Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
With the Elbaf Arc’s commencement,One Pieceis all set to notch up the final saga. The series is packed with plot twists and shocking revelations. This is especially true in the recent chapter in the manga.
Chapter 1131 unfolds some major yet interesting insights regarding the characters. This applies to the Elbaf prince Loki, who is rumored to be the arc’s antagonist. This, however, may not be so true after all.
As the prince appears in the recent chapters, we get a clear glimpse into his motives. While most painted him to be an antagonist, he might be a part of the bigger picture.
His high bounty is attributed to his defiance and the religious symbolism in the series. This further proves the mangaka’s decision to play safe with the portrayal of Christianity.
Loki is a misunderstood character inOne Piece
Lokiis one of the pivotal characters who first appears in the Whole Cake Island Arc. As the prince of Elbaf, he was supposed to be betrothed to Charlotte Lola.
While the anime portrays him as a shadowy figure, it is only in the manga that we see his actual appearance. In the recent chapter, several fans pointed out minor yet shocking details regarding the character.
In Chapter 1131 ofOne Piece, the Elbaf Prince made his official appearance before Luffy. He is seen mentioning Shanks and asking Luffy for a favor to set him free. He declares himself as a Sun God.
His manga debut sparked several speculations and theories, especially with him being an antagonist. This is especially true with his killing of his father, King Harald, which might have a bigger purpose.
“He won’t ever tell”: Hayao Miyazaki Can Hate Anime, But He Will Never Take One Piece and Others Lightly
Apart from his similarities to Doflamingo, both characters are complete opposites. As notorious as the Elbaf prince may be, he might hide his true intentions. With an exorbitant bounty on him, he might be a pirate, especially with the Jolly Roger belt.
Interestingly, his killing of King Harald is tied to the World Government’s actions. Since the beginning of time, the World Government has been involved in atrocities. And that is not it, as Oda himself made it clear through the not-so-subtle religious referencing.
Oda’s not-so-subtle religious referencing
Eiichiro Odais a true genius in outlining the bitter and harsh realities of his manga. From genocides to massacres, the mangaka left no stone unturned to portray the worldview. This resonates with the theme of oppression through religion.
Be it selling orphans or Big Mom’s rampage, the World Government has been responsible for atrocities in Elbaf. Most of it is centered on the Holy Mother Carmel. Time and time again, the mangaka has referenced religion through symbolism. But there’s more to it.
The World Government has been deemed as the Highest Order with most fans alluding to Christianity. This also parallels Oda’s referencing of the cross andbiblical symbolsthroughout this series. From Mihawk’s Yoru to the graves in Thriller Bark, the series outlines the religious symbolism.
With Elbaf Arc, though, the mangaka is highlighting the age-old binary of the purist vs pagan belief systems. We all know that Norse mythology mainly inspired the giants and their belief systems in the series. From their names to the winter festival, the mangaka’s references are not so subtle anymore.
One Piece: What is Joy Boy’s Real Name? Oda May Have Already Dropped Major Hints That Explains Noah’s Ark Theory
Loki’s attempt to kill his father could be his attempt at freeing his homeland from the World Government’s clutches. Mother Carmel represents the downright problematic ideals of Christianity because of her advocacy of slavery.
While it isn’t explicitly said, fans have speculated and drawn parallels between this symbolism to that of the Viking-Christian conflict.
One Pieceis available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The manga is available for reading on Viz Media.
Himanshi Jeswani
Anime Writer
Articles Published :993
Himanshi Jeswani is an anime writer at Fandomwire, with her work spanning over 900 articles. Her articles cover shojo, shonen, seinen, and all things beyond. Her interests, however, aren’t limited to simply anime. She has a penchant for exploring different genres of manga, be it horror, yanki, music, and food. She brings out her specialization and expertise in the performing arts through her articles. As a writer, she strives to bridge the gap between the viewers and the medium itself. To her, anime is a revolutionary medium that is capable of creating communities and stories after all.
