Ba Sing Se

Lore & Background

The narrative focuses on the city's role as a setting where characters go about their days amidst distinct social strata implied by the locations they visit. We see the bustling market streets where Iroh stops at street stands, the Fancy Lady Day Spa where Katara and Toph relax, and the zoo where Aang lands looking for Appa. The city also hosts a haiku class that Sokka accidentally enters after being shoved by an ostrich horse. Crucially, the lore provided centers on the emotional landscape: Iroh wanders these streets helping residents before reaching a hill with a large tree to honor his son Lu Ten, who died trying to conquer this very city in combat.

In Their Own Story

The narrative unfolds through six specific vignettes written by different authors. Joann Estoesta and Lisa Wahlander penned Katara and Toph's day at the spa, where they use bending to send teasing girls down a river. Andrew Huebner wrote Iroh's tale of helping citizens before making a tearful tribute to Lu Ten on his birthday under a large tree. Gary Scheppke authored Aang's segment, where he helps a zookeeper but creates trouble by using airbending to build a new outdoor enclosure for the animals. Lauren MacMullan wrote Sokka's accidental entry into a haiku contest via an ostrich horse collision, ending with his ejection for adding an extra syllable. Katie Mattila crafted Zuko's story of a date with Jin at the teahouse, where he invents a circus backstory before breaking away. Finally, Justin Ridge and Giancarlo Volpe wrote Momo's tale of searching for Appa while pursued by Pygmy Pumas, eventually resting in a giant footprint.

Reader's Guide

For viewers exploring this specific episode, the experience is defined by its anthology structure and tonal shifts. The guide to "The Tales of Ba Sing Se" involves anticipating six short stories that function as character studies rather than plot drivers. Key moments include the comedic conflict at the spa, the accidental poetry contest in Sokka's segment, and Zuko's brief romance with Jin. The emotional core is found in Iroh's journey through the market to a secluded hill, where he sets up a memorial for his son Lu Ten. This section serves as a turning point, offering deep character context before ending with a dedication to Mako Iwamatsu, who died of esophageal cancer on July 21, 2006. The episode is recommended for its ability to provide a lighter atmosphere during the darker period of Appa's search, balancing humor with profound grief.

Did You Know?

• The episode aired on September 29, 2006, and was dedicated to voice actor Mako Iwamatsu, who died of esophageal cancer on July 21, 2006.
• Only one of the six vignettes advances the main plot: Momo's search for Appa; the other five focus solely on character development.
• Sokka was ejected from a haiku contest because he added an extra syllable to his final line after being shoved inside by an ostrich horse.
• Iroh's tearful tribute takes place under a large tree on a hill, where he commemorates the birthday of his son Lu Ten, who died in combat trying to conquer Ba Sing Se.
• Zuko tells Jin that he and Iroh were part of a traveling circus before arriving in Ba Sing Se as a cover story.

Production and Structure

"The Tales of Ba Sing Se" is the 35th episode overall and the 15th of season two, directed by Ethan Spaulding and airing on September 29, 2006. It departs from serious plot progression to focus on character development through six vignettes. The main plot advances only in Momo's story regarding Appa. Writers include Joann Estoesta, Lisa Wahlander (Katara/Toph), Andrew Huebner (Iroh), Gary Scheppke (Aang), Lauren MacMullan (Sokka), Katie Mattila (Zuko), and Justin Ridge with Giancarlo Volpe (Momo).

Character Vignettes

Katara and Toph spend a day at the Fancy Lady Day Spa, sending teasing girls down a river. Iroh helps residents before mourning his son Lu Ten on a hill under a tree. Aang builds a new zoo with airbending after struggling to control animals. Sokka enters a haiku contest via an ostrich horse collision but is ejected for an extra syllable. Zuko dates Jin, lies about being in a circus, and leaves early. Momo searches for Appa while chased by Pygmy Pumas, finally resting in a giant footprint.

The Tale of Iroh

Written by Andrew Huebner, this segment shows Iroh helping citizens before reaching a hill with a large tree to memorialize his son Lu Ten's birthday. Lu Ten died in combat trying to conquer Ba Sing Se. The story explains Iroh's desire to save Zuko from dying like his son. It ends with a dedication to Mako Iwamatsu, who died of esophageal cancer on July 21, 2006.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Critics widely acclaimed the episode as one of the series' best. The Daily Dot called it the "best episode," highlighting Zuko, Momo, and Iroh's tales. CBR praised it as great filler, specifically noting Iroh's tribute to his son as "the most touching and memorable tale." The Mary Sue described the episode as highly emotional.