The latest installment of One Piece, chapter 1130, introduced Loki, the Prince of Giants, along with the newly confirmed name for Elbaf, now labeled as “Elbaph.”Fans speculate that Loki’s power level may exceed that of all giants combined. His markedly distinct appearance, differing from previous depictions, has ignited discussions surrounding his Devil Fruit, which is believed to have been inherited through the Giant royal lineage.
Loki’s name, visual design, and earlier portrayals of the mythical “Loki”might serve as significant hints toward the nature of his Devil Fruit’s abilities. Like the mythological figure, Oda’s version of Loki could wield powers tied to illusions, potentially influencing the tales and legends of Elbaf.
Disclaimer: This article may contain spoilers for the One Piece series.
One Piece: The Connection Between Loki’s Devil Fruit and Mythology
Loki, as the Prince of Elbaf, has been referenced throughout the series, with his first appearances tracing back to the Whole Cake Island arc, where he played a vital role in the conflict between the giants and Big Mom. His full reveal in chapter 1130 showcased his design and hinted at his personality traits.
In his complete introduction, details emerged about the events leading to his sealing, which involved Loki taking the life of his father, the King of Giants. This act led to his crucifixion without confirming the specifics of his Devil Fruit abilities. In mythology, Loki is known as the trickster god, endowed with various powers including shapeshifting, illusion creation, and embodying chaos.
Likewise, in One Piece, Loki is restrained in a manner analogous to his mythological counterpart, who is imprisoned until the cataclysmic event known as Ragnarok. This event signifies a world-ending scenario involving simultaneous destruction through fire and flood.
Some interpretations depict mischievous deities as embodying reversal and fable. Given that “Elbaf”translates to “land of giants,”it is conceivable that Oda employed this as a clever wordplay, suggesting Loki’s potential role in manipulating the very fabric of Elbaf’s narrative through deception and supposed powers of reversal.
Loki’s character oddly mirrors that of Jango, a minor antagonist introduced alongside Usopp. Jango possessed an unusual hypnotic ability not derived from a Devil Fruit, raising the possibility that Loki could trick Luffy by assuming his appearance, potentially even mimicking Luffy’s Gear 5 transformation, an idea hinted at in chapter 1119 when Bonney exhibited a similar transformation.
The overarching storyline involving the Straw Hats is one of valor and support from seasoned giants like Dorry and Brogy. However, Loki’s powers could invert this narrative, possibly signaling a threat to both the world and the Straw Hats’ triumph. This inversion aligns with thematic elements of trickster gods who are often linked to fables and reversals in various literatures.
While Loki’s illusions may mislead most characters in the story, Usopp could emerge as a critical figure in combating him. As the sharpshooter of the Straw Hat crew, Usopp has demonstrated exceptional observational abilities throughout both canon and non-canon narratives.
Although not explicitly confirmed, many fans believe that Usopp’s keen perception could stem from an unconscious mastery of Observation Haki. This element’s intentional ambiguity might suggest that Oda is deliberately building suspense around Usopp’s powers, thus positioning him as a pivotal player in the conflict against Loki in Elbaf.
Closing Thoughts
The manga is currently observing a two-week hiatus, with the release of One Piece chapter 1131 anticipated on November 10, 2024. Chapter 1130 culminates with Luffy’s initial encounter with Loki, alongside subtle hints regarding Vivi’s return to the Straw Hat crew. Although fans were eager to witness Usopp’s expected character growth in Elbaf, such developments have yet to materialize.
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