Chong was an easygoing and simpleminded nomad who traveled around the world accompanied by his wife, Lily, and a couple of other nomad companions, playing songs and recounting stories. He appeared to be quite ignorant and blissful, leading a carefree, relaxed lifestyle. He aided Aang and his friends on their travels to reach Omashu by passing through the Cave of Two Lovers.
During the spring of 100 ASC, Chong and his companions encountered Team Avatar, who was journeying to Omashu near a lake and offered to lead them through a shortcut known as the Cave of Two Lovers. The band of nomads did not seem very bright and acted unusually easy-going, which became a source of frustration for the team, particularly Sokka. Although Aang at first rejected Chong's offer to lead them through the cave, quoting that Appa hated going underground, the group consented after being attacked by Fire Nation soldiers during an unsuccessful attempt to fly over the mountains.
Chong explained the key to getting through the complex labyrinth of tunnels was to trust fully in love. When traveling through the Cave of Two Lovers, however, he and the others became trapped within. To make matters worse, Sokka attempted to ward off a wolfbat by waving a lit torch around and accidentally dropped it near Appa. The bison began running around in fear, causing the ceiling to cave in which eventually created a barrier separating the group. While Aang, Katara and Appa began their journey through the maze alone, Sokka was forced to travel with Chong, much to his horror. Chong and the other nomads continually played love songs, believing it to be the key to finding their way out of the caves. They were later saved by badgermoles, who were hostile at first, but quickly warmed up after hearing the nomad's music. They served as the group's escorts out of the cave. Chong and the other nomads then continued on their nomadic journeys while Aang and his friends traveled to Omashu.[1]
Chong was generally a very laid-back and optimistic person who enjoyed taking life as it came, and oftentimes, to improvise, he sang songs on the spot. He was sometimes oblivious to what was happening around him. In general, though, he wished simply to help others see the world in a different and more fulfilling way, even if they resisted. Chong in particular was very mellow to the point where he sometimes could not remember the lyrics of his own songs. He could be viewed as a slack when it came to doing important things like navigating the Cave of Two Lovers. He was a constant source of irritation to Sokka but remained unaware of this. Chong did not use maps and rarely had an actual destination; he just "[went] wherever the wind [took him]". In fact, he noted Sokka had "destination fever" being that Sokka was only concerned with arriving at Omashu. Chong's instrument of choice was the pipa; a pear-shaped, guitar-like instrument that had additional elaborate carving at the neck and pot.[1][3]
Chong's name relates to the Chinese-Canadian actor and musician, Tommy Chong, who famously starred in the marijuana-themed Cheech and Chong comedy movies.
Chong and his companions appeared to be the Avatar World's version of hippies.
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