This article contains spoilers from the Elbaf arc of One Piece.
Overview
- The Harley texts expose a monumental conflict in the First World and the emergence of the Sun God Nika.
- The technologically advanced First World fell into darkness following the war.
- Nika’s battle against the Earth God and the Serpent led to the world’s devastation and subsequent separation.
In One Piece chapter 1138, protagonist Oda illustrates why Elbaf stands out as one of his most remarkable arcs, delivering an exceptional introduction. This chapter prominently features the Harley texts, an ancient manuscript preserved by the Giants throughout generations.
Initially brought to light by Jarul, the Harley texts have now been extensively translated by Nico Robin, the Straw Hat Pirates’ archaeologist. The revelations within have left fans awe-struck and hungry for more.
Insights from the Harley Texts on the First World
- A significant war transpired.
- The Sun God Nika emerged.
The Harley texts, along with an ancient mural created by the Giants, narrate the history of the three worlds within One Piece. The First World, believed to have existed prior to the enigmatic Void Century, remains shrouded in uncertainty regarding its precise timeline, although it possibly dates back around 1, 600 years.
During this era, the One Piece world boasted modern amenities, complete with monumental buildings, industrial power plants, and expansive factories. Evidence suggests that this world was vast, featuring numerous large continents. The presence of humans is also confirmed, as depicted in the mural showcasing them in servitude—termed as slaves by the Harley texts. Flames appeared to engulf this land, symbolizing either a literal inferno or figuratively referencing the discovery of a powerful ancient energy source known as the Mother Flame. As Vegapunk has noted, the One Piece world once had its own sun that powered civilization, hinting that the myth spoken of holds truth.
Jarul’s declarations indicate our world has endured two catastrophic destructions!
According to the Harley, the humans of this epoch succumbed to greed, reaching for the “forbidden sun.”This sun likely signifies the Mother Flame or its advanced iteration that Vegapunk aimed to replicate. This period likely saw a surge in power among humans, resulting in widespread slavery to harness the Mother Flame’s potential. The text intimates this grim reality as well.
The oppressed wish for salvation, prompting the Sun God to appear—a vital moment as Vegapunk indicated that the collective desires of the people gave rise to Devil Fruits. Two possibilities could account for this: the wishes of the enslaved might have manifested a Devil Fruit from the Forbidden Sun, which someone later consumed, or the Sun God could have descended from another celestial entity to liberate the suffering masses.
The Harley texts do not specify the origins of the Sun God; however, it’s clear he materialized in response to the enslaved individuals’ prayers. The ruling powers, likely frightened by Nika’s arrival, feared the upheaval it could bring. Jarul observed this, emphasizing that the God of the Earth instigated a violent reaction, collaborating with the Serpent of Karmic Infernal Flames to plunge the world into devastation and gloom. The text suggests that Imu might be the actual Earth God, as Jarul has already indicated that the mighty truly fear Nika’s existence.
The identity of the Serpent remains ambiguous, although prior references to it by Dorry and Brogy imply it possesses unique abilities, even to the point of piercing anything yet failing against this entity.
The Shattering of the World
Darkness Over the One Piece World
As these two formidable forces united, it likely resulted in the catastrophic destruction of the world. It is heavily implied that Nika lost the battle, unable to stave off the ensuing darkness—marking an age where the world remained deprived of light and hope. The details surrounding Nika’s demise are vague, yet it is clear that he faced these two titans and ultimately fell. The Harley concludes dramatically, stating, “they would never meet again, ” suggesting an everlasting separation, possibly induced by death, leaving behind a world yearning for hope.
Post this cataclysm, the fates of the Earth God and the Serpent remain obscured. Speculation surrounds their potential connection to Imu, possibly enduring since that era, or like Nika, being subject to a rebirth process. The identity of the serpent endures as a tantalizing enigma, requiring further exploration in future installments.
This leads us into the Second World, the birthplace of Joy Boy, where the twenty kings allied to combat the Ancient Kingdom, potentially echoing legacies from the First World. As Oda continues to unveil the complex narrative woven through Elbaf, fans eagerly await subsequent revelations that will enrich the lore of this compelling series.
Fans can read One Piece on Viz Media, with free access available via the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus apps. Chapter 1138 is scheduled for release on February 2, 2025.
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