| "There's no time. Just go. We'll take care of him. He's our leader." |
| — Longshot to Team Avatar.[1] |
Longshot was an Earth Kingdom revolutionary and exceptionally skilled archer who served as a member of two rebel groups, namely the Freedom Fighters and Silver Fangs. He was often taciturn, though his opinions were greatly valued by his peers.
After his home was destroyed by the Fire Nation during the Hundred Year War, Longshot became a guerilla in Jet's Freedom Fighters until the group was shattered in 99 AG. Afterward, Longshot, Smellerbee and Jet moved to Ba Sing Se where they became involved in the resistance against the Conspiracy of Ba Sing Se, leading to Jet's death. Longshot helped to put an end to the Conspiracy and subsequently took part in the Silver Fangs' resistance against the Fire Nation occupation of Ba Sing Se. Alongside other rebels, he helped to organize a successful mass uprising during the liberation of Ba Sing Se. After the Hundred Year War's end, Longshot assisted Smellerbee in reviving the Freedom Fighters as a anti-colonial protest and activist group.
Quick Answers
What is the significance of Longshot's silence in the Freedom Fighters?
How did Longshot become such a skilled archer?
What happened to Longshot's village and how did it affect him?
What happened to Longshot after he Team Avatar?
History[]
Early life[]
Originally born under a different name, Longshot spent his early years in an Earth Kingdom town in the region around Gaipan.[2][5] His home was burned during a Fire Nation raid,[2][3] with the Yuyan Archers playing a prominent role in this operation.[3]
Lost and alone, the boy subsequently joined the Freedom Fighters, a young paramilitary group assembled by Jet in the forests at Gaipan.[3][5] He found a new kind of home among this rebel community. Remembering what the Yuyan Archers had done to his town, he took up archery and adopted the name "Longshot", vowing to hone his skills until he could beat his hated enemies with their own weapons.[5] After that, he spoke little and spent his time perfecting his archery skills.[3]
Some time during the winter of 99 AG, Jet selected Longshot, along with Smellerbee, Sneers, The Duke, and Pipsqueak, to work alongside him in the ambush of a Fire Nation military encampment. The Freedom Fighters hid among the large trees above the camp site, waiting for an adequate distraction that would allow them to attack. The diversion was provided by Sokka, Katara, and Aang who stumbled upon the campgrounds, alerting the soldiers who were lounging by a campfire. Just as the soldiers were about to attack, Longshot stunned the leader from his position, and a fight soon ensued. Amidst the battle, he remained perched on a tree branch, firing arrows aimed at the soldiers' weapons. He disarmed at least six soldiers during the assault.[2]
On Jet's order, Longshot fired a flaming arrow that ignited the blasting jelly at the Gaipan dam.
After the battle, he returned to the treetop hideout with the rest of the raiding party, as well as Aang, Sokka and Katara. Over the following time, rifts gradually emerged between Team Avatar and the Freedom Fighters, as the former realized Jet's willingness to endanger civilians in his efforts to hamper the Fire Nation war effort. Anticipating that the Avatar might try to stop his plans, Jet assigned Longshot to hide in the forest and ignite the blasting jelly at the Gaipan dam on his sign. When the archer later heard Jet's agreed signal, he shot a flaming arrow which caused a large explosion, destroying the dam and initiating the flooding of Gaipan. Yet this mission was a failure as Sokka was able to warn the town's residents in time for them to evacuate safely.[2]
Move to Ba Sing Se[]
After the clash with Team Avatar, the Freedom Fighters effectively dissolved as several members became disillusioned with Jet's leadership.[6] In contrast, Longshot and Smellerbee proved his most loyal followers,[5] refusing to abandon him. The three decided to travel as refugees to Ba Sing Se to start a new life.[7]
Jet, Smellerbee, and Longshot traveled on a ferry to Ba Sing Se.
They arrived at Full Moon Bay, where they boarded an Earth Kingdom ferry and met Zuko and Iroh, who, unknown to them, were members of the Fire Nation. Jet noticed Zuko's displeasure with the living conditions on the ferry, and convinced him to help "liberate" food from the captain's chambers along with Longshot and Smellerbee. That night, the four conducted a raid on the captain's chambers, with Longshot remaining at the lower level of the ferry. After Zuko and Jet successfully obtained the food, Longshot fired an arrow carrying a rope toward the three, allowing them to swing back to the passenger level before being seen by the guards.[7]
After they arrived in Ba Sing Se, Jet expressed interest in the recruitment of Zuko as part of the Freedom Fighters, a proposal both Smellerbee and Longshot disagreed with. Despite the feelings of his companions, Jet approached Zuko and asked him to join the Freedom Fighters. Zuko refused, stating that Jet would not want a person like him in his crew. Jet respected Zuko's decision, but noticed that Iroh's previously lukewarm tea had been heated during his conversation with Zuko. He concluded that the two must have been firebenders, and set off to expose them, much to Longshot and Smellerbee's dissatisfaction.[8]
Longshot and Smellerbee were among the crowd during Jet's arrest.
The trio spent their first days in Ba Sing Se following Iroh and Zuko in the Lower Ring. Jet expressed disgust by the thought of firebenders living concealed within Ba Sing Se. Smellerbee and Longshot questioned Jet's motives, and stated that they left for Ba Sing Se in order to start a new life. Jet assured the two that he would simply gather enough evidence for Zuko and Iroh to be arrested. Longshot and Smellerbee had no choice but to comply. Jet's many attempts to unveil Zuko and Iroh ultimately failed, and he resorted to violence as a last-ditch effort. He attacked Zuko, and the two engaged in battle, until the fight was ceased by the Dai Li, who took Jet into custody after several citizens pinpointed him as the duel's instigator. Longshot and Smellerbee watched as Jet was taken away.[9]
Jet's death[]
Longshot spent the next few weeks with Smellerbee searching for Jet, and eventually found him as he prepared to depart for Whaletail Island with Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Toph in search of Appa. Katara was angered by Jet's apparent subterfuge, claiming that he previously stated that he came to Ba Sing Se without the Freedom Fighters. Smellerbee asked Jet about how he escaped the Dai Li, though Jet expressed no knowledge about being taken, stating that he had been living peacefully within the city. The gang concluded that Jet had been brainwashed, and after several attempts, was able to successfully reverse the hypnotism performed on Jet. He revealed that the Dai Li had a secret headquarters under the waters of Lake Laogai.[1]
The team set off for the lake, with hopes of finding Appa. They were unsuccessful, and instead, were spotted by Long Feng, who declared them as enemies of the state. He subsequently ordered the Dai Li to apprehend them, and a battle ensued. Longshot was active in the battle, attacking the Dai Li whenever it was necessary. The flawless teamwork between Team Avatar and the Freedom Fighters made it impossible for the Dai Li to capture them. After noticing Team Avatar and the Freedom Fighters' increasing dominance over his agents, Long Feng fled, and was pursued by Aang and Jet, who were quick to notice his escape. Longshot remained with the others to hold off the Dai Li. After a battle with Long Feng, Jet was fatally wounded. Longshot soon arrived with the others to where Aang and Jet chased Long Feng, and expressed disbelief at seeing Jet injured. Katara's attempts to heal him proved to be unsuccessful, and she woefully stated that Jet's current state of being was not good. Smellerbee urged Team Avatar to push ahead to find Appa, but they were hesitant to do so. Longshot prompted them to, saying that they would take care of him. Team Avatar reluctantly continued their search for Appa, leaving Jet under the protection of Smellerbee and Longshot, who were both seemingly aware of Jet's inevitable death. Longshot wound an arrow and pointed it at the door as a precautionary measure if ever the Dai Li returned.[1]
Soon after Team Avatar's departure, Jet died. Longshot and Smellerbee created a sling using Dai Li uniforms they found hanging in the storage rooms of the base to remove his body.[10] This allowed them to transport the body up a shaft and into the inner wall of the city. They buried their late leader in the Spring Overlook section of Ba Sing Se, known to locals as the "Weeping Hills".[5][11]
Joining the Silver Fangs[]
Having lost their friend and leader, Longshot and Smellerbee sought to take an active role in the resistance against the regime responsible for his death. They discovered the existence of the Silver Fangs, a secretive underground movement opposed to Long Feng's dictatorship. They applied to join, and were subsequently ordered to take part in a trial for initiates. Silver Fangs member Xuan introduced the two to an earthbender named Jin, explaining that the Silver Fangs always organized their new members into small teams. Longshot quickly accepted Jin as a new ally. Xuan further outlined that their trial consisted of the infiltration of Pine House, a guarded entertainment house, where they were supposed to steal an item which had once belonged to a Silver Fangs associate.[12]
As Xuan instructed Jin on her role in opening the special safe in Pine House, Longshot and Smellerbee started to scout the target location.[12][13] Doing so, the two also made a playful bet regarding their new companion, with Longshot betting that Jin would eventually freeze under pressure.[14] The two discovered a entryway through a balcony in Pine House's third floor. Using an arrow with affixed rope, Longshot created a makeshift lift, using it to bring Jin to the target; Smellerbee just climbed the wall. He stayed outside as his companions searched the building for the target object. When they returned to the balcony with an item and used the rope to get down, Longshot gave them thumbs-up in acknowledgment.[13] However, Pine House's guards noticed the break-in, calling an alarm and forcing the trio to quickly escape the scene. After a chase, Jin managed to lead them to a busy alley where they lost their pursuers, buying cabbage buns from Young Crow to appear like regular customers. As the three talked, the ex-Freedom Fighters learned that Jin was also a refugee. Smellerbee eventually forced Longshot to pay her for the lost bet, as the young earthbender had proven herself.[14]
In accordance with Xuan's instructions, Longshot, Smellerbee, and Jin came to Bamboo House on the next day to deliver the stolen item. There, they were introduced to Patron Wu, alias "The Singer", a famous performer and one of the Silver Fangs' leaders.[14] After explaining which parts of the break-in had actually been a test and which had not, Wu asked them to swear loyalty to the Silver Fangs; the trio did so.[11]
Befriending Jin[]
A few days later, Longshot and Smellerbee brought a number of items to Jet's grave for a vigil. They unexpectedly ran into Jin, and Longshot convinced Smellerbee to let the earthbender accompany them. The three ventured to the Weeping Hills, where the former Freedom Fighters carefully placed various items which Jet would have liked on his grave.[11][5] The archer laid a wooden whistle and three buns as an offering, before quietly saying farewell to his leader. As Longshot and Smellerbee spent some time in silent remembrance, Jin talked off a guard patrol which was trying to enforce a curfew. Afterward, the three went to the Pao Family Tea House, where they talked about their past and bonded over similar experiences of loss. From this point onward, the three became friends, sharing their different skills, with Longshot teaching Jin how to tie various knots. The team continued to go on missions for the Silver Fangs.[5]
After one mission, the trio encountered Suyin Wen on the monorail.[5][15] This was a former friend of Jin who had become a Cultural Ambassador. Longshot and Smellerbee quickly realized that Suyin had been subjected to the Dai Li's brainwashing. After getting Jin to safety, they revealed the circumstances of the Conspiracy of Ba Sing Se to her and explained that Suyin was probably housed at the Dai Li base under Lake Laogai. Longshot and Smellerbee promised Jin to help her to eventually rescue her friend.[15]
Coup of Ba Sing Se[]
Shortly after, Longshot, Smellerbee, and Jin were alerted by the Silver Fangs that the Coup of Ba Sing Se had happened. Upon the Fire Nation take over, Longshot sustained a serious leg injury when the roof of the safe-house he and Smellerbee stood at was damaged and collapsed. He was rescued by Jin using earthbending and taken to Jin's house.[15] Longshot helped to look over Gong-gong while he was nursing his own injury. However, shortly after this Gong-gong suffered a heart attack upon learning the Fire Nation was taking over the city. Longshot helped Jin to bury Gong-gong upon his death.
Liberation of Ba Sing Se[]
After Jin rescued Suyin Wen, Longshot joined her, Smellerbee, and Xuan helped to fight the Fire Nation during the liberation of Ba Sing Se. Their goal was to minimize the carnage in the streets. One skirmish involved facing off against the Rough Rhinos led by Mongke. He ordered Longshot to surrender himself and was shocked to find out Smellerbee knew who the Rough Rhinos were since they were responsible for burning down Jet's village. Upon Longshot's refusal, he ordered Vachir to shoot him down. A skirmish ensued with Longshot successfully firing three arrows into Mongke's back as he retaliated with fire balls. Vachir, witnessing the tide of their battle and efforts of the masters surrounding them, requested they retreat, which Mongke agreed.[16] Afterward, Longshot along with the rest of the team successfully liberated Ba Sing Se.
Harmony Restoration Movement[]
Longshot and the Freedom Fighters protested the segregation of Yu Dao.
A year after the end of the Hundred Year War, Longshot and Smellerbee somehow met up with Sneers, and made their way to Yu Dao, protesting the Fire Nation's continuing occupation, supporting the Harmony Restoration Movement. He was prepared to support Smellerbee in her threat of violence if there was no deal made within three days following the Avatar's arrival in Yu Dao.[17]
After three days, Longshot accompanied Smellerbee to the gates of Yu Dao with the other protesters. When Smellerbee discovered Aang had not made any decisions, Longshot exchanged a knowing glance with her, before she issued the order to attack. The protesters managed to breach the wall and enter the city, where they met Sneers, Kori, and the Yu Dao Resistance. Longshot put up his thumb in approval when he learned that Sneers and Kori were dating. However, shortly after, the confrontation between the protesters and the resistance heated, and they attacked each other again. The fight was broken up when Aang used his airbending to expel Longshot and the other protesters from the city. When General How arrived at the head of the Earth Kingdom Army to forcefully remove the Fire Nation citizens from Earth Kingdom lands, Longshot smiled in approval. When the Fire Nation Army arrived as well and a battle ensued, Longshot aided Smellerbee in her fight against Sneers and Kori, though they were soon broken up by Sokka. The fight was halted when an enraged Avatar Aang entered the Avatar State and separated Longshot and the other invaders from the city.[18]
Personality[]
Longshot was often taciturn, though his opinions were greatly valued by his peers. He was understood by his companions through his eyes and facial expressions, which indicated his thoughts and viewpoints on particular subjects.[6][2][7] A thoughtful and insightful person, he was empathic toward his comrades and often helped to calm down others.[7][18][11] Furthermore, he was extremely determined, willing to do almost anything to achieve the goals he set himself, most importantly his drive to become an exceptional archer to take revenge on those who had destroyed his home.[5] This extended to following Jet even as the latter became increasingly brutal and radical.[5][2] Yet Longshot also had a playful side, betting on his companions' actions and liking to give demonstrative thumbs-ups.[14][18]
Longshot had a very close relationship with Smellerbee,[14] leading to a rumor Smellerbee and Longshot were involved romantically.[19] After Jet's demise, Longshot absolutely trusted Smellerbee's decisions on their further actions.[14] Despite his protest of the continued presence that Fire Nation citizens in Yu Dao and his willingness to support it with violence, Longshot approved of Kori when he discovered the relationship between her and Sneers.[18]
Abilities[]
Archery[]
Longshot frequently used his signature weapons during battle.
Longshot was a skilled archer, able to effectively use a bow and arrow while in motion or while in an inverted position. In a battle against Fire Nation infantry, he was able to effectively battle troops while upside down, using several arrows concurrently with flawless precision and accuracy.[2]
In one particular battle, Longshot exhibited his impeccable aim when he was able to target the weaponry of several soldiers, and strike them with enough force so that the soldiers would be disarmed. Earlier in the battle, he was able to target the leader of the opposing force, incapacitating him with an arrow to the back.[2]
Other skills[]
He also exhibited tremendous balance, as he was able to effectively battle while perched on top of a tree and while hanging from a branch upside down. He operated silently, an attribute commonly seen with members of the Freedom Fighters. As such, he was able to successfully ambush unsuspecting forces with relative ease. Despite his silence, Longshot was able to effectively communicate with his fellow Freedom Fighters with mere looks.[7]
Appearances[]
Avatar: The Last AirbenderBook One: Water (水)
Book Two: Earth (土)
Graphic novels
Avatar Legends novelsCity of Echoes
Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game |
Trivia[]
- Avatar Extras for "The Serpent's Pass" stated that Longshot "talks" with his eyes.
- He was cheering and booing during Jet's speech, which is contrary to his silent nature.[2]
- Longshot recited his one and only line throughout the entire series in "Lake Laogai", the last episode he was featured in.