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| uses = [[Transportation in the World of Avatar|Transportation]], protection |
| uses = [[Transportation in the World of Avatar|Transportation]], protection |
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| bending = [[Bending arts]] |
| bending = [[Bending arts]] |
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| − | | appearance = "[[ |
+ | | appearance = * "[[The Library]]" <small>(image)</small> |
| + | * "[[Sozin's Comet, Part 2: The Old Masters]] <small>(actual)</small> |
||
| lastappearance = "[[Beginnings, Part 2]]" {{fo}} |
| lastappearance = "[[Beginnings, Part 2]]" {{fo}} |
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| − | }}The '''lion turtle''', |
+ | }}The '''lion turtle''', honorably referred to as '''Ancient One''' by the spirits,<ref name="B2" /> is the largest known [[Fauna in the World of Avatar|animal]] in the [[Earth|world]]. In the [[era of Raava]], lion turtles populated the [[Spirit Wilds]], where they served as protectors of mankind by housing human cities on their backs.<ref name="B1">{{Cite episode|2|207}}</ref> As indicated by the symbols on their foreheads, each individual lion turtle showed an affinity for one of the four elements and possessed the ability to grant individuals the power to control said element through [[energybending]].<ref name="B2" /> |
== History == |
== History == |
||
=== Era of Raava === |
=== Era of Raava === |
||
| − | In the era of Raava, lion turtles developed a relationship with humans, who established settlements on their backs as a means of protection against spirits who roamed the wilds. Due to their role as protectors of mankind, lion turtles |
+ | In the era of Raava, lion turtles developed a relationship with humans, who established settlements on their backs as a means of protection against spirits who roamed the wilds. Due to their role as protectors of mankind, lion turtles ascertained the safety of humans who ventured away from the cities to gather food by granting them with the ability to bend an element, which they would relinquish upon their return. As solitary creatures, lion turtles rarely interacted with other members of their species, which resulted in the complete isolation of individual settlements from one another to the point where humans were unaware of the existence of other lion turtle cities.<ref name="B1" /> |
[[File:Wan being granted firebending.png|thumb|left|200px|A fire lion turtle granted [[Wan]] [[Firebending|the power of fire]] to aid him in protecting himself while in the [[Spirit Wilds]].]] |
[[File:Wan being granted firebending.png|thumb|left|200px|A fire lion turtle granted [[Wan]] [[Firebending|the power of fire]] to aid him in protecting himself while in the [[Spirit Wilds]].]] |
||
| − | Around 9,832 [[History of the World of Avatar#Dates|BG]], a group of hunters approached a fire lion turtle who granted them with the power of [[Firebending|fire]] to find food for the village. Among the company was [[Wan]], who refused to relinquish his |
+ | Around 9,832 [[History of the World of Avatar#Dates|BG]], a group of hunters approached a fire lion turtle who granted them with the power of [[Firebending|fire]] to find food for the village. Among the company was [[Wan]], who refused to relinquish his power. As a result, he was brought before the lion turtle, who permitted him to keep his fire at his request but banished Wan to the Spirit Wilds for his crimes. During his banishment, Wan befriended the spirits and learned about the existence of other lion turtle cities, which he left to find. Inspired by Wan's success at surviving in the wilds, many other villagers requested the power of fire from the lion turtle and left the protection of the city to establish settlements in the Spirit Wilds.<ref name="B2" /> |
During his travels, Wan came across harvesters with the power of [[Airbending|air]] and followed them to a city on top of a flying lion turtle. Following an attack by [[dark spirits]] on the air lion turtle's settlement, Wan undertook the task of helping [[Raava]] defeat [[Vaatu]] during the next [[Harmonic Convergence]]. In order to do so, he requested the power of air from the lion turtle, who was reluctant to grant him the ability as no human had previously held more than one element. After agreeing to allow Raava to hold the element until he mastered it, Wan left the air lion turtle's city in order to find settlements with guardians that could grant him with the remaining elements. Over the course of the next year, Wan found water and earth lion turtles who provided him with the power of [[Waterbending|water]] and [[Earthbending|earth]], respectively.<ref name="B2" /> |
During his travels, Wan came across harvesters with the power of [[Airbending|air]] and followed them to a city on top of a flying lion turtle. Following an attack by [[dark spirits]] on the air lion turtle's settlement, Wan undertook the task of helping [[Raava]] defeat [[Vaatu]] during the next [[Harmonic Convergence]]. In order to do so, he requested the power of air from the lion turtle, who was reluctant to grant him the ability as no human had previously held more than one element. After agreeing to allow Raava to hold the element until he mastered it, Wan left the air lion turtle's city in order to find settlements with guardians that could grant him with the remaining elements. Over the course of the next year, Wan found water and earth lion turtles who provided him with the power of [[Waterbending|water]] and [[Earthbending|earth]], respectively.<ref name="B2" /> |
||
| − | After Wan and Raava merged permanently to defeat Vaatu, the lion turtles collectively decided to relinquish their role as protectors of mankind and refrain from further granting the power of the elements to humans.<ref name="B2" /> |
+ | After Wan and Raava merged permanently to defeat Vaatu, the lion turtles collectively decided to relinquish their role as protectors of mankind to the new Avatar and refrain from further granting the power of the elements to humans.<ref name="B2" /> |
=== Era of the Avatar === |
=== Era of the Avatar === |
||
[[File:Aang with Lion Turtle.png|thumb|right|200px|The last remaining lion turtle gave [[Aang]] advice shortly before the arrival of [[Sozin's Comet]] in 100 [[History of the World of Avatar#Dates|AG]].]] |
[[File:Aang with Lion Turtle.png|thumb|right|200px|The last remaining lion turtle gave [[Aang]] advice shortly before the arrival of [[Sozin's Comet]] in 100 [[History of the World of Avatar#Dates|AG]].]] |
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| − | Lion turtles were hunted to near extinction over the thousands of years following the start of the [[Avatar#Avatar Cycle|Avatar Cycle]] until one remained.<ref name="dead">{{nickold}}</ref> In order to protect himself from being hunted, the last remaining lion turtle opted to travel the world away from human civilizations. Having developed a lush forest on its back over the course of its lifetime, the lion turtle avoided human contact by appearing as an island until he encountered [[Aang]] on the shores of [[Ember Island]] in 100 AG. The young [[Avatar]] stumbled onto the lion turtle subconsciously in the dead of night and awoke the following day unaware of his whereabouts.<ref name="SC2">{{Cite episode|1|319}}</ref> |
+ | Lion turtles were hunted to near extinction over the thousands of years following the start of the [[Avatar#Avatar Cycle|Avatar Cycle]] until only one remained.<ref name="dead">{{nickold}}</ref> In order to protect himself from being hunted, the last remaining lion turtle opted to travel the world, away from human civilizations. Having developed a lush forest on its back over the course of its lifetime, the lion turtle avoided human contact by appearing as an island until he encountered [[Aang]] on the shores of [[Ember Island]] in 100 AG. The young [[Avatar]] stumbled onto the lion turtle subconsciously in the dead of night and awoke the following day, unaware of his whereabouts.<ref name="SC2">{{Cite episode|1|319}}</ref> |
| − | After convening with his past lives regarding the course of action he should take to defeat [[Fire Lord]] [[Ozai]], Aang discovered that the island |
+ | After convening with his past lives regarding the course of action he should take to defeat [[Fire Lord]] [[Ozai]], Aang discovered that the island on which he believed himself to be stranded was a lion turtle and proceeded to ask the creature for advice. After noting that darkness always yields itself to purifying light, the lion turtle imparted Aang with the ancient art of energybending, stating that individuals originally bent the energy within themselves as opposed to the elements. He warned Aang that the use of the art requires having an unbendable spirit, before leaving the young Avatar and [[Momo]] on the shores of the [[Earth Kingdom]] near [[Wulong Forest]].<ref name="SC4">{{Cite episode|1|321}}</ref> |
== Anatomy == |
== Anatomy == |
||
[[File:Lion turtle.png|thumb|left|200px|Adult lion turtles will eventually grow a forest on their backs, giving them the same appearance as a small island.]] |
[[File:Lion turtle.png|thumb|left|200px|Adult lion turtles will eventually grow a forest on their backs, giving them the same appearance as a small island.]] |
||
| − | The majority of the lion turtle's body resembles the anatomy of a turtle with the face and |
+ | The majority of the lion turtle's body resembles the anatomy of a turtle with the face, paws, and tail similar to those of a lion. The creature has webbed feet with finger joints made of soft tissue, similar in function to joint covers present in crabs. |
| − | Lion turtles can survive for centuries if unharmed and reach the size of a small island, developing hard shells that eventually grow [[Flora in the World of Avatar|plant]] life that can sustain several species of animals.<ref name="AAS">[[Avatar: The Last Airbender—The Art of the Animated Series]].</ref> This effectively creates small ecosystems on the backs of lion turtles, which neither benefit nor harm the hosts in question.<ref name="L">{{Cite episode|1|210}}</ref> Lion turtles are so enormous that their hearts can weigh over 120 tons, which is comparable to the combined weight of twelve flying bison.<ref name="AESM">[[Avatar Extras (Book Three: Fire)#"Sokka's Master"|''Avatar Extras'' for "Sokka's Master"]] on Nicktoons Network.</ref> |
+ | Young lion turtles are significantly smaller in size than the adults but are still considerably large, growing to the size of an adult [[flying bison]]. Lion turtles can survive for centuries if unharmed and reach the size of a small island, developing hard shells that eventually grow [[Flora in the World of Avatar|plant]] life that can sustain several species of animals.<ref name="AAS">[[Avatar: The Last Airbender—The Art of the Animated Series]].</ref> This effectively creates small ecosystems on the backs of lion turtles, which neither benefit nor harm the hosts in question.<ref name="L">{{Cite episode|1|210}}</ref> Lion turtles are so enormous that their hearts can weigh over 120 tons, which is comparable to the combined weight of twelve flying bison.<ref name="AESM">[[Avatar Extras (Book Three: Fire)#"Sokka's Master"|''Avatar Extras'' for "Sokka's Master"]] on Nicktoons Network.</ref> |
Although from the same species, lion turtles have distinct markings on their foreheads indicating the element to which they are attributed:<ref name="B2" /> |
Although from the same species, lion turtles have distinct markings on their foreheads indicating the element to which they are attributed:<ref name="B2" /> |
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| Line 49: | Line 50: | ||
== Behavior == |
== Behavior == |
||
| − | + | Unlike many other creatures in the world, lion turtles are intelligent creatures who demonstrate the ability to both speak and understand human language.<ref name="SC2" /> They are solitary creatures that disperse as much as possible and remain hidden through various means. |
|
| + | |||
| + | Terrestrial lion turtles buried themselves in the ground and did not surface unless summoned, while aquatic lion turtles partly submerged themselves underwater to avoid detection. Lion turtles associated with air had the ability to fly and remained afloat for additional protection.<ref name="B2" /> |
||
== Connection == |
== Connection == |
||
| − | The lion turtle bears a strong resemblance to both of its namesakes, the lion and the turtle. Most of the creature's anatomy is based off the body of a turtle, with the head and |
+ | The lion turtle bears a strong resemblance to both of its namesakes, the lion and the turtle. Most of the creature's anatomy is based off the body of a turtle, with the head, limbs, and tail similar in appearance to a lion. |
== Trivia == |
== Trivia == |
||
{{Imagelink}} |
{{Imagelink}} |
||
| − | * The lion turtle fits within the theme of a [[Wikipedia:World Turtle|World Turtle]], which is particularly evident in Chinese and indigenous American mythology and culture. |
+ | * The lion turtle fits within the theme of a [[Wikipedia:World Turtle|World Turtle]], which is particularly evident in Chinese and indigenous American mythology and culture. It also bears a resemblance to the [[Wikipedia:Zaratan|Zaratan]], grandiose sea turtles found in literature and folklore, whose shells are easily mistaken for small islands. |
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | * The chanting heard when the lion turtle called to Aang is a Buddhist chant known as "Na Mo A Mi Tuo Fo Shin Di". This chanting was first heard when the [[Fire Sages]] assumed their stances in front of the door to the [[Fire Temple#Sanctuary|Fire Temple sanctuary]].<ref name="WS2">{{Cite episode|1|108}}</ref> It was heard again right before Aang stepped into the [[Spirit Oasis]] to fuse with [[La]] during the [[Siege of the North]].<ref name="SN2">{{Cite episode|1|120}}</ref> |
||
| ⚫ | * [[Nyla]] was unable to follow Aang's scent while he was on the lion turtle, as it had traveled extensively throughout the world. Because of this, the lion turtle accumulated countless smells which made it impossible to differentiate between distinct scents, effectively masking Aang.<ref name="scbook">''[[Sozin's Comet: The Final Battle]]'', pages 56-57.</ref> |
||
| + | * The lion turtle is the only known non-spirit creature that is able to communicate with words, albeit telepathically. |
||
* Lion turtles have great cultural importance in the Avatar World and are referenced several times throughout the franchise. |
* Lion turtles have great cultural importance in the Avatar World and are referenced several times throughout the franchise. |
||
| ⚫ | |||
** A painting of a lion turtle was depicted in a scroll inside [[Wan Shi Tong's Library]].<ref name="L" /> |
** A painting of a lion turtle was depicted in a scroll inside [[Wan Shi Tong's Library]].<ref name="L" /> |
||
| ⚫ | |||
** [[Piandao]] compared Sokka's courage and heart to those of a lion turtle. Additionally, his [[Piandao's castle|manor]] boasted many lion turtle furnishings.<ref name="SM">{{Cite episode|1|304}}</ref> |
** [[Piandao]] compared Sokka's courage and heart to those of a lion turtle. Additionally, his [[Piandao's castle|manor]] boasted many lion turtle furnishings.<ref name="SM">{{Cite episode|1|304}}</ref> |
||
** [[Military ranks in the World of Avatar#Admiral|Admiral]] [[Chan (Fire Nation admiral)|Chan]]'s home in Ember Island had a lion turtle door knocker.<ref name="B">{{Cite episode|1|305}}</ref> |
** [[Military ranks in the World of Avatar#Admiral|Admiral]] [[Chan (Fire Nation admiral)|Chan]]'s home in Ember Island had a lion turtle door knocker.<ref name="B">{{Cite episode|1|305}}</ref> |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
** The gates of the [[Southern Water Tribe compound]] have a lion turtle motif.<ref name="WRC">{{Cite episode|2|101}}</ref> |
** The gates of the [[Southern Water Tribe compound]] have a lion turtle motif.<ref name="WRC">{{Cite episode|2|101}}</ref> |
||
** A [[Satomobile]] used by the [[Triple Threat Triad]] sported a golden lion turtle as a hood ornament.<ref name="WRC" /> |
** A [[Satomobile]] used by the [[Triple Threat Triad]] sported a golden lion turtle as a hood ornament.<ref name="WRC" /> |
||
** A lion turtle fountain stands next to the pool in [[Hiroshi Sato]]'s [[Sato estate|estate]].<ref name="TA">{{Cite episode|2|107}}</ref> |
** A lion turtle fountain stands next to the pool in [[Hiroshi Sato]]'s [[Sato estate|estate]].<ref name="TA">{{Cite episode|2|107}}</ref> |
||
| − | |||
| − | [[File:The Lion Turtle.png|thumb|right|200px|An early sketch of a lion turtle emphasizes its enormous size by providing a scale.]] |
||
| − | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | * The chanting heard when the lion turtle called to Aang is a Buddhist chant known as "Na Mo A Mi Tuo Fo Shin Di". This chanting was first heard when the [[Fire Sages]] assumed their stances in front of the door to the [[Fire Temple#Sanctuary|Fire Temple sanctuary]].<ref name="WS2">{{Cite episode|1|108}}</ref> It was heard again right before Aang stepped into the [[Spirit Oasis]] to fuse with [[La]] during the [[Siege of the North]].<ref name="SN2">{{Cite episode|1|120}}</ref> |
||
| ⚫ | * [[Nyla]] was unable to follow Aang's scent while he was on the lion turtle, as it had traveled extensively throughout the world. Because of this, the lion turtle accumulated countless smells which made it impossible to differentiate between distinct scents, effectively masking Aang.<ref name="scbook">''[[Sozin's Comet: The Final Battle]]'', pages 56-57.</ref> |
||
* A lion turtle appeared in the beginning of the [[unaired pilot]] as a statue behind [[Aang (pilot)|Aang]]. |
* A lion turtle appeared in the beginning of the [[unaired pilot]] as a statue behind [[Aang (pilot)|Aang]]. |
||
* The lion turtle who imparted Aang with energybending had forehead markings similar to those seen on fire lion turtles.<ref name="B1" /> |
* The lion turtle who imparted Aang with energybending had forehead markings similar to those seen on fire lion turtles.<ref name="B1" /> |
||
* Some critics claim that the lion turtle teaching Aang energybending to defeat Ozai without killing him was a ''[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/DeusExMachina deus ex machina]'', a device used by writers to resolve a conflict through some form of divine intervention. The creators refute this claim and insist that the lion turtle's abilities were already developed prior to its introduction.<ref name="CO">{{Cite web |url=http://www.craveonline.com/tv/articles/151322-sozins-comet-the-avatars-story-ends |title=Sozin's Comet: The Avatar's Story Ends |accessdate=2013-03-16 |last= |first= |date=July 22, 2008 |work=CraveOnline |publisher=CraveOnline Media }}</ref> |
* Some critics claim that the lion turtle teaching Aang energybending to defeat Ozai without killing him was a ''[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/DeusExMachina deus ex machina]'', a device used by writers to resolve a conflict through some form of divine intervention. The creators refute this claim and insist that the lion turtle's abilities were already developed prior to its introduction.<ref name="CO">{{Cite web |url=http://www.craveonline.com/tv/articles/151322-sozins-comet-the-avatars-story-ends |title=Sozin's Comet: The Avatar's Story Ends |accessdate=2013-03-16 |last= |first= |date=July 22, 2008 |work=CraveOnline |publisher=CraveOnline Media }}</ref> |
||
| + | * The lion turtle encountered by Aang was voiced by [[Kevin Michael Richardson]], while the fire and air lion turtles met by Wan were voiced by [[Jim Cummings]] and [[Stephen Stanton]], respectively. |
||
| ⚫ | |||
== Gallery == |
== Gallery == |
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| Line 88: | Line 90: | ||
== References == |
== References == |
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| − | {{scroll|{{ |
+ | {{scroll|{{Reflist}}}} |
== See also == |
== See also == |
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| Line 102: | Line 104: | ||
[[Category:Fauna]] |
[[Category:Fauna]] |
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[[Category:Hybridized creatures]] |
[[Category:Hybridized creatures]] |
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| + | [[Category:Legend of Korra]] |
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Revision as of 14:39, 26 April 2020
| "The world is entering a new age. Our time protecting mankind is over. We will no longer give humans the power of the elements." |
| — A fire lion turtle announcing the departure of his kind.[1] |
The lion turtle, honorably referred to as Ancient One by the spirits,[1] is the largest known animal in the world. In the era of Raava, lion turtles populated the Spirit Wilds, where they served as protectors of mankind by housing human cities on their backs.[2] As indicated by the symbols on their foreheads, each individual lion turtle showed an affinity for one of the four elements and possessed the ability to grant individuals the power to control said element through energybending.[1]
Quick Answers
What is the significance of the symbols on the foreheads of the lion turtles?
The symbols on the foreheads of the lion turtles are indicative of the element they are associated with. Lion turtles associated with fire have two inward curling swirls forming a heart-like shape. Those associated with air have a more intricate swirling pattern, with two outward curling swirls and a central swirl. Lion turtles associated with water have three wavy lines increasing in length from top to bottom and a lone swirl underneath. Lastly, lion turtles associated with earth have a singular swirl diverging into two smaller swirls, forming a shape similar to a question mark. These symbols not only represent their elemental affinity but also their ability to grant individuals the power to control said element through energybending.
Provided by: Fandom
How did the lion turtles serve as protectors of mankind in the era of Raava?
In the era of Raava, lion turtles served as protectors of mankind by providing them with a safe place to live - on their backs. These massive creatures established settlements on their backs, offering protection against spirits who roamed the Spirit Wilds. When humans ventured away from these cities to gather food, the lion turtles granted them the ability to bend an element for their safety. However, this power was relinquished upon their return. Each lion turtle showed an affinity for one of the four elements and could grant individuals the power to control said element through energybending. This unique relationship between humans and lion turtles ensured the survival and safety of mankind during this era.
Provided by: Fandom
What is the connection between the lion turtle and the concept of energybending?
The Lion Turtles are deeply connected to the concept of energybending. In the era of Raava, they were the only known practitioners of this art. They used energybending to bestow upon humans the ability to bend one of the four elements, providing them with protection while they hunted in the Spirit Wilds. However, once the humans returned to the settlements on the Lion Turtles' backs, this power was withdrawn as bending was not permitted there. The Lion Turtles also had the ability to remove or restore bending abilities. With the rise of the Avatar, the Lion Turtles ceased their roles as the protectors of mankind and bestowers of bending.
Provided by: Fandom
How many lion turtles are known to exist in the world of Avatar?
In the world of Avatar, only one lion turtle is known to exist. This last remaining lion turtle has survived by traveling the world, away from human civilizations, and has developed a lush forest on its back over the course of its lifetime.
Provided by: Fandom
What is the meaning behind the lion turtle being referred to as the 'Ancient One' by the spirits?
The lion turtle, referred to as the 'Ancient One' by the spirits, is the oldest and largest known animal in the world. This title signifies its ancient wisdom and its significant role as a protector of mankind during the era of Raava. Lion turtles housed cities on their backs, serving as guardians in the Spirit Wilds. Their ability to communicate telepathically, a trait unique among non-spirit creatures, further emphasizes their special status and wisdom.
Provided by: Fandom
History
Era of Raava
In the era of Raava, lion turtles developed a relationship with humans, who established settlements on their backs as a means of protection against spirits who roamed the wilds. Due to their role as protectors of mankind, lion turtles ascertained the safety of humans who ventured away from the cities to gather food by granting them with the ability to bend an element, which they would relinquish upon their return. As solitary creatures, lion turtles rarely interacted with other members of their species, which resulted in the complete isolation of individual settlements from one another to the point where humans were unaware of the existence of other lion turtle cities.[2]
A fire lion turtle granted Wan the power of fire to aid him in protecting himself while in the Spirit Wilds.
Around 9,832 BG, a group of hunters approached a fire lion turtle who granted them with the power of fire to find food for the village. Among the company was Wan, who refused to relinquish his power. As a result, he was brought before the lion turtle, who permitted him to keep his fire at his request but banished Wan to the Spirit Wilds for his crimes. During his banishment, Wan befriended the spirits and learned about the existence of other lion turtle cities, which he left to find. Inspired by Wan's success at surviving in the wilds, many other villagers requested the power of fire from the lion turtle and left the protection of the city to establish settlements in the Spirit Wilds.[1]
During his travels, Wan came across harvesters with the power of air and followed them to a city on top of a flying lion turtle. Following an attack by dark spirits on the air lion turtle's settlement, Wan undertook the task of helping Raava defeat Vaatu during the next Harmonic Convergence. In order to do so, he requested the power of air from the lion turtle, who was reluctant to grant him the ability as no human had previously held more than one element. After agreeing to allow Raava to hold the element until he mastered it, Wan left the air lion turtle's city in order to find settlements with guardians that could grant him with the remaining elements. Over the course of the next year, Wan found water and earth lion turtles who provided him with the power of water and earth, respectively.[1]
After Wan and Raava merged permanently to defeat Vaatu, the lion turtles collectively decided to relinquish their role as protectors of mankind to the new Avatar and refrain from further granting the power of the elements to humans.[1]
Era of the Avatar
The last remaining lion turtle gave Aang advice shortly before the arrival of Sozin's Comet in 100 AG.
Lion turtles were hunted to near extinction over the thousands of years following the start of the Avatar Cycle until only one remained.[3] In order to protect himself from being hunted, the last remaining lion turtle opted to travel the world, away from human civilizations. Having developed a lush forest on its back over the course of its lifetime, the lion turtle avoided human contact by appearing as an island until he encountered Aang on the shores of Ember Island in 100 AG. The young Avatar stumbled onto the lion turtle subconsciously in the dead of night and awoke the following day, unaware of his whereabouts.[4]
After convening with his past lives regarding the course of action he should take to defeat Fire Lord Ozai, Aang discovered that the island on which he believed himself to be stranded was a lion turtle and proceeded to ask the creature for advice. After noting that darkness always yields itself to purifying light, the lion turtle imparted Aang with the ancient art of energybending, stating that individuals originally bent the energy within themselves as opposed to the elements. He warned Aang that the use of the art requires having an unbendable spirit, before leaving the young Avatar and Momo on the shores of the Earth Kingdom near Wulong Forest.[5]
Anatomy
Adult lion turtles will eventually grow a forest on their backs, giving them the same appearance as a small island.
The majority of the lion turtle's body resembles the anatomy of a turtle with the face, paws, and tail similar to those of a lion. The creature has webbed feet with finger joints made of soft tissue, similar in function to joint covers present in crabs.
Young lion turtles are significantly smaller in size than the adults but are still considerably large, growing to the size of an adult flying bison. Lion turtles can survive for centuries if unharmed and reach the size of a small island, developing hard shells that eventually grow plant life that can sustain several species of animals.[6] This effectively creates small ecosystems on the backs of lion turtles, which neither benefit nor harm the hosts in question.[7] Lion turtles are so enormous that their hearts can weigh over 120 tons, which is comparable to the combined weight of twelve flying bison.[8]
Although from the same species, lion turtles have distinct markings on their foreheads indicating the element to which they are attributed:[1]
- Lion turtles associated with fire have two swirls curling inward, forming a shape similar to a heart
- Lion turtles associated with air have a more intricate swirling pattern, with two swirls curling outward and a swirl in the center
- Lion turtles associated with water have three wavy lines increasing in length from top to bottom and a lone swirl underneath
- Lion turtles associated with earth have a singular swirl diverging into two smaller swirls, with the one on top larger than the other, forming a shape similar to a question mark. In addition, the lion turtles associated with earth have two swirls on each upper cheek and two others near their ears.
Behavior
Unlike many other creatures in the world, lion turtles are intelligent creatures who demonstrate the ability to both speak and understand human language.[4] They are solitary creatures that disperse as much as possible and remain hidden through various means.
Terrestrial lion turtles buried themselves in the ground and did not surface unless summoned, while aquatic lion turtles partly submerged themselves underwater to avoid detection. Lion turtles associated with air had the ability to fly and remained afloat for additional protection.[1]
Connection
The lion turtle bears a strong resemblance to both of its namesakes, the lion and the turtle. Most of the creature's anatomy is based off the body of a turtle, with the head, limbs, and tail similar in appearance to a lion.
Trivia
- The lion turtle fits within the theme of a World Turtle, which is particularly evident in Chinese and indigenous American mythology and culture. It also bears a resemblance to the Zaratan, grandiose sea turtles found in literature and folklore, whose shells are easily mistaken for small islands.
- The lion turtle resembles Chinese mythological turtles, a few of which are placed around the Forbidden Palace in Beijing.
An early sketch of a lion turtle emphasizes its enormous size by providing a scale.
- A very high level of detail went into the lion turtle's design in early production of the first series, but it was not rendered as intricately in the final animation.[9]
- The lion turtle is the only creature and character to be painted, as opposed to drawn as a cartoon.
- The chanting heard when the lion turtle called to Aang is a Buddhist chant known as "Na Mo A Mi Tuo Fo Shin Di". This chanting was first heard when the Fire Sages assumed their stances in front of the door to the Fire Temple sanctuary.[10] It was heard again right before Aang stepped into the Spirit Oasis to fuse with La during the Siege of the North.[11]
- Nyla was unable to follow Aang's scent while he was on the lion turtle, as it had traveled extensively throughout the world. Because of this, the lion turtle accumulated countless smells which made it impossible to differentiate between distinct scents, effectively masking Aang.[12]
- The lion turtle is the only known non-spirit creature that is able to communicate with words, albeit telepathically.
- Lion turtles have great cultural importance in the Avatar World and are referenced several times throughout the franchise.
- General Fong and General Sung both had pauldrons representing the head of a lion turtle, as did one of Aang's battle "options".[13]
- A painting of a lion turtle was depicted in a scroll inside Wan Shi Tong's Library.[7]
- Aang and Sokka hid behind a lion turtle statue outside the Earth Kingdom Royal Palace while devising a plan to meet Earth King Kuei.
- Piandao compared Sokka's courage and heart to those of a lion turtle. Additionally, his manor boasted many lion turtle furnishings.[14]
- Admiral Chan's home in Ember Island had a lion turtle door knocker.[15]
- The gates of the Southern Water Tribe compound have a lion turtle motif.[16]
- A Satomobile used by the Triple Threat Triad sported a golden lion turtle as a hood ornament.[16]
- A lion turtle fountain stands next to the pool in Hiroshi Sato's estate.[17]
- A lion turtle appeared in the beginning of the unaired pilot as a statue behind Aang.
- The lion turtle who imparted Aang with energybending had forehead markings similar to those seen on fire lion turtles.[2]
- Some critics claim that the lion turtle teaching Aang energybending to defeat Ozai without killing him was a deus ex machina, a device used by writers to resolve a conflict through some form of divine intervention. The creators refute this claim and insist that the lion turtle's abilities were already developed prior to its introduction.[18]
- The lion turtle encountered by Aang was voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson, while the fire and air lion turtles met by Wan were voiced by Jim Cummings and Stephen Stanton, respectively.
Gallery
A fire lion turtle.
An air lion turtle.
A water lion turtle.
An earth lion turtle.