The Fascinating Meaning Behind Aang's Son's Name – Tenzin Explained!
The origin behind Aang's son, Tenzin's name in Avatar: The Last Airbender holds true real-life inspirations, unraveling the intriguing choice made by the airbending master Discover if Aang had any other children in this captivating article
Avatar: The Last Airbender was a highly popular animated TV show that aired in the 2000s and still has a dedicated fanbase till today. Its spinoff show, The Legend of Korra, while moderately successful, did not quite reach the same level of popularity as its predecessor. Nevertheless, it still enjoys a considerable number of fans. A significant aspect of the show's appeal was the opportunity to catch up with the characters from ATLA, now older, and even witness their children and grandchildren.
The new generation of Avatar characters in The Legend of Korra is intriguing as they exist in a post-war world, grappling with emerging issues and threats. Aang's children, in particular, not only have to face external adversaries but also reckon with their own emotions and struggles as the offspring of one of history's revered Avatars. Tenzin, Aang's son, carries an immense weight as he is the only one among his siblings who possess the ability to bend air. But what is Tenzin's story, and why did Aang choose that name for him?
Who Is Aang's Son?
Why Did Aang Name His Son Tenzin?
Tenzin, the youngest child of Aang and Katara, is not only an airbending master but also the sole inheritor of the airbending tradition. Aang, being the last living airbender, dedicated himself to training Tenzin in order to preserve their ancient art. Currently, in The Legend of Korra, Tenzin resides on Air Temple Island near Republic City alongside his wife Pema and their four children: Jinora, Ikki, Meelo, and Rohan, all of whom possess the incredible ability to bend air. Throughout TLOK, Tenzin takes on the role of a mentor and imparts his knowledge of airbending to Avatar Korra, who has already conquered the other elemental disciplines. Although their contrasting personalities often led to conflicts between them, their bond was unbreakable as they deeply cared for each other, essentially becoming a family.
Tenzin may appear to be an unusual choice for a name, especially considering that Aang and Katara's other children were named after significant individuals in their lives. However, the name Tenzin does not appear anywhere else in either series. So, where does it come from? In real life, Tenzin was named after the current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. Fans might also recognize the name Gyatso as the inspiration for Monk Gyatso, the airbender who served as Aang's mentor and father figure during his childhood. Although the show never explicitly states it, many fans have speculated that Monk Gyatso's first name was Tenzin. This theory suggests that Aang named his son after one of the most influential figures in his life, the Dalai Lama.
Does Aang Have Any Other Children?
Aang and Katara shared the joy of raising three children: Bumi, Kya, and Tenzin. Bumi, their eldest, was named after Aang's childhood friend who later became the esteemed King of Omashu. Though initially a non-bender, Bumi gained airbending abilities after the Harmonic Convergence in The Legend of Korra. Leading the Second Division of the United Forces until his retirement after the Battle for Republic City, Bumi possessed a spirited and daring personality, often clashing with the more disciplined Tenzin. Nevertheless, his loyalty and genuine concern for his loved ones were unwavering.
Kya, Aang and Katara's middle child, followed in her mother's footsteps as a skilled waterbender. Named after Katara's own mother, she embodied a unique blend of free-spiritedness that set her apart from her brothers. Proficient in waterbending and known for her exceptional healing abilities, Kya possessed a nurturing demeanor but was also known for her strong-willed nature and sharp wit. In the sequel comics of The Legend of Korra, Kya openly shared her own identity as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community in a conversation with Korra and Asami, making her one of the few Avatar characters to confirm their sexuality. While Kya and Bumi initially harbored strained relationships with their father due to his favoritism towards Tenzin and focus on preserving the Air Nomads, they eventually resolved their differences and forged stronger bonds with each other.
