The Great Gates of Azulon guard the sea entrance to the Fire Nation Capital. Built early in Fire Lord Azulon's reign, the gates are notable for having a large net guard the main entrance, which is ignited when used, as well as for the statues of Azulon and two dragons that carry the net.[1]
History
During the Invasion of the Fire Nation, the invasion force approached the gates with the help of a fog cover, conjured by Katara and the Foggy Swamp waterbenders. However, their arrival was noticed, and the Fire Nation closed and ignited the gates before they could get past. Upon boarding the oncoming invasion ships, the Fire Nation military was unable to find anyone on board, as the invasion force had used the ships as cover for their submarines, effectively bypassing the gates unscathed.[1]
Description
The net being ignited.
A large statue of Azulon stands in the middle of the sea entrance, flanked on either side by two statues of dragons. The massive size makes any boat seem minute when near. When enemy ships are spotted, a net rises between the statues and ignites, engulfing the gate in fire.[2] It is an extremely effective defense against an over-sea navy, however, its weakness is that the net does not extend over Azulon's shoulders or under his feet, allowing someone to bypass it by simply swimming under it or flying over it.
There is a naval base next to the gates, and during the Day of Black Sun, it was able to launch a fleet of jet skis to intercept ships that attempted to pass it.
Trivia
- The Great Gates of Azulon may have some historical inspiration from the large chain link that guarded the Golden Horn of Constantinople (present-day Istanbul) prior to its fall in 1453.
- Azulon himself entitled the gates in his name as opposed to someone else naming them after him.[2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 DiMartino, Michael Dante (writer) & Volpe, Giancarlo (director). (November 30, 2007). "The Day of Black Sun, Part 1: The Invasion". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 3. Episode 10. Nickelodeon.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Template:Nickold