Zuko And Me! #SawMyselfInHim

SOURCE

A Personal Connection to Zuko

I can relate to Prince Zuko in many ways. Yes, I always see Zuko as a prince. The first time I saw him, I felt a personal attachment. Although Uncle Iroh is my favorite character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, my connection to Zuko runs deep because I see Uncle Iroh through Zuko’s eyes.

SOURCE

Feeling Imposed Destiny

In Zuko’s first scene, I felt like I understood what he was going through. Destiny was forced upon him, and it felt like a parallel to my own life. Like Zuko, I never wanted to live life by default, but I couldn’t avoid it. Zuko’s desperate desire to capture the Avatar resonates with me. I didn’t care much about the Avatar, but I cared deeply about Zuko’s journey. When Zuko attacked Katara's village, I wanted him to succeed because it was crucial for him at that moment. He needed his father’s approval.

SOURCE

Playing with Fire (Literally)

I like Zuko’s character so much that I play with fire! Yes, I know it’s dangerous, and parents should monitor what their children are watching. Sometimes I make a paper ball, set it on fire, and throw it like a fireball. Of course, I take precautions, but parents, please listen, if I was like this, your children could be too!

SOURCE

The Cycle of Broken Promises

When someone I love makes a promise and I know they will break it, I can’t help but repeat, “Azula always lies. Azula always lies.” I prepare myself for the inevitable betrayal by saying this in my head. Zuko, too, knows that Azula is a liar, yet he still falls for her lies and false promises. This is because he loves her, just like we sometimes love people in our lives who make fake promises. Zuko’s love and trust in Azula are so strong that he repeats in his dreams, “Azula always lies.”

SOURCE

Zuko’s Comfort Zone

Zuko feels a deep connection to his mother, which I like to call a “comfort zone.” It’s hard to step out of our comfort zones, even when we know we must. When Zuko’s mother tells him to leave, it feels like a dead end. But as the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens.

SOURCE

Zuko’s Father: A Complex Relationship

Zuko’s father wasn’t all bad. In his eyes, power meant everything. Like any good parent, he wanted his son to be powerful. Remember when Zuko’s father gave him a sword but gave a doll to Azula? That moment shows that Zuko’s father did care for him, but in a way that focused on strength. The whole conflict between Zuko and his father revolves around the idea that to be powerful, one must leave one's weaknesses behind. Zuko, with his scar, was a reminder of his perceived imperfection.

SOURCE

Living in the Moment

Throughout the series, Zuko often reminds us, “I am the prince of the Fire Nation” or something similar. It’s clear that he’s always holding onto his past. While it’s good to remember where we come from, living in the past can hinder growth. Zuko struggled with this, especially when he was in the Earth Kingdom, trying to live like royalty even though he wasn’t one anymore. It was hard for him to adjust, but he eventually did. The lesson here is simple: live in the moment.

SOURCE

My Favorite Zuko Moment: The Dance of the Dragon

My favorite Zuko scene is the Dance of the Dragon because I watched that part of the series repeatedly until I couldn’t wait to see the move in action. When Zuko and the Avatar are in the temple, the music is electrifying. It was one of those moments when everything came together. If you haven’t watched it yet, search for Dance of the Dragon from Avatar: The Last Airbender on YouTube, it’s a must-watch!

SOURCE

The Importance of Forgiveness

Zuko never let anyone touch his scar, but when Katara touched it while they were trapped, he didn’t hesitate. At this point, Zuko had come to understand the importance of forgiving himself. Many people, including myself, tend to blame themselves for things beyond their control. The truth is, forgiving ourselves for things we can’t change is crucial for personal growth.

SOURCE

Uncle Iroh’s Wisdom: Think for Yourself

Uncle Iroh once told Zuko to think for himself. There are times in life when we forget who we truly are. Whether it’s following the crowd, doing what our parents want, or conforming to societal expectations, it’s important to remember that this is not our destiny. Taking the time to figure out who we are and develop our character is essential for a fulfilling life.