Comparing One Piece to myths and legends: The influence of ancient tales

One Piece is an epic story about pirate adventures, but it is also filled with elements inspired by many myths and legends. The world of One Piece, drawn by Eiichiro Oda, goes beyond mere fantasy and is deeply influenced by ancient myths and legends, weaving its own unique story. In this article, we will explore how these elements are incorporated into the story by comparing the characters and settings of One Piece with myths and legends from around the world.

1. Giants and Norse Mythology

Elbaf Giants

Elbaf, the giant race that appears in One Piece, is deeply rooted in Norse mythology. The name Elbaf itself is the alphabet read backwards, which overlaps with Jotunheim, the place where the giants (Jotnar) live in Norse mythology. The giants of Elbaf have pride as warriors and a fighting nature, which also matches the depiction of giants in Norse mythology.

Giants in Norse Mythology: Giants in Norse mythology are depicted as enemies of the gods (Æsir). They are huge and powerful, and represent the power of nature. The Elbaf giants in One Piece are also depicted as very powerful and feared in battle.

Character example: Dorry and Brogy are representative characters of the Elbaf giants, and show their proud warrior ways in years of fighting. Their honor and friendship as warriors strongly reflect the heroic elements of Norse mythology.

2. Image of Sky Island and Heaven

Skypiea and its faith

Skypiea, which appears in the Sky Island arc of One Piece, is depicted as a heavenly world, where a religious society exists, ruled by the "god" Enel. These floating islands are reminiscent of heaven and the place where the gods live in ancient myths and legends.

Olympus in Greek mythology: In Greek mythology, the gods live at the top of Mount Olympus. Skypiea also exists in the sky, far from the earth, and its inhabitants believe in the existence of gods. Enel's reign as a god overlaps with the image of Zeus and other Greek gods.

Japanese concept of heaven: In Japanese legends, there is a heavenly realm called Takamagahara, where gods live. Skypiea's world above the clouds towering high into the sky can be said to incorporate such Japanese mythological elements.

Character example: Enel has the ability of the Goro-goro no Mi, and can control lightning, symbolizing the power of a god. His rule as "God Enel" has a presence reminiscent of Zeus, the god of thunder, and represents absolute power for the residents of Skypiea.

3. Dragons and Japanese legends

Kaido and the Blue Dragon Kaido, one of the four emperors of One Piece, has the ability to transform into a giant blue dragon. In Japanese legends, dragons are depicted as sacred creatures and symbolize strength and dignity. In particular, blue dragons are considered to be the guardian deities of "water" and "weather," and have been objects of reverence since ancient times.

Japanese dragon legends: Unlike Western dragons, Japanese dragons are often considered to be benevolent and guardians of nature. Dragons are sometimes worshipped in ceremonies to pray for rain or to protect crops. Kaido's appearance directly reflects this image of Japanese dragons.

Character example: Kaido has the ability of the "Uo-Uo no Mi, Model: Azure Dragon", which allows him to transform into a giant dragon, fly through the sky, and breathe powerful flames. His existence is one that combines power and fear, and can be said to reflect the mythical elements of Japanese dragons.

4. The legend of the sea god and Fishman Island

The legend of Fishman Island

Fishman Island is an underwater city that has a special presence in the story of One Piece. Located 10,000 meters below the sea, this island, inhabited by fishmen and mermaids, symbolizes the mystery of the sea. The culture and beliefs of Fishman Island strongly include elements of the sea god and the guardian of the sea.

Poseidon and the Rule of the Sea: In Greek mythology, Poseidon is depicted as a god who rules the sea and has a relationship with marine life. The ancient weapon named "Poseidon" that appears in the legend of Fish-Man Island is reminiscent of this Greek sea god Poseidon. Those who possess Poseidon's power can control giant sea kings, and that power is a symbol of the ruler of the sea.

Japanese Belief in the Sea God: In Japan, there is also a faith that worships the sea god (Watatsumi). The sea god is worshiped as the guardian of fishing, and is the object of prayer for safety and abundance at sea. Fish-Man Island's culture of valuing peace and coexistence with nature overlaps with the Japanese belief in the sea god.

Example Character: Princess Shirahoshi, as the "Princess of the Sea" who inherited the power of Poseidon, has the ability to summon and control sea kings. Her existence symbolizes the peace of Fish-Man Island and the harmony of nature, and she is a character who embodies the power of the sea god.

5. Gods and Celestial Dragons: Symbols of Rulers

The rule of the Celestial Dragons

The Celestial Dragons in One Piece are a privileged class that controls the World Government, calling themselves "gods" and ruling over ordinary citizens. They are descendants of the former "20 royal families" and act as gods who rule the world. This depiction is similar to the authority and rule of the gods in ancient mythology.

Gods in Greek and Roman Mythology: In Greek and Roman mythology, gods reigned over human society, and their will determined the fate of people. The rule of the Celestial Dragons reflects this mythological structure of rule. They look down on others as "inferior beings" and try to rule the world by flaunting their own power.

Pharaohs in Egyptian Mythology: Egyptian pharaohs were worshipped as the sons of gods and were rulers over the people. The depiction of the Celestial Dragons overlaps with the image of a theocracy like the Egyptian pharaohs. Their arrogance and sense of entitlement can be considered a modern adaptation of the rulers in mythology.

Character example: Saint Charlos and other Celestial Dragons are rude and cruel, and try to maintain their authority by considering themselves gods. Their actions represent the tyranny of gods without humanity.

6. Magic and Legendary Weapons: The Power of Myth in One Piece

Ancient Weapons and Legendary Weapons

In the world of One Piece, there are "Ancient Weapons" that are said to have the power to destroy the world. These weapons come from myths and legends, and their power is too great for humans to handle. Their names, such as Pluto, Poseidon, and Uranus, are all derived from the names of gods in mythology.

Pluto: Named after Pluto, the god of the underworld in Greek mythology, Pluto is depicted as the ultimate battleship. Its existence is a symbol of world domination and war.

Uranus: It is named after the god of the sky, Uranus, and its power is said to have the power to control the sky. Uranus is a symbol of the heavenly realm, and it is believed that those who possess its power can control the heavens as well.

Character Examples

Oars: Although he is a zombie, Oars has a mythical presence as a legendary giant with great power. His resurrection is a symbol of the ancient power being revived in the modern era.

Search for the Three Ancient Weapons: Robin's role as an archaeologist is to unravel the mystery of lost history and ancient weapons. Her journey has an aspect as a seeker of myths and legends, and the theme is to revive ancient knowledge.

Summary

One Piece adds depth and grandeur to the story by skillfully incorporating ancient myths and legends. These elements, such as the giant Elbaf, Skypiea on the sky island, the sea god faith on Fishman Island, and the rule of the Celestial Dragons, play a role in conveying the symbolic power of myths to modern readers. This makes the world of One Piece not just fantasy, but one that evokes a connection to history and mythology.

Understanding how One Piece's story is enriched with meaning through the influence of ancient myths and legends offers readers a new perspective. The adventures depicted in One Piece are as grand as myths, and could become stories that will be passed down through the ages.

References

One Piece, Eiichiro Oda, Shueisha

Nordic Mythology, E. R. Edda

Greek Mythology, H. J. Rose

One Piece anime episodes