How Iroh got into the Spirit World? THEORY [Avatar the Last Airbender l Legend of Korra] 

Ahahha god what an awful theory

Zuko: Wait, you talked with my uncle? Korra: Yeah, in the spirit world. Zuko: ಠ︵ಠ

"It would explain why he was so wise and learned..." "Do you remember that bush I said wasn't sure if it was tea or not?" "Uncle, you didn't..." "I did.... and it wasn't..."

Iroh actually had a strong connection to the spirit world as a kid. When he took Banh sinh say back he said he had a vision of it from a young age only he thought he was to take it for the fire nation

When his son died Iroh had brown hair, but every time he’s shown after that he has grey hair. I guess you could say after being touched by the spirit, he turned into a... silver fox.

Sokka:My girlfriend became the moon *thats rough buddy*

Iroh is a spirit, he's the spirit of tea Edit: The reactions of everyone is perfect

Maybe when the Dragons deemed him worthy they gave Iroh some of their power, this would explain his nickname and affinity for fire-bending and because of this maybe he was considered a spirit and was able to cross over opposite to over spirits.

How can this be a kids show regarding Iroh "singing leaves from the vine" it taught a lesson that took me years to learn in such a beautiful way: that it's okay to be sad, to be sad for a very long time, and to wish things had gone differently. It also shows how the surviving person can still go on to be amazing.

Plot twist, the "Dragon of the West" has a double meaning.

completely ignores the connection with Iroh and dragons. okay, cool.

Wait wait wait, in a previous episode he explains that the dragons are spirits. It is FAR more likely that iroh merged with one of the endangered dragon spirits, when he visited the sun tribe, instead of the knowledge spirit. It would explain the dragon of the west nickname, it would explain why iroh could see the dragon spirit fang, it would also explain why in the legend of kora there is only one dragon ridden by lord zuko when in ATLA there are two dragons. It could have been upon the death of the other dragon that iroh gave up his body to go to the spirit world.

Starts talking about foxes Dragons: am I a joke to you.

I think that iroh has achieved enlightenment and shed his mortal body

Here is a better idea. Dragons although physical beings are spirit like. Iroh could have been given the spirit of a dragon, to pay a debt to protect the last dragons. We see dragons become spirits when they die. Thus Iroh has the spirit of a dragon. We know what dragons and how he got that power. He is also one of the few firebenders who can breathe fire. Asides Zuko and later Ang.

Iroh really said: "Yue, you're gonna have to sacrifice yourself"

"You can't just pop off to the spirit world." Yes you can, you explicitly can! Zaheer and Iwei both do!

We need an avatar series based on uncle irohs early life :')

Sokka was literally over the moon for suki!!🤣🤣

Zuko: * Thinks his bellowed uncle Iroh has died * Iroh: "I think it's time for me to expand my tea business in to the spirit world!" * Leaves*

I can already tell zuko is trying to go the spirit world to see iroh

Uncle Iroh was my favorite character. He's so calm, humorous and also very skilled in firebending(and making tea), to the point where he even invented a technique. He was also very wise. And even if Zuko technically betrayed him, he still cared for him, worried that Zuko lost his way. I cried when Iroh just took Zuko (I thought he was gonna beat him up) and hugged him. Damn that was one of the best episodes ever.

Personally I think that Iroh just sensed his death coming, and ventured into the Spirit World through meditation, as he surely would be able to do, I mean, it's Iroh. And as he was in there his body passed away and the connection to it got severed. Rather than ending his soul when the body passed he became a spirit since he had no body to come back to. This to me is a far more sensible theory, and it keeps intact the personal growth of Iroh, since he did it all on his own, not on account of taking in the part of another spirit.

I just remembered the episode where Zuko and Aang went to the sun castle thing because there fire bending wasn’t working right.There they saw the two dragons and the leader of the group said that Uncle Iroh didn’t kill the last dragons and let them live.Maybe The dragons also knew this and gave him a gift a bit of themselves for there gratitude. (I actually haven’t watched this episode for so long so I don’t kno if they were talking about Iroh or Avatar Ruko)

Can't we just say he is so spiritually inclined he is able to do these spiritual things? That just is the sort of badass Iroh is.

What about that scene when Iroh meets Tenzin in the spirit world Tenzin:”how did you know we were here?” Iroh:”this friendly spirit fox told me you were lost”

I think it's the dragons. He became the Dragon of the West not only in title but at a spiritual level also.

Plot twist:iroh is a dragon that entered the normal world

Sokka’s wife: Who was your ex girlfriend? Sokka: It was the moon. Sokka’s wife: 🌚 🧐

NETFLIX SHOULD DO THE IROH CHARACTER RIGHT OR WE RIOT

Alternate theory: Aang could only use the avatar state after all of his chakrahs were aligned and we also learned in Korra, that the avatar state is Raava and a human "becoming one". Maybe iroh in his old age finally aligned all of his chakrahs allowing him to leave his body and become the first non-avatar to become a spirit themselves. Every human has a spirit inside of them, but not all humans are as enlightened and aligned as Iroh. This explains why Jinora also can see spirits, she is also on her way to full spiritual enlightenment

Personally I believe that Iroh learned everything and gained his affinity for the spirit world through meditation and deep introspection.

"You cant just pop off there when you feel like it" Iroh: *hold my tea*

You know, it was never stated that Zuko didn't know that his Uncle was in the Spirit World... just that he was shocked that Korra met him... there is a difference...

Cat owls are cute Elephant rats are ugly My girlfriend's the moon... That's rough buddy.

4:25 or, Iroh just noticed that everybody's eyes but Yue's were colorless when the moon vanished.

When his gf said she’d rather be the moon... that’s rough buddy

Iroh is so badass, he became a Force Ghost.

I think I solved it really.. I believe he isn't a spirit as in that he died first, because he doesn't get effected by Rava meaning he isn't a real spirit. I think he mediated into the spirit world and never left so his human body died and he stayed in the spirit world causing him to be not the spirit of a dead human that could get effected by Rava.

What if he just meditated into the spirit world before death, and then when his body died, he basically stuck himself in the spirit world. Its implied you can get stuck in the spirit world and not be able to return to your body. It's never said however what would happen to your spirit if you died while your spirit was elsewhere

iroh is being shown with a fox spirit in the last episode of lok book 2

But what kind of tea did they offer in the spirit world?

I think this is dope until you get to the knowledge seeker part. Instead, I think something far darker that occurred. Yue was sick at birth. There was something fundamentally wrong with her that only essence of a spirit could inhabit and heal. The question about why a spirit would care to put a fragment of themselves into a human should be reconsidered. This show should not be a kids show... I think Iroh was going to take his own life before a spirit (not a knowledge seeker) approached him. I think his damage was in the heart and a spirit healed that wound. The spirit deemed a general, and heir to a kingdom (like Yue) worthy of its essence. I do not have a solid guess as to which spirit that would be, but I would look into Iroh's existential crisis after the death of his son. ( I also think that there is a chance that the spirit that gave him a part of itself may have been one of the innumerable spirits that exist outside of the handful we see in the show). Just imagine, maybe the creators wanted to expand on Iroh's lowest point in his life but they weren't allowed because it was a children's show.

This “piece of a spirit” theory might also be a way for the Avatar’s past lives that were severed from Korra to still be out there, in the spirit world. Theoretically, each human Avatar spirit would have a piece of Raava in them as well, meaning they could also live on in the spirit world as well

In the guru episode the guru uses pools to explain the chakras. In the Winter Solstice Iroh is lounging at the bottom of a very similar chain of pools. This implies that he at some point opened his chakras, opening him up to spiritual influence.

I feel like you got close to the right answer, but I don't think iroh bonded his soul with one of the knowledge seeker spirits. Remember how iroh was recognized as the "dragon slayer?" Also, remember that there is at was at least one dragon left for zuko to learn from? I believe that during his journey, iroh bonded his soul to one of the dragon's. This could explain why he was able to see fang and other spirits.

Him: how was this a kid show Me: I have been asking the same question since I first watch the show.

Iroh deserves a tv series of his own. There's so much the writers could do: him training with the original fire benders, travelling through the spirit world, and his years as a general.

Or unce iroh was just an amazing character so they brought him back for ratings

2:23 If you're unable to summon tears at the mere thought of that song, you're not a real human...

Iroh talked very briefly about his studies on the water benders - so he learnt to redirect lightning. So he definitely travelled around the world. (this was way before Aang was out of the iceberg). He can see spirits and I think he has been travelling into the spirit world maybe through the portals in the North pole. But I also saw him in LOK with a fox. We will probably never know the full explanation of this; but thinking about this is so nice.

Uncle Iroh was so special not only for the fans, but for the writers too, that they decided to turn him immortal, so his wisdom will never die..... Let that sink in..

Just loving everything about Iroh - he and Zuko are definitely my favourite characters in Avatar TLA.

He meditated, that's it, why do you need a theory? You CAN pop into the spirit world whenever you feel like it, all it takes is practice and training. And leaving your body behind is the whole point, everyone who meditates into the spirit world leaves their body behind, Aang did it all the time, Korra did it, Zaheer did it, nose piercing guy did it, it's really not that complicated it's just how it works.

I have a theory.Iroh liked to be lazy and sleep a lot so he could go into the spirit world.Right at the start he was able to.And it seems that aang could sense this slightly.When aang accidentally walked into iroh's room aang says sorry despite knowing that iroh cant hear him.IF HE WAS SLEEPING!!!So basically like some characters,Iroh can go into the spirit world through meditaion/sleep.

I always thought that Iroh could tell that Yue had part of the moon spirit in her because her eyes still had color in them when everything else was in black and white.

I have numerous ideas spiraling around my head after watching this video. In partnership with your 'Dragons Are Spirits' theory, I believe that Iroh could have been given part of Ran or Shaw's souls/life force. Furthermore, his nickname as 'Dragon of the West' would have a far more literal meaning if he had gained some part of a dragon. If dragons are technically spirits and Iroh had some part of a dragon within him, then it would be plausible that he could enter the Spirit World, like Roku's dragon, Fang. The fact that Iroh could also see Fang is rather interesting, considering his connection to dragons. Another thought in my mind is that some individuals in the Avatar universe might have a natural ability to connect to spirits, such as Jinora. Both Jinora and Iroh were able to see spirits and easily enter the Spirit World when compared to other people. It is also possible that Iroh could have journeyed to Ran or Shaw or even to a spirit that he knew in order to gain passage to the Spirit World, as it has been shown in the past that spirits can bring people to the Spirit World. (The Soulbending Dragon Turtle does this with Aang, though he is the Avatar. A better example would be the kidnapping of Sokka during the Winter Solstice). Occasionally, mortal creatures do seem to find their way into the Spirit World, seeing as Koh the Face Stealer regularly meets with mortals and steals their faces. I also believe that spirits may be capable of binding themselves to creatures. Jinora had her own 'Spirit Guide', in a sense, being the bunny spirit. Each Avatar has their own Animal Guide, which could be their 'Spirit Guide' in a spiritual way, but I believe that their 'Spirit Guide' is actually Raava, who is inside of them. Following this idea, Iroh's Spirit Guide could have been a dragon, or possibly Ran or Shaw, and it is known that he ventured to learn from the two. Roku's guide, Fang, was present in the Spirit World. It could be possible that these guides are capable of bringing mortals into the Spirit World. Raava allows the Avatar to journey into the Spirit World. Jinora's bunny allowed her to easily enter the Spirit World. Iroh's Spirit Guide could have done the same. If his body died while he was inside of the Spirit World, then his actual soul could have been present to live on. It is apparent that people do not age in the Spirit World, as shown with Admiral Zhao, as he was still wandering the Spirit World after he was taken by the Water Spirit during the Siege of the North. Just some ideas.

R.I.P. Mako, Iroh was the best character in the whole show

Dude Zukos reaction to Korra talking to Iroh and him being in the spirit world are incredible. It’s clear that even as an elderly man his uncle still left a massive impact on him.

Beautifully done!

I think his spirit might be one related to firebending, because aparently he can firebend in the day of the black sun. I think is a dragon spirit.

Another theory: The bond from the two dragons he saved? Cool idea. *Shrug*

I’m so glad you mentioned 1:39 because a lot of people don’t and it really bugs me how he did that

I have a take on this theory, the old line of Avatars was always supposed to be broken. It wasn't that the fox spirit knew it was going to die but that the line of Avatars would (the layout of statues in the air temple support this). Without their past lives a new Avatar would need a guide in spiritual matters as past Avatars would normally do but they have also lost the collective knowledge and experiences of their past lives. If Iroh were to be one of the foxy knowledge seekers he would have access to the history of past Avatars in the library in order to bridge the gap. It isn't clear that the next Avatars will be connected in the same way as previously so this may actually be needed moving forward. Korra isn't connected to her successor so chose to have letters written by anyone who knew her or Aang to pass down to help bridge this gap. If Avatars weren't connected moving forward such letters would need somebody to pass them down over generations and who better than foxy knowledge spirit Iroh?

I enjoyed the video because Iroh is by far one of the best characters in the Avatar universe! But I would say that there may be even more evidence supporting that--if Iroh did in fact have part of a spirit living inside him--it was one of the dragon spirits. We know he was at the Sun Warriors place before Aang and Zuko, and they granted him their firebending abilities. Additionally, he was known as the Dragon of the West and had the unique ability of being ablate fire bend through his mouth... an ability neither Aang or Zuko learned from the spirits. Lastly, if the rumour that Iroh could fire bend during the eclipse would mean that he definitely has spirit abilities, since Sun Warriors still draw their bending from the Sun--and not with rage--so they too would also lose their ability during the eclipse. If Iroh could bend, he must've had internal fire bending ability, much like dragons.

"How do ppl classify this as a kid show?" Questions that need answers lol. I'm 31 and have been a fan of the series since I was 18 when it first aired.

Well done! That is a robust theory around the knowledge Seeker, but also consider the dragons that Aang and Zuko learnt pure firebending from. As the last of their kind they would also benefit from creating horcruxes

4:42 “far less materialistic.” me: suddenly remembering Iroh’s insane shopping spree on that episode where he “lost” his pai sho tiles and there were pirates

6:40 that’s shading. Your video shows the chest color changing with movement meaning its a shadow not the color of the chest.

Also I think there may be a little theory (maybe not full video) that Yue sent the meteor for Sokka's space sword. Also, what's your favorite animal and spirit from ATLA and Korea, mine is a messenger hawk, and Wan Shi Tong.

A popular theory is that stricken with grief over the loss of his son Iroh entered the spirit world on his journey possibly looking for his son’s spirit and/or a spirit that could return his son to him. We saw the face stealer spirit was able to take humans faces so from Iroh’s point of view it could well be within the possibility of a spirit to return a humans soul. While he was in the spirit world although he didn’t get his son back maybe he connected with other spirits and exited the spirit world with a new found appreciation for life, and a new connection to the spirit world

Good thing Iroh got to the library before Zhao contucted his infamous "raid on the great library, the great library some believe to not even exist"

ok next avatar cartoon should be based on uncle iroh's journey.

I belive that The Last Two Dragons blessed Iroh with incredible power because of his good heart. That's why he could cross over into the Spirit Realm.

in KORRA HE HAS ONE OF THE KNOWLEDGE SEEKERS WHEN HE TALKS TO TENZIN, BUMI, AND KYA

Amazing video!

Leaf me alone, I’m bushed.

I think it's a lot simpler than that. Certain people and spirits can pass over between the two worlds without needing the Spirit Portals. Examples are Habai and that face spirit from The Search comic, mother of Ko the Face Stealer. All the spirits who served her seemed to be capable of crossing over too. Korra, Zaheer, Iwaeh and many others can meditate and transfer their spirit into the Spirit World. Now, Zaheer threw Iwaeh into the Fog of Lost Souls, stopping him from returning to his body. Zaheer said he'd spend an eternity there. This means his body would undoubtedly die but his spirit would remain in the Spirit World. The same thing nearly happened to Jenora. So to put it simply, if you meditate into the Spirit World and your body dies, you can stay there. Iroh likely did it on his deathbed with days or weeks to live. The real question now is whether he can leave the Spirit World on his own to truly pass on. Zuko was surprised to hear Korra spoke to Iroh because Zuko undoubtedly watched Iroh die.

Honestly I never gave it too much thought, because we see a number of humans temporarily enter the spirit world of their own volition - Aang, Jinora, Korra, Zaheer and so on. We learn that it's bad for the body for its spirit to be gone too long, but we don't actually see what would happen to the spirit if the body dies. Since Iroh was nearing the end of his life anyway, he figured it was worth the risk to move there permanently. And with his charm, wisdom and teamaking skills, he managed to find friends among the spirits. It's true that it's a decision we don't see anyone else make, which is kinda surprising because it worked out pretty well for Iroh. I guess it probably helps to be an airbender to gain this level of spiritual enlightenment and, well, there's a notable shortage of those in the world as it stands. Iroh's study of the other three elements probably helped him raise his own spirituality.

Congratulations on 666k subs love your vids man

Dear Tim, I saw your live stream, and I would like to thank you. You actually recognized me, and a couple of others in that stream, showing that you remember, and care about us, unlike some other tubers. I also apologize for being one of those guys, who kept posting the same question during the stream, keep up the good work. ALL HAIL MISHKA! KAWWWWWWWW!

This video was just an excuse for you to say "spurit"

I’m sorry, never try to turn “Leaves on the Vine” into a comedic point. Otherwise, fantastic video! Loved it!

I love that you love your cat. I don't love how your love of your cat is integrated into your channel.

I love the way you said Shalamalan instead of Shamalan.

LeAvEs FrOm ThE ViNe

I like this theory. Though I think there's just as much likelihood that when Iroh found a way to "pierce the veil" and travel into the spirit world looking for his son, he never entirely made his way back. He might have "one foot in the spirit world". Perhaps it's just easier to travel there once you've figured out how.

I personally think that he just became so enlightened and in tune with the spirit world that he was able to break free from the cycle of reincarnation to become part of the spirit world, kind of like reaching Nirvana. He became one with his higher self or his true self and was thus ready to leave the physical world.

when you mentioned the patchy chest dog I looked closely and realized that it was the shadow which changed the gray shade color.

I remember watching Korra a few years back and thinking that Zuko actually wasn’t surprised that Iroh was in the spirit world, he was more surprised that Korra was able to find him. My first thoughts were that Iroh told Zuko his plans to go to the spirit world especially considering how it was implied that Zuko followed Iroh’s footsteps and grew into an old wise man. I’m sure he probably told Zuko stories about his visits to the spirit world and probably how Zuko can do what he did when his time comes.

I was just out searching for a new teapot to add to my collection, but instead I found you! - General Iroh

What if iroh's apearance did change? Is not like we've seen iroh during his travels, actually we've seen little of iroh before the legend of aang

I think when he saved the dragons they gave him some weird spirit power

the quality iroh got from the fox is the sheer charm.. you saw how he got into the earth kingdom!

Iroh is my favorite character and I love this theory! The connection between him and Yue was such a neat idea

Awesome theory dude. I really like it! I’m new to your channel but I’ve been watching thru ur old videos. Looking forward to more! 😊

Love the avatar videos! Please make more- they're so good!

Honestly as I was watching this I had a crazy theory that Iroh and the Owl Spirit switched personalities like something darker happened there...I know that sounds way too dark for Iroh but think about it the Owl is violent and destructive when betrayed yet has to be given knowledge it sees as useful like a general. While Iroh seeks knowledge from all over like a spirit of knowledge; yet is kind and understanding of cultures with different knowledge in subjects. Idk why I thought of that dark twisted theory but it would not really really interesting.

"One does not just pop in on the spirit world!" What? That's not how the quote goes? haha

9:06 “I chose to leave my body behind and come to the spirit world”