In the fourth episode of Avatar: The Last Airbender’s first season, Book One: Water, viewers were introduced to the Kyoshi Warriors. Hailing from aptly named Kyoshi Island, the all-women group of fighters model themselves after Avatar Kyoshi, an Earth Kingdom-born Avatar who is known for her willingness to take firm, decisive action.
Although both Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra featured a few glimpses into Avatar Kyoshi’s life, a series of young adult novels delves into the character, and her path to becoming the legendary figure revered by so many. Despite those novels, though, fans have a few lingering questions, one of them being: Why did Avatar Kyoshi live so long?
Why Did Avatar Kyoshi Wear Makeup?
Besides her impressive height, the first thing one would likely notice about Avatar Kyoshi is her appearance. To be more specific, her iconic makeup. Not only is Kyoshi always depicted with her makeup, fans, and signature outfit, but the look also inspired that of the Kyoshi Warriors. Before it became a tradition for the Kyoshi Warriors, it was something the young Avatar did to honor her past. Abandoned by her parents at a young age, Kyoshi lived for a time as an unhoused orphan, until Kelsang, an Air Nomad monk, took her in.
As we learn from Aang and Korra’s stories, most Avatar incarnations are recognized early on in life. Aang, for example, was drawn to the objects that belonged to Avatars that came before him, while Korra exhibited the ability to bend multiple elements without any formal training. To survive, Kyoshi turned to stoicism. She lacked self-confidence, and didn’t really have the luxury of getting to know herself. At 16 years old, she was finally recognized as the Avatar, taking the place of her friend Yun, who had been wrongly identified as the next Avatar.
In the chaos that followed the reveal of Kyoshi’s fate, both Yun and Kelsang were killed. Kyoshi and her long-time friend, Rangi, left to join the Avatar’s parents’ old criminal gang, the Flying Opera Company. Before being abandoned, Kyoshi had been born to Jesa, a former Air Nomad nun, and Hark, an actor-turned-thief from the Earth Kingdom. To honor her past, Kyoshi wore her late mother’s headdress and wielded her war fans in battle. For her father, Kyoshi wore her signature daofei face paint.
Who Is Avatar Kyoshi’s Girlfriend?
Featured in both novels, The Rise of Kyoshi and The Shadow of Kyoshi, Rangi becomes Avatar Kyoshi’s girlfriend. Rangi’s mother taught Avatar Kuruk — the Avatar who preceded Kyoshi — how to firebend, so her family has been connected to the Avatar for some time. In fact, Rangi, a Fire Army officer and adept bender herself, was appointed as a bodyguard to Yun, back when he was still thought to be the next Avatar.
Rangi and Kyoshi, who was Yun’s servant, became friends through the falsely identified Avatar. After being declared the true Avatar, Kyoshi finds herself threatened by Yun’s former master and Earth Kingdom ruler Jianzhu. Ever dutiful, Rangi flees with Kyoshi to the safety of the Flying Opera Company, firm in her decision to protect the Avatar. While hiding within the ranks of the criminal syndicate, Rangi trains Kyoshi in the ways of firebending. But their relationship is hot and heavy in more ways than one: the two eventually share their romantic feelings for one another.
Although Rangi leaves Kyoshi’s side to aid her mother, she reunites with Kyoshi the following year, and helps the Avatar put an end to an ongoing war. Headstrong, fierce, and a touch arrogant, Rangi sheds her cold demeanor when she’s with Kyoshi. On the battlefield, she doesn’t shy away from resorting to violence if the means bring about the end she wants — something she and Kyoshi seem to have in common. Kyoshi’s girlfriend and bodyguard, Rangi promises to stay by the Avatar’s side, no matter what unfolds.
Are The Kyoshi Books Canon?
Yes, the Kyoshi books are canon. Both The Rise of Kyoshi and The Shadow of Kyoshi, written by F. C. Yee with Avatar: The Last Airbender co-creator Michael Dante DiMartino, are part of Kyoshi’s official story. Not only that, but the novels help build out the world of Avatar and Korra as it was 396 years prior to the events of the original series.
Chronicling Kyoshi’s transformation from unassuming girl to a relentless force of justice, the novels are just one means of learning about the legendary Avatar’s past. Avatar Studios has confirmed that several characters from the Kyoshi books, including Kyoshi, Rangi, and Yun, will appear in a future animated series project. Plus, fans can catch Yvonne Chapman as Avatar Kyoshi in Netflix’s forthcoming live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Why Did Avatar Kyoshi Live So Long?
The Avatar cycle hinges on death and rebirth. When a person with the Avatar spirit (a.k.a. Raava) passes away, said spirit is reincarnated into a new human vessel — creating a being who’s a bridge between the human and spirit worlds. While some Avatars pass too soon, others live long and full lives. But no Avatar — or human — has lived as long as Avatar Kyoshi, who finally passed away at 230 years old.
So, why and how did Avatar Kyoshi live so long? Maybe it’s an Earthbender trait. After all, King Bumi is 112 years old at the start of Avatar: The Last Airbender, and remains more-than-spry throughout the three-season series. The actual answer can’t be found in the animated series, but within the pages of the Kyoshi books.
One of the criminals Kyoshi learns from is a prolific assassin named Lao Ge, also known as Tieguai the Immortal. By “keeping order” within his body, Lao Ge claims to have the ability to repair the damage he’s been dealt as well as the natural wear and tear that occurs to one’s physical form over time. Through so-called concentrated meditation, Tieguai the Immortal took stock of his body, rearranging and fixing anything that had fallen out of order. So, yes — through sheer determination and immense spiritual focus, Lao Ge halts the aging process.
Kyoshi learns this technique from Lao Ge, which likely explains her ageless appearance when she manifests before Aang and Korra. Will a new series in the Avatar: The Last Airbender series delve more deeply into this technique? As of now, Kyoshi’s part in new projects remains under wraps, but fans will certainly welcome any new stories centered on this revered (and feared) Earth Kingdom Avatar.