The Role of the Fire Lady

[bombalurima1]

Fire Lady is sort of a vague term...there's no evidence that it actually exists in canon, it was more of less coined by the fandom

Comments

[quorothorn]

Well, my semi-formed headcanon has Mai playing a central political role--especially in the tricky early months/years of Zuko's rule. But this is more because of Mai herself and the times she lives in than any concrete opinion on the position of Firelady. So, I guess I think how much power the title carries, in practice, depends entirely on the time and the Firelord and Firelady in question (which seems close to how the American First Lady works).

(I actually keep forgetting that "Firelady", like "Agni", is a fandom creation.)

[rue_foot]

Ursa seemed to play the role of 'baby factory,' but I don't know whether or not we can extrapolate the particulars of the Fire Lady role, given that Ursa disappeared before Ozai became Fire Lord in addition to the fact that Ozai seems abusive, controlling and unconcerned about others in his life unless they can be used in his favor

[ixmythot]

Also, the term is pseudo canon at best, as it's mentioned in the flashback scenes dealing with Azulon's death, his late wife is referred to as the Fire Lady.

It, to me, seems much like the term of First Lady, though with more political clout than any modern system of government

[quorothorn]

Really? I thought she was just called Ilah in that scene?

EXCUSE TO RE-WATCH ZUKO ALONE: I NOW HAS IT.

[yukinoomoni]

Wait - which episode? I don't remember that.

[bombalurima1]

'Zuko Alone.'

And quorothorn is right--they only refer to her as Illah in that scene, with no mention of her official title name.

[yukinoomoni]

Considering that evidence shows that Firelords can be both male and female - with no change to the title - I try my hardest to shy away from using the term "Firelady" when referring to Mai's status in my fics (with little results). The term, as far as I know, is not canon; much like Toph's calling Zuko "Sparky", it's pure fanon

[bombalurima1]

Well said, well said. *claps*

I've heard the wife of the Fire Lord being referred to as "Princess" before, as no doubt a female Fire Lord's husband would be a Prince. I do think that the term 'Fire Lady' adds a kind of grace and elegance to the position though.

"I suspect their marriage would be one of equal standing, and that her place - and voice - would remain at his side." <---- this! :D

[yukinoomoni]

Ooo, I like the use of "Prince" and "Princess", actually - it's very reminiscent of British royalty.

Firelady could very well end up canon; maybe Zuko thought Mai deserved the title, and from then on it would be used?

[bombalurima1]

It is, like a 'Prince Albert' sort of thing. I don't mind using it for the husband of a female Fire Lord, but I just like the phrase 'Fire Lady Mai' too much. :P

[junglefowl26]

I am going to go with "no official power but a great deal of influence" like many royal lovers throughout history.

[dark_malignity]

i FRICKIN LOVE LOVE LOVE your icon!!!!!!

can i steal?

[junglefowl26]

No problem!