It is explicitly stated that Aang died from the lightning. He did not 'tank the attack'. Neither did Zuko. It was not especially clear, but if you watch closely, Zuko redirected the lightning.
Thanks, this bothered me too. Aang himself acknowledged that he died, and Zuko did redirect the lightning, but let it flow through his heart, which, as Iroh said, would have been fatal if not for Katara (again)
Aang really underrated by most people
It is explicitly stated that Aang died from the lightning. He did not 'tank the attack'. Neither did Zuko. It was not especially clear, but if you watch closely, Zuko redirected the lightning.
Thanks, this bothered me too. Aang himself acknowledged that he died, and Zuko did redirect the lightning, but let it flow through his heart, which, as Iroh said, would have been fatal if not for Katara (again)