] The Fire Navy lost a substantial numbers of ships and crews to the valiant warriors of the South as well as the treacherous, icy waters.[19] Regardless, the navy gradually decimated the Southerners. Eventually, the Southern Raiders – a raiding group within the navy – were later deployed to capture all remaining waterbenders in the tribe, and their success resulted in the imprisonment of almost all Southern waterbenders. The tribe was left in ruins due to the actions of the navy.[17][18] The raids were officially discontinued in 94 AG,[20] though Fire Navy detachments would continue to sporadically harass the Southerners and scout for the reemergence of potentially dangerous Southern groups.[19]

As the war progressed, however, unrest occasionally emerged in the Fire Navy. From time to time, navy officers would engage in corruption or disobey orders out of moral concerns. Fire Lord Azulon harshly dealt with such cases, dishonorably discharging these officers. In the process, he created a growing number of disgruntled ex-navy members who held a grudge against the Fire Nation government; many of these eventually united into a corsair and rebel alliance called the "Crimson Sails Armada". This outlaw coalition grew so large and powerful that it began openly challenge the Fire Navy around the Fire Islands.[21]

Around the early 90s AG, Admiral Yueya of the Fire Nation Navy abused her position to act upon a long-held family grudge against the small, independent Jasmine Island. Convincing her superiors that the island posed a potential threat to the Fire Nation, she managed to get command of three warships to raze the island in a brutal campaign later dubbed "The Devastation".[22] However, the islanders banded together with one of the admiral's subordinates –Captain Lu Ten– and eventually stopped Yueya's rampage.[22][23]

In 95 AG, Fire Lord Ozai rose to power. Under his rule, the Fire Nation further cemented its control of the seas. For instance, he bribed the Crimson Sails Armada to stay out of the Fire Navy's way.[21] In the Great War's last years, Prince Zuko used his personal ship to hunt down the Avatar. However, his ship was among the weakest and smallest in the fleet, and was eventually destroyed in a failed attempt on his life staged by Admiral Zhao.[24] Meanwhile, Fire Navy forces stationed at Ketu Harbor assisted the local garrison in fighting off pirates in the South Sea.[25] With the support of some Fire Army troops, another navy detachment under Commander Mamushi launched a mission to the Glacial Temple in the eastern South Pole region. As it turned out, Mamushi's operation was motivated by her own shadowy motives, and she abandoned much of the mission personnel after achieving her goal.[26]

Koizilla destroys the Navy

Aang and the Ocean Spirit decimated Zhao's fleet.

When Aang was in the Northern Water Tribe to learn waterbending, Zhao assembled a massive naval invasion force to destroy the Northern Water Tribe in the so-called "Siege of the North". His fleet leveled much of the capital city and deployed hundreds of assault troops onto the shores.[1] Aang's timely intervention, however, allowed he and the Ocean Spirit to merge and annihilate this fleet. The loss of Zhao's fleet proved to be an enormous defeat for the Fire Nation, but did little to slow the Fire Nation's war effort.[27] Despite the loss of Zhao's fleet, the Fire Nation still clearly controlled Earth Kingdom waters and their ships prowled about within Ba Sing Se's vicinity.[28]

During their journey across the Serpent's Pass to Ba Sing Se, Team Avatar and their allies were engaged by a single Fire Nation cruiser patrolling the local waters. However, Aang managed to damage this vessel and forced it to retreat.[29] Shortly before Ba Sing Se fell, Chief Hakoda of the Southern Water Tribe and his men were charged with defending Chameleon Bay, a body of water that led directly to the city. They used tangle mines to ward off Fire Nation warships, thus preventing any means of attacking the city by water.[30] One such engagement saw four Fire Nation warships fight Hakoda's warriors. The Southern warriors were successful in fighting these ships.[28]

Fire Nation colony coast

Mamushi's forces, including many cruiser, gathered at the Fire Nation colony Taku Seaport.

After Ba Sing Se fell, the Fire Nation sent troops with its massive fleets to occupy the city.[28] In summer 100 AG, a combined contingent of the Fire Navy, Fire Army, and air force under Commander Mamushi arrived at a Fire Nation colony to search for an artifact; in the process, this unit was confronted by Team Avatar.[31]

Harmony Restoration Movement and Fire Nation Relief Fleet[]

Following the Hundred Year War's conclusion, the Fire Navy assisted the Harmony Restoration Movement by transporting colonists from the Earth Kingdom to the Fire Islands.[32] When tensions between the Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom threatened to escalate into another war, however, the navy brought Fire Lord Zuko's expeditionary force to Yu Dao.[33] After the crisis was solved and the Harmony Restoration Movement ended, the Fire Navy resumed its regular duties. However, it soon became the target of renewed aggression by the Crimson Sails Armada which launched an unexpected naval campaign against the Fire Nation.[21]

Decades later, Fire Navy Admiral Dalja Ro founded the Fire Nation Relief Fleet to help those in need across the world. With the Fire Nation government's blessing, the navy contributed ships and personnel to this project.[34]

Organization and crews[]

The Fire Nation Navy is highly organized and stratified, with a clear hierarchy and efficient bureaucracy. All crewmen are expected to defer unquestioningly to their superiors. The navy's movements are coordinated by dragon hawk through various towers placed strategically throughout the ocean, and all towers are required to stay current on all navy movements.[17]

By the late Hundred Year War, the navy was split into several fleets and task forces commanded by admirals such as the "Eastern Fleet" and "Western Fleet".[35][36]

Known members[]

High-ranking officers[]

  • Admiral Chan, leader of the Eastern Fleet
  • Admiral Dalja Ro, founder of the Fire Nation Relief Fleet
  • Admiral Jeong Jeong (prior to desertion)
  • Admiral Liang, leader of the Western Fleet. He was reported to be in Ba Sing Se shortly after its capture, and also led Fire Navy forces in conquering the East Lake.[36]
  • Admiral Yueya[22]
  • Admiral Zhao, overall leader of the navy in early 100 AG[2]
  • Commander Mamushi[37]

Officers[]

Ships and weaponry[]

Ship types vary from huge vessels like those of the empire class, to smaller vessels such as Zuko's ship. These vessels serve many purposes, from ferrying and disembarking troops to providing bombardment with their catapults to creating blockades and transporting cargo.[5]

Design[]

The Fire Nation is a pioneer of warship design, using advanced metallurgy on all warships.

Fire Navy ships

Warships make use of metallurgy and strong bows.

Most ships in the Fire Nation Navy have a heavy releasable bow at the front of the ship, which shares some characteristics with that of a real-life Icebreaker. As the bow also acts as a landing exit, it can be used to batter through walls to create a landing point for ground troops, as shown in raids on both the Northern and Southern Water Tribes.[1][17]

Many of the ships vary in size and appearance to reflect its status and role. For example, Admiral Zhao's flagship had a large dragon on the hull during the Siege of the North.[1] Princess Azula's royal sloop also had several spikes on its hull as well as a pagoda command tower or bridge.[39]

All warships are equipped with semi-automatic trebuchets for attack and defense.

Armament[]

Fire Navy blockade

Fire Nation cruisers attack during the late Hundred Year War.

The Fire Nation Navy uses metal semi-automated trebuchets on all warships, operated by trebuchet operators. These engines work by setting a ball of coal in a shovel-like placement that is attached to a machine and held stationary with rope. The coal-ball is ignited and the rope is cut; this causes the bar holding the placement to fling over and toss the ignited coal-ball into the air. Fire Navy ships can also be armed with ballistae that fire harpoons.[5]

Classes[]

Throughout its history, the Fire Nation Navy used many different ship types:[4][40]

Class / Type Era Description
Empire-class battleship[40] Late Hundred Year War A huge warship capable of carrying a crew of thousands.[40] Zhao's flagship during the siege of the North belonged to this class.[1]
Dreadnought[22] Late Hundred Year War A large, powerful warship with thick armor and armed with several trebuchets. One ship of this type served as Admiral Yueya's flagship during the campaign against Jasmine Island.[22][23]
Royal sloop Late Hundred Year War Azula's royal sloop was fast and large, complete with a highly ornate bow and a large pagoda-style conning tower. However, the ship seems more representative than made for actual fighting, probably relying more on an armed escort, as it is sleek, has no visible armaments and the house-like tower looks rather fragile.[39] Fire Lord Ozai also possessed his own unique personal vessel, which was briefly seen before his departure to the Earth Kingdom prior to the arrival of Sozin's Comet. The ship appeared to be slightly larger than Azula's ship and again highly ornate. Like all Fire Nation vessels, it sports a large conning tower on a large base.[41]
New Fire Nation cruiser Late Hundred Year War The mainstay of the Fire Navy during the late Hundred Year War, these huge ships carried a large crew and armament. Some variants were armed with three trebuchets in a line, while others had five trebuchets. One cruiser was even seen armed with ballistae. The ships are steam-powered, with two smoke stacks and a massive command tower aft amidships. They have spike-shaped bows that can be used as rams and lowered to form ramps.[5]
Old Fire Nation cruiser Early to late Hundred Year War This design dated to the start of the Hundred Year War. It was extensively used during the conflict's early stages,[42][43] for example during the initial Southern Water Tribe raids (with the shipwreck near Wolf Cove belonging to the class).[44] This type was smaller than the later cruiser variants, and armed with a single catapult, rather than more modern trebuchets.[5] This old class was gradually phased out during the late Hundred Year War, and had become somewhat rare by 99 AG.[43] However, ships of this class were still occasionally deployed, such as during the mission to the Glacial Temple.[26] Zuko's ship also belonged to this type.[43]
Southern Raiders frigate Late Hundred Year War The Southern Raiders make use of this warship variant. Smaller and faster than the traditional Fire Nation ships, the Raiders' ships are perfect for attacking coastal villages. Their smaller size and improved maneuverability allow the ships to pull up close to the shore and surprise the enemy. One of their special technologies is a large set of dual paddle wheels used to propel these ships through the waters.[17]
Iron-plated warship c. 290s BG (Kyoshi era) A large, iron-plated military ship that had sails as well as a steam engine.[4]
Defensive patrol ship c. 50s BG (Roku era) Based on the designs of Nyn Chei and Massak, this was a new type of warship solely powered by coal. It formed the basis for the later Fire Nation warships deployed in the Hundred Year War.[11][12]
Destroyer[22] Late Hundred Year War Smaller warships deployed by the Fire Nation.[22]
River steamer Late Hundred Year War A metal, steam-driven river raft Zuko used first to chase Aang to the Avatar Temple on Crescent Island[45] and in his hunt for the gang after they steal a waterbending scroll from some pirates. The pirates later commandeer this particular boat when their own sloop is taken by the Gang, and run both down a waterfall.[46]
Riverboat Late Hundred Year War Admiral Zhao used a series of wooden riverboats to traverse through narrow rivers in his search for the traitor Jeong Jeong and the Avatar. All of these particular boats got destroyed by Zhao's reckless firebending, after some goading by Aang.[47]
Prison ferry Late Hundred Year War Used to transport earthbending prisoners to the prison rig.[48]
Kayak Late Hundred Year War Some Fire Navy ships possessed kayaks or small lifeboats deployable through a side hatch on the hull. Zuko used one of these ships to infiltrate the Northern Water Tribe.[1]

References[]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 O'Bryan, John (writer) & MacMullan, Lauren (director). (December 2, 2005). "The Siege of the North, Part 1". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 1. Episode 19. Nickelodeon.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 The Lost Scrolls: Fire, page 152 of The Lost Scrolls Collection.
  3. ↑ Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game. Uncle Iroh's Adventure Guide, Version 1.0, 2024, p. 50.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game. Uncle Iroh's Adventure Guide, Version 1.0, 2024, p. 87.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Throughout Avatar: The Last Airbender.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Yee, F. C. (author), DiMartino, Michael Dante (author). (July 16, 2019). Chapter Eight, "The Fracture". The Rise of Kyoshi. Amulet Books.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Yee, F. C. (author), DiMartino, Michael Dante (author). (July 16, 2019). Chapter Three, "The Boy From Makapu". The Rise of Kyoshi. Amulet Books.
  8. ↑ Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game. Core Book, Version 1.0, 2022, p. 264.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game. Uncle Iroh's Adventure Guide, Version 1.0, 2024, p. 91.
  10. ↑ Ribay, Randy (author). (July 23, 2024). Chapter Three, "A Way Through". The Reckoning of Roku. Amulet Books.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game. Core Book, Version 1.0, 2022, p. 49.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game. Core Book, Version 1.0, 2022, p. 53.
  13. ↑ Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game. Core Book, Version 1.0, 2022, p. 48.
  14. ↑ Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game. Core Book, Version 1.0, 2022, p. 52.
  15. ↑ Avatar: The Last Airbender: Legacy, page 11, The Hundred Year War.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game. Quickstart, Version 1.0, 2021, p. 5.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 Ehasz, Elizabeth Welch (writer) & Dos Santos, Joaquim (director). (July 17, 2008). "The Southern Raiders". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 3. Episode 16. Nickelodeon.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Hedrick, Tim (writer) & Dos Santos, Joaquim (director). (November 9, 2007). "The Puppetmaster". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 3. Episode 8. Nickelodeon.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game. Core Book, Version 1.0, 2022, p. 265.
  20. ↑ Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game. Core Book, Version 1.0, 2022, p. 58.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game. Starter Set, Adventure Booklet, pg. 5.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 22.5 22.6 22.7 Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game. Uncle Iroh's Adventure Guide, Version 1.0, 2024, p. 127.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game. Uncle Iroh's Adventure Guide, Version 1.0, 2024, p. 134.
  24. ↑ DiMartino, Michael Dante (writer) & Volpe, Giancarlo (director). (November 18, 2005). "The Waterbending Master". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 1. Episode 18. Nickelodeon.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 "Ketu Harbor", Avatar: Generations. Navigator Games & Square Enix Mobile London (August 11, 2022). Square Enix.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Navigator Games & Square Enix Mobile London (August 11, 2022). Avatar: Generations. Square Enix.
  27. ↑ Ehasz, Aaron (writer) & Filoni, Dave (director). (December 2, 2005). "The Siege of the North, Part 2". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 1. Episode 20. Nickelodeon.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 Ehasz, Aaron (writer) & Volpe, Giancarlo (director). (September 21, 2007). "The Awakening". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 3. Episode 1. Nickelodeon.
  29. ↑ DiMartino, Michael Dante, Hamilton, Joshua (writers) & Spaulding, Ethan (director). (September 15, 2006). "The Serpent's Pass". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 2. Episode 12. Nickelodeon.
  30. ↑ DiMartino, Michael Dante, Konietzko, Bryan (writers) & Volpe, Giancarlo (director). (December 1, 2006). "The Guru". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 2. Episode 19. Nickelodeon.
  31. ↑ Introduction, Avatar: Generations. Navigator Games & Square Enix Mobile London (August 11, 2022). Square Enix.
  32. ↑ DiMartino, Michael Dante; Konietzko, Bryan; Yang, Gene Luen (writer), Sasaki of Gurihiru (penciling, inking), Kawano of Gurihiru (colorist), Heisler, Michael; Comicraft (letterer). The Promise Part One (January 25, 2012), Dark Horse Comics.
  33. ↑ DiMartino, Michael Dante; Konietzko, Bryan; Yang, Gene Luen (writer), Sasaki of Gurihiru (penciling, inking), Kawano of Gurihiru (colorist), Heisler, Michael; Comicraft (letterer). The Promise Part Two (May 30, 2012), Dark Horse Comics.
  34. ↑ Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game. Core Book, Version 1.0, 2022, p. 88.
  35. ↑ From older Avatar: The Last Airbender official site, originally on Nick.com. Encyclopedia now broken, archived at The Lost Lore of Avatar Aang - Character: Chan.
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 Chan, May; Ehasz, Aaron; Mattila, Katie; Wilgus, Benjamin (writer), Ganter, Amy Kim (artist), Dzioba, Wes (colorist), Comicraft (letterer). "Going Home Again" (September 18, 2007), Nick Mag Presents: Avatar: The Last Airbender.
  37. ↑ "Hegemon's Folly", Avatar: Generations. Navigator Games & Square Enix Mobile London (May 16, 2023). Square Enix.
  38. ↑ Ehasz, Aaron (writer) & MacMullan, Lauren (director). (June 3, 2005). "The Storm". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 1. Episode 12. Nickelodeon.
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 Ehasz, Aaron, Ehasz, Elizabeth Welch, Hedrick, Tim, O'Bryan, John (writers) & Volpe, Giancarlo (director). (March 17, 2006). "The Avatar State". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 2. Episode 1. Nickelodeon.
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 40.2 Mattila, Katie (writer) & Dos Santos, Joaquim (director). (October 19, 2007). "The Beach". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 3. Episode 5. Nickelodeon.
  41. ↑ DiMartino, Michael Dante (writer) & Spaulding, Ethan (director). (July 19, 2008). "Sozin's Comet, Part 1: The Phoenix King". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 3. Episode 18. Nickelodeon.
  42. ↑ Ehasz, Elizabeth Welch (writer) & Spaulding, Ethan (director). (October 26, 2007). "The Avatar and the Fire Lord". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 3. Episode 6. Nickelodeon.
  43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 43.2 Avatar: The Last Airbender—The Art of the Animated Series, page 45.
  44. ↑ DiMartino, Michael Dante, Konietzko, Bryan (writers) & Filoni, Dave (director). (February 21, 2005). "The Boy in the Iceberg". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 1. Episode 1. Nickelodeon.
  45. ↑ DiMartino, Michael Dante (writer) & Volpe, Giancarlo (director). (April 15, 2005). "Winter Solstice, Part 2: Avatar Roku". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 1. Episode 8. Nickelodeon.
  46. ↑ O'Bryan, John (writer) & Lioi, Anthony (director). (April 29, 2005). "The Waterbending Scroll". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 1. Episode 9. Nickelodeon.
  47. ↑ Hedrick, Tim (writer) & MacMullan, Lauren (director). (October 21, 2005). "The Deserter". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 1. Episode 16. Nickelodeon.
  48. ↑ Hubbard, Matthew (writer) & Filoni, Dave (director). (March 25, 2005). "Imprisoned". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 1. Episode 6. Nickelodeon.
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