How Prince Zuko Got His Scar In Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024)

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender.

One of the primary antagonists of Avatar: The Last Airbender season 1 is Prince Zuko, whose face scar will raise questions concerning how he got the mark. As one of many upcoming The Last Airbender movies and shows, Netflix's live-action adaptation has a lot of pressure. The show follows in the footsteps of M. Night Shyamalan's failed The Last Airbender film from 2010, though it is admittedly much better than the maligned adaptation.

One way in which Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender drastically improves upon the original film adaptation is through its characters. From the actors chosen for each character from the original show and their overall characterization to The Last Airbender season 1's realistic fighting styles, Netflix's show is a much more faithful depiction of Nickelodeon's animation. A specific character who proves this beyond all doubt is Dallas Liu's Prince Zuko. Zuko's antagonistic presence, adept Firebending depiction, and - most importantly - tragic history are proof of this, with the character's facial scar tying all elements of his journey together.

Zuko’s Father Gave Him His Scar In An Agni Kai (A Fire Duel)

As soon as Zuko appears in Netflix's The Last Airbender, one of the more prevalent questions about his character is how he received his scar. This is hinted at throughout the early episodes of the live-action show before later installments reveal exactly what happened. In a tragic backstory, Zuko's father brutally gives the young Fire Nation Prince his scar in an impressive display of power in The Last Airbender.

Before Zuko embarked on his quest to find the Avatar, he and his father - Fire Lord Ozai - engaged in an Agni Kai. An Agni Kai is a fire duel, often utilized in the Fire Nation to settle disputes between Firebenders. Zuko and his father take part in such a duel, in which Zuko is hesitant about potentially harming Ozai. As a result of his hesitance, Ozai defeats Zuko and burns his son as punishment.

Why Did Zuko Have To Duel His Father In The Last Airbender?

Another question raised about Zuko's scar is why he had to duel his father in the first place. The reason for this is also explained in Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender when Zuko disrespects a Fire Nation General. In a war meeting pertaining to the Fire Lord's war with the rest of the world, a General suggests sacrificing a platoon of rookie soldiers to ensure victory elsewhere, prompting Zuko to state how terrible a plan it is. Zuko despises the plan due to the needless sacrifice of soldiers willing to defend their country, disrespecting the General.

Zuko is then alerted that an Agni Kai must be fought to resolve the dispute, with the Fire Nation Prince expecting to face the General he spoke out against. However, Zuko quickly realizes that it is his father he must duel, as his prior outburst took place in the Fire Lord's war room, thus disrespecting him over the General. The Agni Kai ensues, kickstarting Zuko's journey in Avatar: The Last Airbender season 1 as the Prince loses to his father, is burned as punishment, and is subsequently banished on a fool's errand to locate the titular Aang.

All episodes of Avatar: The Last Airbender season 1 are now streaming on Netflix.

Avatar: The Last Airbender (Live-Action)

Action

Adventure

Fantasy

Based on the acclaimed animated Nickelodeon television series, Avatar: The Last Airbender is an action-adventure fantasy series developed by Albert Kim. The series follows Aang, a young man training to harness the four elements to live up to the title of Avatar - the one who will restore balance to the world.

Release Date

February 22, 2024

Cast

Gordon Cormier , Dallas Liu , Kiawentiio , Ian Ousley , Daniel Dae Kim , Paul Sun-Hyung Lee

Streaming Service(s)