From Polygon · Ryan Epps · · 1m 10s
Uncle Iroh's 'Who Are You?' Quote Still Holds Power
Two decades after Uncle Iroh's 'Who are you, and what do you want?' changed Zuko's life, the line remains the most profound advice in Avatar: The Last Airbender.
In brief
Two decades after Uncle Iroh's 'Who are you, and what do you want?' changed Zuko's life, the line remains the most profound advice in Avatar: The Last Airbender. Uncle Iroh's 2006 line to Zuko about self-discovery still guides the Avatar universe's search for inner peace. Originally reported by Polygon.
Uncle Iroh's Wisdom
Uncle Iroh offers quiet wisdom during Zuko's crisis in Book Two: Earth's Lake Laogai episode.
“I'm begging you, prince zuko! it's time for you to look inward and begin asking yourself the big questions”
Zuko's Struggle
Zuko, burdened by his father's trauma, acts on instinct after learning Appa is imprisoned.
Iroh's Challenge
Iroh forces Zuko to confront his identity and desires with the question: 'Who are you, and what do you want?'
“who are you, and what do you want”
Zuko's Transformation
Zuko drops his Blue Spirit mask into Lake Laogai's waters, surrendering his obsession with the Avatar.
The Fever
Zuko develops a fever, the physical cost of shedding his father's influence and embracing self-discovery.
Mako Iwamatsu
Voice actor Mako Iwamatsu delivered the line before his death in july 2006, a moment he called his finest.
Legacy of the Quote
Two decades later, Iroh's words remain the most powerful advice for finding inner peace in the Avatar universe.
The big picture
Uncle Iroh's 2006 line to Zuko about self-discovery still guides the Avatar universe's search for inner peace.
