Avatar:Hei Bai
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Hei Bai, also known as the Black and White Spirit, is a forest spirit that typically appears in the form of a docile panda bear and has protected an Earth Kingdom forest for thousands of years.[4] He can also transform into a large six-legged creature within the Spirit World.
History
Hei Bai served as the guardian of a forest outside Senlin Village for millennia. When the forest was destroyed, he became enraged and, unaware that the Fire Nation was responsible, began targeting Senlin Village and blaming its inhabitants. As the winter solstice approached, he shifted into his monstrous form and abducted one villager each day at sunset.[4]
When Avatar Aang arrived, he attempted to reason with Hei Bai but was unable to calm him. Hei Bai turned violent toward Aang, prompting Sokka to intervene by striking the spirit with his boomerang. Hei Bai quickly overpowered Sokka, capturing him and carrying him into the Spirit World. Later, Aang tried to soothe Hei Bai by showing him the acorns covering the burnt forest floor, reassuring him that the forest would eventually regrow. This pacified Hei Bai, who returned to his panda form, took an acorn in his mouth, and departed through the village gate. Bamboo sprouted from the gate, and the previously kidnapped villagers, including Sokka, emerged safely.[3]
After Aang met with Koh, Hei Bai returned to transport him to the gateway out of the Spirit World. He shot a stream of light from his mouth toward Aang, sending him back to the physical world. When a baboon spirit made a rude remark in Aang's absence, Hei Bai momentarily transformed into his monstrous form, blasted at the spirit and scared him away, before returning to his panda shape.[5]
Months later, when Aang was in a coma induced by Princess Azula's lightning, Hei Bai appeared again and assisted him during his journey to reconnect with his most recent past lives.[6]
When Aang attempted to speak with the Painted Lady, unaware that it was actually Katara in disguise, he mentioned being good friends with Hei Bai.[1]
Personality
In his panda form, Hei Bai is gentle and approachable. Although capable of becoming vengeful when his forest is threatened, he generally keeps to himself and does not trouble others unless provoked.[4][5]
Abilities
When angered, Hei Bai transforms into a six-legged monster capable of overwhelming anything in his path.[3]
Physical Prowess
Hei Bai possesses tremendous spiritual strength, capable of destroying structures with a single swing of his arm. He can also move at remarkable speeds, as demonstrated when he demolished one house and rapidly appeared in front of another.[3]
Sonic Screams
Hei Bai can unleash powerful sonic screams that range from gentle gusts to blasts strong enough to level buildings within seconds.[3]
Other skills
Hei Bai can spontaneously grow bamboo and transport individuals to and from the Spirit World.[3]
Appearances
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Book One: Water (水)
Escape from the Spirit World
Trivia
- Hei Bai (黑白
(hēi bái)) means "black white" in Chinese. - Although Hei Bai is a panda, his wooden totem is modeled after a brown bear.
- His monstrous form was inspired by the Angels from the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, a series admired by the show's creators.[7]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Avatar: The Last Airbender, Book 1, Episode 303
- ↑ Avatar: The Last Airbender Comic: TRLE
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Avatar: The Last Airbender, Book 1, Episode 107
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Nick.com (archived)
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Avatar: The Last Airbender, Book 1, Episode 120
- ↑ Escape from the Spirit World: Avatar Kyoshi Online Comic Book.
- ↑ Avatar: The Last Airbender—The Art of the Animated Series, page 51.
See also
de:Hei Bai es:Hei Bai fr:Hei Bai nl:Hei Bai pl:Hei Bai ru:Хей Бай