Summary
With over 1100 chapters of expansive lore,One Piececontinues to weave intricate storytelling with deep cultural references. One such reference, often overlooked, is Jonathan Swift’s classic,Gulliver’s Travels.
Fans have long noted Oda’s tendency to draw inspiration from famous works of fiction, andGulliver’s Travelsis no exception. Whether it’s Robin’s situation in Dressrosa that mirrors Gulliver’s imprisonment in Lilliput (both were pinned down by tiny human-like creatures), orVegapunk’s scientific endeavors reflecting the absurdities of the Laputans, Oda has skillfully intertwined Swift’s work throughout the series. Now, with theElbafarc officially here, Oda seems to be taking direct inspiration from the second part ofGulliver’s Travels: Brobdingnag, the land of giants.
The Connection Between Elbaf and Brobdingnag
In Swift’s tale, Brobdingnag is home to colossal beings, where protagonist Lemuel Gulliver becomes a miniature oddity to be gawked at by the natives. Similarly, inOne Piece, Elbaf is the land of giants, a place fans have eagerly awaited to explore, given its Norse-inspired mythology and longstanding importance in the story. But the connections go beyond just giants. In fact, the very first chapter of the Elbaf arc features moments that appear to be direct callbacks toGulliver’s Travels.
For instance, in the second book ofGulliver’s Travels, Gulliver battles giant bees and faces the menace of oversized animals. In a playful nod to this,both Nami and Usopp encounter gigantic bees and other creaturesin the opening scenes of Elbaf. These references are more than just surface-level homages. They hint at a deeper narrative, signaling how the arc will likely blend fantastical elements with more grounded, societal themes, much like Brobdingnag in Swift’s satire.
The Giants of Elbaf: Brobdingnagian Themes in One Piece
Gulliver’s Travelsisn’t just a whimsical story of adventure—it’s a biting critique of human nature, society, and politics. The second book, set in Brobdingnag, reflects Swift’s criticism of European politics, particularly through Gulliver’s discussions with the Brobdingnagian King. Gulliver’s attempts to explain the complexities of European society and warfare are met with disgust by the giant King, who sees no value in such destructive practices. This echoes what may lie ahead in Elbaf, particularly in relation to the broader conflict involvingthe Void Century, the ancient war, and Joy Boy’s ideals.
Given the strong anti-war themes in Brobdingnag, it is likely that the Elbaf arc will delve deeply into the consequences of war, something Oda has already teased throughthe revelations from Vegapunk about the ancient weapons. The history of theOne Pieceworld, particularly the mysterious war that took place 800 years ago, has always been shrouded in mystery. Elbaf, a warrior culture steeped in honor and strength, may offer critical insights into the conflict that shaped the current world order.
Echoes of the Ancient War: Elbaf And Joy Boy
Much like the King of Brobdingnag’s disdain for Gulliver’s description of European wars, the giants of Elbaf might have a unique perspective on the ancient war that shaped the One Piece world.
InGulliver’s Travels, Swift critiques not only war but also the arrogance of European civilization. This critique aligns perfectly with the thematic direction ofOne Piece, especially withJoy Boy’s history and the ongoing conflict between the World Governmentand the D clan. The giants of Elbaf may serve as a mirror to Swift’s giants—aloof, yet possessing a clarity that the rest of the world lacks.
It’s plausible that Elbaf will provide critical revelationsabout Joy Boy and the ideals he fought for. Joy Boy, known for his role in the ancient past, opposed the World Government and sought to liberate the world from its oppressive regime. In much the same way, the Brobdingnagian King opposed the warlike nature of Gulliver’s people. Elbaf might serve as the last great stronghold of Joy Boy’s ideals, passed down through generations of giants, and potentially offer the Straw Hats the final puzzle pieces needed to uncover the truth of the Void Century.
Elbaf and the Nine Realms of Yggdrasil
As much as Elbaf draws fromGulliver’s Travels, it also leans heavily into Norse mythology, particularly the concept of Yggdrasil—the world tree that connects nine realms. Oda has been known to weave mythology into his story, and Elbaf may be where the Straw Hats gain access to these nine realms. This could symbolize their journey toward the final conflict, with each Straw Hat potentially being destined for one of these realms, reflecting their growth and individual paths throughout the series.
It’s also worth noting that Brobdingnag, while a place of massive giants, was also a place of simplicity and peace. The giants were curious about Gulliver, but not in a malicious way. This peaceful demeanor may resonate with the giants of Elbaf, who could be depicted not as brutish warriors, but as a society striving for balance and peace, perhaps aligned with the ideals of Joy Boy.
