Who is Zuko's firebending mentor?

Zuko's firebending mentor is his uncle, Iroh. Iroh is a powerful Fire Nation firebender, retired general, and former Crown Prince who guides Zuko both in bending technique and in understanding what honor truly means.

Iroh accompanies the banished Zuko during his search for Avatar Aang. Although Zuko initially focuses on capturing Aang to regain his status, Iroh repeatedly encourages patience, self-knowledge, and compassion. He trains Zuko in fundamental firebending discipline and later teaches him the rare technique of redirecting lightning, which Iroh developed by studying waterbending's principles.

Iroh's influence extends beyond combat. He teaches Zuko that fire is connected to breath, vitality, and balance rather than merely anger or aggression. This becomes especially important after Zuko rejects his father's ideology and joins Aang's group. Zuko eventually becomes Aang's firebending teacher, but that later role should not be confused with his own mentor: Iroh is the person who trained and guided Zuko.

Common wrong answers include Ozai, Zuko's harsh father, and Jeong Jeong, another skilled firebender who teaches Aang briefly.