The Promise: The Omnibus (Parts 1-3)

“For the Earth People, they’re a constant reminder of the war, like an old scar.”

This simile introduces the symbol of the scar to the book, illustrating the starting point for how people conceive of the Fire Nation colonies in the Earth kingdom. Later, the narratives presented by Morishita and Zuko will contest this entirely negative portrayal, introducing The Complexities of Decolonization, but Yang is careful to open the book’s conversation of colonialism by emphasizing the prolonged, widespread pain colonialism inflicts on subjugated peoples.

“Peace for who?! With all due respect, Your Majesty, my family has lived on this land for generations! This city was built on our blood and sweat! We have as much a right to be here as anyone else!”

Morishita’s angry speech, directed at Zuko, raises questions about land rights, indigeneity, and ancestral connection to places. Yang does not purport to answer these questions in The Promise. Instead, by portraying characters like Morishita, who have strong opinions on the matter, he presents them as ongoing, relevant debates.

“When you are in a position of power, you must put the needs of the world above your own. Zuko, at one time at least, understood this.”

Roku often delivers his wisdom to Aang in the form of succinct maxims. The second person “you” here is a generic pronoun, referring not only to Aang but also to Roku and all the other Avatars who have come before them. By removing himself from his own advice, Roku assumes a position of ultimate knowledge over Aang, though as the book progresses, his reliability begins to become questionable.