Kiri is one of the most interesting and mysterious characters in theAvatarfranchise, and she could hold the key to the future of Pandora. With her introduction inAvatar: The Way of Water, Kiri immediately stands out from the other Na’vi. Her strange origins and her deep connection with Pandora suggests that she holds a lot of power.
Kiri is played by Sigourney Weaver, who also played the character’s mother, Grace. Nobody knows how Grace’s Na’vi avatar became pregnant, and it seems like she will never be able to tell anyone after her human form died in the firstAvatarmovie. The suggestion inThe Way of Waterthat Grace and Norm were romantic partners seems unsubstantiated.
Avatar: Fire and Ashmay reveal some more clues about Kiri’s true role in James Cameron’s sci-fi saga. The trailer indicates that she has a large part to play in the sequel, while also teasing the introduction of a new Na’vi clan. Just like inThe Way of Water, Kiri’s enigmatic bond with Pandora could save the Sully family once again.
Until the truth about Kiri is revealed, fans have been left to come up with their own theories. Some of these theories take inspiration from religion and mythology, while others examine the finer details of the science behind the Na’vi and the avatar program. UntilAvatar: Fire and Ashis released in December, anything is possible, although some theories are more convincing.
5Kiri’s Existence Is A Bug In The Avatar Program
TheAvatarfranchise may have already outgrown the need for its own name, but it’s worth remembering Jake and Grace’s origins.Since the avatar program is so complex, it’s possible that one or two bugs slipped through the cracks, and this explains how an avatar could become pregnant despite not having any partners.
If this theory were true, it could have repercussions for Jake. His differences from the rest of the Na’vi might be a problem in the future if there are any more unwanted bugs in the system, although he seems to be able to live and reproduce without any health issues.
Kiri’s birth could be a result of the human scientists failing to understand the complexities of Na’vi biology, and this could also explain her unique connection to Pandora. When Grace dies in the firstAvatar, she says that she is with Eywa. This could be a form of spiritual enlightenment, but it might also mean that her soul is becoming entwined with the deity.
Kiri may benefit from Grace’s final moment of enlightenment through ancestral memory. The field of epigenetics is still being developed, but theAvatarfranchise might be using the broad concept of genetic memory to explain how Kiri could harness her mother’s connection with Eywa and Pandora.
4Grace’s Avatar Reproduced Asexually
Another possible scientific explanation for Kiri’s birth could be that Grace’s avatar reproduced asexually. This would mean that Kiri is a genetic clone of Grace. There are manyunanswered questions about the Na’vi inAvatar, so it’s still possible that the females can harbor offspring in this way.
Parthenogenesis, or asexual reproduction, can be seen on Earth in many species of plants, but also in some animals, including insects, fish and reptiles. Usually, this is a last resort for a female who can’t find a suitable mate. InAvatar,the death of Grace’s human form might be the stressful incident that caused her avatar to resort to parthenogenesis.
If asexual reproduction is possible for Na’vi, then it doesn’t seem very common at all, since nobody suggests it as an explanation for Kiri’s birth. Kiri’s origins are certainly out of the ordinary though, so she may be an example of an extremely rare phenomenon.The human invasion of Pandora may have many unexpected consequences.
3Kiri Is An Avatar Of Eywa
It’s possible that Kiri is a Na’vi form of Eywa, the deity worshiped on Pandora. Eywa is a mysterious force throughout the first two movies, and it’s always interesting to see how the concept of Eywa straddles mythology and reality. The unique ecosystem of Pandora does suggest that there’s some higher intelligence in control of the flora and fauna.
Avatar: Fire and Ashmay introduce another deityto rival Eywa. The trailer seems to suggest that the Ash People hold no reverence for Eywa, perhaps because they worship their own godlike figure. This could merely be another interpretation of the same force, orit could mean thatAvataruses a polytheistic culture, like Hinduism or Ancient Rome.
If Eywa is just one of many gods, then it would make sense for the deity to take on a Na’vi form.This would echo elements of Greek mythology, in which gods like Zeus and Athena would use human forms for their own devices. These gods were just as flawed and greedy as people.Avatar: Fire and Ashmight show that Eywa also has her own selfish agenda.
It’s easy to think of gods as benevolent, omniscient forces for good, but there are many cultures where this isn’t the case. If Eywa is a more complex character, then she might want to rid Pandora of the humans and the Sullys. Taking the form of Kiri could serve both purposes at once.
2Kiri Is An Antibody In Pandora’s Immune Response
All life on Pandora seems to be connected, as if the animals and plants are parts of one giant organism.The RDA (Resources Development Administration) recognizes that the animals on Pandora attack them in a coordinated effort, like they’re a pathogen triggering the planet’s immune response.
It’s possible that Kiri is part of Pandora’s immune response against the human invaders. If Pandora really is one large creature, or at least a hive-like structure with common goals like an ant colony, then it could have the power to impregnate Grace’s avatar and gift the child with a strong command over the planet’s creatures.
ThroughoutThe Way of Water, Kiri demonstrates a deep connection to life on Pandora. She uses her unusual powers to fight off the humans chasing her and her siblings through the ocean, and she manages to guide her family to safety from the sinking RDA ship using bioluminescent sea creatures.
Pandora’s immune response may not be limited to directing ikran to attack RDA helicopters.Kiri could be a more refined type of antibody, with the intelligence to harness Pandora’s natural resources against the humans. Theplot ofAvatar: Fire and Ashmight complicate things, however, because internal conflict within the Na’vi would go against Pandora’s unity.
1Kiri Is A Christlike Figure
One of the most popularAvatarfan theories suggests that Kiri’s story is meant to reflect the New Testament. Kiri’s immaculate conception is one huge clue that she could be inspired by Jesus, as is her unique connection to Eywa and the world around her. If this theory is true, then Kiri could quickly become the most important character in theAvatarfranchise.
If Kiri is representative of Jesus,then she could form part of a female Holy Trinity. Kiri is the daughter, Eywa is the mother, and Pandora itself is the Holy Spirit. Kiri could be the Chosen One, destined to save her people from oppression. This also evokes the biblical story of Moses.
It’s possible thatJake could die inAvatar: Fire and Ash,especially afterThe Way of Watershifted more focus onto his children. In this eventuality, Kiri could emerge as the new protagonist, and theAvatarsequels could draw even more heavily from the Bible. Of course,this may result in Kiri being betrayed and crucified in order to save the Na’vi.
Kiri’s birth isn’t the only indication that she is a Christlike figure. The image of her with a sea creature on her back in the shape of a set of wings makes her look like an angel, and she demonstrates a deep appreciation for the natural world. There are enough small hints to show that she’s special in some way, and she seems to be key to the future of theAvatarfranchise.
