Borealis: A Zutara Story

Water Tribe Myth as told to Katara of the Southern Water Tribe Waterbender, Princess of Hope and Redemption by Kanna of the Travelling Waters, Grand Chieftess of the Southern Water Tribe

In the beginning there was the ocean, La, and the sun, Siqieiq. As they were alone, the two gods were the fiercest of rivals and the best of friends.  The sun would shed light that reached deep into the depths of the ocean and the ocean would send waves high into the sky but neither could say who was the strongest.

They decided to combine their efforts and create an impartial third party who could settle their agreements.  The ocean withdrew its waters and offered up a portion of its bed leaving earth in its wake. The sun offered a portion of its light creating night in its wake.  They decided to call their creation Tui, the moon, and gave it a place in the sky so it could watch and judge both of them.

Tui was beautiful. Both spirits desired her and she found merits in both of them, but La was the one she chose to spend eternity with. This saddened Siqieiq. He grew so despondent the sky became filled with darkness. Tui’s heart ached to see how Siqieiq’s absence made the children she shared with La suffer so she agreed to spend time with Siqieiq to bring light back to the world. 

When Tui spends time with Siqieiq he shines brightly with joy. That is why we can sometimes see the moon during the day. Siqieiq dims and Tui shines when she returns to her rightful place with La. We have many things because of Tui’s sacrifice; daylight and summertime are just two of them. 

Tui’s time with Siqieiq allows Waterbenders to bend during the day even though their power is not as strong as it is when she is with her beloved. Sometimes Siqieiq and La disagree on the amount of time they get to spend with Tui. Their fights are so ferocious the sky lights up with a myriad of colors.

Right now we are at war with the Fire Nation but not all hope is lost. In times of great trouble and distaster La will choose a champion and fill them with his spirit. A borealis will appear right there on the battlefield to let the world know that La is among us and his champion is fighting.

That champion will save our people, Katara, and their children will change our life as we know it.