Avatar Kuruk is one of the Avatars who appears in the first season of Netflix’s Avatar live action.

Avatar Kuruk is an Avatar from the Water Tribe, succeeding Yangchen and preceding Kyoshi (Yvonne Chapman) of the Earth Kingdom, Roku (C. S. Lee) of the Fire Nation, and Aang (Gordon Cormier) of the Air Nomads.

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He was known for his frequent ventures into the spirit world and his determination to vanquish the dark spirits that inhabit it.

While he had minimal interaction with Aang in the animated series’ first book, he played a significantly larger role in the first season of the live action adaptation.

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All previous Avatars seen during Netflix's Avatar live action pilot episode
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Kuruk is portrayed by indigenous actor Meegwun Fairbrother, who is of Ojibway and Scottish descent.

He is best known for his portrayal of Owen Beckbie in the television drama series “Burden of Truth” (2018).

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He first appeared in episode seven, “The North,” after Aang made contact with him shortly after their arrival in the Northern Water Tribe of Agna Qel’a.

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During their meeting, Aang asked Kuruk for help in defending the city against the invading Fire Nation forces, but Kuruk refused.

Instead, he recounted a tale of his time as the Avatar, during which he encountered dark spirits deep within the Spirit Realm.

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He dedicated much of his life to eradicating them. However, he revealed that this endeavor took a heavy toll on his body and spirit. He even lost his partner, Ummi, when her face was stolen by Koh.

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He expressed that the burden of being the Avatar is fighting one’s battles alone, a sentiment that Aang refused to accept.

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Aang firmly believed in the power of friendship and teamwork, convinced that his friends would support him in his quest to save the world.

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In the season finale, “Legends,” Kuruk warned Aang that a knife containing materials from the spirit world was nearby, hinting that there was a plot to harm the Spirits during the Ice Moon event.

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As it turns out, Zhao (Ken Leung), possessing the dagger, proceeded to kill the Moon Spirit, temporarily stripping every waterbender of their abilities.

However, Princess Yue’s (Amber Midthunder) sacrifice restored the Moon Spirit, bringing balance back to the world.

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