The Na'vi (English: The People) are a species of sapient humanoids who inhabit the lush moon of Pandora.
They are hunter-gatherers with technology equivalent of Earth's Paleolithic epoch, along with a society that is essentially Neolithic.[4] The Na'vi are also not to be confused with the similar-looking avatars or Recombinants.
The lifestyles of Na'vi clans are highly varied with their own unique traditions and beliefs, and they have developed sophisticated cultures. With the exception of the Mangkwan clan, they share a profound spiritual connection to other life on their moon, each other, and an encompassing "goddess" they call Eywa.
The Na'vi are engaged in a violent war with the Resources Development Administration comprised of humans from Earth. The war started after the organization aimed to harvest a rare mineral known as unobtanium and failed to negotiate a peaceful solution. Conflicts escalated and led to the RDA destroying the Omatikaya clan's hometree, as well as a failed attempt to destroy the Tree of Souls. The Na'vi defeated the RDA and expelled them from Pandora, winning the First Pandoran War. However, the RDA returned fourteen years later to fully colonize Pandora due to the worsening conditions on Earth, initiating the Second Pandoran War. Some clans have allied with like-minded humans to form The Resistance and fight back against the colonization efforts. The RDA seeks to convince humanity that the Na'vi are uncivilized beasts, which will undoubtedly reduce the costs involved in doing their work.
The size of Na'vi varies by region and genetic history. The average male stands at 9' 7" (292 cm) tall,[5] while female Na'vi are slightly smaller. The maximum observed size is 3.9 meters (~12 feet, 10 inches).[1][3] Adult Na'vi males in the region of Australis surrounding Hell’s Gate average 3 meters in height and 210 kg (463 pounds). Females in this region average 2.8 meters/190 kg (419 pounds). Further sexual dimorphism can be seen in that males possess prominent musculature pectoral tendons, which is not observed in females.
The Na'vi are overall humanoid in their anatomy, though they also possess feline features such as flat, bifurcated noses; pointed ears that can move independently and a long, prehensile tail used for gripping and balance. Their necks are long and their bodies are slender, with a narrow, elongated waist and wide shoulders that create a V-shaped upper back. Distinctly separating them from humans, native Na'vi possess only four digits on each hand and foot, including an opposable thumb and thumb toe. Dentition is similar to humans, although canines are more pronounced. The Na'vi skull is proportionately small, compared to a human head/body ratio, and is characterized by high cheekbones and a protruding snout.
The Na'vi typically have fit, slender, and muscular bodies, likely due to their active lifestyles preventing obesity. Despite their thin proportions, their musculature is sharply defined and they have roughly four times the strength of even the strongest human. Elderly Na'vi do not seem to suffer mobility issues and muscular degradation like humans. The Na'vi use their superior strength, agility, and uncanny sense of balance to scale trees, rocks, and other obstacles with ease. In the unlikely case of a fall, they usually escape unharmed, as their bones are reinforced with a type of naturally occurring carbon fiber.
Queue[]
Like all Pandoran creatures, the Na'vi possess a queue, a long appendage ending in hair-like pinkish tendrils that are extensions of the nervous system. This organ plays many key roles in Na'vi culture, allowing them to bond with animals, access the memories of their ancestors through Eywa, or bond with one another to view each other's memories.
Eyes[]
Close-up of a Na'vi eye.
Na'vi eyes are large and sensitive to wavelengths of light inclusive of the human visual range, and beyond into near-infrared. Their eyes are adapted for nocturnal hunting. The eye is four times human size, by volume.
Eye colors typically range from yellow to orange, but green and blue eyes are not uncommon. The pupils will retro-reflect green light at night, due to a layer of light amplifying cells in the retina. The eyes are oriented well forward, as with most predators, for binocular vision. Na'vi are known to process stereopsis at a much finer level than the human visual system, and can detect the range and speed of moving objects two to three times more accurately than humans can.
Skin[]
Close-up of a Na'vi skin pattern.
Na'vi skin is smooth and iridescent, appearing within the blue color spectrum, ranging from greener cyans found in oceanic clans to deeper blues seen in jungle-fairing Na'vi such as the Omatikaya. The color is due to the presence of cyanin pigment which produces colors in the blue, purple and cyan spectrum, and can "tan" to a darker purple color after prolonged UV exposure.
Na'vi blood is red, utilizing an iron compound similar to hemoglobin to transport oxygen.[1][6] The interaction of skin pigment with subsurface blood flow creates the characteristic blue and purplish shades of Na’vi skin color. Pigment patterns vary widely but are generally bands and stripes of darker blues on a field of lighter blue and cyan tones. The pigment becomes darker and shifts toward purple with long exposure to sunlight. The pigment attenuates in density on the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, and the inside surface of the ear cartilage. Every Na'vi has a unique skin pattern, especially identifiable on the face.
Lo'ak's freckle-like bioluminescent marks glowing light blue due to his intense emotions.
Bioluminescent markings, resembling freckles, dot the skin and seem to follow the circulatory or nervous system. This is due to bioluminescent skin cells that produce the noctilucase enzymes which emit light when ambient light levels are low. These cells are grouped in lines and patterns of dots that are specific to each individual, and these markings are used by scientists to identify individuals during the study of group dynamics and social interactions, when recorded with photomultiplier cameras. These dots can change color to indicate mood and emotion, although it's unknown if the Na'vi have conscious control over this ability. These marks assist the Na'vi in identifying each other, especially at night.
Hair[]
A rare Na'vi with dirty blonde hair seen in Frontiers of Pandora.
The vast majority of Na'vi have dark brown or black hair on their heads, although some do exhibit lighter shades of brown. More rarely, dirty blonde has been observed, although it is unclear if it is due to genetics, bleaching (e.g. sun bleaching) or dyes. The Na'vi do not appear to have their hair grey with age.
They appear to have no other body hair except eyelashes that appear occasionally, and some have a small bob of fur on the end of their tails. Their head hair can differ in texture from straight to tightly curled. The back of their head hair is sectioned off and braided around their queue for protection.
Tails[]
All Na'vi have a long prehensile tail. This is used for balance, acting as a moving countermass to smooth out the stride at a full run, and to assist with direction changes. The tail is also used for social cues regarding emotional states, as are the ears. Some Na'vi subspecies can suspend their weight from their tail, but the Na'vi in the Hell's Gate region cannot. They have been observed however using the prehensile tip of the tail to grip tree limbs and vines during climbing, and to help arrest a fall.[7]
Diversification[]
A Na'vi of the Ocean, who has more fin-like arms.
Although scientists consider the Na'vi to be a single species, there is a unique level of diversification and morphological variation among them comparable to domesticated dogs of Earth. The Na'vi show evidence of rapid evolution to widely varied habitats.[8] An example of this is the Metkayina clan, an oceanic group of Na'vi who have evolved to an aquatic lifestyle by developing fin-like arms and legs, broad, paddle-shaped tails, greener skin with more watery stripes, and blue/green eyes with nictitating membranes. Exactly how many "races" of Na'vi exist is unclear.
Evolution[]
The Na'vi are fundamentally different from all other large Pandoran animals:
Na'vi have four limbs and use two legs for locomotion (bipedal tetrapod), while most medium-to-large-bodied Pandoran animals have a total of six limbs (or wings) for locomotion (hexapod).
Na'vi only have a single pair of eyes while almost all other medium-to-large bodied Pandoran animals have two pairs of eyes; one primary set and another slightly smaller set.
Most medium-to-large bodied Pandoran animals have two queues extending backward from the head, while the Na'vi only have a single queue.
Most medium-to-large bodied Pandoran animals possess twin operculi near the shoulder/breast bone which supplies air for both respiration as well as internal body temperature regulation, while the Na'vi possess no such structures.
Na'vi using gill mantles.
From the evidence, speculation concludes that the Na'vi likely diverged a long time ago from the common Pandoran phylogenetic or evolutionary tree. This is supported by the existence of prolemuris, and its physical similarities to the Na'vi. Although prolemuri appear to be bipedal hexapods while the Na'vi completely lack the second forelimb, prolemuris's forelimbs are partially fused and split at the elbow; this indicates they likely experienced a form of limb fusion at some point during their evolution, and that the Na'vi did as well, but to a further extent. Terrestrial lemurs share a common primate ancestry with humans, the presence of a lemur-like creature on Pandora suggests a similar evolutionary relationship between the Na'vi and other extinct or unobserved species with primate morphology. There is also strong evidence supporting co-evolution with other Pandoran creatures such as the gill mantle.
Lifecycle[]
Reproduction[]
A male Na'vi infant.
Na'vi are monogamous and the process of their reproduction is similar to Terran mammals, as they possess genitalia; however, though they nurse their young and possess belly buttons where they were once connected to an umbilical cord, the Na'vi are non-placental mammals,[9] thus the details of their internal biology and gestation period are unknown.
A female Na’vi will typically produce from one to ten offspring, often spaced widely apart in time. Female Na'vi have two breasts and nurse their infants for up to four months.
Some Na'vi elect to abstain from reproduction, despite being sexually active; it is not known how contraception is accomplished in this case, although the Na’vi appear to be quite sophisticated in this regard.
Directly after birth, newborn Na'vi perform their first instance of tsaheylu with their mother to form a strong emotional bond and with her, then they are brought to the Tree of Souls to connect to the Pandoran collective consciousness for the first time.
Despite being a hybrid species, avatars are able to reproduce with Na'vi. In these cases, there is a chance for the children of such unions to inherit human features such as eyebrows, five fingers, and human-like noses, but it is also possible for them to be born near-indistinguishable from a native Na'vi.[10]
Although lifespan data is incomplete, it is estimated Na'vi live 30% longer than the average human.[8] Once born, Na'vi children mature more rapidly than humans. For example, Tuktirey is already 5' 7" by the age of seven. Na'vi reach mental, physical, and cultural adulthood between the ages of 15 - 17 Terran years.[11] Afterward, Na'vi experience a "plateau" of adulthood without physical decline.
Death[]
The Omatikaya burial of a deceased Na'vi.
After their death, a deceased Na'vi's remains are laid to rest by their clan's traditional method. For example, while one clan may bury bodies under a tree, another clan lets their banshees eat their corpses. The Zeswa leave their clan when they sense their death approaching, and become legendary warriors known as Dusk Riders in clan mythology.
After a Na'vi dies, a copy of their consciousness can be accessed via connection sites like the Tree of Souls. The memories and voices seen within the spirit trees are merely interactive memories people can have conversations with.[12] The copy within Eywa appears unable to learn and retain new information and possesses only the memories they had when they last connected to Eywa; this means they cannot remember their own death.[13] However, these backups can still influence the future, and even carry the legacy of a Na'vi beyond the grave. An example of this is when the Sarentu connected to Entu and learned more about the Sarentu from the memory backup of Entu.
Society and Culture[]
Habitat and Range[]
The inside of a Hometree with a central spiraling staircase leading to the upper areas.
The Na'vi live across various biomes of Pandora in territorial clan societies. Although their population is highly concentrated in the jungle regions of Pandora, they can also be found living in deserts, mesas, icy tundras, tropical reefs, wetlands, and mountainous regions. Some even live in volcanic regions, like the Mangkwan clan.[1][3]
Some Na'vi clans, including the Omatikaya clan and Aranahe clan, live in tremendously large ancient trees they call Kelutral, or "Hometree". Others, like the Kame'tire, live in large centralized villages and smaller encampments spread out over a large territory.
The Na'vi prefer to sleep in large groups for physical closeness and comfort. This arrangement also acts as an effective early warning system in the event of danger. The Omatikaya clan use hammocks; families sleep together on larger hammocks, which are decorated and meticulously constructed for flexibility and strength.[14] Hammocks are made in a variety of sizes, some for individuals, some for couples, and others for families.
Clans and Social Systems[]
The Na'vi enjoyed a mostly peaceful lifestyle before the arrival of humans.
The Na'vi have an egalitarian social organization built around hunting, foraging, and handicraft. Common roles within a clan include hunters, gatherers, and artisans, as well as warriors; however, warriors are not called such because they fight as a career - all warriors are hunters first and foremost, and only serve as warriors when they are called upon to fight for their clan.
Clans have an average of 300 members and are traditionally led by an Olo'eyktan, a central leader responsible for overseeing and giving orders to the clan, and a tsahìk, a spiritual leader or shaman who communes with Eywa and nourishes the clan spiritually. It is traditional in certain clans for these leaders to be a mated pair, though this is not always the case, and the relationship between an Olo'eyktan and tsahìk can be highly varied. These leaders will also train an heir, whether it be their child (e.g. Neytiri) or an individual who has proven themselves capable of the role (e.g. Tsu'tey). Independent shamans also exist, which the Na'vi call tiretu.
Yeyatley, the closest Na'vi resembling a main leader in the 2160s.
The Na'vi have a Council of Elders where high-rankings members, such as Yeyatley and Pentìyaru, gather together and make important choices or discuss controversial matters.
Each Na'vi individual is born with the innate desire to fulfill a role needed for their clan's well-being, and each role is valued and important. The distribution of roles within a clan remains balanced as the spiritual energy of the deceased influence the natural inclinations of each child towards their desired path in life. It is said that Na'vi are defined by their actions.[15]
It is not uncommon for Na'vi to switch clans, sometimes due to disagreements, exile, or even boredom and wishing to try a different lifestyle, as seen in cases such as Ateyo, Artsut, and Hawm. Because the Na'vi value autonomy and the ability for their people to have freedom and make their own life choices for their own happiness, the Na'vi are in no way obligated to live and die in the clan they are born in, and many Na'vi are independent travelers. Uturu exists as a universal Na'vi code, allowing weary travelers rest within a clan even if they are not accepted as a clan member.
One community basket.
The Na'vi do not use money or a currency system.[16][17] It could be argued the Na'vi are effectively a classless and cashless democratic-communist society (with the exception of the olo'eyktan and tsahìk being expected to lead). Poverty, homelessness, and the idea of "rich" and "poor" Na'vi do not appear to exist as a result, greatly contrasting human culture.
Instead, many clans have "community baskets" where individuals can donate supplies and ensure everyone has what they need to thrive. They value members doing favors for each other (reciprocity), and feel comfortable giving away more valuable items when they see people doing their fair share, building a system of trust, friendship and healthy camaraderie within the community where everyone gets what they need, and no one is left behind to suffer. Trading with the Tlalim clan is done through bartering instead with food, tools, textiles and crystals.
The Na'vi, by human standards, do not follow stereotypical gender roles. The common roles within a clan are not divided by gender, only by ability and necessity. For example, many male Na'vi do not become warriors or hunters, only learning essential self-defense in the wilderness, and instead often choose to focus on child-rearing or crafts such as weaving. Likewise, female Na'vi are known to be active hunters, warriors, and clan leaders. The training for a role culminates in a rite of passage; in many clans, Iknimaya is undertaken by hunters, and Uniltaron (Dream Hunt) by all members to be considered an adult and permitted to choose a mate.[3]
The arts are of vital importance in Na’vi culture, with all individuals encouraged, even socially required, to be active in music, singing, dancing, weaving and ceramics. The latter two are considered tseovi (works of art) and it is viewed as a high honor when clothing (such as a necklace) reaches tseovi status.[citation needed]
"Take Only What You Need"[]
A Na'vi collecting delta tree leaves.
In Na'vi belief, the mightiest warrior is part of the same web of life that includes the tiniest glow worm. What this means is that nothing materially is taken for granted, and nothing is wasted so they only use what they need. For example, if they were humans, they would only use the bare minimum of paper towels to dry their hands instead of grabbing a massive handful. They would also not waste food; instead they would preserve leftovers, rather throwing fine food away into the trash, or give it to someone else. This means they also use objects to their full extent such as when it needs to be repaired. This philosophy is known to them as the Na'vi Way.[18]
The Na'vi are not materialistic by nature, and seem to follow asceticism, a philosophy in which they value spiritual purity within people more than what is in the material physical world such as objects, indulgence, or pleasures of the flesh.[citation needed] They discourage greed and encourage sharing, so they do not possess many personal items. Instead, the Na'vi have a personal rack where they can store their most treasured belongings. By tradition, a Na'vi cannot build their own rack. Instead, they must be given one as a gift from a friend or family member. The long hours and craftsmanship needed to create the racks are considered powerful symbols of filial and familial love. It is believed that the ritual helps strengthen clan bonding.
Spirituality and Philosophy[]
Jake using tsaheylu to communicate with Eywa through the Tree of Souls.
The Na'vi do not follow an organized religion, but do possess deep spirituality and some elements of superstition. For example, they view their songcord as similar to good luck charms, potentially having the ability to ward off evil spirits.[19] However, it seems likely some Na'vi are more or less superstitious than others, as opposed to them being a monolith with the same beliefs and levels of skepticism. The Mangkwan clan does not follow Eywa, for example. Lo'ak also expressed doubt regarding the power of prayer.
Central to the Na'vi is seeing all aspects of nature, all the biosphere of Pandora, including themselves, as a single connected system, a globally distributed consciousness, known to them as Eywa, the Great Mother or All-Mother, a "goddess" whose influence exists in living beings. They see the rich tapestry of life as a network of energy that flows through themselves and animals, temporarily bringing them individual life. Thus, the Na'vi believe that all living beings have a "soul" or spiritual counterpart called the vitra ("animus" in English) that is eventually reabsorbed into and reborn as living matter as another part of Eywa in an eternal cycle of death and rebirth. Na'vi and animals have free will and are not, strictly speaking, a part of Eywa in the same way a child is not a part of the mother, but was brought into life due to her.
They do not seem to believe in the idea of a heaven or an afterlife as a result, but merely harmony with Eywa after death. They are taught that their lives are finite and only borrowed, and one day, they will have to give their life energy back. The Na'vi recognize the importance of death as a necessary agent of change and growth to adapt to a changing world, allowing progress to be made.[3]
Unlike some religions from Earth, the Na'vi do not personify and worship non-living forces of the world, such as mountains, rivers, or volcanoes, nor do they view Eywa as an infinitely powerful and omniscient deity who creates and governs the cosmos and is responsible for disasters, diseases and other events. They also know that Eywa defends and guides life itself, but will not protect or favor an individual or group over another - however, in times of assault on the biosphere and the balance of life itself, she acts to protect Pandora. Na'vi nonetheless pray to Eywa in times of need or for comfort.
The Na'vi believe woodsprites are omens of Eywa.
Sites like the Tree of Souls and the Spirit Tree, Tree of Voices or the Bloom of Echoes are sacred to the Na'vi, as they allow them to connect with Eywa herself, as well as access the "archived" selves of their deceased loved ones and ancestors, living as other parts of Eywa. They also view woodsprites and kinglor as messengers of Eywa.
The Three Laws of Eywa[]
Unlike the technologically advanced human civilization on Earth, the Na'vi see themselves not as separate from, but part of a greater wholeness of nature. The Na'vi desire to live in harmony with their world, and their oneness with Eywa provides them with a sense of certainty, selfless values and pure motives. They strive to live in perfect harmony with their environment, taking only the resources required. Their low-impact lifestyle means a clan only lives on what it needs to sustain itself, to prevent waste and unnecessary damage to nature. Although each Na'vi clan has its own culture with rich history, art, music, and code of dress, all Na'vi are centralized by the Three Laws of Eywa, or the "Na'vi Way": [3]
"You shall not set stone upon stone."
"Neither shall you use the turning wheel."
"Nor use the metals of the ground."
The rules governing the Na'vi way of life expressed in these laws protects the balance of Pandora's ecosystem and leaves them closely resembling humans' Neolithic period in terms of technological development. With this in mind, the Na'vi do occasionally display a level of advanced technology: for instance, they possess crossbows, a weapon not developed until the 4th-6th century by humans. The Tawkami clan have also developed a sophisticated form of chemistry and the Anurai clan practice astronomy.[20] The Kame'tire clan have been observed creating prostheses for clan members with missing limbs.
The Na'vi also have several cultural concepts in addition to their ways, such as seeing, a philosophy centered around letting go of past negative experiences and pre-conceived notions, learning to experience things as if encountering them for the first time and understand others without bias or judgment; and uturu, a custom that dictates that refuge must be provided to all weary travelers who seek it.[21]
Inventions and Technology[]
Tools made from bone instead of metal in order to follow the Three Laws of Eywa.
The Na'vi are not as technologically advanced as humanity due to following the Three Laws of Eywa. However, they have still developed many tools and objects that come from natural-derived means. For example, they do not need computers because Eywa gets the job done and is essentially their biological computer storing information and knowledge. Because Pandora's plants and wildlife exhibit plenty of colorful bioluminescence at night, there is no need for them to build lampposts and electric lighting everywhere, although they still use some bladder lanterns and fire-based lighting such as fire bowls.
A Na'vi enjoying a peaceful canoe ride.
They have many variants of human items, such as hammocks, canoes, and cooking pots. Marui are eye-catching woven houses. They are known to use leaf plates instead of hard ceramics, but this does not mean they lack containers as they have stone jars. They have also made weapons such as bows, axes, spears, and knives. The Tlalim clan have even invented airships.
Various Na'vi clans have developed sophisticated forms of medicine. The Na'vi have been known to reject offers of medical supplies from humans, implying their current medical advancements suit all of their needs.
Clothing[]
Neytiri wearing a unique outfit.
The Na'vi wear little clothing and do not seem to have a concept of personal modesty. They cover their genital region and women do cover their breasts/nipples, but often only slightly so. It is common for men and boys to be almost entirely shirtless. They do not seem to wear shoes (hawnven), although sometimes some footwear has been shown to cover their heels.
Clothing is considered pxen (functional clothing) or ioi (adornments or ceremonial apparel).[22] "Pxen" includes clothing items that serve the purpose of protecting, hiding, or directly assisting in some activity, such as loincloths, leggings and helmets. "Ioi" includes necklaces and cummerbunds.
Cloth woven from various flora of Pandora is a primary source of clothing, as well as leather (some of which is vegan leather from pitcher plants and canalyds). Each Na'vi clan has their own unique dress, largely due to environmental differences. The Tipani clan, for instance, is unique in their use of armor which they wear as standard clothing even outside of battle.
Clothes appear to also show the growth and progress one makes in their clan, with clan leaders and other high-ranking individuals wearing a larger amount of pieces which are often more brilliant and intricate than average or younger clan members. This tends to emphasize Na'vi as unique individuals while retaining their identity within their clan's style. Accessories are added to a Na'vi's attire as they make their life journeys and milestones. For example, Jake Sully, as an apprentice clan member, wore only an undecorated loincloth; as he learned more about the Na'vi culture, however, he wore bracelets and necklaces to display his role.[23] After completing Uniltaron, he obtained a cummerbund.
Some Na'vi are known to decorate themselves using tattoos and body paint. Currently, reef clans like the Meykayina and Ta'unui are the only clan observed to tattoo, and their tattoos held spiritual significance and are considered gifts from Eywa. Some Na'vi also wear piercings (tsang), earrings (miktsang) and nose rings (ontsang).
Na'vi take pride in their clothing and appearance as a form of artistic self-expression. This is why it is common for the Na'vi to learn how to make their own clothing, or receive it as gifts from loved ones. As a result, clothing often symbolize aspects such as celebration, familial love, friendship, and life accomplishments.
Clans have their own unique food sources and cuisine depending on the environment they live. Marine clans such as the Metkayina clan eat more fish, while the Zeswa clan drink the milk of zakru whom they protect and share emotional bonds with. A word exists for dairy products called okupsyu. The diets of clans are not set in stone, and change over time as they learn and share the cuisine of other clans, exchanging recipes and ingredients.
The Na'vi are shown to be an omnivorous species in a hunter-gatherer society. They forage for seeds ( ayrina'), fruit (mauti), vegetables (fkxen), and nuts (tskxemauti) and hunt both large and small game.
They have incipient agriculture[1] in the form of cultivation (ska'waylu, which translates roughly as "encouragement"), a practice in which plants are brought together and treated with pheromones and other natural agents, which guide their growth to form useful structures.[24] Some clans, however, like the Rey'tanu clan, are beginning to develop more advanced agriculture (farming) as they are reducing their numbers of hunters, choosing to eat fruit (turtle pears) instead of animals.
Although the Na'vi resemble felines, they are not obligate carnivores and their pronounced canines are more likely a result of sexual dimorphism. The Na'vi hunt animals for survival purposes and resources only. Fatao mentions Na'vi hunt only for survival and nothing else.[25]Sturmbeest hunting is popular because it means less animals have to die due to the greater abundance of animal flesh.[citation needed]
Neytiri saddened by the unnecessary killing of a viperwolf.
The Na'vi view all unnecessary animal death as tragic and try to minimize the suffering inflicted on the animal as much as possible, as shown when Neytiri is impressed by one of Jake's "clean" kills, mentioning it is necessary for hunters to accomplish. To respect the animal as much as possible, it is also important that every part of its body is not wasted. It is considered offensive to the animal if a ground rack is unclean. The Na'vi also recite a prayer for every animal slain, translated into English as:
" I See you, Brother, and thank you. Your spirit goes with Eywa, your body stays behind to become part of the People."
When the Na'vi take eggs from creatures such as the coronis, they tend to only take one egg from a nest so that the animals can still thrive.[26]
The Na'vi have their own etiquette surrounding food. Wherever possible, it is preferred that the Na'vi return their findings to their home's community basket so their clan has a larger variety. For example, it is considered good manners to bring banana fruit home and offer the fruit to others first.
It is unknown to what extent Na'vi are able to consume human food, though it may be possible given that the Sarentu has eaten RDA ration packs. On one occasion, a Na'vi ate chocolate and complained about it having a hideous smell, having a strange blend of sweetness and bitterness, and called it an odd snack. This may imply that while Na'vi can eat human food, they still have sensitive taste buds and do not find human cuisine particularly appetizing.
Relationship with Animals[]
Lo'ak and his spirit brother, Payakan.
The Na'vi have deep relationships to many animal species, and they believe animals have spirits.[27] They are aware animals are sentient and have the capacity to suffer. While many humans subscribe to the idea of "might makes right" or are ambivalent towards animal suffering, the Na'vi instead have a belief called the Great Balance which encourages Na'vi not to exploit animals. For example, while they use animals for materials, they are highly careful not to exploit them and the resources they can bring. Many Na'vi dishes do not include meat.[28] The Na'vi do not wear body paint while hunting animals.[29]
Art made by a Na'vi child at Alma Cortez's school depicting a banshee (ikran) rider.
They also believe Eywa only resides in certain animals. The Na'vi have symbiotic relationships and friendships with many fauna. They can connect to the animals which have queues as a form of bonding, and can even view a tulkun's memory. The Na'vi tend to dislike it if others (i.e. the Sky People) treat animals like property, as mentioned by Karmong.
The Na'vi have many stories about animals, folk tales, and even insects such as the trickster mantis. They believe they can learn wisdom and life lessons from animals, and recognize they are going through their own journeys on Pandora, viewing them as life expressing itself in unique and different ways.
Animals used for materials (sturmbeest/hexapede) are highly revered, as are companion animals like banshees and direhorses. Animals are common staples of Na'vi artwork. The Omatikaya clan in particular makes toys modeled after animals. While this provides knowledge to children about the abilities animals have, it also fosters care, compassion and respect for animals.
The Na'vi do not seem to exploit animals for entertainment, though they will occasionally play with animals in non-harmful ways, such as disturbing fan lizards.
A tapirus, a pig-like animal the Na'vi live with like a pet.
These are examples of animals which Na'vi have bonds with:
Stingbat - some Na'vi tame them and teach them tricks.
Zakru are revered and protected by the Na'vi of the Upper plains.
ikran are for aerial riding which the Na'vi form a lifelong bond with.
Traditionally, once a young Na'vi has passed the tests on the path to adulthood and has been accepted into the clan as an adult, they are allowed to choose a mate, and the mate must choose them back as well. Once an appropriate mate has been selected, a process that can take many years, they will go to a sacred area such as the Tree of Voices. There, the pair will connect queues before they have sex to create an emotional bond that lasts a lifetime. While this is highly erotic, it only increases the arousal that already present. This in itself is not a sex act nor does it lead to reproduction. While most Na'vi are heterosexual, gay couples are not uncommon.
Despite being a mostly peaceful race, conflict in and between clans is not unheard of in Na'vi society. War is rare but does occur, typically when a clan is pushed into the territory of another due to external causes, rather than a purposeful invasion. War between Na'vi is characterized by brief periods of intense battle followed immediately by discussion, negotiations, and strives toward a peaceful solution. Excessive or unnecessary death and bloodshed are never reported, as that is not the goal.[4] Additionally, the Mangkwan clan are known to be raiders who attack and raid other clans during their travels.[30]
Conflict within clans is also atypical and usually resolved quickly through peaceful means, or by ceremonial combat (fpeio). However, if a solution cannot be reached for an especially divisive issue, First Blood may be invoked: a non-lethal combat ceremony. Despite the goal of the ritual not being to kill one's opponent, First Blood is considered especially dangerous, as the outcome of the agreement is permanently binding and cannot be negotiated after the ritual's completion.
Lo'ak fighting Aonung.
After relocating to the Metkayina clan, the Sully children are bullied for being forest Na'vi, specifically their inability to hold their breath underwater for long periods as well as having thin tails. This suggests that young Na'vi are not immune from prejudice and bullying.
Na'vi converse vocally in a manner similar to humans (physiologically).[31] The Na'vi language is entirely oral, likely because there is little for them to write when Eywa holds the memories of their ancestors, and they entrust other Na'vi to accurately deliver their messages to others. As such, they do not have a writing system, but they do use pictograms.[32]
The Na'vi speak a single unified language shared by their entire species, although they do have different dialects. Theories as to why the Na'vi language has remained so consistent vary and point to the Na'vi's oral storytelling traditions, their early domestication of flying mounts allowing them to travel quickly, and the Pandoran neural network, which allows clans to stay connected to one another across vast distances. Na'vi brain structure and memory is also proposed to play a part in this phenomenon.
Beside oral language, body gestures are used to communicate. The Na'vi do not share typical human gestures. For example, they do not nod their head to mean "yes" and they do not shake their head to mean "no". When Jake Sully went in for a handshake to greet Eytukan, he viewed this action, which was supposed to be polite and well-intentioned to Jake, as being offensive and out-of-place, causing the clan to become alerted. Rather than a handshake, when Na'vi encounter or greet one another, they gesture with their hand from their forehead, extending one hand down toward the other. They marry this gesture with the phrase "oel ngati kameie" (I see you). When Na'vi feel as if they are going to communicate something important to other Na'vi, they have a tendency to take the listener's hand.[33] Some clans have developed a sign language for underwater communication.
Naming Conventions[]
If a man is born, their full name includes their father's name, while a woman will include the name of her mother. An example is "Tsu’tey te Rongloa Ateyitan", which denotes Tsu'tey is the son of Ateyo of the Rongloa family. Neytiri te Tskaha Mo'at'ite means Neytiri is the daughter of Mo'at in the Tskaha family. The male name ends with "'itan" meaning (son) while "'ite" means daughter. It is unclear if this naming convention applies to all Na'vi clans.
According to what has been seen so far, due to the way their language is structured, Na'vi names do not begin with the letters B, C, D, G, J, Q and X. Their names do not contain these letters either, with the exception of G (as seen with Varang, Ahulang, Hayngwìk, etc). It is not part of their language to begin a name with ch- or j- sounds. It seems very common for Na'vi names to begin with T, and that W is extremely rare. Names do not repeat letters, otherwise an apostrophe is placed between them, such as Ka'ani. "Eetu" was renamed "Itu" for this purpose. However, whether different dialects stray from these conventions are unknown. Names also often contain apostrophes which show that the name should be pronounced with a gluttal stop. Names that break these rules (e.g. Ookmaya has two O's) come from non-canon media.
Currently, no two Na'vi are observed to share the same name. Whether this is a coincidence or it is meant to emphasize their individuality is unknown. Lo'ak was nearly named after Entu, his clan ancestor, but this was rejected.
Songcords[]
A Na'vi wearing their unique songcord on their arm.
Part of the clan's oral tradition is the songcord, a mnemonic device that aids in oral recounting. These intricately strung strings of beads and other objects represent a Na'vi's personal history. Whenever a significant event happens in their life, they add an item to the cord. Larger songcords can represent entire families and clans or recount sets of data. Song in general is especially important to the Na'vi, with much of their history being recounted through ancient songs known as way, and the earliest accounts of their society documented in the First Songs.
Because Na'vi only have four fingers on each hand, their counting system is based on the number eight. They use this octal arithmetic in their daily life. Early in the history of their language, the Na'vi had no words for numbers higher than mevol (16), the sum of all fingers and toes on their body. Anything more was simply called pxay (many). Octal numbers can easily be confused with decimal numbers unless a numeral 8 or 9 is present or the number is followed by a subscript to indicate the base system used, 8 for the octal system, or 10 for a decimal system.
History[]
A Na'vi cave painting depicting the legendary Toruk Makto.
It has been estimated that the Na'vi evolved on Pandora over the course of 12 million years, making the Na'vi older than humanity. Studies by xenoanthropologists suggest that the Na'vi have experienced few evolutionary changes or changes in population numbers since then. This can be explained by Pandora's balanced ecosystem and a lack of external pressures to adapt, meaning that there was simply no need for the Na'vi to change their ways.[34]
Despite having no written language, the Na’vi have an exceptionally clear and consistent oral history going back to around 16,000 BCE. The Na'vi are a proud people who place great importance on sharing stories of their ancestors with the next generation. These tales, referred to by the Na'vi as the First Songs, are not written down, but form a rich oral history. Scenes from them are depicted in cave paintings and artifacts. The societies portrayed in the First Songs are fundamentally very similar to the Na'vi clans of today, despite the great passage of time between them. The First Songs the Na'vi teach their children thus remain relevant for generation after generation.
Xenoanthropologists have difficulty separating Na'vi myth from history, since all Na’vi stories are considered fact by the Na'vi, although many clearly have outlandish mythic elements.
One of the most famous Na'vi legend tells of the adventures of Omatikaya clan members Entu and Ralu, along with Tsyal of the Tawkami clan. These three youngsters set out on a quest across Pandora and the various Na'vi clans to save the Tree of Souls from the threat of an erupting volcano. Entu, with the help of the artifacts borrowed from various clans, became the first Na'vi to ride the deadly winged toruk, gaining the title of Toruk Makto, uniting all of the clans, and saving his people. Generations later, the tale of Toruk Makto is still sung and influences the actions of a new generation of Na'vi. Since this event, only six other Na'vi have become Toruk Makto, including Jake Sully and Neytiri's great-great-grandfather.
Arrival of Humans[]
A poster created by the RDA.
The Omatikaya clan were the first clan to make contact with humans, whom the Na'vi refer to as "Sky People". It is unknown what year contact was first made, although it has been said that Pandora started being colonized around the year 2119.
The humans were led by the Resources Development Administration and initial relations between them and the Na'vi were mostly peaceful, although the latter greatly disapproved of the former's more destructive practices, including their mining of unobtanium, which is forbidden by the laws of Eywa to the Na'vi. Despite this, the Na'vi did not intervene in the organization's operations.
At some point, the RDA obtained Na'vi genetic material and created a hybrid Na'vi/human species known as avatars. These avatars were eventually employed by the RDA as diplomatic devices to help build trust in the Na'vi, but many clans viewed them as unnatural and unsettling.[35]
Mass Na'vi Poisonings[]
A victim of the poisoning.
During one incident, sometime around the year 2142, the Omatikaya were becoming ill with a strange disease, causing Eytukan to become highly wary of the humans, believing they were responsible. Mo'at worked closely with Dr. Grace Augustine in her efforts to find a cure. Despite the Na'vi's widespread resentment towards the Sky People, which has been deepened by the whole situation, Mo'at did not stop trusting or helping Grace. Together, they traveled to the Tawkami clan and persuaded Mireya to help them despite her disagreement. Mo'at and Grace discovered the RDA was accidentally responsible for the poisoning and worked together to develop a cure.[35]
Worsening Relations[]
Na'vi children were the main attendees of Grace's schoolhouse before its closure.
Diplomatic ties with the Na'vi were greatly strengthened in 2142 with the opening of Grace's schoolhouse, where curious Na'vi children could learn about and interact with humans in a safe environment. However, the schoolhouse would ultimately be closed 10 years later and humans forbidden from entering the Omatikaya's land following a massacre there by Sec-Ops mercenaries that resulted in the deaths of several students, including Sylwanin, who lost her life after she had destroyed RDA equipment in protest against their deforestation.
The Ambassador Program[]
Throughout the 2140s, the RDA had a program known as The Ambassador Program (TAP) in which they attempted to raise Na'vi children in a human cultural sphere and eventually create diplomats for the organization. This was meant to allow them to build positive relations with the Na'vi and get easier access to Pandora's resources without the financial expense of a prolonged conflict. However, the program was ulteriorly used by its director and co-founder: John Mercer, who aimed to win the admiration of the organization by any means necessary.
Alma Cortez embraces a survivor of the Sarentu massacre by the RDA.
In 2138, Na'vi children were forcibly abducted from their clans to be used as TAP students in residential schools. TAP initially targeted a clan known as the Kame'tire but shifted to a special nomadic one known as the Sarentu. Mercer had interest in this clan and a member of the Kame'tire helped him locate the Sarentu to prevent him from taking their clan's children instead. All this led to the decimation of the Sarentu and the children taken were forced to be students at TAP and kept as prisoners, subjected to the abuse and machinations of Mercer and his cohorts.
A Na'vi learning human weaponry as part of TAP.
As relations between the Na'vi and the RDA started to worsen, the goals of the program shifted to training Na'vi students in human combat and weaponry, and to eventually turn them against their own species. The details of TAP such as the abduction of the Na'vi children, their abuse, and the decimation of the Sarentu as a result were hidden by Mercer from both other Na'vi clans and the RDA as well.
Time of Great Sorrow[]
In the following decade, Na'vi interaction with humans would become grew significantly more aggressive. Sporadic low-level conflicts have resulted in fatalities among both Na'vi and humans, with the rate on the increase as human activities in the Eastern Australis region expanded. Although many of these low-level conflicts are not known, Grace would mention to Parker in the future about how the RDA should stop using machine guns on the Na'vi.
Despite attempts to protect Indigenous rights on Pandora by NGOs and governments on Earth, the Na’vi refused to engage in any negotiation or dialogue regarding treaty protection. They either did not understand or refused to acknowledge the concept of a treaty that ensures their rights and protections. They believed Eywa offered all the protection that they needed, and that any agreement with humans is pointless. This and other culture-based disconnects stalled progress in Na’vi human relations.[4]
„Parker Selfridge: "The relations with the indigenous are only getting worse." Grace Augustine: "Yeah, that tends to happen when you use machine guns on them!"“- Parker and Grace discuss how relations with the Na'vi went downhill.
Na'vi fleeing during the First Pandoran War.
2154 saw several events that furthered the strain of the Na'vi's relationship with humanity, including the RDA bulldozing the Tree of Voices and the destruction of the Omatikaya clan's Hometree, which would lead to the first Pandoran War. An uprising would start to grow amongst the Na'vi and like-minded humans who aimed to drive the RDA away from the moon. In preemtive strike, the RDA attempted to destroy the Tree of Souls to inflict long-lasting fear and inter-generational trauma on the Na'vi, and silence the uprising. Neytiri and her mate Jake Sully ultimately led a counter assault against the RDA, rallying approximately 2,000 Na'vi across 15 different clans.
Humans and Na'vi trying to kill each other during the First Pandoran War.
On August 23, 2154, a massive battle was fought in the skies of the Hallelujah Mountains, as well as on the ground beneath. Although it seemed the Na'vi were about to lose, the Pandoran wildlife attacked back which Neytiri believed was Eywa's doing.
After the war, the Na'vi expelled the vast majority of the RDA from Pandora, but allowed anyone who sympathized with the Na'vi over the RDA to remain, which was only approximately 10%.
However, the RDA returned to Pandora in 2168 for a full blown recolonization, as Earth was reaching inhospitable levels with numerous humans trapped on the dying world. Although a group of Na'vi and humans attempted to take the fight to them and get the high ground in outer space, they failed and the Second Pandoran War began. The organization led by General Frances Ardmore soon established the Bridgehead complex on the Pandoran coast. The Na'vi, as well as certain humans, formed the Resistance to counter the RDA's return.
A branch of the RDA was led by John Mercer who had returned and was tasked with extracting resources from Western Frontier of Pandora. Under his leadership, the organization invaded the Western Frontier but a division of the Resistance along with his former students from TAP were successfully able repel them.
Eventual Aftermath[]
Many generations after the great human and Na'vi conflict ends, the corporation Alpha Centauri Expeditions would arrive on Pandora and establish peaceful relations with the Omatikaya clan. With the permission of the Na'vi, the Pandora Conservation Initiative also established themselves on Pandora and began working to undo destruction caused by the RDA in the Valley of Mo'ara. Human civilians were soon welcomed back to Pandora as employees and tourists, with many humans choosing to permanently live in Mo'ara.
Although the aftermath and environmental damage of the human-Na'vi conflicts are felt, humans and Na'vi at last move forward as one. The Na'vi hope the tourists who experience the unique ecosystems of Pandora will return to Earth and spread the importance of environment conservation.[36]
Na'vi clans exist in every biome of Pandora, and each has its own unique culture, as well as sometimes even unique physiology. Despite their differences and distance from one another, clans stay interconnected through trade and tradition.
Although they are largely independent, different clans from distant areas will cooperate in times of great crisis. The only known event that has caused all clans to join together is when they are led by a Toruk Makto, a Na'vi who has managed to ride and control a great leonopteryx and, in doing so, unite all clans under them.
Li'ona clan - A clan that once suffered from dying flora and fauna.
Huyuticaya clan - A clan with a tremendous love and respect for viperwolves.
Tomac'ta clan - A clan with a tremendous love and respect for banshees.
Ni'awve clan - The first ever Na'vi clan who reside in the Valley of Origins.
Inspiration and Development[]
Concept art of creepier Na'vi.
The look of the Na'vi was inspired by a dream that James Cameron's mother had, long before he started work on Avatar, in which she saw tall blue people, the women having six breasts. Cameron tried drawing the six breasts but admitted it looked too strange. The Na'vi were chosen to be blue because according to Cameron, green was already taken and there was a long history of green aliens.[37]
Around 1976, Cameron painted a blue woman for his short film Xenogenesis. He stated in an interview, "Her name wasn't Neytiri and it was in a completely different context, but I was already thinking about it then." [38]
Concept art of Neytiri.
The Na'vi originally looked very disturbing and frightening in concept art. James Cameron said this was changed because he wanted people to feel they were a beautiful species and wish to be like them, and that creepy designs simply would not work as a love story.
Early concept art of Neytiri was inspired by actress and activist Q'orianka Kilcher in the film The New World.[39] He created artwork of a female Na'vi face which became very similar to her final design.
The Na'vi represent an aspect of human nature that is more aspirational for us. They're more the way we would see ourselves or want to be. You know, they're athletic, they're graceful, they're, you know, connected to their environment and to each other and so on."
”
As such, Cameron noted the Na'vi are "almost the Rousseau model of the noble savage, untainted by civilization, all that, which is a quite romantic idea, and not one I think is really true, by the way, in the real world. But it made sense to me that in this film, you've got this polarization where the humans actually represent an aspect of human nature that is, you know, venal and corrupt and aggressive and so on." [40]
The Na'vi can be viewed as a metaphor for the Indigenous peoples of North America; Na'vi chief Eytukan is portrayed by Cherokee actor Wes Studi and The Ambassador Program is similar to the notorious Canadian Indian residential school system. Some characters even use the phrases such as "the Natives", "Indigenous" or "aboriginals" to refer to the Na'vi, which some viewers feel is over-the-top and hamfisted writing.[citation needed]
However, the Na'vi can also be interpreted as symbolic for minority and oppressed people in general, especially any people of color given their literal blue skin. Cameron said Avatar is about powerful people (i.e. the RDA) going someplace to "take stuff from other people that doesn't belong to them, and it's been the story of human history forever."[41]Mo'at and Tsu'tey are portrayed by black people, respectively CCH Pounder and Laz Alonso. The Metkayina clan are inspired by Māori and Melanesians.
The parallels between the Na'vi and Native Americans has caused some mild controversy over the years, with some accusing the Avatar series of being racist and wishing to boycott The Way of Water. A journalist for Collider wrote her opinion on how the Na'vi can be viewed as problematic fictional race: [42]
“
The Na'vi wear revealing clothing like loincloths that encourage viewers to fetishize their tall, lithe, perfectly fit bodies, and carrying on a disturbing tradition of hypersexualizing women of color (even more so than white women) in film. They have long black braids, the hairstyle stereotypically associated with Native Americans. And their weapon of choice? A bow and arrow, of course. Even the name "Na'vi" looks like James Cameron just rearranged the letters in "native".
”
Cameron has apologized for anyone who is offended by the Na'vi, but noted that the Avatar series attempts to honor people of color and try to get viewers to sympathize with them, rather than culturally appropriate or oppress them, and hopes audiences can see his intentions. He said, his intention is to celebrate indigenous peoples: [43][44]
“
"We try to draw from everything so we kind of average it out and we're not extracting from any individual culture without their permission. But still, it's a tricky, tricky thing, and there may be people that object. I hope they don't; I hope they see the intention, which is to celebrate the wisdom keepers. I see the indigenous people that still remain in our world today as the people who are more connected to nature than we are in our industrialised urbanised civilization, and we need to learn from them. The movie is intended to celebrate those philosophies, that spirituality. If we offend anybody in the process, I can only apologise, but we're doing the best we can."
”
Trivia[]
Avatar Featurette Navi
What seems to be an early Na'vi design.
In James Cameron's Avatar: The Game, there is an image of a lion-like Na'vi in the game's data. The Game was created alongside the first film, meaning this could have been an early design.
"Na'vi", as it is accurately pronounced in their language, has a glottal stop between Na and vi. However, humans throughout the series do not pronounce the glottal stop.
Humans are known to refer to them as "the natives", "aboriginals", "indigenous" and "the locals". More disparaging names include "blues", "savages" and "hostiles". Parker Selfridge at one point refers to them as "blue monkeys".
The size of some characters' canines change throughout the films. For example, when Neytiri says, "A son for a son", her canines appear short, but when she hisses at Quaritch, they have clearly grown.
James Cameron said the Na'vi are supposed to represent the better aspects of humanity (caring for the environment, respecting animals, trying to create a peaceful world, etc). He hopes audiences will aspire to be more like the Na'vi. He denies he is anti-human, saying most audiences have figured this message out, and said people who don't understand this message by now are "pseudo-intellectual boneheads."[45]
According to Jon Landau, every Na'vi seen in the first film is left-handed and fires their bow accordingly. This decision was made because Zoe Saldaña is left-handed.[46]
The Na'vi seen in the first film and most of the games fire their bows in an inverse position, with the palm of the string-pulling hand facing outwards instead of inwards toward their face. This was done to make the gesture seem less human and emphasize the Na'vi's different biochemistry and digit count.[46]
In earlier versions of the Pandorapedia, it was mentioned that there was controversy in some religions over whether the Na'vi should be considered to have "immortal souls" and be recognized by the church.[47]
Non-Canonical Details[]
In a deleted scene from Avatar, Grace mentions that the Na'vi do not have a word for "lie" in their language, and she had to teach it to them.
In the novelization of Avatar, Neytiri mentions hunters must ask permission from the forest before a Na'vi kills an animal, although what this entails is not clarified.
James Cameron's Avatar: An Activist Survival Guide claimed Na'vi have the same lifespans as humans. This contradicted the old Pandorapedia which mentioned they are estimated to live 30% longer. In 2023, Joshua Izzo clarified that Na'vi living longer is considered canonical.[32]
The non-canon Pandorapedia in Avatar: The Game claims that the Na'vi cell nucleus does not use nucleic acids to encode genetic information. Therefore, their genetic makeup is not considered DNA (thus they most likely do not utilize RNA in synthesizing proteins) as opposed to what Jake Sully says in the film.
There is a theory that the Na'vi were placed on Pandora, or something very significant happened on Pandora, around 20,000 years ago:
The opening of the non-canon Wii/PSP game mysteriously mentions, "20,000 years of peace, balance and harmony has come to the end." However, the Na'vi are older than this. While this may merely imply that Na'vi would fight large wars similar to humanity (but grew out of this 20,000 years prior to Avatar), it could also support the above theory.
An older script for The Way of Water mentions Na'vi women have baby pods known as tsalnu which resemble beautiful translucent chrysalis. The women give birth to these pods first, then connect their queue to the pod in order to nourish the baby. At some point, the Na'vi baby emerges from this pod with the assistance of their mother. Whether or not this is still canon is unclear, but it should not be accepted as such yet.
Unless otherwise noted, information is taken from the Avatar film. Where details conflict between the film and printed material, the film is deemed accurate.
↑In a Playboy interview, James Cameron stated, "her race, the Na’vi, aren’t placental mammals."
↑Lo'ak, Jake and Neytiri's biological second-born, has eyebrows and five fingers, but their other two children, Neteyam and Tuktirey, appear mostly native.
↑Entu and Ralu were considered "on the cusp of adulthood" a 14 years of age; Jake's avatar was "fully mature" at an estimated age of 17 Earth years; Neytiri was considered an adult woman at roughly 18 Earth years.
↑Avatar: Reckoning script: Fatao: "The Na'vi do hunt as well, but only for our survival and nothing else. What happens between the hunter and the hunted is not up to us, but Eywa."
