Avatar: The Last Airbender Casually Introduced Two Alternate, Extremely Powerful Bending Forms The Legend of Korra Failed to Explore Further
The power of bending elements is endless in Avatar: The Last Airbender. From Fire and Earth to Water and Air, the Avatars can manipulate all elements to exert their wrath on the enemy. As the viewers join Aang on his journey to mastering all elements and fulfilling his destiny to become an Avatar, he discovers the power to bend more forms which culminates in him gaining an edge over others. Not everyone in that realm can manipulate more than one element whereas an Avatar has the ability to bend every possible element.
Despite being a great spin-off show that focused on the next Avatar who takes the legacy forward, it failed to give adequate attention to some of the most powerful bending forms that Aang was introduced to in Avatar: The Last Airbender. Bending the major elements is undoubtedly a huge feat, but when it comes to manipulating the sub-elements including grass, sand, glass, cloud, and even wind, many Avatars struggle to master the same.
Plantbending
A sub-power for Waterbenders is Plantbending. Using this bending form, masters can manipulate the abundance of water in plants to control trees and floral species to their benefit. Mere grass and flowers are easier to manipulate and control, but when it comes to bending trees and larger plants, the masters of bending are the frontrunners. Moreover, the power of the full room helps in controlling larger plants too. This is similar to how some highly adept masters use bloodbending against their enemies.
Also Read: Gordon Cormier Turned Down Initial Offer For Avatar Live Action Audition For the Sweetest Reason
Any species with a hint of water in it can prove a great weapon for water benders. From choking enemies from vines to locking their bodies in tree trunks, Avatar: The Last Airbender showcases a myriad of opportunities for plantbending. However, The Legend of Korra failed to explore this dimension further. It would have been fun to see Korra take on the legacy and stumble across more intricate ways of furthering plantbending.
Sandbending
Reminiscent of the villain Sandman from Spider-Man 3, earthbending also involves manipulating sand. Masters of this form of bending are adept at controlling the tiny particles of sand that together become a formidable power to be reckoned with. This power comes especially handy for desert locals who have lived on sand their whole lives. Since it’s such a readily available material, masters learned to ace the power over the years.
Moreover, sandbending involves a blend of Earth and Air bending capabilities. This is because the benders need air to pick up the sand off the ground and have it swirl around to create a massive structure that stops enemies in their tracks. Toph masterfully uses sandbending in Avatar: The Last Airbender, albeit for artful purposes. However, fans didn’t see the art get more attention in The Legend of Korra.
