The Chinese Zodiac has been there to guide Asian civilizations for centuries. Based off of a legendary race of 12 animals by the Emperor of Heaven, each year represents a different animal and their traits. Just like all animals, some traits are good, and some traits are bad. The Legend of Korra is very similar in many ways to the Chinese Zodiac.
Based on Chinese martial arts as well as culture and history, the show is the continuation of the epic world of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Just like many people in real life, the benders in the show also exhibit specific qualities of the Chinese Zodiac. The following are the 12 benders from the show that perfectly exhibit the good and bad of each Chinese Zodiac animal.
12 Rat: Tarrlok
The Rat is sentimental and intuitive as well as cunning and opportunistic. Of these traits the best example in the series was Tarrlok. One of Republic City's most influential politicians, Tarrlok held a deep secret as one of the only gifted Bloodbenders in the entire series.
Tarrlok used his Bloodbending to defeat and capture Korra and used the press and his influence to aid him in his battle against the Equalist movement. In the end, though, it was Tarrlok's sentimentality that had him destroy the ship he and Amon were on, ensuring that he and his brother could no longer use their Bloodbending to manipulate others again.
11 Ox: Kuvira
Strong and upright, the Ox is also stubborn and aggressive. Of these traits, Kuvira is probably the best example in the series. The "Great Uniter," Kuvira used her strength and might to physically intimidate the dissolute anarchists and raiders of the Earth Kingdom back into the fold.
This upright nature is just what the Ox is best known for, as a stalwart of order. However, Kuvira was stubborn in her ways and wanted to demolish the Earth Kingdom monarchy, threatening those who did not agree with her, and creating a giant robot with spirit vine weaponry to go against the Avatar.
10 Tiger: Lin Beifong
Brave and trustworthy while fierce and arrogant, the Tiger is a strong natured member of the zodiac. Of these traits, Lin Beifong is the most accurate choice in the series. Republic City's Metalbending Chief Of Police is a staunchly brave and trustworthy ally.
While she and the Avatar butted heads at the start of the series, it was her rescue of Korra during Amon's ambush of the Pro-Bending tournament as well as her sacrifice when he removed her bending that showed how brave she was. Still, she was a hard-hearted character whose arrogance cost her a relationship with Tenzin as well as friction with Suyin and Toph.
9 Rabbit: Zaheer
Swift and eloquent, the Rabbit is a careful creature but they are also manipulative and quick to abandon others. Zaheer is probably the best choice for these traits. His eloquent nature is easily seen in his dealings with the Red Lotus members, and his swift motions and reflexes are only amplified by his Air bending mastery.
He proved his manipulative side when dealing with the Earth Queen, using her crude nature to his advantage until he killed her. However, his greatest strength is also a result of his greatest weaknesses. Zaheer gained the ability to fly when he unleashed his Earthly tether, abandoning his deep love for P'li when she died in battle.
8 Dragon: Amon
Ambitious and Just, the Dragon is arguably the most powerful creature of the Zodiac. Still, its emotional and domineering nature can be difficult. Amon is easily the best choice for the dragon as his ambition to equalize the entire world was done solely due to his desire to have benders no longer bully the defenseless non-benders.
However, his domineering nature came to the forefront when he removed Tarrlok's bending. Even his emotional nature came out when he wanted to relive his old days with his brother, despite knowing that he had done too much wrong to deserve a life of freedom.
7 Snake: Unalaq
Intelligent and prudent, the Snake is a very crafty creature of the Zodiac. However, its deceitful nature is what makes Unalaq the best choice. Best known as Korra's uncle and the Dark Avatar, Unalaq's intelligence and prudent nature convinced Korra that she had to learn about Spiritbending. Despite this, it was his deceitful ways in how he manipulated Korra using Dark spirits that cement his status as a Snake.
6 Horse: Korra
Brave and cheerful albeit proud and stubborn, the Horse is best seen in Korra. Known for her strength of character and ease at making friends with creatures and people, Korra has been a great Avatar. However, her headstrong and stubborn nature caused many problems throughout the series, from her inability to fully master Airbending to her clashes with friends and mentors. Still, it is her bravery and her cheerful attitude that make Korra a Horse.
5 Sheep: Mako
The Sheep is meticulous and hardworking, although indecisive and vain. Mako has always been known to be hardworking from his work as a Lightning bender for the power plants, to his time as an officer for Republic City.
Still, it is his vanity and indecisiveness which drive a wedge through the whole team when he leaves Asami for Korra, and plays their emotions against each other because he cannot decide.
4 Monkey: Bumi & Meelo
Cheerful and resourceful albeit silly and boastful, the Monkey is best seen in both Bumi and Meelo. Like Uncle like Nephew, both are cheerful and fun characters who use their bending in unique and resourceful ways. Bumi, who uses his military training as an Airbender has been an unwitting savior of the day, and Meelo has used his farts in unique situations as well. Still, their silliness and boastful nature make them a bit hard to be around at times, just like the wild Monkey.
3 Rooster: Tenzin
Intelligent and brave albeit proud and authoritative, the Rooster is easily Tenzin. The first Airbender in the new age after Avatar Aang, Tenzin is a serious yet intelligent and brave teacher.
Still, it is his pride and authoritative nature that butts heads with Korra, Lin Beifong, and even his own siblings and family. But when it is time to fight for justice or lead the new Air Acolytes and Airbenders, Tenzin is ready and willing.
2 Dog: Bolin
Loyal and clever while anxious and emotional, the Dog is best seen in Bolin. The Lavabending movie star is a loyal brother to Mako and Team Avatar, and his clever nature has saved the team in a pinch. However, his anxiety and self-doubt coupled with his extremely emotional moments during his crush on Korra have been difficult for himself and his team. One time, full from a Southern Water Tribe food bender, he threw up during a Pro-Bending game and nearly cost the team the game.
1 Pig: Tahno
Charitable and frank while short-tempered and deceitful, Tahno has undergone an interesting arc in the show. Best known as the cheating leader of the Pro-bending Wolfbats, his popularity and frankness were both irritating and refreshing to Korra.
However, his short-temper and deceitful nature came to light best in their Pro-Bending duels. After Amon took his bending though, Tahno became charitable, and helped raise money for Republic City after the Equalist insurgency.