How Did Humans Become Na’vi in Avatar?
The process of a human becoming Na’vi in the world of Avatar is not one of natural transformation, but a carefully engineered and ultimately spiritual journey. In essence, humans do not biologically become Na’vi. Instead, they utilize genetically engineered hybrid bodies known as “Avatars,” which are then controlled remotely by a human operator. However, one human, Jake Sully, achieves a permanent transformation, moving his consciousness into his Avatar body through a spiritual ritual.
The initial step involves creating these Avatar bodies, which are essentially genetically matched hybrids of human and Na’vi DNA. This process is a marvel of advanced genetic engineering, allowing for the creation of a body that physically resembles a Na’vi, down to the tall, slender frame, blue skin, and large eyes. However, these bodies are not truly living Na’vi; they are biological constructs meant to be controlled by a human operator using a psionic link.
Humans operate these Avatars through a neural interface, effectively allowing them to inhabit and control the Avatar as if it were their own body. This remote operation, however, is temporary and dependent on the link’s maintenance. The human’s consciousness, therefore, is not permanently within the Avatar; it’s more like driving a vehicle from a control center. The human remains, biologically, human.
However, a pivotal event occurs towards the end of the first film: Jake Sully’s permanent transfer. After gaining the Na’vi’s trust and becoming Toruk Makto, a leader, Jake chooses to sever his human life, driven by his profound connection with the Na’vi and his love for Neytiri. He undergoes a spiritual ritual at the Tree of Souls, a sacred location for the Na’vi, where his consciousness is transferred from his human body into his Avatar. This transformation is not merely biological but fundamentally spiritual, marking a complete transition. Through the intervention of Eywa, the neural network and spiritual force of Pandora, Jake’s soul is permanently housed within the Avatar body, leaving his human form behind. This is not a common process and is unique to Jake Sully, facilitated by the Na’vi and their spiritual beliefs.
Therefore, most humans in the Avatar universe do not “become” Na’vi in the true sense; they control Na’vi-like Avatars. Only Jake, through unique circumstances and a spiritual event, achieves a complete and permanent transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide a more in-depth understanding of how humans interact with the Na’vi in the Avatar universe:
What is an Avatar in the context of the Avatar films?
An Avatar is a genetically engineered hybrid body, created using both human and Na’vi DNA. It’s designed to be remotely controlled by a human operator via a neural link, allowing them to experience Pandora as a Na’vi.
How do humans control their Avatars?
Humans use a neural interface to establish a psionic link with their respective Avatar. This interface allows the human to project their consciousness into the Avatar, controlling its movements and experiencing the world through its senses.
Are Avatars identical to Na’vi?
While Avatars are designed to look like Na’vi, they are not identical. They are hybrids, and their biology is slightly different. Their appearance is meticulously crafted to allow humans to blend in, but their genetic makeup is a blend of two different species, and most importantly, their life force is temporarily borrowed.
Why are the Avatars blue?
The color blue was chosen primarily for aesthetic reasons. James Cameron selected blue because it was a color not heavily associated with alien characters in cinema at the time. There’s no specific scientific reason within the Avatar universe.
Can the neural link between a human and Avatar be broken?
Yes, the neural link can be severed, rendering the Avatar inactive. This typically happens when the human operator dies, falls unconscious, or if the connection is disrupted by external forces.
How long can humans operate their Avatars?
Humans can generally operate their Avatars for extended periods, assuming they are physically capable of maintaining the link. However, the process can be physically and mentally taxing, requiring rest periods.
What happened to Jake Sully’s original human body?
After Jake’s consciousness is transferred, his original human body is given a traditional burial by the Na’vi. This was revealed in the Avatar comic, The Next Shadow.
Is Jake permanently a Na’vi after the transfer?
Yes, Jake is permanently a Na’vi after the spiritual transfer of his consciousness. His human body is no longer inhabited, and his mind and soul reside within his Avatar form.
Why did Jake choose to permanently become a Na’vi?
Jake chose to become a Na’vi because he had developed a deep connection to the Na’vi culture and the planet Pandora, especially due to his love for Neytiri. He grew to oppose the RDA’s exploitation and sought a way to fully integrate into Na’vi society.
What is the Tree of Souls, and why is it important?
The Tree of Souls is a sacred location for the Na’vi and a nexus for Eywa’s network. It serves as a conduit for spiritual connections and is instrumental in the transfer of Jake’s consciousness. It is also where the spiritual link and transfer of consciousness can be performed.
Why do the Na’vi have red blood even though they are blue?
The Na’vi’s blood is red due to the presence of an iron-based oxygen-transporting compound similar to hemoglobin found in human blood. The blue skin is a different matter, and caused by their pigment and not blood color.
How long do Na’vi live compared to humans?
The average Na’vi lifespan is approximately 30% longer than that of a human, although they mature more rapidly.
Is Kiri’s origin related to the Avatar technology?
While Kiri is born from Grace Augustine’s dormant Avatar body, her conception is speculated to be linked to Eywa’s intervention in what is believed to be an immaculate conception. This makes her different to the other Avatars, as she was conceived while connected to Eywa through the neural network of the Tree of Souls.
What was Spider’s role in the Avatar films?
Spider is a human child, the son of Colonel Miles Quaritch’s deceased operative, Paz Socorro. He lives with the Na’vi, becoming close with Jake’s family, particularly Kiri and is raised among them. He serves as an interesting cultural bridge and adds a layer of complexity to the human-Na’vi dynamics.
Can other humans undergo the same transformation as Jake?
While the technology theoretically exists to transfer consciousness, Jake’s transfer was unique and heavily reliant on Na’vi spiritual practices and the blessing of Eywa. It’s not a simple matter of applying technology, rather, is more about profound spiritual connections that are almost impossible to replicate. While in theory it could be possible, the method seems to be unique to those who are truly integrated with the Na’vi and their culture.