Neytiri’s faith in Eywa is tested across the Avatar films, and she does question Eywa at times—mostly from grief, anger, and the fear that the Great Mother is not protecting those she loves. Evidence for this appears in character arcs and interviews about the sequels, where Neytiri’s loss and spiritual struggle are central to her behavior and choices[3][2].
Neytiri’s relationship with Eywa in the original Avatar is one of devotion and reverence. Eywa is presented as the living, spiritual network that connects all life on Pandora, and Neytiri grows up within that belief system, taught by her mother Mo’at and her clan[1][2]. Early scenes in the franchise emphasize that the Na’vi interpret natural signs as Eywa’s guidance, and Neytiri initially acts as a faithful adherent when those signs appear[1].
After traumatic events in the sequels, however, Neytiri’s faith is strained. In later films she suffers deep personal losses that lead her to mourn, lash out, and reevaluate what Eywa’s role is in the world—whether Eywa actively intervenes to prevent suffering or merely exists as a cosmic balance that does not always align with individual desire[3][2]. Cast and production commentary describe Neytiri as “in such a dark place” after these losses and note that part of her journey is questioning everything she once believed[3]. Critics’ coverage of newer entries also describes scenes where Neytiri leans on faith in Eywa, yet simultaneously expresses doubt as she confronts grief and the limits of that faith[2].
This questioning is not portrayed as simple disbelief. Rather, the narrative frames it as an anguished, human response by a devoted Na’vi who sees loved ones harmed despite a belief in a protective Great Mother. In several moments described by reviews and coverage, Neytiri both returns to rituals and spiritual practices and acts from rage and desperation, indicating a complex, ambivalent relationship rather than outright apostasy[2][3]. The storylines around new characters, such as Kiri, also expand the portrayal of Eywa—from a guiding maternal force to an active, mysterious intelligence that some Na’vi can feel or contact directly—complicating Neytiri’s understanding of what Eywa is and how she acts[1].
On a thematic level, Neytiri’s questioning serves narrative functions:
– It humanizes her, showing that even deeply held beliefs can be strained by loss and injustice[3].
– It creates dramatic tension between faith and action, pushing Neytiri toward choices driven by protection, vengeance, or reconciliation[2][3].
– It allows the franchise to explore Eywa not as a simple deus ex machina but as a complex, sometimes inscrutable force whose presence is felt differently by different characters[1][2].
Taken together, the films and commentary portray Neytiri’s doubts as temporary, emotionally driven struggles within a broader continuing belief in Eywa. She returns to rituals and to the idea of the Great Mother even while wrestling with whether Eywa’s ways are just or sufficient to prevent tragedy[2][3]. The introduction of characters who have unusual connections to Eywa adds another layer: if Eywa can sometimes be contacted directly, then questioning her purpose becomes both a spiritual and practical concern for the Na’vi as they seek guidance and protection[1].
Sources
https://comicbook.com/movies/feature/16-years-later-the-most-important-avatar-character-is-finally-revealed-and-their-look-isnt-surprising/
https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/avatar-fire-and-ash-2025/
https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/avatar-fire-ash-cast/
