If Azula Became Fire Lord: A Different Avatar Saga

In the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender, the role of Fire Lord is one of immense power and responsibility, often fraught with the burden of a century of tyranny. Originally, Zuko was chosen to ascend to the throne, but what if it were Azula instead? How would her ascension impact the story, and how did Zuko’s actions contribute to the peace and stability of the four nations?

The Path to the Throne

Iroh once said, “Become who you were born to be.” For Zuko, this journey included learning to embrace his royal responsibilities, reconcile with his father, and ultimately fight for what was right. However, if Azula had ascended to the Fire Lord, it might have resulted in a completely different narrative—one marked by ills that were never corrected.

The Fire Nation's 100-year tyranny was a dark chapter in the history of the Avatar world, causing untold suffering and grief. If Azula had taken the throne, it’s plausible that the world might have seen a resurgence of violence and chaos. Just as Fire Lord Sozin sought to reign with unbridled fire power, Azula would have faced similar challenges, potentially leading to the rebirth of the destructive cycle.

Azula and Mental Health

Following her Agni Kai with Zuko and a subsequent mental breakdown, Azula was spared from imprisonment and instead was committed to an asylum on a nearby island. Her deeper emotional turmoil and extreme paranoia were evident in her relationship with Zuko, where his pity and gentle treatment were pivotal in stabilizing her mental state. Moreover, Zuko’s actions in sparing her and taking care of her mental health were crucial in preventing her from causing further destruction.

Being a better fighter than Zuko, Azula’s strength and manipulative abilities might have made her valuable to the team, but it also could have led to conflicts and challenges. The fact that she was losing to Zuko during Sozin’s comet was not due to mere weakness, but because she was losing her mental stability. Without Zuko’s influence and support, her journey would have been much more tumultuous.

Consequences of Both Scenarios

This dependence on Zuko’s support is highlighted in the broader scope of the story. With Aang’s intervention, Ozai was defeated, and the Earth Kingdom was spared. However, if Aang had failed, sending Ozai to continue his destruction, the war would have escalated further. In this scenario, Azula would have been in a state of extreme mental distress, potentially becoming a significant threat to the war’s progress and the safety of the Earth Kingdom.

Either way, the presence or absence of Azula on the main stage alters the dynamics of the story. Should Zuko have ascended to the Fire Lord, the balance of power might have shifted in a different direction, but it would still have relied on his capacity to handle the challenges of the position and his relationship with Azula. Without Zuko's leadership and compassion, the path forward for the Avatar's journey may have been fraught with more obstacles and potential tragedy.

Conclusion

The story of Avatar: The Last Airbender is rich with the complexities of leadership, personal growth, and the consequences of one’s choices. Had Azula ascended to the Fire Lord, her legacy and actions could have altered the course of the series in profound ways. Zuko's pivotal role in stabilizing his sister's mental health and maintaining peace underscores the importance of empathy and leadership in times of crisis.