| "Ba Sing Se, the Order of the White Lotus is here." "Here to set you free." |
| — Bumi and Pakku.[1] |
The liberation of Ba Sing Se was one of the final battles of the Hundred Year War. The secretive Order of the White Lotus, led by Grand Lotus Iroh, penetrated Ba Sing Se and fought against occupying Fire Nation forces in order to free the city in the name of the Earth Kingdom.
The large Fire Nation garrison outnumbered the small Order, and the arrival of Sozin's Comet increased their power. However, the Order consisted of the most powerful benders and fighters in the world, including some firebenders of their own. This meant that the Order had a considerable tactical advantage, ultimately leading to their victory.[1]
Prelude[]
The city of Ba Sing Se was the last Earth Kingdom stronghold after the fortress city of Omashu fell to the Fire Nation several months prior.[3] Throughout the entire course of the Hundred Year War, Ba Sing Se was the country's major source of soldiers, food, equipment, etc. Ba Sing Se was once considered unconquerable due to the Fire Nation's failure to penetrate its walls.[4]
However, roughly three months prior to the arrival of Sozin's Comet, the Earth Kingdom suffered a heavy defeat when Princess Azula and her two allies, Mai and Ty Lee, infiltrated the city disguised as Kyoshi Warriors.[5] Through her expert manipulation, Azula was able to secure control over the Dai Li, the power-hungry cultural enforcers of Ba Sing Se. She was also able to enlist the help of her exiled brother Prince Zuko, who was desperate to return to the Fire Nation. Together, they overthrew Earth King Kuei and defeated Avatar Aang in a coup d'état that left Azula in total control of the city, denying the country the resources necessary to win the War.[6] Within days, the Dai Li demolished the city walls and the Fire Army occupied the city, securing what seemed like total victory over the Earth Kingdom.[7] A large Fire Army garrison was stationed to secure Ba Sing Se,[2] while a puppet government was installed to oversee the former capital.[8] However, the continuing earthbender rebellions across the country prevented the Fire Nation from achieving absolute control.[9]
Meanwhile, the Order of the White Lotus, a secret organization transcending world boundaries, had been covertly aiding anti-Fire Nation forces across the world.[10][11] When ex-General Iroh, a Grand Lotus of the Order, broke out of prison, he decided that the time had come for the White Lotus to openly and decisively take action. He sent out a signal to the most powerful combat masters of the society advising them to gather at Ba Sing Se prior to the arrival of Sozin's Comet.[2][12]
The day before the scheduled operation, the Order encountered Prince Zuko and his allies. Iroh and Zuko were reunited and reconciled. The White Lotus and Team Avatar subsequently agreed to a plan, coordinating their actions to strike against Fire Lord Ozai's forces at several locations, with Iroh leading the order to liberate Ba Sing Se and thus fully restore the Earth Kingdom.[12][2]
Battle[]
Jeong Jeong fought dozens of tundra tanks in the Lower Ring.
Upon the comet's arrival, the Order laid siege to the city. With a single, comet-enhanced blast, Iroh breached the Inner Wall. The Order promptly advanced toward the wall to enter the city. Dozens of firebenders from atop the walls rained fire down at the invading White Lotus forces with no effect, and the Order broke into Ba Sing Se. Heavy fighting took place at the main plaza of the Lower Ring and the streets became littered with broken down shells of the occupiers' tundra tanks. The Order advanced to the center of Ba Sing Se as the retreating Fire Army garrison was encircled in hundreds of pockets throughout the city.[13]
Hours of intense combat passed, lasting throughout the night, but the outcome became clear. Iroh burned the Fire Nation flag that hung over the Earth Kingdom Royal Palace, symbolizing that the Earth Kingdom was free once again with the Fire Nation's defeat,[13] and by morning, Ba Sing Se had been fully liberated.[14] The Fire Army garrison fled the city, whereas the White Lotus had suffered no losses during the entire battle.[2]
Aftermath[]
Though much of Ba Sing Se was damaged in the battle and the walls needed extensive repairs, the city was freed from the Fire Nation's rule. With the appointment of Zuko as Fire Lord, the Fire Nation undertook efforts to rebuild its relationship with the Earth Kingdom.[13]