Avatar:Gan Jin-Zhang conflict

<infobox> <image source="image" /> <title source="name"><default>Gan Jin-Zhang conflict</default></title> <group> <header>General information</header> <label>Previous</label> <label>Concurrent</label> <label>Next</label> <label>Conflict</label> <label>Date</label> <label>Place</label> <label>Outcome</label> <label>Participants</label> </group> <group> <header>Appearances</header> <label>First appearance</label> <label>Last appearance</label> </group> <header></header> </infobox> The Gan Jin-Zhang conflict was a long-standing feud between the Gan Jin and Zhang tribes in the Earth Kingdom. The conflict's starting date was unknown; though tribal lore dated it to 0 AG, in truth the two tribes were already clashing for centuries at this point. The feud was eventually resolved by Avatar Aang in 100 AG.

History

The beginning and causes of the Gan Jin-Zhang feud date back to at least the 4th century BG, affecting even decisions by members of the two tribes who were part of the Earth Kingdom's leadership. In 296 BG, the feud caused Earth Sage Zhang Dakou to support Hui's attempt to disempower Jianzhu, a Ganjinese who was the Earth Kingdom's de facto ruler. The plot failed, and Jianzhu poisoned his rivals, including Zhang Dakou.

Over the next centuries, the true extent and reasons for the tribal feud became increasingly unclear and muddled. Eventually, the Gan Jin and Zhang began to attribute their conflict's start to the legendary rivalry of Jin Wei and Wei Jin linked to the ritual of the sacred crystal orb.

In 100 AG, both the Gan Jin and Zhang tribes had to leave their home areas due to the Fire Army's advance. As refugees of the Hundred Year War, both tribes sought help from a canyon guide to traverse the Great Divide and reach Ba Sing Se. The tribes encountered one another at the canyon, and immediately started arguing. However, Team Avatar was present and attempted to mediate the differences between the two tribes. The arguing only got worse, though, as Katara sided with the Gan Jin and Sokka sided with the Zhang. Avatar Aang managed to put an end to the fighting by making up a falsified account where both Jin Wei and Wei Jin were children playing a ball game called "Redemption". Both sides accepted the narrative, unaware of its falsification, and made peace.