This article contains spoilers from the Elbaf Arc of One Piece.
Overview
- The Emerald City is rumored to have a more significant legendary status than Laugh Tale, with its mythology linked to advanced nuclear energy from a forgotten civilization.
- First mentioned by Bellamy in Chapter 224 of One Piece, the Emerald City has only been briefly referenced.
- It is described as a shimmering place where everything radiates an emerald glow, rooted in the ancient utilization of uranium for crafting and glassmaking.
Quick Navigation
- Emerald City: An Island More Legendary Than Laugh Tale
- The Existence of the Emerald City in the First World
The universe of One Piece is brimming with intriguing islands, featuring every conceivable idea imaginable within the Grand Line. Yet, certain locations are referred to almost as if they exist in the realm of legend. One such legendary locale is the All Blue, a sea that has not been seen in recent history. Similarly, the elusive Final Island, Laugh Tale, holds monumental significance within the series. Notably, Roger set foot on Laugh Tale and claimed the One Piece. However, there lies an even more legendary place than Laugh Tale: the Emerald City, a concept that Eiichiro Oda first teased in Chapter 224.
The Emerald City: An Island More Legendary Than Laugh Tale
- First Mentioned by **Bellamy**
- Debut in **Chapter 224** of One Piece
Without a doubt, Laugh Tale is an iconic island within the One Piece lore. It is unreachable by simply following the Log Pose. Although the Log Pose has a destination, it ultimately leads to Lodestar Island, where the truth behind the Road Poneglyphs—crucial keys to Laugh Tale—unfolds. Only upon collecting all four Road Poneglyphs can one finally access Laugh Tale.
As Bellamy mockingly stated, “Sky Island? The City of Gold? The Emerald City? Don’t make me laugh; these are fools’ dreams!”Yet, amidst this skepticism lies an island even more legendary than Laugh Tale—the Emerald City—which Bellamy first mentioned in Chapter 224. This fabled land is depicted as a realm where all things shimmer green, encrusted in emeralds. While many consider it a mere myth, it surely holds substance in the narrative, as Oda hints at it cryptically within the Harley.
The First World
In this world engulfed by flames, humanity fell to its desires, challenging the sacred Sun. The enslaved prayed, leading to the appearance of the Sun God. In response, the Earth God, aligned with the serpent of infernal flames, cast the world into death and darkness. Their paths would never cross again.
The Second World
Breath stirred within the abyss, and the Forest God unleashed demons. The Sun merely ignited the fires of warfare. The half-moon’s residents dreamed, as did those of the full-moon. Humans vanquished the Sun and became gods, igniting the wrath of the Sea God. They would be eternally separated.
The Third World
Within chaos lies a void. A troubled shadow recalls the promised day, attuned to the voice of the fractured moon. The Sun God dances with laughter, guiding the world toward its end. Soon, the sun will return, heralding a new dawn. Perhaps, this time, they will finally meet again.
The Existence of the Emerald City in the First World
Lost to Time: All Signs Point Here
To grasp the significance of the Emerald City, fans must decode the Harley and recognize its reference to a highly advanced civilization that flourished 3000 years ago, where humanity harnessed nuclear energy. The text speaks of flames, akin to the Mother Flame. In Egghead, the inscription on the Mother Flame—”A&Mu” —translates to “A to Mu” or Atom in Japanese. Furthermore, the serial number S-108 aligns with the Goroawase for Esteban, meaning Child of Sun. Essentially, the Mother Flame signifies nuclear energy.
Uranium plays a crucial role in the context of nuclear energy. To sustain the Undying Flame of the Mother Flame, uranium was potentially extracted in the First World, contributing to rampant slavery. Interestingly, uranium is also a key material in crafts and glassmaking. The glass produced, known as Uranium Glass, possesses the remarkable ability to glow green when exposed to sunlight! Thus, the Emerald City likely represents an ancient hub where the Mother Flame’s energy was wielded extensively during the First World and possibly revisited in the Second World.
This legendary location potentially evolved into what we now refer to as the Ancient Kingdom, though its current fate remains uncertain.
Mark your calendars for the upcoming release of One Piece Chapter 1149, which will hit shelves on May 25, 2025. As is customary, new chapters of One Piece are released weekly, typically translating to Sunday in Japan, around 12 AM JST. However, international audiences can usually access it a day earlier, on May 11. Fans can indulge in the latest chapter for free on Manga Plus.