It is widely acknowledged that One Piece is among the top anime series. The show showcases a diverse cast of characters, primarily consisting of pirates. However, it may surprise you to learn that a significant number of these characters draw inspiration from actual historical pirates.
The series One Piece is enhanced by the inclusion of historical figures, both famous ones like Blackbeard and lesser-known ones. This adds an element of enjoyment and thrill to the story.
In this blog, we will explore the characters in One Piece that were inspired by real-life pirates. So, let’s begin our journey and uncover the intriguing links between the series and historical figures.
10. X Drake
X Drake belongs to the Beasts Pirates and is part of the Tobi Roppo, a group of the Beasts Pirates’ six strongest members. His special power comes from a legendary and ancient Zoan-type Devil Fruit called the Dragon-Dragon Fruit, Model: Allosaurus.
His mastery over his Devil Fruit grants him exceptional control, ranking him among the top six most powerful crewmates. Furthermore, he possesses the ability to utilize Armament Haki.
It is intriguing to note that X Drake takes inspiration from Sir Francis Drake, a famous English pirate and explorer during the Elizabethan era.
Goodbye
Alvida, the initial female pirate introduced in the series, was also the first female to possess a Devil Fruit ability. However, she is not considered one of the most formidable women in One Piece. Her Devil Fruit, the Slip-Slip Fruit, drastically altered her skin, giving it a remarkably smooth and slippery texture. Alvida is capable of gliding using her Fruit’s abilities, but it does not increase her offensive strength.
While there is debate among historians about the accuracy of Awilda’s story, she is still widely known as a legendary figure and is believed to have been a pirate before becoming the Queen of Denmark, possibly serving as an inspiration for the woman in question.
8-Silvers Rayleigh
Despite not possessing a Devil Fruit, Silvers Rayleigh remains a formidable force in the Grand Line. He was a member of one of the strongest crews to ever sail the seas, and even in his old age, he is still able to hold his own against a Navy Admiral.
Rayleigh is influenced by the Englishman Sir Walter Rayleigh, who introduced the widespread use of tobacco in English society. Furthermore, he brings to mind the character of John Silver from Treasure Island.
Fans may also find it noteworthy that his moniker, “Silver,”corresponds with his role as the second-in-command to Gol D. Roger (known as Gold Roger), who holds the highest rank within their crew.
7. The Legend of Gol D. Roger
Gol D. Roger is the central character of the One Piece story. As the Pirate King, he fearlessly encouraged aspiring pirates to find his vast One Piece treasure and take it as their own. Roger is also the biological father of Portgas D. Ace and had connections to Rocks D. Xebec, a renowned pirate of the past.
Interestingly, Olivier Levasseur, a real-life pirate, served as the inspiration for Roger’s character. Like Levasseur, Roger challenged others to locate his notorious treasure and continues to be a mystery.
6. Eustass Captain Kid’s Crew
Eustass Kid is widely known as a notorious pirate in the One Piece world and was a member of the Worst Generation. Leading the Kid Pirates as their captain, he is considered one of the most powerful Supernovas. In fact, he was able to wound a Sweet Commander from the Big Mom Pirates and played a crucial role in Trafalgar D. Water Law’s victory over Big Mom during the attack on Onigashima Island.
He derives his surname, Kid, from the Scottish pirate William “Captain” Kidd, who was executed for piracy. Furthermore, his name is also associated with the French pirate and mercenary, Eustace the Monk.
Who is Big Mom?
The notorious pirate known as Charlotte “Big Mom”Linlin has an illustrious history. She was previously a member of the legendary Rocks Pirates, a renowned crew within the One Piece universe. Her pirate crew is comprised of her own offspring, such as the witch-like Brulee and her formidable second son, Charlotte Katakuri. Furthermore, Big Mom shares a significant connection with the mighty Kaido, as exemplified in the events of the Wano arc.
Her powers are derived from the Soul-Soul Fruit, granting her the ability to control souls. Her name is a tribute to two infamous pirates, Charlotte Badger and Charlotte de Berry, and her impressive bounty of 4,388,000,000 berries reflects her notoriety.
Blackbeard
Blackbeard, whose real name is Marshall D. Teach, is the leader of the infamous Blackbeard Pirates in One Piece. He achieved the prestigious position of one of the Four Emperors by defeating the remaining members of the Whitebeard Pirates, solidifying his status as a Yonko.
His possession of a unique ability sets him apart: the rare power of wielding two Devil Fruits simultaneously. This remarkable skill makes him an exceptionally formidable fighter by any measure.
The creation of Blackbeard’s character was inspired by the infamous real-life pirate, Edward Teach, also known as Blackbeard. Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, ingeniously incorporated the historical pirate’s last name into the series by creating Marshall D. Teach instead of Edward Teach.
Calico Yorki
Yorki is a renowned figure who was present prior to the events of One Piece. He is most commonly associated with Brook, a former member of his crew. As the leader of the Rumbar Pirates, Yorki was known by the moniker “Calico”Yorki, with the term “Calico”thought to be a reference to the infamous Calico Jack.
John Rackham, better known by his alias Calico Jack, was a renowned English pirate captain during the early 18th century. He was known for his activities in Cuba and the Bahamas, where he amassed his fortune through piracy. He is also notable for crossing paths with fellow pirate Anne Bonny during his time as a pirate.
2. Who is Jewelry Bonney?
Despite being the only woman in the Worst Generation of One Piece, Jewelry Bonney has remained a mysterious presence. Her special Devil Fruit gives her the ability to control the physical age of herself and others, making her a unique member of the group.
Fascinatingly, her inspiration comes from the real-life pirate Anne Bonny, a notorious female pirate in the 18th century. Despite being born into a wealthy family, Anne Bonny opted for a life as a pirate and found great success in her chosen career.
1. Roronoa Zoro
Roronoa Zoro, a member of the infamous Worst Generation, is widely beloved among fans as one of the series’ most iconic characters. He was the initial member to join Luffy on his journey to achieve the title of Pirate King.
His ultimate goal is to earn the title of World’s Strongest Swordsman, a journey that is fueled by his unwavering determination to pay tribute to his deceased friend, Kuina. Furthermore, he also competes with the mysterious swordsman Dracule Mihawk as a fierce adversary.
Zoro is inspired by François l’Olonais, a real-life pirate. His last name is a nod to the Japanese pronunciation of this infamous pirate captain, François, who became known in the 1660s for his bold exploits as a pirate on the open seas.
About One Piece
Eiichiro Oda is the author and illustrator of One Piece, a Japanese manga series. The series has been published in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine since July 22, 1997.
Gol D. Roger, known as the Pirate King, had amassed all the riches the world had to offer. As he stood on the execution tower, his parting words were, “My treasures? If you desire them, they are yours. Seek them out; I have left them all in one place.”These words inspired countless individuals to embark on their own journeys, pursuing their dreams and setting sail for the Grand Line in search of the legendary One Piece. And so, a new era began.
Determined to become the most legendary pirate of all time, young Monkey D. Luffy sets out on a journey to the Grand Line in pursuit of the elusive One Piece. Accompanied by a skilled swordsman, sharpshooter, navigator, chef, physician, archaeologist, and cyborg shipwright, this voyage is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.
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