How do Na'vi reproduce?

[SoulOfNeytiri]

Hopefully, I'm doing this correctly, as I've never tried to start a discussion before. Also, I would never intentionally go against community guidelines in discussions, so I apologize in advance if this question violates any of the guidelines. So here goes...

In the first Avatar, Jake and Neytiri mate before Eywa, and all you see them do is kiss. In the Collectors Edition Extended Version, in that scene they show Jake and Neytiri connecting their queues before they kiss, and you can tell by the expressions on their faces how intense it is. When Na'vi procreate, do they "use" genitals, and if so, are they similar to human genitals?

 

[Sann]

The best evidence would be a direct one, but given the prevalent taboos of our world regarding the display of genitals and sex acts, as well as the PG-13 rating of the Avatar movies, I doubt we will ever be shown such. I've yet to see the second movie, though I strongly doubt it is any different in this matter.

However, being a fictional species, the attributes of Na'vi biology can be considered 'canon' if the creator(s) of the setting dictate it and are coherent enough in their descriptions so as to not be contradictory. There is evidence in this regard, from the Official Field Guide / Pandorapedia.

The Na'vi are monogamous creatures that mate for life. Na’vi reproduction is similar to that of placental mammals on Earth. A Na’vi female will typically produce from one to ten offspring, often spaced widely apart in time. Na’vi females have two breasts, and nurse their infants for up to four months. Some Na’vi elect to abstain from reproduction, despite being sexually active. It is not known how contraception is accomplished in this case, although the Na’vi appear to be quite sophisticated in this regard. Na’vi males are typically pair bonded with females, but male-male and female-female permanent bonds are not uncommon.

Sexual activity outside of the bonded pair is not uncommon, but is almost always associated with fertility rituals and other rites, and has never been reported to lead to a disruption of the pair bond.

Though the mechanics of reproduction are similar to humans and other earth mammals, the Na’vi’s unique physiology provides them with a level of intimacy unknown on Earth. When an appropriate mate has been selected (which can take many years), the male and female Na'vi will connect queues to create an emotional bond that lasts a lifetime. The intertwining of queues, called “Shahaylu”, creates a state of unified body consciousness in which both parties access the physical sensations of the other. While not erotic when used for the control of animals, during mating it creates a heightened awareness of the other person. This leads to an experience similar to the prolonged state of arousal and deep spiritual connection found in some Tantric practices on Earth, but considered by the xenoanthropology community to be much more profound. A single instance of this bonding ritual leads to a life-long pair bond. The actual reproductive act, which resembles human intercourse, follows the bonding ritual, and the partners remain in a “linked state” during and for some time after the sex act itself.

Source: https://web.archive.org/web/2022120...ppearance_behavior/navi_mating_practices.html

If their reproduction is similar to that of humans, we can imagine that their genitalia is as well, though the exact extent of it is unknown.

 

[SoulOfNeytiri]

The best evidence would be a direct one, but given the prevalent taboos of our world regarding the display of genitals and sex acts, as well as the PG-13 rating of the Avatar movies, I doubt we will ever be shown such. I've yet to see the second movie, though I strongly doubt it is any different in this matter.

However, being a fictional species, the attributes of Na'vi biology can be considered 'canon' if the creator(s) of the setting dictate it and are coherent enough in their descriptions so as to not be contradictory. There is evidence in this regard, from the Official Field Guide / Pandorapedia.



If their reproduction is similar to that of humans, we can imagine that their genitalia is as well, though the exact extent of it is unknown.

Thank you! I HAVE seen the 2nd movie many times, and own a copy of the movie, and you're correct, nothing is shown. But there might be more information in a deleted scene(s), but as far as I know, there is not yet a collectors edition extended version of TWOW.

 

[SoulOfNeytiri]

The best evidence would be a direct one, but given the prevalent taboos of our world regarding the display of genitals and sex acts, as well as the PG-13 rating of the Avatar movies, I doubt we will ever be shown such. I've yet to see the second movie, though I strongly doubt it is any different in this matter.

However, being a fictional species, the attributes of Na'vi biology can be considered 'canon' if the creator(s) of the setting dictate it and are coherent enough in their descriptions so as to not be contradictory. There is evidence in this regard, from the Official Field Guide / Pandorapedia.



If their reproduction is similar to that of humans, we can imagine that their genitalia is as well, though the exact extent of it is unknown.

I was just reading on the link you included in your response - thank you! I find it interesting that bonding their queues together before mating is called the Shahaylu, the same word used when Na'vi bond with, for instance, an ikran.

 

[SoulOfNeytiri]

I just found this info, although I don't know if it's reliable or not...
https://www.thedigitalfix.com/avatar/exclusive-navi-do-have-genitals-say-cast

 

[Blazil]

There is maybe some indirect evidence in the second movie. When the young Lo'ak and Kiri are arguing about the Toruk toy, Kiri call Lo'ak something right before Jake steps in. This is right at the point where the movie's translation convention kicks in and the English words spoken by the characters are actually meant to be in the Na'vi language. So, based on what Kiri calls Lo'ak, this might be some evidence.

Secondly, I would say the Na'vi in general are wearing loincloths for a reason. If there was nothing to cover up, it wouldn't have evolved as such as a cultural trait.

Thirdly, I always thought it was pretty obvious that the queues used for Tsaheylu (Shahaylu is Cameron's word from before the Na'vi language was developed) are basically brain extension cords. It doesn't seem very logical to me that connecting two brains could lead to physical reproduction, especially since female Na'vi have wombs elsewhere in their bodies where we as humans would expect them to be (shown by Neytiri being pregnant early in the second movie)