A magnificent worldview that connects "One Piece" and Norse mythology

Introduction:

While "One Piece" has a pirate theme, it is also filled with a variety of motifs reminiscent of myths from around the world, such as ancient weapons, the 100 years of blankness, and the sun god Nika. This time, Osamu Manga will focus on Norse mythology and delve deeper into the similarities and shared charms with "One Piece."

Norse mythology is characterized by its grandiose worldview, including Ragnarok , which depicts the end of the world, and Yggdrasil, the world tree that supports the nine worlds. The theme of "end and rebirth" has much in common with the "fight for freedom" and "decisive battle against the old system" depicted in "One Piece."

1. Ragnarok in Norse mythology and the final war in One Piece

Ragnarok, the climax of Norse mythology, is a spectacular story of the final great war between the gods and the giants, the destruction of the world, and the rebirth of a new world. The conflict between the gods and the giants is similar to the clash between the World Government (the Celestial Dragons and the Navy) and the pirates who advocate "liberation" in One Piece.

• Ragnarok = the end and the beginning

  
  

  The cycle of "the end of the world allows a new world to be born" is also depicted as a "change of era" in "One Piece." Whitebeard's words at the "Battle of the Best" are one of the scenes that evoke the rebirth after Ragnarok.

• Premonition of the Final War

  
  

  Many fans speculate that the "final war that will turn the world upside down" that is frequently hinted at in the story could be a One Piece version of Ragnarok.

2. The World Tree Yggdrasil and the World Structure of One Piece

In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil is a giant tree whose roots, trunk and branches connect and support the nine worlds, as if the worlds were spreading out around a single axis.

2-1. The "Grand Line" and the "Ocean that Divides the World"

The world of One Piece is divided into two parts, the Red Line and the Grand Line , where the two intersect, and each part of the ocean has its own unique character and culture. Just as Yggdrasil connects the nine worlds, the Grand Line also connects the stories of the various islands and the people who live there.

• Diverse Islands and Cultures

  
  

  The fact that each island has its own distinct characteristics, such as the desert kingdom of Alabasta and the sky island of Skypiea, is reminiscent of the various worlds that appear in Norse mythology (Asgard, Midgard, Jotunheim, etc.).

• The Grand Line as the axis of the world

  
  

  The Grand Line, which is the setting for the Great Age of Pirates, is like the trunk that supports the story. The journey to the "last island" called Laugh Tale overlaps with the image of climbing the trunk of Yggdrasil to reach the world where the gods live.

2-2. The Giants of Elbaf and Norse Mythology

In "One Piece," there is a giant nation called Elbaf . It is said in the story that many of the "world's strongest warriors" gather there, and its culture and pride as warriors are reminiscent of the Vikings of Northern Europe.

• Elbaf = Land of the Vikings

  
  

  If you rearrange the letters of "Elbaf," it can also become "Fable," but its bravery is directly linked to the image of a Nordic warrior.

• Dolly, Brogi, and the Legend of Valhalla

  
  

  The scene where the giants Dori and Brogi continue to fight for about 100 years reminds us of the warrior image in Norse mythology, where "warriors go to Valhalla at the end of the battle." The attitude of fighting bravely and fearlessly without fear of death is the very essence of Norse mythology.

3. "Resisting fate" is a common theme

The gods of Norse mythology knew about the "destined end" of Ragnarok, but still chose to face it. The characters of "One Piece" also often challenge powerful entities that could be called fate (such as the World Government and the Celestial Dragons) in an attempt to win "freedom."

• Knowing the risks but still daring to take on the challenge

  
  

  Luffy knows his life is in danger and the enormous power of the World Government, but he refuses to back down and takes on the challenge. His appearance is like the gods of Norse mythology who fight to the end, knowing that Ragnarok is an unavoidable fate.

• "Freedom" brought about by destruction and rebirth

  
  

  In Ragnarok, the old world is destroyed and a new one is reborn. One Piece also seems to be aiming for a "new era" that will be born when the rule of the World Government collapses.

4. The scale of the story driven by "end and rebirth"

Norse mythology does not simply depict the glory of the gods and heroic tales, but is an epic story that accepts the end of the world called "Ragnarok" and looks ahead to the "rebirth" that will come afterwards. "One Piece" also brings together major plot threads such as the "100 Years of Void," "Ancient Weapons," and the World Government's conspiracy toward the final chapter, foreshadowing an ending that will overturn the existing world. And beyond that, a new era of freedom beyond the seas - "rebirth" - is waiting.

• The future as seen in Whitebeard's will

  
  

  The words "One Piece exists" left by Whitebeard at the Battle of Paramount Pictures are a declaration that the world will change. It can also be taken as a hint that a new era will begin, just like the "rebirth of a new world" in Norse mythology.

• The appeal of "The Final Battle"

  
  

  Just as Ragnarok will bring overwhelming destruction and drama, fans are anticipating a world-shaking final battle in One Piece, which will draw their attention. It will involve accepting "fate" while also expressing a passionate will to overcome it.

Summary: The appeal of One Piece seen through Norse mythology

Norse mythology and One Piece share some grand themes in common, such as "end and rebirth," "resistance against fate," and "the giant trees that support the world and diverse worldviews."

• A story that turned the world upside down

  
  

  In Norse mythology, Ragnarok is the end of the world, but it is also the prologue to the beginning of a new world. If a great war that "turns the world upside down" occurs in "One Piece," the old order will collapse and a new era will come.

• The Tale of Elbaf and the Giants

  
  

  Like the giants who play an important role in Norse mythology, Elbaf in One Piece is likely to hold the key to the story as we move towards the final chapter. It will be interesting to see what elements of "fate" and "rebirth" will be involved here.

• The discussion of Osamu Manga continues

  
  

  By reading the story in relation to mythology, the hidden motifs and deeper themes of One Piece become clearer. One way for fans to enjoy the story is to look for similarities with Norse mythology and imagine what the story will be like in the future.

How will the world of One Piece change when it reaches a spectacular climax like Ragnarok? Who will pave the way for a new era? Let's continue to follow the epic adventures of One Piece with Osamu Manga and the perspective of Norse mythology!