Luffy’s Biggest Mistake in One Piece: What to Expect Next

Within the One Piece universe, Luffy’s relentless quest for adventure and freedom has often positioned him against tyrannical forces. However, his courageous choices may soon have unforeseen repercussions. A recent theory by Twitter user @writingpanini suggests that Luffy could inadvertently instigate the catastrophic event known as Ragnarok by liberating Loki, the prince of Elbaph.

This theory builds upon elements of Norse mythology, contending that Loki’s release could symbolize the commencement of Elbaph’s destruction, signifying an end of an era. The narrative implications suggest that this misstep might represent Luffy’s most significant blunder, leading to repercussions that could drastically alter the One Piece world.

Note: The following article is based on speculative analysis and includes plot spoilers.

One Piece: Luffy’s potential to awaken Loki and incite Ragnarok

The potential of Luffy freeing Loki in future chapters (Image via Shueisha)

A recent theory in the One Piece fandom suggests that Odin’s son’s escape could signal the beginning of Ragnarok, akin to its depiction in Norse legend where Loki’s release marks the onset of the world’s apocalypse. Should Luffy inadvertently set Loki free, it runs the risk of leading to the demise of Elbaph.

Earlier narrative hints have tied together themes from Norse myth: the impostor Sun God, Road, may represent Loki, while the burning Yggdrasil tree in a diorama could foreshadow the literal destruction of Yggdrasil in Elbaph during Ragnarok. In Norse narratives, the death of Balder, a figure symbolizing purity and light, initiates the final confrontation, a critical component of Ragnarok.

Loki's heinous act against his father for a Devil Fruit (Image via Toei Animation) — Loki’s heinous act against his father for a Devil Fruit (Image via Toei Animation)

In Elbaph, Loki committed patricide to acquire a renowned Devil Fruit, potentially heralding the start of this apocalyptic scenario. His entrapment within a tree mirrors his mythological punishment in a cave until Ragnarok begins. The fierce winter enveloping Loki’s confinement in Elbaph may reflect the mythic Fimbulwinter, which precedes Ragnarok, with his release—possibly set off by Luffy—leading to prophesied devastation.

Echoing the gods who combat Loki during the apocalyptic climax, the Straw Hat crew could find themselves faced with Loki and legendary beasts like Jormungandr.

Norse mythology illustrates that during the final battle of Ragnarok, Yggdrasil will be engulfed by flames and floods, resulting in the old world’s annihilation and the emergence of a new realm from the ocean. In this reborn world, Luffy could embody the genuine Sun God, supplanting Loki, the false Sun God, exemplifying a significant renewal akin to the sunlight’s rebirth in Norse legend post-Ragnarok.

One Piece: The likelihood of Luffy igniting Ragnarok grows

Monkey D. Luffy depicted in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

The intriguing concept that Luffy’s endeavors could unintentionally catalyze Ragnarok by liberating Loki resonates with Norse mythological motifs. Loki’s history of slaying his father Harald for a privileged Devil Fruit connects to overarching themes of chaos and treachery, reminiscent of Loki’s roles in the early events of Ragnarok.

The striking imagery of Yggdrasil in flames serves as a metaphor for destruction paving the way for rebirth, indicating that the ruin of Elbaph could mark both an end and a fresh beginning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHlz3PMAevM

Luffy Saves Law from Don Flamingo HD!!! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHlz3PMAevM)

As a character often perceived as a liberator, Luffy may accidentally set Loki free, paralleling the gods’ confrontation with Loki at Ragnarok’s inception. This mirrors Luffy’s disruptive nature, challenging established systems and inciting unpredictable outcomes.

The juxtaposition of Luffy as the true Sun God versus Loki, the imitation Sun God, introduces layers of meaning, symbolizing a clash between rebirth and devastation, illumination and shadow. This complexity implies that Luffy’s ascension as the authentic Sun God may closely follow the upheaval of Ragnarok, embodying hope and rejuvenation amid chaos.

Sacrifice is a prominent theme throughout the series (Image via Toei Animation)

The theory aligns well with overarching motifs within One Piece, such as freedom, sacrifice, and the cyclical nature of life. Furthermore, the prospect of engaging in future conflicts against legendary figures like Jormungandr would broaden the narrative canvas, intensifying the conflict between destiny and agency, as Luffy’s decisions consequentially shape the unfolding storyline.

In conclusion, while the speculation remains just that, it enriches the narrative tapestry of One Piece by weaving in Norse mythological themes and provides an intriguing framework for upcoming plot developments.

Concluding reflections

The Giants of Elbaf showcased in the series (Image via Toei Animation)

Luffy’s potential action of releasing Loki in One Piece might serve as a precursor to Ragnarok, possibly marking the gravest error of his journey. Such an event could result in Elbaph’s downfall and unleash turmoil, simultaneously paving the way for renewal and solidifying Luffy’s destiny as the rightful Sun God.

Source