Na'vi

The Na'vi (English: The People) are a species of sapient humanoids who inhabit the lush moon of Pandora.
Although the Na'vi are hunter-gatherers with technology equivalent of Earth's Paleolithic epoch, along with a society that is essentially Neolithic,Old Pandorapedia: Appearance and behavior they are highly intelligent. The Na'vi and tulkun are the only known extraterrestrial species discovered to have a level of sapience equivalent to humans. The Na'vi are also not to be confused with the similar-looking avatars.
The lifestyles of Na'vi clans are highly varied with their own unique traditions and beliefs, and they have developed sophisticated cultures. Despite this, they all share a profound spiritual connection to other life on their moon, each other, and an encompassing "goddess" they call Eywa.
The Na'vi are engaged in a violent war with the Resources Development Administration comprised of humans from the planet Earth. The war started after the organization aimed to harvest a rare mineral known as unobtanium and failed to negotiate a peaceful solution. Conflicts escalated and led to the RDA destroying the Tree of Voices and later, the Omatikaya clan's hometree. In the end, the Na'vi defeated the RDA and expelled them from Pandora back to Earth, winning the Pandoran War.
However, the RDA returned fourteen years later to fully colonize Pandora due to the worsening conditions on Earth, initiating the Second Pandoran War. Some clans have allied with like-minded humans to form The Resistance and fight back against the colonization efforts.
==Habitat and Range==
Although their population is highly concentrated in the jungle regions of Pandora, they can also be found living in deserts, mesas, icy tundras, tropical reefs, wetlands, and mountainous regions.James Cameron's Avatar: An Activist Survival Guide pg 26-27The World of Avatar: A Visual Exploration
Some Na'vi clans, including the Omatikaya clan and Aranahe clan, live in tremendously large ancient trees they call Kelutral, or "Hometree". Others, like the Kame'tire, live in large, centralized villages and smaller encampments spread out over a large territory.
The Na'vi prefer to sleep in large groups for physical closeness and comfort. This arrangement also acts as an effective early warning system in the event of danger. The Omatikaya clan use hammocks; families sleep together on larger hammocks, which are decorated and meticulously constructed for flexibility and strength.Old Pandorapedia: Hammocks Hammocks are made in a variety of sizes, some for individuals, some for couples, and others for families.
==Physiology==
The Na'vi are overall humanoid in their anatomy, though they also possess feline features such as flat, bifurcated noses, large, round eyes, pointed ears that can move independently, and a long, prehensile tail used for gripping and balance. The neck is long and body slender, with a narrow, elongated waist and wide shoulders that create a V-shaped upper back. Despite their thin proportions, their musculature is sharply defined and they have roughly four times the strength of even the strongest human. The Na'vi use their superior strength, agility, and uncanny sense of balance to scale trees, rocks, and other obstacles with ease. In the unlikely case of a fall, they usually escape unharmed, as their bones are reinforced with a type of naturally occurring carbon fiber. Distinctly separating them from humans, native Na'vi possess only four digits on each hand and foot, including an opposable thumb and thumb toe. 
The skin of the Na'vi is smooth and iridescent, appearing within the blue color spectrum, ranging from greenish-cyan and turquoise found in oceanic clans to deeper blues seen in jungle-fairing Na'vi such as the Omatikaya. The color is due to the presence of cyanin pigment which can "tan" to a darker purple color after prolonged UV exposure. The skin is marked with darker-colored markings, typically stripes, although this can vary widely. Bioluminescent markings, resembling freckles, dot the skin and seem to follow the circulatory or nervous system. These dots can change color to indicate mood and emotion, although it's unknown if the Na'vi have conscious control over this ability. These marks assist the Na'vi in identifying each other, especially at night.
Most Na'vi have dark brown or black hair on their heads. They appear to have no other body hair except eyelashes that appear occasionally, and some have a small bob of fur on the end of their tails. Their head hair can differ in texture from straight to tightly curled. The back of their head hair is sectioned off and braided around their queue for protection. The queue is a long appendage ending in pinkish tendrils that look somewhat like hair but are actually extensions of the Na'vi's nervous system. This organ plays many key roles in Na'vi culture, allowing them to bond with animals, access the memories of their ancestors through Eywa, or bond with one another to view each other's memories.
===Other details===
*The Na'vi are observed to have fit, slender, and muscular bodies, likely due to their active lifestyles.
*Despite their cyan skin color, the Na'vi have red blood, utilizing an iron oxygen-transporting compound similar to hemoglobin.Avatar: Extended Collector's Edition Pandorapedia
*The size of Na'vi varies by region and genetic history. The average male stands (2m70-3 meters) (9-10 feet) tall, females slightly smaller, and the maximum observed size is 3.9 meters (~12 feet, 10 inches).
*Males possess a prominent musculature structure on the chest, which is not observed in females.
*Dentition is similar to humans, although canines are more pronounced.
===Diversification===
Although scientists consider the Na'vi to be a single species, there is a unique level of diversification and morphological variation among them comparable to domesticated dogs of Earth. The Na'vi show evidence of rapid evolution to widely varied habitats.Pandorapedia: The Na'vi An example of this is the Metkayina clan, an oceanic group of Na'vi who have evolved to an aquatic lifestyle by developing fin-like arms and legs, broad, paddle-shaped tails, greener skin with more watery stripes, and blue/green eyes with nictitating membranes. Exactly how many "races" of Na'vi exist is unclear.
===Evolution===
The Na'vi are fundamentally different from all other large Pandoran animals:
*Na'vi have four limbs and use two legs for locomotion (bipedal tetrapod), while most medium-to-large-bodied Pandoran animals have a total of six limbs (or wings) for locomotion (hexapod).
*Na'vi have only a single pair of eyes while almost all other medium-to-large bodied Pandoran animals have two pairs of eyes; one primary set and another slightly smaller set.
*Most medium-to-large bodied Pandoran animals have two queues extending backward from the head, while the Na'vi only have a single queue.
*Most medium-to-large bodied Pandoran animals possess twin operculi near the shoulder/breast bone which supplies air for both respiration as well as internal body temperature regulation, while the Na'vi possess no such structures.
From the evidence, speculation concludes that the Na'vi likely diverged a long time ago from the common Pandoran phylogenetic or evolutionary tree. This is supported by the existence of prolemuris, and its physical similarities to the Na'vi. Although prolemuri appear to be bipedal hexapods while the Na'vi completely lack the second forelimb, prolemuris's forelimbs are partially fused and split at the elbow; this indicates they likely experienced a form of limb fusion at some point during their evolution, and that the Na'vi did as well, but to a further extent. Terrestrial lemurs share a common primate ancestry with humans, the presence of a lemur-like creature on Pandora suggests a similar evolutionary relationship between the Na'vi and other extinct or unobserved species with primate morphology. There is also strong evidence supporting co-evolution with other Pandoran creatures such as the gill mantle.
===Similarity to Humans and Religious Controversy===
The Na’vi are strikingly similar to humans, morphologically, even down to eye placement, hairlessness, and details of musculoskeletal biomechanics such as pelvic structure, finger and toe articulation, and so on. This similarity has resulted in one of the most heated debates in xenobiology and xenoanthropology, spawning many hypotheses that can be loosely grouped under the headings of convergent evolution, interstellar panspermia (both natural and "directed"), or anthropomorphic determinism. Despite the outward similarities, humans and Na'vi are very different internally. Dr. Cordell Lovecraft has stated that humans are far more closely related genetically to garden slugs than to Na'vi.
Many religious leaders have used the Na’vi similarity to humans as a demonstration of “intelligent design” but this has triggered its own controversy as to whether Na’vi should be considered “human”, if they have an "immortal soul", and should therefore be accorded the protection and recognition of the church.Old Pandorapedia: Na'vi Similarity to Humans
==Lifecycle==
=== Reproduction===
Na'vi are monogamous creatures and the process of their reproduction is similar to Terran mammals, as they do possess genitalia; however, though they nurse their young and possess belly buttons where they were once connected to an umbilical cord, the Na'vi are non-placental, thus the details of their internal biology and gestation period are unknown. Some Na'vi elect to abstain from reproduction, despite being sexually active; it is not known how contraception is accomplished in this case, although the Na’vi appear to be quite sophisticated in this regard.
A female Na’vi will typically produce from one to ten offspring, often spaced widely apart in time. Female Na'vi have two breasts and nurse their infants for up to four months. Directly after birth, newborn Na'vi perform their first instance of tsaheylu with their mother to form a strong emotional bond and with her, then they are brought to the Tree of Souls to connect to the Pandoran collective consciousness for the first time.
Despite being hybrid creatures, avatars are able to reproduce with Na'vi. In these cases, there is a chance for the children of such unions to inherit human features such as eyebrows, five fingers, and human-like noses, but it is also possible for them to be born near-indistinguishable from a native Na'vi.Lo'ak, Jake and Neytiri's biological second-born, has eyebrows and five fingers, but their other two children, Neteyam and Tuktirey, appear mostly native.
===Lifespan===
Although lifespan data is incomplete, it is estimated Na'vi live 30% longer than the average human. Once born, Na'vi children mature more rapidly than humans. For example, Tuktirey is already 5'7" by the age of seven. Na'vi reach mental, physical, and cultural adulthood between the ages of 15 - 17 Terran years.Entu and Ralu were considered "on the cusp of adulthood" a 14 years of age; Jake's avatar was "fully mature" at an estimated age of 17 Earth years; Neytiri was considered an adult woman at roughly 18 Earth years. Afterward, Na'vi experience a "plateau" of adulthood without physical decline.
===Death===
After their death, a deceased Na'vi's remains are laid to rest by their clan's traditional method. For example, while one clan may bury bodies under a tree, another clan lets their banshees eat their corpses. The Zeswa leave their clan when they sense their death approaching, and become legendary warriors known as Dusk Riders in clan mythology.
The death of the physical body is a Na'vi's end, and it is a misconception their true consciousnesses lie within Eywa and her spirit trees. The memories and voices seen within the spirit trees are merely interactive memories people can have conversations with.https://james-camerons-avatar.fandom.com/wiki/User:Faern./Josh_Izzo_Panel_at_OmatiCon_2024 However, these backups can still influence the future, and even carry the legacy of a Na'vi beyond the grave. An example of this is when the Sarentu connected to Entu and learned more about the Sarentu from the memory backup of Entu.
==Society & Culture==
The Na'vi live across various biomes of Pandora in territorial clan societies. They have an egalitarian social organization built around hunting, foraging, and handicraft. Common roles within a clan include hunters, gatherers, and artisans, as well as warriors; however, warriors are not called such because they fight as a career - all warriors are hunters first and foremost, and only serve as warriors when they are called upon to fight for their clan.
Clans have an average of 300 members and are traditionally led by an Olo'eyktan, a central leader responsible for overseeing and giving orders to the clan, and a tsahìk, a spiritual leader or shaman who communes with Eywa and nourishes the clan spiritually. It is traditional in certain clans for these leaders to be a mated pair, though this is not always the case, and the relationship between an Olo'eyktan and tsahìk can be highly varied. These leaders will also train an heir, whether it be their child (e.g. Neytiri) or an individual who has proven themselves capable of the role (e.g. Tsu'tey). Independent shamans do exist, however, which the Na'vi call "tiretu".
The Na'vi have a Council of Elders where high-rankings members gather together and make important choices to discuss controversial matters.
Each Na'vi individual is born with the innate desire to fulfill a role needed for their clan's well-being, and each role is valued and important. The distribution of roles within a clan remains balanced as the spiritual energy of the deceased influence the natural inclinations of each child towards their desired path in life. It is said that Na'vi are defined by their actions.Frontiers of Pandora trailer
It is not uncommon for Na'vi to switch clans, sometimes due to disagreements, exile, or even boredom and wishing to try a different lifestyle, as seen in cases such as Ateyo, Artsut, and Hawm. Because the Na'vi value autonomy and the ability for their people to have freedom and make their own life choices for their own happiness, the Na'vi are in no way obligated to live and die in the clan they are born in, and many Na'vi are independent travelers. Uturu exists as a universal Na'vi code, allowing weary travelers rest within a clan even if they are not accepted as a clan member.
There is no current evidence that the Na'vi use currency or a monetary system when desiring supplies from others, and it could be argued the Na'vi are effectively a classless and cashless democratic-communist society (with the exception of the olo'eyktan and tsahìk being expected to lead). Many clans have "community baskets" where individuals can donate supplies and ensure everyone has what they need to thrive. They value members doing favors for each other, and feel comfortable giving away more valuable items when they see people doing their fair share, building a system of trust and healthy camaraderie within the community where everyone gets what they need, and no one is left behind.
The Na'vi are not materialistic by nature, and seem to follow asceticism, a philosophy in which they value spiritual purity within people more than what is in the material physical world such as objects, indulgence, or pleasures of the flesh. They discourage greed and encourage sharing, so they do not possess many personal items. Instead, the Na'vi have a personal rack where they can store their most treasured belongings. By tradition, a Na'vi cannot build their own rack. Instead, they must be given one as a gift from a friend or family member. The long hours and craftsmanship needed to create the racks are considered powerful symbols of filial and familial love. It is believed that the ritual helps strengthen clan bonding.
The Na'vi, by human standards, do not follow stereotypical gender roles. The common roles within a clan are not divided by gender, only by ability and necessity. For example, many male Na'vi do not become warriors or hunters, only learning essential self-defense in the wilderness, and instead often choose to focus on child-rearing or crafts such as weaving. Likewise, female Na'vi are known to be active hunters, warriors, and clan leaders. The training for a role culminates in a rite of passage; in many clans, Iknimaya is undertaken by hunters, and Uniltaron (Dream Hunt) by all members to be considered an adult and permitted to choose a mate.
The arts are of vital importance in Na’vi culture, with all individuals encouraged, even socially required, to be active in music, singing, ceramics, weaving, and dance.
===Spirituality and Philosophy===
Central to the Na'vi is seeing all aspects of nature, all the biosphere of Pandora, including themselves, as a single connected system, a globally distributed consciousness, known to them as Eywa, the Great Mother, the goddess made up of all living things. They see the rich tapestry of life as a network of energy that flows through all living things, temporarily bringing them individual life. Thus, the Na'vi believe that all living things has a spiritual counterpart that's eventually reabsorbed into and reborn as another part of Eywa.
They do not seem to believe in the idea of a heaven or an afterlife as a result, but merely harmony with Eywa in death. They are taught that their lives are finite and only borrowed, and one day, they will have to give their life energy back. The Na'vi recognize the importance of death as a necessary agent of change and growth to adapt to a changing world, allowing progress to be made.
Sites like the Tree of Souls and the Spirit Tree, or the Tree of Voices are sacred to the Na'vi, as they're allowing them to connect with Eywa herself, as well as accessing to the "archived" selves of their deceased loved ones and ancestors, living as other parts of Eywa. They also view woodsprites and kinglor as messengers of Eywa.
Unlike the technologically advanced human civilization on Earth, the Na'vi see themselves not as separate from, but part of a greater wholeness of nature. They strive to live in perfect harmony with their environment, taking only the resources required. Their low-impact lifestyle means a clan only lives on what it needs to sustain itself, to prevent waste and unnecessary damage to nature. Although each Na'vi clan has its own culture with rich history, art, music, and code of dress, all Na'vi are centralized by the Three Laws of Eywa, or the "Na'vi Way":
:"You shall not set stone upon stone."
:"Neither shall you use the turning wheel."
:"Nor use the metals of the ground."
The rules governing the Na'vi way of life expressed in these laws protects the balance of Pandora's ecosystem and leaves them closely resembling humans' Neolithic period in terms of technological development. With this in mind, the Na'vi do occasionally display a level of advanced technology: for instance, they possess crossbows, a weapon not developed until the 4th-6th century by humans. The Tawkami clan have also developed a sophisticated form of chemistry and the Anurai clan practice astronomy.Toruk - The First Flight The Kame'tire clan have even been observed creating protheses for clan members with missing limbs.
The Na'vi also have several cultural concepts in addition to their ways, such as seeing, a philosophy centered around letting go of past negative experiences and pre-conceived notions, learning to experience things as if encountering them for the first time and understand others without bias or judgment; and uturu, a custom that dictates that refuge must be provided to all weary travelers who seek it.Avatar: The Way of Water: The Visual Dictionary page ??
===Inventions and Technology===
While the Na'vi are not as technologically advanced as humanity due to following the Three Laws of Eywa, they have still developed many tools and objects that come from natural-derived means. For example, they do not need computers because Eywa gets the job done and is essentially their biological computer storing information and knowledge. Because Pandora's plants and wildlife exhibit plenty of colorful bioluminescence at night, there is no need for them to build lampposts and electric lighting everywhere, although they still use some bladder lanterns and fire-based lighting such as fire bowls.
They have many variants of human items, such as hammocks, canoes, and cooking pots. Marui are eye-catching woven houses. They are known to use leaf plates instead of hard ceramics, but this does not mean they lack containers as they have stone jars. They have also made weapons such as bows, axes, spears, and knives. 
Various Na'vi clans have developed sophisticated forms of medicine. The Na'vi have been known to reject offers of medical supplies from humans, implying their current medical advancements suit all of their needs.
===Clothing===
The Na'vi wear little clothing and do not seem concerned with showing a lot of skin. They cover their genital region and women do cover their breasts/nipples, but often only slightly so. It is common for men and boys to be almost entirely shirtless.
Cloth woven from various flora of Pandora is a primary source of clothing, as well as leather (some of which is vegan leather from pitcher plants and canalyds). Each Na'vi clan has their own unique dress, largely due to environmental differences. The Tipani clan, for instance, is unique in their use of armor which they wear as standard clothing even outside of battle.
Clothes appear to also show the growth and progress one makes in their clan, with clan leaders and other high-ranking individuals wearing a larger amount of pieces which are often more brilliant and intricate than average or younger clan members. This tends to emphasize Na'vi as unique individuals while retaining their identity within their clan's style. Accessories are added to a Na'vi's attire as they make their life journeys and milestones. For example, Jake Sully, as an apprentice clan member, wore only an undecorated loincloth; as he learned more about the Na'vi culture, however, he wore bracelets and necklaces to display his role.The Art of Avatar: James Cameron's Epic Adventure pg 55 After completing Uniltaron, he obtained a cummerbund.
Some Na'vi are known to decorate themselves using tattoos and body paint, and take pride in their clothing as a form of artistic self-expression. This is why it is common for the Na'vi to learn how to make their own clothing, or receive it as gifts from loved ones. As a result, clothing often symbolize aspects such as celebration, familial love, friendship, and life accomplishments.
===Agriculture and Diet===
Main article: Na'vi Diet
Clans have their own unique food sources and cuisine depending on the environment they live. For example, marine clans such as the Metkayina clan eat more fish, while the Zeswa clan drink the milk of zakru whom they protect and share emotional bonds with. The diets of clans are not set in stone, and change over time as they learn and share the cuisine of other clans, exchanging recipes and ingredients.
The Na'vi are shown to be an omnivorous species with hunters and gatherers, although it is unclear if vegetarian or vegan Na'vi exist in a similar fashion to humanity. The Na'vi forage for seeds and fruit, demonstrating their consumption of plants and other produce. They have incipient agriculture in the form of cultivation ("ska'waylu" which translates roughly as "encouragement"), a practice in which plants are brought together and treated with pheromones and other natural agents, which guide their growth to form useful structures.Old Pandorapedia: Feeding/Agriculture Some clans, however, like the Rey'tanu clan, are beginning to develop more advanced agriculture as they are reducing their numbers of hunters, choosing to eat fruit (turtle pears) instead of animals.
The Na'vi hunt animals for survival purposes and resources. Fatao mentions Na'vi hunt only for survival and nothing else,Avatar: Reckoning script: Fatao: "The Na'vi do hunt as well, but only for our survival and nothing else. What happens between the hunter and the hunted is not up to us, but Eywa." greatly contrasting humans who have built countless grocery stores and slaughterhouses on Earth. In the novelization of Avatar, Neytiri mentions hunters must ask permission from the forest before a Na'vi kills an animal, although what this entails is not clarified. The Na'vi view all unnecessary animal death as tragic and try to minimize the suffering inflicted on the animal as much as possible, as shown when Neytiri is impressed by one of Jake's "clean" kills, mentioning it is necessary for hunters to accomplish. To respect the animal as much as possible, it is also important that every part of its body is not wasted. It is considered offensive to the animal if a ground rack is unclean. The Na'vi also recite a prayer for every animal slain, translated into English as:
:" I See you, Brother, and thank you. Your spirit goes with Eywa, your body stays behind to become part of the People."
When the Na'vi take eggs from creatures such as the coronis, they tend to only take one egg from a nest so that the animals can still thrive.Hunter's Guide entry for coronis egg
The Na'vi have their own etiquette surrounding food. Wherever possible, it is preferred that the Na'vi return their findings to their home's community basket so their clan has a larger variety. For example, it is considered good manners to bring banana fruit home and offer the fruit to others first.
===Relationship with animals===
The Na'vi believe animals have spirits.Jake: "She's always going on about the flow of energy, the spirits of animals." They are aware animals are sentient and have the capacity to suffer. While many humans subscribe to the idea of might makes right or the circle of life, the Na'vi instead have a belief called the Great Balance which encourages Na'vi not to exploit animals.
While they use animals for materials, they are highly careful not to exploit them and the resources they can bring. For example, there is no proof they eat meat with nearly every meal, and given that Fatao mentioned the Na'vi hunt only for survival and nothing else, it is possible they generally only eat meat when they are low on food, as they are still hunter-gatherers who lack highly developed agriculture.
They also believe Eywa only resides in certain animals. The Na'vi have symbiotic relationships and friendships with many fauna. They can connect to the animals which have queues as a form of bonding, and can even view a tulkun's memory. The Na'vi tend to dislike it if others (i.e. the Sky People) treat animals like property, as mentioned by Karmong.
The Na'vi have many stories about animals, folk tales, and even insects such as the trickster mantis. They believe they can learn wisdom from animals, and recognize they are going through their own journeys on Pandora, viewing them as life expressing itself in unique and different ways.
Even animals they use for materials (sturmbeest/hexapede) are highly revered. They do not appear to speak of animals disparagingly either (e.g. as human beings use "pig", "cow" and "chicken" to mean messy, overweight and cowardly respectively). Instead, such animals are praised in their art and culture. The Omatikaya clan in particular makes toys modeled after animals. While this provides knowledge to children about the abilities animals have, it also fosters care, compassion and respect for animals.
The Na'vi do not seem to ever exploit animals for entertainment; while Neytiri is seen playing with Fan Lizards, there is no proof it is a fear response because they do not fly away. Instead, they are seen flying around Jake and Neytiri, almost as if they want to play with them back, with one of them flying straight at Neytiri after being roused.
These are examples of animals which Na'vi have bonds with:
* Stingbat - some Na'vi treat them as if they were pet parakeets
* Tulkun are considered the siblings of the Metkayina clan
* Zakru are revered and protected by the Na'vi of the Upper plains
* Ikran are for aerial riding which the Na'vi form a lifelong bond with
* Ilus and skimwings are for aquatic riding
* Direhorses, Red Crested Climbers and Great Austrapedes are for land riding
* Tapirus - a pig-like creature that live with the Na'vi like a pet
* Gill Mantle - breathing apparatus
* Woodsprites and kinglor are seen as messengers from Eywa
* Great Leonopteryx (Toruk) - a legendary creature, the Na'vi revere Toruk due to events seen in Toruk - The First Flight
===Sexuality===
Main article: Mating
The Na'vi are monogamous creatures who mate for life. Though male Na'vi typically bond with female Na'vi, Na'vi of non-heterosexual sexualities exist, and same-sex couples are not uncommon.Old Pandorapedia: Na'vi Mating Practices
Traditionally, once a young Na'vi has passed the tests on the path to adulthood and has been accepted into the clan as an adult, they are allowed to choose a mate, and the mate must choose them back as well. Arranged pairings occur in certain clans, especially between heirs of the clan leader and tsahìk. Once an appropriate mate has been selected, a process that can take many years, the pair will connect queues at a sacred area such as the Tree of Voices to create an emotional bond that lasts a lifetime. While this is highly erotic, it only increases the arousal that already present. This in itself is not a sex act nor does it lead to reproduction. 
===Conflict===
Despite being a mostly peaceful race to the degree that they do not have a word for "lie" in their language, conflict in and between clans is not unheard of in Na'vi society. War is rare but does occur, typically when a clan is pushed into the territory of another due to external causes, rather than a purposeful invasion. War between Na'vi is characterized by brief periods of intense battle followed immediately by discussion, negotiations, and strives toward a peaceful solution. Excessive or unnecessary death and bloodshed are never reported, as that is not the goal.
Conflict within clans is also atypical and usually resolved quickly through peaceful means, or by ceremonial combat (fpeio). However, if a solution cannot be reached for an especially divisive issue, First Blood may be invoked: a non-lethal combat ceremony. Despite the goal of the ritual not being to kill one's opponent, First Blood is considered especially dangerous, as the outcome of the agreement is permanently binding and cannot be negotiated after the ritual's completion.
==Language==
Main Article: Na'vi Language
The Na'vi speak a single unified language shared by their entire species, although they do have different dialects. The common Na'vi tongue has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years; although dialects of Na'vi exist, they are all unmistakably variants of the same root. Theories as to why the Na'vi language has remained so consistent vary and point to the Na'vi's oral storytelling traditions, their early domestication of flying mounts allowing them to travel quickly, and the Pandoran neural network, which allows clans to stay connected to one another across vast distances. Na'vi brain structure and memory is also proposed to play a part in this phenomenon.
The Na'vi language is almost entirely oral, likely because there is little for them to write when Eywa holds the memories of their ancestors, and they entrust other Na'vi to accurately deliver their messages to others. As such, they do not have a writing system, but they do use pictograms.https://james-camerons-avatar.fandom.com/wiki/User_blog:Ollympian/Canonicity_Clarifications_from_Joshua_Izzo
200px|thumb|A Na'vi wearing their unique songcord on their arm
Part of the clan's oral tradition is the songcord, a mnemonic device that aids in oral recounting. These intricately strung strings of beads and other objects represent a Na'vi's personal history. Whenever a significant event happens in their life, they add an item to the cord. Larger songcords can represent entire families and clans or recount sets of data. Song in general is especially important to the Na'vi, with much of their history being recounted through ancient songs known as way, and the earliest accounts of their society documented in the First Songs.
Beside oral language, body gestures are used to communicate. The Na'vi do not share typical human gestures. For example, they do not nod their head to mean "yes" and they do not shake their head to mean "no". When Jake Sully went in for a handshake to greet Eytukan, he viewed this action, which was supposed to be polite and well-intentioned to Jake, as being offensive and out-of-place, causing the clan to become alerted. Rather than a handshake, when Na'vi encounter or greet one another, they gesture with their hand from their forehead, extending one hand down toward the other. They marry this gesture with the phrase "oel ngati kameie" (I see you). When Na'vi feel as if they are going to communicate something important to other Na'vi, they have a tendency to take the listener's hand.Avatar script: Neytiri takes his hand, because that's what the Na'vi do when they're telling you something important. Some clans have developed a sign language for underwater communication.
===Numbers===
Main article: Octal Arithmetic
Because Na'vi only have four fingers on each hand, their counting system is based on the number eight. They use this octal arithmetic in their daily life. Early in the history of their language, the Na'vi had no words for numbers higher than mevol (16), the sum of all fingers and toes on their body. Anything more was simply called pxay (many). Octal numbers can easily be confused with decimal numbers unless a numeral 8 or 9 is present or the number is followed by a subscript to indicate the base system used, 8 for the octal system, or 10 for a decimal system.
==History==
It has been estimated that the Na'vi have evolved on Pandora about 12 million years ago. Studies by xenoanthropologists suggest that the Na'vi have experienced few evolutionary changes or changes in population numbers since then. This can be explained by Pandora's balanced ecosystem and a lack of external pressures to adapt, meaning that there was simply no need for the Na'vi to change their ways.The World of Avatar: A Visual Exploration, p.g. 64
The Na'vi are a proud people who place great importance on sharing stories of their ancestors with the next generation. These tales, referred to by the Na'vi as the First Songs, are not written down, but form a rich oral history. Scenes from them are depicted in cave paintings and artifacts. The societies portrayed in the First Songs are fundamentally very similar to the Na'vi clans of today, despite the great passage of time between them. The First Songs the Na'vi teach their children thus remain relevant for generation after generation.
===Toruk Makto===
One of the most famous Na'vi legend tells of the adventures of Omatikaya clan members Entu and Ralu, along with Tsyal of the Tawkami clan. These three youngsters set out on a quest across Pandora and the various Na'vi clans to save the Tree of Souls from the threat of an erupting volcano. Entu, with the help of the artifacts borrowed from various clans, became the first Na'vi to ride the deadly winged toruk, gaining the title of Toruk Makto, uniting all of the clans, and saving his people. Generations later, the tale of Toruk Makto is still sung and influences the actions of a new generation of Na'vi. Since this event, only six other Na'vi have become Toruk Makto, including Jake Sully and Neytiri's great-great-grandfather.
===Arrival of humans===
The Omatikaya clan were the first clan to make contact with humans, whom the Na'vi refer to as "Sky People". It is unknown what year contact was first made, although it has been said that Pandora started being colonized around the year 2119.
The humans were led by the Resources Development Administration and initial relations between them and the Na'vi were mostly peaceful, although the latter greatly disapproved of the formers more destructive practices, including their mining of unobtanium, which is forbidden by the laws of Eywa to the Na'vi. Despite this, the Na'vi did not intervene in the organization's operations.
At some point, the RDA obtained Na'vi genetic material and created a hybrid Na'vi/human species known as avatars. These avatars were eventually employed by the RDA as diplomatic devices to help build trust in the Na'vi, but many clans viewed them as unnatural and unsettling.
===Mass Na'vi poisonings===
During one incident, sometime around the year 2142, the Omatikaya were becoming ill with a strange disease, causing Eytukan to become highly wary of the humans, believing they were responsible. Mo'at worked closely with Dr. Grace Augustine in her efforts to find a cure. Despite the Na'vi's widespread resentment towards the Sky People, which has been deepened by the whole situation, Mo'at did not stop trusting or helping Grace. Together, they traveled to the Tawkami clan and persuaded Mireya to help them despite her disagreement. Mo'at and Grace discovered the RDA was accidentally responsible for the poisoning and worked together to develop a cure.Avatar: Adapt or Die
===Worsening relations===
Diplomatic ties with the Na'vi were greatly strengthened in 2142 with the opening of Grace's schoolhouse, where curious Na'vi children could learn about and interact with humans in a safe environment. However, the schoolhouse would ultimately be closed 10 years later and humans forbidden from entering the Omatikaya's land following a massacre there by Sec-Ops mercenaries that resulted in the deaths of several students, including Sylwanin, who lost her life after she had destroyed RDA equipment in protest against their deforestation.
=== The Ambassador Program ===
Throughout the 2140s, the RDA had a program known as The Ambassador Program (TAP) in which they attempted to raise Na'vi children in a human cultural sphere and eventually create diplomats for the organization. This was meant to allow them to build positive relations with the Na'vi and get easier access to Pandora's resources without the financial expense of a prolonged conflict. However, the program was ulteriorly used by its director and co-founder: John Mercer, who aimed to win the admiration of the organization by any means necessary. Na'vi children were forcibly abducted from their clans to be used as students TAP. The program initially targeted a clan known as the Kame'tire but shifted to a special nomadic one known as the Sarentu. Mercer had interest in this clan and a member of the Kame'tire helped him locate the Sarentu to prevent him from taking their clan's children instead. All this led to the decimation of the Sarentu and the children taken were forced to be students at TAP and kept as prisoners, subjected to the abuse and machinations of Mercer and his cohorts. As relations between the Na'vi and the RDA started to worsen, the goals of the program shifted to training Na'vi students in human combat and weaponry, and to eventually turn them against their own species. The details of TAP such as the abduction of the Na'vi children, their abuse, and the decimation of the Sarentu as a result were hidden by Mercer from both other Na'vi clans and the RDA as well.
=== Brink of War ===
In the following decade, Na'vi interaction with humans would become grew significantly more aggressive. Sporadic low-level conflicts have resulted in fatalities among both Na'vi and humans, with the rate on the increase as human activities in the Eastern Australis region expanded. Although many of these low-level conflicts are not known, Grace would mention to Parker in the future about how the RDA should stop using machine guns on the Na'vi.
Despite attempts to protect Indigenous rights on Pandora by NGOs and governments on Earth, the Na’vi refused to engage in any negotiation or dialogue regarding treaty protection. They either did not understand or refused to acknowledge the concept of a treaty that ensures their rights and protections. They believed Eywa offered all the protection that they needed, and that any agreement with humans is pointless. This and other culture-based disconnects stalled progress in Na’vi human relations.
===First Pandoran War===
2154 saw several events that furthered the strain of the Na'vi's relationship with humanity, including the RDA bulldozing the Tree of Voices and the destruction of the Omatikaya clan's Hometree, which would lead to the first Pandoran War. An uprising would start to grow amongst the Na'vi and like-minded humans who aimed to drive the RDA away from the moon. In preemtive strike, the RDA attempted to destroy the Tree of Souls to inflict long-lasting fear and inter-generational trauma on the Na'vi, and silence the uprising. Neytiri and her mate Jake Sully ultimately led a counter assault against the RDA, rallying approximately 2,000 Na'vi across 15 different clans.
On August 23, 2154, a massive battle was fought in the skies of the Hallelujah Mountains, as well as on the ground beneath. Although it seemed the Na'vi were about to lose, the Pandoran wildlife attacked back which Neytiri believed was Eywa's doing.
After the war, the Na'vi expelled the vast majority of the RDA from Pandora, but allowed anyone who sympathized with the Na'vi over the RDA to remain, which was only approximately 10%.
===Second Pandoran War===
However, the RDA returned to Pandora for a full blown recolonization, as Earth was reaching inhospitable levels with numerous humans trapped on the dying world. Although a group of Na'vi and humans attempted to take the fight to them and get the high ground in outer space, they failed and the Second Pandoran War began. The organization led by General Frances Ardmore soon established the Bridgehead complex on the Pandoran coast. The Na'vi, as well as certain humans, formed the Resistance to counter the RDA's return.
A branch of the RDA was led by John Mercer who had returned and was tasked with extracting resources from Western Frontier of Pandora. Under his leadership, the organization invaded the Western Frontier but a division of the Resistance along with his former students from TAP were successfully able repel them.
=== Eventual aftermath ===
Many generations after the great human and Na'vi conflict ends, the corporation Alpha Centauri Expeditions would arrive on Pandora and establish peaceful relations with the Omatikaya clan. The Pandora Conservation Initiative also established themselves on Pandora and began working to undo destruction caused by the RDA in the Valley of Mo'ara. Human civilians were soon welcomed back to Pandora as employees and tourists, with many humans choosing to become exopacs and permanently live in Mo'ara.
==Known Clans==
Main Article: Na'vi Clans
Na'vi clans exist in every biome of Pandora, and each has its own unique culture, sometimes even unique physiology. Despite their differences and distance from one another, clans stay interconnected through trade and tradition. Although they are largely independent, different clans from distant areas will cooperate in times of great crisis. The only known event that has caused all clans to join together is when they are led by a Toruk Makto, a Na'vi who has managed to ride and control a great leonopteryx and, in doing so, unite all clans under them.
*Anurai clan – Renowned artisans who are targeted by humans who wish to steal their artifacts
*Aranahe clan - A clan of weavers that live in the Kinglor Forest
*Hulanta clan - A clan living in the wetlands in contact with the Forward Base
*Kame'tire clan - A clan of healers who live in the Clouded Forest
*Kekunan clan - The first clan to ride banshees
*Mangkwan clan – A clan close to the Omatikaya, known to be very welcoming to all who seek refuge there
*Metkayina clan – A clan located on the reefs of the Pandoran ocean
*Olangi clan – One of the horse clans of the plains
*Omatikaya clan – A jungle-dwelling clan that lives in a Hometree, nearest to the RDA's mining operations
*Rey'tanu clan - A clan living in the arid highlands
*Sarentu clan - A clan of respected storytellers that is thought to be wiped out
*Ta'unui clan - A clan that lives on the Eastern Sea
*Tawkami clan – A clan renowned for their knowledge of chemistry and botany
*Tayrangi clan - A clan of banshee riders living in the Eastern Sea region
*Tipani clan – One of the first to make contact with humans, renowned for their strength and use of armor
*Trr'ong clan - A clan mostly killed during the great battle of 2154, and survivors dissolved into other clans
*Zeswa clan - A clan that lives in the Upper Plains; they live with zakru
*"Ash People" - A clan that will represent the element of fire in Avatar 3Slashfilm: Avatar 3 Will Feature A Villainous Na'vi Fire Nation Called The 'Ash People'
*"Windtraders" - A clan of Na'vi that come from the desert who live wandering lifestyles and trade items with other clansTheDirect article
*Unnamed oceanic clan - A clan that lives in the Cave Reef Village, on the Eastern Sea
There are also some non-canon clans:
* Li'ona clan - A clan that once suffered from dying flora and fauna
* Huyuticaya clan - A clan with a tremendous love and respect for viperwolves
* Tomac'ta clan - A clan with a tremendous love and respect for banshees
* Ni'awve clan - The first ever Na'vi clan who reside in the Valley of Origins
==Inspiration and Development==
The look of the Na'vi was inspired by a dream that James Cameron's mother had, long before he started work on Avatar, in which she saw tall blue people, the women having six breasts. Cameron tried drawing the six breasts but admitted it looked too strange. The Na'vi were chosen to be blue because according to Cameron, green was already taken and there was a long history of green aliens.Empire: James Cameron interview
Around 1976, Cameron painted a blue woman for his short film Xenogenesis. He stated in an interview, "Her name wasn't Neytiri and it was in a completely different context, but I was already thinking about it then."Movies.com article
The Na'vi originally looked very disturbing and frightening in concept art. James Cameron said this was changed because he wanted people to feel they were a beautiful species and wish to be like them, and that creepy designs simply would not work as a love story.
Early concept art of Neytiri was inspired by actress and activist Q'orianka Kilcher in the film The New World.Page from book "Tech Noir: The Art of James Cameron" He created artwork of a female Na'vi face which became very similar to her final design.
===Real-life cultures and controversy===
James Cameron explained,https://www.npr.org/transcripts/123810319 
As such, Cameron noted the Na'vi are "almost the Rousseau model of the noble savage, untainted by civilization, all that, which is a quite romantic idea, and not one I think is really true, by the way, in the real world. But it made sense to me that in this film, you've got this polarization where the humans actually represent an aspect of human nature that is, you know, venal and corrupt and aggressive and so on." He added, "the Na'vi represent an aspect of human nature that is more aspirational for us. They're more the way we would see ourselves or want to be. You know, they're athletic, they're graceful, they're, you know, connected to their environment and to each other and so on." 
The Na'vi can be viewed as a metaphor for the Indigenous peoples of North America; Na'vi chief Eytukan is portrayed by Cherokee actor Wes Studi and The Ambassador Program is similar to the notorious Canadian Indian residential school system. Some characters even use the phrases such as "the Natives", "Indigenous" or "aboriginals" to refer to the Na'vi, which some viewers feel is over-the-top and hamfisted writing.
However, the Na'vi can also be interpreted as symbolic for minority and oppressed people in general, especially any people of color given their literal blue skin. Cameron said Avatar is about powerful people (i.e. the RDA) going someplace to "take stuff from other people that doesn't belong to them, and it's been the story of human history forever."https://www.jamescamerononline.com/AvatarFAQ.htm Mo'at and Tsu'tey are portrayed by black people, respectively CCH Pounder and Laz Alonso. The Metkayina clan are inspired by Māori and Melanesians.
The parallels between the Na'vi and Native Americans has caused some mild controversy over the years, with some accusing the Avatar series of being racist and wishing to boycott The Way of Water. A journalist for Collider wrote her opinion on how the Na'vi can be viewed as problematic fictional race:Collider: Jake Sully Isn’t the Hero That 'Avatar' Wants Him to Be
Cameron has apologized for anyone who is offended by the Na'vi, but noted that the Avatar series attempts to honor people of color and try to get viewers to sympathize with them, rather than culturally appropriate or oppress them, and hopes audiences can see his intentions. He said, his intention is to celebrate indigenous peoples:https://www.unilad.com/film-and-tv/james-cameron-addresses-avatar-racism-accusations-477594-20221209https://www.thewrap.com/james-cameron-avatar-2-the-way-of-water-cultural-appropriation/
==Trivia==
 
*Humans are known to refer to them as "the natives", "aboriginals", "indigenous" and "the locals". More disparaging names include "blues", "savages" and "hostiles". Parker Selfridge at one point refers to them as "blue monkeys".
*In James Cameron's Avatar: The Game, there is an image of a lion-like Na'vi in the game's data. The Game was created with collaboration with the film, meaning this could have been an early design.
*James Cameron said the Na'vi are supposed to represent the better aspects of humanity (caring for the environment, respecting animals, trying to create a peaceful world, etc). He hopes audiences will aspire to be more like the Na'vi. He denies he is anti-human, saying most audiences have figured this message out, and said people who don't understand this message by now are pseudo-intellectual boneheads.Reddit video 
*Although the Avatar franchise is about 15 years old and spans video games and comics, and there are over 220+ Na'vi characters, there is no named gay Na'vi in the series yet, only a couple Na'vi who are implied to be non-binary (Tsu'kiri and Okul). This may be one reason why Neteyam and Aonung became a popular fan pairing.
*According to Jon Landau, every Na'vi seen in the first film is left-handed and fires their bow accordingly. This decision was made because Zoe Saldaña is left-handed.AVATAR (2009) - Making Of and Behind The Scenes
*The Na'vi seen in the first film and most of the games fire their bows in an inverse position, with the palm of the string-pulling hand facing outwards instead of inwards toward their face. This was done to make the gesture seem less human and emphasize the Na'vi's different biochemistry and digit count.
*In the Bible, it is mentioned that there were a race of giants called the Nephilim, with scholars believing the text suggests they were the offspring of human women and fallen angels. While there is no confirmation the Na'vi were inspired by the Nephilim, the Na'vi and avatars could be seen as a parallel and subversion of them nonetheless. Their species both begin with the letter N, are taller than humans, and the existence of Jake's children is the mingling of human and Na'vi DNA. According to the Bible, God did not appreciate the existence of the Nephilim and destroyed them in the great flood.
===Non-canonical details ===
* James Cameron's Avatar: An Activist Survival Guide claimed Na'vi have the same lifespans as humans. This contradicted the old Pandorapedia which mentioned they are estimated to live 30% longer. In 2023, Joshua Izzo clarified that Na'vi living longer is considered canonical.
*The non-canon Pandorapedia in Avatar: The Game claims that the Na'vi cell nucleus does not use nucleic acids to encode genetic information. Therefore, their genetic makeup is not considered DNA (thus they most likely do not utilize RNA in synthesizing proteins) as opposed to what Jake Sully says in the film.
*There is a theory that the Na'vi were placed on Pandora, or something very significant happened on Pandora, around 20,000 years ago:
**The opening of the non-canon Wii/PSP game mysteriously mentions, "20,000 years of peace, balance and harmony has come to the end." However, the Na'vi are older than this. While this may merely imply that Na'vi would fight large wars similar to humanity (but grew out of this 20,000 years prior to Avatar), it could also support the above theory.
**According to The World of Avatar: A Visual Exploration, the Omatikaya Hometree is over 20,000 years old.
**According to James Cameron's Avatar: The Movie Scrapbook, the Tree of Voices only has recordings that date back about 20,000 years.
*An older script for The Way of Water mentions Na'vi women have baby pods known as tsalnu which resemble beautiful translucent chrysalis. The women give birth to these pods first, then connect their queue to the pod in order to nourish the baby. At some point, the Na'vi baby emerges from this pod with the assistance of their mother. Whether or not this is still canon is unclear, but it should not be accepted as such yet.
==References==
Unless otherwise noted, information is taken from the Avatar film. Where details conflict between the film and printed material, the film is deemed accurate.
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