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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Influences on the ''Avatar'' franchise}}
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The ''Avatar'' franchise is aesthetically and conceptually '''influenced by many real-world cultures''', particularly China<ref name="AN">{{Cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-gallery/2009-01-31 |title=The Gallery. Elsa Garagarza |date=January 31, 2009 |accessdate=October 10, 2024 |publisher=Animenewsnetwork.com }}</ref> and other parts of East Asia. Other cultural influences come from South Asia, mainly India, and various indigenous cultures from around the world, such as those inhabiting the Arctic regions.

Modern popular culture is also a prominent influence on the franchise, especially Japanese animation and Chinese live action cinema (particularly the wuxia genre and Hong Kong action films). Contemporary American storytelling tropes are interspersed throughout, such as the archetypal "Hero's Journey", and certain characters and plot lines clearly echo previous franchises that made use of this theme.

== Stylistic influences ==
=== Anime ===
[[File:Spirited Away.png|thumb|right|250px|Chihiro and Haku, two characters from Hayao Miyazaki's ''Spirited Away'', a major influence on ''Avatar''.]]

The artistic and animation styles used in ''Avatar'' are clearly influenced by various forms of Japanese anime.<ref name="GD">{{Cite episode|1|112}}</ref> ''Avatar'' creators [[Bryan Konietzko]] and [[Michael Dante DiMartino]] confirmed a particular anime influence in a magazine interview:

"''The best anime balances great action sequences with humor and emotion, something we try to do on ''Avatar''. We love all the films of Hayao Miyazaki, especially ''Spirited Away'' and ''Princess Mononoke''. Both movies deal with spirituality and the environment in an entertaining way. Also, there's a lot of great animation.''"<ref name="ITE">"In Their Elements." (September 2006) ''Nick Mag Presents'', p. 6.</ref> According to Bryan Konietzko, ''Princess Mononoke'' inspired the idea of the abscence of villains in the sense that there were only people with competing interests, a perspective that he wanted to take in Western animation, which influenced the creation of [[Zaheer]].<ref name="Polygon">{{Cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/animation-cartoons/2020/8/31/21405084/legend-of-korra-netflix-bryan-konietzko-michael-dimartino-interview-avatar |title=The creators of ''The Legend of Korra'' look back at the prescient series |accessdate=2020-08-31 |date=31 August 2020 |publisher=Polygon}}</ref>

According to an interview with the artists of ''Avatar'', [[Appa]]'s design was based on the Catbus in ''My Neighbor Totoro'', due to the peculiar task of creating a mammal with six legs.<ref name="AAS">''[[Avatar: The Last Airbender—The Art of the Animated Series]]'', page 21.</ref>

''Avatar'' draws inspiration from Shinichiro Watanabe's ''Cowboy Bebop'' and ''Samurai Champloo'', as well as ''FLCL'' by Studio Gainax. Other various studios from which inspiration was drawn include STUDIO4&nbsp;°C, Production I.G, and Studio Ghibli. Bryan has commented that some of his most cherished Watanabe fight scenes were the fight between ''Bebop's'' Spike Spiegel and a drug smuggler in "Asteroid Blues", as well as the duel between Mugen and Sara in the ''Champloo'' episode "Elegy of Entrapment (Verse 2)". ''Avatar'' director Giancarlo Volpe also claims the staff "were all ordered to buy ''FLCL'' and watch every single episode of it".<ref name="Q&A">{{Cite web |url=https://flaming-june.org/videos/Audience%20Question%20&%20Answer%20Pt.%201.wmv |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070621111206/https://flaming-june.org/videos/Audience%20Question%20&%20Answer%20Pt.%201.wmv |title= Audience Q&A Part 1 |author= Volpe, Giancarlo; Ehasz, Aaron; DeSena, Jack; Basco, Dante |publisher= Flaming June |archivedate= June 21, 2007}}</ref>

=== Film ===
The choreographed martial art [[Bending arts|bending]] moves were profoundly inspired by Asian cinema. ''Avatar'' creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino stated the particular influence in a magazine interview:

"Asian cinema is really good at action comedy. ''Shaolin Soccer'' is one of our favorite movies. It has tons of fantastic action and lots of funny moments. Some of the effects provided inspiration for how bending moves might look on the show."<ref name="ITE" />

Numerous moments in the series also draws parallels with the highly acclaimed film ''Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'', one of the highest grossing foreign films to date.<ref name="BoxOfficeMojo">{{Cite web |url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=crouchingtigerhiddendragon.htm |title=Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon |publisher=Box Office Mojo |accessdate=May 3, 2010}}</ref> In particular, the score for the film<ref name="Youtube">{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfWURfn17Go |title=Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (臥虎藏龍) <nowiki>[Oscar's Best Foreign Movie]</nowiki> |publisher=Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (Taiwan) - 73rd Academy Awards |date=2012-02-11|accessdate=2014-01-03}}</ref> and the types of weapons<ref name="Youtube2">{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv_ed5VmoD8 |title=Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon Official Trailer <nowiki>[HD]</nowiki> |publisher=Movielist.com |date=2009-12-07|accessdate=2014-01-03}}</ref> can be seen within the series, more commonly toward the end of [[Book Two: Earth]] and the entirety of [[Book Three: Fire]]. Notably, the fighting style used by the [[Kyoshi Warriors]] closely resembles the Jade Fox's acupressure technique,<ref name="MichelleYeoh">{{Cite web |url= https://michelleyeoh.info/Movie/Ch/Script/crouchingtiger2.html|title=Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon script |publisher=Michelle Yeoh Web Theatre |date=2014-01-01|accessdate=2014-01-03}}</ref> and [[Azula]]'s own fighting style mimics several scenes in this film.<ref name="ALD">{{Cite episode|1|216}}</ref> This style can be seen throughout numerous other ''wuxia'' films.<ref name="WuxiaEdge">{{Cite web |url= https://www.wuxiaedge.com/a-handbook-to-newcomers-of-wuxia/ |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130094523/https://www.wuxiaedge.com/a-handbook-to-newcomers-of-wuxia/ |title=Handbook to Newcomers of Wuxia |publisher=Wuxia Edge |accessdate=2014-01-07 |archivedate=January 30, 2013}}</ref>

Another similarity is that of Zhang Ziyi's character, Yu Jiao Long, and [[Toph Beifong]]. Both are the daughters of noblemen, and are expected to continue to bring honor to their family. In Jiao's case, it is by entering an arranged marriage; Toph must remain hidden and submissive to please her parents.<ref name="BB">{{Cite episode|1|206}}</ref> Both are forced to keep the extent of their talents a secret, an idea that is echoed in the title of the film,<ref name="xdic">{{Cite web |url=https://www.zdic.net/c/7/172/385491.htm |title=The words "Crouching Tiger"  explanation |publisher=Han Dian |date=2013|accessdate=2014-01-03 |language=Chinese Han}}</ref> and both characters also developed through allowing these secrets to become known, and the problems held with their parents were either left ambiguous, or never resolved.<ref name="R">{{Cite episode|1|307}}</ref><ref name="BrooklynRail">{{Cite web |url=https://www.brooklynrail.org/2001/02/film/fear-of-flying-crouching-tiger-hidden-dragon |title=Fear of Flying: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon|publisher=The Brooklyn Rail |date=2001-02-01 |author=Jaffe, Valerie|accessdate=2014-01-03}}</ref>

In addition, the fight scenes in John Woo films have been alluded to as an influence, and the shot of [[Zuko]] and the [[dove]]s in "[[The Beach]]" was stated to be a direct reference to Woo.<ref name="B">{{Cite episode|1|305}}</ref>

Konietzko and DiMartino have cited [[w:c:psychology:Joseph Campbell|Joseph Campbell]] and his writings on comparative mythology - including the "Hero's Journey" - as an influence in creating the storyline and characters for the show.<ref name="mdmhistory">{{Cite web|url=https://mikedimartinostory.com/2013/11/25/legend-of-korra-book-2-comes-to-a-close/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131128170707/https://mikedimartinostory.com/2013/11/25/legend-of-korra-book-2-comes-to-a-close/|title=Legend of Korra: Book 2 Comes to a Close|author= Michael Dante DiMartino|date=November 25, 2013|accessdate= 3 January, 2014|archivedate=November 28, 2013}}</ref> Campbell's work also heavily inspired director George Lucas when creating the original ''Star Wars'' trilogy, and the three Books of ''The Last Airbender'' each bear striking resemblances to each movie in said trilogy; [[Book One: Water]] shares narrative parallels to ''A New Hope'', Book Two: Earth incorporates similar themes and characters to ''The Empire Strikes Back'', and Book Three: Fire resolves the narrative in a similar way to ''Return of the Jedi''.

=== Literature ===
There were several influences from literature early on in production; notably from the ''Harry Potter'' and ''Lord of the Rings'' novels, which were "the two biggest things going on in 2002" and were what Nickelodeon was seeking.<ref name="AAS-3">''[[Avatar: The Last Airbender—The Art of the Animated Series]]'', page 10.</ref> Such franchises also draw on the work of Joseph Campbell, and the creators of ''Avatar'' wanted to tell their own epic "legend & love story" on a similar scale. They have stated that they have relied on traditional archetypes and motifs for creating their characters.

== General influences ==
=== Elements ===
The Five Elements were first developed in India and the Five Classical Elements of Hinduism and Buddhism: earth, water, air, fire, and Aether, have been influential in the development of the show, providing the backbone of the five elements seen in the ''Avatar'' franchise.

* In Hinduism's sacred literature, the "great" or "gross" elements (''mahābhūta'') are fivefold: space (or "ether"), air, fire, water and earth.
* In Buddhism, the four Great Elements (Pali: ''cattāro mahābhūtāni'') are earth, water, fire, and air. Mahābhūta is generally synonymous with catudhātu, which is Pāli for the "Four Elements".
* In "The Book of Five Rings", Japanese samurai warrior [https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/8330589.Miyamoto_Musashi Miyamoto Musashi] wrote five books of military strategy and martial arts: The Book of Earth, The Book of Water, The Book of Fire, The Book of Wind, and The Book of Nothing. These books relate the five elements to five different aspects of battle. The bending in ''Avatar'' is a literal representation of this concept.
* A common element throughout these different philosophies is the idea of an intangible Fifth element—Aether, the Void, Space, etc. represented in the ''Avatar'' franchise through the [[Spirit World]], the [[Avatar#Avatar State|Avatar State]], and [[energybending]].

=== Cultures ===
==== General influences ====
* Tea is a popular drink in the ''Avatar'' world. The practice of drinking tea is said to have begun in China as early as 2737 BCE.<ref name="UKT">{{Cite web|url=https://www.tea.co.uk/tea-a-brief-history |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528012639/https://www.tea.co.uk/tea-a-brief-history |title=Tea - A Brief History of the Nation's Favourite Beverage |publisher=UK Tea and Infusions Association |accessdate=2015-01-17 |archivedate=May 28, 2014}}</ref><ref name="CH">{{Cite web|url=https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-tea/ |title=Chinese Tea, History and Culture of Chinese Tea |publisher=China Highlights |accessdate=2015-01-17}}</ref> It was not until the [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Tang-dynasty Tang Dynasty] (618-907 CE), however, that tea became cemented as the national drink of China,<ref name="UKT" /> ultimately spreading throughout Asia and eventually the world. Tea remains one of the most popular drinks in China, and many of the teas mentioned by [[Iroh]], including jasmine and ginseng, are real beverages.
* Everyone regularly uses or can use chopsticks, which are the primary eating utensil throughout East Asia, also developed by the Chinese.<ref name="AEF">{{Cite web|url=https://www.asiaeducation.edu.au/for_teachers/curriculum_resources/countries/china_cr/china_virtual_tour_lessons/china_virtual_tour_lesson_plans/lp5_the_origins_of_chopsticks.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110301212852/https://www.asiaeducation.edu.au/for_teachers/curriculum_resources/countries/china_cr/china_virtual_tour_lessons/china_virtual_tour_lesson_plans/lp5_the_origins_of_chopsticks.html |title=Student sheet 1: The origins of chopsticks |author= |publisher=Access Asia: Primary Teaching and Learning Units |date=1996 |accessdate=2015-01-17 |archivedate=March 1, 2011}}</ref>
* Writing in the ''Avatar'' world uses Traditional Chinese characters, which eventually spread throughout East Asia.<ref name="AS">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ancientscripts.com/chinese.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010714214335/https://www.ancientscripts.com/chinese.html|title=Ancient Scripts: Chinese|publisher=Lawrence Lo|accessdate=2015-01-17|archivedate=July 14, 2001}}</ref> Both seal script, which was only extensively used mainly in China and writing engraved on rock, etc., and clerical script, written on paper, are used.
* Concepts like yin and yang as well as balance are influenced by Chinese beliefs. In Daoist philosophy, dark and light, yin and yang, arrive in the ''Tao Te Ching'' at chapter 42. In Confucianism, it is concerned with finding "middle ways" between yin and yang at every new configuration of the world.
* Currency in the world varies from nation to nation, but is commonly based on precious metals. Following the end of the War, paper money came into widespread use, most notably in the United Republic of Nations. Its currency is called yuan. The yuan (元) is also the informal name of the basic unit of currency in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
* The soundtrack has clear links and inspirations from classical Chinese songs and instruments.
* The architecture, [[Fashion in the World of Avatar|clothing]], and arts are primarily based on China and its neighboring states.

==== Water Tribes ====
The culture of the [[Water Tribe]]s, as well as their location in the polar regions of the world, is primarily based on the real-life Arctic cultures such as the [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Inuit-people Inuit], Sireniki, and [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Yupik Yupik]; as well as Siberian cultures like the Yakuts, Buryats, various Paleosiberians, and various Tungusic peoples (like the Evenk). In addition, elements of their society draw from many other indigenous cultures such as Native Americans, Aboriginal Australians, and Polynesians. Like all the other nations, the Water Tribes also have influences from Chinese culture.

* There is a great deal of overlap between the Southern Water Tribe and the Northern Water Tribe but the former is more influenced by Arctic cultures while the latter is more influenced by Siberian cultures. The Southern Water Tribe was founded by Northern Water Tribe immigrants. This reflects the real-life relationship between Siberian and Arctic populations, with the latter deriving from ancient immigrants of the former.
* The spiritual practices of the Water Tribes draw inspiration from moon myths of the Chinese Moon Godess Chang'e (嫦娥). Yue's appearance as the Moon Spirit is very similar to that of Chang'e. "Yue" (月) means "moon" in Mandarin Chinese.
* Concept of "Yin and Yang" (陰陽) based on Taoism. The prime example would be the spirit of the moon and ocean which one cannot function without the other. The "go with the flow" attitudes in Taoism is best represented by the waterbenders.
* The concept of arranged marriages was inspired by Chinese tradition. Traditional Chinese marriage (Chinese: 婚姻; pinyin: ''hūnyīn'') is a ceremonial ritual within Chinese societies that involves a union between spouses, sometimes established by pre-arrangement between families. Traditionally, the groom's family should present the betrothal or "Grand Gift" which is various proposal gifts.
* The wooden doll used for healing practice in waterbending is reminiscent of Chinese acupuncture statues.
* The [[Architecture in the World of Avatar|architecture]] of the [[Northern Water Tribe]] appears to have been influenced by the annual [http://www.harbinice.com/attraction-v6-harbin-ice-snow-sculpture-festival.html Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival] (Chinese: 哈尔滨国际冰雪节).
** Aspects of Chinese culture are also evident, such as the round doors, often called "moon gate".
** The tribal chief's throne resembles a "paifang", a traditional Chinese architectural arch.
** The city is decorated with "huabiao", a type of Chinese ceremonial columns.
* Many people of the Southern Water Tribes live in igloos, a dwelling commonly used by the Inuit.<ref name="Igloo">{{Cite web| url=https://www.britannica.com/technology/igloo |title=''Igloo (dwelling)'' |publisher=Encyclopedia Britannica}}</ref>
* Water Tribe house interiors resemble Mongolian [https://www.britannica.com/technology/yurt yurt] or ger. In ''[[The Rise of Kyoshi]]'', [[Tagaka]] set up a camp with a yurt as the centerpiece.<ref name="TRoK7">{{Cite Kyoshi|107}}</ref>
* Water Tribe dishes include noodles, which can trace their origins back to China.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/10/1012_051012_chinese_noodles.html|title=4,000-Year-Old Noodles Found in China|first=Josh|last=Roach|date=October 12, 2005|publisher=National Geographic}}</ref>
* Sea prunes are likely based on sea cucumbers, which are commonly consumed in Chinese cuisine.
* Water Tribe clothing includes anoraks and mukluks, often incorporating heavy furs and animal skins as protection against the cold.
* Katara's lighter clothing resembles a ''[https://www.encyclopedia.com/sports-and-everyday-life/fashion-and-clothing/clothing-jewelry-and-personal-adornment/cheongsam cheongsam]'', a type of feminine dress of Han Chinese and Manchu origins, and also a Mongolian [https://www.britannica.com/topic/deel deel]. 
* Katara's hair loopies are based after the Inuit.
* They rely heavily on hunting and fishing as a means of survival, also borrowed from the Inuit.
* Water Tribe [[Cutter sailing ship|ships]] distinctly resemble Polynesian catamarans.
* Water Tribe warriors wear warpaint into battle, something associated with Native Americans. Facepainting is interpreted as strength in many indigenous cultures, such as African, Native American, and Southeast Asian tribes.

==== Earth Kingdom ====
The architecture, [[Fashion in the World of Avatar|clothing]], and [[Earth Kingdom#Culture|culture]] of the Earth Kingdom seem to be based primarily on China from multiple dynasties as well as China's neighboring states, particularly its tributaries. The many tribes and towns throughout the Earth Kingdom can also resemble other cultures.

* The Earth Kingdom is extremely large and diverse, and contains different cultures within itself much like China.
* Earth Kingdom architecture has distinctive Chinese influences.
* Bumi's attitude of 'doing nothing' resembles the Taoist ideal of "wuwei", proposed by the Chinese sage Lao Tzu as a means to doing something without direct action.
* Earth Kingdom [[Earth Kingdom#Culture|cuisine]] is almost entirely based on Chinese cuisine. Examples of dishes that the Earth Kingdom and the Chinese share are roast duck and jook.
* The clothing of Earth Kingdom citizens resemble Chinese, Korean, and Japanese clothing.
** With the exception of [[Ba Sing Se]], the clothing is almost entirely based on pre-Manchu China.
** The clothing of the [[Beifong family]] is largely inspired by Tang Dynasty clothing.
** [[Song (villager)|Song]] and [[Song's mother|her mother]] wear the hanbok, a type of traditional Korean clothing. The [[farming village]] they live in also has Korean influences in its architecture.
** Kyoshi Warriors' uniform is similar to that worn by both [https://www.britannica.com/art/Kabuki kabuki] actors and geisha, with the green kimonos additionally being inspired by Kabuki theater.
* The government of Ba Sing Se is similar to Chinese government under Jinyiwei of the [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ming-dynasty-Chinese-history Ming Dynasty]. The information control and propaganda is reminiscent of its near police state, with total control of the populace through harsh laws and secret police.
* The [[River village]] and [[Foggy Swamp Tribe]] have Vietnamese influences in their architecture and clothing.
* Many Earth Kingdom citizens wear [[top-knot]]s, which originated in China and used to be a mandatory hairstyle for men of all social classes in pre-Qing China. They are also prevalent in India, Japan, Korea, and Thailand.
* Earth Kingdom army uniforms resemble ancient Chinese military uniforms, particularly those of the Song and Ming Dynasty.
* The curved sword wielded by the [[Zhang leader|leader]] of the [[Zhang]] tribe resembles the ''khopesh'', a sword used by the ancient Egyptians.
* [[Kyoshi]] [[Kyoshi Island|Island]] is aesthetically influenced by Japan. The Kyoshi Warriors wear face make-up in a broadly Japanese style, and in combat they make use of the katana, a traditional Japanese sword, their armor resembling that of Japanese samurai. Japanese architectural influences, such as 'prayer hand' construction, are also reflected in Kyoshi Island.
** Some of the Kyoshi Islander's clothing resemble that of the Ainu people, the indigenous people of the northern Japanese archipelago.
* [[Kuei]], the 52nd monarch of the Earth Kingdom, is similar to the last Emperor of China, Puyi. Not only is there a similarity in their names, but Kuei wears the same circular glasses as Puyi. Both rulers were kept ignorant of the state of their nation and had no real power. Kuei had previously never left the Ba Sing Se palace, akin to how Puyi, up to a point, was always kept in the Forbidden City.

===== Ba Sing Se =====
Ba Sing Se, the capital of the Earth Kingdom, is based on ancient Chinese capitals such as Beijing, as the creators were inspired by the idea of an isolated city, and draws significant influences from China's [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Qing-dynasty Qing Dynasty].

* The city of Ba Sing Se is based on the historic design of Beijing, which was organized into rings. The lower social classes of Beijing lived in the outer rings and the higher social classes lived in the inner rings, with the Forbidden City located in the center of all the rings.
* The Royal Palace is largely based on the Forbidden City. It has similar architecture, but the [[Earth Kingdom Royal Palace]] compound is circular, not square unlike the Forbidden City.
* The Lower Ring of Ba Sing Se is visually based on many towns and marketplaces in the Central Jiangxi Province.
* More often found in Ba Sing Se is the Chinese queue hairstyle. It can be worn by all men, with no social distinction. Such practice parallels the Manchu queue, forced upon the Han population of China after 1644.
** The dresses and headpieces of upper class women in Ba Sing Se is based on the fashion of Manchu women.
* All the Ba Sing Se costumes are inspired by Qing Dynasty dress. For example, the haiku girls wear [[headpieces]] reminiscent of those worn by Qing Dynasty court ladies and [[Earth Monarch|Earth King]] [[Kuei]] wears clothing similar to that of Qing Dynasty emperors, indicative of the style exhibited in a famous painting of the Xianfeng Emperor.
* The [[Dai Li]] resemble and are named after the leader of the Chinese Nationalist Secret Police, General Dai Li of the Kuomintang.<ref name="DVDLL">DVD commentary on "[[Lake Laogai (episode)|Lake Laogai]]".</ref> Their uniform is similar to that worn by the Qing Imperial Guards and it is also reminiscent of that worn by the scholar officials, or mandarins, of Qing China. The Dai Li wear conical-shaped hats similar to those worn by Qing mandarins. Their square shaped embroidery with the Earth Kingdom symbol resembles the Mandarin Square worn by Chinese Ming and Qing officials.
* The Outer Wall's design and scale is based on the Great Wall of China, except that the Outer Wall is a defense ring, unlike the Great Wall, which is a line of defense. The walls of Ba Sing Se are much taller than the actual Great Wall, as the creators wanted it to feel more massive. Just as the Great Wall is visible from outer space, the Great Walls of Ba Sing Se are always drawn onto maps of the Earth Kingdom.<ref name="NASA">{{Cite web |url=https://www.nasa.gov/vision/space/workinginspace/great_wall.html|title=NASA - China's Wall Less Great in View from Space|accessdate=2013-05-22|publisher=NASA}}</ref>
* [[Palanquin]]s, used by the Earth King, were also used in China by the upper classes. One particularly large and luxurious type of palanquin was reserved for the emperor.
* Similar to how the Dai Li had their secret base to brainwash political prisoners and potential troublemakers underneath [[Lake Laogai]], in China, "Laogai" refers to the system of prison camps begun by Mao Zedong to exterminate or "reeducate" political prisoners under the Communist regime, which still operate today.<ref name="Laogai">{{Cite web |url=https://www.laogai.org/page/what-laogai-system |title="What Is The Laogai?" |accessdate=June 10, 2015}}</ref>
* The extensive monitoring of all citizens, immigrants, and tourists is extremely similar to how the government of North Korea monitors its people, with "guides" being sent to monitor all tourists and feed them propaganda.

==== Fire Nation ====
The [[Fire Nation#Culture|culture]] of the [[Fire Nation]] is primarily inspired by East, South, and Southeast Asia, particularly post-Meiji Imperial Japan and Imperial China. Some of its culture also draw inspiration from the Mesoamerican civilization. While its geography is drawn from volcanic islands including Iceland, Hawaii, and the Polynesian Islands.
* The topography of the Fire Nation draws most of its influence from Iceland, with photographs of the island being used directly in designing the [[Geography of the World of Avatar#Fire Nation|geography]] of the nation.<ref name="AAS-2">''[[Avatar: The Last Airbender—The Art of the Animated Series]]'', page 132.</ref> In addition, its location on a series of volcanic islands, similar to a number of real world locations, including Hawaii and the Polynesian Islands.
* One of the central concept is Confucianism is "shao shuen" (孝順), or "filial piety", which is defined as the virtue of deference to one' elders. It is best represented by Zuko's ever loyal ideal to please his father and later his uncle.
* The architecture of the Fire Nation draws influences on many cultures, but is predominantly similar to Chinese and Southeast Asian architecture.
** The Fire Nation Royal Palace draws its influence from Egyptian and Chinese architecture.
** The Fire Nation Capital is greatly influenced by the imperial cities of the Han Dynasty.
** The [[Crescent Island Fire Temple]] is nearly a direct replica of Chinese-style pagodas.
** [[Ember Island]] architecture most closely resembles that of Southeast Asian resorts.
** The architecture of the [[Bhanti]] resembles Southeast Asian architecture.
*** The Bhanti temple's architecture is comparable to that of Pagan Kingdom hollow temples in the Mandalay region of Myanmar. The golden statue is based on southeast Asian figures of the Buddha in the "earth-witness" posture, though the right hand is in the wrong position.

* Fire Nation attire often resembles Han dynasty Chinese clothing. Members of the royal family and the nobility are oftentimes depicted wearing ''changshan''.
*The clothing of [[Ember Island]] resembles traditional Thai clothing.
* The military uniforms of the Fire Nation are clearly based on those of ancient Chinese militaries, as are many weapons.
* [[Cuisine in the World of Avatar#Fire Nation|Fire Nation cuisine]] closely mirrors Sichuan cuisine with its spiciness, red colors, and large quantities of meat.
* In Fire Nation royal weddings, the bride has a hairstyle similar to the ones worn by Korean queens.
* The cutting off the top-knots done by Zuko and Iroh symbolize their separation from their family and their nation, a practice that occurred in ancient East Asia.
* The [[Agni Kai]] is a form of "honor duel" commonly seen in warrior societies in South Asia, particularly South India and Sri Lanka. It literally translates to 'Duel of Fire' or 'Fire Quarrel'. The creators of ''Avatar'' have stated that it is the practice of the Fire Nation for potential rulers to have to "prove their worth" through difficult challenges. This is a practice in many warrior cultures.
* Palanquins, used by members of the [[Fire Nation Royal Family]], were also used in China by members of the upper class. One particularly large and luxurious type of palanquin was reserved for the emperor.
* Fire Nation propaganda justifying its imperialism is also similar to that of Japan's during World War II, as they used an ideological construct, "Dai Toa Kyoeikan", meaning "Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere", to justify invading China and conquering the rest of Asia, just as the Fire Nation has invaded the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribes.
* Some of the [[Rough Rhinos]] have Mongolian names.
* During a confrontation, a group of workers in [[Jonduri]] attempt to intimidate their foes with facial expressions reminiscent of both the ''pūkana'' and ''whetero'', expressions typically used in traditional Māori dances.

===== Sun Warriors =====
* The Sun Warriors themselves share qualities with the Maya and Aztec cultures of Central America, who were particularly famous as sun-worshipers.
* The [[Sun Warriors]]' compound includes buildings inspired by Hindu and Buddhist architecture. This architecture is found in Southeast Asian such as the Candi Sukuh and Angkor Wat.
* The [[Sun Warriors' ancient city|Sun Warrior city]] is based on step pyramid-style ziggurats that exist in Mesopotamian and Mesoamerican architecture.<ref name="AztecPlanning">{{Cite web |url=https://www.public.asu.edu/~mesmith9/1-CompleteSet/MES-08-AzCityPlan-Encyclopedia.pdf|title=City planning: Aztec city planning|accessdate=2013-07-25|publisher=University Press of Florida}}</ref>
* The Sun Warriors' dress is reminiscent of traditional Southeast Asian warrior dress, particularly the headdresses which resemble Iban feather headdresses.

==== Air Nomads ====
The [[Air Nomads]] are inspired by the Buddhist monastic practices of Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and other Himalayan cultures; as well as Shaolin Buddhism, Sri Lankan Buddhism, and some early Mongolian schools of Buddhism. Other influences are drawn from Hinduism - notably, the seven chakras.<ref name="Chakras">{{Cite web |url=https://www.hinduismtoday.com/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=1666|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923070508/https://www.hinduismtoday.com/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=1666|title=The Chakras - Magazine Web Edition|accessdate=2014-01-03|archivedate=September 23, 2013|publisher=Hinduism Today/Himalayan Academy}}</ref>
* Their bald heads, clothing, and meditation practices superficially parallel real-world Buddhist monks. Among the Air Nomads, shaving one's head is optional: monks shave their heads completely bald, while nuns shave only their foreheads to reveal the ends of their arrows. In real life, it is compulsory for Buddhist monks and nuns to shave their heads completely bald as a symbol of their commitment to abandoning worldly attachments.
* Laypeople in Air Nomad culture do not exist. All Air Nomads grew up to become monks or nuns unless they chose to leave the Air Nomad life behind or were exiled, although their customs do not reflect that of actual Buddhists. This is completely different from real-world Buddhist cultures where most of the population consists of the laity, and becoming a monk or nun is a choice.
* Many Buddhist and Hindu groups practice vegetarianism, a hallmark of Air Nomad culture.<ref name="NirvanaSutra">{{Cite web |url=https://www.nirvanasutra.net/mpnsvegetarianism.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090622005839/https://www.nirvanasutra.net/mpnsvegetarianism.htm|title=Nirvana Sutra :: Appreciation of the "Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra"|accessdate=2014-01-03|archivedate=June 22, 2009|publisher=Nirvana Sutra}}</ref> Vegetarianism is regarded as ideal in Buddhism, but meat is not prohibited, and the Buddha explicitly allowed the consumption of meat by monks under certain conditions. In Himalayan cultures, meat has traditionally been an essential part of Buddhist monastic diets due to the challenges of growing crops in mountainous regions.
* Despite all Air Nomads being monks and nuns, they are nomadic rather than living a monastic lifestyle. Air Nomads who are not attached to an air temple travel around and do not live in permanent settlements. This may be inspired by the nomadic lay Buddhists of Tibet and Mongolia, but these people engage in the nomadic lifestyle because they rely on pastoralism. Pastoralism is a mode of subsistence based on the rearing of livestock by herding animals between different areas in search of suitable living conditions, and is often practiced by people who live in areas unsuitable for crop farming. As such, these nomadic cultures make heavy use of animal products and consume large quantities of meat. In contrast, the Air Nomads are strict vegetarians, and their cuisine is primarily based on the plants they farm in mountain ranges. Air Nomads shunned the use of animal products, such as clothes made of fur, although they were allowed to eat eggs and dairy.
* The [[air temple]]s are segregated by sex, reflecting the real-world monastic traditions of Buddhists. Buddhist monks and nuns are sex-segregated because they must be celibate. Engaging in sexual activity as a monk or nun is regarded as one of the most extreme offenses in Buddhism as it violates the fundamental monastic code and results in automatic expulsion. The Air Nomads, however, do not practice celibacy like actual Buddhist monastics, despite the sex segregation.
* The Air Nomads were governed by a [[Council of Elders]], with each temple having its own council and a member of the council whose authority exceeds that of the other sitting members, known as the Head Abbot (for men) or Mother Superior (for women). This structure is similar to how Buddhist monasteries are governed by senior monks or nuns, with the head of a monastery being called an abbot (for men) or abbess (for women). The title "Head Abbot" is only applicable to abbots who oversee a network of monasteries, while the title "Mother Superior" is specific to monastic traditions in Christianity and is never used in Buddhism.
* Female Air Nomads are referred to as "Sister" as a form of respect, a tradition derived from the practice of calling Christian nuns "Sister" and "Mother". Christians view themselves as belonging to the "family of God" and may use familial terms to emphasize their spiritual connection. Buddhist monks and nuns do not use familial terms to address themselves or each other.
* Air Nomads are pacifists who advocate for peace. This mirrors the Dharmic principle of ''ahimsa'', a doctrine of nonviolence which is concerned with the sacredness of all living things and an effort to avoid causing harm to them. It is a key virtue in the religions of Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism, although there is considerable controversy regarding the nature of ahimsa due to differing interpretations and contradictions in its application.
* Air Nomads could only eat meat if it was offered to them, although some still made the choice to abstain. This is based on the principle of almsgiving in Theravāda Buddhism, where monks and nuns accept whatever food is given to them by laypeople as long as it was not specifically made for them.
* The Air Nomads have children select [[Avatar relics|four specific toys]] to play with out of thousands to find the next [[Avatar]]. This is based on the real-world method of identifying tulkus (such as Karmapas and Dalai Lamas) in Tibetan Buddhism, where a child is asked to correctly identify personal items that belonged to a previous tulku to test if they are their reincarnation.
* Aang's mentor was named Monk [[Gyatso]] and his son [[Tenzin]], which form the real name of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso.
* Aang's clothing in season one and two closely resembles the saffron robes of Shaolin monks. These were in turn based on the robes of Buddhist monks who visited from India.
* Air Nomad culture includes the study of numerology, which mirrors that of Chinese numerology.
* The architecture of the air temples resembles real-world brick pagodas similar to the famous "Pagoda Forest" of the Shaolin Temple in China.<ref name="Pagoda">{{Cite web |url=https://www.chinaculture.org/gb/en_travel/2003-09/24/content_36204.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040826014801/https://www.chinaculture.org/gb/en_travel/2003-09/24/content_36204.htm|title=Pagoda Forest at Shaolin Temple|accessdate=2014-01-03|archivedate=August 26, 2004|publisher=Ministry of Culture, China}}</ref>
* According to the art book, Bhutanese monasteries were the primary inspiration for the Western Air Temple. The style of building used for those monasteries is formally known as ''Dzong'' architecture.
* [[Laghima's Peak]] contains a small room carved out of the rock itself, which holds an altar dedicated to Guru [[Laghima]], as well as other statues in side niches. This was inspired by a similarly-fashioned room in [[w:c:real-life-heroes:Paro Taktsang|Paro Taktsang]], also known as Tiger's Nest, a Buddhist monastery in the Himalayan country of [https://www.britannica.com/place/Bhutan Bhutan].<ref name="KAAS3">''[[The Legend of Korra—The Art of the Animated Series, Book Three: Change]]'', page 159.</ref>
* In Book Three: Fire, Aang wears clothing that resembles the chuba of a Tibetan monk. The chuba is a traditional Tibetan garment that closes to the right and is tied with sashes or belts at the waist. When the upper part of the robe is pulled over the waist ties, a pocket is created that can be used to hold objects. Typically, the dominant arm (usually the right) is left uncovered by the chuba to allow for a greater degree of movement or cooling.
* Monk Gyatso and Aang used airbending to light-heartedly make cakes. In Tibetan Buddhism, gtor-ma cakes are sacrificial cakes used in ceremonies and play an important role in Tibetan culture. However, these cakes are usually used to appease the more wrathful of Buddhist deities.<ref name="EncyclopaediaBritannica">{{Cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/247523/gtor-ma|title=(Tibetan Buddhist Cake) -- Encyclopaedia Britannica |accessdate=2014-01-03|publisher= Encyclopaedia Britannica}}</ref><ref name="HandbookTibetanBuddhistSymbols">{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com.au/books?id=-3804Ud9-4IC&pg=PA212&lpg=PA212&dq=gtor-ma+cakes&source=bl&ots=FQIHW_NdGv&sig=dJeBqPtdeJZ7skrtYDuV8kRy4EI&hl=en&sa=X&ei=DIjFUrOxNOa5iQfgooDYDA&ved=0CDgQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=gtor-ma%20cakes&f=false|author=Beer, Robert |title=The Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols |pages= 212 |date= 2003-10-14| accessdate=2014-01-03|publisher= Shambhala}}</ref>

=== Martial arts ===
The four main bending styles are based almost entirely upon traditional Chinese martial arts.

==== Airbending ====
[[File:Bagua.png|thumb|right|100px|[[w:c:Martialarts:Baguazhang|Baguazhang]], the basis for [[airbending]].]]

The erratic, circular movements of Airbending are derived from [[w:c:Martialarts:Baguazhang|Baguazhang]], its defining characteristic is the method of stance and movement to continuously change in response to the situation at hand in order to overcome an opponent with skill rather than brute force. It is more broadly grouped as an internal practice.

Airbending is notable for being almost entirely defensive, however it is reputed to be the most dynamic of the four bending arts. Airbenders can overwhelm many opponents at once with large and powerful attacks that could prove fatal; however due to the pacifist nature of the Air Nomads such attacks are rarely used.

==== Waterbending ====
[[File:Tai Chi.png|thumb|left|150px|Tai Chi, the basis for [[waterbending]].]]

The slow, flowing movements of T'ai Chi are the basis of waterbending. In the real world, T'ai Chi, and the martial practice of T'ai Chi Chuan, is classified as an "internal style", which means that it emphasizes refinement and relaxation before aggression.<ref name="CTND">{{Cite web|author=Ranne, Nabil|url=https://www.ctnd.de/wissenswertes/36/88-kraft-taijiquantqj-2010.html|title=Internal power in Taijiquan|publisher=CTND|date= January 2010|accessdate=October 20, 2013}}</ref> It emphasizes alignment, body structure, breath, and visualization. The combat forms of waterbending revolve around those of the Chen and Wu styles, self-defense and fighting respectively, of T'ai Chi Ch'uan.

Waterbenders have the ability to heal by using water as a catalyst for manipulating Chi paths in the body. Tai Chi is said to have many health benefits, particularly in the non-martial realm of Tai Chi Chih. This form focuses on developing and balancing one's chi.<ref name="HH">{{Cite web|url=https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Womens_Health_Watch/2009/May/The-health-benefits-of-tai-chi|title=The health benefits of tai chi|publisher=Harvard Health Publications|date=May 2009|accessdate=October 20, 2013}}</ref>

===== Bloodbending =====
Bloodbending is based on a style of fighting called Chi Na, a technique that focuses on controlling and locking ones limbs and joints.

==== Earthbending ====
[[File:Hung Gar.png|thumb|right|150px|Hung Gar, the basis for [[earthbending]].]]

The firmly rooted stances and powerful strikes of Hung Gar are the basis for earthbending. In the real world, Hung Gar is an "external style", which means that its art emphasizes the use of the art for defense purposes before refinement and relaxation.

===== Toph's bending =====
Toph's bending is unique in that it is based on Chow Gar Southern Praying Mantis instead of Hung Gar. This style, also "external", emphasizes more close-range attacks from the upper body, keeping the feet firmly on the ground or very close to it.

==== Firebending ====
[[File:Northern Shaolin.png|thumb|left|150px|Northern Shaolin kung fu, the basis for [[firebending]].]]

The fast, hard, aggressive strikes of Northern Shaolin style are used for firebending. The style sacrifices defense for fierce attacks. Northern Shaolin is a complex and subtle art that retains a pure essence of structured movement and posture. In the Chinese martial art classification system, Northern Shaolin is an "external" art.

Firebending is notable for its intensive attacking style and general lack of adequate defense moves, although some notable firebenders utilize creative defensive moves. For example, [[Jeong Jeong]] can create fire walls, and Zuko can easily block and shoot down incoming objects.

===== Lightningbending =====
As opposed to other firebending techniques, lightningbending uses movements from the Baji Quan kung fu style, which is known for its explosive, short-range power and elbow and shoulder strikes.

=== Weaponry ===
==== Boomerang ====
{{Main|Sokka's weapons#Boomerang|Boomerang}}

Sokka's boomerang is based on the 'returning boomerangs', one of two curved weapons used by Aboriginal Australians.<ref name="KillillaArt">{{Cite web|url=https://www.kullillaart.com.au/default.asp?PageID=74&n=The+Boomerang|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304214944/https://www.kullillaart.com.au/default.asp?PageID=74&n=The+Boomerang|title=The Boomerang|accessdate=2014-01-14|archivedate=March 4, 2015|publisher=Dreamtime Kullilla Art}}</ref> Other tribal groups around the world, including Native Americans and South Asians, have used boomerangs to hunt, but these boomerangs would not return to the thrower. The name 'boomerang' was used by the Turuwal people who lived in South Sydney, and is used only to refer to boomerangs which did return.<ref name="BAA">{{Cite web |url=https://boomerang.org.au/wp/articles/what-is-a-boomerang|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128055345/https://boomerang.org.au/wp/articles/what-is-a-boomerang|title=What is a Boomerang?|accessdate=2013-04-14|archivedate=November 28, 2012|publisher=Boomerang Association of Australia}}</ref>

==== Dual broadswords ====
{{Main|Dual broadswords}}

Zuko dual-wields dao sabres, often while in his Blue Spirit persona.<ref name="BS">{{Cite episode|1|113}}</ref> One of the four major Chinese weapons, the dao is known as "the most reckless and daring of all weapons".<ref name="TaijiDao">{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com.au/books?id=eQjLjqo774QC&printsec=frontcover&dq=chinese+dao+sword&hl=en&sa=X&ei=HyfGUpreGMGdkwXY8oD4CA&ved=0CEkQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=chinese%20dao%20sword&f=false|title=The Complete Taiji Dao: The Art of the Chinese Saber|date= 2009|pages= 38 |accessdate=2014-01-03|publisher=Blue Snake Books}}</ref> Unlike Sokka's space sword, Zuko's swords are like traditional dao — single handed and single edged.

==== Hook swords ====
{{Main|Hook swords}}

Also known as tiger hook swords or 'Heaven and Sun Moon Sword' ({{Chinese|乾坤日月刀|Qiánkūn rì yuè dāo}}), Jet's hook swords have a blade similar to that of the jian, though possibly thicker or unsharpened, with a prong or hook similar to a shepherd's crook near the tip. Guards are substantial, in the style of butterfly swords. Often used in pairs, the hooks of the weapons may be used to trap or deflect other weapons.

==== Space sword ====
{{Main|Sokka's sword}}

Sokka's "space sword" is a jian ({{Chinese|剑|jiàn}}), a Chinese, double-edged straight sword. The jian has a 2,500-year history and is considered one of the major Chinese weapons. Known as "The Gentleman of Weapons" the jian is a multi-purpose weapon used for cutting, thrusting, slashing, and stabbing. One of the trademarks of Chinese wuxia storytelling, special jian swords, like Sokka's "space sword" are often featured prominently in the story.<ref name="BrooklynRail" />

=== Religious influences ===
==== Hinduism ====
* The word "Avatar" comes from the Sanskrit word avatāraḥ, (Sanskrit: अवतारः),<ref name="avatar">{{Cite web |url=https://spokensanskrit.org/index.php?tran_input=avatAra&direct=se&script=hk&link=yes&mode=3 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128024852/https://spokensanskrit.org/index.php?tran_input=avatAra&direct=se&script=hk&link=yes&mode=3 |title=Sanskrit dictionary |publisher=spokensanskrit.org |archivedate=January 28, 2018}}</ref> which means "descent". In Hindu tradition, deities manifest themselves into physical forms—or Avatars—to restore balance on earth, usually during a period of great evil.
* In order to master the Avatar State, Aang studies the [[chakras]] with a Guru. In Hinduism and Buddhism, chakras are centers of life force and vital energy.
* The firebending third eye of [[Combustion Man]] and [[P'Li]] resembles the third eye of [[w:c:religion:Shiva|Shiva]], the Hindu God of Destruction in shape and design and performs a similar function as a tool of destruction.
* The word Agni in the term [[Agni Kai]] is derived from the Sanskrit word for fire, "agniḥ" (Sanskrit: आग्निः).<ref name="agnih">{{Cite web |url=https://spokensanskrit.org/index.php?tran_input=agni&direct=se&script=hk&link=yes&mode=3 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204201530/https://spokensanskrit.org/index.php?tran_input=agni&direct=se&script=hk&link=yes&mode=3 |title=Sanskrit dictionary |archivedate=December 4, 2020 |publisher=spokensanskrit.org}}</ref><ref name="AESAT">[[Avatar Extras (Book One: Water)#.22The Southern Air Temple.22|''Avatar Extras'' for "The Southern Air Temple"]] on Nicktoons Network.</ref>
* In the commentary for "[[Sozin's Comet, Part 2: The Old Masters]]", the creators stated that the scenes where Aang speaks to his past lives are influenced by the Hindu scripture, [https://www.worldhistory.org/Bhagavad_Gita/ Bhagavad Gitā].
* The four elements in ''Avatar'' are the same ones used in Hinduism with the exception of the fifth element, energy. In Hinduism, it is called Space or the Aether, which is close to the concept of energybending.

==== Buddhism ====
* The Air Nomads are based on Buddhist monks in terms of visual design.
* In "[[The Swamp]]", the character [[Huu]] states that he reached enlightenment under the [[banyan-grove tree]], which is similar to Siddhārtha Gautama attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree to become the Buddha.<ref name="BuddhaStory">{{Cite web |url=https://www.waupun.k12.wi.us/Policy/other/dickhut/religions/50%20Story%20of%20Buddha.htm |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061002213649/https://www.waupun.k12.wi.us/Policy/other/dickhut/religions/50%20Story%20of%20Buddha.htm |title= The Story of Buddha's Enlightenment |accessdate=September 2013 |archivedate= October 2, 2006 |author=Gellman, Marc; Hartman, Thomas}}</ref>
* Also stated in "Avatar Extras", Zuko's transformation in Book Two reflects as well the story of Siddhārtha Gautama.
* Tenzin and Monk Gyatso bear the name of the current Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso.
* The process of finding a new Dalai Lama is similar to the process of discovering the Avatar. After Roku died, the Air Nomads found his reincarnation by having children pick from thousands of toys. The Avatar would pick the four that belonged to past Avatars because they were familiar to them. The same process is used in choosing a new Dalai Lama: asking questions and presenting possessions of the Dalai Lama to the candidate to see if they truly are the Dalai Lama.<ref name="Guardian">{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/aug/27/tibet.china1 |title=Dalai Lama: a spiritual leader who is found, not chosen |accessdate = September 8, 2013 |author=Shackle, Samira |date = August 28, 2008}}</ref>
* Of all the different religions that have a belief in reincarnation, the Avatar's process of reincarnation leans most closely to that of Buddhism.<ref name="MDD">{{Cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610002928/https://mikedimartinostory.com/2014/06/02/writing-the-outline/comment-page-1/|title=25 thoughts on "Writing the Outline" |date=June 3, 2014 |accessdate=December 10, 2017 |publisher= Mikedimartinostory.com |author= [[Michael Dante DiMartino]]}}</ref>

==== Shinto ====
* The diverse nature spirits that interact with the people of the ''Avatar'' world are reminiscent of [https://www.worldhistory.org/Kami/ Kami]. They also resemble nature spirits worshiped by many tribal cultures.
* Most of the "good guys" on ''Avatar'' are shown to have respect and reverence for nature. Respect of nature is one of the "four affirmations" of the Shinto spirit.<ref name="WS1">{{Cite episode|1|107}}</ref><ref name="ForDummies">{{Cite web |url=https://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/four-affirmations-of-shinto.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100611062304/https://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/four-affirmations-of-shinto.html |title= Shinto - For Dummies |accessdate=September 2013 |archivedate=June 11, 2010}}</ref>
* The entrance gate to the [[Spirit Wilds]] in [[Republic City]] resembles the ''[https://www.britannica.com/topic/torii torii]'' found in Japanese Shinto shrines. They symbolize the boundary between the mundane and the sacred.

==== Other ====
* While solar worship is omnipresent in the world's non-Abrahamic religions, the set of beliefs present in the Sun Warrior civilization appear to be inspired by both Hindu and Mesoamerican sun-centered beliefs. Ancient Mesoamericans depicted relevant deities as serpents, such as Tohil, one of the Mayan gods of the Sun who is depicted as a dragon,<ref>Christenson 2003, 2007, p.79.n.152. Sharer & Traxler 2006, p.718. Orellana 1981, p.160.</ref> and Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent who was a leading god in several indigenous societies in pre-Spanish Mexico. The style of dress and political hierarchy also follows that of the civilizations found in Mesoamerica. The concept of the sun temple and sun worship has been directly influenced by the sun temples found in India, especially Konark Sun Temple is Odisha. The connection of fire with the Sun and dragons also draws parallels to the Egyptian veneration of Wadjet and the levantine seraphs, which were originally depicted as fiery winged dragons rather than humanoid angels.
* Raava and Vaatu appear to be comparable to the moral dualism of Zoroastrianism with Raava, as the spirit of morality and light, being similar to Ahura Mazda and Vaatu, as the spirit of darkness and immorality, being similar to Angra Mainyu.
** Bryan Konietzko imagines that Raava and Vaatu were born from the energy of the primordial [[Tree of Time]], which parallels the concept of Zurvan being the first principle and creator deity that birthed the equal-but-opposite twins Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu in Zurvanite Zoroastrianism.

== References ==
{{Scroll|{{Reflist}}}}

== See also ==
* [[References to the Avatar franchise in popular culture|References to the ''Avatar'' franchise in popular culture]]
[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Real world]]