Mongoose lizard

The mongoose lizard,Avatar: The Last Airbender—The Art of the Animated Series, page 101. also known as a mongoose dragon, is a giant, reptilian creature originating from the tropical jungles of the Fire Nation and domesticated by Fire Nation citizens. These animals were notably used as mounts by Princess Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee to chase the Avatar.
== History ==
Shortly after Toph Beifong joined Team Avatar, Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee relentlessly tracked them down in a tank train. They eventually exited the tank train on mongoose lizard and continued to attack the group on the creatures. After Team Avatar split up, Azula had Mai and Ty Lee pursue Sokka and Katara, while she pursued Aang.
Mai and Ty Lee were able to successfully traverse the Nan Shan River to reach Sokka, Katara, and Appa, as the mongoose lizards were capable of running across the water's surface.
While searching for Aang on mongoose lizards later on, the trio encountered the Kyoshi Warriors and Appa, emerging victorious in the ensuing battle.
== Behavior ==
Mongoose lizards can be tamed and ridden, and are not scared easily. They are tireless trackers that can easily dodge attacks without throwing riders off.
== Anatomy ==
The mongoose lizard possess characteristic markings over its body, a raised chest, and a few plumed areas of skin above the head. These massive lizards are approximately fifteen to twenty feet (4.5 to 6 meters) long from snout to tail, with bright yellow eyes. They act as modes of transportation, ridden like horses, though they are far more versatile.
Their quick, mongoose-like reflexes help them to dodge almost any attack, and their lizard-like abilities enable them to quickly traverse just about any obstacle; they have the ability to scale walls and skim over bodies of water. Riding this animal requires some habituation, especially when it stands on its hind legs.
== Connection ==
This enormous reptile is a cross between a mongoose and a large-scale, green plumed basilisk lizard. The markings and raised crests of the latter are very similar to those of its giant Avatar world counterpart. The green plumed basilisk also has the ability to run short distances atop water.
== Trivia ==
* Throatcutter Gong, a member of the Triad of the Golden Wing, was said to be skilled enough to stalk and kill a mongoose lizard in its own lair.
* A group of Fire Nation soldiers who took part in a tournament at Ketu Harbor during the late Hundred Year War dubbed their team the "Magma Mongoose Dragons".
* The restaurant Double Dumpling in Omashu sold the so-called "Dragon Dumplings" which "may or may not contain mongoose dragon".
* After the Hundred Year War, a pro-bending team named itself the Mo Ce Mongoose Lizards.
== References ==
== See also ==
* Fauna in the World of Avatar
* Transportation in the World of Avatar
de:Mungodrache
es:Lagarto mangosta
nl:Mangoest Draak
ru:Драконьи мангусты
Category:A to Z
Category:Fauna
Category:Fire Nation
Category:Hybridized creatures
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