Taku
Physical information
Location Northwestern Earth Kingdom
Government
Position Center of commerce (abandoned)
First appearance "The Blue Spirit"
Location on map

Taku is an abandoned city located on the shores of the northwestern Earth Kingdom. Prior to the Hundred Year War, the city was an important center of commerce. However, it was destroyed by the Fire Nation during the first wave of attacks due to its strategic location and importance to the Earth Kingdom.^[1]

Contents 1 History 2 Locations 2.1 Herbalist institute 3 Notable figures 4 Trivia 5 References

History Edit

Taku's primary purpose was to distribute cargo imported from ships throughout the entire nation.^[1] After the Fire Nation recognized its position, Taku became one of the first Earth Kingdom cities to be destroyed in the Hundred Year War. However, a small number of inhabitants remained in the area, and around 60 ASC, an herbalist began teaching at the city's medical institute. Eventually, her students left to help the Earth Kingdom Army, and the herbalist became Taku's lone resident. She continued to maintain the institute, providing medical assistance for the wounded Earth Kingdom soldiers that would occasionally traverse the area.

While journeying to the Northern Water Tribe, Team Avatar took shelter within an abandoned structure in Taku. Sokka had become sick, prompting Aang to search for ginger root so he could make a medicinal tea. He could not find the herb, but did come across a map that revealed to him the location of the herbalist institute. Fearing Katara would also become sick, Aang quickly set out to consult the herbalist; however, he was forced to travel without using his glider as a lightning storm had begun. Two watchmen spotted Aang from within a scout house as he was running across a mountain walkway, and a horn was sounded to alert Fire Nation authorities that the Avatar had been found.^[2]

During his search for the Avatar, Zuko came to this village accompanied by Iroh and June, and encountered the herbalist. June's shirshu, Nyla, was able to detect that Aang had previously traveled through the area, and the group moved on after a brief conversation with the healer.^[3]

Locations Edit

Herbalist institute Edit

One of the few remaining Earth Kingdom establishments in this area, the herbalist institute is hidden high in the mountains surrounded by natural growth. The institute is over one hundred years old and was formerly a thriving establishment until the settlement was deserted. After the Fire Nation attacked, only the herbalist and her beloved pet cat, Miyuki, resided there, though wounded Earth Kingdom troops would occasionally visit the institute seeking medicinal cures.^[2] Its medicines were once sent all across the world. The location of the institute is important because the climate present is ideal for growing a variety of herbs needed to make medicines. A greenhouse is attached to the structure, holding what seems to be an endless supply of flora, some of which are considered to be the rarest in the world.^[1]

Notable figures Edit

• The herbalist
• Miyuki

Trivia Edit

• The badgermole statue seen at Taku's entrance is similar to the two Avatar Kyoshi levitated using earthbending while in the Avatar State.^[4]
• The ruins of the city are located very close to the postwar metropolis of Republic City, which, much like Taku was before the War, is also a center of commerce as seen by the cultural diversity.

References Edit

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