Exploring the relationship between "One Piece" and Greek mythology

Introduction:

One Piece is not just about pirate adventures and battles, it also contains many hidden motifs that evoke myths from around the world. There are countless elements that evoke the "legends of the gods" and "lost civilizations," such as ancient weapons, the sun god Nika, and the World Government's concealment of history. One of the most notable of these is the connection to Greek mythology . The ancient weapons that have appeared so far, "Pluto," "Poseidon," and "Uranus," all have names derived from gods in Greek mythology. When we consider the other mythological elements scattered throughout the work, we can see similarities and hidden messages between One Piece and Greek mythology. This time, Osamu Manga will unravel this deep relationship!

1. The "Name of God" Resides in Ancient Weapons

1-1. Pluton

In Greek mythology, Pluto is sometimes referred to as Hades, the god of the underworld. In Roman mythology, he is also known as Pluto.

• A weapon of overwhelming power : Pluto is said to be a "battleship equipped with cannons that can destroy the world," and its danger is immeasurable.

• God of the underworld = death and rebirth : Hades governs the land of the dead, but is also said to be the god who rules over underground resources and fertility. Pluto may also symbolize the dual nature of "destruction" and "rebirth" at the same time.

1-2. Poseidon

In Greek mythology, Poseidon is the god of the sea. He is famous as one of the three great gods, alongside Zeus and Hades.

• Poseidon in "One Piece" : The mermaid princess Shirahoshi inherits the power of the "ancient weapon Poseidon." Her power to freely control the sea kings means she can rule the oceans.

• Authority to control the oceans : Just as Poseidon rules over the seas and earthquakes, Shirahoshi can also exert an overwhelming influence over the world's oceans by commanding the Sea Kings.

1-3. Uranus

Uranus was the sky god in Greek mythology, and had many children (including the Titans) with the earth goddess Gaia.

• An ancient weapon that has yet to be revealed : In the story, Uranus' appearance is unknown, but as his name as the god who rules over the sky suggests, it is speculated that he may have powers related to the sky.

• A connection to Sky Island and the Moon? Fans have put forward various theories that the mystery of the "Ancient City on the Moon" and "Sky Island" depicted in Enel's cover illustrations may be connected to the true identity of Uranus.

2. The Battle of the Gods and the World Structure of One Piece

Greek mythology is famous for the struggle for supremacy between gods and the dramatic dramas between gods and humans. The world of "One Piece" also depicts the conflict between "beings who act like gods" such as the Celestial Dragons and the World Government, and "those who seek freedom" such as pirates.

• The Triple Rule of Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades

  
  

  In Greek mythology, Zeus (heaven), Poseidon (sea), and Hades (underworld) divided the world into three parts and ruled them. In the world of One Piece, the composition of "sky (Uranus)," "sea (Poseidon)," and "earth (Pluto)" can be seen lurking around the ancient weapons.

• Rulers Bearing the Name of God

  
  

  The Celestial Dragons call themselves "gods" and reign supreme through the World Government. Their relationship is similar to that of the Greek gods looking down on humanity, and there are many similarities in their breakdown in ethics, including the suffering of the masses and the erasure of history.

3. The Lineage of "Heroes" and the D Clan

In Greek mythology, there are many stories of heroes, including Hercules, a descendant of Zeus, who achieved great feats thanks to their bloodline or the help of the gods. In One Piece, there is a special bloodline known as the D clan , whose identity and mission form the core of the story.

• Hero who inherits the power of God

  
  

  As Luffy's connection with Nika, the sun goddess, is suggested, heroes in Greek mythology also overcome difficulties with the power and protection of their gods.

• Bloodline = Fighting against fate

  
  

  Heroes in Greek mythology continue their adventures while fighting against their "determined fate," and it is highly likely that Luffy and his companions' "D" also carries with it a "destiny" that the World Government is trying to hide.

4. Direct references to names such as "Zeus" and "Prometheus"

An essential point to note when talking about "One Piece" is the direct citation of names of gods and mythical beings from Greek mythology, such as "Zeus" and "Prometheus," who appear as Big Mom's Homies.

• Zeus (Thundercloud)

  
  

  Zeus, the chief god in Greek mythology, is the god who controls thunder. In the story, Big Mom's Homie "Zeus" takes the form of a thundercloud, and as its name suggests, it is a means of attack that brings down lightning.

• Prometheus (Sun? Fire?)

  
  

  Prometheus is famous as the god who gave fire to mankind. Prometheus in "One Piece" is also depicted as a giant fireball, reminiscent of the image of the former god of fire.

• Napoleon (Sword)

  
  

  Although this is not derived from Greek mythology, the design of "Big Mom's Homies being named after great figures from mythology and history" represents the grand concept of the entire work that transcends world history and mythology.

5. Mariejois equivalent to “Olympus”?

In Greek mythology, the gods' home was Mount Olympus. There are many scenes where the gods enjoy banquets there while looking down on the human world. In One Piece, the holy land of Mariejois is located on high ground, and the Celestial Dragons rule the world "like gods."

• The home of the gods (Tenryubito)

  
  

  The Celestial Dragons look down on the people of the surface world and take it for granted that they rule cruelly, such as by enslaving them. This is reminiscent of the myths in which the Olympian gods manipulated humans at their whims.

• "God" and "Man" also appear in Garp's lines

  
  

  When Monkey D. Garp tries to stop the Celestial Dragons from attacking him, he says something along the lines of, "If they do, the World Government won't stay silent." This is a pattern that is also linked to the mythical law that "going against the gods" means "making the world your enemy."

6. Summary: The magnificent depth of Greek mythology

Looking at it this way, we can see that One Piece and Greek mythology have many things in common.

• Ancient Weapons and the Power of the Gods

  
  

  The names of the weapons, such as Pluto, Poseidon, and Uranus, are reminiscent of the three great gods of Greek mythology. If used correctly, their powers could save the world, but if misused, they could destroy it. The dual nature of the "power of the gods" is a major factor that makes the story exciting.

• The distance between gods and humans

  
  

  The plot in which the Celestial Dragons and the World Government reign as "god-like beings" under which people suffer is similar to the "interference in the human world" often depicted in Greek mythology.

• Fate and the Lineage of Heroes

  
  

  In Greek mythology, heroes face their destiny with the help and blood of the gods. In One Piece, Luffy and the D Clan continue their journey in search of freedom while carrying a huge mystery and destiny. Both of them have the potential to change the world.

If you read the work while keeping in mind the elements of Greek mythology, you will feel the world of "One Piece" to be even deeper. Osamu Manga will continue to pursue the mythological motifs scattered throughout "One Piece" and explore the heart of the story. We hope you too will enjoy the "mythological romance" hidden in the work, using the ancient weapons and the names of the gods as clues!

Let's continue together to discover the truth that lies beyond the "New World" and the outcome of this epic story inspired by Greek mythology!