Therefore, waterbending has an especially dark subtype. Waterbenders can manipulate the water particles within the air, plants, and animals. Because natural forces like the tide are controlled by the moon, waterbenders are strongest when the moon is full, and waterbending was taught to humanity by the moon itself. At varying levels of skill, a waterbender can manipulate, freeze, unfreeze, and sharpen the water around them, making them a force to be reckoned with on the sea. This type of bending requires deep breathing and fluidity of the physical body and of the mind. Waterbending is based on the Tai Chi martial art, an elegant and flowing style that is in constant motion. The concepts of family and empathy are essential to Water Tribe culture, making its ties to waterbending an important connection.

As a result, the Northern Water Tribe and the Southern Water Tribe live in icy, frozen climates where water is abundant. Once freed from earthly tethers, an airbender can become lighter than air and fly.Д«ased loosely on the indigenous Arctic cultures, like the Inuit, the Water Tribe is split into two factions, the North and the South, both at opposite poles. This reintroduction showcases the airbending subtypes, including flight without a glider. Though airbending is featured the least in the original series, the sequel series, Legend of Korra, reintroduces the Air Nomads to the world. Subtypes of airbending include the making of balls, tunnels, and funnels for air to pass through, including the childlike air scooter. Airbending was taught to humanity by the sky bisen. Though contrary to its non-resistant nature (mainly, airbenders use the momentum and strength of their opponents against them, if they are forced to engage in combat at all), airbending can also be an offensive move, such as creating punches made from air but backed with force. Airbenders have the ability to manipulate the air without and within some techniques include bending the air around their gliders, so that they create the illusion of flying, and they can run as fast as the wind. The main thought behind airbending is the avoidance of resistance, much like the air itself. Most of the nomads were wiped out, leaving only remnants of their culture to future generations post-war.ДЄs a perfect match to the nomadsвЂ™ peaceful and spiritual nature, airbending is based on the Baguazhang martial art style, which is similar to Tai Chi and linked to Taoism. As a peaceful and monastic culture, the Air Nomads unfortunately fell prey to the Fire NationвЂ™s attack, which began the Hundred Year War. As an extremely spiritual culture based loosely on Buddhist monks (including philosophies from both Tibetan and Hindu culture), it is no surprise that their element is air: existing always, but never in only one place.

The Air Nomads, as the name implies, are nomadic and have four temples located around the world. Image via Avatar: The Last Airbender (YouTube)

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