The people of the Water Tribes are a peaceful nation. They strive to coexist in harmony with nature and other nations of the Avatar world. The Water Tribes are divided into two sects: the Northern and the Southern. Since the Fire Nation’s attack, contact between the two tribes has ended.

Waterbenders never use their abilities for aggression, but despite their tranquil nature, their current goal is to do whatever they can to stop the Fire Nation from throwing the world out of balance.

Water Tribes’ Insignia

The emblem of the Water Tribes is a circle containing a crescent moon and ocean waves. The insignia symbolizes Tui and La, the Moon and Ocean spirit, who are the essence of the Water Tribes and have guided their beliefs. Tui and La coexist in harmony, the moon’s force pushing and pulling on the ocean’s water. The push and pull movement is the foundation for the art of Waterbending. The Water Tribes’ belief of coexisting in peace stems from the relationship between these two spirits.

Water Tribe Leaders

During the Hundred Year War, the Southern Water Tribe was led by Sokka and Katara’s father, Hakoda (on left).

The Northern Water Tribe was ruled by Chief Arnook (on right).

Customs

When woman reach the age of 16 in the Northern Water Tribe, they are considered marrying age. The men who wish to marry females of the Water Tribes propose with a traditional betrothal necklace. In the Northern Water Tribe, the marriages are often arranged by the parents. This does not seem to apply in the Southern Water Tribe; men and women have free choice of whom they wish to marry.

When a Water Tribe boy reaches the age of 14, his father takes him ice dodging. Ice dodging is a boy’s first step in being recognized as a true warrior of a tribe. The ritual requires for the boy to guide a boat through a narrow body of water while avoiding the icebergs throughout the passage.

Although an adult is onboard the boat, the boy must make his own decisions by choosing two friends to assist him by operating the main sail and the jib (a smaller sail at the rear of the boat). His success or failure depends on his judgement.

If the boy is successful, he and his crew receive marks that are applied with cuttlefish paint. Each mark symbolizes a characteristic of the crew.

The Mark of the Wise: given for one’s ability to lead and make quick decisions under pressure.

The Mark of the Brave: given for inspirational displays of courage.

The Mark of the Trusted: given to newcomers who prove themselves worthy of other people’s trust.

Season

Every nation in the World of Avatar is influenced by a dominant season. The Water Tribes’ dominant season is winter. Most Waterbenders’ are born in winter than any other season.

Locations

The Southern Water Tribe resides at the South Pole, and the Northern Water Tribe is at the North Pole. The terrain of each tribe is mostly covered in ice. The weather is harsh and freezing, and snow falls year-round.

The Southern Water Tribe compound is located in the South Pole, and it was where Avatar Korra was held and protected by the Order of the White Lotus.

The Foggy Swamp Tribe is located in a mystical swamp, the “Foggy Swamp” in the Earth Kingdom.

Shelter

In a typical Southern Water Tribe hut there contain a number of animal pelts that are placed on bamboo floors. A sealskin tent is setup at one end of the test and is used as a sleeping chamber. Animal skins, ceremonial animal headdresses and spears are usually displayed on the walls of the hut.

A square fire pit sits in the center of the hut and is surrounded by a single line of bricks. The fire provides heat to the hut and is also used for food. There are mats for sitting on all four sides of the fire pit, and a stew pot (used for cooking) hangs suspended from the ceiling and hovers over the fire.

Natural Resources and Food

The Water Tribes depend on the oceans for many of their natural resources.

Tents are made out of seal skin, and polar bear pelts cover the floors. Southern Water Tribe hunters and Northern Water Tribe fishers are some of the best in the Avatar world.

Animals