Will the Fire Na’vi Become Allies?
In the world of Avatar, the Fire Na’vi, known as the Mangkwan clan or Ash People, stand out as a tough group living in Pandora’s volcanic wastelands. Unlike other Na’vi clans that bond deeply with Eywa, the great life force of the planet, these Na’vi have turned away from her after their home was wrecked by eruptions. This loss hardened them, making them resentful of other clans and open to working with humans, something rare among Na’vi.https://www.avpcentral.com/navi-clans-canon-guide[1]
The story heats up in Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third movie. Here, the Sully family, led by Jake and Neytiri, faces new dangers after losing their son Neteyam. They seek safety with the Metkayina water clan, but the Mangkwan clan attacks when the family is weak. Led by Varang, a fierce leader played by Oona Chaplin, the Ash People raid and clash hard. Varang even allies with the human villain Quaritch, who leads RDA forces, to fight anyone in their way. Her group believes fire is the purest force on Pandora and welcomes even Na’vi killers into their ranks.https://thirdcoastreview.com/film-tv/2025/12/19/review-avatar-fire-and-ash[3] https://james-camerons-avatar.fandom.com/wiki/Varang[5]
Why side with humans? The volcanic disaster stripped away their faith in Eywa and their land, leaving them hostile to nature itself. They plunder without mercy, setting up intense fights between tribes, not just Na’vi versus humans. Neytiri’s growing hate for humans like Spider adds to the family strain, while Jake struggles to trust his kids. Key figures like Kiri, who seeks a link to Eywa, and Spider, pushing for human-Na’vi peace, highlight the divides.https://www.chosun.com/english/kpop-culture-en/2025/12/17/F7D2FPAOZVBOJLIFD6QS2RSB5I/[2]
Other clans show different paths. The Tlalim, or wind merchants, help the Sully family by giving them refuge and moving them to safety with their flying caravans. Nomads who trade goods and stories, they build ties across Pandora. The Zeswa ride giant zakru herds on windy plains, fighting with skill but staying true to Na’vi ways. These groups keep Eywa’s balance, unlike the Mangkwan.https://www.avpcentral.com/navi-clans-canon-guide[1]
So far, the Fire Na’vi show no signs of alliance with the Sullys or other clans. Their pact with Quaritch drives conflict, and Varang’s fire worship sets them apart. The movie leaves their motives vague, focusing on raw clashes and new visuals like their sharp, colorful looks. While Spider hints at coexistence and Kiri finds Eywa insight, the Mangkwan stay enemies, shaking up Pandora’s unity.https://screenrant.com/avatar-fire-and-ash-pandora-future-biomes-cast-response/[4]
Sources
https://www.avpcentral.com/navi-clans-canon-guide
https://www.chosun.com/english/kpop-culture-en/2025/12/17/F7D2FPAOZVBOJLIFD6QS2RSB5I/
https://thirdcoastreview.com/film-tv/2025/12/19/review-avatar-fire-and-ash
https://screenrant.com/avatar-fire-and-ash-pandora-future-biomes-cast-response/
https://james-camerons-avatar.fandom.com/wiki/Varang
