Avatar:Firefly
📚
This article was imported from Avatar Wiki under the CC-BY-SA license.
📎 View original · 📅 Imported: 2025-12-22
- This article is about the creature in the Northern Air Temple. For the creature in the swamp, see swamp firefly. For the creature in the Spirit World, see Spirit World firefly.
"Fireflies are a non-flammable light source."
— The mechanist informs Sokka at the Northern Air Temple.[1]
<infobox theme-source="nation"> <image source="image" /> <title source="name"><default>Firefly</default></title> <group> <header>General information</header> <label>Habitat</label> <label>Status</label> <label>Bending</label> <label>Uses</label> </group> <group> <header>Chronological information</header> <label>First appearance</label> <label>Last appearance</label> <label>Voiced by</label> </group> <header></header> </infobox> The firefly is a flying insect. This creature can be used as a non-flammable light source.[1]
History
In 296 BG, while the Flying Opera Company traveled through the Earth Kingdom, Lao Ge watched a pair of fireflies circling each other, tracing erratic patterns through the air.[2]
Upon arriving at the Northern Air Temple, the mechanist found a room filled with natural gas. As he got closer to the room, the torch he was using as a light source ignited the gas, triggering an explosion. Afterward, the mechanist began using fireflies, a non-flammable light source, in order to see in the dark corridor leading up to the room.
When Team Avatar arrived at the temple, the mechanist showed Sokka the location of the room, using lanterns containing fireflies as a light source. Sokka remarked, however, that they did not provide a great amount of light.[1]
Anatomy
The firefly is characterized by a pair of slender, jointed antennae, forewings, and a narrow prothorax. It has a mechanism of bioluminescence that likely works by emitting a light from the abdomen. The color of this light appears light green or light blue.
Connection
The fireflies seen in the temple most resemble the subfamily of Lampyrinae, luminescent nocturnal fireflies.
Trivia
- The ancient Chinese sometimes captured fireflies for the purpose of lighting. It was also a widespread practice in ancient India. However, these were short-term solutions and the use of other light sources became more prevalent.
- The firefly and the hermit crab are the only known creatures to have remained in the Northern Air Temple following the Air Nomad Genocide.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Avatar: The Last Airbender, Book 1, Episode 117
- ↑ Template:Cite Kyoshi