10 Times Iroh Was the Best Character on Avatar: The Last Airbender

Top 10 Times Iroh Was The Best Character on Avatar

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we are counting down our picks for the Top 10 Times Iroh Was the Best Character on Avatar.

For this list, we’ll be looking at Uncle Iroh’s greatest hits across Avatar: The Last Airbender, including his battles, words of wisdom, and all the other times he made our hearts swell!

Did we miss an essential Iroh proverb? Let us know in the comments and receive a free coupon for the Jasmine Dragon!

#10: Dragon of the West

While often presented as a jolly old man who would rather drink tea all the livelong day, one can’t forget that Iroh used to be an infamous soldier in service to the Fire Nation, who not only was in line to become Fire Lord but was feared as a beast on the battlefield. His actions even earned him the moniker of Dragon of the West. We at long last get to see him live up to the legend when he and Zuko are ambushed by Azula and her army of Dai Lee, wherein he unleashes a burst of firebending straight from his mouth!

#9: Defeating Zhao

Iroh is certainly the kind of person who practises what he preaches, and that includes how to conduct oneself with honor. Following Zuko’s victory over the arrogant Zhao in the sacred combat ritual of Agni Kai, the foul-tempered commander lashes out at the last second to take Zuko by surprise…only for Iroh to step in, protect his nephew, and easily knock Zhao flat on his back. The only thing more savage than his reflexes is how he puts Zhao in his place. Now that’s a burn.

#8: Liberating Ba Sing Se

How ironic that when Iroh first came to this city, it was as a conqueror. Now, years later, he returns as a liberator to free it from the grasp of the Fire Nation, bringing his personal arc full circle. With his fellow members of the Order of the White Lotus in tow, Iroh unleashes his full might to take down the occupying soldiers, his power amplified tenfold thanks to the firebending-enhancing properties of Sozin’s Comet. Shame he never got the chance to test his mettle against Ozai in this state.

#7: Tea with Toph

An unlikely friendship if there ever was one, Toph and Iroh’s happenstance meeting was one of the purest examples of Avatar’s underlying message in regard to strangers being able to forge bonds regardless of birthplace. With no knowledge of either’s history, the two discuss matters such as the nature of strength and the importance of having loved ones to support you. The way Iroh discloses how he would always be there for his nephew is genuinely heart-warming and speaks volumes about his character.

#6: Never Give into Despair

It seems that Iroh has advice for every occasion, though this might be one of the most important lessons he ever imparted to Zuko. Now fugitives on the run from the Fire Nation, the pair are left poverty stricken, though Iroh being Iroh, still sees the bright side, whereas his nephew is deeply shaken that his purpose in life may have been snatched away. Obviously speaking from past experiences, Iroh tries to convince Zuko that one should always cling to hope even in the darkest of times, no matter what. It’s a creed born from a wise, old soul, and one that both Zuko and all of us should take to heart.

#5: Destiny

Honestly, it seems that just about everyone gets along with Iroh! As he and Aang venture deeper into the underground in search of Zuko and Katara, the Avatar opens up about his doubt over having left his training to rescue her, and by doing so may have doomed the world. In typical Iroh fashion, he praises Aang for choosing happiness over power, and that destiny isn’t so simple a thing. Given how everything worked out in the end, we can chalk this up to yet another time Iroh was proven right.

#4: Discussing the Elements

While Iroh teaching Zuko the fundamentals of being able to redirect lightning was fascinating, it’s his lecture on the elements and their respective nations that really blew us away. Demonstrating an in-depth knowledge of the world’s cultures, it’s here we can see where Iroh’s unique perspective stems from – he’s the only Firebender not restricted by a narrow-mindedness, and instead recognises the beauty in all peoples. Power, substance, change and freedom – if things had been different Iroh would have made for a splendid Avatar!

#3: Who Are You?

Without a doubt the most hard-hitting and potent speech in Iroh’s canon of work, this plea to his nephew could be seen as the spark that would eventually turn the banished prince towards the side of good. Stepping in before Zuko can steal Appa, Iroh makes one last, desperate attempt to steer him away from the destructive path that had consumed his life for so long. Just hearing Iroh raise his voice is shocking enough, but paired with him demanding that Zuko ask himself what he truly wants from life is overwhelming!

#2: Leaves on the Vine

Hold back the tears. Hold back the tears. After watching Iroh wander around Ba Sing Se, bringing smiles everywhere he goes with his generosity and kindness, we’re suddenly presented with one of the most painfully beautiful moments in Avatar. Away from prying eyes, Iroh sets up a small memorial for his deceased son Lu Ten to celebrate his birthday, where he expresses regret over how he was unable to save him. And then he starts singing. Seeing Iroh at his most raw and vulnerable gives us just another reason to adore him, while knowing this was the last thing actor Mako recorded doubles the emotional impact!

Before we reveal our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Hot Leaf Juice”

“How to Deal with a Mugger”

“Training in Prison”

“Pride & Shame”

#1: Forgiving Zuko

Time and time again, it was Iroh’s bottomless affection for his troubled nephew that resonated so deeply with audiences. Exile, poverty, near death situations, Iroh happily stood by Zuko’s side as the world turned against them at every turn. That being said, following on from Zuko’s betrayal at the crystal catacombs, it was unclear if things could go back to the way they were, even with a heartfelt apology. And what does Iroh do? Immediately forgives and embraces him, overjoyed that he had finally found his own path. We all need someone like Iroh in our lives.