| “ | We can't concern ourselves with what was. We must act on what is. | „ |
| ~ Gyatso |
Monk Gyatso is a posthumous character in the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender. He was an airbending master and mentor to Aang prior to him becoming trapped in the iceberg.
He was voiced by Sab Shimono. As a young man, he was voiced by Sean Marquette.
Overview[]
Monk Gyatso was Avatar Aang's guardian, mentor, and father figure before the beginning of the Hundred Year War, as well as a member of the Council of Elders. According to Aang, he was the greatest airbender in the world during his time.
Gyatso was known for his kindness and sense of humor. Though Aang learned airbending under him as part of his Avatar training, the monk always allowed time for fun and games, such as Pai Sho. In his earlier years, Gyatso also had a strong friendship with Aang's previous incarnation, Roku.
Gyatso was slain during the genocide of the Air Nomads, during which Fire Lord Sozin invaded the air temples. The place where his body was found revealed that he had managed to defeat many comet-enhanced Fire Nation soldiers before his demise
Personality[]
Gyatso was a cheerful person and had a great sense of humor; he often played pranks on his peers with his pupil, Aang, and even used his airbending to cheat during a Pai Sho game. Though he often played around, Gyatso was also a wise man, and one of the five members of the Southern Air Temple's Council of Elders. He was a kind and understanding individual who was well-liked by other students in the temple. Gyatso held a great adoration for Aang, desiring to keep him close by his side and shelter his childhood to the point that the council saw fit to separate the two. An empathic man, he had the ability to bring a smile to Aang's face, even when the latter felt depressed and under pressure. Gyatso always managed to effortlessly work levity into difficult situations, while still taking everyone's feelings seriously. He also procrastinated in his training when he was younger, such as when he did not practice his gliding, instead choosing to race with Avatar Roku. As they matured, Roku often came to Gyatso for practical advice or a fresh perspective when he was feeling dour.
Gyatso studied birds for a passion. He also liked Fire Nation tea, while disliking the flavor of Air Nomad tea.
Abilities[]
According to Aang, Gyatso was the "greatest airbender in the world". During his youth, Gyatso showed proficiency in the use of airbender staffs, as he was able to windsurf using his glider and perform numerous maneuvers while in the air. In his elder years, his airbending style was quick, elusive, flexible, and almost playful. In this way, he could easily outmaneuver any opponent. When the Fire Nation besieged the Southern Air Temple, Gyatso used his airbending abilities to fend off and eliminate numerous Fire Nation assailants whose power had been enhanced by Sozin's Comet, before he was ultimately subdued and killed along with the rest of his people.
He was also a talented cook, making fruit pies and dumplings with great proficiency.
Gallery[]
External Links[]
- Gyatso on the Avatar Wiki
