Aquaman: How Can Atlanna and Mera Breathe on Land?

If you think about it, seeing Aquaman breathe both on land and in water doesn’t really ring any alarm in terms of a potential plothole.

Since Arthur Curry is half-human and half-Atlantean, it granted him the ability to wield his powers (and lifestyle) on both the surface and under the depths of the sea.

However, how does this work with Queen Atlanna and Princess Mera, too? How come they can breathe on land, as well?

READ MORE: What To Watch Before Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

How Can Aquaman Breathe Underwater?

Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

DC’s first Aquaman and the Justice League film depicted two different ways of Arthur Curry breathing underwater.

In Justice League, Aquaman’s diving was shown in a more practical sense, where he couldn’t speak or open his mouth, but could stay underwater for as long as he wanted.

The only time he had spoken was when Princess Mera trapped an air bubble both of them could speak and communicate in.

However, this canon was immediately retconned when the Atlantean hero’s solo debut happened on the big screens. This time, the people of Atlantis and Aquaman could freely talk without the necessity of entrapping air inside bubbles.

Given that Arthur’s blood is exactly what gives him the freedom to breathe on land and underwater, how do Queen Atlanna and Princess Mera’s lungs work on the surface when they're pure Atlantean and Xebelian?

ALSO READ: Will Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Include Post-Credit Scenes?

Only High-Class Atlanteans Can Breathe on Land

Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

It is worth mentioning that the undersea creatures seen working alongside the Black Manta in the first film were seen carrying their own water suits so they could roam the lands while still being able to breathe.

However, how come Queen Atlanna and Princess Mera didn’t need those when they rose to the surface?

As you might have been able to tell, the mechanics of breathing in both lands comes from genetics, which, in the sea world, seems to be related to the class standing of the characters, too.

The first film explained that only highborn Atlanteans could breathe both air and water with ease, meaning those carrying royal blood wouldn’t have trouble traveling to both realms as they wished.

Aquaman director James Wan previously explained to ScreenRant that the Atlanteans can breathe on land by expelling the water from their lungs upon stepping into the air.

But this was considered an inconsistent idea since we didn’t get to see Arthur and Mera do this as Orm did in the film. Hopefully, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will get the chance to showcase this detail more to emphasize the rules of the DC Universe.

Despite Arthur being neglected and shunned by those born of pure Atlantean blood, it’s quite confusing to see how someone who has the ability to travel through distant lands without requiring water is still frowned upon.

Now that Arthur has hailed the throne of Atlantis City, he now wields the power of the sea, all the while having to take care of his first child with Mera in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.

That said, it is possible that Arthur’s child will likely be inheriting his powers and ability to be a half-breed, as well, and hopefully, the film gets to showcase the father-and-child duo besting out their fellow Atlanteans on the big screens.

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