There are many great aspects of Uncle Iroh’s personality. He feels compelled to treat practically everyone he encounters with as much kindness as he can. He has the difficult job of not only serving as Zuko’s uncle but also serving as the latter’s right-hand man in Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Iroh frequently overcomes Zuko’s pessimism by being patient and having a good mindset. He does this by speaking nothing but pleasant words and infinite pearls of knowledge to him. We learn how amazing of an uncle Iroh is from his discussions with his nephew. (Paraphrased for better understanding)
He’ll Always Support Zuko, Even Against His Own Nation
“No Nephew Of Mine Is Going To Stowaway On A Ship Without Some Backup.”
Even though Zuko tried to be cunning with his plans to kidnap the Avatar, Iroh figured it out and came up with a solution to assist him. Iroh always did so without much to no hesitation, even when it meant going up against other fire-bending officials to find ways to support him or occasionally even to cover for him.
Iroh constantly went above and beyond for Zuko, even when he didn’t ask for it (because he typically didn’t). This is just one more way Iroh demonstrates his love for Zuko and his moral character.
He’s Always Understanding
“Try To Understand. My Nephew Is A Complicated Young Man. He Has Been Through Much.”
Iroh defends Zuko numerous times in the course of the programme. Iroh always seems to have his back, whether he is being cruel to someone, acting ridiculously, or just being plain stupid. He was able to win over the ship’s guards by explaining to them why he is so dedicated to locating the Avatar.
Although he doesn’t always concur with Zuko’s actions, he makes an effort to explain why he thinks the way he does. He acts kindly with Zuko because he genuinely cares for and loves him.
He Is Always Proud Of Zuko
“You Restored Your Own Honor, And Only You Can Restore The Honor Of The Fire Nation.”
Iroh demonstrates to Zuko with this comment that he thinks he has matured enough to take Zuko’s place. Iroh has faith in Zuko, despite Zuko’s first appearance that he doesn’t, and it is clear at this moment that this is all Zuko really needs.
Zuko ultimately became the guy he is as a result of Iroh standing by his side despite the fact that he could be quite a handful. So hearing from his uncle gave him the faith and assurance he required to be able to truly believe in himself.
He Isn’t Afraid To Defend What’s Right
“Even In Exile, My Nephew Is More Honorable Than You.”
Zhao attempted to knock down Zuko as he was leaving after Zuko defeated Commander Zhao in the Agni Kai. Iroh intervened and swiftly put a stop to that, chastising him for his actions with perhaps one of the best—if not the bravest—Iroh quotations.
It was a brave move to call out a commander and compare him to a person in exile, but it was just another example of how strongly Iroh supports his nephew and will always be on his side.
He Offers Great Pearls Of Wisdom
“In The Darkest Times, Hope Is Something You Give Yourself. That Is The Meaning Of Inner Strength.”
Iroh occasionally teaches Zuko in a very understated manner throughout the show. His lessons are frequently brief, personal, and consist mainly of words of wisdom. He frequently allows Zuko make mistakes so that he can figure things out on his own.
Zuko must actually learn on his own many times when the two are apart, even if he might miss Iroh. One of his many strategies for assisting Zuko in becoming the best version of himself is to encourage him to see the good in himself, especially through difficult times, because Iroh has such high hopes for him.
He Understands Everyone Needs Support Sometimes
“There Is Nothing Wrong With Letting People Who Love You Help You.”
Iroh is not only the best uncle ever; he may also be one of the show’s most compassionate and parent-like characters. Iroh appears to be among the most endearing characters in the entire series, in fact. When he runs across Toph, he imparts his knowledge to her and helps her with the issues she is facing.
He passively says something that Zuko also needs to hear by doing this. Even without Zuko present, being away from his nephew and being aware of his difficulties but yet attempting to find methods to assist him serves as evidence of his superior unclecitness.
He Wants To Protect Zuko From The Fire Nation
“Please, Prince Zuko! If The Fire Nation Captures You, There Is Nothing I Can Do!”
Iroh’s expressions here show how much he values his nephew. He warns Zuko against entering Fire Nation waters because of the dangers involved, but Zuko disregards his advice and breaches the blockade nevertheless.
Iroh’s voice reveals his level of anxiety as he says this. Even though he is a great bender and has helped Zuko out of a few sticky situations before, he was plainly terrified upon realising that he would have little control over this circumstance. He obviously didn’t want anything bad to occur to Zuko.
He Wants Zuko To Be Safe, Always
“I Was Never Angry With You. I Was Sad Because I Was Afraid You’d Lost Your Way.”
In the series finale of Avatar the Last Airbender, Iroh and Zuko have a heartwarming reunion during which Zuko expresses his regret for being a bad person in general and to his uncle in particular. Iroh, who should have been furious with Zuko for being so cruel to him, embraced him tightly and quickly forgave him.
One could argue that this is the most dramatic of the two scenes. It demonstrates Iroh’s innocence and how much he genuinely cared for Zuko during the entire ordeal.
Iroh Twists Zuko’s Words Into Something More Positive
“I’m Lucky To Have Such An Understanding Nephew!”
Early on in the series, Zuko almost always treats his uncle badly. His impulsiveness frequently contrasts with Iroh’s cool, upbeat personality. Iroh consistently tries to see the best in Zuko, despite his nephew’s nasty behaviour.
He occasionally transforms Zuko’s remarks—which can be very sarcastic—into a positive direction, which frequently enrages Zuko even more. It demonstrates that Iroh has the patience required to assist steer Zuko toward becoming a better person by making his negativity into a sort of game.
When He Admits He Sees Zuko As A Son
“I’m Sorry, I Just Nag You Because…Well, Ever Since I Lost My Son…I Think Of You As My Own.”
Perhaps for the first time, fans can truly understand not only how much Zuko matters to Iroh but also why. It broke my heart to learn that Iroh had lost his son. One of the times Iroh showed he was more than just the best uncle was when he told Zuko that he thought of him as his own kid.
His kind comments, which served as a kind of “cherry on top,” came right after this quote. Just a few details to make sure Zuko can look after himself on his own.
