The Fire Nation in Avatar: The Last Airbender play antagonists' roles, even though two incredible heroes call it their home. It consists of a series of large islands, with the most important ones being Shuhon and Capital Islands. Interestingly, this country's economy far exceeds the Earth Kingdom, even though the latter is considerably larger in size.
In fact, until Zuko and Team Avatar help found the United Republic of Nations after the Hundred Year War, the Fire Nation was the dominant force on the planet. Under Fire Lord Izumi, however, it maintains the era of peace established by Aang. How much about them is still unexplored, though?
10 How Did The Sun Warriors Influence Them?
When the Lion Turtles abdicate their roles as guardians of humanity, people instantly started warring with each other. The battles took them to an archipelago, where the Sun Warriors had originally been living.
This unique civilization has had an enormous effect on Fire Nation culture, especially in terms of artwork and construction. What else did they do, though? For a group of people who picked up the art of Firebending from literal dragons, they must have shaped their successors in a lot more ways.
9 Who Was The First Fire Lord?
The Fire Island Archipelago was once governed by the Fire Sages of the Bhanti community, but their positions were in jeopardy due to civil strifes plaguing their lands. The first Fire Lord is said to have consolidated the combative tribes under one flag, thereby officially creating the Fire Nation.
At the outset, the Fire Lord and the Fire Sages had an equal say in matters of bureaucracy and administration, but the former's popularity led them to seize political authority. Their identity, however, is a complete mystery.
8 How Many Cities Are There?
The Fire Nation contains a number of active and dormant volcanoes, as well boasting of a rich tropical biodiversity. There are a few cities named in the franchise, such as Capital City and Fire Fountain City, but there are supposed to be a lot more inhabited locations.
In fact, Zuko's mother, Ursa, comes from one of these tiny towns (known as Hira'a). Does this mean the Fire Nation has been mostly urbanized, or is there land dedicated to agriculture and small-scale industry also?
7 Did They Have Higher Education?
The primary and secondary educational systems are well established, and every Fire Nation child is compulsorily required to attend school whenever it's in session.
They are taught music, manners, combat, history (altered), as well as Firebending, that is, if they are capable. Do they go to high school when they turn 15? What about university? Surely, the progressive and advanced Fire Nation has master's and doctorate programs for its brightest students?
6 How Was Their Government Organized?
For all practical purposes, the Fire Lord maintained absolute control over every single aspect of his country, be it finance, war, education, to name a few.
They are equipped with a cadre of "ministers", mostly sycophantic military leaders who obviously have a one-track mind. When Avatar Szeto was around, though, he becomes Fire Lord Yosor's Grand Advisor, meaning that there are other governmental positions available? How does the hierarchy even work?
5 What's With Their Naming System?
The citizens of the Fire Nation are known for their intense patriotism and singular devotion to their leader because it is supposedly in their nature to form cloistered communities. Mothers are said to be supremely authoritarian towards errant children (although still filled to the brim with maternal love).
Is this fondness for discipline the reason why the grim "Z" sound is present in so many of their names? There's Zuko, Zhao, Ozai, Kuzon, Azulon, Izumi, Sozin, and Azula; only Iroh, Lu Ten, and Roku have escaped this rule.
4 Was Roku Part Of The Royal Family?
Speaking of Roku, he is depicted as Crown Prince Sozin's very best friend, a relationship that they maintain for decades (until the Fire Lord instigates conflict with the Earth Kingdom.) He is usually found within the Royal Palace Courtyard, suggesting that he has the permission to waltz around a space forbidden to commoners.
Finally, both he and Sozin celebrate their birthdays together — having the second-most powerful person in the Fire Nation share their most important celebration suggests that Roku was definitely high up in rank. His exact relationship to the Royal Family is unclear.
3 Why Are There So Few Female Fire Lords?
Women don't face much discrimination in the Fire Nation, according to their ancient customs. They can choose any occupation they want, as well as take up administrative positions like judges and mayors.
At the same time, the Royal Family history is mostly occupied by male Fire Lords. Perhaps it was a genetic fluke that Sozin, Azulon, Ozai, and Zuko were all men, and there were female Fire Lords preceding them? At least currently it is being ruled by Izumi, Zuko's daughter.
2 Do They Have A Class System?
Based on their cultural perspective, it seems that the Fire Nation depends on its regimented sense of hierarchy with which it keeps all its citizens in line. Further, the mythological trend of "honor" is believed in fiercely, which means that those who have lost it become the dregs of society.
Actually, that's the reason that Zuko shaves his head in the first place. Do they also define such categories by means of power? In other words, are stronger Firebenders given more privileges than weaker ones?
1 How Many Fire Nation Avatars Have There Been?
The first one revealed is evidently Roku, but Avatar Szeto has received mentions in the expanded canon. Further, Wan, the first Avatar, comes from the Fire Lion Turtle City (and his first element is Fire), which means he technically can be included as a Fireborn Avatar.
Where are the remainder? Considering that there have been at least 150 Avatars since the previous Harmonic Convergence, there should be 37-38 from the Fire Nation. Was the mysterious Salai one of them?