Should the Avatar cycle be "broken" for many years?

[u/Blue-Moon-89]

I've been seeing this theory that suggests that when Korra dies, the Avatar cycle ends up "broken" for more than just 9 years. Like, let's say that 200 years has passed since the cataclysm so that not only everyone is long gone but the Anti-Avatar propaganda is pretty much the norm. Those who are living in the Seven Havens are only told that the Avatar has destroyed the world and the cycle.

It's an interesting theory, but I worry that this will reinforce the hate Korra gets. She's already hated for destroying the world. Do we really need to make her responsible for possibly putting the Avatar cycle on hold for that long?

Anyway, what are your thoughts?

[u/nixahmose]

I don’t like it. We already had a 100 year gap between Avatars with Aang and having such a large gap between Avatars basically erases any chances to have meaningful connections between the old world and the new one.

[u/HannahEaden → u/nixahmose]

The premise already does that, though. Besides, from what we've seen, the seven havens seem way too established for it to be only nine years after an apocalypse. Either the apocalypse happens not too long after the end of LoK and Korra survives the transition, or... there's been a long gap.

[u/bateen618 → u/HannahEaden]

It could also be that the Heavens are based in pre-existing locations. Like Republic City, Omashu, Ba Sing Ce, etc.

[u/nixahmose → u/HannahEaden]

The new show’s premise doesn’t do that. Just because there’s an apocalypse doesn’t mean the old world doesn’t matter, especially if the new show only takes place 8 years into the apocalypse.

We also only have one image of a Haven and nothing shown in it looks too unbelievable for what could have been built by earth benders, especially if the Seven Havens were built around pre-existing infrastructure.

[u/HannahEaden → u/nixahmose]

I don't think we would've gotten an apocalypse if Mike and Bryan didn't want some clear cuts between this new world and the old one, but we can't really say for sure until the show comes out. Otherwise, why bother?

You do bring up some points I hadn't considered, especially about earthbenders and some things already being built, but... I dunno. Given the leaks and benders being drafted in a war to fight off spirits, it all seems like too much in such a short amount of time. But maybe Korra survived the nuking, allowing for more time.

[u/Weird-Long8844]

Seems convoluted. Personally, I only hear these kinds of theories from people who desperately want Korra not to be immediately preceding Pavi's current situation, but like, every Avatar caused the problems of the next Avatar. I don't see any issue here.

[u/Joel_feila → u/Weird-Long8844]

yeah its is a recurring element in the books, each avatar has some pig problem they fix and then also causes a problem for the next one.

[u/Atsilv_Uwasv]

Why would that happen? Because the avatar cycle was reset? Kuruk's spirit was literally damaged, and the cycle wasn't messed up because of it. I've heard it made Kyoshi's bending weaker, but that's it. No, having Korra's death lead to a hiatus in the cycle wouldn't be a good idea.

[u/nixahmose → u/Atsilv_Uwasv]

I don’t think it’s that hard to come with a “something something spirit cataclysm shenanigans” explanation to justify it in universe.

To me it’s just a matter what does having a massive gap between Korra and Pavi add to the story? What would be the point of having such a large gap as opposed to having Pavi be born right after Korra?

Fundamentally it’s a similar issue I have with the theory that Pavi is a full cycle after Korra. The cataclysm is such a big status quo changing event that not only is the years following the cataclysm the most interesting part about it(at least to me), but the longer the gap between where the cataclysm happened to when the new show begins the less relevant the old world and Korra’s accomplishments become. If it’s only a gap of say 8 years, then lots of characters in the show will have been around and still have strong memories of what life was like before the cataclysm which serves as a excellent foundation to tell many different kinds of stories about trauma and trying to maintain aspects of a world long gone. If the gap is 200+ years then no one is going to even remember what the old world was like and everyone will be completely accustomed and used to life in the apocalypse.

[u/DarkDallas]

I doubted that can be broken