The Real Reason Aang Died So Early In The Legend Of Korra
By Ava Barnes
As is explained throughout "Avatar: The Last Airbender," Aang and his trusty flying bison, Appa, were frozen in ice when the young Airbender was merely 12 years old. They got caught in a severe storm and nearly drowned in a body of water, thankfully surviving via an air pocket of the Avatar Spirit's creation. As a result, the two remained in cryostasis for an entire century, eventually being freed by the sibling duo of Sokka (Jack DeSena) and Katara (Mae Whitman) from the Southern Water Tribe.
Despite 100 years passing, both Aang and Appa hadn't aged a day upon being released from their icy prison. Even as "The Last Airbender" went on, they showed no signs of advanced physical aging, but in reality, they were both on borrowed time. Specifically, in Aang's case, his time on ice took a significant toll on his life energy, meaning that even though he didn't look it, he soon began to feel his true triple-digit age. By the time he hit 166, his body couldn't take it anymore, and he passed on — only living 66 years with his friends and family (via The Gamer).
Aang's story is one comprised of equal parts triumph and misery. Sure, he carried on the Avatar mantle and became one of history's most important people, but he never had the chance to live life on his own terms. If nothing else, at least his early death paved the way for Korra to rise and carry on his legacy in a new era.
