Elbaf could see a tragic Zoro-Sanji clash, and the One Piece's Norse inspiration is key

Modified Oct 03, 2024 00:30 GMT

One Piece could be setting up a Zoro-Sanji clash (Image via Toei Animation).

One Piece is a series that is known for having a lot of theories, and a recent one on Reddit suggests that the Elbaf arc is going to feature a clash between Zoro and Sanji. That is because the land of Elbaf is inspired by Norse mythology and this theory points out that these two characters are going to have journeys inspired by the figures of Baldur and Hodr who faced each other.

This could be an interesting plot point since Zoro and Sanji have been bickering with each other time and time throughout One Piece but mostly used as comic relief by author Eiichiro Oda. Therefore, this could be the first time that this constant infighting between the two of them could be treated as something serious and could have some ramifications on the series moving forward.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the series. Any opinion expressed here belongs to the author and not Sportskeeda as a whole.

One Piece could have a clash between Zoro and Sanji during the Elbaf arc

Zoro and Sanji as seen in the Wano arc (Image via Toei Animation).

This theory suggests that several characters among the Straw Hats are going to play the roles of people from Norse mythology in this arc, with Sanji being Baldur and Zoro being Hodr. Baldur is the god who is immune to all damage and can regenerate from anything and Hodr is the god of darkness and winter, who is also Baldur's blind brother,

It is stated in that mythology that Loki tricks Baldur and Hodr into fighting with each other, thus leading to a battle that kickstarted the Ragnarok, which is the end of the world in Norse mythology. During the events of the Elbaf arc, Ragnarok could be an explosion or something that could potentially destroy the land since is fairly typical for the series to have a countdown where the Straw Hats have to save the day.

It's no secret that Zoro and Sanji constantly bicker with each other and this could be the first time that the story would use that element for something that isn't comic relief. Moreover, if Loki proves to be the main villain of the series or said main villain fulfills the role of that Norse god, it could be a way for them to fight without making them evil or leading to something that could be viewed as character assassination.

The importance of Sanji and Zoro

Zoro and Sanji as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation).

There is no denying that Zoro and Sanji are two of the most popular One Piece characters and makes a lot of sense when considering they are the strongest in the Straw Hats crew after Luffy and get several moments to shine. Furthermore, their roles as the potential Pirate King's wings have been further emphasized in recent arcs, adding more importance to their roles as the strongest among Luffy's crew.

Their importance lies in defending Luffy's dream while following their own, Zoro becoming the world's greatest swordsman and Sanji finding the All Blue. Their continuous fights and bickering are major reasons why they are so loved by the fandom.

Final thoughts

It is difficult to gauge what might happen to Zoro and Sanji in this new One Piece arc but this theory could be interesting. It could set up a different direction for them and deliver a clash that many fans would love to see at least once in the story.

Related articles

Edited by Bharath S