Elbaf arc's Norse mythology influence may parallel One Piece's Ancient Kingdom

The Elbaf arc of One Piece has officially commenced in the manga series, and the fandom cannot wait to see the Straw Hat Pirates in their new adventures. However, the future adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates could have already been indicated through the confirmation of the existence of Yggdrasil from Norse mythology on Elbaf Island.

This could mean that the Straw Hat Pirates could be separated on different levels of Yggdrasil, more specifically on the different islands of Elbaf. This could indicate that Elbaf is similar to the Ancient Kingdom, where different races were united under the same roof, just like how Elbaf could have different species on each island, united under the same roof.

Disclaimer: This article contains the author's opinion and potential spoilers for the One Piece manga series.

One Piece: Exploring the similarities between the Elbaf Island and the Ancient Kingdom

Yggdrasil as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

The Ancient Kingdom was a place that existed before the World Government was formed. This kingdom gave birth to the first pirate of the Grand Line, JoyBoy. Unfortunately, JoyBoy was killed by the First Twenty, which later formed the World Government. However, JoyBoy left behind the One Piece for the future pirates to find out.

Although it wasn't revealed, the residents of the Ancient Kingdom could be a group of different races that the World Government threatened. This could be similar to the current era, where the World Government uses endangered races as experimental rats, and the remaining members of these species could be hiding on Elbaf Island.

Moreover, the Ancient Kingdom is something that the First Twenty didn't know anything about, similar to the present, where Elbaf Island remains a mystery to the World Government. After confirming that the Yggdrasil tree exists in Elbaf Island, this island would be considered similar to the Ancient Kingdom.

The Yggdrasil tree of Norse mythology had nine realms, which could be interpreted as nine small islands on Elbaf Island where the remaining members of the endangered species could live in secret. In these nine realms/islands, the Straw Hat Pirates could be distributed so they could uncover the mysteries of these endangered species and train for the final fight.

Nami as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Nami could go to Asgard, the realm of mystery which lies on top of the Yggdrasil tree. This place would be perfect for the Straw Hats' navigator as she has a history of training in the sky during the time skip. This realm could be the home to the species Skypieans.

Robin could go to Jotunheim, the realm of wisdom at the bottom of the Yggdrasil tree. The place would be a perfect fit for the Straw Hats' archeologist due to her origins with Ohara and her love for books. This region could also be where Saul could be resting, indicating their reunion. This realm is where the giants are located.

Franky as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Franky could go to Nidavellir (the realm of dwarves) and Chopper to Alfheim (the realm of elves), both at the bottom of the Yggdrasil tree. The names of both of these represent the endangered species they hold, elves and dwarfs. With the dwarfs being the experts in technology and elves being the natural doctors of the forests, these Straw Hats would fit these realms.

Brook could go to Niflheim (the realm of ice), and Jinbei could go to Vanaheim (the realm of magic). With Brook being a perfect fit for this level due to his related powers, Jinbei could also fit in because of the Sea God associated with Vanaheim. Niflheim could be home to another undead species, and Vanaheim could be home to a Fisherman species that has yet to be introduced.

Roronoa Zoro as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Zoro could go to Helheim, the realm of the dead, which lies beneath the Yggdrasil tree. This place would perfectly fit the Straw Hats' swordsman due to his relationship with hell (Three-Sword Style: King of Hell). This realm could be home to an ancient species related to hell, like the Draugar (undead creatures).

Sanji could go to Muspelheim, the realm of fire at the bottom of the Yggdrasil tree. With most of Sanji's attacks associated with fire, he would be a perfect fit for this island, which could be home to the Lunarians, as they are continuously burning fire on them.

Lastly, Luffy and Usopp could be together in this arc of One Piece and go to Midgard, the realm of humans in the middle of the Yggdrasil tree. This realm could be home to human-sized giants. Moreover, this could be proof of Usopp's spotlight in this arc as he and Luffy would act as captains, gathering their crew from the Yggdrasil tree after everyone finishes their training.

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Edited by Toshali Kritika