The Elbaph Arc could lead directly into One Piece's conclusion

Modified Nov 15, 2024 15:30 GMT

The Elbaph Arc could lead directly into One Piece's conclusion (Image via Toei Animation)

One Piece's Elbaph arc is soaring smoothly while introducing some crucial elements that fit the arc's reputation as one from the final saga. Although the fandom isn't considering this arc the final one, the truth might be much simpler, and it all relates to the inspiration behind Elbaph Island, Norse mythology, as hinted through various hints in the arc.

In Norse mythology, Ragnarok is the destruction of the entire world. This event parallels One Piece, triggered by Loki and a villain from one of the series' movies. Their actions would lead to a series of events, and whoever interfered with them might die, leading to the true end of Eiichiro Oda's series. This end could also see the fulfillment of some prophecies.

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

Exploring the Elbaph arc as the final arc of One Piece

Loki as seen in the manga (Image via Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha)

One Piece's Elbaph arc has a lot of elements that hint that it is inspired by Norse mythology. The Yggdrasil tree, the prince of Elbaf Loki, and so many other things in this arc directly parallel the elements from Norse mythology. So, as expected, the arc might end with an element from the same mythology, Ragnarok (the destruction of everything).

Ragnarok is a set of events from Norse mythology that led to the world's end (and rebirth). The key figure in this event was Loki, who manipulated God Houdur, who was blind, into killing his own brother, God Baldur. This later saw Loki getting locked up and surrounded by venomous snakes at the bottom of the Yggdrasil tree, the Niflheim.

As the fandom might have already noticed, similar events happened in Eiichiro Oda's magnum opus, where Loki was imprisoned in Niflheim after he killed his father for the legendary devil fruit. However, an interesting thing about Loki in the series is that he was blindfolded. This could mean he might have some powers that awaken when witnessing something.

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

The most lore-logical thing, in this case, would be Loki having the powers of Fenrir, the legendary wolf from the same mythology. Given the recent conversation between Loki and Luffy, the former might eventually convince the latter to free him, which might trigger the end (Ragnarok).

However, it would be Shinki, the Flying Pirate, and not Loki to defeat Luffy. As hinted by Loki's friends (monsters), Shiki might be present on Elbaf, so he would make a surprise entry and defeat Luffy. Loki and Shiki would then announce the end (Ragnarok).

Even though Akianu and the World Government have enough manpower, they might not stand a chance against an awakened Loki and Shiki (accompanied by his army of monsters). So, after a massacre, the Grand Line would sink after the destruction of the Red Line. Madam Shyarly's prophecy would also prove true, as Luffy would be indirectly involved.

Analysis and final thoughts

Loki's silhouette as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

It is not every day that we can find theories backed by proper research and valid material (because theories mostly assume things to make their point). However, this theory takes things to another level.

The key to this theory is Loki's blindfold, which hints that he might have the powers of the Fenrir. If Luffy is the true Sun God (with his Nika fruit), it would be fitting for Loki to have an equally strong fruit but not the Nika fruit.

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Edited by Shreya Das