| "We got benders and nonbenders living together down here, but do you see us fightin'? No siree; we've figured out how to harmoniously co-exist." |
| — Gommu explaining his lifestyle to Team Avatar.[1] |
Gommu[2] is a former telegraph operator for the United Forces, and one of the many vagabonds living in the sewers underneath Republic City.[1]
History
Early life
Gommu was born in Republic City to two immigrant nonbenders. He was raised in an orphanage until he was fifteen, when he lied about his age to join the United Forces as a telegraph operator. Working on ships as they traveled the world, Gommu grew to love the nomadic lifestyle.
When the United Forces began replacing telegraphs with radios, Gommu found himself unemployed. Unsatisfied with the stationary life, he became attracted to the nomadic vagabond culture. Eventually, he gave up his residence altogether and took to roaming the city looking for work and helping out his fellow citizens.[2] He eventually procured a fine bush in Republic City Park and made that plant his new home.[3]
Meeting Korra
Gommu met Korra in Republic City Park and quickly befriended her.
Gommu encountered Avatar Korra when she visited the park in search of food. While she was using her firebending to fry some fish she had caught in the pond, the vagabond emerged from his bush and asked if he could have one of the three "tasty-smelling fishies" Korra had caught. She granted his request and, trying to make conversation during their awkward meal, learned that the man was proud to be living in the bush from which he had emerged and that there were many more vagabonds like him in the city. This confused her, as she had previously thought that everyone in the city was "living it up", a statement met with a laugh from Gommu. After telling her that she had a lot to learn, he formally welcomed her to Republic City.
Their conversation was cut short when a guard came running toward them, yelling that they could not fish in the pond. Hopping to his feet, Gommu warned Korra that she had better "skedaddle" and promptly dove for cover in his bush. As Korra rode away on Naga, he emerged from his bush once again, waving goodbye to his new friend.[3]
Hosting Team Avatar
Gommu sent a telegram to Commander Bumi at Iroh's request in order to alert him of the Equalists' presence in Republic City.
Once the Equalists had taken over Republic City, Korra and her friends went into hiding with Gommu, who resided underground in a shelter where benders and nonbenders lived in harmony. The vagabond provided Team Avatar with food "from the best dumpsters the city [had] to offer", much to Asami's disgust.[1]
Later, after General Iroh joined the group, Team Avatar planned to send a telegram to Commander Bumi, asking for assistance. Gommu, being able to operate a telegraph, helped the group and sent the message.[1] However, the telegram was intercepted by Hiroshi Sato.[4] Gommu was upset when Team Avatar split up to fight the Equalists, proclaiming, "Good fortune and success to you, valiant heroes."[1]
Appearances
The Legend of Korra
Book One: Air (气)
- 101. "Welcome to Republic City"
- 111. "Skeletons in the Closet"
Trivia
- Gommu was referred to by Bolin as a "wise and noble hobo".[1]
- His name was created after the show had started airing, which is why he is never referred to as Gommu in the show.[5]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 DiMartino, Michael Dante, Konietzko, Bryan (writers) & Dos Santos, Joaquim, Ryu, Ki Hyun (directors). (June 23, 2012). "Skeletons in the Closet". The Legend of Korra. Book One: Air. Episode 11. Nickelodeon.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Welcome to Republic City. Nickelodeon (April 6, 2012). Retrieved on April 20, 2012.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 DiMartino, Michael Dante, Konietzko, Bryan (writers) & Dos Santos, Joaquim, Ryu, Ki Hyun (directors). (April 14, 2012). "Welcome to Republic City". The Legend of Korra. Book One: Air. Episode 1. Nickelodeon.
- ↑ DiMartino, Michael Dante, Konietzko, Bryan (writers) & Dos Santos, Joaquim, Ryu, Ki Hyun (directors). (June 23, 2012). "Endgame". The Legend of Korra. Book One: Air. Episode 12. Nickelodeon.
- ↑ New clip from the season finale of Korra. Michael Dante DiMartino (June 21, 2012). Retrieved on June 21, 2012.