One Piece Analysis: Reasons Loki Did Not Assassinate King Harald

This article contains spoilers from One Piece’s Elbaf Arc.

Summary of Key Developments

The Giants recount a narrative in which Loki is accused of killing King Harald, although evidence surrounding this claim remains unclear.
Loki’s interactions with both Luffy and a character named Shaggy raise doubts about his perceived villainy.
Speculation suggests that the World Government might seek Loki’s Devil Fruit, possibly implicating them in the events surrounding King Harald’s death.

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The Story Of Loki Killing King Harald
Why Loki Might Not Have Killed King Harald
- King Harald Could’ve Had Many Enemies

The Complex Character of Loki

In the latest installment of One Piece, particularly during the Elbaf Arc, the character of Loki has captured the attention and intrigue of fans. As the Accursed Prince of Elbaf, Loki carries a significant burden, being embroiled in controversy and suspicion. His introduction hinted at a multi-layered persona, and many fans theorized his potential role as a villain, a notion that creator Eiichiro Oda definitely toyed with. Recent developments, however, challenge Loki’s villainous portrayal.

The Story Of Loki Killing King Harald

The narrative surrounding Loki’s alleged murder of King Harald originates from the Giant race. Initially introduced during the Whole Cake Island Arc, Loki’s character was nuanced, appearing almost romantic as he grappled with unrequited love for Lola. Yet, his subsequent depiction in Elbaf paints him in a darker light, as he is said to have executed serious crimes, including the purported killing of his own father, King Harald, accompanied by the consumption of a legendary Devil Fruit.

Loki? He killed our beloved King Harald! – Giants

According to lore, the Devil Fruit in question had been preserved within the royal family for ages, amplifying the shock of its acceptance by Loki. Yet, the narrative is clouded with uncertainty—details regarding the actual circumstances of King Harald’s death are notably absent, making the situation all the murkier.

Interestingly, Loki showed an unexpected camaraderie with Luffy, defying the expectations of a traditional antagonist. Despite his criticism of Luffy’s carefree attitude, their interactions lacked hostility—an instinctive indicator that perhaps Loki’s nature is more benign than the Giants believe. Moreover, a character named Shaggy perceives the kindness that lies beneath Loki’s cold exterior, which adds complexity to his character’s moral standing.

Why Loki Might Not Have Killed King Harald

King Harald Could’ve Had Many Enemies

Upon closer scrutiny, it is plausible that Loki is not responsible for King Harald’s demise. Notably, Loki himself has never admitted to this alleged crime, which seems inconsistent with his character. Adding to this ambiguity is the involvement of the World Government, who have shown significant interest in Loki, seemingly eager to apprehend him amidst escalating conflicts in Elbaf.

I’m the Sun God who will destroy the world! – Loki

Recent chapters depict two cloaked figures searching for Loki, prompting local Giants to affirm that Loki killed King Harald. When they sought to find him, tensions escalated to violence against the Giants—why such urgency unless Loki harbors something critical, such as the sought-after Devil Fruit?

It is plausible that the World Government anticipated the value of this fruit long ago and may have connections to an earlier assassination attempt involving a figure resembling Shanks. Loki’s misunderstanding of this identity could also explain his disdain for the pirate, not recognizing that his remarks about “cowardice”were misdirected.

Additionally, the bandaged eyes of Loki seem to parallel the abilities of a mysterious woman associated with the God’s Knights leading the Shanks-like figure. This interplay suggests a deeper, more intricate plotting behind King Harald’s death that implicates external forces rather than simply Loki’s actions.

Conclusion

The narrative surrounding Loki’s alleged patricide seems riddled with unanswered questions. Whether he is truly the villain or simply misunderstood remains to be seen. As One Piece continues to unfold, fans are eager to peel back these layers of mystery to discover the truth behind Loki, King Harald, and the overarching conflict with the World Government.

For readers looking to stay engaged with the latest chapters of One Piece, the series is readily available through Viz Media and can also be read officially and for free on the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus apps. Chapter 1135 is set to release on January 3, 2024.

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