One Piece could see Usopp become the hero Elbaf needs

Modified Oct 24, 2024 11:45 GMT

One Piece could see Usopp become the hero Elbaf needs (Image via Toei Animation)

One of the most enigmatic characters in One Piece currently is Elbaf’s Prince Loki, who has only been mentioned as Charlotte Lola’s former fiancé. However, with the Elbaf Arc currently ongoing, fans are anticipating that the island nation’s crown prince will have a significant role in the events to come soon.

A popular theory regarding Loki’s role in One Piece’s upcoming narrative stretch is that he’ll be someone who needs to be saved. This is no surprise, as mangaka Eiichiro Oda’s series often features someone who needs help in some way at the center of each story arc. Typically speaking, Luffy is the one who helps the persons in question, like Shirahoshi, Nami, Rebecca, and many more.

However, it’s likely that One Piece’s Elbaf Arc will instead see Usopp assume this role for Prince Loki despite the clout Luffy should have with Giants as the next Nika. This is what will allow Usopp to finally and truly become a brave warrior of the sea and the hero the nation of Elbaf needs in the process.

Usopp will be the one to save Elbaf’s Prince Loki from himself in One Piece

Prince Loki will likely be integral to Usopp's development in the Elbaf Arc (Image via Toei Animation)

The basis for this One Piece theory on Usopp’s role in the Elbaf Arc stems from a story of Loki in Norse mythology. While the exact events differ depending on the texts cited, it’s generally agreed upon that Loki is responsible for the death of the god Baldur. In Norse mythology, Baldur is generally viewed as a golden child who can do no wrong. Some texts also highlight Baldur and Loki as brothers via both being Odin’s sons.

Likewise, given what fans know about Loki so far, it seems he is an only child as the de facto Crown Prince. However, it’s entirely possible that the Elbafian prince did have a brother named Baldur at one point, but was responsible for his death. Whether the act was intentional or accidental, would likely lead to Loki being all but banished as the only prince left.

This could also establish Loki as a trickster like his Norse mythology namesake; unable to focus on battle and bloodshed as other Giants do because of his guilt in killing Baldur, he instead practices illusions and trickery. This could also explain why he proposed to Lola in the first place, with the two potentially having bonded over the familial trauma they each carry with them.

Usopp's fight with Perona may prove to be key setup in One Piece for his next powerup (Image via Toei Animation)

However, it also opens the door to him bonding with another person in One Piece over being afraid of battle and danger. This would be none other than Usopp, who may want to be a brave warrior of the sea but is still overcome with fear in every battle. The two will likely bond over this throughout the arc, with Usopp jealous of Loki for being born a Giant and Loki jealous of Usopp for his courage in facing danger.

In turn, this could lead to Thor being introduced not as Loki’s brother, but a legendary Elbafian figure whom Loki looks up to and wants to emulate. Such an introduction also opens the door for a version of Mjolnir to exist in Elbaf, waiting patiently for a new worthy wielder. All of this will likely culminate in the arc’s climax, which would see Usopp become Mjolnir’s new wielder.

This seems likely given how integral hammers were to Usopp’s characterization and battle style early on in the series. Firstly, Usopp is not only an inventor but was even the Going Merry’s shipwright during the Straw Hat Pirates’ time with the ship. He was constantly seen using a hammer in either role likewise. One Piece has also shown hammers to be part of Usopp’s combat methods, with the Perona fight being the most notable example.

In any case, Usopp inheriting Mjolnir during the arc’s climax will likely see him defeat a major, powerful enemy of Elbaf with the weapon’s power. This will not only cement him as a brave warrior of the sea but help to inspire Loki to overcome his trauma and embrace his Giant heritage. In turn, Usopp would become a true hero of Elbaf for the role he played in Prince Loki’s growth and development as a leader and fighter.

Final thoughts

Loki will likely prove himself integral to Usopp's development in the Elbaf Arc (Image via Toei Animation)

While the above is certainly speculative, the Elbaf Arc’s Norse mythology backbone serves as a strong foundation of evidence for such a turn of events. Likewise, Usopp’s affinity for hammers throughout the series further drives home the above theory as not only possible but likely.