The setting is a fantastical world divided into four nations, each based on classical elements and influenced by distinct real-world cultures:

Aang must learn to "let go" of his earthly attachment to Katara to master the Avatar State. However, the series subverts this in the finale: Aang saves the world not by becoming a detached god, but by holding onto his attachment to his culture (the Air Nomads) to find a non-violent solution.

Experience the legendary journey from the beginning with Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Complete Series