Legend of Korra's 'Beginnings' two-parter explained the Avatar's origin

Over a decade ago, 'The Legend of Korra' finally solved a central mystery of the 'Avatar' universe, according to a Polygon retrospective. The show's second season included a two-part episode titled 'Beginnings' that dove into the ancient history of the very first Avatar.

The story unfolds as a delirious Korra, having lost her memory, is guided back to the world's origin. She meets a young man named Wan, who recounts his life from ten thousand years prior. At that time, humans lived isolated on the backs of lion turtles and only borrowed the power of the elements for short trips into the wilds.

Wan, a mischievous and kind trickster, is cast out into the spirit wilds. His empathy leads him to intervene in a battle between two great spirits: Raava, the spirit of light and peace, and Vaatu, the spirit of darkness and chaos. Wan's intervention accidentally gives Vaatu the upper hand, triggering a crisis.

To stop Vaatu, Wan and Raava merge their essences permanently during a cosmic event called the Harmonic Convergence. This fusion creates the first Avatar, granting Wan the ability to wield all four elements and access to the powerful Avatar State. After imprisoning Vaatu, Wan dedicates his life to being a bridge between the human and spirit worlds, though he struggles to bring lasting peace.

Polygon notes that this origin story revealed the Avatar's true purpose and burden, framing the entire cycle of reincarnation. It also set the stage for Korra's own confrontation with Vaatu ten thousand years later, which concluded the show's second season.