Zuko

Zuko is a prince of the Fire Nation. He is distinguished by a burn scar on the left side of his face. It is learned that his father, Fire Lord Ozai, is responsible for Zuko’s scar. The scar is not just a mark on Zuko’s skin; it is really just the surface of the story of Zuko. His scar is a constant reminder of what he went through as a child.

How Zuko got his Scar

Though Zuko is only 16 years hold, he has been through many trials. Much of Zuko’s suffering is a result, directly or indirectly, of his father. When Zuko was little, his father’s brother (Uncle Iroh) lost his only son. Iroh was a Fire Nation General at the time. General Iroh was devastated by his son’s death, and proceeded to abandon his attach against the Earth Kingdom at Ba Sing Se. Ozai sees his brother’s struggles as an opportunity to advance his own cause. He tries to persuade Fire Lord Azulon to appoint him as heir, instead of Iroh. He cites that Iroh has no heir of his own, and has displayed some erratic behavior since his son’s death. Ozai’s plan backfires as Azulon is furious with Ozai. Zuko and his sister, Azula, witness the entire exchange. Later on that night, Azula jokingly tells Zuko that Azulon’s punishment for Ozai, is that Ozai has to kill Zuko, so that he may feel what it is like to lose a son. As Azula is telling him this, Zuko’s mother Ursa drags Azula away, and tells Zuko that they need to talk. Zuko goes to sleep. He is awakened by his mother, who tells him

“Zuko, please, my love, listen to me. Everything I’ve done, I’ve done to protect you. Remember this Zuko. No matter how things may seem to change, never forget who you are.”

Zuko was sleepy at the time, so he just went back to bed. When he wakes up in the morning, he remembers what had transpired the night before. He rushes to find his mother. His mother is nowhere to be found, and Azulon is dead. Ozai is appointed Fire Lord.

Year’s later, Zuko is sitting in on a war meeting. He objects to the plans of the war council. The council sees this as a slap in the face. Ozai tells Zuko that he will participate in an Agni Kai. Zuko agrees to the Agni Kai, but he is suprised at who he will face. As he turns to face his opponent, he sees that it is his father who will fight him in the Agni Kai. Zuko does not want to fight his father, so he gets on his knees and begs for his father’s forgiveness. His father sees this as weakness; he burns Zuko’s face, permanently scarring him, as well as banishing him from the Fire Nation. He is not allowed to return until he captures the Avatar, which is seen as impossible. Zuko takes it to heart though, and his quest for the Avatar, and to gain his respect back, consumes him.