The world of One Piece , created by the brilliant mind of Eiichiro Oda, is one that never ceases to amaze its audience.
For over two decades, this epic manga has taken fans on an extraordinary journey filled with adventure, mystery, laughter, and countless tear-jerking moments.
One of the many reasons why One Piece has endured in popularity for so long is Oda’s ability to blend intricate world-building with a host of influences, from real-world history and mythology to literary works.
As fans continue to dissect the most recent arcs, there’s growing speculation about a fascinating new possibility: that the much-anticipated Elbaf arc could be inspired by Jonathan Swift’s timeless novel Gulliver’s Travels.
While the common perception is that Norse mythology is the driving inspiration behind the Elbaf storyline Elbaf itself being an anagram for “Alf,” the Norse name for elves there’s an argument to be made that Swift’s 18th-century satire about exploration and strange lands could also be playing a pivotal role.
The connections between Gulliver’s Travels and One Piece may not be immediately apparent, but on closer inspection, the parallels are striking.
Straw Hats – Manga (Shueisha)
For those unfamiliar, Gulliver’s Travels is a tale of a sailor named Lemuel Gulliver, who joins on a series of voyages to fantastical lands, each one revealing deep insights about human nature through allegory.
Interestingly, as the Elbaf arc in One Piece progresses, the peculiarities of the setting Nami waking up in a LEGO castle, the presence of giant creatures, and the strange behavior of the environment all seem to share certain similarities with the surreal and whimsical journey experienced by Gulliver.
The World of Gulliver’s Travels: An Introduction
Before diving deep into how Gulliver’s Travels may have influenced One Piece’s Elbaf arc, it’s essential to understand the novel itself.
The novel follows Lemuel Gulliver, a ship’s surgeon who joins on four distinct voyages, each taking him to strange lands inhabited by unusual creatures and societies.
In the first voyage, Gulliver finds himself shipwrecked on the island of Lilliput, where the inhabitants are tiny, standing at only six inches tall.
Despite their diminutive size, the Lilliputians have a highly organized society, complete with a complex government and a penchant for petty politics.
Gulliver, who is a giant compared to them, is initially treated with suspicion, but later becomes a tool in their political squabbles.
The scenes of Gulliver tied down by the Lilliputians, helpless as they scurry around him, are some of the most iconic moments in the book.
The second voyage takes Gulliver to the land of Brobdingnag, where the roles are reversed: this time, it is Gulliver who is tiny, and the inhabitants are giants.
The king of Brobdingnag takes a particular interest in Gulliver, and through their conversations, Swift critiques the state of European society, contrasting it with the simpler, more ethical world of the Brobdingnagians.
In the third voyage, Gulliver travels to Laputa, a flying island inhabited by philosophers and scientists so engrossed in theoretical knowledge that they have lost all connection to practical reality.
This voyage satirizes the scientific community and the hubris of those who prioritize abstract thinking over practical concerns.
Finally, in the fourth voyage, Gulliver finds himself in the land of the Houyhnhnms, a race of intelligent, rational horses who live in a utopian society.
Zoro And Sanji From Egghead Arc In One Piece (Toei Animation)
The humans in this land, known as Yahoos, are primitive and brutish, serving as a stark reflection of humanity’s basest instincts. By the end of the novel, Gulliver is so disillusioned with mankind that he prefers the company of horses over his fellow humans.
At its core, Gulliver’s Travels is a satire of the politics, science, and society of Swift’s time, but its themes are universal.
The novel’s exploration of perspective, power, and human folly resonates just as strongly today as it did nearly 300 years ago, and its influence can be seen in countless works of fiction, including One Piece.
Parallels Between Elbaf and Gulliver’s Travels
As the Elbaf arc begins, one of the first major scenes involves Nami waking up inside a strange LEGO castle, surrounded by giant creatures.
This setup immediately calls to mind the opening chapters of Gulliver’s Travels, in which Gulliver is shipwrecked on the island of Lilliput and wakes up to find himself tied down by tiny Lilliputians.
In both stories, the protagonist is thrust into a bizarre and unfamiliar environment, with no immediate explanation as to how they got there.
In One Piece, Nami’s confusion and disorientation mirror Gulliver’s initial reactions to the Lilliputians. Both characters are out of their element, forced to steer across a world that operates by different rules and customs.
The LEGO castle, with its whimsical and surreal atmosphere, shares the same sense of absurdity as Lilliput, where tiny people engage in comically petty political disputes.
The creatures Nami encounters giant cats and insects also have echoes of the strange animals Gulliver meets during his travels.
In both cases, the natural order of things is inverted: what is small becomes large, and what is familiar becomes strange.
Moreover, Gulliver’s eventual capture by the Lilliputians and his subsequent interactions with the giants in Brobdingnag reflect the dynamics that may play out between the Straw Hat Pirates and the giants of Elbaf.
In both stories, size and power are central themes, with the protagonists being caught between worlds of vastly different scales.
The Straw Hat Pirates stumble across a giant cat (Shueisha)
In One Piece, the giants of Elbaf have long been established as a powerful and warrior-like race, much like the Brobdingnagians in Gulliver’s Travels.
The idea of giants capturing or interacting with smaller beings is a common thread between the two works, and it raises intriguing possibilities for how the Straw Hats will cut cross their encounters with the giants of Elbaf.
The Role of Giants in One Piece and Gulliver’s Travels
Giants have always held a special place in One Piece. From the early introduction of Dorry and Brogy, the giant warriors from Elbaf, to the more recent revelations about the ancient history of the world, giants have been portrayed as a formidable and noble race.
In the Elbaf arc, the Straw Hat Pirates will likely jump deeper into the culture and history of these giants, uncovering secrets that may have far-reaching implications for the larger narrative of One Piece.
This fascination with giants is not unique to One Piece. In Gulliver’s Travels, Gulliver’s second voyage to Brobdingnag offers a similar exploration of the giant archetype.
However, whereas the giants in One Piece are portrayed as powerful warriors, the Brobdingnagians are more contemplative and ethical.
They live in a society that values simplicity and honesty, in stark contrast to the corruption and decadence of European society.
The Brobdingnagians, despite their physical superiority, are portrayed as morally superior as well, highlighting Swift’s critique of European imperialism and the arrogance of power.
In One Piece, the giants of Elbaf are similarly positioned as a noble and proud race, but their warrior culture adds a layer of complexity to their portrayal.
While the Brobdingnagians are largely peaceful, the giants of Elbaf are known for their strength and combat prowess.
This difference reflects the broader thematic concerns of One Piece, which often explores the tension between power and morality.
The Straw Hat Pirates, who value freedom and individuality above all else, may find themselves at odds with the rigid codes of honor and duty that define Elbaf’s warrior culture.
One Piece’s Elbaf From One Piece (Shueisha)
Yet, despite these differences, both Gulliver’s Travels and One Piece use the giant archetype to explore themes of perspective and power.
In both stories, the protagonists are forced to confront beings who are physically and culturally different from themselves, leading to a reevaluation of their own values and beliefs.
In One Piece, this encounter with the giants of Elbaf may offer new insights into the nature of power and justice, themes that have been central to the series since its inception.
Exploring the LEGO Castle and Its Symbolism
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Elbaf arc is the strange LEGO castle in which Nami finds herself trapped.
The castle, with its playful and surreal design, is a departure from the more grounded settings of previous arcs, and it immediately evokes comparisons to the whimsical and fantastical lands of Gulliver’s Travels.
The LEGO castle can be seen as a symbol of the fragmented and disjointed nature of the Elbaf arc’s opening chapters.
Just as the castle is made up of individual LEGO bricks, the story itself is made up of seemingly disconnected pieces that gradually come together to form a coherent whole.
This sense of fragmentation mirrors Gulliver’s own experiences as he travels from one strange land to another, each one presenting a different facet of human nature.
In Gulliver’s Travels, the island of Laputa serves a similar symbolic function.
Laputa, a floating island inhabited by scientists and philosophers, represents the dangers of intellectual hubris and the disconnect between theory and practice.
Montblanc Noland (Toei Animation)
The inhabitants of Laputa are so focused on abstract concepts that they have lost touch with reality, much like the whimsical inhabitants of the LEGO castle seem to operate according to their own bizarre logic.
However, while Laputa is a critique of the scientific community, the LEGO castle in One Piece may serve as a broader metaphor for the nature of storytelling itself.
Just as the castle is built from individual bricks, One Piece is built from a myriad of influences, each one contributing to the larger narrative.
The castle’s playful design reflects the joy and creativity that Oda brings to his storytelling, reminding the audience that, despite its epic scope, One Piece is ultimately a work of fiction, crafted from the imagination of its creator.
The Giants’ Role in the Elbaf Arc
As the Elbaf arc unfolds, it becomes clear that the giants will play a significant role in shaping the narrative.
The giants of Elbaf have long been a source of fascination for fans, and their warrior culture and ancient history offer a wealth of storytelling possibilities.
In Gulliver’s Travels, the giants of Brobdingnag are portrayed as morally superior beings, whose simple and ethical way of life contrasts sharply with the corruption and decadence of European society.
This portrayal serves as a critique of imperialism and the arrogance of power, themes that resonate with the larger narrative of One Piece .
In One Piece, the giants of Elbaf are similarly positioned as a noble and proud race, but their warrior culture adds a layer of complexity to their portrayal.
Elbaf’s From One Piece (Shueisha)
The Elbaf arc is likely to explore the tension between the giants’ warrior ethos and the Straw Hat Pirates’ more individualistic approach to life.
This conflict may raise important questions about the nature of power and justice, themes that have been central to One Piece since its inception.
Moreover, the giants of Elbaf may hold the key to some of the series’ most significant mysteries.
Their ancient history, combined with their unique perspective on the world, could provide valuable insights into the Void Century, the lost history of the world that has been a central focus of the series for many years.
As the Straw Hat Pirates continue their journey, their interactions with the giants of Elbaf will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the larger narrative of One Piece.
Oda’s Inspirations and the Literary Influences in One Piece
One of the most remarkable aspects of Eiichiro Oda’s storytelling is his ability to draw from a wide range of influences, from mythology and history to literature and pop culture.
One Piece is a veritable treasure trove of references and allusions, with each arc offering new insights into the stories and ideas that have shaped Oda’s creative process.
In the case of the Elbaf arc, the parallels with Gulliver’s Travels are particularly striking.
Both stories feature characters who join on extraordinary voyages, encountering strange lands and beings that challenge their understanding of the world.
The Tale of Noland the Liar From Onne Piece (Toei Animations)
The themes of perspective, power, and human nature that run through Gulliver’s Travels are echoed in the Elbaf arc, suggesting that Oda may have drawn inspiration from Swift’s novel when crafting this storyline.
However, One Piece is much more than a simple pastiche of its influences. Oda’s genius lies in his ability to take familiar ideas and transform them into something entirely new and unique.
While the connections to Gulliver’s Travels are compelling, they are just one part of the larger drapes of influences that have shaped One Piece.
For eleven seasons, Daryl Dixon (played by Norman Reedus) and Carol Peletier (played by Melissa McBride) have been among the most beloved characters in The Walking Dead.
This outcome was unexpected since Daryl did not exist in Robert Kirkman’s original graphic novels, and Carol was a relatively weak character who didn’t last long in Kirkman’s story. However, the AMC series upgraded both characters to being the strongest survivors, no matter what hardship they faced.
Many fans hoped that the two would eventually form a romantic relationship, but over time, it became clear that their bond worked better as close friends.
When The Walking Dead wrapped up its final season in 2022, many thought that would be the end of Daryl and Carol’s story. However, the growing list of spin-offs from the original show reignited the possibility of seeing them together again.
Fortunately, this year brings a new addition to the series titled The Book of Carol, marking the return of Melissa McBride as Carol, who is now on a mission to find Daryl in a post-apocalyptic world.
The premiere episode, titled La gentillesse des étrangers (translated as “The Kindness of Strangers”), directed by longtime The Walking Dead collaborator Greg Nicotero, sets the stage for a thrilling reunion.
Daryl Dixon Takes Charge to Save Hostages in The Book of Carol Premiere
The premiere begins with Daryl, who is now in France, teaching a young boy named Laurent (played by Louis Puech Scigliuzzi) how to defend himself against walkers. Laurent is seen as a potential new Messiah by the Union of Hope, a community working to survive amidst the chaos.
As Daryl helps Laurent with training, the boy admits that he doesn’t think he’ll ever be as skilled as his teacher. Daryl reassures him by reminding Laurent that they’ve only been at it for two weeks.
While Laurent may not be the strongest fighter yet, he expresses contentment with his new life on the island, saying, “Home is wherever the people you love are.”
Meanwhile, the leader of the Union, Losang (portrayed by Joel de la Fuente), informs the group that three of their members have been captured in Paris by Marion Genet’s (played by Anne Charrier) group.
The Union believes the hostages don’t know where the rest of their community is hiding, but there is a sense of urgency as their lives are in danger. Losang and Daryl disagree on the best course of action.
While Losang prefers to wait and remain patient, Daryl, knowing the hostages could be killed at any moment, argues for a quicker, more aggressive plan.
For now, Daryl agrees to stay with the Union until they can find a way for him to leave. However, Losang requests that Daryl stop training Laurent, believing the boy’s true purpose is a more peaceful, non-violent path. Daryl, uncertain about his place with the Union, confides in Isabelle (played by Clémence Poésy).
He questions whether he belongs there and reflects on the people he left behind in America. Despite Isabelle’s belief that he has a role in their community, Daryl can’t stop thinking about his friends back home and wonders if they still think about him.
As the tension builds, the Union receives news that Genet’s hostages are going to be moved soon. While Losang’s people prepare to intervene, Daryl insists on joining the mission. Though Losang still prefers a non-violent approach, he allows Daryl to come along but asks him to ensure that everyone is brought back safely.
When the day of the mission arrives, things quickly go awry. The Union’s trap fails, forcing Daryl to act on his own. He shoots the truck drivers, stops the transport, and rescues the hostages, including a man named Fallou (played by Eriq Ebouaney). Despite being injured, Genet appears and mocks Daryl before escaping into the chaos.
While Daryl is busy fighting for survival in France, Carol is still determined to find him. Her mission to locate Daryl takes center stage in The Book of Carol. The first time we see Carol in the premiere, she is riding her motorcycle and scouting an automobile repair shop.
Still from The Walking Dead Daryl Dixon (Credit: AMC+)
She confronts the workers there, suspecting that they know something about Daryl’s whereabouts because they appear familiar with his motorcycle.
When they claim ignorance, Carol doesn’t back down. Instead, she grabs one of their crossbows and shoots a man in the leg, demanding the truth. Under pressure, they admit that Daryl was taken to France by a group of Frenchmen who had come to the United States to buy American walkers.
Following their directions, Carol heads to a boat ramp, hoping to find a way to reach Daryl. However, she is met with disappointment as all she finds are decaying boats and no clear path across the ocean.
Just when things seem bleak, Carol spots a small plane flying overhead. Distracted by the plane, she crashes her car but quickly follows the sound of the plane, hoping it might lead her to Daryl.
Carol Meets Ash and Uncovers His Secrets
Carol’s search brings her to a compound surrounded by a fence. There, she encounters a man named Ash (played by Manish Dayal), who lives alone with a greenhouse and a secure keycard-access system. Pretending to need help, Carol manipulates Ash by appealing to his emotions.
He allows her to stay in the barn overnight, where she notices an airplane. Ash reveals that he flies the plane daily, using it to escape the horrors of the world below. Intrigued by Ash’s lifestyle, Carol becomes suspicious of what he might be hiding in his greenhouse.
Still from The Walking Dead Daryl Dixon (Credit: AMC+)
While Ash is away, Carol sneaks into the greenhouse, unaware that walkers have entered the compound. Inside, she discovers a small grave with toys around it, indicating that a child is buried there. Overcome with emotion, Carol begins to cry.
However, the walkers break through the glass before she can leave, trapping her inside. Carol manages to fight her way out but is caught by Ash, who angrily explains that the grave belongs to his son, Avi, who died at the age of seven. Ash is deeply hurt by Carol’s intrusion into the one place that holds the memory of his child.
Carol, feeling guilty, cleans up the mess she caused and opens up to Ash about her own painful past. She shares the story of her abusive marriage and the loss of her daughter, Sophia, during the early days of the outbreak. As Ash listens, Carol realizes she may have found a way to convince him to help her.
Carol and Ash Plan a Dangerous Journey to France
As Ash reflects on his own grief, Carol uses it to her advantage. She lies to Ash, telling him that her husband took Sophia to France just before the outbreak, and that she needs to find her daughter. Ash, who is struggling with the loss of his own child, sympathizes with Carol’s story. Although hesitant at first, he eventually agrees to help her.
The next morning, Ash catches up with Carol as she prepares to leave. He asks if Carol would help someone find their lost child in the same situation, to which she responds that she would. Together, they form a plan to reach France. They gather supplies, including ethanol containers needed to fuel the airplane, and Ash teaches Carol about the dangers they will face along the way.
Just when they are ready to leave, a powerful storm hits, knocking out the power to Ash’s compound and allowing walkers to breach the perimeter. With no time to spare, Ash and Carol rush to the airplane and take off as the sun rises. As the episode concludes, they soar into the sky, leaving the horrors of the ground behind them.
Still from The Walking Dead Daryl Dixon (Credit: AMC+)
She meets Ash, a man grieving his son’s death, and convinces him to help her reach France. Together, they plan a perilous journey across the ocean. The series promises an emotional reunion, with Carol and Daryl facing survival and personal challenges in a post-apocalyptic world. Episodes air Sundays on AMC and AMC+.
