Ragnarök Approaches in One Piece’s Elbaf Arc: Big Mom’s Potential Return and Key Role

The Elbaf arc of One Piece has commenced with the Straw Hat Pirates finding themselves trapped in a Lego castle, likely belonging to a child from the island. Although the arc has just begun, fans are already eager to speculate about the potential final showdown between Luffy and the main antagonist, which may be referred to as Ragnarök, particularly since the presence of Yggdrasil on the island highlights its connections to Norse mythology.

As this epic conflict looms, it’s uncertain who the Straw Hat Pirates will confront. Moreover, the significant question is who will instigate this climactic war. One potential catalyst could be the return of Big Mom, a prominent adversary of the Straw Hat Pirates and a giant herself. She might incinerate the Yggdrasil tree, mirroring the mythological initiation of Ragnarök in Norse sagas.

Disclaimer: This article contains potential spoilers from the One Piece manga series and reflects the author’s opinion.

One Piece: Could Big Mom Trigger Ragnarök?

Nami as seen in chapter 1127 (Image via Shueisha) — Nami in chapter 1127 (Image via Shueisha)

Chapter 1127 of One Piece depicted the missing Straw Hat Pirates inside a whimsical Lego castle, facing off against massive creatures. The crew was seen wearing their traditional Elbaf Island outfits, which might be intended to distract fans from speculating whether they are experiencing the effects of Absinthe, the alcoholic beverage they shared with the giants.

Even if this scenario is a mere dream, the Straw Hat Pirates may still be present on Elbaf Island, setting the stage for what could be the ‘supposed’ final arc of the series. The upcoming chapters are expected to unravel significant mysteries and introduce exhilarating adventures, suggesting that the Straw Hat Pirates are in for an extraordinary journey.

Among these anticipated ‘new adventures’ could be their impending encounter with <:strong>Ragnarök. This event, rooted in Norse mythology, signifies a cataclysmic battle between good and evil, paving the way for a new world order post-conflict. Thus, it becomes crucial to explore how Norse mythology intertwines with the Straw Hat Pirates’ experience on Elbaf Island.

Yggdrasil as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha) — Yggdrasil in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

In chapter 1127, the narrative not only highlighted the Straw Hat Pirates’ predicament but also illustrated the locals’ anxiety regarding the Yggdrasil tree being burned—a disaster that could ensue. Similar to its significance in Norse mythology, the Yggdrasil tree symbolizes life, linking the heavens and the Earth.

There is unmistakably a correlation between Norse mythology and the Elbaf arc. Thus, it raises the question of where exactly Ragnarök will unfold and who might serve as the instigator. This could very well signal the return of an old nemesis of the Straw Hat Pirates, Charlotte Linlin, known as Big Mom.

Big Mom, a former Conqueror of the Sea and captain of the Big Mom Pirates, was last seen allied with Kaido during the Wano arc. Her story concluded with Law and Kidd propelling her into molten lava.

Big Mom as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation) — Big Mom in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Notably, similar tactics of sending her into perilous situations have failed to permanently keep Big Mom at bay; she has returned before and could feasibly do so again. Her vendetta against the Straw Hat Pirates stems from their involvement in her schemes concerning Fisherman Island.

Additionally, her tumultuous history with the giants adds another layer of complexity, particularly due to a past incident involving one of her daughters who failed to join in marriage to a giant named Loki.

Ultimately, the prospect of Big Mom’s resurgence in the Elbaf arc appears highly probable. Emerging as a besieged pirate after being trapped in lava, she may even awaken her Devil Fruit powers, potentially setting ablaze the Yggdrasil tree to unleash Ragnarök, paralleling the events depicted in Norse legend.

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