After two seasons of watching Avatar Aang, Katara and Toph bend the elements, it was only a matter of time before Sokka questioned his own contributions to the team.
In “Sokka’s Master” Sokka embarks on a journey of self discovery. When a mysterious meteor crashes to the earth and starts a fire, Sokka must sit back and watch his friends save the day one more time. The event leaves Sokka feeling insignificant, and wondering exactly how can he contribute in the fight against the Fire Nation.
Kitara decides to cheer Sokka up by taking him shopping for weapons. Sokka’s interest is peaked by a sword on the wall designed by the greatest Fire Nation swordsman of the time. Aang realizes what Sokka needs is a Master. Aang, Toph and Kitara have all had bending masters, but it’s time for Sokka to find someone to train him.
Sokka seeks out the Master Swordsman of the Fire Nation. Unfortunately, the Master has rejected all prospective students who have approached him for training. Sokka wins the Master over with honesty. He tells the Master, “the truth is I don’t know if I am worthy.” The Master agrees to train Sokka. He uses Mr. Miyagi style training to teach Sokka the way of the sword. Sokka does everything from calligraphy to landscaping to rock garden design on his way to claim the right of swordsman. His last rite of passage is to forge his own sword.
Click Image to Enlarge
Meanwhile, Uncle Iroh is still wasting away in a prison cell. Or is he? His jailer calls him a fat disgusting old man, and tosses Iroh’s food on the ground. But, when the guards away the Pai Sho champ will play. Well in this case work out. Iroh spends his time in jail like a stereotypical prisoner: working out and building muscle (check the picture above). We can see that Iroh’s preparing to reclaim his name as the infamous Dragon of the West. Only this time odds are he won’t be fighting on the side of the Fire Nation.
Click Image to Enlarge
Sokka’s journey to become a swordsman is almost complete. He asks his friends to help him lug the meteor back to the Master so that it can be used to forge his blade. Toph, Kitara, and Aang are thrilled to see their companion. In his absense, they tried miserably to make each other laugh.
Sokka rejects the sword he forges, admitting to the Master that he is really water tribe. The Master challenges Sokka to a sword duel. Sokka fights gallantly, utilizing all the skills he learned from the Master. He exhibits intelligence, creativity and good use of terrain. But, in the end Sokka is defeated. The Master tells Sokka that he is proud of him regardless of what nation he comes from.
The White Lotus Pai Sho tile shows up again. The Master gives Sokka the tile and his meteor forged sword when the group leaves. We saw it before when Iroh and Prince Zuko were looking for sanctuary in the Earth Kingdom. So far we know the White Lotus is a secret group that follows an ancient tradition. According to Iroh, “Those who do (favor the White Lotus) can always find a friend.” Only time will tell the roll the White Lotus will play in the Avatar. One thing’s for sure, Iroh and Sokka’s paths will cross once again.
Tune in next Friday at 8:30pm EST for more Avatar the Last Airbender only on Nickelodeon.
Sokka is definitely one character you just have to love. Without the levity Sokka adds to round out the air bending cast, Avatar just wouldn’t be the same. Well it would still be bad a$$, just without the over the top antics.
i heart sokka!
It’s about time Sokka trained with a master. I’m happy they could show is skill is of the level of Toph or Kitara at weapons, without him losing his fun appeal.