Na'vi

The **Na'vi** (English: **The People**) are a race of sapient extraterrestrial humanoids who inhabit the lush jungle moon of Pandora. Humans are known to refer to them as "blues", "savages", "the locals", "hostiles", or "the natives". Parker Selfridge at one point refers to them as "blue monkeys".

## Behind the Scenes

### First Seen

Avatar

The Na'vi and tulkuns are the only known extraterrestrial species discovered to have a level of sapience rivaling humans. Although the Na'vi are hunter-gatherers with technology equivalent of Earth's Paleolithic epoch, they are highly intelligent and have developed a sophisticated culture based on a profound spiritual connection to other life on their moon, each other, and an encompassing "goddess" they call Eywa.

## Habitat and Range

The Na'vi populate various biomes of Pandora, although their population is condensed in the jungle. Deserts, mesas, icy tundras, tropical reefs, wetlands, and mountainous regions are among the known habitats for Na'vi clans.

Some Na'vi clans, including the Omatikaya clan and parts of the Tipani clan, live in tremendously large ancient trees they call Kelutral, or "Hometree".

## 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 a human in peak physical condition. 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.

Na'vi have dark brown or black hair on their heads, part of which is sectioned off and braided around their queue for protection. The hair can differ in texture from straight to tightly curled. They appear to have no other body hair except eyelashes and a small bob of fur on the end of their tails.

### Details

* 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).
* Despite their cyan skin color, the Na'vi have red blood, utilizing an iron oxygen-transporting compound similar to hemoglobin.
* The size of Na'vi varies by region and genetic history. The average male stands 3 meters (~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 that of humans, though the 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. 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. 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.

## Lifecycle

### Reproduction

Na'vi are monogamous creatures who mate for life and the process of their reproduction is similar to Terran mammals; 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 Na’vi female will typically produce from one to ten offspring, often spaced widely apart in time. Na’vi females 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 Voices 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.

### 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, reaching mental, physical, and cultural adulthood between the ages of 15 - 17 Terran years. Afterward, Na'vi experience a "plateau" of adulthood without physical decline.

## 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 that is centralized by the worship of Eywa, whom they perceive as an all-encompassing goddess who protects the balance of life on the moon. Following the will of Eywa, the Na'vi strive to live in perfect harmony with their environment, taking only the resources required for their survival. 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."***
These laws give strict boundaries for what is appropriate in Na'vi society and explain much of their lack of technological development. Their lifestyle is a choice in order to protect their ecological harmony 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. They possess crossbows for example, 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. The Na'vi also subscribe to several cultural concepts in addition to their laws, such as seeing, a philosophy centered around learning to experience things as if encountering them for the first time and understand others without bias or judgement, and uturu, a custom that dictates that refuge must be provided to all weary travelers who seek it.

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. These leaders will also train an heir, whether it be their offspring or an individual who has proven themselves capable of the role.

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. Each Na'vi individual is born with the innate desire to fulfill a role needed for their clan's survival, 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. The common roles within a clan are not divided by gender, only by ability and necessity. The training for a role culminates in a rite of passage; in many clans, Iknimaya is undertaken by hunters, and Uniltaron by all members in order to be considered an adult and permitted to choose a mate.

### Clothing

Little apparel is worn by the Na'vi, possibly because it is simply what is needed for the Na'vi to work and live taking minimally from the environment. Cloth woven from various flora of Pandora is a primary source of clothing, as well as leather. Clothes appear to also show the ranking of one in the hierarchy of a clan, with clan leaders and other higher-ranking individuals wearing a larger amount of pieces which are often more brilliant and intricate than average clan members. Accessories are added to a Na'vi's attire as they ascend through the clan hierarchy. 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 ranking. 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.

### Diet

*Main article: Na'vi Diet*

The Na'vi are an omnivorous species. They eat meat as demonstrated by their hunting practices and pronounced canines but have also been seen to forage, demonstrating their consumption of plants and other produce. Their society includes hunters and gatherers with incipient agriculture.

### Mating Practices

*Main article: Mating*

The Na'vi are monogamous creatures who mate for life. 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. After the mate has been chosen, the new couple mates before Eywa. Though male Na'vi typically bond with female Na'vi, same-sex couples are not uncommon. 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. The intertwining of queues is both highly erotic and profoundly spiritual, but does not in itself lead to reproduction nor is it the actual act of mating itself. A single instance of this bonding ritual leads to a life-long pair bond.

### 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 is 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 language is almost entirely oral, although the Na'vi also utilize sign language and body gestures to communicate. 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.

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.

### 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

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. Studies by xenoanthropologists suggest that the Na'vi have experienced few evolutionary changes or changes in population numbers for at least 12 million years. 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 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". Initial relations were mostly peaceful, although the Na'vi greatly disapproved of the humans' destructive practices, including their mining of unobtanium, which is forbidden by the laws of the Na'vi. Many humans, especially the higher-ups of the Resources Development Administration, viewed the Na'vi as violent savages and were in favor of their demise. Others sought to exploit the Na'vi for personal wealth, leading to clans such as the Anurai becoming the targets of violence due to the value of their artifacts on Earth's black market. 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.

Diplomatic ties with the Na'vi were established in 2142 with the opening of Grace Augustine's schoolhouse, where 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 SecOps mercenaries that resulted in the deaths of several students. 2154 saw several events that furthered the strain of the Na'vi's relationship with humanity, including the destruction of the Omatikaya clan's Hometree. Jake Sully ultimately led a counterassault against the RDA and expelled them from Pandora, but they returned 14 years later and established the Bridgehead complex on the Pandoran coast.