He could even channel man-made lightning before it was used for an attack. Sometime after the death of his son Lu Ten, Iroh unofficially adopted Zuko. Iroh continually asked Zuko what he wanted from this life while encouraging him to not make decisions based on what others wanted him to do.
He wanted Zuko to be independent and a free thinker, giving him a chance to choose his own destiny. As an enemy and more so as an ally, Zuko played a large part in ending the war and an even bigger part in the aftermath of it. During the winter of 99 AG, Zuko and Iroh were in pursuit of Aang when Iroh felt it was a good idea to take a break along the coast of the Earth Kingdom.
Here, Iroh found an area of hot springs to relax and heal is old bones. He became so relaxed that he ended up passing out in the spring only to wake up as a prisoner due to an ambush of Earthbending soldiers. The captain of the group instantly recognized Iroh from the Ba Sing Se battle. He bound Iroh in chains and was determined to have him punished as a war criminal. Iroh tried to escape, but failed.
Iroh was a powerful bender, an expert on teas and a masterful strategist, but he was also a talented musician. Adept at playing the pipa a four string guitar and the tsungi horn similar is design to a French horn , Iroh could play and sing on the same level with the best of the best. He is also shown strumming a song in the streets of Ba Sing Se to calm a crying baby.
Zuko had musical talent too as he was skilled at playing the tsungi horn. Caught up in his personal struggles however, he never played during the music nights on his ship. As a general and a leader, Iroh at one time was in extraordinary shape. Following his imprisonment for treason because he fought on the side of Team Avatar in Ba Sing Se, Iroh began to recondition himself physically.
Whenever his jailer Warden Poon was out of sight, Iroh would workout constantly. In the company of Poon he would pretend to be going insane while padding his disappearing belly with spare articles of clothing. Exercises Iroh would use included inverted push-ups, inverted crunches, and one handed pull ups.
By the time the eclipse had come, Iroh was back to his former self in terms of physical strength. He busted out of his jail cell and took on the entire prison guard single handily, including Warden Poon. They are devoted to the sharing of ancient knowledge across national and political divides. This would explain why he was the Grand Lotus. Another statement that supports this theory is a comment made by Zuko. It was common for White Lotus members to remain loyal to their respected nations.
Once things had settled down following the Year War, Zuko wanted to go look for his mother. But for him to be able to that, he needed someone he could trust to run the Fire Nation in his absence. What would his first act as Interim Fire Lord be?
Establishing a National Tea Appreciation Day of course. I think of you as my own. Together this odd pair would struggle like any child and parent would, eventually coming to a common ground of respect, love, and admiration. Iroh would teach Zuko everything he knew about Firebending, including his own technique of redirecting lightning. Prior to the final battle of the Year War, the Order of the White Lotus had insisted in always remaining neutral during conflicts.
Iroh as Grand Lotus would change the other members hearts and minds concerning this philosophy. Following the Year War, the Order of the White Lotus would become more engaged in current events. Considering that the former Fire Lord valued his wisdom over Ozai, it can be extrapolated that he's somewhere between 55 and 63, old enough to be considered seasoned though young enough to have a meaningful rule. Given that Korra's Iroh is the grandson of Prince Zuko, it's reasonable to assume that the young man and his inspired patron may share more things in common than simply their names.
Additionally, it is also speculated that Lu Ten's visage is borrowed from Mako Iwamatsu, Iroh's first English voice actor. This is especially poignant when the character mourns for his son, as the actor is simultaneously lamenting the loss of his youth.
It adds another dimension to an already powerful song. It may seem blasphemous to insinuate that Uncle Iroh may have flaws, though his actions speak louder than his endearing musings ever might. When Zuko and Iroh were hosted by a kindly Earth Kingdom family and the Fire Prince was ready to go, he stole their beast to use as his own. Iroh chastised him for his immorality despite the fact that he has stolen too. When Zuko and his uncle tracked down Aang to a perfume maker's courtyard, he absconded with some of their finest wares, looking over his shoulder to ensure he wasn't caught.
Iroh discovered a technique imperative to his later ventures against the Fire Nation; he learned how to deflect lightning against its caster. While this skill may in part necessitate being a firebender to manipulate the lightning in the same way one might shoot it , the movements it involves are much different. The undulating upper body motions and fluidity of arms are borrowed from waterbender stances and techniques. By combining their arts with his, he is able to go against some of the strongest threats to the entire world and has saved the life of Zuko through his teaching.
Iroh did not go against Ozai or Azula because he feared their power overshadowed his, he fought alongside the Lotus to liberate Ba Sing Se because those battles were the destinies of Aang and Zuko respectively. He has stated that should he have intervened, it would have denied them essential growth. This insinuates the unrealized strength of the former general, especially as the brother of the Phoenix King. The only time he was defeated in the series was against the combined efforts of Azula, Zuko, and the Dai Li.
So much of Iroh's character is defined by his wide-spanning interests in history, art, music, food, and of course, tea. Iroh is obsessed with the spiritual side of his world as well as the myths, legends, and historical foibles surrounding them. This allows him to greater understand both his allies and enemies. Musically speaking, Iroh is shown to play a number of instruments in the series.
Whether it is a string or horn instrument, Iroh will take a crack at it. No matter what though, tea seems to be his greatest pleasure. In connection to his many interests, Iroh's affiliation with the Order of the White Lotus embodies his entire philosophy.
This secret society was based in the belief that knowledge and a love of it is not bound by the boundaries of nations. It was made up entirely of benders, warriors, and scholars from around the four nations. Their other mission was also to protect and serve the avatar whenever possible.
In the climactic battle of the Hundred Year War, these five battle against the forces of Firelord Ozai in order to overthrow his fascist reign. Their combined knowledge and strength made them a powerful ally for Team Avatar. Uncle Iroh held quite the reputation around the fire nation, let alone the world as a whole. His stature as a military leader and bender was his primary claim to fame. The story behind this title is even more fascinating than then name itself.
Many claimed that Iroh was named The Dragon of the West for his unique ability to literally breathe fire. This bending technique is impressive, but not the real story. Iroh claimed that he gained the title from slaying the last living dragon. In reality, he studied under them. These dragons, named Ran and Shaw were considered the first fire benders.
In return for their secrecy, they taught Iroh their secrets. For all of his peacefulness, Iroh was still a renowned general and imperial strategist. Coming from a long line of military minds, Iroh's prowess was unmatched. As a boy, Iroh witnessed a vision of himself conquering the city. His siege of the capital lasted over six hundred days, and in such time he penetrated the outer wall. This was a feat never before accomplished.
Sadly, due to a personal tragedy, Iroh fell to grief and failed in fully conquering the Earth Kingdom city. Sadly, neither would last, as Lu Ten fell on the front lines of the siege. This tragedy decimated Iroh, and eventually lead to the defeat and failure of the siege. Iroh fell back in grief and came out far less concerned with honor and glory and more concerned with his place in this world and the next. This loss of a son also heavily influenced his relationship with Prince Zuko.
With Zuko's less than stellar relationship with his own father, Iroh became a surrogate parent. Through loss, the two's bond became incredibly close. Iroh was never one to seek the title of fire-lord.
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