This article includes spoilers from the Elbaf Arc of One Piece.
Overview
- King Harald has been depicted as a traitor, as suggested by Oda’s narrative choices.
- There are indications that Harald may have had ties with the World Government, possibly as an ally.
- Loki and Jarul are both potential suspects in Harald’s murder, raising questions of loyalty and treason.
The Elbaf arc in One Piece has officially begun, captivating fans with a host of dynamic characters and intriguing lore. Among these characters is King Harald, celebrated as Elbaf’s most exceptional ruler and renowned for his unparalleled strength.
Tragically, King Harald is already deceased, which limits his appearance in the latest chapters. Most of what fans know about him comes from the accounts of others. Revered in Elbaf, Harald is viewed as a legendary figure, but the narrative suggests there may be more complexity to his character than meets the eye.
The Betrayal of Harald
- Suspicious Beginnings for Harald
- Excessive Redemption Arcs
Upon his introduction in One Piece, King Harald was immediately recognized as Loki’s father, a benevolent ruler tragically murdered by his own son. This narrative could have been easily accepted, were it not for Luffy’s early interactions with Loki, which were marked by a lack of animosity. This dynamic served as a telling sign that Harald’s portrayal might be misleading.
Our good King Harald was the greatest king in the history of the country.— The Giants
As more details emerged regarding Harald’s history, he was depicted as a peace-loving monarch eager to foster global trade and stabilize Elbaf. Significantly, he went as far as to remove his own horns, symbolizing his rejection of the negative legacy of the Ancient Giants. Ultimately, Harald was killed by Loki in a tragic event that transpired 14 years prior to the current storyline, which saw the deaths of 100 giants in Aurust Castle.
However, Oda’s tendency to overly glorify Harald while characterizing Loki as the villain implies a deeper narrative twist, suggesting that Harald’s righteous image may have been a facade. Mosa-ko’s commentary hints at Loki’s genuine goodwill, further complicating the moral landscape of this arc.
Was Harald Allied With the World Government?
Could Harald Have Had Ties to the Government?
Given the emerging narrative about King Harald’s true character, it becomes essential to explore his potential connections with the World Government. The presence of an Abyss circle adjacent to the Throne Room in Aurust Castle indicates that the Holy Knights had prior interactions with Harald, aimed at establishing control over Elbaf.
This notion is further substantiated by events in One Piece chapter 1140, which reveal a somewhat favorable relationship between Harald and the Holy Knights. Their inquiry about Harald’s grave suggests that he may have been an ally of the World Government, possibly even positioned as a proxy ruler. Fortunately for Elbaf, such an outcome was circumvented by Harald’s demise, though his actions stirred considerable unrest.
The Mystery of Harald’s Death
Was It Loki, or Was There More to the Story?
The narrative clearly underscores that King Harald was far from virtuous. The Giants of Elbaf aimed to preserve their heritage and pass down a legendary Devil Fruit, while Harald’s ambitions leaned towards subjugating Elbaf to the World Government. While he did not appear to be overtly corrupt, his vision might have heralded disaster for the land.
The circumstances surrounding his death leave room for speculation. The prevailing theory suggests that Loki is responsible for Harald’s death, potentially driven by his disdain for the Celestial Dragons and the desire to protect Elbaf. Alternatively, Jarul, who opposed Harald’s pro-government stance, could be the true murderer. The fact that Jarul bears a striking resemblance to Harald, both physically and in terms of weaponry, adds an intriguing layer to the story.
Regardless of the true killer, one conclusion is clear: Harald is portrayed as a traitor to Elbaf whose death was arguably justified.
Readers can explore the ongoing series of One Piece through Viz Media, with official access available on Shonen Jump and Manga Plus. The forthcoming chapter, One Piece 1140, is scheduled for release on February 23, 2025.
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