This article contains spoilers from the Elbaf arc of One Piece.
Article Overview
- The legendary Serpent of Hellfire originates from the First World, predating the Void Century.
- This enigmatic creature may be connected to the Earth God and symbolizes a potential weapon of catastrophic proportions.
- Drawing parallels to Norse mythology’s Jormungandr, the Serpent could represent a colossal snake featured in Elbaf’s narrative.
Chapter 1138 of One Piece delivered a series of astounding revelations that captivated fans. Notably, the mural depicted through Franky and the enigmatic Harley text explored by Robin unveiled a treasure trove of lore from creator Eiichiro Oda. The wealth of background information provided in this chapter has ignited a multitude of fascinating theories among fans.
Currently, one of the most discussed topics within the One Piece community is the intriguing Serpent of Hellfire. This creature is illustrated in ancient murals created by a Giant child and referenced in the Harley text. Its absence from the current world of One Piece raises questions about its identity and purpose, making it a focal point of discussion.
The First World and the Serpent of Hellfire
- The First World existed long before the Void Century.
- It appears to be a highly advanced civilization.
In the narrative surrounding the First World, a fire exists within the earth. Humanity, driven by greed, dared to harness this forbidden sun. As enslaved individuals prayed, the Sun God manifested, inciting the fury of the Earth God, who unleashed the Serpent of Hellfire, plunging the world into chaos and despair. This conflict underscores the idea that they are inherently adversarial.
The interpretation of the Serpent of Hellfire varies depending on the Harley translations. However, it is evident that this creature or entity existed well before the Void Century. To unravel the mystery of the Serpent, one must first explore the events that transpired in the First World. Here, the fire appears not as literal flames across the earth but potentially refers to the ‘Mother Flame, ’ a concept introduced through Vegapunk’s recent experiments in Egghead. According to Vegapunk, the Mother Flame once played a significant role in the world’s history and was akin to a sun that eclipses any of his creations. Despite his efforts, Vegapunk acknowledges that he has yet to harness its full potential.
When humanity first encountered this power, their desire to wield it for their own gain led to conflict and conquest, resulting in widespread destruction and likely the establishment of slavery to extract the Mother Flame. During this tumultuous time, the Sun God emerged—potentially from the moon—leading to the ire of the Earth God, who then unleashed the Serpent of Hellfire. This catastrophic series of events marked the end of an era.
Notably, the interrelationship between the Earth God and the Serpent of Hellfire is pivotal. Regardless of translation, they seem to represent two forces converging in this cosmic struggle. The Earth God could symbolize the ruler of the world, whose authority was challenged by the arrival of the Sun God Nika. The Serpent may either be a creation of the Earth God or an ancient deity in its own right. The interpretations vary, suggesting either a collaborative partnership or a single being manifesting dual forms in the battle against the Sun God.
The Identity of the Serpent of Hellfire
The Serpent of Hellfire as an Ancient Deity
The ongoing quest to define the Serpent of Hellfire presents a fascinating dilemma: Oda might be portraying the Serpent as a metaphorical figure rather than a physical one. It could symbolize a weapon of massive destruction birthed from the Mother Flame, leading to the cataclysm that decimated the world and claimed countless lives, thereby marking a pivotal shift in human history.
As noted in the emotional words of Dorry and Brogy, “The only one our attacks can’t pierce is the Serpent soaked in red.”
Conversely, an alternative and more literal interpretation suggests that the Serpent of Hellfire could indeed be an actual serpent. This belief is not unfounded; for instance, the Arc of Skypeia introduced fans to Nola, a colossal serpent dubbed the “Master of the Sky, ”which continues to grow exponentially beyond its 200-year lifespan, measuring over 400 meters in length. Notably, the size of Nola’s mythical ancestor, Kashigami, dwarfed even that, affirming the historical significance attributed to such majestic creatures—deified by the Shadians, allies of the Ancient Kingdom who resisted the 20 Kingdoms.
If Kashigami’s size and historical reverence hint at even greater beings, one can hypothesize that during the Void Century, the Serpent of Hellfire may have been an even larger and more imposing entity. Its eventual demise could conceivably have resulted in geological upheaval, akin to the legendary Pangea, leading to the formation of the Red Line, a massive landmass dividing the world and creating the discourse surrounding the All Blue.
Fans can read One Piece through platforms like Viz Media, Shonen Jump, and Manga Plus, where the next chapter of the series, Chapter 1139, is scheduled for release on February 9, 2025.
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