Work Text:
In the second year of his reign, my grandfather commanded the construction of a cemetery atop Jasmine Hill, not far from the Caldera, to hold the dead of the 41st Division. It was his effort to stop their sacrifice at the hands of Fire Lord Ozai and High General Mung which led to his banishment.
I first went to the site last year, with Iroh, when he visited following the Battle of Yue Bay. It seemed a comfort to him to know that our grandfather had faced similar losses. I understand that elements Cemetery of the 41st has been replicated to honour the 1st Division of the United Forces.
While I lack the practical experience that my brother does, it was a moving experience. I thought it valuable and proper to try to tell the story of at least some of the fallen. Further to an act of remembrance, this note has some scholarly value as a history of certain cultural elements within the Fire Nation at the close of the war. Those wishing to understand the war more broadly as it pertains to the 41st should consult Professor Roh Gannor's excellent 'The Dragon Crossed The Ocean: Fire Nation Campaigns in the South-Eastern Earth Kingdom, 161 AG.
If cited, it should be attributed as: Ursa. (171 AG). Epitaphs of the 41st. Fire Nation Royal Palace, Caldera.
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I have been unable to locate any records pertaining specifically Private Yaoro’s service in the 41st. His mother chose this epitaph, drawing on poetry from Asah, a noblewoman who lost four sons in the Baiyi campaign in 53 AG and found some solace for her grief in the brush. Those seeking a further understanding of Asah should refer to the fifth edition of ‘Poetry of the Hundred Year War: A Comprehensive Introduction’ by Professor Omai, 164 AG.
51037 - Private
Yaoro
Fourth Month 97 AG
Age 18
41st Division
“Into the mosaic of victory, I laid this priceless piece – my dearest son.”
Mei was a member of the Domestic Forces, a local militiawoman from Lajing, called up to leaven the green 41st Division with nominally more experienced soldiers. This simple epitaph was chosen by her husband, Shu, and – among other things – is one indication of the centrality of domestic textile production in the rural Fire Nation even after the industrial revolution.
82084 - Sergeant
Mei
Fourth Month 97 AG
Age 32
41st Division
“She spun wool.”
Alura, an orphan, graduated at the top of her class and was awarded a prestigious scholarship to Caldera University – such that her school was awarded a half-holiday in celebration. To the surprise of many, but few who knew her, she turned down this offer and enlisted as an infantrywoman. Her rationale was that in the war, she had an ideal before her for which she should work. This epitaph was chosen by one of her teachers, Junsih.
87564 – Corporal
Alura
Fourth Month 97 AG
Age 19
41st Division
“A Tomorrow Squandered.”
Saoza was one of the youngest members of the 41st, with the diaries of contemporaries – those recovered – repeatedly making reference to it. I have reason to believe that she enlisted with a false age and may have been as young as 15; not dissimilar to Princess Azula, who she reportedly idolised.
88410 - Private
Saoza
Fourth Month 97 AG
Age 17
41st Division
“She fell. The rest marched on. Oh Agni, my little girl.”
Aikuna’s records were centrally held in Caldera, and no wonder why – he was demoted four times and discharged from three separate units for disrespect to a superior officer and conduct unbecoming. What primary sources remain paint a picture of a happy-go-lucky man with a fondness for composing often spectacularly rude marching songs. He chose his own epitaph, a note left with his family.
22307 - Private
Aikuna
Fourth Month 97 AG
Age 25
41st Division
“Did my best – was unlucky.”
I have not been able to track down Akulen’s official war records. However, I understand from his sister’s son that he had actually been given leave to depart the 41st to marry and was due to depart the day after their ordered offensive. His bride-to-be, Nori, chose the epitaph and did not remarry.
21300 – Corporal
Akulen
Fourth Month 97 AG
Age 21
41st Division
“His bride was waiting and waits yet.”
Lieutenant Hamih graduated from the Royal Fire Academy and became a healer. She saw distinguished service on the Si Wong front from 92-94 AG and was mentioned in despatches. During the battle, the company she was embedded in lost its officers. Despite no obligation to take a combatant role, she led the surviving troops in a charge. It is said, by one survivor, that she was cut down by an earthbender at close range, with a smile on her face. The epitaph was chosen by her parents, prominent Ozai partisans and members of the New Ozai Society. It is indicative of the continuing appeal of revanchism, especially as a way of coping with the losses of war.
15804 – Lieutenant
Hamih
Fourth Month 97 AG
Age 24
41st Division
“Her glory shall not go unsung.”
Despite a visit to archives on Sei’naka Island, I have been unable to locate further details pertaining to Mala beyond her enlistment paperwork. This epitaph, chosen by her parents, is interesting evidence of the durability of the clan system even after the Zoryan Reforms. The standard text on the matter is ‘My Cousins Against the World: A Sociological History of Fire Nation Clan Systems’ by Professor Chakam, published in 143 AG. Alternatively, those with good taste and less time may be well served by my own book, ‘Fire Nation Clans in a Comparative Perspective’, published in 168 AG. It is my first book, but scholarly all the same and, critically, actually readable.
16267 - Private
Mala
Fourth Month 97 AG
Age 20
41st Division
“Sei’naka never had a truer servant.”
Private Shozai was executed before the battle on charges of desertion. While this sanction had remained in nominal effect throughout the war, its use intensified significantly in the latter reign of Fire Lord Azulon and through Fire Lord Ozai’s time on the throne. This was, as this epitaph indicated, a source of considerable popular discontent.
63579 - Private
Shozai
Fourth Month 97 AG
Age 17
41st Division
“Killed at dawn. A worthy son of a grieving father.”
Tusak was the baseborn son of Lord Rekem, a powerful noble high in Ozai’s favour. Rekem showed uncommon for the time compassion in raising the boy as his own. Unfortunately, Tusak sought the hand of the daughter of Lord Naizum. This was deemed a breach of familial honour and he was packed away to the Fire Army. He chose his own epitaph, found in correspondence sent to Lord Rekem.
25339 – Captain
Tusak
Fourth Month 97 AG
Age 27
41st Division
“Honour has its price.”
Primary sources suggest Cho was a committed Ozai loyalist, and this epitaph, chosen by his family, reflects that. It is a sign of the solidity of this belief, even under the reign of my grandfather, that they did so.
59794 – Private
Cho
Fourth Month 97 AG
Age 18
41st Division
“For Fire Lord and fatherland.”
This inscription is used on otherwise blank headstones where the body was unable to be identified due to wounds. Of the five thousand two hundred and eighty seven markers within the cemetery, fully one thousand one hundred and six carry it.
“Known only to Agni.”
Izumi’s father, Chit Sang, assisted my grandfather in his fight against Fire Lord Ozai, ultimately rising to command his bodyguard. My mother is named for her. Those seeking further details would be wise to consult the biography ‘Izumi’ by Fire Lord Zuko, published in 136 AG. Aside from his famed ‘Meditations’, it is the only work of length he ever penned.
99404 – Corporal
Izumi
Fourth Month 97 AG
Age 16
41st Division
“May she rest in Agni’s arms forever.”