Fire Lord

The Fire Lord is the supreme leader of the Fire Nation, wielding great power within both government and state. The Fire Lord resides in the Royal Palace, located in the Fire Nation Capital, and is usually a powerful firebender. The title has been held by Izumi since 167 AG, after her father, Zuko, abdicated the throne.
Historically, the role and position of the Fire Lords has shifted in regards to their power and importance. The early Fire Lords were the Fire Nation's foremost spiritual and temporal authorities but governed the country alongside the Fire Sages and noble clans. Later, Fire Lords became purely secular rulers with theoretically absolute powers but were often influenced or even controlled by the mightiest clans. From the 3rd century BG onward, the Fire Lords gradually broke the nobles' influence. By 0 AG, they had become actual autocrats and had total control of the Fire Nation.
== History ==
Prior to the formation of the Fire Nation, the disaggregated Fire Islands were united by the first Fire Lord, who ushered in a prolonged era of peace under religious rule with himself as head of the Fire Sages. The power of the early Fire Lords was limited, as they ruled alongside a council of Fire Sages,The Lost Scrolls: Fire, page 177 of The Lost Scrolls Collection. while many noble clans who descended from the old warlords were allowed autonomy as well as armed household troops. Eventually, the Fire Lords took state power for themselves and reduced the Fire Sages' influence on the government, turning the Fire Nation into a hereditary monarchy controlled by the Fire Nation Royal Family. Afterward, the positions of Great Sage and High Sage were established to replace the Fire Lord's original role as head of the Fire Sages.
Despite the nominal empowerment of the Fire Lords and their theoretically absolute power, their position remained highly unstable due to the lasting might of the noble clans as well as infighting within the royal family. The noble clans often married into the royal family, and the ruler's consorts would then empower their own clan, causing resentment and feuds by rival nobles. Economic crises, natural disasters, and political conspiracies could greatly weaken the position of individual Fire Lords, and the Fire Nation often suffered from civil wars. In these times, Fire Lords could become completely powerless. Under Fire Lord Yosor, the Fire Nation collapsed almost completely into separate states until Avatar Szeto restabilized the central government and strengthened the Fire Lord's position with political and economic reforms. During Fire Lord Gonryu's reign, the Fire Nation pursued isolationism in the aftermath of the Platinum Affair, with only the island city of Jonduri designated as a special territory, ruled by a shang zongdu. Gonryu enjoyed the revenue that Zongdu Chaisee brought him, but he sent people to spy on her, as he did not want to see any zongdu linger past their term.
In the early 3rd century BG, the position of Fire Lord Zoryu was assailed by his half-brother Chaejin, resulting in a crisis known as the Camellia-Peony War. This succession conflict exposed once again the clans' great influence as well as the weakness of the central government. Zoryu and his successors consequently worked to finally disempower the nobles and gradually transformed the Fire Nation into a centralist autocracy. By the time of Fire Lord Sozin, the Fire Sages and nobles had been completely subjugated to the Fire Lord's rule.Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game. Core Book, Version 1.0, 2022, p. 49. A threat to the Fire Lord's power emerged, however, when Sozin's sister Zeisan began to conspire against the throne by utilizing a group known as the Guiding Wind, which was opposed to nobility and wealth. She sought revolutionary social and political change, while also aiming to take power in the Fire Nation,Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game. Core Book, Version 1.0, 2022, p. 44. though Sozin ultimately prevailed in this rivalry. As he could use the resources of the Fire Nation as he saw fit, Sozin greatly empowered his military and eventually started the Hundred Year War in an attempt to unite the world under the Fire Lords' reign.Avatar: The Last Airbender: Legacy, page 11, The Hundred Year War.
During Fire Lord Azulon's rule, Prince Iroh was first in line to the throne. After Iroh's only son, Lu Ten, was killed during the Siege of Ba Sing Se, Iroh abandoned the mission and returned home. Prince Ozai, the second born son, called a meeting with Azulon during which he attempted to persuade his father to name him as heir and strip Iroh of his birthright. According to Azula, Azulon became furious at this suggestion and told Ozai that he would have to "know the pain of losing a first-born son", as Iroh did, by killing his own son, Zuko. However, due to Ursa's interference, Ozai instead killed his father with a poison concocted by her and was subsequently crowned Fire Lord, which was said to be Azulon's dying wish.
As Fire Lord, Ozai carried on the established custom, upholding the Fire Lord's absolute rule over the nation and his ability to dictate military decisions. Near the Hundred Year War's conclusion, however, Fire Lord Ozai broke with this tradition by establishing a personal position known as the Phoenix King, crowning himself the supreme ruler of the world. Having passed over his first born son, Prince Zuko, he granted the position of Fire Lord to his daughter, Princess Azula, entrusting her to lead the Fire Nation in his absence. However, upon the arrival of Sozin's Comet, Zuko and Katara interrupted Azula's coronation, and Zuko declared his intention to be crowned Fire Lord, provoking Azula to challenge him to an Agni Kai for the throne that resulted in his victory.
After Phoenix King Ozai's defeat at the hands of Avatar Aang, and Zuko and Katara's victory over Azula, Zuko was crowned the new Fire Lord, becoming the youngest known individual to achieve this status. He vowed to begin an era of peace and love, in which he strove to restore the Fire Nation's honor and to rebuild the war-torn world. In an effort to accomplish his goals, he formed the Harmony Restoration Movement along with the Avatar and Earth King Kuei in order to return the Fire Nation colonials in the Earth Kingdom back to the Fire Nation. Afterward, with the assistance of Avatar Aang, Fire Lord Zuko also founded Republic City.San Diego Comic-Con 2011 He remained the leader of the Fire Nation until 167 AG, when he abdicated in favor of his daughter, Izumi.DiMartino, Michael Dante; Konietzko, Bryan & Dos Santos, Joaquim (December 2, 2014). "Rebirth" commentary. Book Three: Change Blu-ray.
== Position and powers ==
Historically, the power of the Fire Lords has fluctuated. Though always in an influential position, they had to share power with the Fire Sages and nobles for a long time.
By the late 4th century BG, Fire Lords had the right to appoint government ministers, make laws, and could marry whomever they wanted. Accordingly, a stubborn Fire Lord like Chaeryu was within his rights to ignore his advisors' opinions and even go on extended vacations because he wanted to escape politics. However, such behavior was only acceptable as long as the ruler was in a strong position; in general, the Fire Lords' decisions might be inconsequential outside the capital unless they had the support of powerful noble clans. As a result, nobles were usually put into important government positions and consulted on many matters; in particular, a large number of ministers were often Sei'naka clan members. If Fire Lords proved to be too strong-headed, ministers and nobles were not above subtly influencing them to get their way. By this period, the Fire Lords also had close confidants in the form of the Grand Advisor and later the Chancellor.
In the next centuries, however, the Fire Lords amassed more and more power, while the nobles' importance dimished. By 0 AG, the Fire Lord wielded absolute power over the Fire Nation's policies, and their orders were to be carried out immediately and without question. Fire Lords like Sozin, Azulon, and Ozai were the central players in the workings of government and intimately involved in affairs of state. In order to keep this great influence over politics, these Fire Lords have often resorted to ruling through intimidation.Avatar: The Last Airbender: Legacy, page 41. During the Hundred Year War, the Fire Lords took an active part in the military conquests of their nation, either by direct service or involvement in strategic planning. Fire Lords Sozin and Azulon were considered to be particularly effective tacticians.
Following the Hundred Year War, Zuko worked to make the Fire Lord's position a less dictatorial one. Regardless, he and his daughter remained extremely influential, and kept the constitutional power to declare war on other countries.
== Succession ==
The position of Fire Lord is hereditary, traditionally passed from parent to eldest child when the reigning Fire Lord dies or steps down. In order to prevent wars of succession between rival siblings, many Fire Lords designated one child as Crown Prince or Princess while living, thus confirming their choice of successor. In this way, a Fire Lord could also pass over an elder child in the succession. Even though such declarations by the Fire Lords were usually taken as law, they were not unassailable. If the designated successor or ruling Fire Lord was regarded as incapable or as being rejected by the spirits, their siblings could step forward to claim the throne. Before the noble clans were disempowered, claimants to the throne often sought out supporters among the nobles in their bid to become Fire Lord. To strengthen their own position as well as the legitimacy of their children, Fire Lords often took spouses from powerful clans or from auspicious lineages.
In addition, some heirs have not become Fire Lord due to intrigues within the royal house; Crown Prince Iroh was passed over after his younger brother, Ozai, poisoned Fire Lord Azulon, and Crown Prince Zuko was passed over by his father in favor of his younger sister, Azula.
In case all else fails and there is no way to negotiate or mediate anymore, succession conflicts in the Fire Nation are traditionally solved with violence. According to one custom, rival claimants fight an Agni Kai for the throne. The winner will be crowned official Fire Lord and the loser has to step down. In other cases, claimants have taken the throne by launching an open rebellion against their rivals.
== Family ==
The core royal family includes its head, the Fire Lord; a spouse, if present; and their children. In addition, there is the extended clan which can include the ruler's siblings and other relatives. If the Fire Lord has a wife, she is known as the Fire Lady. Several Fire Lords had informal companions; a woman in such a position could be known as "mistress". Historically, the spouses and lovers of the rulers usually had a great influence on the government. The children of the Fire Lord are referred to as 'Prince' or 'Princess', as is anyone married to the Fire Lord's children. The mother of the ruler, if she never was a formal Fire Lady and had lost the position of princess, can be formally known as "Lady". Fire Lords' illegitimate children might also be included in the royal family, although a ruler can choose to not acknowledge those born to non-noble partners.
A Fire Lord can formally expel relatives, even their children, from the royal family. However, such measures can be challenged, and even family members who were formally removed from the clan, banished or charged with treason are often still regarded as royalty by other Fire Nation citizens.
== Known Fire Lords ==
This list includes all known recognized Fire Lords who were officially crowned.
* Yosor - Years unknown, ally to Avatar Szeto
* Gonryu - Years unknown, ruled during Avatar Yangchen's adolescence
* Chaeryu - fl. 4th century BG
* Zoryu - fl. 295 BG
* Sozin's father – Unknown ~ 58 BG
* Sozin – 58 BG ~ 20 AGAvatar Extras for "The Avatar and the Fire Lord" on Nicktoons Network.
* Azulon – 20 ~ 95 AG
* Ozai – 95 ~ 100 AG
* Zuko – 100 ~ 167 AG
* Izumi – 167 AG ~ present
=== Known Fire Nation regents, claimants, and revolutionaries ===
Even though only recognized Fire Lords are the official rulers of the Fire Nation, their rule has not been unchallenged over the centuries. There were fights over the succession, usurpation, conspiracies, and temporary representatives who led the nation when the Fire Lord was absent. This list includes unrecognized Fire Lords, claimants to the throne, other individuals who conspired to take power, as well as those who were not Fire Lords but still ruled the Fire Nation for a certain time.
* Chaejin – c. 295 BG, as claimant. He attempted to usurp power from his brother Zoryu, but failed.
* Zeisan – c. 1st century BG, as revolutionary and conspirator. As sister of Sozin, Zeisan developed dynasty-toppling ambitions, hoping to eventually overthrow her brother as well as the Fire Nation's political system, bringing about radical change under her own leadership.
* Azula – 100 AG, as Princess Regent: appointed successor of Fire Lord Ozai, but challenged and defeated by her elder brother, Zuko.
* Iroh – 101/102 AG, as Interim Fire Lord: appointed regent by Fire Lord Zuko during his search for Ursa until his return to the capital.
== Attire ==
The Fire Lord's most common set of clothing are robes. These robes contain multiple shades of red and black, as well as ornate gold trimmings, angled shoulder pieces and are supposed to be worn in conjunction with the Fire Lord headpiece.Throughout the Avatar: The Last Airbender series.
The Fire Lord has always worn a set of ornate robes, but the design has changed slightly throughout the generations. Fire Lords Zuko, Ozai, Azulon, Sozin, and Sozin's father all wore a similar set of robes. Fire Lord Sozin's grandfather, however, wore a less ornate set of robes, as seen in his official portrait.
Fire Lord Zuko has worn multiple varying versions of the ornate robes.
During his temporary reign over the Fire Nation while Zuko was out looking for his mother, Iroh wore another slightly less ornate version of the robes.
During his later reign, Zuko opted to wear a less ornate but regal set of robes, featuring gray pants, black boots with gold trimming, black bracers, black shoulder pauldrons, a gold belt inscribed with the Fire Nation insignia, and an elegant tunic in red along with a set of dual broadswords.Avatar: The Last Airbender: Legacy of the Fire Nation, page 51.
== Portraits ==
Located within the Fire Nation Royal Palace is a hallway that contains portraits of each Fire Lord. Each portrait depicts the Fire Lord in a way that emphasizes the advancements made during that respective Fire Lord's rule. Azulon's portrait, for example, depicts him standing on top of a turtle-like creature, symbolizing the many victories the Fire Nation had against the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribes during Azulon's rule. More portraits of past Fire Lords, down to the first one, were discovered in 102 AG in a part of the Dragonbone Catacombs that was sealed under Sozin's orders.
== Trivia ==
* In official sources, both "Fire Lord" and "Firelord" are used; either spelling is acceptable.
* The "Fire Lord" title is written in Chinese as .
* Sozin served the longest known term as Fire Lord, spanning seventy-eight years.
* Ozai's reign of six years is the shortest in Fire Nation history,Avatar Extras for "Sozin's Comet, Part 4: Avatar Aang" on Nicktoons Network. and he is also the only known Fire Lord who was deposed.
* Zuko is the only known Fire Lord to willingly retire from his position, as Chaeryu, Sozin, and Azulon ruled until their deaths and Ozai was forcibly removed from power.
* Izumi is the only known female Fire Lord.
* Iroh served as interim Fire Lord for a short period of time while Zuko went to search for his mother Ursa. During his rule, he declared a "National Tea Appreciation Day".
* The Fire Lord has the authority to banish Fire Nation citizens, as Ozai did to Prince Zuko following the latter's refusal to fight his father in an Agni Kai.
* Although the title "Lord" is typically applied to men, the title "Fire Lord" is not gender-specific.
== References ==
== See also ==
* Avatar
* Consort to the Fire Lord
* Council of Elders
* Earth Monarch
* Heir to the Fire Lord
* Phoenix King
* Politics in the World of Avatar
* Society in the World of Avatar
* Tribal chief
de:Feuerlord
es:Señor del Fuego
fi:Tulen valtias
fr:Seigneur du Feu
he:שליט האש
id:Raja Api
nl:Vuurheer
pl:Władca Ognia
pt-br:Senhor do Fogo
ru:Хозяин Огня
vi:Hỏa quân
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Category:Fire Nation
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