The Southern Air Temple
This article is about the Southern Air Temple, one of the many homes to the Air Nomads.
Introduction
The Southern Air Temple is one of the four original air temples. It is located near the center of the Patola Mountain range between the South Sea and the South Pole. It's most famous for the Avatar statue room that can be found underneath the main tower of the temple, as well as for being the original home of Avatar Aang. Spirituality and a shared feeling of liberation runs high here, at the temple above the clouds.
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Description
The temple itself was constructed atop a mountain, with winding stone pathways connecting each of the various milk-white towers, topped with blue roofs lined in gold. On the main compound, there is room for housing, farming, storage, meditation, and leisure. Due to its height, residents of the temple are often surrounded by clouds and experience a chilly climate. A bridge connects the temple to a small plaza, where there exists shops and a small public library named "Sangye's Public Library" after the previous Elder Sangye of the temple. Flying bison can be spotted in each direction, and there are various bison caves built into the sides of the mountains where they can rest.
The Library and Nel Observatory
An adjacent mountain is the host of the Southern Air Temple Library and Observatory, the architecture of which matches that of the temple. Here, dozens of books written by Air Nomads are kept and displayed in a library deep within the mountain, with twisting caves converging into a domed, globe-inspired ceiling that displays a map of the entire world. The interior of the library was constructed with the idea of independence in mind, with individual, isolated reading nooks and small alcoves throughout.
The library commenced building late in the year 309 AG, and was completed by 312 AG by Elder Nel, Watcher Astra, and Abbot Lui, with help from various members of the Watcher Branch and other Nomads alike. Along with twelve entrances shaped like miniature towers, a larger tower on the side of the mountain is where the Southern Classroom and Brewery Lab are stationed. It also serves as an entrance to library storage, the Keep, and the first and only Athenaeum, the hidden headquarters for the Watchers. Last, the Nel Observatory sits atop the mountain, a large telescope jutting out of its roof. It's the highest building at Southern, making it the perfect spot for stargazing. Model planets hang from the ceiling inside the observatory, and information about outer space can be found on display throughout the building.
The Avatar Statue Room
An ancient preservation of some of the world's most important history exists within the largest tower of the temple. The Avatar Statue Room is one of the Air Nomads' sanctuaries, protected by an airbender door mechanism. The cylindrical interior stretches multiple stories high, with a spiral ledge tracing round and round from the ceiling to the floor, where the spiral pattern is continued. Statues of all of the past Avatars are spaced evenly on the ledge, the oldest starting at the top.
History
The temple was originally, before the 100 Year War, intended to hold only male airbenders along with the Northern Air Temple. After the Air Nomad genocide of 0 AG, most if not all of the population of the temple was immediately wiped out, along with Monk Gyatso, Avatar Aang's mentor and friend. When the world started rebuilding after the war, the Air Acolytes moved into Southern led by Abbot Shung, who allowed both female and male Acolytes to inhabit the temple, a practice that still remains.
Culture
The residents of the Southern Air Temple are free-flowing spirits. Being so high in the sky, the Nomads are able to glide with the currents of the wind alongside flying bison and winged lemurs. Above the clouds, views of dawn and dusk amaze visitors and regulars alike. It's an ideal place to visit to let go of any worries and embrace nature, the likes of which Southern takes pride in its connection to. Vines and trees and plants adorn the nooks and crannies of the temple, offering a sense of peace and tranquility. Around the world, people come to the temple for infinite reasons, ones unique to themselves. But they all leave with the same feelings of lightness and liberation.
by Divvvv
Type
Monastery
The Southern Air Temple
Nation: Air Nomads Location: Patola Mountain Range
Government
Government: Council of Elders Current Elder: Southern Elder Lahio
