This article includes spoilers from the Elbaf arc of One Piece.
Overview
- Elbaf introduces the Harley text, which discusses the First, Second, and Third Worlds of the One Piece universe.
- Oda has postulated the existence of an advanced ancient civilization in the First World, dated approximately 3000 years ago.
- The destruction of the First World by the Earth God and the Serpent of Hellfire is confirmed, leading to a loss of historical development in the One Piece narrative.
The recent chapter 1144 of One Piece was monumental, as Oda escalates the stakes within the Elbaf arc. While many fans anticipated a deeper dive into Loki’s backstory alongside some action involving the Holy Knights, Oda intriguingly shifted focus onto Franky’s adventure among the roots of the Adam Tree.
This chapter serves as a vehicle for revealing intricate lore about the One Piece world, expanding upon previously introduced concepts found in the Harley texts. Most notably, the presence of a highly advanced ancient civilization now solidifies the timeline and lore of the One Piece narrative, making it a pivotal moment for both character development and overarching plotlines.
The Three Worlds of One Piece As Revealed In Elbaf
- Elbaf introduces the Harley to audiences.
- The Harley references the existence of three distinct worlds within One Piece.
The Elbaf arc has been groundbreaking in that it introduced the notion of multiple worlds within the One Piece lore. While the Void Century had been acknowledged, the specifics concerning the earlier world history remained vague. Until now, there has been little insight into the condition of the world both during and after the Void Century—especially regarding what preceded it.
“Our world had been destroyed twice in the past already.” — Jarul
Elbaf has redefined our understanding of this history, elucidating that the world has experienced at least two devastating destructions. According to the Harley, this ancient text, when Nico Robin explored the Owl’s Library, the concept of the Three Worlds was clarifed. Here’s what the Harley conveys:
First World
The land was consumed by flames, and humanity succumbed to their deepest desires, thus invoking the forbidden Sun. In their despair, the enslaved called out, prompting the Sun God to reveal himself. This angered the Earth God, leading to a catastrophic alliance with the Serpent of Hellfire, plunging the world into desolation.
Second World
From emptiness, life breathed anew as the Forest God unleashed demons. The Sun only fanned the flames of conflict. As the dreams of those under half-moon and full-moon played out, humanity met their doom through slaying the Sun, inciting the Sea God’s wrath. The cycle of destruction continued.
Third World
Amidst chaos, a void lingers. The shadow remembers a promised day, echoing the fractured moon’s call. The Sun God dances, heralding chaos’s conclusion yet again. A new dawn awaits, promising a reunion.
While much of the Harley has been previously dissected, chapter 1144 specifically delves into the lore of the First World. As Franky and Ripley navigate through the Adam Tree, they uncover an astonishingly advanced facility, believed to be remnants of an Ancient Giant civilization, adding a fascinating layer to Elbaf’s narrative.
The Timeline Of The First World Is Now Confirmed
The First World Existed About 3000 Years Ago In One Piece
The revelation of the ancient facility within a colossal Iron Giant in chapter 1144 sent shockwaves through the community. What followed was even more astounding: it was disclosed that Vegapunk and Bonney had previously explored this state-of-the-art lab.
Vegapunk aims to repurpose this facility as a major laboratory. “Looking around this place, it’s gotta be at least 3 millennia old!” exclaimed Lilith, further emphasizing its historical significance.
“This lab is going to be very important moving forward.” — Lilith
With assertions that the facility is approximately 3000 years old, Ripley adds that even the Giants possess limited knowledge about this site, underscoring its status as an artifact from a long-lost technological era. This raises questions about the advanced capabilities of the First World, highlighting that despite the post-apocalyptic depiction of the One Piece world, it housed cutting-edge technologies.
Historically, the Ancient Kingdom that unfolded 900 years ago showcased extraordinary advancements, and interestingly, it appears that the civilization from 3000 years back had even greater technological marvels. The remnants observed from the Iron Giant facility appear to outmatch even those of Emet. Oda will likely unravel further mysteries surrounding the initial two worlds, and fans are eagerly awaiting these revelations.
What Happened In the First World?
The First World Was Destroyed by the Earth God and Serpent of Hellfire
As fans have learned, the One Piece world has faced two catastrophic events. The demise of the First World coincided with the emergence of Sun God Nika. When the oppressed sought aid from the Sun God, the Earth God retaliated in fury, aligning with the Serpent of Hellfire, thus obliterating the civilizations and erasing advancements.
Although knowledge about the First World is still limited, remnants of its technology persevered into the Second World, setting the stage for another catastrophic conflict, further illustrating the cyclical nature of destruction within the saga.
Readers can access One Piece through Viz Media, with official, free readings available on both the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus platforms. Be sure to check out the next chapter scheduled for release on March 30, 2025.