Ep 7. Beginnings, Part 1

In The Legend of Korra season 2 episode 7, entitled "Beginnings, Part 1", we are transported back thousands of years to the origins of the Avatar world. The episode begins with Korra expressing her frustrations to Tenzin about her inability to connect with her spiritual side and enter the Avatar State. Tenzin suggests that she seek out Wan Shi Tong, the ancient and wise knowledge spirit, to learn about the origins of the Avatar cycle.

Korra's journey to find Wan Shi Tong takes her to a remote forest where she encounters a group of spirits who are being hunted by humans. Korra intervenes and saves a young fire spirit named Riya, who becomes her guide to finding Wan Shi Tong.

Wan Shi Tong resides in a vast library in the Spirit World, and only allows those who prove themselves worthy to enter. Korra is tasked with solving a riddle, and upon successfully doing so, is granted access to the library.

Once inside, Wan Shi Tong tells Korra the story of Avatar Wan, the first Avatar. We are transported back in time to the ancient city of Ye Wan, where Wan is a young thief. The city is divided into two factions, the humans who live inside the walls and the spirits who live outside. Wan is forced to live among the spirits after breaking into a palace and stealing food.

Wan befriends a monkey-like spirit named Mula, who teaches him about the spirits and their world. They become close friends, and Wan has a strong desire to bridge the gap between the humans and spirits and create peace.

One day, Wan witnesses a group of humans hunting a spirit, and in an effort to save it, he accidentally falls into the Spirit World. There he meets Raava, the spirit of light and peace. Raava explains to Wan that she is the force that keeps the world in balance and that together they can bring about harmony between the spirits and humans.

Raava merges with Wan, combining their powers and allowing Wan to access all four elements. Wan becomes the first Avatar, tasked with maintaining balance and peace in the world.

The episode ends with Korra pondering the story of Wan and how it relates to her current struggles as the Avatar. It sets the stage for the second half of the two-part episode, "Beginnings, Part 2". This episode of The Legend of Korra provides insight into the roots of the Avatar cycle and sets the stage for Korra's journey of self-discovery and growth.