"I'm Chong and this is my wife, Lily. We're nomads, happy to go wherever the wind takes us!"

— Chong to Aang.[1]

Chong was an easygoing and simpleminded nomad who traveled around the world accompanied by his wife, Lily, and several other nomad companions, playing songs and recounting stories. He appeared to be quite ignorant and blissful, leading a carefree lifestyle. He aided Aang and his friends on their travels to reach Omashu by informing them of the existence of the Cave of Two Lovers.

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History

During the spring of 100 AG, 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 particularly 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 continued on their nomadic journeys while Aang and his friends traveled to Omashu.[1]

Personality

Chong was generally a laid-back and optimistic person who enjoyed taking life as it came and would often improvise by singing 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 mellow to the point where he sometimes could not remember the lyrics of his own songs. He could be viewed as a slacker when it came to doing important things such as navigating the Cave of Two Lovers and was a constant source of irritation to Sokka, something he remained unaware of. Chong did not use maps and rarely had an actual destination;[2] 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.[1] Chong's instrument of choice was the dramyin.[nb 1]

Relatives

Appearances

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Book Two: Earth (土)

Trivia

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.

He appeared in the non-canon book Love Potion #8 , the third of the Ready-to-Read series.

, the third of the series. Chong and his gang of nomads were briefly mentioned as a source of knowledge for the play The Boy in the Iceberg . [3]

. Chong's right sleeve was tied and hung downward, acting as a bag.

Notes

↑ Avatar: The Last Airbender official site, originally on Chong's instrument of choice was referred to as a pipa by the olderofficial site, originally on Nick.com